bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Neurological Disorders as Seen by a Cohort of General Practitioners in Northern Italy: Evidence From an Online Survey
Authors: Marotta Angela , Fiorio Mirta , Fracasso Isabella , Franchini Carlo Andrea , Defazio Giovanni , Tinazzi Michele
Published: January 2021

General practitioners (GPs) provide primary care and advise their patients on which diagnostic and therapeutic pathways they judge most appropriate. For patients with functional neurological disorders (FND), receiving a proper explanation of diagnosis by their GP from the very beginning may drastically improve prognosis. Novel approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of FND have important implications for effective management. The aim of this study was to investigate Italian GP opinion and knowledge about FND in light of new approaches to the illness. To do this, we evaluated the responses to a 13-item web-based survey completed by 133 GPs practicing in northern Italy. Psychological terms to describe FND were more frequently used than functional neurological disorder and mental illness was considered an important predictor of diagnosis. Referral to a neurologist rather than to a psychiatrist was largely preferred, while physiotherapy consultation was seldom recognized as a valuable approach to treating FND. Overall, the survey findings suggest that knowledge about novel approaches to FND is somewhat lacking. Currently, GPs appear to be transitioning from a classical psychological view of the disorder toward a more modern conceptualization, in which neurobiological, psychological, and social factors all play an important role. Professional education during this transition would be an advantageous way to optimize physician management of FND and to enhance diagnosis, explanation, and management across primary and secondary care pathways.
Retinal Vascular Assessment in Psoriasis: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Castellino Niccolò , Longo Antonio , Fallico Matteo , Russo Andrea , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Cennamo Gilda , Fossataro Federica , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Balato Anna , Parisi Guglielmo , D’urso Rosa Maria , Lacarrubba Francesco , Musumeci Maria Letizia , Alosi Pietro , Petrillo Francesco , Micali Giuseppe , Avitabile Teresio , Reibaldi Michele
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the vascular status of the macula in psoriasis patients without history of ocular inflammation by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA).

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional multicenter study included 55 psoriasis patients and 55 control healthy subjects. A complete eye examination and 6 mm × 6 mm OCTA imaging were performed. Retinal vascular status was evaluated by analyzing vascular density (VD) of superficial vascular plexus (superficial wVD) and deep vascular plexuses (deep wVD) in a 6 mm × 6 mm area and in foveal (superficial fVD and deep fVD) and parafoveal sectors (superficial pVD and deep pVD). In addition, foveal thickness (FT) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and clinical variables, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure and refractive condition, were collected.

Results

BCVA, intraocular pressure and refractive condition were comparable between cases and controls. OCTA imaging showed that superficial wVD and superficial pVD were lower in the psoriasis group in comparison with controls (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01, respectively). Similarly, deep wVD and pVD were lower in the psoriasis group in comparison with control subjects (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). In a sub-analysis of 47 patients affected by psoriasis without psoriatic arthritis, lower values of wVD and pVD in both superficial and deep capillary plexuses were registered.

Conclusion

OCTA is a useful tool which provides data on vascular status of the retina in psoriasis with no ocular involvement. VD data may suggest that vascular changes may occur earlier than clinical onset of posterior inflammation.
The Impact of Unplanned Excision on the Outcomes of Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Trunk and Extremity: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Liang Yao , Guo Tian-Hui , Xu Bu-Shu , Hong Dong-Chun , Qiu Hai-Bo , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Zhang Xing
Published: January 2021

Background

Unplanned excision (UPE) of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is often chosen in the early phase by general physicians without any radiological evaluation.

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of UPE on the clinical outcomes of patients with STS of the trunk and extremity.

Materials and Methods

Patients with STS of the trunk and extremity who underwent R0 resection between 1998 and 2016 were included and divided into the UPE and planned excision (PE) groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control the selection bias. The endpoints were disease-specific survival (DSS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and metastasis-free survival (MFS).

Results

In total, 458 patients (277 males, 181 females; median age: 43 years) were included: 329 (71.8%) in the PE group and 129 (28.2%) in the UPE group. The follow-up time ranged from 7.1 to 313.78 months, with a median of 112.18 months. UPE patients were more likely to have a smaller or superficial lesion and were more frequently administered adjuvant therapy. After PSM, compared with the PE group, the UPE group had a longer LRFS (P=0.015), but there was no difference between the two groups regarding DSS and MFS. Residual disease was observed in 77.5% of the re-resected specimens in the UPE group and was a risk factor for DSS (P = 0.046) and MFS (P = 0.029) but was not associated with local recurrence (LR) (P=0.475) or LRFS (P=0.334). Moreover, we found no difference in DSS, LRFS or MFS according to the interval from UPE to definitive resection.

