bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YOLO-DSD: A YOLO-Based Detector Optimized for Better Balance between Accuracy, Deployability and Inference Time in Optical Remote Sensing Object Detection
Authors: Chen Hengxu , Jin Hong , Lv Shengping
Published: July 2022

Many deep learning (DL)-based detectors have been developed for optical remote sensing object detection in recent years. However, most of the recent detectors are developed toward the pursuit of a higher accuracy, but little toward a balance between accuracy, deployability and inference time, which hinders the practical application for these detectors, especially in embedded devices. In order to achieve a higher detection accuracy and reduce the computational consumption and inference time simultaneously, a novel convolutional network named YOLO-DSD was developed based on YOLOv4. Firstly, a new feature extraction module, a dense residual (DenseRes) block, was proposed in a backbone network by utilizing a series-connected residual structure with the same topology for improving feature extraction while reducing the computational consumption and inference time. Secondly, convolution layer–batch normalization layer–leaky ReLu (CBL) ×5 modules in the neck, named S-CBL×5, were improved with a short-cut connection in order to mitigate feature loss. Finally, a low-cost novel attention mechanism called a dual channel attention (DCA) block was introduced to each S-CBL×5 for a better representation of features. The experimental results in the DIOR dataset indicate that YOLO-DSD outperforms YOLOv4 by increasing mAP0.5 from 71.3% to 73.0%, with a 23.9% and 29.7% reduction in Params and Flops, respectively, but a 50.2% improvement in FPS. In the RSOD dataset, the mAP0.5 of YOLO-DSD is increased from 90.0~94.0% to 92.6~95.5% under different input sizes. Compared with the SOTA detectors, YOLO-DSD achieves a better balance between the accuracy, deployability and inference time.
Hydrophobic Antiwetting of Aquatic UAVs: Static and Dynamic Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Zheng Yihua , Huang Zhimin , Zhang Chengchun , Wu Zhengyang
Published: July 2022

The adhesion of water to the surfaces of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) adversely affects the function. The proposed UAVs will have underwater as well as flight capability, and these aquatic UAVs must shed water to resume flight. The efficient separation of the adhering water from aquatic-UAV surfaces is a challenging problem; we investigated the application of hydrophobic surfaces as a potential solution. Using aquatic-UAV models, one with hydrophilic surfaces and the other with superhydrophobic anisotropic textured surfaces, the antiwetting mechanism of the hydrophobic surfaces was investigated using a simulated-precipitation system and instrumentation to measure the load of the water adhering to the aquatic UAV, and to measure the impact energies. When the model was stationary (passive antiwetting), no adhesion occurred on the superhydrophobic surfaces, while continuous asymmetric thick liquid films were observed on the hydrophilic surfaces. The superhydrophobic surfaces reduced the rain loading by 87.5%. The vibration and movement of the model (dynamic antiwetting, simulating flight motions) accelerated the separation process and reduced the contact time. The observed results were augmented by the use of computational fluid dynamics with lattice Boltzmann methods (LBM) to analyze the particle traces inside the droplets, the liquid phase velocity-field and pressure-field strengths, and the backward bouncing behavior of the derived droplet group induced by the moving surface. The synergy between the superhydrophobic surfaces and the kinetic energy of the droplets promotes the breakup of drops, which avoids the significant lateral unbalance observed with hydrophilic surfaces during simulated flight.
Temperature Control Unit—Modeling and Implementation of a Particle Filter on a Microcontroller
Authors: Michalski Jacek , Retinger Marek , Kozierski Piotr , Zietkiewicz Joanna
Published: July 2022

The paper discusses the possibilities of using particle filter estimation algorithms in embedded systems. For this purpose, the dedicated testing platform was built, which allowed for the determination of the estimation quality of a particle filter on a real system, and the microcontroller performance in that scenario. Tests were performed using the obsolete and not very efficient, although energy-saving, STM32F4 Discovery board—it has allowed for an in-depth analysis, and the results can be easily improved by switching to a modern platform. The quality of operations in open- and closed-loop systems was investigated based on the analysis of time simulations conducted for various mathematical models. These analyses made it possible to establish a correlation between the number of particles and the required calculation power. They have shown that it is possible to successfully implement and run a particle filter algorithm on an older and computationally limited device, as well as in real-time scenarios.
Growth of Microalgae-Bacteria Flocs for Nutrient Recycling from Digestate and Liquid Slurry and Methane Production by Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Béji Olfa , Adouani Nouceiba , Poncin Souhila , Li Huai-Zhi
Published: July 2022

