bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Affinity/High-Selectivity Dopamine Transport Inhibition Sufficient to Rescue Cognitive Functions in the Aging Rat
Authors: Lubec Jana , Hussein Ahmed M. , Kalaba Predrag , Feyissa Daniel Daba , Arias-Sandoval Edgar , Cybulska-Klosowicz Anita , Bezu Mekite , Stojanovic Tamara , Korz Volker , Malikovic Jovana , Aher Nilima Y. , Zehl Martin , Dragacevic Vladimir , Leban Johann Jakob , Sagheddu Claudia , Wackerlig Judith , Pistis Marco , Correa Merce , Langer Thierry , Urban Ernst , Höger Harald , Lubec Gert
Published: March 2023

The worldwide increase in cognitive decline, both in aging and with psychiatric disorders, warrants a search for pharmacological treatment. Although dopaminergic treatment approaches represent a major step forward, current dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors are not sufficiently specific as they also target other transporters and receptors, thus showing unwanted side effects. Herein, we describe an enantiomerically pure, highly specific DAT inhibitor, S-CE-123, synthetized in our laboratory. Following binding studies to DAT, NET and SERT, GPCR and kinome screening, pharmacokinetics and a basic neurotoxic screen, S-CE-123 was tested for its potential to enhance and/or rescue cognitive functions in young and in aged rats in the non-invasive reward-motivated paradigm of a hole-board test for spatial learning. In addition, an open field study with young rats was carried out. We demonstrated that S-CE-123 is a low-affinity but highly selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor with good bioavailability. S-CE-123 did not induce hyperlocomotion or anxiogenic or stereotypic behaviour in young rats. Our compound improved the performance of aged but not young rats in a reward-motivated task. The well-described impairment of the dopaminergic system in aging may underlie the age-specific effect. We propose S-CE-123 as a possible candidate for developing a tentative therapeutic strategy for age-related cognitive decline and cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric disorders.
Training vs. Tolerance: The Yin/Yang of the Innate Immune System
Authors: Lajqi Trim , Köstlin-Gille Natascha , Bauer Reinhard , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Lajqi Esra , Ajeti Valdrina , Dietz Stefanie , Kranig Simon A. , Rühle Jessica , Demaj Ardian , Hebel Janine , Bartosova Maria , Frommhold David , Hudalla Hannes , Gille Christian
Published: March 2023

For almost nearly a century, memory functions have been attributed only to acquired immune cells. Lately, this paradigm has been challenged by an increasing number of studies revealing that innate immune cells are capable of exhibiting memory-like features resulting in increased responsiveness to subsequent challenges, a process known as trained immunity (known also as innate memory). In contrast, the refractory state of endotoxin tolerance has been defined as an immunosuppressive state of myeloid cells portrayed by a significant reduction in the inflammatory capacity. Both training as well tolerance as adaptive features are reported to be accompanied by epigenetic and metabolic alterations occurring in cells. While training conveys proper protection against secondary infections, the induction of endotoxin tolerance promotes repairing mechanisms in the cells. Consequently, the inappropriate induction of these adaptive cues may trigger maladaptive effects, promoting an increased susceptibility to secondary infections—tolerance, or contribute to the progression of the inflammatory disorder—trained immunity. This review aims at the discussion of these opposing manners of innate immune and non-immune cells, describing the molecular, metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms involved and interpreting the clinical implications in various inflammatory pathologies.
Central Pattern Generator with Defined Pulse Signals for Compliant-Resistant Control of Biped Robots
Authors: Xu Zihan , Fang Qin , Liu Chengju , Chen Qijun
Published: March 2023

For biped robots, the ability to maintain balance under external forces is an essential requirement. Inspired by human beings’ behaviors to resist external forces, a compliant-resistant balance-control method is proposed to keep the biped robot balance subjected to an external force. A model-free trajectory generator is designed based on the central pattern generator (CPG) to generate compliant-resistant human-like behavior. The CPG pattern generator generates the desired pulse signal utilizing Matsuoka’s CPG. The signal modulator applies the defined signal to the robot’s center of mass (CoM) to generate the workspace trajectory when standing on double feet. Moreover, when standing on single foot, the output signal of the CPG will directly act on the hip joint of the robot to generate the joint space trajectory. Furthermore, the motion engine calculates the workspace trajectory into joint sequence values. The proposed control strategy can generate defined pulse signals to realize compliant-resistant balance control for biped robots. The control strategy proposed in this paper is verified in the NAO simulation environment.
Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 3
Authors: Gebeshuber Ille C.
Published: March 2023

