bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Measurement of Patellofemoral Compression Forces: A Novel Method for Patient-Specific Patella Resurfacing in Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Brivio Angela , Barrett David , Gong Matthew F. , Watson Annabel , Naybour Susie , Plate Johannes F.
Published: October 2022

Functional dissatisfaction following total knee replacement (TKR) is recorded as high as 20%. The majority of these patients report anterior knee pain (AKP) as the main source of dissatisfaction. Elevated patellofemoral compression forces and soft tissue extensor hood strain have been implicated in the generation of significant AKP. A novel method of assessing and measuring patellofemoral compression forces dynamically in the native and resurfaced patella for TKR in four different quadrants of the patella is described. Results are reported from an in vitro model and cadaveric studies in the native and resurfaced knee. Patellofemoral compression forces are shown to be characteristic and consistent over repeated assessments in the native knee. Placement of a TKR significantly alters this pattern. Furthermore, over-stuffing or under-stuffing the resurfaced patella also significantly alters the nature and magnitude of patellofemoral compression forces. These studies may lead to an improved understanding of the nature of AKP following TKR, and using this assessment tool presents an opportunity to more effectively balance the third space, reproduce the native patellofemoral forces, and subsequently reduce AKP following TKR.
Influence of Finely Chopped Meat Addition on Quality Parameters of Minced Meat
Authors: Witte Franziska , Sawas Erik , Berger Lisa , Gibis Monika , Weiss Jochen , Röser Anja , Upmann Matthias , Joeres Eike , Juadjur Andreas , Bindrich Ute , Heinz Volker , Terjung Nino
Published: October 2022

Larger processing equipment to produce minced meat could affect its structure due to intensive processing and a high energy intake in the meat mass. To assess if this would result in alterations in the minced meat quality, finely chopped meat (FCM) was added in different concentrations (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, and 100%) to minced meat and quality parameters were analyzed. FCM was used to simulate different intensity of an unintended destruction of meat cells due to various processes. The amount of non-intact cells (ANIC) was determined histologically and furthermore, soluble protein content, water holding capacity, mechanical and sensory texture, and scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy was applied to analyze the meat structure and quality. ANIC indicated that even adding 15% FCM was statistically (p < 0.05) distinguishable from 100% minced meat and 30% FCM had already 50 Vol.-% ANIC. In contrast, the addition of 15% or 30% FCM did not result in significant differences in drip loss of raw and cooked meat as well as mechanical and sensory texture analysis. This study showed that intensive processing might be detectable via ANIC, but that the minced meat quality was not affected.
Coherent XUV Multispectral Diffraction Imaging in the Microscale
Authors: Petrakis Stylianos , Skoulakis Alexandros , Orphanos Yannis , Grigoriadis Anastasios , Andrianaki Georgia , Louloudakis Dimitrios , Kortsalioudakis Nathanail , Tsapras Athanasios , Balas Costas , Zouridis Dimitrios , Pachos Efthymios , Bakarezos Makis , Dimitriou Vasilios , Tatarakis Michael , Benis Emmanouil P. , Papadogiannis Nektarios A.
Published: October 2022

The rapid growth of nanotechnology has increased the need for fast nanoscale imaging. X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) facilities currently provide such coherent sources of directional and high-brilliance X-ray radiation. These facilities require large financial investments for development, maintenance, and manpower, and thus, only a few exist worldwide. In this article, we present an automated table-top system for XUV coherent diffraction imaging supporting the capabilities for multispectral microscopy at high repetition rates, based on laser high harmonic generation from gases. This prototype system aims towards the development of an industrial table-top system of ultrafast soft X-ray multi-spectral microscopy imaging for nanostructured materials with enormous potential and a broad range of applications in current nanotechnologies. The coherent XUV radiation is generated in a semi-infinite gas cell via the high harmonic generation of the near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses. The XUV spectral selection is performed by specially designed multilayer XUV mirrors that do not affect the XUV phase front and pulse duration.
A Novel Design Methodology and Numerical Simulation of BLDC Motor for Power Loss Reduction
Authors: Kumar Neelam Sanjeev , Chandrasekaran Gokul , Thangavel Jayakumar , K. Vanchinathan , C. Gnanavel , Priyadarshi Neeraj , Bhaskar M. S. , Hussien Mohamed G. , El-Sousy Fayez F. M. , Ali Mosaad M.
Published: October 2022

In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the design and development of power loss reduction in electric drive systems. To realize the full potential of the Brushless DC motor (BLDCM), the design methodology of an effective intelligent controller is vital. On the other hand, the Landsman converter is used in a bridgeless configuration to enhance the power factor and minimize the power loss of the BLDCM. In addition, BLDCM utilizes the different intelligent controllers that are used to decrease power loss. The performance of the Landsman converter and CSC converter is analyzed concerning various configurations/stages, and the numerical MATLAB 2016a simulation results are discussed to arrive at the suitable intelligent controller for the BLDC motor, and comparison results are presented. The proposed converter is designed and validated using hardware implementation by minimizing power loss. Effectiveness can be tested and valued for the proposed controller for the various intelligent controllers of BLDCM.
A Visual Feedback for Water-Flow Monitoring in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Okarma Krzysztof , Lech Piotr , Andriukaitis Darius , Navikas Dangirutis , Korzelecka-Orkisz Agata , Tański Adam , Formicki Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