Biogas production by anaerobic digestion from different wastes represents a growing interest in the panel of renewable energy. Digestate has already been a subject of numerous studies as part of microalgal culturing because it is still rich in nutrients. This study wants to use it as a reference to investigate the possibility to exploit Slurry for the same applications. The first part of this research aims to evaluate microalgae-bacterial flocs growth for nutrient recycling from liquid digestate and slurry, working at three different dilutions (10%, 30%, and 50%) of these two substrates, in order to determine the best value for nutrients and pollutants removal (ammonia and chemical oxygen demand removal rate) and microalgae-bacterial biomass production (autotrophic index). The best dilutions were 30% for digestate and 10% for slurry, allowing the highest ammonia and chemical oxygen demand removal rates. The second part evaluated methane production during anaerobic digestion at different ratios of substrate/inoculum (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8), using microalgae-bacterial flocs as a substrate and digestate or slurry as the inoculum. After 30 days, the anaerobic digestion without flocs showed the best performance compared to digestion with flocs (726.7 mL CH4·g−1 slurry, 245.6 mL CH4·g−1 digestate), whereas, for flocs digestion, the best ratio for both inocula was 0.2 substrate/inoculum with 317.2 mL CH4·g−1 slurry and 165.7 mL CH4·g−1 digestate. All solid masses are expressed in terms of volatile solids (VS).
Volatile Organic Compound Emission Status and Control Perspectives in the Petroleum Refining Industry in China
Authors: Sha Sha , Liu Siming , Huang Minchao , Fan Na , Wang Na , Cai Mei
Published: July 2022

Given the increasingly serious ozone pollution, petroleum refining has received more attention, since it is one of the dominant volatile organic compound-emitting industries in China. Volatile organic compound emission source identification, control efficiency classification, emissions calculation, emission factor generation and uncertainty analysis were performed in this study. According to the VOC emission control level, petroleum refining enterprises were divided into three levels, accounting for 10.6%, 54.4% and 35% of the total refining capacity, and 0.6%, 1.2%, and 3% were generated as the emission factor for each designed level, respectively. The total volatile organic compound emissions of the China petroleum refining industry in 2020 are estimated to be 1150 Kt by applying the hierarchical accounting method. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of volatile organic compound emissions was analyzed. The emission intensity of 15 cities is greater than the national average value of 0.12 tons/km2, where the highest level is approximately 2.7 tons/km2. To reduce the volatile organic compound emissions of PR enterprises, the collection efficiency and operation effect of treatment facilities are the most important points based on the analysis of the current situation of volatile organic compound emissions in the PR industry in China.
Sharp Bounds for the Second Hankel Determinant of Logarithmic Coefficients for Strongly Starlike and Strongly Convex Functions
Authors: Sümer Eker Sevtap , Şeker Bilal , Çekiç Bilal , Acu Mugur
Published: July 2022

The logarithmic coefficients are very essential in the problems of univalent functions theory. The importance of the logarithmic coefficients is due to the fact that the bounds on logarithmic coefficients of f can transfer to the Taylor coefficients of univalent functions themselves or to their powers, via the Lebedev–Milin inequalities; therefore, it is interesting to investigate the Hankel determinant whose entries are logarithmic coefficients. The main purpose of this paper is to obtain the sharp bounds for the second Hankel determinant of logarithmic coefficients of strongly starlike functions and strongly convex functions.
Dirichlet Problem with L1(S) Boundary Values
Authors: Ramm Alexander G.
Published: July 2022

Let D be a connected bounded domain in R2, S be its boundary, which is closed and C2-smooth. Consider the Dirichlet problem Δu=0inD,u|S=h, where h∈L1(S). The aim of this paper is to prove that the above problem has a solution for an arbitrary h∈L1(S), and this solution is unique. The result is new. The method of its proof is new. The definition of the L1(S)-boundary value of a harmonic in the D function is given. No embedding theorems are used. The history of the Dirichlet problem goes back to 1828. The result in this paper is, to the author’s knowledge, the first result in the 194 years of research (since 1828) that yields the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the Dirichlet problem with the boundary values in L1(S).
ISI-Equienergetic Graphs
Authors: Ye Qingfang , Li Fengwei
Published: July 2022

The ISI-energy εisi(G) of a graph G=(V,E) is the sum of the absolute values of the eigenvalues of the ISI-matrix C(G)=[cij]n×n in which cij=d(vi)d(vj)d(vi)+d(vj) if vivj∈E(G) and cij=0 otherwise. d(vi) denotes the degree of vertex vi∈V. As a class of graph energy, ISI-energy can be utilized to ascertain the general energy of conjugated carbon molecules. Two non-isomorphic graphs of the same order are said to be ISI-equienergetic if their ISI-energies are equal. In this paper, we construct pairs of connected, ISI-noncospectral, ISI-equienergetic graphs of order n for all n≥9. In addition, for n-vertex r(r≥3)-regular graph G, and for each k≥2, we obtain εisi(Lk(G)¯), depending only on n and r. This result enables a systematic construction of pairs of ISI-noncospectral graphs of the same order, having equal ISI-energies.
A Novel Automatic Quantification Protocol for Biomarkers of Tauopathies in the Hippocampus and Entorhinal Cortex of Post-Mortem Samples Using an Extended Semi-Siamese U-Net
Authors: Campero-Garcia Luis A. , Cantoral-Ceballos Jose A. , Martinez-Maldonado Alejandra , Luna-Muñoz Jose , Ontiveros-Torres Miguel A. , Gutierrez-Rodriguez Andres E.
Published: July 2022

