bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Effect of Sow Parity and Terminal Boar on Losses of Piglets and Pre-Weaning Growth Intensity of Piglets
Authors: Nevrkla Pavel , Lujka Jan , Kopec Tomáš , Horký Pavel , Filipčík Radek , Hadaš Zdeněk , Střechová Vendula
Published: November 2021

This study analysed the effect of sow parity (P), terminal boars (TB), and their combination on reproductive parameters of sows, losses of piglets, and their individual live-weight (LW) and average daily gain (ADG) from birth to weaning. A total of 120 sows of Large White × Landrace hybrid combination from the first to the fourth parity (30 sows per parity) were included in the observation. The sows were inseminated by terminal boars of Pietrain (Pn), Large Whitesireline (LWSL), and Duroc (D) breeds and Duroc × Large Whitesirelinie (D × LWSL), Large Whitesirelinie × Pietrain (LWSL × Pn), and Duroc × Pietrain (D × Pn) hybrid combinations (20 sows per terminal boar population). The results proved a significant effect of P on the total numbers of piglets (TN), the numbers of stillborn piglets (SB), and the pre-weaning losses of piglets (L) (p ≤ 0.01) with the lowest losses found in the third parity sows. A significant effect of TB was confirmed for TN, the numbers of live-born piglets (LB), SB, the numbers of mummified piglets (M) and non-viable piglets (N), and (L) (p ≤ 0.01). The sows inseminated by D and LWSL boars showed the lowest total numbers of piglets but also the highest survivability of piglets until weaning. Significant effects of interaction between P and TB were observed for the TN, SB, N, and L (p ≤ 0.05). Evaluation of growth parameters in piglets (n = 1547) showed that P significantly influenced LW in the first three weeks of life (p ≤ 0.01) and ADG from birth to Day 7 and from Day 15 to Day 21 (p ≤ 0.01). Additionally, a significant effect (p ≤ 0.01) of TB was proven on individual weight and ADG in all the observed time intervals, with the highest growth found in the piglets of the D and LWSL boars. Significant interactions (p ≤ 0.01) between P and TB were found for LW and ADG in all the time intervals.
Influence of Zinc and Manganese Nanoparticles on Selected Parameters of Turkey Spermatozoa Stored in a Liquid State at 4 °C
Authors: Orzołek Aleksandra , Rafalska Katarzyna T. , Otowska Wiktoria A. , Kordan Władysław , Korzekwa Anna J. , Kozłowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of semen extender supplementation with 25 or 50 μM of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) or manganese nanoparticles (MnNPs) on turkey spermatozoa preserved in a liquid state. Twenty turkey ejaculates were obtained from twenty healthy males. The collected semen was preserved at 4 °C for 48 h with or without NPs. Selected qualitative and quantitative parameters of sperm (motility, plasma membrane activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the percentage of sperm demonstrating NO and SOD activity) were examined after 2, 24 and 48 h of storage. Sperm motility and MMP decreased in semen preserved with ZnNPs at each time point of the analysis. However, all spermatozoa remained viable throughout storage. In contrast, membrane integrity and mitochondria activity (p ≤ 0.05) increased, and the highest SOD activity (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in semen preserved with MnNPs. The addition of MnNPs to the semen extender could potentially improve the parameters of turkey semen during prolonged storage.
Training Convolutional Neural Networks to Score Pneumonia in Slaughtered Pigs
Authors: Bonicelli Lorenzo , Trachtman Abigail Rose , Rosamilia Alfonso , Liuzzo Gaetano , Hattab Jasmine , Mira Alcaraz Elena , Del Negro Ercole , Vincenzi Stefano , Capobianco Dondona Andrea , Calderara Simone , Marruchella Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

The slaughterhouse can act as a valid checkpoint to estimate the prevalence and the economic impact of diseases in farm animals. At present, scoring lesions is a challenging and time-consuming activity, which is carried out by veterinarians serving the slaughter chain. Over recent years, artificial intelligence(AI) has gained traction in many fields of research, including livestock production. In particular, AI-based methods appear able to solve highly repetitive tasks and to consistently analyze large amounts of data, such as those collected by veterinarians during postmortem inspection in high-throughput slaughterhouses. The present study aims to develop an AI-based method capable of recognizing and quantifying enzootic pneumonia-like lesions on digital images captured from slaughtered pigs under routine abattoir conditions. Overall, the data indicate that the AI-based method proposed herein could properly identify and score enzootic pneumonia-like lesions without interfering with the slaughter chain routine. According to European legislation, the application of such a method avoids the handling of carcasses and organs, decreasing the risk of microbial contamination, and could provide further alternatives in the field of food hygiene.
Rosmarinic Acid Delays Tomato Fruit Ripening by Regulating Ripening-Associated Traits
Authors: Zhu Changan , Wu Shaofang , Sun Ting , Zhou Zhiwen , Hu Zhangjian , Yu Jingquan
Published: November 2021