Biomimetic nanotechnology pertains to the fundamental elements of living systems and the translation of their properties into human applications. The underlying functionalities of biological materials, structures and processes are primarily rooted in the nanoscale domain, serving as a source of inspiration for materials science, medicine, physics, sensor technologies, smart materials science and other interdisciplinary fields. The Biomimetics Special Issues Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vols. 1–3 feature a collection of research and review articles contributed by experts in the field, delving into significant realms of biomimetic nanotechnology. This publication, Vol. 3, comprises four research articles and one review article, which offer valuable insights and inspiration for innovative approaches inspired by Nature’s living systems. The spectrum of the articles is wide and deep and ranges from genetics, traditional medicine, origami, fungi and quartz to green synthesis of nanoparticles.
Effect Mechanism of Extracurricular Tuition and Implications on “Double Reduction” Policy: Extracurricular Tuition Intensity, Psychological Resilience, and Academic Performance
Authors: Fu Chengzhe , Ou Haolin , Mo Tingyang , Liao Liao
Published: March 2023

Since its implementation in July 2021, the “double reduction (the reduction of the excessive academic burden on primary and middle school students, and the over-heated off-campus tutoring)” policy (“the Policy”), which aims to foster a sound environment for extracurricular education, has attracted much social attention. At the preliminary stage where data and cases are insufficient, it is of theoretical and practical significance to evaluate extracurricular tuition and its effect mechanism before the Policy was implemented. This study analyzed the said question based on the data from the China Education Panel Survey between 2014 and 2015 (CEPS2014–2015) by virtue of propensity score matching (PSM) and the intermediate effect. The research found that: (1) extracurricular tuition (ET) is positively correlated with academic performance (AP); (2) high and low extracurricular tuition intensities (ETIs) show no difference in improving academic performance, and the group analysis shows that extracurricular tuition is influenced by the “optimal starting zone (OSZ)”; and (3) psychological resilience (PR) is an intermediate variable of extracurricular tuition, which acts as a “conversion valve”. Based on the above findings, the research raised the following suggestions. Firstly, we suggest to emphasize the promotion effect of after-class service on students’ academic performance and switch the functions of extracurricular tuition to after-sale service. Then, pay attention to the reverse effect of high extracurricular tuition intensity on students’ physical and psychological health and their academic performance. In practice, explore the effective “optimal starting zone” of extracurricular tuition for students. Lastly, cultivate students’ psychological resilience by shifting the core of education quality improvement from simple stacking of disciplinary knowledge to psychological health development.
Myelotoxicity of Temozolomide Treatment in Patients with Glioblastoma Is It Time for a More Mechanistic Approach?
Authors: Said Medhat M. , Broen Martinus P. G. , Swart Eleonora L. , Bartelink Imke H. , Kouwenhoven Mathilde C. M.
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary central nervous system tumor, with an incidence of 3 [...]
Therapeutic Modifications without Discontinuation of Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Therapy Are Associated with Favorable Overall Survival and Time to Progression in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tokunaga Takayuki , Tateyama Masakuni , Kondo Yasuteru , Miuma Satoshi , Miyase Shiho , Tanaka Kentaro , Narahara Satoshi , Inada Hiroki , Kurano Sotaro , Yoshimaru Yoko , Nagaoka Katsuya , Watanabe Takehisa , Setoyama Hiroko , Fukubayashi Kotaro , Tanaka Motohiko , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: March 2023

We retrospectively evaluated the impact of therapeutic modifications of atezolizumab (Atezo) plus bevacizumab (Bev) therapy (Atezo/Bev), including the interruption or discontinuation of both Atezo and Bev, and the reduction or discontinuation of Bev, on the outcome of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) (median observation period: 9.40 months). One hundred uHCC from five hospitals were included. Therapeutic modifications without discontinuation of both Atezo and Bev (n = 46) were associated with favorable overall survival (median not reached; hazard ratio (HR): 0.23) and time to progression (median: 10.00 months; HR: 0.23) with no therapeutic modification defined as the reference. In contrast, the discontinuation of both Atezo and Bev without other therapeutic modifications (n = 20) was associated with unfavorable overall survival (median: 9.63 months; HR: 2.72) and time to progression (median: 2.53 months; HR: 2.78). Patients with modified albumin–bilirubin grade 2b liver function (n = 43) or immune-related adverse events (irAEs) (n = 31) discontinued both Atezo and Bev without other therapeutic modifications more frequently (30.2% and 35.5%, respectively) than those with modified albumin–bilirubin grade 1 (10.2%) and without irAEs (13.0%). Patients with objective response (n = 48) experienced irAEs more frequently (n = 21) than those without (n = 10) (p = 0.027). Avoiding the discontinuation of both Atezo and Bev without other therapeutic modifications may be the optimal management of uHCC.
Results of a 20 Year Retrospective Analysis of Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: Should 3 cm Be Considered the New Ariadne’s Thread in Early Cervical Cancer Treatment?
Authors: Serouart Benjamin , Cordoba Abel , Martinez-Gomez Carlos , Bogart Emilie , Le Deley Marie Cecile , Leblanc Éric , Hudry Delphine , Escande Alexandre , Le Tinier Florence , Pasquesoone Camille , Taieb Sophie , El Hajj Houssein , Narducci Fabrice
Published: March 2023