The optimal water flow in fish breeding tanks is one of the crucial elements necessary for the well-being and proper growth of fish, such as salmon or trout. Considering the round tanks and the uneven distribution of water-flow velocity, ensuring a nearly optimal flow is an important task that may be performed using various sensors installed to monitor the water flow. Nevertheless, observing the rapid development of video analysis methods and considering the increasing availability of relatively cheap cameras, the use of video feedback has become an interesting alternative that limits the number of sensors inside the water tanks in accordance with the requirements of fish breeders. In this paper, an analysis of the use of optical flow algorithms for this purpose is performed and an estimation method based on their features is proposed. The results of the flow estimation using the proposed method are verified experimentally and compared with the measurement results obtained using the professional water-flow meter, demonstrating a high correlation, exceeding 0.9, confirming the proposed solution as a good alternative in comparison to the use of expensive sensors and meters.
Research on Lazy Theta* Route Planning Algorithm Based on Grid Point Optimization
Authors: Gao Zhizhou , Wan Lujun , Cai Ming , Xu Xinyu
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the problem of route planning in complex battlefield environments has attracted significant attention. With the increasingly worrying international situation, safety and flyability in a continuously changing threat environment are critical factors in route planning research. Thus, this paper proposes an improved Lazy Theta* algorithm that adapts to a complex battlefield environment and finds the optimal route. Specifically, given the low computational efficiency and data redundancy of the existing environmental threat modeling, the developed scheme first employs an octree grid to divide the environment into a grid. Furthermore, based on a real environmental threat model and flight constraints, we design a Lazy Theta* algorithm based on octree grid points, which shortens the planning path and reduces the path cost. Finally, this paper proposes an equally spaced B-spline to smooth the route and improve its smoothness and flyability. Several simulated experiments verify that the smoothed route improves safety and flight ability while reducing the route’s distance. Overall, the simulation results prove that the proposed method significantly improves the planning efficiency and flyability compared with traditional methods.
Single-Shot Three-Dimensional Reconstruction Using Grid Pattern-Based Structured-Light Vision Method
Authors: Liu Bin , Yang Fan , Huang Yixuan , Zhang Ye , Wu Guanhao
Published: October 2022

Structured-light vision methods are widely employed for three-dimensional reconstruction. As a typical structured light pattern, grid pattern is extensively applied in single-shot three-dimensional reconstruction. The uniqueness of the grid feature retrieval is critical to the reconstruction. Most methods using grid pattern utilize the epipolar constraint to retrieve the correspondence. However, the low calibration accuracy of the camera–projector stereo system may impact the correspondence retrieval. An approach using grid pattern-based structured-light vision method is proposed. The grid pattern-based structured-light model was combined with the camera model and the multiple light plane equations. An effective extraction method of the grid stripe features was investigated. The system calibration strategy, based on coplanar constraint, is presented. The experimental setup consisted of a camera and an LED projector. Experiments were carried out to verify the accuracy of the proposed method.
Relationship between Surface Hardness and Peak Interfacial Frictional Coefficient in a Laboratory Scale Setting
Authors: Zhao Xianqiang , Xiao Zhaoran , Wang Qingshan
Published: October 2022

This study aims to clarify the relationship between surface hardness and the peak interfacial frictional coefficient under different particle sizes. The relationship between particle size and the peak interfacial frictional coefficient with different surface hardness values has not been addressed in previous literature. A pile-soil interfacial shear test was conducted using a multifunctional interfacial shear instrument was developed in the laboratory. The influences of surface hardness and particle size on the shear characteristics of pile-soil interfaces and the peak interface friction coefficient were studied. The test results revealed that the interfacial shear stress-shear displacement curves showed typical softening behavior when the surface of the model pile was smooth. The difference in curve characteristics for different particle sizes gradually cleared as the surface hardness decreased. The initial shear stiffness of the interface increased with increasing surface hardness and decreased with increasing particle size. The peak interfacial friction coefficient decreased with increasing surface hardness for different particle sizes. Furthermore, the peak interface friction coefficient increased with increasing particle size when the surface was hard. However, when the surface was soft, the peak interfacial friction coefficient decreased with increasing particle size. The linear relationship between the peak interfacial friction coefficient and particle size for different surface hardness values was established.
Current State of the Gold Mining Waste from the Ores of the Ursk Deposit (Western Siberia, Russia)
Authors: Yurkevich Nataliya , Osipova Polina , Tsibizov Leonid , Tsibizova Ekaterina , Fadeeva Irina , Volynkin Sergey , Tulisova Kristina , Kuleshova Tatyana
Published: October 2022