Fruits are excellent sources of essential vitamins and health-boosting minerals. Recently, regulation of fruit ripening by both internal and external cues for the improvement of fruit quality and shelf life has received considerable attention. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a kind of natural plant-derived polyphenol, widely used in the drug therapy and food industry due to its distinct physiological functions. However, the role of RA in plant growth and development, especially at the postharvest period of fruits, remains largely unknown. Here, we demonstrated that postharvest RA treatment delayed the ripening in tomato fruits. Exogenous application of RA decreased ripening-associated ethylene production and inhibited the fruit color change from green to red based on the decline in lycopene accumulation. We also found that the degradation of sucrose and malic acid during ripening was significantly suppressed in RA-treated tomato fruits. The results of metabolite profiling showed that RA application promoted the accumulation of multiple amino acids in tomato fruits, such as aspartic acid, serine, tyrosine, and proline. Meanwhile, RA application also strengthened the antioxidant system by increasing both the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the contents of reduced forms of antioxidants. These findings not only unveiled a novel function of RA in fruit ripening, but also indicated an attractive strategy to manage and improve shelf life, flavor, and sensory evolution of tomato fruits.
Purification, Identification and Characterization of Antioxidant Peptides from Corn Silk Tryptic Hydrolysate: An Integrated In Vitro-In Silico Approach
Authors: Ong Joe-Hui , Koh Jiun-An , Cao Hui , Tan Sheri-Ann , Abd Manan Fazilah , Wong Fai-Chu , Chai Tsun-Thai
Published: November 2021

Corn silk (CS) is an agro-by-product from corn cultivation. It is used in folk medicines in some countries, besides being commercialized as health-promoting supplements and beverages. Unlike CS-derived natural products, their bioactive peptides, particularly antioxidant peptides, are understudied. This study aimed to purify, identify and characterize antioxidant peptides from trypsin-hydrolyzed CS proteins. Purification was accomplished by membrane ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and strong-cation-exchange solid-phase extraction, guided by 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt radical cation (ABTS•+) scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. De novo sequencing identified 29 peptides (6–14 residues; 633–1518 Da). The peptides consisted of 33–86% hydrophobic and 10–67% basic residues. Molecular docking found MCFHHHFHK, VHFNKGKKR, and PVVWAAKR having the strongest affinity (−4.7 to −4.8 kcal/mol) to ABTS•+, via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Potential cellular mechanisms of the peptides were supported by their interactions with modulators of intracellular oxidant status: Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase. NDGPSR (Asn-Asp-Gly-Pro-Ser-Arg), the most promising peptide, showed stable binding to all three cellular targets, besides exhibiting low toxicity, low allergenicity, and cell-penetrating potential. Overall, CS peptides have potential application as natural antioxidant additives and functional food ingredients.
Control Performance, Stability Conditions, and Bifurcation Analysis of the Twelve-Pole Active Magnetic Bearings System
Authors: El-Shourbagy Sabry M. , Saeed Nasser A. , Kamel Magdi , Raslan Kamal R. , Aboudaif Mohamed K. , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: November 2021

The active magnetic bearings system plays a vital role in high-speed rotors technology, where many research articles have discussed the nonlinear dynamics of different categories of this system such as the four-pole, six-pole, eight-pole, and sixteen-pole systems. Although the twelve-pole system has many advantages over the eight-pole one (such as a negligible cross-coupling effect, low power consumption, better suspension behaviors, and high dynamic stiffness), the twelve-pole system oscillatory behaviors have not been studied before. Therefore, this article is assigned to explore the effect of the magneto-electro-mechanical nonlinearities on the oscillatory motion of the twelve-pole system controlled via a proportional derivative controller for the first time. The normalized equations of motion that govern the system vibrations are established by means of classical mechanics. Then, the averaging equations are extracted utilizing the asymptotic analysis. The influence of all system parameters on the steady-state oscillation amplitudes is explored. Stability charts in a two-dimensional space are constructed. The stable margin of both the system and control parameters is determined. The obtained investigations reveal that proportional gain plays a dominant role in reshaping the dynamics and motion bifurcation of the twelve-pole systems. In addition, it is found that stability charts of the system can be controlled by simply utilizing both the proportional and derivative gains. Moreover, the numerical simulations showed that the twelve-poles system can exhibit both quasiperiodic and chaotic oscillations besides the periodic motion depending on the control parameters’ magnitude.
Sensorless Predictive Current Control of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Powered by a Three-Level Inverter
Authors: Zhou Chenhui , Yu Feng , Zhu Chenguang , Mao Jingfeng
Published: November 2021

Permanent magnet synchronous motors and their relevant control techniques have become more and more prevalent in electric vehicle driving applications because of their outstanding performance. This paper studies a simple and effective sensorless scheme based on a current observer for a permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by a three-level inverter, which avoids the injection of a high-frequency signal and the observation of back-electromotive force. In this way, a current observer is constructed to observe d–q-axes currents by relying on an extended-current model. Thereafter, the position and speed of the machine can be extracted from two PI controllers associated with the d–q-axes current-tracking errors. Meanwhile, it takes into account the model predictive current control with neutral-point voltage balance to maintain the stability of the three-level inverter system. In general, this scheme realizes sensorless operation in a full-speed domain and is no longer limited by the types of inverter and method used.
Functional and Sensorial Properties of Chicken Sausage Supplemented with Banana Peel Flours of Different Varieties
Authors: Mohd Zaini Hana , Sintang Mohd Dona Bin , Roslan Jumardi , Saallah Suryani , Munsu Elisha , Sulaiman Nurul Shaeera , Pindi Wolyna
Published: November 2021