Efforts have been made to diagnose and predict the course of different neurodegenerative diseases through various imaging techniques. Particularly tauopathies, where the tau polypeptide is a key participant in molecular pathogenesis, have significantly increased their morbidity and mortality in the human population over the years. However, the standard approach to exploring the phenomenon of neurodegeneration in tauopathies has not been directed at understanding the molecular mechanism that causes the aberrant polymeric and fibrillar behavior of the tau protein, which forms neurofibrillary tangles that replace neuronal populations in the hippocampal and cortical regions. The main objective of this work is to implement a novel quantification protocol for different biomarkers based on pathological post-translational modifications undergone by tau in the brains of patients with tauopathies. The quantification protocol consists of an adaptation of the U-Net neural network architecture. We used the resulting segmentation masks for the quantification of combined fluorescent signals of the different molecular changes tau underwent in neurofibrillary tangles. The quantification considers the neurofibrillary tangles as an individual study structure separated from the rest of the quadrant present in the images. This allows us to detect unconventional interaction signals between the different biomarkers. Our algorithm provides information that will be fundamental to understanding the pathogenesis of dementias with another computational analysis approach in subsequent studies.
Mitochondrial Ultrastructure and Activity Are Differentially Regulated by Glycolysis-, Krebs Cycle-, and Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in Monocytes
Authors: Pérez-Hernández C. Angélica , Moreno-Altamirano M. Maximina Bertha , López-Villegas Edgar O. , Butkeviciute Egle , Ali Mohammad , Kronsteiner Barbara , Dunachie Susanna J. , Dockrell Hazel M. , Smith Steven G. , Sánchez-García F. Javier
Published: July 2022

Several intermediate metabolites harbour cell-signalling properties, thus, it is likely that specific metabolites enable the communication between neighbouring cells, as well as between host cells with the microbiota, pathogens, and tumour cells. Mitochondria, a source of intermediate metabolites, participate in a wide array of biological processes beyond that of ATP production, such as intracellular calcium homeostasis, cell signalling, apoptosis, regulation of immune responses, and host cell–microbiota crosstalk. In this regard, mitochondria’s plasticity allows them to adapt their bioenergetics status to intra- and extra-cellular cues, and the mechanisms driving such plasticity are currently a matter of intensive research. Here, we addressed whether mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity are differentially shaped when human monocytes are exposed to an exogenous source of lactate (derived from glycolysis), succinate, and fumarate (Krebs cycle metabolic intermediates), or butyrate and acetate (short-chain fatty acids produced by intestinal microbiota). It has previously been shown that fumarate induces mitochondrial fusion, increases the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and reshapes the mitochondrial cristae ultrastructure. Here, we provide evidence that, in contrast to fumarate, lactate, succinate, and butyrate induce mitochondrial fission, while acetate induces mitochondrial swelling. These traits, along with mitochondrial calcium influx kinetics and glycolytic vs. mitochondrial ATP-production rates, suggest that these metabolites differentially shape mitochondrial function, paving the way for the understanding of metabolite-induced metabolic reprogramming of monocytes and its possible use for immune-response intervention.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Patient-Reported Clinical Manifestations to Diagnose COVID-19 in Adults from a National Database in Chile: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Martinez Felipe , Muñoz Sergio , Guerrero-Nancuante Camilo , Taramasco Carla
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: The diagnosis of COVID-19 is frequently made on the basis of a suggestive clinical history and the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory secretions. However, the diagnostic accuracy of clinical features is unknown. (2) Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of patient-reported clinical manifestations to identify cases of COVID-19. (3) Methodology: Cross-sectional study using data from a national registry in Chile. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed using RT-PCR in all cases. Anonymised information regarding demographic characteristics and clinical features were assessed using sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to combine epidemiological risk factors and clinical features. (4) Results: A total of 2,187,962 observations were available for analyses. Male participants had a mean age of 43.1 ± 17.5 years. The most common complaints within the study were headache (39%), myalgia (32.7%), cough (31.6%), and sore throat (25.7%). The most sensitive features of disease were headache, myalgia, and cough, and the most specific were anosmia and dysgeusia/ageusia. A multivariable model showed a fair diagnostic accuracy, with a ROC AUC of 0.744 (95% CI 0.743–0.746). (5) Discussion: No single clinical feature was able to fully confirm or exclude an infection by SARS-CoV-2. The combination of several demographic and clinical factors had a fair diagnostic accuracy in identifying patients with the disease. This model can help clinicians tailor the probability of COVID-19 and select diagnostic tests appropriate to their setting.
Recent Progress in Second Near-Infrared (NIR-II) Fluorescence Imaging in Cancer
Authors: Wang Tian , Chen Yingying , Wang Bo , Gao Xiaofan , Wu Mingfu
Published: July 2022

Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and its incidence is on the rise. Although cancer diagnosis and therapy have advanced significantly in recent decades, it is still a challenge to achieve the accurate identification and localization of cancer and to complete tumor elimination with a maximum preservation of normal tissue. Recently, second near-infrared region (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) fluorescence has shown great application potential in cancer theranostics due to its inherent advantages, such as great penetration capacity, minimal tissue absorption and scattering, and low autofluorescence. With the development of fluorescence imaging systems and fluorescent probes, tumor detection, margin definition, and individualized therapy can be achieved quickly, enabling an increasingly accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Herein, this review introduces the role of NIR-II fluorescence imaging in cancer diagnosis and summarizes the representative applications of NIR-II image-guided treatment in cancer therapy. Ultimately, we discuss the present challenges and future perspectives on fluorescence imaging in the field of cancer theranostics and put forward our opinions on how to improve the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis and therapeutics.
A Trajectory of Discovery: Metabolic Regulation by the Conditionally Disordered Chloroplast Protein, CP12
Authors: Gérard Cassy , Carrière Frédéric , Receveur-Bréchot Véronique , Launay Hélène , Gontero Brigitte
Published: July 2022