The article presents the original results of the investigation of sulfide-bearing mine tailings dumps (Ursk, Western Siberia, Russia), the adjacent territory, and acid mine drainage flows. The novelty of this study is related to integration of geophysical and geochemical data. The geoelectrical structure of the dump and the drainage valley was determined using the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method. Magnetic anomalies above the surface of the site were identified using ground magnetic surveys. The orthophotomap and a digital elevation model were obtained on the basis of aerial photography from an unmanned aircraft. The model of thermal imaging allows us to identify a number of temperature anomalies in the upper part of the dump slope and filtration zone in the drainage valley, caused by exothermic reactions. The digital relief model was constructed comprising three zones: (1) oxidation, (2) leaching, and (3) mixing and dilution. The oxidation zone is marked by low electrical resistivity (1–10 Ω·m), low pH values of the drainage waters (pH 3.61), low values of the modulus of the magnetic induction vector, and heating by +5 °C compared to the solid dump material that is not actively exposed to water. The oxidative conditions and low pH values favor the dilution of the Fe2+ compounds in the drainage solutions, which also contain Cu (3000 μg/L), Pb (1200 μg/L), As (1300 μg/L), and Hg (34 μg/L). The zone of the primary geochemical barrier is formed within the first 400 m, where the major proportion of dissolved elements if deposited. The second iron–aluminum sorption geochemical barrier is formed at a distance of 1000 m at the mixing zone with the Ur River. The stable geochemistry of surface waters, formed due to the inflow of drainage waters into the Ur River and further into the reservoir, persists at a distance of up to 7.7 km from the dump.
Evaluation of Construction Asphalt Pavements Based Toposable Set Theory: A Case Study
Authors: Cai Junxia , Li Hui , Li Zhiwu , Li Qingfu
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Because of the unique advantages of asphalt pavements, they occupy a large part of the road system in China and worldwide. The construction of asphalt pavements has provided the necessary conditions for the efficient and rapid development of our economy. At present, the asphalt pavement is damaged prematurely before reaching the designed service life. This paper analyzes the influence of different factors on the construction quality of asphalt pavement in the process of construction control, so as to ensure that the service performance of asphalt pavement is improved and the service life is prolonged. (2) Methods: In this paper, based on the data of two-by-two relative importance comparisons between the indexes by experts, a topologizable interval judgment matrix is constructed and the weights of each index are calculated by single ranking; the model is validated by constructing a comprehensive assessment model of the topologizable set of asphalt pavement construction controls and through a case study. (3) Results: Using the model proposed in this paper, the overall construction control level for the case was calculated to be II, with a variable eigenvalue of 2.4784, which is biased towards level III. It is verified that the model can evaluate the construction control of asphalt pavement more reasonably and scientifically than previous methods. (4) Conclusions: This study can provide a reference for the evaluation of asphalt pavement construction control.
Partitioning DNNs for Optimizing Distributed Inference Performance on Cooperative Edge Devices: A Genetic Algorithm Approach
Authors: Na Jun , Zhang Handuo , Lian Jiaxin , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2022

To fully unleash the potential of edge devices, it is popular to cut a neural network into multiple pieces and distribute them among available edge devices to perform inference cooperatively. Up to now, the problem of partitioning a deep neural network (DNN), which can result in the optimal distributed inferencing performance, has not been adequately addressed. This paper proposes a novel layer-based DNN partitioning approach to obtain an optimal distributed deployment solution. In order to ensure the applicability of the resulted deployment scheme, this work defines the partitioning problem as a constrained optimization problem and puts forward an improved genetic algorithm (GA). Compared with the basic GA, the proposed algorithm can result in a running time approximately one to three times shorter than the basic GA while achieving a better deployment.
Experimental Study on the Seismic Performance of Shear Walls with Different Coal Gangue Replacement Rates
Authors: Wang Shixin , Liu Haiqing , Wang Yue , Qiao Yizhi , Wang Liang , Bai Jie , Tse Tim K. T. , Li Cruz Y. , Fu Yunfei
Published: October 2022