Meat products are widely consumed worldwide and, as a result, they may be an exciting supplier of health benefits due to the need for better formulations, such as reduced fat and increased fibre in processed meats. This study was carried out to determine how the banana peel (BP) flour of Saba (Musa balbisiana) and Berangan (Musa acuminata) affect the functional properties and sensory acceptance of chicken sausage. Berangan BPs showed better water- and oil-holding capacity than Saba BP flour. Conversely, Saba BP flour exhibited better swelling power, but was less soluble than Berangan BP flour. Sausages containing high BPs, especially Saba banana, had a more rigid texture, a high storage modulus, and a darker colour. The ability to retain more water in Berangan peel positively affected the sausage’s textural and rheological properties. With 2%, chicken sausage received the highest sensory score, with Saba BP-containing sausage following closely behind. However, adding >2% BP of both varieties negatively affected the sausage texture and colour, resulting in reduced sensory acceptance. Thus, the BP from Saba and Berangan bananas showed promise as a potential value-adding ingredient in the formulation of functional meat products. In addition, it has potential health benefits, such as increased dietary fibre.
Metal Titanate (ATiO3, A: Ni, Co, Mg, Zn) Nanorods for Toluene Photooxidation under LED Illumination
Authors: Souri Anna P. , Andrigiannaki Natalia , Moschogiannaki Marilena , Faka Vasiliki , Kiriakidis George , Malankowska Anna , Zaleska-Medynska Adriana , Binas Vassilios
Published: November 2021

The increasing air pollution taking place in virtue of human activity has a novel impact in our health. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising way of degrading volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that makes the quest of new and improved photocatalysts of great importance. Herein, perovskite-related materials ATiO3 with A = Mg, Ni, Co, Zn were synthesized through an ethylene glycol-mediated root, with ethylene glycol being used as a solvent and ligand. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) were used in order to confirm the structure, the nanorod morphology, their absorption in UV-vis, and the separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. The highest photoactivity was observed for ZnTiO3 in which 62% of toluene was decomposed after 60 min under LED illumination (54 mW/cm2).
Electrospinning Preparation of GaN:ZnO Solid Solution Nanorods with Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Activity toward H2 Production
Authors: Mao Jingyun , Zhong Huiling , Liu Xinpin , Qian Qingrong , Luo Yongjin , Xiao Liren , Xue Hun
Published: November 2021

The development of a facile method for the synthesis of GaN:ZnO solid solution, an attractive material with a wurtzite-type structure, is vital to enhance its photocatalytic activity toward H2 evolution. Herein, GaN:ZnO solid solution nanorods with diameters of around 180 nm were fabricated by combining the electro-spun method with a sequentially calcinating process. Photocatalytic water-splitting activities of the as-obtained samples loaded with Rh2−yCryO3 co-catalyst were estimated by H2 evolution under visible-light irradiation. The as-prepared GaN:ZnO nanorods at a nitridation temperature of 850 °C showed the optimal performance. Careful characterization of the GaN:ZnO solid solution nanorods indicated that the nitridation temperature is an important parameter affecting the photocatalytic performance, which is related to the specific surface area and the absorbable visible-light wavelength range. Finally, the mechanism of the GaN:ZnO solid solution nanorods was also investigated. The proposed synthesis strategy paves a new way to realize excellent activity and recyclability of GaN:ZnO solid solution nanorod photocatalysts for hydrogen generation.
Bimanual Movements and Chronic Stroke Rehabilitation: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Authors: Cauraugh James H. , Kang Nyeonju
Published: November 2021

Executing voluntary motor actions in the upper extremities after a stroke is frequently challenging and frustrating. Although spontaneous motor recovery can occur, reorganizing the activation of the primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area takes a considerable amount of time involving effective rehabilitation interventions. Based on motor control theory and experience-dependent neural plasticity, stroke protocols centered on bimanual movement coordination are generating considerable evidence in overcoming dysfunctional movements. Looking backward and forward in this comprehensive review, we discuss noteworthy upper extremity improvements reported in bimanual movement coordination studies including force generation. Importantly, the effectiveness of chronic stroke rehabilitation approaches that involve voluntary interlimb coordination principles look promising.
Reliability Analysis of CFRP-Packaged FBG Sensors Using FMEA and FTA Techniques
Authors: Liu Zheng , Li Yongjie , Zhang Nan , Liang Zhongwei , Li Fangyi
Published: November 2021

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP)-packaged fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are widely used in full-scale structural testing of wind turbine blades (WTBs). However, the specific process to make CFRP-packaged FBG sensors, such as packaging, bonding, welding, etc., are mainly manually operated, and no unified standard or rule has been formed yet. Non-standard specific processes, coupled with complex stress distribution, unstable working environments, etc., result in the CFRP-packaged FBG sensors having various failures with time, resulting in inaccurate measurements. Thus, the need to carry out related failure analysis is urgent. This paper therefore performed a reliability analysis for CFRP-packaged FBG sensors using failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis (FTA) techniques. The results provide an important basis towards analyzing performance degradation and functional failures for CFRP-packaged FBG sensors.
Machine Translation in Low-Resource Languages by an Adversarial Neural Network
Authors: Sun Mengtao , Wang Hao , Pasquine Mark , A. Hameed Ibrahim
Published: November 2021