(1) This study aims to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survivals (RFS) and assess disease recurrence of early-stage cervical cancer (ESCC) patients treated with minimally invasive surgery (MIS). (2) This single-center retrospective analysis was performed between January 1999 and December 2018, including all patients managed with MIS for ESCC. (3) All 239 patients included in the study underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy followed by radical hysterectomy without the use of an intrauterine manipulator. Preoperative brachytherapy was performed in 125 patients with tumors measuring 2 to 4 cm. The 5-year OS and RFS rates were 92% and 86.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis found two significant factors associated with recurrence: previous conization with HR = 0.21, p = 0.01, and tumor size > 3 cm with HR = 2.26, p = 0.031. Out of the 33 cases of disease recurrence, we witnessed 22 disease-related deaths. Recurrence rates were 7.5%, 12.9%, and 24.1% for tumors measuring ≤ 2 cm, 2 to 3 cm, and > 3 cm, respectively. Tumors ≤ 2 cm were mostly associated with local recurrences. Tumors > 2 cm were frequently associated with common iliac or presacral lymph node recurrences. (4) MIS may still be considered for tumors ≤ 2 cm subject to first conization followed by surgery with the Schautheim procedure and extended pelvic lymphadenectomy. Due to the increased rate of recurrence, a more aggressive approach might be considered for tumors > 3 cm.
Precision Surgery in NSCLC
Authors: Cannone Giorgio , Comacchio Giovanni Maria , Pasello Giulia , Faccioli Eleonora , Schiavon Marco , Dell’Amore Andrea , Mammana Marco , Rea Federico
Published: March 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide. This is mostly because the majority of lung cancers are discovered in advanced stages. In the era of conventional chemotherapy, the prognosis of advanced NSCLC was grim. Important results have been reported in thoracic oncology since the discovery of new molecular alterations and of the role of the immune system. The advent of new therapies has radically changed the approach to lung cancer for a subset of patients with advanced NSCLC, and the concept of incurable disease is still changing. In this setting, surgery seems to have developed a role of rescue therapy for some patients. In precision surgery, the decision to perform surgical procedures is tailored to the individual patient; taking into consideration not only clinical stage, but also clinical and molecular features. Multimodality treatments incorporating surgery, immune checkpoint inhibitors, or targeted agents are feasible in high volume centers with good results in terms of pathologic response and patient morbidity. Thanks to a better understanding of tumor biology, precision thoracic surgery will facilitate optimal and individualized patient selection and treatment, with the goal of improving the outcomes of patients affected by NSCLC.
The Prognostic Value of the Serum Level of C-Reactive Protein for Survival of Children with Ewing’s Sarcoma
Authors: Errani Costantino , Traversari Matteo , Cosentino Monica , Manfrini Marco , Basoli Stefano , Tsukamoto Shinji , Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Bordini Barbara , Donati Davide Maria
Published: March 2023

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in children with Ewing’s sarcoma. We conducted a retrospective study on 151 children undergoing multimodal treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma in the appendicular skeleton from December 1997 to June 2020. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses of laboratory biomarkers and clinical parameters showed that CRP and metastatic disease at presentation were poor prognostic factors associated with overall survival and disease recurrence at 5 years (p < 0.05). A multivariate Cox regression model showed that pathological CRP (≥1.0 mg/dL) [HR of 3.67; 95% CI, 1.46 to 10.42] and metastatic disease [HR of 4.27; 95% CI, 1.58 to 11.47] were associated with a higher risk of death at 5 years (p < 0.05). In addition, pathological CRP (≥1.0 mg/dL) [HR of 2.66; 95% CI, 1.23 to 6.01] and metastatic disease [HR of 2.56; 95% CI, 1.13 to 5.55] were associated with a higher risk of disease recurrence at 5 years (p < 0.05). Our findings demonstrated that CRP was associated with the prognosis of children with Ewing’s sarcoma. We recommend pre-treatment measurement of the CRP in order to recognize children with Ewing’s sarcoma who are at greater risk of death or local recurrence.
Environmentally Benign Nanoparticles for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Pharmaceutical Drugs
Authors: Quddus Farah , Shah Afzal , Iftikhar Faiza Jan , Shah Noor Samad , Haleem Abdul
Published: March 2023

A rapid rise in industrialization has led to the release of pharmaceutical pollutants into water bodies, rendering water inappropriate for consumption by humans and animals, challenging our efforts to achieve the clean water sustainable development goal. These pharmaceutical pollutants include antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antidepressants, etc., which are highly stable and persistent in water, in addition to being harmful to life. At times, the secondary pollutant that is formed after degradation is more potent than the parent drug. Conventional water purification methods cannot completely remove these pollutants. Hence, efficient and robust methods are required to degrade pharmaceutical waste. Photocatalytic degradation of drugs is deemed an efficient and effective method for environmental remediation, along with recovery of photocatalysts, which are important for recycling and sustainable use. Herein, we present the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) and their application for photocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical waste as a preferred water treatment method. Additionally, green synthesis of photocatalytic nanomaterials offers the benefit of avoiding secondary pollution. The green synthesis of NPs is employed by using plant extracts that offer a number of metabolites as reducing agents or capping agents, as well as the use of microbes as green nanofactories to tackle the issue of water cleanliness with respect to pharmaceutical waste. Despite regulations concerning drug disposal, some underdeveloped countries do not enforce and practice these guidelines in letter and spirit. Hence, the current work presenting a promising water cleanliness method is expected to contribute to the assurance of strict policy compliance and enforcement, resulting in the resolution of the health concerns with respect to hazardous pharmaceutical waste disposal in water bodies.
Application of BiOX Photocatalyst to Activate Peroxydisulfate Ion-Investigation of a Combined Process for the Removal of Organic Pollutants from Water
Authors: Alapi Tünde , Veres Bence , Náfrádi Máté , Farkas Luca , Pap Zsolt , Covic Anett
Published: March 2023

The persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes employing heterogeneous photocatalysts to generate sulfate radicals (SO4•−) from peroxydisulfate ion (PDS, S2O82−) have been extensively investigated to remove organic pollutants. In this work, BiOX (X = Cl, Br, and I) photocatalysts were investigated to activate PDS and enhance the transformation rate of various organic substances under UV (398 nm) and Vis (400–700 nm) radiation. For BiOCl and BiOBr, in addition to excitability, the light-induced oxygen vacancies are decisive in the activity. Although without organic substances, the BiOI efficiency highly exceeds that of BiOBr and BiOCl for PDS activation (for BiOI, 15–20%, while for BiOBr and BiOCl, only 3–4% of the PDS transformed); each BiOX catalyst showed enhanced activity for 1,4-hydroquinone (HQ) transformation due to the semiquinone radical-initiated PDS activation. For sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP), the transformation is driven by direct charge transfer, and the effect of PDS was less manifested. BiOI proved efficient for transforming various organic substances even under Vis radiation. The efficiency was enhanced by PDS addition (HQ is wholly transformed within 20 min, and SMP conversion increased from 40% to 90%) without damaging the catalyst; its activity did change over three consecutive cycles. Results related to the well-adsorbed trimethoprim (TRIM) and application of biologically treated domestic wastewater as a matrix highlighted the limiting factors of the method and visible light active photocatalyst, BiOI.
Bandpass Sigma–Delta Modulation: The Path toward RF-to-Digital Conversion in Software-Defined Radio
Authors: de la Rosa Jose M.
Published: March 2023

This paper reviews the state of the art on bandpass ΣΔ modulators (BP-ΣΔMs) intended to digitize radio frequency (RF) signals. A priori, this is the most direct way to implement software-defined radio (SDR) systems since the analog/digital interface is placed closer to the antenna, thus reducing the analog circuitry and doing most of the signal processing in the digital domain. In spite of their higher programmability and scalability, RF BP-ΣΔM analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) require more energy to operate in the GHz range as compared with their low-pass (LP) counterparts. This makes conventional direct conversion receivers (DCRs) the commonplace approach due to their overall smaller energy consumption. This paper surveys some circuits and systems techniques which can make RF ADCs and SDR-based transceivers more efficient and feasible to be embedded in mobile terminals.
Model-Based Predictive Control of a Solar Hybrid Thermochemical Reactor for High-Temperature Steam Gasification of Biomass
Authors: Karout Youssef , Curcio Axel , Eynard Julien , Thil Stéphane , Rodat Sylvain , Abanades Stéphane , Vuillerme Valéry , Grieu Stéphane
Published: March 2023

The present paper deals with both the modeling and the dynamic control of a solar hybrid thermochemical reactor designed to produce syngas through the high-temperature steam gasification of biomass. First, a model of the reactor based on the thermodynamic equilibrium is presented. The Cantera toolbox is used. Then, a model-based predictive controller (MPC) is proposed with the aim of maintaining the reactor’s temperature at its nominal value, thus preserving the reactor’s stability. This is completed by adjusting the mirrors’ defocusing factor or burning a part of the biomass to compensate for variations of direct normal irradiance (DNI) round the clock. This controller is compared to a reference controller, which is defined as a combination of a rule-based controller and an adaptive proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller with optimized gains. The robustness of the MPC controller to forecast errors is also studied by testing different DNI forecasts: perfect forecasts, smart persistence forecasts and image-based forecasts. Because of a high optimization time, the Cantera function is replaced with a 2D interpolation function. The results show that (1) the developed MPC controller outperforms the reference controller, (2) the integration of image-based DNI forecasts produces lower root mean squared error (RMSE) values, and (3) the optimization time is significantly reduced thanks to the proposed interpolation function.
Sprayed-Polyurea-Modified Asphalt: Optimal Preparation Parameters, Rheological Properties and Thermal Properties
Authors: Peng Qinyuan , Sun Xiaolong , Liu Zhisheng , Jin Jiao , Yu Huayang , Yin Yingmei
Published: March 2023