To replace conventional concrete with coal gangue concrete in the construction industry, lateral cyclic loading tests were applied to three shear walls with different coal gangue replacement rates in this study, in which the replacement rate of coal gangue was 0%, 50%, and 100%. The load-displacement hysteretic curves and backbone curves of the shear walls obtained from tests were analyzed to compare the failure process and seismic performance of each shear wall. The results indicate that the stress performance and failure morphology of coal gangue concrete shear walls and conventional concrete shear walls are extremely similar, and the characteristics of the hysteretic and backbone curves are approximately the same. With the increase in the coal gangue replacement rate, the bearing capacity and ductility of the three shear walls gradually decrease, the strength degradation gradually becomes significant, and the energy dissipation capacity becomes worse, but the difference is not obvious, and all of them can meet the requirements of seismic performance. In addition, with the increase in the coal gangue replacement rate, the stiffness degradation gradually slows, so it is feasible to construct a shear wall using coal gangue concrete instead of conventional concrete.
Object-Level Data Augmentation for Deep Learning-Based Obstacle Detection in Railways
Authors: Franke Marten , Gopinath Vaishnavi , Ristić-Durrant Danijela , Michels Kai
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a novel method for generation of synthetic images of obstacles on and near rail tracks over long-range distances. The main goal is to augment the dataset for autonomous obstacle detection (OD) in railways, by inclusion of synthetic images that reflect the specific need for long-range OD in rail transport. The presented method includes a novel deep learning (DL)-based rail track detection that enables context- and scale-aware obstacle-level data augmentation. The augmented dataset is used for retraining of a state-of-the-art CNN for object detection. The evaluation results demonstrate significant improvement of detection of distant objects by augmentation of training dataset with synthetic images.
Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Simulation of the Dynamic Water Pressure inside an Arch Rib of an Arch Bridge Subjected to Seismic Excitation
Authors: Wang Ziwan , Li Rui , Li Xiaozhang
Published: October 2022

The dynamic pressure exerted on an arch rib by inner water under seismic excitation was studied based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) numerical model. Numerical cases of different seismic excitations in both the horizontal and vertical directions and different water depths were carried out. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) of dynamic pressure exerted on the arch rib showed that the spike frequency is related to the water depth. The surface wave frequency of inner water is very close to the first spike frequency. The first spike frequency comes close to the second and fourth vibration frequencies when the inner water reaches the depth of 18 m and 11.3 m, respectively. This will likely lead to the resonance of the entire arch rib. By considering barely the first spike frequency, when designing a new arch bridge, the possibilities of resonance in its second and fourth modes under seismic excitation cannot be ruled out. Based on the findings of this investigation, the inner water effect should be considered during the arch bridge design stage.
Special Issue on Sciences and Innovations in Heat Pump/Refrigeration: Volume II
Authors: Miyazaki Takahiko , Enoki Koji , Ahn Joon
Published: October 2022

Heat pumps and refrigeration are key technologies to realize carbon neutrality, and active research is being conducted around the world [...]
Seminal Stacked Long Short-Term Memory (SS-LSTM) Model for Forecasting Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
Authors: Muruganandam Narendran Sobanapuram , Arumugam Umamakeswari
Published: October 2022

With increased industrialization and urbanization, sustainable smart environments are becoming more concerned with particulate matter (PM) forecasts that are based on artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. The intercorrelation between multiple pollutant components and the extremely volatile PM pattern changes are the key impediments to effective prediction. For accurate PM forecasting with the benefit of federated learning, a new architecture incorporating seminal stacked long short-term memory networks (SS-LSTM) is presented in this research. The historical data are analyzed using SS-LSTM to reveal the location-aware behavior of PM, and a new prediction model is generated that takes into account the most prevalent pollutants and weather conditions. The stacking of LSTM units adds hierarchical levels of knowledge that help to tune the forecast model with the most appropriate weighting to the external features that contribute toward PM. The suggested SS-LSTM model is compared with traditional machine learning approaches and deep learning models to see how well it performs in predicting PM2.5 and PM10. The suggested strategy outperforms all other models tested in experiments carried out for the data collected from Delhi in India.
Aerosol Analysis of China’s Fenwei Plain from 2012 to 2020 Based on OMI Satellite Data
Authors: Liu Shuya , Ju Tianzhen , Pan Bingyu , Li Meng , Peng Shuai
Published: October 2022

The Fenwei Plain plays an essential role for China’s three-year action plan to protect the air environment. At present, the high-value area and maximum value of atmospheric aerosol have been effectively controlled, but the governance situation is not stable. Therefore, based on the daily ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI) data retrieved by Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) from 2012 to 2020, combined with precipitation and temperature and air pressure and lifting index data, this paper analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and some influencing factors of UVAI in the Fenwei Plain. The results show that the overall trend of the annual average UVAI value of the Fenwei Plain in 9 years showed two “peaks” in 2013 and 2018, respectively. The high UVAI values are mainly concentrated in the southwest and central areas of the Fenwei Plain. In the study area, UVAI was highest in winter, followed by autumn and spring, and lowest in summer. There were significant negative correlations between precipitation and UVAI and between temperature and UVAI. There were significant positive correlations between air pressure and UVAI and between lifting index and UVAI. According to the backward trajectory clustering results, during the autumn and winter seasons in this area, due to the sand and dust brought by the northwest and the input of aerosols in the coal-producing area and coal-fired heating area, the UVAI value of this time period is higher.
Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Moreno-Rangel Alejandro , Khan M. Amirul I. , Piasecki Michał
Published: October 2022

Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues [...]
On Symmetrized Stochastic Harmonically Convexity and Hermite–Hadamard Type Inequalities
Authors: Latif Muhammad Amer
Published: October 2022

