bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species Diversity Has a Positive Interrelationship with Aboveground Biomass and a Mismatch with Productivity in a Subtropical Broadleaf Forest on the Wuyi Mountains, China
Authors: Chen Shuifei , Xie Lei , Zhou Weilun , Chen Hao , Xu Xianjun , Jiang Sian , Zang Mingyue , Peng Ye , Chen Xin , Duan Yifan , Chen Lin , Li Xuexia , Ding Hui , Fang Yanming
Published: November 2022

The Wuyi Mountains in China are one of the largest and most complete subtropical forest ecosystems at the same latitude in the world. However, our limited understanding of the function of this distinctive ecosystem means that the interrelationship between species diversity and ecosystem functioning needs to be investigated if evergreen broadleaf forests (EBLFs) are to be protected. Here, we calculated species richness, the Shannon–Wiener index, and the Pielou index in large-, medium-, and small-scale (20 m × 20 m, 10 m × 10 m, and 5 m × 5 m) forest dynamics plots (FDPs). We also investigated the interrelationships between species diversity and aboveground biomass (AGB)/productivity in FDPs at the different scales using the generalized linear regression model. The results showed that species diversity and AGB positively interrelated with each other, whereas there was no species diversity-productivity interrelationship in the subtropical BLF on the Wuyi Mountains. The structural equation model (SEM) showed that elevation was a key factor directly affecting AGB. These findings lead to the conclusion that productivity is not solely correlated with species diversity and that abiotic factors probably mediate the positive interrelationship between species diversity and ecosystem functioning. This study provides theoretical basis that can be used to protect EBLFs in subtropical areas and the results can be used to improve the construction of artificial forest communities and vegetation restoration at the same latitude.
Invasive American Bullfrogs Age, Body Size, and Sexual Size Dimorphism Geographical Variation in Northwestern China
Authors: Xu Feng , Li Jun , Yang Weikang
Published: November 2022

Invasive species impact both the local biota and human economies and are a very serious threat to biodiversity. The American bullfrog was initially introduced into northwestern China and many other sites for aquacultural purposes. Then, the frogs escaped and established feral populations. Here, we investigated the variations in age, body size, and sexual size dimorphism of two breeding populations inhabiting the southern (warm and dry) and northern (cold and wet) regions of Xinjiang province in northwestern China. Both populations originated from a single source that was introduced into Xinjiang 54 years ago. In both populations, males were significantly smaller than females, indicating significant sexual size dimorphism. The mean age and body size of both sexes in the population in the colder region were lower than those of the population in the warmer region. Bullfrogs in the southern population had a higher degree of sexual size dimorphism. These results increase our understanding of the American bullfrog, which could help in the development of strategies to control this invasive species.
Effect of Different Types of Continuous Cropping on Microbial Communities and Physicochemical Properties of Black Soils
Authors: Zhang Jianfeng , Luo Shouyang , Yao Zongmu , Zhang Jiafan , Chen Yalin , Sun Yu , Wang Enze , Ji Li , Li Yingxin , Tian Lei , Tian Chunjie
Published: November 2022

The barriers caused by continuous tillage have had a negative impact on the crop and soil environment. Black soils are economically important as a valuable natural resource in Northeast China, but limited soil resources have led to continuous planting of major food crops and medicinal plants. At present, the extent to which two different types of plants—grains and medicinal plants that are successively grown on the same soil—have an impact on soil quality and microbiology is not known. In this study, we investigated the effects of different types of long-term continuous cropping on soil and soil microbial communities by determining the physicochemical properties, the soil community composition and function of grain crops and medicinal-plant soils with more than five years of continuous cropping, as well as fallow soils. The results showed that long-term continuous cropping reduced the pH of different types of soils, but there was no significant difference in the content of AK. The relative abundance of beneficial dominant phyla, such as Actinomycetes, Acidobacteria, and Green Campylobacter decreased and the relative abundance of pathogenic genera such as Alternaria and Didymellaceae, increased after the long-term continuous cropping of DM (grain crops) and DG (medicinal plants). Specifically, continuous cropping increased the relative abundance of fungi with pathogenic potential, such as Sordariomycetes, Dothideomycetes, Saccharomycetes, and Mucoromycetes in grain soils and Agaricostilbomycetes in herb soils. Among the soil physicochemical properties, NH4+-N and pH were the most important factors contributing to changes in the composition of bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. Continuous cropping of different types of plants altered the diversity of the microbial communities, with the most significant effect from the continuous cropping of food crops. Our findings provide a scientific and theoretical basis for future agricultural research to improve soil microbial activity, mitigate continuous-cropping barriers, and increase productivity.
Tracing the Food Web of Changing Arctic Ocean: Trophic Status of Highly Abundant Fish, Gasterosteus aculeatus (L.), in the White Sea Recovered Using Stomach Content and Stable Isotope Analyses
Authors: Genelt-Yanovskaya Anna S. , Polyakova Natalia V. , Ivanov Mikhail V. , Nadtochii Ekaterina V. , Ivanova Tatiana S. , Genelt-Yanovskiy Evgeny A. , Tiunov Alexei V. , Lajus Dmitry L.
Published: November 2022