Conclusion

STS treated with UPE had distinct characteristics. Patients who undergo UPE followed by an additional wide R0 resection have similar oncological survival compared to patients who undergo an initial PE, although the high incidence of residual tumor in the UPE group leads to an unfavorable clinical course.
Efficacy and Safety of Immunosuppressive Monotherapy Agents for IgA Nephropathy: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Han Shisheng , Yao Tianwen , Lu Yan , Chen Min , Xu Yanqiu , Wang Yi
Published: January 2021

Background: The efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive monotherapy agents were evaluated for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) using a network meta-analysis approach.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published prior to October 1, 2019, using immunosuppressive agents for treating IgAN, were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. Relative risks (RRs) or standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the random-effects model. The primary outcomes were clinical remission, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and serious adverse events (SAEs). The secondary outcomes were urinary protein excretion and serum creatinine.

Results: Twenty-five RCTs with 2,005 participants were deemed eligible. Six medications were evaluated: corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), tacrolimus (TAC), cyclosporine, leflunomide, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Steroids (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17–1.93), MMF (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15–3.65), TAC (RR 3.67, 95% CI 1.06–12.63), and HCQ (RR 3.25, 95% CI 1.05–10.09) significantly improved clinical remission rates compared to supportive care alone. Only steroids reduced the risk of ESRD (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12–0.98); however, there were significantly more SAEs than in the control group (RR 2.90, 95% CI 1.37–6.13). No significantly different effects in serum creatinine levels were found among the therapies. MMF showed no significant improvement in remission when excluding studies with a follow-up of fewer than 2 years in the sensitivity analysis (RR 1.41, 95% CI 0.40–4.92). The effect of TAC in the decrease of proteinuria was reversed after discontinuing medication for 3 months; the long-term effects of HCQ could not be evaluated due to the short follow-up duration.

Conclusion: Corticosteroids might induce remission and increase renal survival in IgAN; however, adverse reactions should be taken into consideration. MMF, TAC, and HCQ might improve the remission of proteinuria when treating IgAN, but showed no superiority compared to steroids, and the long-term effects require further study.
Chronic Cranial Windows for Long Term Multimodal Neurovascular Imaging in Mice
Authors: Kılıç Kıvılcım , Desjardins Michèle , Tang Jianbo , Thunemann Martin , Sunil Smrithi , Erdener Şefik Evren , Postnov Dmitry D. , Boas David A. , Devor Anna
Published: January 2021

Chronic cranial windows allow for longitudinal brain imaging experiments in awake, behaving mice. Different imaging technologies have their unique advantages and combining multiple imaging modalities offers measurements of a wide spectrum of neuronal, glial, vascular, and metabolic parameters needed for comprehensive investigation of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms. Here, we detail a suite of surgical techniques for installation of different cranial windows targeted for specific imaging technologies and their combination. Following these techniques and practices will yield higher experimental success and reproducibility of results.
Living Up to a Name: Gender Role Behavior Varies With Forename Gender Typicality
Authors: Alexander Gerianne M. , John Kendall , Hammond Tracy , Lahey Joanna
Published: January 2021

Forenames serve as proxies for gender labels that activate gender stereotypes and gender socialization. Unlike rigid binary gender categories, they differ in the degree to which they are perceived as “masculine” or “feminine.” We examined the novel hypothesis that the ability of a forename to signal gender is associated with gender role behavior in women (n = 215) and men (n = 127; M = 19.32, SD = 2.11) as part of a larger study evaluating forenames used in resume research. Compared to individuals endorsing a “gender-strong” forename, those perceiving their forename as relatively “gender-weak” reported less gender-typical childhood social behavior and a weaker expression of gender-linked personality traits. Our findings suggest that forenames strengthen or weaken gender socialization, gender identification, and so contribute to the variable expression of gender role behavior within binary gender groups.
Physical Demands in Elite Futsal Referees During Spanish Futsal Cup
Authors: Serrano Carlos , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier , Felipe Jose Luis , Hernando Enrique , Gallardo Leonor , Garcia-Unanue Jorge
Published: January 2021

In futsal there are two referees on the playing court and their capacity to respond to physical and physiological demands imposed during the game is essential for the success. The futsal characteristics such as size pitch, referees position and rules of games or type of league could impose specific physical efforts probably. The aim of this study were to analyze the physical demands of eight elite referees (age 40 ± 3.43 years; height 1.80 ± 0.03 m; weight 72.84 ± 4.01 kg) from seven matches of Spanish Futsal Cup 2020. The physical activity of each referee during the match was monitored with a Local Positioning System, which was installed on futsal pitch where the matches were played. The data differences were evaluated as Paired-Samples T-Test procedure. The results revealed a similar total distance between halves (2888.39 vs. 2831.51 m). The zone 3 distance (15.1–18 km⋅h–1) showed a significative decrease (p < 0.05) during the match in comparison to the first and second halves (−24.48 m; CI95%: −9.54 to −39.42; ES: 0.56). The number of high-intensity acceleration (−10.29; CI95%; 3.71–16.86; ES: 0.92) and deceleration (−24.86; CI95%; 11.59–38.12; ES: 0.99) decreased in the second half of the match (p < 0.05). Therefore, the use of the tracking device to monitoring physical performance provides knowledge of the specific activity profile from futsal referees. This information to can be useful to design more accurate the training programs.
Human Diet Evolution: Meat, Fire, and Tapeworms
Authors: Grube Natalia , Garcia Hector H. , Perry George H.
Published: January 2021