Throughout this study, the concept of symmetrized harmonically convex stochastic processes will be discussed in further detail. Some certain characterizations for symmetrized harmonically convex stochastic processes are discussed that use Hermite–Hadamard-type inequalities. A Hyers–Ulam-type stability result for harmonically convex stochastic processes is given as well.
Simulation of Marine Debris Path Using Mathematical Model in the Gulf of Thailand
Authors: Phiphit Jettapol , Wangwongchai Angkool , Humphries Usa Wannasingha
Published: October 2022

Marine debris is an important environmental problem that affects aquatic animals, ecosystems, economy, society, and humans. This research aims to simulate the path of marine debris in the Gulf of Thailand using a mathematical model that includes two models: the Oceanic Model (OCM), which is based on the Shallow Water Equations (SWE), and the Lagrangian Particle Tracking (LPT) model. The OCM is the partial derivative equation system solved by the finite difference method to satisfy the Arakawa C-grid and the splitting method. The LPT model includes the current velocity, wind velocity at 10 m above sea level, random walk term, and the buoyancy ratio of marine debris with six cases, which are 100:1, 10:1, 1:1, 0:1, 1:10, and 1:100. The current velocity from OCM is applied to the LPT model. This research uses a garbage boat that capsized near Koh Samui on 1 August 2020 as a case study. The simulated current velocity of OCM is compared with Ocean Surface Current Analyses Real-time (OSCAR) data. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of u-velocity is 0.070 m/s, and that of v-velocity is 0.058 m/s. The simulation of the marine debris’s path from the LPT model demonstrates the movement to Koh Samui, Koh Taen, Koh Wang Nai, Koh Wang Nok, Koh Rap, the east coast of Nakorn Si Thammarat province, Phu Quoc Island of Vietnam and the middle of the Gulf of Thailand with the different buoyancy ratios and time durations.
A Reliable Technique for Solving Fractional Partial Differential Equation
Authors: Alshehry Azzh Saad , Shah Rasool , Shah Nehad Ali , Dassios Ioannis
Published: October 2022

The development of numeric-analytic solutions and the construction of fractional-order mathematical models for practical issues are of the greatest importance in a variety of applied mathematics, physics, and engineering problems. The Laplace residual-power-series method (LRPSM), a new and dependable technique for resolving fractional partial differential equations, is introduced in this study. The residual-power-series method (RPSM), a well-known technique, and the Laplace transform (LT) are elegantly combined in the suggested technique. This innovative approach computes the fractional derivative in the Caputo sense. The proposed method for handling fractional partial differential equations is provided in detail, along with its implementation. The novel approach yields a series solution to fractional partial differential equations. To validate the simplicity, effectiveness, and viability of the suggested technique, the provided model is tested and simulated. A numerical and graphical description of the effects of the fractional order γ on approximating the solutions is provided. Comparative results show that the suggested method approximates more precisely than current methods such as the natural homotopy perturbation method. The study showed that the aforementioned method is straightforward, trustworthy, and suitable for analysing non-linear engineering and physical issues.
Stability and Hopf Bifurcation Analysis of a Stage-Structured Predator–Prey Model with Delay
Authors: Zhou Xueyong
Published: October 2022

In this work, a Lotka–Volterra type predator–prey system with time delay and stage structure for the predators is proposed and analyzed. By using the permanence theory for infinite dimensional system, we get that the system is permanent if some conditions are satisfied. The local and global stability of the positive equilibrium is presented. The existence of Hopf bifurcation around the positive equilibrium is observed. Further, by using the normal form theory and center manifold approach, we derive the explicit formulas determining the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions and the direction of Hopf bifurcation. Numerical simulations are carried out by Matlab software to explain the theoretical results. We find that combined time delay and stage structure can affect the dynamical behavior of the system.
Risk Factors Associated with Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 during the Omicron Wave in Brazil
Authors: Colnago Marilaine , Benvenuto Giovana A. , Casaca Wallace , Negri Rogério G. , Fernandes Eder G. , Cuminato José A.
Published: October 2022

Considering the imminence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and COVID-19 vaccine availability, it is essential to understand the impact of the disease on the most vulnerable groups and those at risk of death from the disease. To this end, the odds ratio (OR) for mortality and hospitalization was calculated for different groups of patients by applying an adjusted logistic regression model based on the following variables of interest: gender, booster vaccination, age group, and comorbidity occurrence. A massive number of data were extracted and compiled from official Brazilian government resources, which include all reported cases of hospitalizations and deaths associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Brazil during the “wave” of the Omicron variant (BA.1 substrain). Males (1.242; 95% CI 1.196–1.290) aged 60–79 (3.348; 95% CI 3.050–3.674) and 80 years or older (5.453; 95% CI 4.966–5.989), and hospitalized patients with comorbidities (1.418; 95% CI 1.355–1.483), were more likely to die. There was a reduction in the risk of death (0.907; 95% CI 0.866–0.951) among patients who had received the third dose of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (booster). Additionally, this big data investigation has found statistical evidence that vaccination can support mitigation plans concerning the current scenario of COVID-19 in Brazil since the Omicron variant and its substrains are now prevalent across the entire country.
Stem Cell-Secreted Allogeneic Elastin-Rich Matrix with Subsequent Decellularization for the Treatment of Critical Valve Diseases in the Young
Authors: Gonzalez Brittany A. , Herrera Ariadna , Ponce Claudia , Gonzalez Perez Marcos , Hsu Chia-Pei Denise , Mirza Asad , Perez Manuel , Ramaswamy Sharan
Published: October 2022