Studies of dietary preferences of migratory species are of great importance as these species connect food webs of habitats across the migration route and thus represent trophic relationships between the spatially disjointed communities. Here we described the dietary preferences of threespine stickleback G. aculeatus in the White Sea during the spawning season using stable isotope and stomach content analyses. The two analyses suggested that during the spawning season, when sticklebacks spend the majority of their time inshore, their diet consists mostly of benthic species, while at the beginning of the spawning season when fish migrating from the offshore were feeding on plankton. Additionally, we demonstrated that stickleback eggs contributed greatly to the diet of both male and female fish. Using Bayesian mixing modeling, we showed that dietary preferences in females were broader than in males, and more variable during the spawning season. While guarding their nests, males fed almost exclusively on eggs. Both stomach contents and isotope signatures demonstrate that by the end of the spawning season sticklebacks again increase the consumption of plankton. Isotope analysis proved to be a more reliable tool to trace this change than stomach content analysis. Our results show that stable isotope and stomach content analyses are complementary in understanding seasonal changes in the dietary composition of stickleback.
HtrA1 in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Possible Biomarker?
Authors: Tossetta Giovanni , Fantone Sonia , Gesuita Rosaria , Di Renzo Gian Carlo , Meyyazhagan Arun , Tersigni Chiara , Scambia Giovanni , Di Simone Nicoletta , Marzioni Daniela
Published: November 2022

Background: The high-temperature requirement A 1 (HtrA1) is a multidomain secretory protein with serine-protease activity, expressed in many tissues, including placenta, where its expression is higher in the first trimester, suggesting an association of this serine protease in early phases of human placenta development. In this study, we evaluated maternal serum HtrA1 levels in the first and third trimester of gestation. In particular, we evaluated a possible role of HtrA1 as an early marker of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the first trimester of gestation. Methods: We evaluated HtrA1 serum levels in the third trimester (36–40 weeks) in normal pregnancies (n = 20) and GDM pregnancies (n = 20) by using ELISA analysis. Secondly, we performed the same analysis by using the first trimester sera (10–12 weeks) of healthy pregnant women that will develop a normal pregnancy (n = 210) or GDM (n = 28) during pregnancy. Results: We found that HtrA1 serum levels in the third trimester were higher in pregnancies complicated by GDM. Interestingly, higher HtrA1 serum levels were also found in the first trimester in women developing GDM later during the second–third trimester. No significant differences in terms of maternal age and gestational age were found between cases and controls. Women with GDM shown significantly higher pre-pregnancy BMI values compared to controls. Moreover, the probability of GDM occurrence significantly increased with increasing HtrA1 levels and BMI values. The ROC curve showed a good accuracy in predicting GDM, with an AUC of 0.74 (95%CI: 0.64–0.92). Conclusions: These results suggest an important role of HtrA1 as an early predictive marker of GDM in the first trimester of gestation, showing a significative clinical relevance for prevention of this disease.
Strumal Carcinoid Tumor of the Ovary: Report of Rare Occurrence with Review of Literature
Authors: Shen Li-Ping , Yang An-Qiang , Jin Lei
Published: November 2022

The primary ovarian carcinoid tumor is a very rare ovarian tumor, which accounts for approximately 0.5% to 1.7% of all carcinoids and 1% of ovarian cancer. According to its histopathological features, it can be divided into four categories: insular, trabecular, strumal, and mucinous, among which insular carcinoid is common in Western countries. By comparison, the chain-typed and trabecular carcinoid seem to be common in Asian countries. To date, about 150 cases have been reported in the world, and 40% of them are strumal carcinoid tumor of the ovary (SCTO), which is a highly specialized teratoma differentiated from the monomer, and often characterized by the coexistence of thyroid follicular tissue and carcinoid tissue with the neuroendocrine function. Preoperative diagnosis may be difficult due to the very insidious nature of the disease and its multiple imaging manifestations. We reported the case of a 39-year-old woman with a 5-year clinical history. Gynecologic examination and ultrasonic testing revealed an enlarged ovary with a diameter of about 60 mm, accompanied by a hypoechoic area, which was suspected to be a benign teratoma. Ca-125, AFP, free T4, TSH, and other diagnostic indicators were normal. During the laparoscopic oophorocystectomy of the left ovary, a smooth and solid tumor with the size of 6 × 6 × 5 cm was found in the right ovary. During the operation, a mature cystic teratoma containing a struma was frozen, then the oophorocystectomy of the left ovary was performed. According to the Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in 2014, histopathological examination showed a mature teratoma with thyroid carcinoid stage Ic, and Douglas’s cystic hygroma cytopathology was negative. One year after the operation, the patient was tumor-free, with Ca-125, FT4, and TSH being within the normal range. Specific diagnostic tools and serological monitoring of malignant tumors of the ovary have low specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of this rare malignant tumor of the ovary. Female patients with habitual constipation, chronic abdominal colic, diarrhea, and endocrine dysfunction also need to be alert to this rare malignant tumor of the ovary.
A Computerized Analysis with Machine Learning Techniques for the Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease: Past Studies and Future Perspectives
Authors: Rana Arti , Dumka Ankur , Singh Rajesh , Panda Manoj Kumar , Priyadarshi Neeraj
Published: November 2022