The chloroplast protein CP12, which is widespread in photosynthetic organisms, belongs to the intrinsically disordered proteins family. This small protein (80 amino acid residues long) presents a bias in its composition; it is enriched in charged amino acids, has a small number of hydrophobic residues, and has a high proportion of disorder-promoting residues. More precisely, CP12 is a conditionally disordered proteins (CDP) dependent upon the redox state of its four cysteine residues. During the day, reducing conditions prevail in the chloroplast, and CP12 is fully disordered. Under oxidizing conditions (night), its cysteine residues form two disulfide bridges that confer some stability to some structural elements. Like many CDPs, CP12 plays key roles, and its redox-dependent conditional disorder is important for the main function of CP12: the dark/light regulation of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle responsible for CO2 assimilation. Oxidized CP12 binds to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and phosphoribulokinase and thereby inhibits their activity. However, recent studies reveal that CP12 may have other functions beyond the CBB cycle regulation. In this review, we report the discovery of this protein, its features as a disordered protein, and the many functions this small protein can have.
Calnexin Is Involved in Forskolin-Induced Syncytialization in Cytotrophoblast Model BeWo Cells
Authors: Matsukawa Hitomi , Ikezaki Midori , Nishioka Kaho , Iwahashi Naoyuki , Fujimoto Masakazu , Nishitsuji Kazuchika , Ihara Yoshito , Ino Kazuhiko
Published: July 2022

Calnexin (CNX), a membrane-bound molecular chaperone, is involved in protein folding and quality control of nascent glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. We previously suggested critical roles of calreticulin, a functional paralogue of CNX, in placentation, including invasion of extravillous trophoblasts and syncytialization of cytotrophoblasts. However, the roles of CNX in placentation are unclear. In human choriocarcinoma BeWo cells, which serve as an experimental model of syncytialization, CNX knockdown suppressed forskolin-induced cell fusion and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) induction. Cell-surface luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor, a β-hCG receptor, was significantly down-regulated in CNX-knockdown cells, which suggested the presence of a dysfunctional autocrine loop of β-hCG up-regulation. In this study, we also found abundant CNX expression in normal human placentas. Collectively, our results revealed the critical role of CNX in the syncytialization-related signaling in a villous trophoblast model and suggest a link between CNX expression and placenta development.
Reply to Daly, J.J. Comment on “Chow, J.W.; Stokic, D.S. Longitudinal Changes in Temporospatial Gait Characteristics during the First Year Post-Stroke. Brain Sci. 2021, 11, 1648”
Authors: Chow John W. , Stokic Dobrivoje S.
Published: July 2022

This commentary [...]
Validation of the Mental Health Literacy Scale in French University Students
Authors: Montagni Ilaria , González Caballero Juan Luis
Published: July 2022

Background: Mental health literacy is a determinant of mental health, which can facilitate early detection of psychological problems and endorse timely access to care. Instruments to measure mental health literacy exist, but not in French. Assessment of mental health literacy in young adults is essential to tailor appropriate educational interventions promoting psychological wellbeing and preventing mental health problems in this vulnerable population. The aim of this study was to validate the French version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS-FR) in university students. Methods: A total of 482 students from the University of Bordeaux, France, completed the translated version of the scale. Collected data were used to validate the MHLS-FR through psychometric analyses: descriptive statistics, item distribution, test-retest reliability, exploratory structural equation model, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients, and hypothesis testing. Results: The final scale included 26 items covering 6 dimensions. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients were 0.744 and 0.961, respectively. With test-retest, about 50% of items had intraclass correlation coefficients superior to 0.5. Conclusions: The MHLS-FR can be considered as a valid and reliable instrument for measuring mental health literacy in French students.
Properties of Slag-Fly Ash Blended Geopolymer Concrete Reinforced with Hybrid Glass Fibers
Authors: Zuaiter Mohammad , El-Hassan Hilal , El-Maaddawy Tamer , El-Ariss Bilal
Published: July 2022