The human diet today is very different than the diets of other primates, implying major changes following the split of the human and chimpanzee/bonobo lineages about 6 million years ago. For example, at various timepoints our ancestors began consistently eating meat, cooking food with fire, and consuming products from domesticated plants and animals. Such dietary shifts are important to study because they were likely associated with important cultural and biological changes like tool use and increased brain size. However, the timing of some of these dietary shifts is extremely difficult to study with only archeological and fossil data, leading to uncertainty. In this article, we discuss how studies of human tapeworm parasites can help. Tapeworms could only have been acquired once meat was being consistently consumed and then may have later adapted to heat stress from human cooking.
New Insights Into the Role of β-NGF/TrKA System in the Endometrium of Alpacas During Early Pregnancy
Authors: Barraza Daniela E. , Sari Luciana M. , Apichela Silvana A. , Ratto Marcelo H. , Argañaraz Martin E.
Published: January 2021

One striking reproductive feature in South American camelids is that more than 90% of gestations are established in the left uterine horn (LUH). This phenomenon could be related to a differential vascular irrigation of the LUH. An increase of vascularization in llama endometrium was observed after systemic administration of Beta Nerve Growth Factor (β-NGF), a neurotrophin present in the uterus and placenta of various mammals that is involved in pregnancy development. We hypothesized that the β-NGF signaling pathway is related to embryo implantation in the LUH in camelids. The aim of this study was to characterize the spatial expression of β-NGF and its high-affinity receptor, TrKA, between LUH and right uterine horn (RUH) of non-pregnant (NP) and early pregnant alpacas (15 and 30 days of gestation, 15 and 30P, respectively). In addition, β-NGF, TrKA, and Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor A (VEGFA) temporal gene expression patterns and counting of blood vessels were evaluated among groups. The β-NGF and TrKA were localized in the luminal, glandular, and vascular epithelium of the alpaca uterus and in the embryonic membranes of the 30-days-old conceptus. β-NGF and TrKA immunosignal were stronger in 15P females than that of NP and 30P. In addition, TrKA signal was higher in the LUH luminal epithelium of NP and 15P alpacas than that of NP-RUH and 15P-RUH. β-NGF mRNA relative abundance was higher in the 30P-RUH than that of NP-RUH; whereas TrKA mRNA abundance only differed between 15P-RUH and NP-LUH. VEGFA mRNA relative abundance was higher in NP females compared to the LUH of 15P and 30P alpacas, and lower to their right counterparts. The number of vessels per field was higher in 15P than that of 30P. A positive correlation was observed between the number of vessels per field and β-NGF immunosignal in 15P-LUH. In contrast, the area occupied by vessels was higher in 30P alpacas than of NP and 15P females. The changes of β-NGF/TrKA expression pattern in the peri-implantation endometria between LUH and RUH and their localization in the extraembryonic membranes support the implication of the neurotrophin during implantation and pregnancy development in South American Camelids.
Evaluation of Sugarcane Agroindustrial Wastes as Substrate in Soilless Cultivation of Tomato (S. lycopersicum Linnaeus): Effect of Substrate Composition on Yield Production
Authors: Orta-Guzmán Vanessa Natalie , Lois-Correa Jorge Aurelio , Domínguez-Crespo Miguel Antonio , Pineda-Pineda Joel , Torres-Huerta Aidé Minerva , Rodríguez-Salazar Adela Eugenia , Licona-Aguilar Ángeles Iveth
Published: January 2021

Traditionally, biochar is generally proposed to substitute Canadian Sphagnum peat moss. Sugarcane bagasse, filter press mud and sugarcane bagasse ash were mixed in different ratios and proposed as an alternative to substitute commercial Sphagnum peat moss (SPM) for the soilless cultivation of tomato (S. lycopersicum Linnaeus). The choice of the agroindustrial waste ratio was performed from physical-chemical sample characterization. During vegetable production, an adequate ratio was evaluated based on plant height, substrate pH, number of leaves, yield, and fruit size. The addition of essential macro- and micro-nutrients was performed manually. The results show that as-received materials contain different minerals with a structure that corresponds to the quartz, cristobalite, and feldspar phases. A morphology composed of lamellate structures was observed for sugarcane bagasse, whereas the filter press mud and the sugarcane bagasse ash presented compact agglomerates with a surface area of 1.60, 3.78, and 1.07 m2 g−1, respectively. The properties of each component promote the water adsorption, retention and releasing capacity. Important differences were observed as the quantity of filter press mud increased, but also it is required an amount of sugarcane bagasse above of 18 wt% to reach a superior performance. This work demonstrated that, in adequate quantities, agroindustrial wastes can be used as a soilless substrate for growing tomatoes in greenhouse, reducing their disposal problems.
Field Validation of the Effect of Soil Fumigation of Ethanedinitrile (EDN) on the Mortality of Meloidogyne hapla and Carrot Yield Parameters
Authors: Douda Ondřej , Manasova Marie , Zouhar Miloslav , Hnatek Jonas , Stejskal Vaclav
Published: January 2021