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease of the brain that causes motor symptoms including slower movement, rigidity, tremor, and imbalance in addition to other problems like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), psychiatric problems, insomnia, anxiety, and sensory abnormalities. Techniques including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) have been established for the classification of PD and normal controls (NC) with similar therapeutic appearances in order to address these problems and improve the diagnostic procedure for PD. In this article, we examine a literature survey of research articles published up to September 2022 in order to present an in-depth analysis of the use of datasets, various modalities, experimental setups, and architectures that have been applied in the diagnosis of subjective disease. This analysis includes a total of 217 research publications with a list of the various datasets, methodologies, and features. These findings suggest that ML/DL methods and novel biomarkers hold promising results for application in medical decision-making, leading to a more methodical and thorough detection of PD. Finally, we highlight the challenges and provide appropriate recommendations on selecting approaches that might be used for subgrouping and connection analysis with structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), DaTSCAN, and single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) data for future Parkinson’s research.
Synchronous Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma in the Head and Tail, a Double Trouble: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Paramythiotis Daniel , Fotiadou Georgia , Karlafti Eleni , Abba Deka Ioanna , Petrakis Georgios , Psoma Elisavet , Mavropoulou Xanthippi , Kyriakidis Filippos , Netta Smaro , Apostolidis Stylianos
Published: November 2022

Synchronous primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is very rare and can be formed either through multicentric carcinogenesis or intrapancreatic metastasis. We report the case of an 80-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus who presented with abdominal pain and weight loss. Laboratory tests showed elevated levels of blood glucose and CA 19-9, and Computed Tomography revealed two hypoenhancing lesions in the head and tail of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound, which is the imaging method of choice for pancreatic cancer, was performed with a fine needle biopsy, and the cytological analysis diagnosed PDAC in both lesions. The patient underwent total pancreatectomy, and pathologic evaluation revealed synchronous primary PDAC with moderate to poor differentiation in the head and tail in the setting of IPMN (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia) and chronic pancreatitis. After his recovery from postoperative pulmonary embolism, the patient was discharged home with sufficient glycemic control. Multifocal PDAC occurs more often when precursor lesions, such as IPMN, pre-exist. The optimal treatment for multiple lesions spread all over the pancreas is total pancreatectomy. Diabetes mellitus is a serious complication of total pancreatectomy (new-onset or type 3c), but overall, long-term survival has been significantly improved.
Challenges in Clinical Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Endometritis
Authors: Yasuo Tadahiro , Kitaya Kotaro
Published: November 2022

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a local mucosal infectious and inflammatory disorder characterized by unusual filtration of CD138(+) endometrial stromal plasmacytes. CE is attracting attention due to its potential association with infertility of unknown etiology, repeated implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and several maternal/neonatal complications. Due to the variance in study design among researchers, universal diagnostic criteria remain to be established for the clinical diagnosis and management of CE. This review article aims to summarize current knowledge and provide insights into unsolved questions on CE to establish clinical guidelines for the disease from the viewpoint of human reproduction.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Dental Fluorosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: González-Casamada Carlos , Nevarez-Rascón Martina , Nevarez-Rascón Alfredo , González-Galván María , Isiordia-Espinoza Mario Alberto , Bologna-Molina Ronell , Sánchez-Pérez Leonor , Molina-Frechero Nelly
Published: November 2022