Critical valve diseases in infants have a very poor prognosis for survival. Particularly challenging is for the valve replacement to support somatic growth. From a valve regenerative standpoint, bio-scaffolds have been extensively investigated recently. While bio-scaffold valves facilitate acute valve functionality, their xenogeneic properties eventually induce a hostile immune response. Our goal was to investigate if a bio-scaffold valve could be deposited with tissues derived from allogeneic stem cells, with a specific dynamic culture protocol to enhance the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents, with subsequent stem cell removal. Porcine small intestinal submucosa (PSIS) tubular-shaped bio-scaffold valves were seeded with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs), cultured statically for 8 days, and then exposed to oscillatory fluid-induced shear stresses for two weeks. The valves were then safely decellularized to remove the hBMMSCs while retaining their secreted ECM. This de novo ECM was found to include significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of elastin compared to the ECM produced by the hBMMSCs under standard rotisserie culture. The elastin-rich valves consisted of ~8% elastin compared to the ~10% elastin composition of native heart valves. Allogeneic elastin promotes chemotaxis thereby accelerating regeneration and can support somatic growth by rapidly integrating with the host following implantation. As a proof-of-concept of accelerated regeneration, we found that valve interstitial cells (VICs) secreted significantly more (p < 0.05) collagen on the elastin-rich matrix compared to the raw PSIS bio-scaffold.
SMART Drumlines Ineffective in Catching White Sharks in the High Energy Capes Region of Western Australia: Acoustic Detections Confirm That Sharks Are Not Always Amenable to Capture
Authors: Taylor Stephen M. , How Jason , Travers Michael J. , Newman Stephen J. , Mountford Silas , Waltrick Daniela , Dowling Christopher E. , Denham Ainslie , Gaughan Daniel J.
Published: October 2022

The management of human-shark interactions can benefit from the implementation of effective shark hazard mitigation measures. A Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time (SMART) drumline trial in the Capes region of Western Australia was instigated after several serious incidents involving surfers and white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). The project aimed to determine whether white sharks (target species), which were relocated after capture, remained offshore using satellite and acoustic tagging. Over a 27-month period, 352 fish were caught, 55% of which comprised tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier). Ninety-one percent of animals were released alive in good condition. Only two white sharks were caught; both were relocated ≥ 1 km offshore before release and moved immediately further offshore after capture, remaining predominately in offshore waters for the duration of their 54-day and 186-day tag deployments. Our results confirm that desirable animal welfare outcomes can be achieved using SMART drumlines when response times are minimised. The low target catches and the detection of 24 other tagged white sharks within the study area supported the decision to cease the trial. Our results reiterate there is no simple remedy for dealing with the complexities of shark hazards and reinforce the importance of trialing mitigation measures under local conditions.
A Non-Stressful Temperature Rise and Greater Food Availability Could Increase Tolerance to Calcium Limitation of Daphnia cf. pulex (Sensu Hebert, 1995) Populations in Cold Soft-Water Lakes
Authors: Ramos-Rodríguez Eloísa , Pérez-Martínez Carmen , Conde-Porcuna José María
Published: October 2022

Calcium (Ca) is an important driver of community structure in freshwaters. We examined the combined effects of increased temperatures and variations in food quantity on the tolerance to low Ca of Daphnia pulex. The aim was to predict the impact of climate warming on this keystone zooplanktonic species in cold-climate lakes. We conducted a factorial life-history experiment in a clone of North American Daphnia cf. pulex to analyse the interaction effects of a temperature increase (17.5 °C–21 °C) within their physiological preferred range and expected by climate warming over the next few decades and a narrow Ca gradient (0.25–1.74 mg Ca L−1) under stressful vs. abundant food conditions. We found a striking positive synergistic effect of Ca and temperature on D. pulex reproduction at high food conditions. Although the increase in temperature to 21 °C greatly reduced survival, high energy allocation to reproduction at high food levels allowed the population to succeed in poor Ca (<0.25 mg Ca L−1). Results suggest that climate warming and higher food availability will make the populations of many cold and Ca-limited lakes more tolerant to low Ca levels with higher growth population rates, thereby altering zooplanktonic community structures and inducing potential cascading effects on the food web.
A Novel ssDNA Aptamer Targeting Carcinoembryonic Antigen: Selection and Characterization
Authors: Yunussova Nigara , Sypabekova Marzhan , Zhumabekova Zhazira , Matkarimov Bakhyt , Kanayeva Damira
Published: October 2022