With the increasing importance of soilborne plant pest nematodes and the relatively recent phase-out of methyl bromide as a key soil fumigant, there is an urgent need for new fumigants with good nematicidal properties. Ethanedinitrile (EDN) is a promising fumigant and preparation because of its physical, agrochemical, and nematicidal properties. However, its efficacy against nematode pests of different crops under field conditions has not been fully validated and understood. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of two concentrations of EDN on the survival of northern root-knot nematodes (Meloidogynehapla) and on carrot yield and quality under field conditions. The evaluation was performed using naturally infested carrot plots, and EDN application to the soil was followed by covering the treated area with film. A high biological effect was observed for both EDN concentrations tested, with even the lower dose (30 g·m−2) being sufficient for M. hapla suppression. Positive effects of EDN application—likely due to EDN partial conversion into biologically available nitrogen in soil—on carrot root weight, in comparison with the untreated control, were also observed.
Influence of HFM Thermal Contact on the Accuracy of In Situ Measurements of Façades’ U-Value in Operational Stage
Authors: Gaspar Katia , Casals Miquel , Gangolells Marta
Published: January 2021

Accurate information on the actual thermal transmittance of walls is vital to select appropriate energy-saving measures in existing buildings to meet the commitments of the European Green Deal. To obtain accurate results using the heat flow meter (HFM) method, good thermal contact must be made between the heat flow meter plate and the wall surface. This paper aimed to assess the influence of the non-perfect thermal contact of heat flow meter plates on the accuracy of in situ measurement of the façades’ U-value when a film was applied to avoid damage to the wall surface. Given the fact that to avoid harm to the wall surface, the laying of a film is a usual procedure in the installation of equipment during the building’s operational stage. The findings show that deviations between measured U-values when an HFM was installed directly on the wall surface and when an HFM was installed with a PVC film were found to differ significantly from the theoretical effect of including a PVC film during the monitoring process.
Microseismic Location Error Due to Eikonal Traveltime Calculation
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitry , Waheed Umair bin , Eisner Leo
Published: January 2021

The accuracy of computed traveltimes in a velocity model plays a crucial role in localization of microseismic events. The conventional approach usually utilizes robust fast sweeping or fast marching methods to solve the eikonal equation numerically with a finite-difference scheme. These methods introduce traveltime errors that strongly depend on the direction of wave propagation. Such error results in moveout changes of the computed traveltimes and introduces significant location bias. The issue can be addressed by using a finite-difference scheme to solve the factored eikonal equation. This equation yields significantly more accurate traveltimes and therefore reduces location error, though the traveltimes computed with the factored eikonal equation still contain small errors with systematic bias. Alternatively, the traveltimes can be computed using a physics-informed neural network solver, which yields more randomized traveltimes and resulting location errors.
Influence of Coniferous Wood Conditioning by Pulsed Electric Field on Its Combustion Heat Characteristics
Authors: Kiełbasa Paweł , Dróżdż Tomasz , Popardowski Ernest
Published: January 2021

The article presents the impact of sawdust conditioning from coniferous trees with a pulsed electric field (PEF) on the characteristics of the combustion heat. The study used four variants of electric field parameters, i.e., (I) 300 discharges with an electric field intensity of 25 kV·cm−1, (II) 150 discharges with an electric field intensity of 25 kV·cm−1, (III) 300 discharges with an electric field intensity of 30 kV·cm−1, (IV) 150 discharges with an electric field intensity of 30 kV·cm−1. It should be noted that the interval between successive discharges was 10 sec and it was constant for each variant of the experiment. A change in the characteristics of the heat of combustion was found under the influence of a pulsed electric field on sawdust from coniferous trees in each period of the measurement. The highest temperatures were achieved by the interaction of a pulsed electric field with a discharge pulse of 30 kV·cm−1 and the number of discharge cycles amounting to 300, whereas significantly lower temperature values were recorded with the discharge electric field intensity of 25 kV·cm−1. It was found that the longest times from the moment of ignition to reaching the maximum temperature were obtained for the material after the influence of PEF with an electric field intensity of 30 kV·cm−1 and the number of pulses 300 (IV combination), while the shortest time of the analyzed interval was stated for the first combination of the experiment (electric field intensity 25 kV·cm−1 and a number of pulses 150). The use of a pulsed electric field allows modeling the combustion time of a homogeneous material, which enables the improvement of the process control possibilities, and is also important information for the design of devices intended for biomass combustion.
Adaptive Granularity Based Last-Level Cache Prefetching Method with eDRAM Prefetch Buffer for Graph Processing Applications
Authors: Choi Sae-Gyeol , Kim Jeong-Geun , Kim Shin-Dug
Published: January 2021