Genetic factors contribute to susceptibility and resistance to fluoride exposure. The aim of this systematic review was to identify alleles/genotypes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with dental fluorosis (DF) and to identify them as protective or risk factors. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for articles; the last search was performed in August 2022. Human studies that analyzed the relationship between SNPs and DF published in English were included; systematic reviews and meta-analyses were excluded. Methodological quality was graded using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. Eighteen articles were included, 44% of which showed high methodological quality and data from 5625 participants aged 6 to 75 years were analyzed. The SNPs COL1A2, ESR2, DLX1, DLX2, AMBN, TUFT1, TFIP11, miRNA17, and SOD2 were considered risk factors, and ESR1, MMP20, and ENAM were considered protective factors. In conclusion, there are alleles and genotypes of different single nucleotide polymorphisms involved in increasing or decreasing the risk of developing dental fluorosis.
Mathematics Lecturers’ Views on the Student Experience of Emergency Remote Teaching Due to COVID-19
Authors: Ní Fhloinn Eabhnat , Fitzmaurice Olivia
Published: November 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, university closures were commonplace worldwide from March 2020, meaning that lecturers and students had to adapt to emergency remote teaching with little or no notice. In this paper, we report upon the results of an online survey undertaken with university mathematics lecturers during May–June 2020. There were 257 respondents from 29 countries who gave their reactions to emergency remote teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we focus upon lecturers’ perceptions of how their students coped with this style of teaching, considering any particular difficulties they reported to their lecturers, their attendance at online teaching sessions, and their engagement in a general way. Lecturers reported students struggling with both hardware and software issues, particularly in relation to fast, reliable broadband. Childcare issues also emerged as a challenge for students during this timeframe, as well as students’ personal circumstances in terms of living situations and financial stability. Overall, lecturers reported lower levels of engagement with online learning compared to in-person lectures, which occurred prior to the pandemic. However, four-fifths of respondents were still in regular contact with their students during this time. Many of the studies exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the teaching and learning of mathematics in higher education are small-scale, sometimes single-module studies. Restrictions differed greatly between countries, and indeed between regions, meaning that the results of any regional study cannot be generalised to a more international experience. In addition, the experience of students studying mathematics as their degree programme differed from those who undertook only one mathematics module as part of a science, engineering, or business degree. This paper provides a more global insight into the student experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on lecturers, rather than asking students directly, the experiences of those students who may not have engaged with such a study have been included; oftentimes, these students were those who struggled the most with this new format of learning.
Equivalent Keys: Side-Channel Countermeasure for Post-Quantum Multivariate Quadratic Signatures
Authors: Pokorný David , Socha Petr , Novotný Martin
Published: November 2022

Algorithms based on the hardness of solving multivariate quadratic equations present promising candidates for post-quantum digital signatures. Contemporary threats to implementations of cryptographic algorithms, especially in embedded systems, include side-channel analysis, where attacks such as differential power analysis allow for the extraction of secret keys from the device’s power consumption or its electromagnetic emission. To prevent these attacks, various countermeasures must be implemented. In this paper, we propose a novel side-channel countermeasure for multivariate quadratic digital signatures through the concept of equivalent private keys. We propose a random equivalent key to be generated prior to every signing, thus randomizing the computation and mitigating side-channel attacks. We demonstrate our approach on the Rainbow digital signature, but since an unbalanced oil and vinegar is its special case, our work is applicable to other multivariate quadratic signature schemes as well. We analyze the proposed countermeasure regarding its properties such as the number of different equivalent keys or the amount of required fresh randomness, and we propose an efficient way to implement the countermeasure. We evaluate its performance regarding side-channel leakage and time/memory requirements. Using test vector leakage assessment, we were not able to detect any statistically significant leakage from our protected implementation.
Assessing Users’ Behavior on the Adoption of Digital Technologies in Management and Accounting Information Systems
Authors: Vărzaru Anca Antoaneta , Bocean Claudiu George , Mangra Mădălina Giorgiana , Simion Dalia
Published: November 2022

The exponential trend of digital technologies, doubled by the mobility restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, caused a paradigm shift in traditional economic models. Digital transformation has become increasingly common in all types of organizations and affects all activities. Organizations have adopted digital technologies to increase efficiency and effectiveness in management, marketing, and accounting. This paper aims to assess the impact of digital transformation on project management, marketing, and decision-making processes in users’ perceptions. The study begins with theoretical research on the digitalization of management and accounting information systems and conducts an empirical investigation based on a questionnaire. First, the paper assesses users’ perceptions of implementing digital technologies. The answers of 442 professionals from project management, marketing, and decision making were processed using structural equation modeling. The results show that users’ acceptance of digitalization is higher in decision making due to the significant contribution of artificial intelligence in repetitive decision making. Project management and marketing also benefit from digitalization, yet non-repetitive activities remain mainly the responsibility of the human factor.
Use of Machine Learning in Air Pollution Research: A Bibliographic Perspective
Authors: Jain Shikha , Kaur Navneet , Verma Sahil , Kavita  , Hosen A. S. M. Sanwar , Sehgal Satbir S
Published: November 2022