One of the major causes of a drastically shorter life expectancy and one of the most prevalent diseases in the world today is cancer. Given the data on the rise in cancer cases throughout the world, it is obvious that, despite the diagnostic techniques currently being used, there is a pressing need to develop precise and sensitive techniques for early diagnosis of the disease. A high degree of affinity and specificity towards particular targets is maintained by the short nucleic acid molecules known as aptamers. Aptamers outperform antibodies due to their unique benefits, such as their simplicity in synthesis and modification, lack of toxicity, and long-term stability. Utilizing an accurate recognition element and a robust signal transduction mechanism, molecular diagnostics can be extremely sensitive and specific. In this study, development of new single-stranded DNA aptamers against CEA for use in cancer diagnostics was accomplished using SELEX and NGS methods. As a result of 12 iterative SELEX rounds, nine aptamer candidates against CEA were developed. NGS comparative analysis revealed that round twelve had an enriched number of aptamers that were specifically bound, as opposed to round eight. Among the selected nine sequences characterized by bioinformatics analysis and ELONA, an aptamer sequence with the highest specificity and affinity for the target protein was identified and further examined. Aptamer sequence (6) was screened in a concentration-dependent assay, specificity analysis was performed, and its potential secondary and tertiary structures were predicted, which enabled us to test one of the possible putative interactions with CEA. Finally, aptamer sequence (6) labelled with a Cy5 fluorescent tag was used in confocal microscopy to observe its binding towards the CEA expressed in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line.
Bone Molecular Modifications Induced by Diagenesis Followed-Up for 12 Months
Authors: Falgayrac Guillaume , Vitale Raffaele , Delannoy Yann , Behal Hélène , Penel Guillaume , Olejnik Cécile , Duponchel Ludovic , Colard Thomas
Published: October 2022

After death, diagenesis takes place. Numerous processes occur concomitantly, which makes it difficult to identify the diagenetic processes. The diagenetic processes refer to all processes (chemical or physical) that modify the skeletal remains. These processes are highly variable depending on the environmental factors (weather, temperature, age, sex, etc.), especially in the early stages. Numerous studies have evaluated bone diagenetic processes over long timescales (~millions of years), but fewer have been done over short timescales (between days and thousands of years). The objective of the study is to assess the early stages of diagenetic processes by Raman microspectroscopy over 12 months. The mineral and organic matrix modifications are monitored through physicochemical parameters. Ribs from six humans were buried in soil. The modifications of bone composition were followed by Raman spectroscopy each month. The decrease in the mineral/organic ratio and carbonate type-B content and the increase in crystallinity reveal that minerals undergo dissolution–recrystallization. The decrease in collagen cross-linking indicates that collagen hydrolysis induces the fragmentation of collagen fibres over 12 months.
Methods for Radiolabelling Nanoparticles: PET Use (Part 2)
Authors: Bentivoglio Valeria , Varani Michela , Lauri Chiara , Ranieri Danilo , Signore Alberto
Published: October 2022

The use of radiolabelled nanoparticles (NPs) is a promising nuclear medicine tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Thanks to the heterogeneity of their material (organic or inorganic) and their unique physical and chemical characteristics, they are highly versatile for their use in several medical applications. In particular, they have shown interesting results as radiolabelled probes for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. The high variability of NP types and the possibility to use several isotopes in the radiolabelling process implies different radiolabelling methods that have been applied over the previous years. In this review, we compare and summarize the different methods for NP radiolabelling with the most frequently used PET isotopes.
A Promising Candidate in Tendon Healing Events—PDGF-BB
Authors: Chen Yixuan , Jiang Li , Lyu Kexin , Lu Jingwei , Long Longhai , Wang Xiaoqiang , Liu Tianzhu , Li Sen
Published: October 2022

Tendon injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders for which patients seek medical aid, reducing not only the quality of life of the patient but also imposing a significant economic burden on society. The administration of growth factors at the wound site is a feasible solution for enhancing tendon healing. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) has a well-defined safety profile compared to other growth factors and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The purpose of this review is to summarize the role of PDGF-BB in tendon healing through a comprehensive review of the published literature. Experimental studies suggest that PDGF-BB has a positive effect on tendon healing by enhancing inflammatory responses, speeding up angiogenesis, stimulating tendon cell proliferation, increasing collagen synthesis and increasing the biomechanics of the repaired tendon. PDGF-BB is regarded as a promising candidate in tendon healing. However, in order to realize its full potential, we still need to carefully consider and study key issues such as dose and application time in the future, so as to explore further applications of PDGF-BB in the tendon healing process.
Copper-Dependent Kinases and Their Role in Cancer Inception, Progression and Metastasis
Authors: Vitaliti Alessandra , De Luca Anastasia , Rossi Luisa
Published: October 2022