The emergence of big data processing and machine learning has triggered the exponential growth of the working set sizes of applications. In addition, several modern applications are memory intensive with irregular memory access patterns. Therefore, we propose the concept of adaptive granularities to develop a prefetching methodology for analyzing memory access patterns based on a wider granularity concept that entails both cache lines and page granularity. The proposed prefetching module resides in the last-level cache (LLC) to handle the large working set of memory-intensive workloads. Additionally, to support memory access streams with variable intervals, we introduced an embedded-DRAM based LLC prefetch buffer that consists of three granularity-based prefetch engines and an access history table. By adaptively changing the granularity window for analyzing memory streams, the proposed model can swiftly and appropriately determine the stride of memory addresses to generate hidden delta chains from irregular memory access patterns. The proposed model achieves 18% and 15% improvements in terms of energy consumption and execution time compared to global history buffer and best offset prefetchers, respectively. In addition, our model reduced the total execution time and energy consumption by approximately 6% and 2.3%, compared to those of the Markov prefetcher and variable-length delta prefetcher.
Benchmarking and Performance Evaluations on Various Configurations of Virtual Machine and Containers for Cloud-Based Scientific Workloads
Authors: Shah Syed Asif Raza , Waqas Ahmad , Kim Moon-Hyun , Kim Tae-Hyung , Yoon Heejun , Noh Seo-Young
Published: January 2021

Cloud computing manages system resources such as processing, storage, and networking by providing users with multiple virtual machines (VMs) as needed. It is one of the rapidly growing fields that come with huge computational power for scientific workloads. Currently, the scientific community is ready to work over the cloud as it is considered as a resource-rich paradigm. The traditional way of executing scientific workloads on cloud computing is by using virtual machines. However, the latest emerging concept of containerization is growing more rapidly and gained popularity because of its unique features. Containers are treated as lightweight as compared to virtual machines in cloud computing. In this regard, a few VMs/containers-associated problems of performance and throughput are encountered because of middleware technologies such as virtualization or containerization. In this paper, we introduce the configurations of VMs and containers for cloud-based scientific workloads in order to utilize the technologies to solve scientific problems and handle their workloads. This paper also tackles throughput and efficiency problems related to VMs and containers in the cloud environment and explores efficient resource provisioning by combining four unique methods: hyperthreading (HT), vCPU cores selection, vCPU affinity, and isolation of vCPUs. The HEPSCPEC06 benchmark suite is used to evaluate the throughput and efficiency of VMs and containers. The proposed solution is to implement four basic techniques to reduce the effect of virtualization and containerization. Additionally, these techniques are used to make virtual machines and containers more effective and powerful for scientific workloads. The results show that allowing hyperthreading, isolation of CPU cores, proper numbering, and allocation of vCPU cores can improve the throughput and performance of virtual machines and containers.
A Transfer Learning Method for Meteorological Visibility Estimation Based on Feature Fusion Method
Authors: Li Jiaping , Lo Wai Lun , Fu Hong , Chung Henry Shu Hung
Published: January 2021

Meteorological visibility is an important meteorological observation indicator to measure the weather transparency which is important for the transport safety. It is a challenging problem to estimate the visibilities accurately from the image characteristics. This paper proposes a transfer learning method for the meteorological visibility estimation based on image feature fusion. Different from the existing methods, the proposed method estimates the visibility based on the data processing and features’ extraction in the selected subregions of the whole image and therefore it had less computation load and higher efficiency. All the database images were gray-averaged firstly for the selection of effective subregions and features extraction. Effective subregions are extracted for static landmark objects which can provide useful information for visibility estimation. Four different feature extraction methods (Densest, ResNet50, Vgg16, and Vgg19) were used for the feature extraction of the subregions. The features extracted by the neural network were then imported into the proposed support vector regression (SVR) regression model, which derives the estimated visibilities of the subregions. Finally, based on the weight fusion of the visibility estimates from the subregion models, an overall comprehensive visibility was estimated for the whole image. Experimental results show that the visibility estimation accuracy is more than 90%. This method can estimate the visibility of the image, with high robustness and effectiveness.
KeyNet: An Asymmetric Key-Style Framework for Watermarking Deep Learning Models
Authors: Jebreel Najeeb Moharram , Domingo-Ferrer Josep , Sánchez David , Blanco-Justicia Alberto
Published: January 2021