For promoting modifying application of sprayed polyurea (SPUA) in asphalt pavement materials, the effects of sprayed polyurea materials on high-temperature and fatigue performance of asphalt binders were investigated from different aspects. First, the optimal preparation parameters of sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binders (SPMAs) were determined by designing an orthogonal test. Then, the high-temperature and fatigue properties of sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binders with different contents were characterized by rheological testing methods, including Brookfield rotary viscosity (RV) test, performance grading (PG) test, multiple stress creep recover (MSCR) test, linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test and time sweeping (TS) test. Finally, the thermal properties of the asphalt binders were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test. The results showed that the optimum preparation parameters were determined by the extreme difference analysis method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) method, and the shearing time was 40 min, the shearing rate was 6000 rpm and the shearing temperature was 150 °C. Sprayed polyurea positively affected high-temperature performance of asphalt binders and could improve fatigue resistance of asphalt binders. Moreover, the Brookfield rotary viscosity test, multiple stress creep recover test and linear amplitude sweep test had high sensitivity to the performance of sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binder, which could help to distinguish the effect of sprayed polyurea dosing on performance of asphalt binders accurately. The differential scanning calorimetry test showed that sprayed polyurea was beneficial to high-temperature stability of asphalt binders, which explains the reason why sprayed-polyurea-modified asphalt binders have excellent high-temperature performance from a microscopic perspective.
Infection Prevention and Control in Public Hospitals and COVID-19 Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities in the Philippines: Results of a Baseline Survey
Authors: de Claro Vergil , Bautista Noemi , Torralba Ma. Rosario , Castro Vina Vanessa , Lucero Miguel Angelo , Molleno Lady Jedfeliz , Stan Laurentiu
Published: March 2023

Infection prevention and control measures are effective at protecting patients and healthcare workers from healthcare-acquired infections, averting onward transmission of the disease and mitigating the impact of the outbreak on the healthcare system. This study assessed the compliance of public hospitals and isolation facilities with a set of standards for COVID-19 infection prevention and control. A 35-point questionnaire was developed and utilized to collect data from selected facilities in 38 local government units across the country. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and differences between island groups were tested using Pearson’s χ2 test for categorical variables. The results indicate that hospitals reported better infection prevention and control preparedness and compliance than temporary treatment and monitoring facilities in the domains of engineering and administrative controls. However, weak compliance was observed in a number of indicators for waste management in both types of facilities. These suggest that periodic monitoring and the augmentation of resources are necessary to sustain adherence to standards and to immediately address compliance gaps. In addition, systemic improvements through sufficient planning and long-term investments are required to sustain infection prevention and control practices over time.
Comparison of the Laser-Repairing Features of TC4 Titanium Alloy with Different Repaired Layers
Authors: Qie Xiwang , Li Liqun , Guo Pengfei , Huang Yichen , Zhou Jianxin
Published: March 2023

The laser repairing of TC4 holes was successfully performed with three and five layers under 2.5 mm and 1.0 mm diameters of laser spot, respectively. Experimental and numerical simulations were employed to clarify the influence of the repaired layers on microstructure, residual stress and strength. Optimized parameters were selected based on satisfactory formations. For the laser-repairing process with three layers, optimized parameters were selected as 1100 W laser power, 0.6 m/min scanning speed and 5 g/min powder feeding rate. For the laser-repairing process with five layers, optimized parameters were 800 W laser power, 0.9 m/min scanning speed and 3.5 g/min powder feeding rate. Numerical simulation showed that higher residual stress and larger repairing deformation would be produced when five repairing layers were adopted due to a more severe thermal accumulation effect. The microstructure from the TC4 matrix to the repaired area was orderly lamellar α phase + intercrystalline β phase-basketweave structure-martensite structure-widmannstatten structure. Tensile test results showed that higher tensile strength (910.5 MPa) would be obtained when three repaired layers were adopted.
Gametogenic Cycle of the Oysters Pinctada capensis (Sowerby III, 1890) and Saccostrea cucullata (Born, 1778) (Class Bivalvia) in Inhaca Island, Southern Mozambique: A Subsidy for Bivalve Culture in the Region
Authors: Mafambissa Mizeque , Rodrigues Mery , Taimo Torres , Andrade Carlos , Lindegart Mats , Macia Adriano
Published: March 2023

This study describes reproductive aspects of the Pinctada capensis (pearl oyster) and Saccostrea cucullata (rocky shore oyster) in Inhaca Island, southern Mozambique (Western Indian Ocean). Adult oysters were collected monthly over two years within seagrass banks for P. capensis and rocky shore habitats for S. cucullata. The animals were evaluated using biometric and histological analyses of the gonads. Of the total population, females were predominant among larger individuals (>55 mm) and males were more dominant among smaller individuals (<55 mm) for both species. The sex ratio was (1 M–1.5 F) for Pinctada capensis and (1 M–1.6 F) for Saccostrea cucullata. Five gonad maturation stages were identified: indifferent, developing I, developing II, ripe and spent. The size at first maturity was mm and 26.2 mm for pearl oysters females and males, respectively, whereas for rocky shore oysters was 32.8 and 28.3 mm for females and males, respectively. We conclude that the reproduction of S. cucullata and P. capensis occurs mainly in summer, with a short resting period in winter, when many oysters are in the indifferent stage. These results provide valuable information to fisheries for management of both species in the area.
On New Species of Three Genera of Zosimeidae Seifried, 2003 (Copepoda: Harpacticoida) from the Deep Sea of the Gulf of California and Gulf of Mexico, with Notes on the Phylogeny of the Family and on the Species Groups of Zosime Boeck, 1873
Authors: Gómez Samuel , Yáñez-Rivera Beatriz
Published: March 2023