This research is an attempt to examine the recent status and development of scientific studies on the use of machine learning algorithms to model air pollution challenges. This study uses the Web of Science database as a primary search engine and covers over 900 highly peer-reviewed articles in the period 1990–2022. Papers published on these topics were evaluated using the VOSViewer and biblioshiny software to identify and visualize significant authors, key trends, nations, research publications, and journals working on these issues. The findings show that research grew exponentially after 2012. Based on the survey, “particulate matter” is the highly occurring keyword, followed by “prediction”. Papers published by Chinese researchers have garnered the most citations (2421), followed by papers published in the United States of America (2256), and England (722). This study assists scholars, professionals, and global policymakers in understanding the current status of the research contribution on “air pollution and machine learning” as well as identifying the relevant areas for future research.
MFFRand: Semantic Segmentation of Point Clouds Based on Multi-Scale Feature Fusion and Multi-Loss Supervision
Authors: Miao Zhiqing , Song Shaojing , Tang Pan , Chen Jian , Hu Jinyan , Gong Yumei
Published: November 2022

With the application of the random sampling method in the down-sampling of point clouds data, the processing speed of point clouds has been greatly improved. However, the utilization of semantic information is still insufficient. To address this problem, we propose a point cloud semantic segmentation network called MFFRand (Multi-Scale Feature Fusion Based on RandLA-Net). Based on RandLA-Net, a multi-scale feature fusion module is developed, which is stacked by encoder-decoders with different depths. The feature maps extracted by the multi-scale feature fusion module are continuously concatenated and fused. Furthermore, for the network to be trained better, the multi-loss supervision module is proposed, which could strengthen the control of the training process of the local structure by adding sub-losses in the end of different decoder structures. Moreover, the trained MFFRand network could be connected to the inference network by different decoder terminals separately, which could achieve the inference of different depths of the network. Compared to RandLA-Net, MFFRand has improved mIoU on both S3DIS and Semantic3D datasets, reaching 71.1% and 74.8%, respectively. Extensive experimental results on the point cloud dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
A Design Fiber Performance Monitoring Tool (FPMT) for Online Remote Fiber Line Performance Detection
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed Atef , Fouad Mohammed Mohammed , Hamdi Azhar Ahmed
Published: November 2022

A new technique for fiber faults events detection and monitoring in optical communication network systems is proposed. The fiber performance monitoring tool is a new proposed technique designed to detect, locate, and estimate the fiber faults without interrupting the data flow with efficient costs and to improve the availability and reliability of optical networks as it detects fiber faults remotely in real time. Instead of the traditional old method, the new proposed FPMT uses an optical time domain reflectometer to detect multiple types of fiber failures, e.g., fiber breaks, fiber end face contamination, fiber end face burning, large insertion losses on the connector and interconnection, or mismatches between two different types of fiber cables. The proposed technique methodology to detect the fiber failures depends on analyzing the feedback of the reflected signal and the pattern shape of the reflected signal over network fiber lines, supports a higher range of distance testing and performance monitoring, and can be performed inside an optical network in real time and remotely by integrating with an OSC board. The proposed technique detects fiber faults with an average accuracy of measurement up to 99.8%, the maximum distance to detect fiber line faults is up to 150 km, and it can improve the system power budget with a minimal insertion loss of 0.4 dB. The superiority of the suggested technique over real networks was verified with success by the Huawei labs’ infrastructure nodes in the simulation experiment results.
Long COVID and the Neuroendocrinology of Microbial Translocation Outside the GI Tract: Some Treatment Strategies
Authors: Sfera Adonis , Osorio Carolina , Hazan Sabine , Kozlakidis Zisis , Maldonado Jose Campo , Zapata-Martín del Campo Carlos Manuel , Anton Jonathan J. , Rahman Leah , Andronescu Christina V. , Nicolson Garth L.
Published: November 2022

Similar to previous pandemics, COVID-19 has been succeeded by well-documented post-infectious sequelae, including chronic fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, and concentration difficulties, which may last 5 to 12 weeks or longer after the acute phase of illness. Both the psychological stress of SARS-CoV-2 infection and being diagnosed with COVID-19 can upregulate cortisol, a stress hormone that disrupts the efferocytosis effectors, macrophages, and natural killer cells, leading to the excessive accumulation of senescent cells and disruption of biological barriers. This has been well-established in cancer patients who often experience unrelenting fatigue as well as gut and blood–brain barrier dysfunction upon treatment with senescence-inducing radiation or chemotherapy. In our previous research from 2020 and 2021, we linked COVID-19 to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) via angiotensin II upregulation, premature endothelial senescence, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and microbial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic circulation. In 2021 and 2022, these hypotheses were validated and SARS-CoV-2-induced cellular senescence as well as microbial translocation were documented in both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID, and ME/CFS, connecting intestinal barrier dysfunction to disabling fatigue and specific infectious events. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize what is currently known about host immune responses to translocated gut microbes and how these responses relate to fatiguing illnesses, including long COVID. To accomplish this goal, we examine the role of intestinal and blood–brain barriers in long COVID and other illnesses typified by chronic fatigue, with a special emphasis on commensal microbes functioning as viral reservoirs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of SARS-CoV-2/Mycoplasma coinfection in dysfunctional efferocytosis, emphasizing some potential novel treatment strategies, including the use of senotherapeutic drugs, HMGB1 inhibitors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blockers, and membrane lipid replacement.
Nucleotide Composition of Ultra-Conserved Elements Shows Excess of GpC and Depletion of GG and CC Dinucleotides
Authors: Fedorova Larisa , Mulyar Oleh A. , Lim Jan , Fedorov Alexei
Published: November 2022