Many organizations devote significant resources to building high-fidelity deep learning (DL) models. Therefore, they have a great interest in making sure the models they have trained are not appropriated by others. Embedding watermarks (WMs) in DL models is a useful means to protect the intellectual property (IP) of their owners. In this paper, we propose KeyNet, a novel watermarking framework that satisfies the main requirements for an effective and robust watermarking. In KeyNet, any sample in a WM carrier set can take more than one label based on where the owner signs it. The signature is the hashed value of the owner’s information and her model. We leverage multi-task learning (MTL) to learn the original classification task and the watermarking task together. Another model (called the private model) is added to the original one, so that it acts as a private key. The two models are trained together to embed the WM while preserving the accuracy of the original task. To extract a WM from a marked model, we pass the predictions of the marked model on a signed sample to the private model. Then, the private model can provide the position of the signature. We perform an extensive evaluation of KeyNet’s performance on the CIFAR10 and FMNIST5 data sets and prove its effectiveness and robustness. Empirical results show that KeyNet preserves the utility of the original task and embeds a robust WM.
Cartesian Aerial Manipulator with Compliant Arm
Authors: Suarez Alejandro , Perez Manuel , Heredia Guillermo , Ollero Anibal
Published: January 2021

This paper presents an aerial manipulation robot consisting of a hexa-rotor equipped with a 2-DOF (degree of freedom) Cartesian base (XY–axes) that supports a 1-DOF compliant joint arm that integrates a gripper and an elastic linear force sensor. The proposed kinematic configuration improves the positioning accuracy of the end effector with respect to robotic arms with revolute joints, where each coordinate of the Cartesian position depends on all the joint angles. The Cartesian base reduces the inertia of the manipulator and the energy consumption since it does not need to lift its own weight. Consequently, the required torque is lower and, thus, the weight of the actuators. The linear and angular deflection sensors of the arm allow the estimation, monitoring and control of the interaction wrenches exerted in two axes (XZ) at the end effector. The kinematic and dynamic models are derived and compared with respect to a revolute-joint arm, proposing a force-position control scheme for the aerial robot. A battery counterweight mechanism is also incorporated in the X–axis linear guide to partially compensate for the motion of the manipulator. Experimental results indoors and outdoors show the performance of the robot, including object grasping and retrieval, contact force control, and force monitoring in grabbing situations.
Optimization of Multi-Energy Microgrid Operation in the Presence of PV, Heterogeneous Energy Storage and Integrated Demand Response
Authors: Wang Jingshan , Li Ke-Jun , Liang Yongliang , Javid Zahid
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a model is proposed for the optimal operation of multi-energy microgrids (MEMGs) in the presence of solar photovoltaics (PV), heterogeneous energy storage (HES) and integrated demand response (IDR), considering technical and economic ties among the resources. Uncertainty of solar power as well as the flexibility of electrical, cooling and heat load demand are taken into account. A p-efficient point method is applied to compute PV power at different confidence levels based on historical data. This method converts the uncertain PV energy from stochastic to deterministic to be included in the optimization model. The concept of demand response is extended and mathematically modeled using a linear function based on the quantized flexibility interval of multi-energy load demand. As a result, the overall model is formulated as a mixed-integer linear program, which can be effectively solved by the commercial solvers. The proposed model is implemented on two typical summer and winter days for various cases. Results of case studies show the important benefits for maximum PV utilization, energy efficiency and economic system operation. Moreover, the influence of the different confidence levels of PV power and effectiveness of IDR in the stochastic circumstances are addressed in the optimization-based operation.
A New Technique for Computed-Tomography Urethrography in Males: The Clamp Method
Authors: Berná-Mestre Juan de Dios , Guzmán-Aroca Florentina , Puerta-Sales Alejandro , Navarro-Baño Antonio , Castillo Guillermo Carbonell-López del , Berná-Serna Juan de Dios , Alcaraz Miguel
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study is to describe and evaluate a new technique for performing Computed-Tomography Retrograde Urethrography (CT-RUG). Males with urethral anomalies detected by retrograde urethrography (RUG) and/or retrograde sonourethrography (RSUG) underwent CT-RUG using the clamp method and three radiologists evaluated the anomalies in each technique separately and blindly. CT-RUG was done successfully in all the cases (n = 22), with means of 6 min duration and 95 mL of contrast; no pain was reported by 81% of the patients (VAS: 0) and very mild pain by the rest (VAS: 0.5–1.2). CT-RUG showed better diagnostic efficacy in cases of periurethral fistula (n = 8), urethral stent (n = 3), previous urethroplasty and urethral lithiasis (n = 2), a similar accuracy to RSUG for measuring the length of anterior urethral strictures (n = 9) and greater accuracy than RUG (p = 0.008). Six cases received 2 CT sweeps, with an effective dose of 4.96 mSv, and the remaining 16 had 1 sweep and received 3.456 mSv. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the clamp method for CT-RUG, a method that is effective and comfortable for both the patient and the operator (retrograde infusion of contrast).
Influence of the Parameters of Cluster Ions on the Formation of Nanostructures on the KTP Surface
Authors: Nikolaev Ivan V. , Korobeishchikov Nikolay G.
Published: January 2021