Thirty-one nominal species of the benthic harpacticoid family Zosimeidae Seifried, 2003 are known from several coastal systems less than 200 m depth and the deep sea. Several copepods of the family Zosimeidae were found in deep-sea sediment samples from the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California (Mexico). The Mexican material represents new species of the genera Zosime Boeck, 1873, Peresime Dinet, 1974, Heterozosime Kim and Lee, 2021, and Acritozosime Kim and Lee, 2021. Standardized and complete descriptions for these new species are provided. Previous studies have shown that the genus Zosime can be subdivided into two species groups. We performed phylogenetic analyses (88 characters and 42 taxa) to test the naturalness of such subdivision, to subdivide these groupings further, and to shed some light on the phylogenetic relationships among the zosimeid genera and their species. Our results confirmed (i) the monophyly of previous subdivisions of the genus Zosime, and (ii) that the genus Zosime can be further subdivided into two major subgroups composed of several subordinate clades. Additionally, some comments on the phylogenetic hypotheses amongst the species of each genus reported here, are provided.
Dataset AqADAPT: Physicochemical Parameters, Vibrio Abundance, and Species Determination in Water Columns of Two Adriatic Sea Aquaculture Sites
Authors: Purgar Marija , Kapetanović Damir , Gavrilović Ana , Hackenberger Branimir K. , Kurtović Božidar , Haberle Ines , Pečar Ilić Jadranka , Geček Sunčana , Hackenberger Domagoj K. , Djerdj Tamara , Bavčević Lav , Žunić Jakov , Barac Fran , Šoštarić Vulić Zvjezdana , Klanjšček Tin
Published: March 2023

Aquaculture provides more than 50% of all seafood for human consumption. This important industrial sector is already under pressure from climate-change-induced shifts in water column temperature, nutrient loads, precipitation patterns, microbial community composition, and ocean acidification, all affecting fish welfare. Disease-related risks are also shifting with important implications for risk from vibriosis, a disease that can lead to massive economic losses. Adaptation to these pressures pose numerous challenges for aquaculture producers, policy makers, and researchers. The dataset AqADAPT aims to help the development of management and adaptation tools by providing (i) measurements of physicochemical (temperature, salinity, total dissolved solids, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, transparency, total nitrogen, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, total phosphorus, total particulate matter, particulate organic matter, and particulate inorganic matter) and microbiological (heterotrophic (total) bacteria, fecal indicators, and Vibrio abundance) parameters of seawater and (ii) biochemical determination of culturable bacteria in two locations near floating cage fish farms in the Adriatic Sea. Water sampling was conducted seasonally in two fish farms (Cres and Vrgada) and corresponding reference (control) sites between 2019 and 2021 of four vertical layers for a total of 108 observations: the surface, 6 m, 12 m, and the bottom.
FDTD Simulations of Sweat Ducts and Hair at 0.45 THz
Authors: Vilagosh Zoltan , Foroughimehr Negin , Lajevardipour Alireza , Wood Andrew W.
Published: March 2023

Advances in Terahertz frequency electromagnetic radiation (THz) production technologies have produced an increasing interest in exploring possible applications. New applications will inevitably lead to increased incidental interaction of humans with THz radiation. Given that the wavelength of THz radiation is in the same order of magnitude as the dimensions of skin structures such as hair and sweat ducts, the possibility of interaction among these structures is of interest. The interaction was studied utilizing Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations using a far-field excitation of 0.45 THz. No antenna-like effects were detected. Regions of increased specific absorption rate (SAR) due to reactive near-field effects with both the hair and sweat ducts were found in the order of 0.01–0.05 mm and 0.001–0.002 mm, respectively. Simulations using unwound sweat ducts yielded the same penetration pattern as the helical structure, indicating that the helical structure has no impact on the propagation of THz radiation in skin.
Karla: A Simple and Affordable 3-D Printed Body-Powered Prosthetic Hand with Versatile Gripping Technology
Authors: Satriawan Ardianto , Trusaji Wildan , Irianto Dradjad , Anshori Isa , Setianingsih Casi , Nurtriandari Erza , Goesasi Rachmat Zulkarnain
Published: March 2023