Geopolymer concrete is typically characterized by a brittle behavior and limited crack resistance. This study evaluates the performance of ambient-cured slag-fly ash blended geopolymer concrete reinforced with glass fibers. Two types of glass fibers were used exclusively or as a hybrid combination. The workability of glass fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete was assessed using the slump, compaction factor, and vebe time. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity were used to characterize the mechanical properties, while water absorption, sorptivity, abrasion resistance, and ultrasonic pulse velocity were employed in evaluating the durability. Experimental results showed that the slump and compaction factor decreased by up to 75% and 18%, respectively, with glass fiber addition but less significantly in mixes reinforced with hybrid fiber combinations. Meanwhile, the vebe time increased by up to 43%. Hybrid glass fibers led to superior mechanical and durability properties compared to plain mixes and those reinforced with a single type of glass fiber, even at higher volume fractions. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity increased by up to 77%, 60%, and 85%, respectively. While the water absorption decreased by up to 42%, the sorptivity, abrasion resistance, and ultrasonic pulse velocity increased by up to 67%, 38%, and 280%, respectively. Analytical regression models were established to predict the mechanical and durability characteristics of glass fiber-reinforced slag-fly ash blended geopolymer concrete and were compared to those of design codes.
ViSTA: A Novel Network Improving Lung Adenocarcinoma Invasiveness Prediction from Follow-Up CT Series
Authors: Zhao Wei , Sun Yingli , Kuang Kaiming , Yang Jiancheng , Li Ge , Ni Bingbing , Jiang Yingjia , Jiang Bo , Liu Jun , Li Ming
Published: July 2022

To investigate the value of the deep learning method in predicting the invasiveness of early lung adenocarcinoma based on irregularly sampled follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans. In total, 351 nodules were enrolled in the study. A new deep learning network based on temporal attention, named Visual Simple Temporal Attention (ViSTA), was proposed to process irregularly sampled follow-up CT scans. We conducted substantial experiments to investigate the supplemental value in predicting the invasiveness using serial CTs. A test set composed of 69 lung nodules was reviewed by three radiologists. The performance of the model and radiologists were compared and analyzed. We also performed a visual investigation to explore the inherent growth pattern of the early adenocarcinomas. Among counterpart models, ViSTA showed the best performance (AUC: 86.4% vs. 60.6%, 75.9%, 66.9%, 73.9%, 76.5%, 78.3%). ViSTA also outperformed the model based on Volume Doubling Time (AUC: 60.6%). ViSTA scored higher than two junior radiologists (accuracy of 81.2% vs. 75.4% and 71.0%) and came close to the senior radiologist (85.5%). Our proposed model using irregularly sampled follow-up CT scans achieved promising accuracy in evaluating the invasiveness of the early stage lung adenocarcinoma. Its performance is comparable with senior experts and better than junior experts and traditional deep learning models. With further validation, it can potentially be applied in clinical practice.
Live Cell Detection of Poly(ADP-Ribose) for Use in Genetic and Genotoxic Compound Screens
Authors: Koczor Christopher A. , Haider Aaron J. , Saville Kate M. , Li Jianfeng , Andrews Joel F. , Beiser Alison V. , Sobol Robert W.
Published: July 2022

Poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) is a molecular scaffold that aids in the formation of DNA repair protein complexes. Tools to sensitively quantify PAR in live cells have been lacking. We recently described the LivePAR probe (EGFP fused to the RNF146-encoded WWE PAR binding domain) to measure PAR formation at sites of laser micro-irradiation in live cells. Here, we present two methods that expand on the use of LivePAR and its WWE domain. First, LivePAR enriches in the nucleus of cells following genotoxic challenge. Image quantitation can identify single-cell PAR formation following genotoxic stress at concentrations lower than PAR ELISA or PAR immunoblot, with greater sensitivity to genotoxic stress than CometChip. In a second approach, we used the RNF146-encoded WWE domain to develop a split luciferase probe for analysis in a 96-well plate assay. We then applied these PAR analysis tools to demonstrate their broad applicability. First, we show that both approaches can identify genetic modifications that alter PARylation levels, such as hyper-PARylation in BRCA2-deficient cancer cells. Second, we demonstrate the utility of the WWE split luciferase assay to characterize the cellular response of genotoxins, PARP inhibitors, and PARG inhibitors, thereby providing a screening method to identify PAR modulating compounds.
Germline Variants Associated with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Predisposition Identified through Whole-Exome Sequencing
Authors: Lee Ning-Yuan , Hum Melissa , Ong Pei-Yi , Myint Matthew , Ong Enya , Low Kar-Perng , Li Zheng , Goh Boon-Cher , Tay Joshua , Loh Kwok-Seng , Chua Melvin , Lee Soo-Chin , Khor Chiea-Chuen , Lee Ann
Published: July 2022