In this work, the formation of periodic nanostructures on the surface of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) has been demonstrated. The surface of KTP single crystals after the processing of argon cluster ions with different energy per cluster atom E/Nmean = 12.5 and 110 eV/atom has been studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). To characterize the nanostructures, the power spectral density (PSD) functions have been used. The features of the formation of periodic nanostructures are revealed depending on the incident angle of clusters and different energy per atom in clusters.
Characteristics of Large-Scale Circulation Affecting the Inter-Annual Precipitation Variability in Northern Sumatra Island during Boreal Summer
Authors: Darmawan Yahya , Hsu Huang-Hsiung , Yu Jia-Yuh
Published: January 2021

This study aims to explore the contrasting characteristics of large-scale circulation that led to the precipitation anomalies over the northern parts of Sumatra Island. Further, the impact of varying the Asian–Australian Monsoon (AAM) was investigated for triggering the precipitation variability over the study area. The moisture budget analysis was applied to quantify the most dominant component that induces precipitation variability during the JJA (June, July, and August) period. Then, the composite analysis and statistical approach were applied to confirm the result of the moisture budget. Using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Anaysis Interim (ERA-Interim) from 1981 to 2016, we identified 9 (nine) dry and 6 (six) wet years based on precipitation anomalies, respectively. The dry years (wet years) anomalies over the study area were mostly supported by downward (upward) vertical velocity anomaly instead of other variables such as specific humidity, horizontal velocity, and evaporation. In the dry years (wet years), there is a strengthening (weakening) of the descent motion, which triggers a reduction (increase) of convection over the study area. The overall downward (upward) motion of westerly (easterly) winds appears to suppress (support) the convection and lead to negative (positive) precipitation anomaly in the whole region but with the largest anomaly over northern parts of Sumatra. The AAM variability proven has a significant role in the precipitation variability over the study area. A teleconnection between the AAM and other global circulations implies the precipitation variability over the northern part of Sumatra Island as a regional phenomenon. The large-scale tropical circulation is possibly related to the PWC modulation (Pacific Walker Circulation).
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Biomedicines in 2020
Authors:   Biomedicines Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Biomedicines maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Addressing the Need of a Translational Approach in Peripheral Neuropathy Research: Morphology Meets Function
Authors: Monza Laura , Fumagalli Giulia , Chiorazzi Alessia , Alberti Paola
Published: January 2021

Peripheral neuropathies (PNs) are a type of common disease that hampers the quality of life of affected people. Treatment, in most cases, is just symptomatic and often ineffective. To improve drug discovery in this field, preclinical evidence is warranted. In vivo rodent models allow a multiparametric approach to test new therapeutic strategies, since they can allow pathogenetic and morphological studies different from the clinical setting. However, human readouts are warranted to promptly translate data from the bench to the bedside. A feasible solution would be neurophysiology, performed similarly at both sides. We describe a simple protocol that reproduces the standard clinical protocol of a neurophysiology hospital department. We devised the optimal montage for sensory and motor recordings (neurography) in mice, and we also implemented F wave testing and a short electromyography (EMG) protocol at rest. We challenged this algorithm by comparing control animals (BALB/c mice) with a model of mild neuropathy to grasp even subtle changes. The neurophysiological results were confirmed with neuropathology. The treatment group showed all expected alterations. Moreover, the neurophysiology matched the neuropathological analyses. Therefore, our protocol can be suggested to promptly translate data from the bench to the bedside and vice versa.
Targeting Aquaporins in Novel Therapies for Male and Female Breast and Reproductive Cancers
Authors: Khan Sidra , Ricciardelli Carmela , Yool Andrea J.
Published: January 2021

Aquaporins are membrane channels in the broad family of major intrinsic proteins (MIPs), with 13 classes showing tissue-specific distributions in humans. As key physiological modulators of water and solute homeostasis, mutations, and dysfunctions involving aquaporins have been associated with pathologies in all major organs. Increases in aquaporin expression are associated with greater severity of many cancers, particularly in augmenting motility and invasiveness for example in colon cancers and glioblastoma. However, potential roles of altered aquaporin (AQP) function in reproductive cancers have been understudied to date. Published work reviewed here shows distinct classes aquaporin have differential roles in mediating cancer metastasis, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis. Known mechanisms of action of AQPs in other tissues are proving relevant to understanding reproductive cancers. Emerging patterns show AQPs 1, 3, and 5 in particular are highly expressed in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, consistent with their gene regulation by estrogen response elements, and AQPs 3 and 9 in particular are linked with prostate cancer. Continuing work is defining avenues for pharmacological targeting of aquaporins as potential therapies to reduce female and male reproductive cancer cell growth and invasiveness.
Multiplex Analysis of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (ASC) Immunophenotype Adaption to In Vitro Expansion
Authors: Peng Qiuyue , Duda Martyna , Ren Guoqiang , Xuan Zongzhe , Pennisi Cristian Pablo , Porsborg Simone Riis , Fink Trine , Zachar Vladimir
Published: January 2021