Losing a hand can significantly impact an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. Prosthetic hands can help restore some function and independence for individuals who have lost a hand. However, the prosthetic hands available on the market are prohibitively expensive, especially for developing countries, such as Indonesia. Commercial electronically powered prosthetic hands can be expensive, having prices ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 and annual maintenance costs ranging from $500 to $3000. In contrast, body-powered prosthetic hands are generally cheaper, ranging from $2000 to $10,000, but are still considered expensive for many people in developing countries. To make prosthetic hands more accessible, we have designed a body-powered prosthetic hand, “Karla”, using affordable materials and with as few components as possible. This report presents our proposed designs, the innovations, the parts in detail, and experiences using the designed prosthetic hand. The highlight of our design is a novel whippletree-like mechanism that utilizes the 3-D space to contract the fingers of the prosthetic hand.
Factors Associated with Impaired Resistive Reserve Ratio and Microvascular Resistance Reserve
Authors: Yamazaki Tatsuro , Saito Yuichi , Yamashita Daichi , Kitahara Hideki , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: March 2023

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is described as an important subset of ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease. Resistive reserve ratio (RRR) and microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) have been proposed as novel physiological indices evaluating coronary microvascular dilation function. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with impaired RRR and MRR. Coronary physiological indices were invasively evaluated in the left anterior descending coronary artery using the thermodilution method in patients suspected of CMD. CMD was defined as a coronary flow reserve <2.0 and/or index of microcirculatory resistance ≥25. Of 117 patients, 26 (24.1%) had CMD. RRR (3.1 ± 1.9 vs. 6.2 ± 3.2, p < 0.001) and MRR (3.4 ± 1.9 vs. 6.9 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) were lower in the CMD group. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, RRR (area under the curve 0.84, p < 0.001) and MRR (area under the curve 0.85, p < 0.001) were both predictive of the presence of CMD. In the multivariable analysis, previous myocardial infarction, lower hemoglobin, higher brain natriuretic peptide levels, and intracoronary nicorandil were identified as factors associated with lower RRR and MRR. In conclusion, the presence of previous myocardial infarction, anemia, and heart failure was associated with impaired coronary microvascular dilation function. RRR and MRR may be useful to identify patients with CMD.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Measuring Novel pH-Impedance Metrics for Optimal Diagnosis of GERD
Authors: Wong Ming-Wun , Rogers Benjamin D. , Liu Min-Xiang , Lei Wei-Yi , Liu Tso-Tsai , Yi Chih-Hsun , Hung Jui-Sheng , Liang Shu-Wei , Tseng Chiu-Wang , Wang Jen-Hung , Wu Ping-An , Chen Chien-Lin
Published: March 2023

Novel metrics extracted from pH-impedance monitoring can augment the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Artificial intelligence (AI) is being widely used to improve the diagnostic capabilities of various diseases. In this review, we update the current literature regarding applications of artificial intelligence in measuring novel pH-impedance metrics. AI demonstrates high performance in the measurement of impedance metrics, including numbers of reflux episodes and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index and, furthermore, extracts baseline impedance from the entire pH-impedance study. AI is expected to play a reliable role in facilitating measuring novel impedance metrics in patients with GERD in the near future.
Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers for Suppressing Tumorigenesis and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Mishra Divya , Mishra Ashish , Rai Sachchida Nand , Vamanu Emanuel , Singh Mohan P.
Published: March 2023

Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases developed through tumorigenesis and could be fatal if it reaches the metastatic phase. The novelty of the present investigation is to explore the prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that could develop glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) due to metastasis. The analysis was conducted using RNA-seq datasets for both HCC (PRJNA494560 and PRJNA347513) and GBM (PRJNA494560 and PRJNA414787) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). This study identified 13 hub genes found to be overexpressed in both GBM and HCC. A promoter methylation study showed these genes to be hypomethylated. Validation through genetic alteration and missense mutations resulted in chromosomal instability, leading to improper chromosome segregation, causing aneuploidy. A 13-gene predictive model was obtained and validated using a KM plot. These hub genes could be prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, inhibition of which could suppress tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Primary Bone Lymphoma: A Review of the Literature with Emphasis on Histopathology and Histogenesis
Authors: Kanavos Theofilos , Birbas Effrosyni , Papoudou-Bai Alexandra , Hatzimichael Eleftheria , Kitsouli Aikaterini , Karpathiou Georgia , Kanavaros Panagiotis
Published: March 2023

Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare neoplasm of malignant lymphoid cells presenting with one or more bone lesions without nodal or other extranodal involvement. It accounts for approximately 1% of all lymphomas and 7% of malignant primary bone tumors. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) represents the predominant histological type and constitutes over 80% of all cases. PBL may occur at all ages with a typical diagnosis age of 45–60 years and a slight male predominance. Local bone pain, soft tissue edema, palpable mass and pathological fracture are the most common clinical features. Diagnosis of the disease, which is frequently delayed due to its non-specific clinical presentation, is based on the combination of clinical examination and imaging studies and confirmed by combined histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. PBL can develop in any part of the skeleton, although it occurs most commonly in the femur, humerus, tibia, spine and pelvis. The imaging appearance of PBL is highly variable and unspecific. In terms of the cell-of-origin, most cases of primary bone DLBCL (PB-DLBCL), NOS belong to the germinal center B-cell-like subtype and specifically originate from germinal center centrocytes. PB-DLBCL, NOS has been considered a distinct clinical entity based on its particular prognosis, histogenesis, gene expression and mutational profile and miRNA signature. PBL carries a favorable prognosis, especially when treated with combined chemoradiotherapy.
Teaching Written Argumentation to High School Students Using Peer Feedback Methods—Case Studies on the Effectiveness of Digital Learning Units in Teacher Professionalization
Authors: Morawski Michael , Budke Alexandra
Published: March 2023