Existing Sequence-to-Sequence (Seq2Seq) Neural Machine Translation (NMT) shows strong capability with High-Resource Languages (HRLs). However, this approach poses serious challenges when processing Low-Resource Languages (LRLs), because the model expression is limited by the training scale of parallel sentence pairs. This study utilizes adversary and transfer learning techniques to mitigate the lack of sentence pairs in LRL corpora. We propose a new Low resource, Adversarial, Cross-lingual (LAC) model for NMT. In terms of the adversary technique, LAC model consists of a generator and discriminator. The generator is a Seq2Seq model that produces the translations from source to target languages, while the discriminator measures the gap between machine and human translations. In addition, we introduce transfer learning on LAC model to help capture the features in rare resources because some languages share the same subject-verb-object grammatical structure. Rather than using the entire pretrained LAC model, we separately utilize the pretrained generator and discriminator. The pretrained discriminator exhibited better performance in all experiments. Experimental results demonstrate that the LAC model achieves higher Bilingual Evaluation Understudy (BLEU) scores and has good potential to augment LRL translations.
A High-Frequency Vibration Error Compensation Method for Terahertz SAR Imaging Based on Short-Time Fourier Transform
Authors: Li Yinwei , Wu Qi , Jiang Jiawei , Ding Xia , Zheng Qibin , Zhu Yiming
Published: November 2021

High-frequency vibration error of a moving radar platform easily introduces a non-negligible phase of periodic modulation in radar echoes and greatly degrades terahertz synthetic aperture radar (THz-SAR) image quality. For solving the problem of THz-SAR image-quality degradation, the paper proposes a multi-component high-frequency vibration error estimation and compensation approach based on the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). To improve the robustness of the method against noise effects, STFT is used to extract the instantaneous frequency (IF) of a high-frequency vibration error signal, and the vibration parameters are coarsely obtained by the least square (LS) method. To reduce the influence of the STFT window widths, a method based on the maximum likelihood function (MLF) is developed for determining the optimal window width by a one-dimensional search of the window widths. In the case of high noise, many IF estimation values seriously deviate from the true ones. To avoid the singular values of IF estimation in the LS regression, the random sample consensus (RANSAC) is introduced to improve estimation accuracy. Then, performing the STFT with the optimal window width, the accurate vibration parameters are estimated by LS regression, where the singular values of IF estimation are excluded. Finally, the vibration error is reconstructed to compensate for the non-negligible phase of the platform-induced periodic modulation. The simulation results prove that the error compensation method can meet THz-SAR imaging requirements, even at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
GI Guidelines for the Metropolitan City of Cagliari (Italy): A Method for Implementing Green Areas
Authors: Calia Giovanna , Ledda Antonio , Serra Vittorio , Senes Giulio , De Montis Andrea
Published: November 2021

The decline of natural capital resulting from urbanization has triggered phenomena such as landscape fragmentation and loss of biodiversity. European institutions have published documents and strategies with the purpose of counteracting such phenomena. In this regard, in 2020 the European Commission released the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030, which defines biodiversity conservation objectives and promotes the implementation of green infrastructures (GIs) designed to supply ecosystem services, which can increase people’s well-being. The scientific literature has scarcely dealt with methods for drafting guidance documents (guidelines) to support public administrations in the implementation of GIs. In this study, we aim at designing and applying a method for drafting GI guidelines. We apply the method to the Metropolitan City of Cagliari, the main urbanized area—which partially includes the former Province of Cagliari—of Sardinia (Italy). According to the findings, a proposal of GI guidelines should be rooted in context analysis and consistency checks and should be tailored to specific geographical and institutional contexts. The preliminary guidelines described in this study are designed to provide public administrations with GI guidelines based on scientific, technical, and cultural considerations, and are aimed at supporting an effective implementation of GIs and a GI network.
Comparative Pathogenicity of Aeromonas spp. in Cultured Red Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O. mossambicus)
Authors: Azzam-Sayuti Mohamad , Ina-Salwany Md Yasin , Zamri-Saad Mohd , Annas Salleh , Yusof Mohd Termizi , Monir Md Shirajum , Mohamad Aslah , Muhamad-Sofie Mohd Hafiz Ngoo , Lee Jing Yie , Chin Yong Kit , Amir-Danial Zahaludin , Asyiqin Addenan , Lukman Basri , Liles Mark R. , Amal Mohammad Noor Azmai
Published: November 2021