The current understanding of genetic susceptibility factors for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is still incomplete. To identify novel germline variants associated with NPC predisposition, we analysed whole-exome sequencing data from 119 NPC patients from Singapore with a family history of NPC and/or with early-onset NPC, together with 1337 Singaporean participants without NPC. Variants were prioritised and filtered by selecting variants with minor allele frequencies of <1% in both local control (n = 1337) and gnomAD non-cancer (EAS) (n = 9626) cohorts and a high pathogenicity prediction (CADD score > 20). Using single-variant testing, we identified 17 rare pathogenic variants in 17 genes that were associated with NPC. Consistent evidence of enrichment in NPC patients was observed for five of these variants (in JAK2, PRDM16, LRP1B, NIN, and NKX2-1) from an independent case-control comparison of 156 NPC patients and 9770 unaffected individuals. In a family with five siblings, a FANCE variant (p. P445S) was detected in two affected members, but not in three unaffected members. Gene-based burden testing recapitulated variants in NKX2-1 and FANCE as being associated with NPC risk. Using pathway analysis, endocytosis and immune-modulating pathways were found to be enriched for mutation burden. This study has identified NPC-predisposing variants and genes which could shed new insights into the genetic predisposition of NPC.
Human Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor Antigens as Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Hua Timothy , Zeng Ziwei , Chen Junji , Xue Yu , Li Yan , Sang Qingxiang
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is a lethal type of malignant rhabdoid tumor in the brain, seen mostly in children under two years old. ATRT is mainly linked to the biallelic inactivation of the SMARCB1 gene. To understand the deadly characteristics of ATRT and develop novel diagnostic and immunotherapy strategies for the treatment of ATRT, this study investigated tumor antigens, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), mucin-16 (MUC16/CA125), and osteopontin (OPN), and extracellular matrix modulators, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), in different human malignant rhabdoid tumor cell lines. In addition, the roles of MMPs were also examined. Materials and methods: Five human cell lines were chosen for this study, including two ATRT cell lines, CHLA-02-ATRT and CHLA-05-ATRT; a kidney malignant rhabdoid tumor cell line, G401; and two control cell lines, human embryonic kidney HEK293 and HEK293T. Both ATRT cell lines were treated with a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, GM6001, to investigate the effect of MMPs on cell proliferation, viability, and expression of tumor antigens and biomarkers. Gene expression was examined using a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and protein expression was characterized by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Results: All the rhabdoid tumor cell lines tested had high gene expression levels of MUC16, OPN, AFP, and MSLN. Low expression levels of neuron-specific enolase (ENO2) by the two ATRT cell lines demonstrated their lack of neuronal genotype. Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP-14) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) were highly expressed in these malignant rhabdoid tumor cells, indicating their invasive phenotypes. GM6001 significantly decreased ATRT cell proliferation and the gene expression of MSLN, OPN, and several mesenchymal markers, suggesting that inhibition of MMPs may reduce the aggressiveness of rhabdoid cancer cells. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study may advance our knowledge of the molecular landscapes of human malignant rhabdoid tumors and their biomarkers for effective diagnosis and treatment. This work analyzed the expression of human malignant rhabdoid tumor antigens that may serve as biomarkers for the development of novel therapeutic strategies, such as cancer vaccines and targeted and immunotherapies targeting osteopontin and mesothelin, for the treatment of patients with ATRT and other malignant rhabdoid tumors.
Blood Immune Cell Biomarkers in Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment with a Combination of Chemotherapy and Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Möller Miriam , Turzer Steffi , Ganchev Georgi , Wienke Andreas , Schütte Wolfgang , Seliger Barbara , Riemann Dagmar
Published: July 2022

Although immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have improved the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), several patients do not achieve durable clinical responses. Biomarkers for the prediction of therapy responses are urgently needed. To identify blood cell parameters correlating with patients’ survival, immune cells from 90 patients with NSCLC undergoing a combination of ICI and chemotherapy were prospectively monitored. At the time point of the first and third antibody administration, complete leukocyte blood count, the percentage of HLA-DRlow monocytes, the percentage of 6-Sulfo LacNAc (slan)+CD16+ non-classical monocytes, and the number of circulating dendritic cell (DC) subtypes, as well as T-, B-, and NK cells were determined by multi-color flow cytometry in peripheral blood. The prognostic value of the immune cell parameters investigated was evaluated by patients’ survival analysis, with progression-free survival (PFS) as the main criterion. A total of 67 patients (74.4%) showed a partial remission or a stable disease, and 35% of patients even survived 12 months and longer. Patients with a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥6.1, a frequency of HLA-DRlow monocytes ≥22%, of slan+ non-classical monocytes <0.25% of leukocytes, and/or a sum of myeloid DC (MDC) and plasmacytoid DC (PDC) ≤0.14% of leukocytes had a poorer prognosis. The hazard ratio for PFS was 2.097 (1.208–3.640) for the NLR, 1.964 (1.046–3.688) for HLA-DRlow monocytes, 3.202 (1.712–5.99) for slan+ non-classical monocytes, and 2.596 (1.478–4.56) for the MDC/PDC sum. Patients without any of the four risk factors showed the best PFS. Furthermore, low NK cell counts correlated with shorter PFS (cutoff 200 cells/µL). Female patients had lower baseline NK cell counts and a shorter PFS. Our study confirms the usefulness of blood immune cells as biomarkers for clinical response and survival in NSCLC patients undergoing a combined ICI/chemotherapy.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Microenvironment Targeted Delivery
Authors: Sang Lu , Guo Xiaoqin , Fan Haojun , Shi Jie , Hou Shike , Lv Qi
Published: July 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) affects an increasing number of people globally, yet treatment options remain limited. At present, conventional treatments depending on drug therapy do not show an ideal effect in reversing the lung damage or extending the lives of IPF patients. In recent years, more and more attention has focused on extracellular vesicles (EVs) which show extraordinary therapeutic effects in inflammation, fibrosis disease, and tissue damage repair in many kinds of disease therapy. More importantly, EVs can be modified or used as a drug or cytokine delivery tool, targeting injury sites to enhance treatment efficiency. In light of this, the treatment strategy of mesenchymal stem cell-extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) targeting the pulmonary microenvironment for IPF provides a new idea for the treatment of IPF. In this review, we summarized the inflammation, immune dysregulation, and extracellular matrix microenvironment (ECM) disorders in the IPF microenvironment in order to reveal the treatment strategy of MSC-EVs targeting the pulmonary microenvironment for IPF.
Let Us Avoid a ‘Myopic View’ in Times of COVID-19
Authors: Yien Lai , Lun Katherine , Ngo Cheryl
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people from almost all facets of life and it’s impact is extremely palpable among students. In this review paper, we discuss about the risk factors for myopia progression that were exacerbated by the pandemic, which are supported by evidence from studies published recently. It is imperative that measures are put in place to address the rising incidence of myopia so as to prevent the impending myopia pandemic.
Titanite Spectroscopy and In Situ LA-ICP-MS U–Pb Geochronology of Mogok, Myanmar
Authors: Gu Jialu , Xu Bo , Li Shu , Zhao Yi
Published: July 2022