In recent years, copper function has been expanded beyond its consolidated role as a cofactor of enzyme catalysis. Recent papers have demonstrated a new dynamic role for copper in the regulation of cell signaling pathways through direct interaction with protein kinases, modulating their activity. The activation of these pathways is exacerbated in cancer cells to sustain the different steps of tumor growth and dissemination. This review will focus on a novel proposed role for the transition metal copper as a regulator of cell signaling pathways through direct interaction with known protein kinases, which exhibit binding domains for this metal. Activation of these pathways in cancer cells supports both tumor growth and dissemination. In addition to the description of the results recently reported in the literature on the subject, relevance will be given to the possibility of controlling the cellular levels of copper and its homeostatic regulators. Overall, these findings may be of central relevance in order to propose copper and its homeostatic regulators as possible targets for novel therapies, which may act synergistically to those already existing to control cancer growth and dissemination.
Zebrafish Model of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) Due to JAK3 Mutation
Authors: Basheer Faiza , Lee Effie , Liongue Clifford , Ward Alister C.
Published: October 2022

JAK3 is principally activated by members of the interleukin-2 receptor family and plays an essential role in lymphoid development, with inactivating JAK3 mutations causing autosomal-recessive severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). This study aimed to generate an equivalent zebrafish model of SCID and to characterize the model across the life-course. Genome editing of zebrafish jak3 created mutants similar to those observed in human SCID. Homozygous jak3 mutants showed reduced embryonic T lymphopoiesis that continued through the larval stage and into adulthood, with B cell maturation and adult NK cells also reduced and neutrophils impacted. Mutant fish were susceptible to lymphoid leukemia. This model has many of the hallmarks of human SCID resulting from inactivating JAK3 mutations and will be useful for a variety of pre-clinical applications.
Methods for Radiolabelling Nanoparticles: SPECT Use (Part 1)
Authors: Varani Michela , Bentivoglio Valeria , Lauri Chiara , Ranieri Danilo , Signore Alberto
Published: October 2022

The use of nanoparticles (NPs) is rapidly increasing in nuclear medicine (NM) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Their wide use is due to their chemical–physical characteristics and possibility to deliver several molecules. NPs can be synthetised by organic and/or inorganic materials and they can have different size, shape, chemical composition, and charge. These factors influence their biodistribution, clearance, and targeting ability in vivo. NPs can be designed to encapsulate inside the core or bind to the surface several molecules, including radionuclides, for different clinical applications. Either diagnostic or therapeutic radioactive NPs can be synthetised, making a so-called theragnostic tool. To date, there are several methods for radiolabelling NPs that vary depending on both the physical and chemical properties of the NPs and on the isotope used. In this review, we analysed and compared different methods for radiolabelling NPs for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) use.
Synthesis of Protein-Oligonucleotide Conjugates
Authors: Watson Emma E. , Winssinger Nicolas
Published: October 2022

Nucleic acids and proteins form two of the key classes of functional biomolecules. Through the ability to access specific protein-oligonucleotide conjugates, a broader range of functional molecules becomes accessible which leverages both the programmability and recognition potential of nucleic acids and the structural, chemical and functional diversity of proteins. Herein, we summarize the available conjugation strategies to access such chimeric molecules and highlight some key case study examples within the field to showcase the power and utility of such technology.
TNP Analogues Inhibit the Virulence Promoting IP3-4 Kinase Arg1 in the Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Desmarini Desmarini , Truong Daniel , Wilkinson-White Lorna , Desphande Chandrika , Torrado Mario , Mackay Joel P. , Matthews Jacqueline M. , Sorrell Tania C. , Lev Sophie , Thompson Philip E. , Djordjevic Julianne Teresa
Published: October 2022

New antifungals with unique modes of action are urgently needed to treat the increasing global burden of invasive fungal infections. The fungal inositol polyphosphate kinase (IPK) pathway, comprised of IPKs that convert IP3 to IP8, provides a promising new target due to its impact on multiple, critical cellular functions and, unlike in mammalian cells, its lack of redundancy. Nearly all IPKs in the fungal pathway are essential for virulence, with IP3-4 kinase (IP3-4K) the most critical. The dibenzylaminopurine compound, N2-(m-trifluorobenzylamino)-N6-(p-nitrobenzylamino)purine (TNP), is a commercially available inhibitor of mammalian IPKs. The ability of TNP to be adapted as an inhibitor of fungal IP3-4K has not been investigated. We purified IP3-4K from the human pathogens, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans, and optimised enzyme and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays to determine the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) and binding affinity (KD), respectively, of TNP and 38 analogues. A novel chemical route was developed to efficiently prepare TNP analogues. TNP and its analogues demonstrated inhibition of recombinant IP3-4K from C. neoformans (CnArg1) at low µM IC50s, but not IP3-4K from C. albicans (CaIpk2) and many analogues exhibited selectivity for CnArg1 over the human equivalent, HsIPMK. Our results provide a foundation for improving potency and selectivity of the TNP series for fungal IP3-4K.