The genus Aeromonas has been recognised as an important pathogenic species in aquaculture that causes motile Aeromonas septicaemia (MAS) or less severe, chronic infections. This study compares the pathogenicity of the different Aeromonas spp. that were previously isolated from freshwater fish with signs of MAS. A total of 124 isolates of Aeromonas spp. were initially screened for the ability to grow on M9 agar with myo-inositol as a sole carbon source, which is a discriminatory phenotype for the hypervirulent A. hydrophila (vAh) pathotype. Subsequently, LD50 of six selected Aeromonas spp. were determined by intraperitoneal injection of bacterial suspension containing 103, 105, and 107 CFU/mL of the respective Aeromonas sp. to red hybrid tilapias. The kidneys, livers and spleens of infected moribund fish were examined for histopathological changes. The screening revealed that only A. dhakensis 1P11S3 was able to grow using myo-inositol as a sole carbon source, and no vAh strains were identified. The LD50–240h of A. dhakensis 1P11S3 was 107 CFU/mL, while the non-myo-inositol utilizing A. dhakensis 4PS2 and A. hydrophila 8TK3 was lower at 105 CFU/mL. Similarly, tilapia challenged with the myo-inositol A. dhakensis 1P11S3 showed significantly (p < 0.05) less severe signs, gross and histopathological lesions, and a lower mortality rate than the non-myo-inositol A. dhakensis 4PS2 and A. hydrophila 8TK3. These findings suggested that myo-inositol utilizing A. dhakensis 1P11S3 was not a hypervirulent Aeromonas sp. under current experimental disease challenge conditions, and that diverse Aeromonas spp. are of concern in aquaculture farmed freshwater fish. Therefore, future study is warranted on genomic level to further elucidate the influence of myo-inositol utilizing ability on the pathogenesis of Aeromonas spp., since this ability correlates with hypervirulence in A. hydrophila strains.
Cost-Effective Production of ATP and S-Adenosylmethionine Using Engineered Multidomain Scaffold Proteins
Authors: Yan Guangbo , Li Xia , Yang Jun , Li Zhongchen , Hou Jia , Rao Ben , Hu Yong , Ma Lixin , Wang Yaping
Published: November 2021

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) are important intermediates that are widely present in living organisms. Large-scale preparation and application of ATP or SAM is limited by expensive raw materials. To lower the production costs for ATP/SAM, in this study we used strategies applying engineered multidomain scaffold proteins to synthesize ATP and SAM. An artificial scaffold protein containing CBM3 domain, IM proteins and CL-labeled proteins was assembled to form complex 1 for catalytic reactions to increase ATP production. The ATP synthesis system produced approximately 25 g/L of ATP with approximately 15 g/L of ADP and 5 g/L of AMP using 12.5 g/L of adenosine and 40 g/L of sodium hexametaphosphate reaction at 35 °C and a pH of 8.5 for 6 h. Based on the above ATP synthesis system, two CL-labeled methionine adenosyltransferases (CL9-MAT4 and CL9-MAT5) were applied to construct scaffold protein complex 2 to achieve SAM synthesis. Approximately 25 μg of MAT4 in a reaction system with 0.3 M MgCl2 catalyzed at 20 °C and a pH of 8 catalyzed 0.5 g/L of l-Met to produce approximately 0.9 g/L of SAM. Approximately 25 μg of MAT5 in a reaction system with 0.7 M MgCl2 catalyzed at 35 °C and a pH of 8 catalyzed 0.5 g/L of l-Met to produce approximately 1.2 g/L of SAM. Here, we showed that low-cost substrates can be efficiently converted into high-value additional ATP and SAM via multi-enzyme catalytic reactions by engineered multidomain scaffold proteins.
Rare Does Not Mean Worthless: How Rare Diseases Have Shaped Neurodevelopment Research in the NGS Era
Authors: Zaghi Mattia , Banfi Federica , Bellini Edoardo , Sessa Alessandro
Published: November 2021

The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) is heavily changing both the diagnosis of human conditions and basic biological research. It is now possible to dig deep inside the genome of hundreds of thousands or even millions of people and find both common and rare genomic variants and to perform detailed phenotypic characterizations of both physiological organs and experimental models. Recent years have seen the introduction of multiple techniques using NGS to profile transcription, DNA and chromatin modifications, protein binding, etc., that are now allowing us to profile cells in bulk or even at a single-cell level. Although rare and ultra-rare diseases only affect a few people, each of these diseases represent scholarly cases from which a great deal can be learned about the pathological and physiological function of genes, pathways, and mechanisms. Therefore, for rare diseases, state-of-the-art investigations using NGS have double valence: their genomic cause (new variants) and the characterize the underlining the mechanisms associated with them (discovery of gene function) can be found. In a non-exhaustive manner, this review will outline the main usage of NGS-based techniques for the diagnosis and characterization of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), under whose umbrella many rare and ultra-rare diseases fall.
Experimental Investigation of Adaptive Thermal Comfort in French Healthcare Buildings
Authors: El Akili Zoubayre , Bouzidi Youcef , Merabtine Abdelatif , Polidori Guillaume , Chkeir Amal
Published: November 2021