With the development of mineral testing technology and ore deposit geochemistry, titanite has become a hot topic in the study of accessory minerals. Two large-grained titanite crystals from Mogok, Myanmar, were used for a detailed study. In this study, the standard gemmological properties and spectral characteristics of titanite crystals were obtained by Fourier transform in-frared, micro ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared and Raman spectroscopy, respectively, which pro-vide a full set of data. Mineral major and trace elements were analysed using Electron-Probe Mi-croAnalysis (EPMA) and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The purpose of this study is to report spectral characteristics and major and trace elements of Mogok, Myanmar, in order to find new potential titanite standard samples. The two titanite crystals have similar major element compositions, and both grains have relatively low Al content (0.011–0.014 apfu) and Al/Fe ratios (0.157–0.222), but high Fe content (0.063–0.079 apfu). The two titanite crystals have similar chondrite-normalised rare earth element (REE) patterns with significantly Light Rare Earth Element (LREE) (La–Gd) enrichment and deletion of Heavy Rare Earth Element (HREE) (Tb–Lu). The 238U/206Pb ages of the two titanite samples are 43.5 ± 5.8 Ma and 34.0 ± 4.2 Ma, respectively. Generally, magmatic titanite has a low Al/Fe ratio, metamorphic and hydrothermal titanite crystals have extremely low Th/U ratios close to zero, with flat chondrite-normalised REE patterns or depletions in light REEs relative to heavy REEs. Different genetic types of titanite can be distinguished by the characteristics of major and trace elements. Combined chemical features such as REE differentiation, Al/Fe and Th/U ratios with formation temperature, the analysed titanite samples are considered magmatic-hydrothermal titanites. Their 238U/206Pb ages may indicate a potential stage of magmatic hydrothermal conversion.
Pluridecadal Temporal Patterns of Tintinnids (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea) in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica)
Authors: Monti-Birkenmeier Marina , Diociaiuti Tommaso , Castagno Pasquale , Budillon Giorgio , Fonda Umani Serena
Published: July 2022

During the next century, the Ross Sea is expected to reduce summer sea ice concentrations and consolidate the presence of shallower mixed layers. Those changes may have a potentially catastrophic effect on the zooplankton community. To investigate if Ross Sea’s past physical and biological condition changes have affected the tintinnids population, and to understand future tintinnids’ role in the plankton community, seawater samples collected in the Terra Nova Bay polynya area during eleven summer expeditions from 1988 to 2017 were analyzed. During this time period, tintinnids’ abundance ranged from 0 to a maximum of 4980 indL−1. The most representative species were Cymatocylis drygalskii, Codonellopsis gaussi and Laackmanniella naviculifaera. These species can be considered keystone species and they can be used to monitor the long-term evolution of the whole microzooplankton community in Terra Nova Bay polynya. The tintinnids’ abundance presented minimum values in 2001 after which there has been a significant increase in the most recent years. The increase in tintinnids’ abundance showed a positive correlation with the temperature, while salinity did not indicate any relationship. In particular, the majority of genera detected showed a significant temperature correlation, with the only exception of Amphorides genus, recorded for the first time in the study area. Our results provide new insights into the spatial distribution and structure of the Antarctic tintinnids community.
The Spread of the Invasive Locust Digitate Leafminer Parectopa robiniella Clemens, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Europe, with Special Reference to Ukraine
Authors: Tytar Volodymyr , Nekrasova Oksana , Marushchak Oleksii , Pupins Mihails , Skute Arturs , Čeirāns Andris , Kozynenko Iryna
Published: July 2022