Fostering argumentation competences in geography classrooms is critical from both a language-aware and content-complexity perspective. Peer feedback can be a successful method for geography teachers to successfully promote written argumentation skills in the (political geography) classroom. The peer feedback method has many empirically verified advantages in educational research and is also successfully used in bilingual education. To ensure that future teachers have verified methods at their fingertips, geography education is in demand by dealing professionally with OERs. The paper examines the extent to which a group of student teachers (n = 16) can be professionalized through an OER unit in how they use peer feedback methods to foster (written) argumentation competence in their future pupils. The research question of the paper is to what extent and in which areas does the OER unit improve the teaching competencies of student teachers in the area of promoting the argumentation competencies of their future students with peer feedback methods? This study provides highly relevant impulses for the future implementation of language-aware professionalization of geography teachers using digital learning units.
Hybrid Precoding Applied to Multi-Beam Transmitting Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (T-RIS)
Authors: Demmer David , Foglia Manzillo Francesco , Gharbieh Samara , Śmierzchalski Maciej , D’Errico Raffaele , Doré Jean-Baptiste , Clemente Antonio
Published: March 2023

In this work, we study hybrid precoding techniques applied to multi-user Transmitting Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (T-RIS) systems. The T-RIS considered here is a large array of electronically reconfigurable antenna elements illuminated by a small set of active sources. When it comes to digital signal-processing techniques applied to T-RIS systems, it is necessary to consider realistic models to bridge the gap with theoretical results. For this reason, we propose a multi-beam T-RIS propagation model with strong phase quantization constraints and limited beam codebooks. First, the proposed model is validated by characterizing a Ka-band T-RIS. Then, we optimize the quad-beam T-RIS structure by tuning the focal distance between the lens and the focal sources according to two metrics: (i) the per-user antenna gain (analog-only approach), and (ii) the per-user average rate (hybrid digital/analog approach). For both indicators, the system performance is evaluated in a multi-user scenario by assuming imperfect channel state information. We show that considering only the analog precoder is sufficient to optimize the T-RIS. However, the fully hybrid precoding scheme is required to deal with inter-user interference. We propose a codebook-aware optimization that improves the aperture efficiency of the T-RIS system.
One-Dimensional Maximum Power Point Tracking Design of Switched-Capacitor Charge Pumps for Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Nono Koichi , Tanzawa Toru
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a one-dimensional (1D) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) design which only requires measurement of one parameter (the input voltage of a switched-capacitor charge pump) for calibrating a power converter including the charge pump and thermoelectric generator. The frequency of the clock to drive the charge pump is designed to minimize the circuit area of the entire charge pump circuit for generating a target output current at a specific output voltage. The ratio of the capacitance value of each boosting capacitor (C) to the size of the switching MOSFET can be determined to maximize the transferring current at the same time. When a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is given, its output impedance is determined. Its open-circuit voltage varies with the temperature difference between two plates of the TEG. MPPT maximizes the output power of the charge pump even when the temperature difference varies. It was indicated that the number of stages of charge pump (N) needs to increase when the temperature difference lowers, whereas C needs to decrease inversely proportional to N, meaning that the C–N product should be kept unchanged for MPPT. Demonstration of the circuit design was conducted in 65 nm CMOS, and the measured results validated the concept of the 1D MPPT.
Optimal Configuration and Scheduling Model of a Multi-Park Integrated Energy System Based on Sustainable Development
Authors: Gao Fangjie , Gao Jianwei , Huang Ningbo , Wu Haoyu
Published: March 2023

To maximize the utilization of renewable energy (RE) as much as possible in cold areas while reducing traditional energy use and carbon dioxide emissions, a three-layer configuration optimization and scheduling model considering a multi-park integrated energy system (MPIES), a shared energy storage power station (SESPS), and a hydrogen refueling station (HRS) cooperation based on the Wasserstein generative adversarial networks, the simultaneous backward reduction technique, and the Quantity-Contour (WGAN-SBR_QC) method is proposed. Firstly, the WGAN-SBR_QC method is used to generate typical scenarios of RE output. Secondly, a three-layer configuration and schedule optimization model is constructed using MPIES, SESPS, and HRS. Finally, the model’s validity is investigated by selecting a multi-park in Eastern Mongolia. The results show that: (1) the typical scenario of RE output improved the overall robustness of the system. (2) The profits of the MPIES and HRS increased by 1.84% and 52.68%, respectively, and the SESPS profit increased considerably. (3) The proposed approach increased RE utilization to 99.47% while reducing carbon emissions by 32.67%. Thus, this model is a reference for complex energy system configuration and scheduling, as well as a means of encouraging RE use.