The thermal comfort requirements of disabled people in healthcare buildings are an important research topic that concerns a specific population with medical conditions impacted by the indoor environment. This paper experimentally investigated adaptive thermal comfort in buildings belonging to the Association of Parents of Disabled Children, located in the city of Troyes, France, during the winter season. Thermal comfort was evaluated using subjective measurements and objective physical parameters. The thermal sensations of respondents were determined by questionnaires adapted to their disability. Indoor environmental parameters such as relative humidity, mean radiant temperature, air temperature, and air velocity were measured using a thermal microclimate station during winter in February and March 2020. The main results indicated a strong correlation between operative temperature, predicted mean vote, and adaptive predicted mean vote, with the adaptive temperature estimated at around 21.65 °C. These findings highlighted the need to propose an adaptive thermal comfort strategy. Thus, a new adaptive model of the predicted mean vote was proposed and discussed, with a focus on the relationship between patient sensations and the thermal environment.
A Gene Signature Identifying CIN3 Regression and Cervical Cancer Survival
Authors: Halle Mari K. , Munk Ane Cecilie , Engesæter Birgit , Akbari Saleha , Frafjord Astri , Hoivik Erling A. , Forsse David , Fasmer Kristine E. , Woie Kathrine , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. , Bertelsen Bjørn I. , Janssen Emiel A. M. , Gudslaugsson Einar , Krakstad Camilla , Øvestad Irene T.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to establish a gene signature that may predict CIN3 regression and that may aid in selecting patients who may safely refrain from conization. Oncomine mRNA data including 398 immune-related genes from 21 lesions with confirmed regression and 28 with persistent CIN3 were compared. L1000 mRNA data from a cervical cancer cohort was available for validation (n = 239). Transcriptomic analyses identified TDO2 (p = 0.004), CCL5 (p < 0.001), CCL3 (p = 0.04), CD38 (p = 0.02), and PRF1 (p = 0.005) as upregulated, and LCK downregulated (p = 0.01) in CIN3 regression as compared to persistent CIN3 lesions. From these, a gene signature predicting CIN3 regression with a sensitivity of 91% (AUC = 0.85) was established. Transcriptomic analyses revealed proliferation as significantly linked to persistent CIN3. Within the cancer cohort, high regression signature score associated with immune activation by Gene Set enrichment Analyses (GSEA) and immune cell infiltration by histopathological evaluation (p < 0.001). Low signature score was associated with poor survival (p = 0.007) and large tumors (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the proposed six-gene signature predicts CIN regression and favorable cervical cancer prognosis and points to common drivers in precursors and cervical cancer lesions.
The EGF Domains of MUC4 Oncomucin Mediate HER2 Binding Affinity and Promote Pancreatic Cancer Cell Tumorigenesis
Authors: Stoup Nicolas , Liberelle Maxime , Schulz Céline , Cavdarli Sumeyye , Vasseur Romain , Magnez Romain , Lahdaoui Fatima , Skrypek Nicolas , Peretti Fabien , Frénois Frédéric , Thuru Xavier , Melnyk Patricia , Renault Nicolas , Jonckheere Nicolas , Lebègue Nicolas , Van Seuningen Isabelle
Published: November 2021

The HER2 receptor and its MUC4 mucin partner form an oncogenic complex via an extracellular region of MUC4 encompassing three EGF domains that promotes tumor progression of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells. However, the molecular mechanism of interaction remains poorly understood. Herein, we decipher at the molecular level the role and impact of the MUC4EGF domains in the mediation of the binding affinities with HER2 and the PC cell tumorigenicity. We used an integrative approach combining in vitro bioinformatic, biophysical, biochemical, and biological approaches, as well as an in vivo study on a xenograft model of PC. In this study, we specified the binding mode of MUC4EGF domains with HER2 and demonstrate their “growth factor-like” biological activities in PC cells leading to stimulation of several signaling proteins (mTOR pathway, Akt, and β-catenin) contributing to PC progression. Molecular dynamics simulations of the MUC4EGF/HER2 complexes led to 3D homology models and identification of binding hotspots mediating binding affinity with HER2 and PC cell proliferation. These results will pave the way to the design of potential MUC4/HER2 inhibitors targeting the EGF domains of MUC4. This strategy will represent a new efficient alternative to treat cancers associated with MUC4/HER2 overexpression and HER2-targeted therapy failure as a new adapted treatment to patients.
Prognostic Values of G-Protein Mutations in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Terai Mizue , Shimada Ayako , Chervoneva Inna , Hulse Liam , Danielson Meggie , Swensen Jeff , Orloff Marlana , Wedegaertner Philip B. , Benovic Jeffrey L. , Aplin Andrew E. , Sato Takami
Published: November 2021

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary ocular malignancy in adults, characterized by gene mutations in G protein subunit alpha q (GNAQ) and G protein subunit alpha 11 (GNA11). Although they are considered to be driver mutations, their role in MUM remains elusive. We investigated key somatic mutations of MUM and their impact on patients’ survival after development of systemic metastasis (Met-to-Death). Metastatic lesions from 87 MUM patients were analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS). GNA11 (41/87) and GNAQ (39/87) mutations were most predominantly seen in MUM. Most GNA11 mutations were Q209L (36/41), whereas GNAQ mutations comprised Q209L (14/39) and Q209P (21/39). Epigenetic pathway mutations BAP1 (42/66), SF3B1 (11/66), FBXW7 (2/87), PBRM1 (1/66), and SETD2 (1/66) were found. No specimen had the EIF1AX mutation. Interestingly, Met-to-Death was longer in patients with GNAQ Q209P compared to GNAQ/GNA11 Q209L mutations, suggesting the difference in mutation type in GNAQ/GNA11 might determine the prognosis of MUM. Structural alterations of the GNAQ/GNA11 protein and their impact on survival of MUM patients should be further investigated.
Next-Generation Sequencing Targeted Panel in Routine Care for Metastatic Colon Cancers
Authors: Bayle Arnaud , Basile Debora , Garinet Simon , Rance Bastien , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Blons Hélène , Taieb Julien , Perkins Geraldine
Published: November 2021