The public UCNEbase database, comprising 4273 human ultra-conserved noncoding elements (UCNEs), was thoroughly investigated with the aim to find any nucleotide signals or motifs that have made these DNA sequences practically unchanged over three hundred million years of evolution. Each UCNE comprises over 200 nucleotides and has at least 95% identity between humans and chickens. A total of 31,046 SNPs were found within the UCNE database. We demonstrated that every human has over 300 mutations within 4273 UCNEs. No association of UCNEs with non-coding RNAs, nor preference of a particular meiotic recombination rate within them were found. No sequence motifs associated with UCNEs nor their flanking regions have been found. However, we demonstrated that UCNEs have strong nucleotide and dinucleotide sequence abnormalities compared to genome averages. Specifically, UCNEs are depleted for CC and GG dinucleotides, while GC dinucleotides are in excess of 28%. Importantly, GC dinucleotides have extraordinarily strong stacking free-energy inside the DNA helix and unique resistance to dissociation. Based on the adjacent nucleotide stacking abnormalities within UCNEs, we conjecture that peculiarities in dinucleotide distribution within UCNEs may create unique 3D conformation and specificity to bind proteins. We also discuss the strange dynamics of multiple SNPs inside UCNEs and reasons why these sequences are extraordinarily conserved.
The Role of Transmembrane Proteins in Plant Growth, Development, and Stress Responses
Authors: Zhou Yingli , Wang Baoshan , Yuan Fang
Published: November 2022

Transmembrane proteins participate in various physiological activities in plants, including signal transduction, substance transport, and energy conversion. Although more than 20% of gene products are predicted to be transmembrane proteins in the genome era, due to the complexity of transmembrane domains they are difficult to reliably identify in the predicted protein, and they may have different overall three-dimensional structures. Therefore, it is challenging to study their biological function. In this review, we describe the typical structures of transmembrane proteins and their roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. We propose a model illustrating the roles of transmembrane proteins during plant growth and response to various stresses, which will provide important references for crop breeding.
Variant Enrichment Analysis to Explore Pathways Disruption in a Necropsy Series of Asbestos-Exposed Shipyard Workers
Authors: Crovella Sergio , Moura Ronald Rodrigues , Brandão Lucas , Vita Francesca , Schneider Manuela , Zanconati Fabrizio , Finotto Luigi , Zacchi Paola , Zabucchi Giuliano , Borelli Violetta
Published: November 2022

The variant enrichment analysis (VEA), a recently developed bioinformatic workflow, has been shown to be a valuable tool for whole-exome sequencing data analysis, allowing finding differences between the number of genetic variants in a given pathway compared to a reference dataset. In a previous study, using VEA, we identified different pathway signatures associated with the development of pulmonary toxicities in mesothelioma patients treated with radical hemithoracic radiation therapy. Here, we used VEA to discover novel pathways altered in individuals exposed to asbestos who developed or not asbestos-related diseases (lung cancer or mesothelioma). A population-based autopsy study was designed in which asbestos exposure was evaluated and quantitated by investigating objective signs of exposure. We selected patients with similar exposure to asbestos. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues were used as a source of DNA and whole-exome sequencing analysis was performed, running VEA to identify potentially disrupted pathways in individuals who developed thoracic cancers induced by asbestos exposure. By using VEA analysis, we confirmed the involvement of pathways considered as the main culprits for asbestos-induced carcinogenesis: oxidative stress and chromosome instability. Furthermore, we identified protective genetic assets preserving genome stability and susceptibility assets predisposing to a worst outcome.
Digital Manufacture of a Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic Matrix Truss Core Structural Panel Using Off-the-Tool Consolidation
Authors: Bourgeois Mark E. , Radford Donald W.
Published: November 2022

Sandwich panels are commonly used as structure, based on fiber reinforced composites, with the goal of high flexural stiffness and low mass. It is most common to separate two high performance composite facesheets with a low-density core, generally in the form of a foam or honeycomb. A recent concept has been to replace these traditional core materials with fiber reinforced truss-like structures, with the goal of further reducing mass. A system is described that can radically reduce the amount of tooling required for truss core sandwich panel manufacture. This system, which is a digital manufacturing platform for the extrusion of continuous fiber reinforced commingled glass fiber/PET tow, was developed to demonstrate the rigidization of composites both on, and off, a tool surface. Navtruss core panels were successfully manufactured using this digital manufacturing platform, without conventional tooling, and the resulting through thickness compression moduli and panel shear moduli were within 14.6% and 23% of the values baseline compression molded specimens. Thus, the results suggest that, with further development, complex truss core structures with performance approaching that of compression molded panels can be manufactured with radically reduced tooling requirements from high volume fraction, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites.
A Multi-Objective Optimization of Physical Activity Spaces
Authors: Wei Fang , Xu Wenwen , Hua Chen
Published: November 2022