In order to enhance the therapeutic potential, it is important that sufficient knowledge regarding the dynamic changes of adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) immunophenotypical and biological properties during in vitro growth is available. Consequently, we embarked on a study to follow the evolution of highly defined cell subsets from three unrelated donors in the course of eight passages on tissue culture polystyrene. The co-expression patterns were defined by panels encompassing seven and five cell surface markers, including CD34, CD146, CD166, CD200, CD248, CD271, and CD274 and CD29, CD31, CD36, CD201, and Stro-1, respectively. The analysis was performed using multichromatic flow cytometry. We observed a major paradigm shift, where the CD166-CD34+ combination which was found across all cell subsets early in the culture was replaced by the CD166+ phenotype as the population homogeneity increased with time. At all analysis points, the cultures were dominated by a few major clones that were highly prevalent in most of the donors. The selection process resulted in two predominant clones in the larger panel (CD166+CD34−CD146−CD271− CD274−CD248−CD200− and CD166+CD34+ CD146−CD271−CD274−CD248−CD200−) and one clone in the smaller panel (CD29+CD201+CD36− Stro-1− CD31−). The minor subsets, including CD166+CD34−CD146−CD271+CD274−CD248−CD200− and CD166+CD34+CD146+CD271−CD274−CD248−CD200−, and CD29+CD201−CD36−Stro-1−CD31−, CD29+CD201+CD36−Stro-1+CD31−, and CD29+CD201+CD36+Stro-1−CD31−, in the seven and five marker panels, respectively, were, on the other, hand highly fluctuating and donor-dependent. The results demonstrate that only a limited number of phenotypical repertoires are possible in ASC cultures. Marked differences in their relative occurrence between distinct individuals underscore the need for potency standardization of different ASC preparation to improve the clinical outcome.
Hydrogen Sulfide, an Endogenous Stimulator of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer Cells
Authors: Szabo Csaba
Published: January 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has a long history as toxic gas and environmental hazard; inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase (mitochondrial Complex IV) is viewed as a primary mode of its cytotoxic action. However, studies conducted over the last two decades unveiled multiple biological regulatory roles of H2S as an endogenously produced mammalian gaseous transmitter. Cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) are currently viewed as the principal mammalian H2S-generating enzymes. In contrast to its inhibitory (toxicological) mitochondrial effects, at lower (physiological) concentrations, H2S serves as a stimulator of electron transport in mammalian mitochondria, by acting as an electron donor—with sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQR) being the immediate electron acceptor. The mitochondrial roles of H2S are significant in various cancer cells, many of which exhibit high expression and partial mitochondrial localization of various H2S producing enzymes. In addition to the stimulation of mitochondrial ATP production, the roles of endogenous H2S in cancer cells include the maintenance of mitochondrial organization (protection against mitochondrial fission) and the maintenance of mitochondrial DNA repair (via the stimulation of the assembly of mitochondrial DNA repair complexes). The current article overviews the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the mitochondrial functions of endogenously produced H2S in cancer cells.
Micro/Nano Indentation Testing of Spark Plasma Sintered Al2O3 + ZrO2 + cBN Ceramics
Authors: Sedlák Richard , Ivor Michal , Klimczyk Piotr , Wyzga Piotr , Podsiadlo Marcin , Vojtko Marek , Dusza Ján
Published: January 2021

Al2O3 + 30 vol% ZrO2 matrix composites with 20 and 30 vol% cBN have been prepared with the optimized processing route, using spark plasma sintering (SPS) at temperatures of 1400 °C and 1250 °C. The influence of cBN addition on the microstructure characteristics, micro/nanohardness, elastic modulus, and crack-extension resistance of the composites and their constitutions have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), statistical analyses of the individual grain size and micro/nanoindentation methods. The matrix consists of alumina and zirconia grains with grain sizes/diameter of approximately 220 and 160 nm with approximately 1.9 μm cBN grains in the Al2O3 + ZrO2 + cBN composites. The microhardness is slightly increasing with cBN addition from 16.2 to 17.1 GPa and the crack-extension resistance from 3.72 to 4.29 MPa.m1/2. The toughening mechanisms are in the form of crack deflection, crack branching, and crack bridging. The nanohardness and indentation modulus of the matrix are approximately 30 and 420 GPa, and the cBN grains 70 and 777 GPa, respectively.
Exchange Bias in Thin Films—An Update
Authors: Blachowicz Tomasz , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: January 2021

The exchange bias (EB) is an effect occurring in coupled ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic materials of diverse shapes, from core–shell nanoparticles to stacked nanostructures and thin films. The interface coupling typically results in a horizontal—often also vertical—shift of the hysteresis loop, combined with an increased coercivity, as compared to the pure ferromagnet, and the possibility of asymmetric hysteresis loops. Several models have been developed since its discovery in 1956 which still have some drawbacks and some unexplained points, while exchange bias systems are at the same time being used in hard drive read heads and are part of highly important elements for spintronics applications. Here, we give an update of new theoretical models and experimental findings regarding exchange bias phenomena in thin films during the last years, including new material combinations in which an exchange bias was found.