In digestive oncology, the clinical impact of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) in routine practice should be addressed. In this work, we studied the impact of a 22-gene NGS amplicon-based panel with Ion Torrent Proton Sequencing, prospectively performed in routine practice. We analyzed the results of extended molecular testing, beyond RAS and BRAF, in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients in a single-center, retrospective, observational study of consecutive mCRC patients followed up at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital between January 2016 and December 2018. Overall, 210 patients with mCRC were included. Median follow-up was 25.4 months (IQR: 14.9–39.5). The three most frequently mutated genes were: TP53 (63%), KRAS (41%) and PIK3CA (19%). A positive association was found between overall survival and performance status (PS) ≥ 2 (HR: 4.91 (1.84–13.1); p = 0.001) and differentiation (HR: 4.70 (1.51–14.6); p = 0.007) in multivariate analysis. The NGS panel enabled five patients to access a targeted therapy not currently registered for CRC. In conclusion, targeted NGS panels in mCRC are feasible in routine practice, but need to be regularly updated and in-depth studies are needed to better analyze the prognostic factors.
The Pathophysiology of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) in the GI Tract: Inflammation, Barrier Function and Innate Immunity
Authors: Anderson Kemp M. , Gayer Christopher P.
Published: November 2021

The Farnesoid-X Receptor, FXR, is a nuclear bile acid receptor. Its originally described function is in bile acid synthesis and regulation within the liver. More recently, however, FXR has been increasingly appreciated for its breadth of function and expression across multiple organ systems, including the intestine. While FXR’s role within the liver continues to be investigated, increasing literature indicates that FXR has important roles in responding to inflammation, maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier function, and regulating immunity within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Given the complicated and multi-factorial nature of intestinal barrier dysfunction, it is not surprising that FXR’s role appears equally complicated and not without conflicting data in different model systems. Recent work has suggested translational applications of FXR modulation in GI pathology; however, a better understanding of FXR physiology is necessary for these treatments to gain widespread use in human disease. This review aims to discuss current scientific work on the role of FXR within the GI tract, specifically in its role in intestinal inflammation, barrier function, and immune response, while also exploring areas of controversy.
Correction: Ma et al. Rad52 Oligomeric N-Terminal Domain Stabilizes Rad51 Nucleoprotein Filaments and Contributes to Their Protection against Srs2. Cells 2021, 10, 1467
Authors: Ma Emilie , Maloisel Laurent , Le Falher Léa , Guérois Raphaël , Coïc Eric
Published: November 2021

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [...]
Green Synthesis of Carbon-Encapsulated Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Using Hydrothermal Carbonization from Rattan Holocelluloses
Authors: Dai Linxin , Jin Zhi , Liu Xinge , Feng Long , Ma Jianfeng , Ling Zhe
Published: November 2021

How to design a simple and scalable procedure for manufacturing multifunctional carbon-based nanoparticles using lignocellulosic biomass directly is a challenging task. Based on the green chemistry concept, we developed a novel one-pot solution-phase reaction to prepare carbon-encapsulated magnetic nano-Fe3O4 particles (Fe3O4@C) with a tunable structure and composition through the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of Fe2+/Fe3+ loaded rattan holocelluloses pretreated with ionic liquids (EmimAc and AmimCl). The detailed characterization results indicated that the Fe3O4@C synthesized from the holocelluloses pretreated with ionic liquids (ILs) under alkaline conditions tends to have a higher saturation magnetization, probably due to the increased iron ions loading. Moreover, increasing the HTC temperature led to an increased abundance of hydroxyl groups on the surface of the synthesized particles and an elevated saturation magnetization. When EmimAc-treated holocelluloses were used as the carbon precursors, well-encapsulated Fe3O4@C nanoparticles were obtained with a maximum saturation magnetization of 42.6 emu/g. This synthetic strategy, coupled with the structure of the iron carbide-based composite and the proposed mechanism, may open a new avenue for the development of carbon-encapsulated iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles.
Capabilities of Modern Semiconductor Gamma Cameras in Radionuclide Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Błaszczyk Michał , Adamczewski Zbigniew , Płachcińska Anna
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a review of the literature concerning the clinical application of modern semiconductor (CZT) gamma cameras in the radioinuclide diagnosis of coronary artery disease. It contains information on the diagnostic efficacy of myocardial perfusion studies performed with those cameras compared with the widely used scintillation (Anger) cameras, an overview of their effectiveness in comparison with coronary angiography (also fractional flow reserve) and currently available clinical results of a myocardial flow reserve measured with a dynamic SPECT study. Introduction of this imaging modality to the measurement of a myocardial flow reserve aims to facilitate access to this type of study compared to the less available and more expensive PET method used so far.
Oral Cancer Discrimination and Novel Oral Epithelial Dysplasia Stratification Using FTIR Imaging and Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Rong , Naidu Aparna , Wang Yong
Published: November 2021