Optimizing the location of physical activity spaces (PAS) to ensure health, equity and efficiency has long been an important issue in urban planning. Given the health benefits of urban green spaces (UGS), taking Gongshu District in Hangzhou as a case, we examine the issue of where such PAS should be located to optimize three objectives: (1) minimize the distance between PAS and UGS; (2) maximize the accessibility of PAS and (3) maximize the population that falls within the coverage range. This study develops a multi-objective optimization of physical activity spaces model (MOPAS) based upon multi-objective particle swarm optimization to yield a set of non-dominated Pareto optimum solutions that can be used to determine the most practical tradeoffs between the conflicting objectives. It compares the advantages and disadvantages of the Pareto solutions and evaluates the construction situation of locations and the implementation feasibility. Decision-makers can choose the best solution according to subjective preferences and objective conditions. The MOPSO holds great promise for improving the location optimization of PAS and the methods applied can be adapted to support multi-objective optimization of facilities in urban planning globally.
Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for Takayasu Arteritis and Peripheral Pulmonary Artery Stenosis Mimicking Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Fukui Shigefumi , Shirota Yuko , Nakano Takao , Sato Tsukasa , Hasegawa Kaoru , Kikuta Hisashi , Kameyama Takeyoshi , Kumagai Koji , Komaru Tatsuya
Published: November 2022

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been reported to be effective and safe to an acceptable level in patients with distal-type, inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), resulting in improved long-term survival. However, evidenced treatment options and strategy including medical therapy of antithrombotic therapy, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and pulmonary hypertension (PH)-specific therapies are scarce in patients with significant PH and right heart failure associated with Takayasu arteritis and peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis, both of which mimic CTEPH. Moreover, there has been still concern on safety and lack of established methodology in performing BPA for these conditions. In this report, we would like to review recent publications including several case reports and discuss the efficacy, safety, and suitable methods of BPA in this population.
Both Short and Long Sleep Durations Are Associated with Poor Cognition and Memory in Chinese Adults Aged 55+ Years—Results from China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Cao Yingting , Xu Xiaoyue , Li Ming , Liu Jianghong , Shi Zumin
Published: November 2022

We aimed to examine the associations between sleep duration and cognitive functions and memory in older Chinese adults attending the China Health and Nutrition Survey. A total of 7924 participants 55 years and older who reported their sleep duration and had a cognitive screen test in 2004, 2006, and 2015 were included in the analysis. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to assess the associations. A short sleep duration (≤6 h/day) and long sleep duration (≥10 h/day) were positively associated with a low global cognitive score (odds ratio—OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.50; OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.17–1.79, respectively). Both short sleepers and long sleepers had an increased risk of self-reported poor memory (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.39–1.91; OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.25–1.74, respectively). No differences in the above associations were found for income, education, and urbanity. In conclusion, both the short and long sleep duration were associated with declined cognition and memory. Maintaining a normal sleep duration may aid in the prevention of cognitive function decline in older adults.
Microsurgical Reconstruction in Orthopedic Tumor Resections as Part of a Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach for Sarcomas of the Extremities
Authors: Koulaxouzidis Georgios , Schlagnitweit Paul , Anderl Conrad , Braig David , Märdian Sven
Published: November 2022

A central element of modern sarcoma therapy is complete surgical tumor resection with an adequate safety margin, embedded in an interdisciplinary multimodal therapy concept. Along with ensuring patient survival, functional limb preservation is an important goal for sarcomas of the extremities. This review provides an overview of the relevant literature on indications and goals of reconstructive options, the scope and contribution of microsurgical reconstructive procedures, and the associated interdisciplinary decision making and workup. Furthermore, the impact of (neo)-adjuvant therapy on reconstructive decisions will be highlighted. These aspects will be illustrated by four comprehensive case studies that demonstrate both useful strategies and the need for individually tailored therapies. Nowadays, extremity-preserving therapy is possible in more than 90% of sarcomas. Technical and procedural innovations such as microsurgery and microsurgical reconstructive procedures have significantly contributed to this evolution of therapy.
A Novel Polishing Method for Extending the Service Life of Magnetic Compound Fluid
Authors: Wang Youliang , Gao Xichun , Gao Jibo , Chen Xiujuan , Zhang Wenjuan , Feng Ming
Published: November 2022