The spread and outbreaks of phytophagous pests are often associated with global warming. In addition to economic interest, these species may be of interest in terms of biological indication of climate changes. In this context, we considered the locust digitate leafminer Parectopa robiniella Clemens, 1863 (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). This phytophage was first discovered in Europe in 1970 near Milano in Italy. Since then, it has been spreading across the continent. In Ukraine, it was recorded for the first time in 2003. In 2020–2021, we found areas of massive leaf damage caused by the black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) in locations on Trukhaniv Island in Kyiv and some places in the Kyiv administrative region. Using 1041 georeferenced records of P. robiniella across Europe and a Bayesian additive regression trees algorithm (BART), we modeled the distribution of the moth. Predictors of current climate (WorldClim v.2, CliMond v.1.2 and ENVIREM) and a black locust habitat suitability raster were employed. Sets of SDMs built for P. robiniella with and without the habitat suitability raster for the host tree performed equally well. Amongst the factors that determine the niche of the locust digitate leafminer, most important are temperature-related conditions assumed to facilitate the spread and naturalization of the pest. In Ukraine, the appearance of the moth has coincided with increasing mean annual temperatures. Particularly favorable for the species are areas in the west and south-west of the country, and Transcarpathia. In the near future, the moth could reach locations in Nordic countries, Estonia, the British Isles, Black Sea coastal areas in Turkey, further into Russia, etc.
Analysis of Nasal Foreign Bodies in South Korea: Over 10-Year Experience
Authors: Jung Hahn Jin , Kim Sun Wook , Lee Joong Seob , Choi Hyo Geun , Wee Jee Hye
Published: July 2022

Foreign bodies (FBs) in the nasal cavity are commonly encountered in otorhinolaryngology. This retrospective study was conducted between January 2009 and December 2020. The nasal FB frequencies were investigated according to age and sex. The type, shape, and location of the FBs, onset, and clinical features were obtained. In a total of 1228 cases, the average age was 3.9 ± 5.7 years. We found a higher incidence in patients 2–4 years old. The most frequent nasal FBs were beads (24.0%), toys/plastics (17.8%), and beans/corn (15.8%). However, there were some differences in the nasal FB types according to the age group. There was no difference in the location of the nasal FBs according to age group, but nasal FBs were found more frequently in the right nasal cavity in the 1–3-years-old groups. Most patients (97.5%) visited the hospital the same day when the nasal FB insertion was suspected, and most were asymptomatic. After the removal of the nasal FBs, most patients were free of complications. Of the nine cases involving button batteries, septal perforation was observed in two patients who visited the hospital one or two days after the FB insertion. There were specific age-based characteristics of the nasal FBs that may serve as a basis for specific precautions.
Exploring Learning Difficulties in Abstract Algebra: The Case of Group Theory
Authors: Veith Joaquin M. , Bitzenbauer Philipp , Girnat Boris
Published: July 2022

In an earlier contribution to Education Sciences we presented a new concept inventory to assess students’ conceptual understanding of introductory group theory—the CI2GT. This concept inventory is now leveraged in a pretest-post-test design with N=143 pre-service teachers to enrich this body of work with quantitative results. On the one hand, our findings indicate three recurring learning difficulties which will be discussed in detail. On the other hand, we provide a summative evaluation of the Hildesheim Teaching Concept and discuss students’ learning gain in different sub-domains of group theory. Together, the results allow for an empirical perspective on educational aspects of group theory and thus bridge the gap between qualitative and quantitative research in this field which constitutes a desideratum to date.
A Coaxial and Coplanar Wireless Slipring for Multi-Axis Robot Manipulators
Authors: Chai Lin , Song Chun , Lu Jianghua
Published: July 2022

This manuscript proposed a compact slipring based on inductive power transfer (IPT) technology for multi-axis robot manipulators. Compared with conventional solutions, the minimum axial length of the proposed magnetic coupling assembly in the IPT based slipring makes it possible to integrate in-robot joint actuators (electrical motors) with high power and torque densities. Additionally, the voltage transfer characteristic of the wireless slipring system is investigated to provide stable and reliable output voltage in the presence of arbitrary motor speeds and load conditions. A 100-W slipring prototype is designed for a practical three-axis robot arm. The simulation and experimental results clearly verify the system feasibility and effectiveness. The maximum efficiency of 90.3% at an 800 kHz operating frequency is achieved.
Malware Analysis in IoT & Android Systems with Defensive Mechanism
Authors: Yadav Chandra Shekhar , Singh Jagendra , Yadav Aruna , Pattanayak Himansu Sekhar , Kumar Ravindra , Khan Arfat Ahmad , Haq Mohd Anul , Alhussen Ahmed , Alharby Sultan
Published: July 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Android operating system have made cutting-edge technology accessible to the general public. These are affordable, easy-to-use, and open-source technology. Android devices connect to different IoT devices such as IoT-enabled cameras, Alexa powered by Amazon, and various other sensors. Due to the escalated growth of Android devices, users are facing cybercrime through their Android devices. This article aims to provide a comprehensive study of the IoT and Android systems. This article classifies different attacks on IoT and Android devices and mitigation strategies proposed by different researchers. The article emphasizes the role of the developer in secure application design. This article attempts to provide a relative analysis of several malware detection methods in the different environments of attacks. This study expands the awareness of certain application-hardening strategies applicable to IoT devices and Android applications and devices. This study will help domain experts and researchers to gain knowledge of IoT systems and Android systems from a security point of view and provide insight into how to design more efficient, robust, and comprehensive solutions. This article discusses different attack vectors and mitigation strategies available to both developers and in the open domain. Certain guidelines are also suggested for application and platform developers, as well as application databases (Google play store), to limit the risk of attack, and users can form their own defense with knowledge regarding keeping hardware and software updated and securing their system with a strong password.