The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) imaging technique was used in a transmission model for the evaluation of twelve oral hyperkeratosis (HK), eleven oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and eleven oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) biopsy samples in the fingerprint region of 1800–950 cm−1. A series of 100 µm × 100 µm FTIR imaging areas were defined in each sample section in reference to the hematoxylin and eosin staining image of an adjacent section of the same sample. After outlier removal, signal preprocessing, and cluster analysis, a representative spectrum was generated for only the epithelial tissue in each area. Two representative spectra were selected from each sample to reflect intra-sample heterogeneity, which resulted in a total of 68 representative spectra from 34 samples for further analysis. Exploratory analyses using Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis showed good separation between the HK and OSCC spectra and overlaps of OED spectra with either HK or OSCC spectra. Three machine learning discriminant models based on partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), support vector machines discriminant analysis (SVMDA), and extreme gradient boosting discriminant analysis (XGBDA) were trained using 46 representative spectra from 12 HK and 11 OSCC samples. The PLSDA model achieved 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, while both SVM and XGBDA models generated 95% sensitivity and 96% specificity, respectively. The PLSDA discriminant model was further used to classify the 11 OED samples into HK-grade (6), OSCC-grade (4), or borderline case (1) based on their FTIR spectral similarity to either HK or OSCC cases, providing a potential risk stratification strategy for the precancerous OED samples. The results of the current study support the application of the FTIR-machine learning technique in early oral cancer detection.
Design of a Wide-Dynamic RF-DC Rectifier Circuit Based on an Unequal Wilkinson Power Divider
Authors: Peng Cheng , Ye Zhihao , Wu Jianhua , Chen Cheng , Wang Zerun
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a dual-channel RF-DC microwave rectifier circuit is designed with a 2:1 power distribution ratio in a Wilkinson power splitter. The rectifier circuit works at 2.45 Ghz. After impedance matching and tuning, the structure is able to broaden the dynamic power range of the rectifier circuit while maintaining maximum rectifier efficiency. Compared with the HSMS2820 rectifier branch, this design enhances the power dynamic ranges of 60% efficiency and 50% efficiency by 4 dBm and 3 dBm, respectively. Compared with the HSMS2860 rectifier branch, for the efficiency of 60% and efficiency of 50%, the power dynamic range is expanded by 5 dBm and 2 dBm, respectively. This shows that the technology is helpful for improving the stability of energy conversion at the receiver end of microwave wireless energy transmission systems. Finally, the rationality of this conclusion is verified by establishing a mathematical model.
Influences of the Temperature on the Electrical Properties of HfO2-Based Resistive Switching Devices
Authors: García Héctor , Boo Jonathan , Vinuesa Guillermo , G. Ossorio Óscar , Sahelices Benjamín , Dueñas Salvador , Castán Helena , González Mireia B. , Campabadal Francesca
Published: November 2021

In the attempt to understand the behavior of HfO2-based resistive switching devices at low temperatures, TiN/Ti/HfO2/W metal–insulator–metal devices were fabricated; the atomic layer deposition technique was used to grow the high-k layer. After performing an electroforming process at room temperature, the device was cooled in a cryostat to carry out 100 current–voltage cycles at several temperatures ranging from the “liquid nitrogen temperature” to 350 K. The measurements showed a semiconducting behavior in high and low resistance states. In the low resistance state, a hopping conduction mechanism was obtained. The set and reset voltages increased when temperature decreased because the thermal energies for oxygen vacancies and ions were reduced. However, the temperature did not influence the power absorbed in the reset transition, indicating the local temperature in the filament controls the transition. The set transition turned from gradual to abrupt when decreasing the temperature, due to a positive feedback between the current increase and the Joule heating at low temperatures.
Global Optimal Stabilization of MT-HVDC Systems: Inverse Optimal Control Approach
Authors: Montoya Oscar Danilo , Gil-González Walter , Serra Federico Martin , De Angelo Cristian Hernan , Hernández Jesus C.
Published: November 2021

The stabilization problem of multi-terminal high-voltage direct current (MT-HVDC) systems feeding constant power loads is addressed in this paper using an inverse optimal control (IOC). A hierarchical control structure using a convex optimization model in the secondary control stage and the IOC in the primary control stage is proposed to determine the set of references that allows the stabilization of the network under load variations. The main advantage of the IOC is that this control method ensures the closed-loop stability of the whole MT-HVDC system using a control Lyapunov function to determine the optimal control law. Numerical results in a reduced version of the CIGRE MT-HVDC system show the effectiveness of the IOC to stabilize the system under large disturbance scenarios, such as short-circuit events and topology changes. All the simulations are carried out in the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
An Imaging Enhancement Method for a Terahertz Rotation Mirror Imaging System Based on a Scale-Recurrent Network
Authors: You Chengwu , Long Zhenyu , Liu Defeng , Liu Wei , Wang Tianyi , Yang Zhengang , Wang Kejia , Liu Jinsong
Published: November 2021

The terahertz (THz) rotation mirror imaging system is an alternative to the THz array imaging system. A THz rotation mirror imaging system costs less than a THz array imaging system, while the imaging speed of a THz rotation mirror imaging system is much higher than the imaging speed of a THz raster-scan imaging system under the same hardware conditions. However, there is some distortion in the THz image from the THz rotation mirror imaging system. The distortion, which makes images from the THz rotation mirror imaging system difficult to identify, results from the imaging principle of the THz rotation mirror imaging system. In this article, a method based on the scale-recurrent network (SRN) is put in place to correct the distortion. A comparison between distorted THz images and corrected images shows that the proposed method significantly increases the structural similarity between the THz images and the samples.