Magnetic field-assisted magnetic compound fluid (MCF) ultra-precision machining technology is regarded as an effective method to obtain a smooth surface. However, due to the evaporation and splashing of water in the polishing fluid during processing, the service life of the MCF slurry is reduced. This paper presents a material removal model for MCF polishing, and a novel experimental apparatus is proposed to extend the service life by supplying MCF components into the MCF slurry. Firstly, in order to obtain the ideal polishing tool, the appearance morphologies and the formation process of the MCF slurry were observed by an industrial camera. On this basis, the optimum parameters were determined by multi-factor and multi-level orthogonal experiments. Finally, the investigation of the MCF service life was carried out under the optimal processing parameters. The main findings are summarized as follows. (1) Excellent MCF polishing tools are obtained when the eccentric distance r is 4 mm and the MCF slurry supply V is 1 mL. (2) When the eccentric distance increases from 2 mm to 4 mm, the forming time of the MCF tool decreases sharply, but when the eccentricity exceeds 4 mm, the decreasing trend becomes slow. The molding time grows steadily as the supply is increased. (3) When the machining gap Δ, the MCF carrier speed nc, the eccentricity r, and the revolution speed of magnetic nm are 1 mm, 500 rpm, 4 mm, and 600 rpm, respectively, the ideal machining effect can be obtained. (4) It could be proven that the polishing device is feasible to extend the service time of the MCF slurry by adding MCF components.
Synthesis and Characterization of 3-Methyl-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)indeno [1,2-c]pyrazol-4(1H)-one
Authors: Lam Linh , Park Sang H. , Sloop Joseph
Published: November 2022

Pyrazoles have potential applications in the agrochemical and medicinal chemistry industries as pesticides, anti-inflammatory medications, and antitumor drugs. Fluorinated fused-ring pyrazoles may also possess medicinally useful properties. Herein, we report the acid-catalyzed synthesis of a new tricyclic, trifluoromethylated indenopyrazole, 3-methyl-1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)indeno[1,2-c]pyrazol-4(1H)-one, from 2-acetyl-1,3-indanedione and 4-trifluoromethylphenylhydrazine. This isomeric pyrazole was obtained in yields ranging from 4–24%. NMR spectroscopic characterization and elemental analysis support the structural assignment, identity, and purity of the product.
Bond-Orbital-Resolved Piezoelectricity in Sp2-Hybridized Monolayer Semiconductors
Authors: Wang Zongtan , Liu Yulan , Wang Biao
Published: November 2022

Sp2-hybridized monolayer semiconductors (e.g., planar group III-V and IV-IV binary compounds) with inversion symmetry breaking (ISB) display piezoelectricity governed by their σ- and π-bond electrons. Here, we studied their bond-orbital-resolved electronic piezoelectricity (i.e., the σ- and π-piezoelectricity). We formulated a tight-binding piezoelectric model to reveal the different variations of σ- and π-piezoelectricity with the ISB strength (Δ). As Δ varied from positive to negative, the former decreased continuously, but the latter increased piecewise and jumped at Δ=0 due to the criticality of the π-electrons’ ground-state geometry near this quantum phase-transition point. This led to a piezoelectricity predominated by the π-electrons for a small |Δ|. By constructing an analytical model, we clarified the microscopic mechanisms underlying the anomalous π-piezoelectricity and its subtle relations with the valley Hall effect. The validation of our models was justified by applying them to the typical sp2 monolayers including hexagonal silicon carbide, Boron-X (X = N, P, As, Ab), and a BN-doped graphene superlattice.
A Low Temperature Growth of Cu2O Thin Films as Hole Transporting Material for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pellegrino Anna L. , Lo Presti Francesca , Smecca Emanuele , Valastro Salvatore , Greco Giuseppe , Di Franco Salvatore , Roccaforte Fabrizio , Alberti Alessandra , Malandrino Graziella
Published: November 2022

Copper oxide thin films have been successfully synthesized through a metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) approach starting from the copper bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate), Cu(tmhd)2, complex. Operative conditions of fabrication strongly affect both the composition and morphologies of the copper oxide thin films. The deposition temperature has been accurately monitored in order to stabilize and to produce, selectively and reproducibly, the two phases of cuprite Cu2O and/or tenorite CuO. The present approach has the advantages of being industrially appealing, reliable, and fast for the production of thin films over large areas with fine control of both composition and surface uniformity. Moreover, the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) active layer has been successfully deposited on the ITO/Cu2O substrate by the Low Vacuum Proximity Space Effusion (LV-PSE) technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) analyses have been used to characterize the deposited films. The optical band gap (Eg), ranging from 1.99 to 2.41 eV, has been determined through UV-vis analysis, while the electrical measurements allowed to establish the p-type conductivity behavior of the deposited Cu2O thin films with resistivities from 31 to 83 Ω cm and carrier concentration in the order of 1.5–2.8 × 1016 cm−3. These results pave the way for potential applications of the present system as a hole transporting layer combined with a perovskite active layer in emergent solar cell technologies.