bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are You Depressed? Analyze User Utterances to Detect Depressive Emotions Using DistilBERT
Authors: Oh Jaedong , Kim Mirae , Park Hyejin , Oh Hayoung
Published: May 2023

This paper introduces the Are u Depressed (AuD) model, which aims to detect depressive emotional intensity and classify detailed depressive symptoms expressed in user utterances. The study includes the creation of a BWS dataset using a tool for the Best-Worst Scaling annotation task and a DSM-5 dataset containing nine types of depression annotations based on major depressive disorder (MDD) episodes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The proposed model employs the DistilBERT model for both tasks and demonstrates superior performance compared to other machine learning and deep learning models. We suggest using our model for real-time depressive emotion detection tasks that demand speed and accuracy. Overall, the AuD model significantly advances the accurate detection of depressive emotions in user utterances.
Application of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Model to Determine the Value of the Damping Ratio (D) of Clay Soils
Authors: Lendo-Siwicka Marzena , Zabłocka Karina , Soból Emil , Markiewicz Anna , Wrzesiński Grzegorz
Published: May 2023

The properties and behavior of soils depend on many factors. The interaction of individual factors is difficult to determine by traditional statistical methods due to their interdependence. The paper presents a procedure of creating an artificial neural network (ANN) model to determine the value of the damping ratio (D) of clay soils. The main purpose of this paper is to compare the appropriateness of ANN model application with empirical formulas described in the literature. The ANN model was developed using a series of laboratory tests of the damping ratio performed in the Resonance Column. Predicted values of the damping ratio of clay soils obtained from the ANN model are characterized by high convergence (coefficient of determination R2 = 0.976). In comparison with other published empirical formulas, the ANN model showed an improvement in the prediction accuracy. What is more, ANN models proved to be more flexible compared to formulas and relationships with a predetermined structure, and they were well suited to modeling the complex behavior of most geotechnical engineering materials, which, by their very nature, exhibit extreme variability. In conclusion, ANNs have the potential to predict the damping ratio (D) of clay soils and can do much better than traditional statistical techniques.
Cross-Industry Principles for Digital Representations of Complex Technical Systems in the Context of the MBSE Approach: A Review
Authors: Bolshakov Nikolai , Badenko Vladimir , Yadykin Vladimir , Tishchenko Elena , Rakova Xeniya , Mohireva Arina , Kamsky Vladimir , Barykin Sergey
Published: May 2023

This scientific article discusses the process of digital transformation of enterprises, analyzed as complex technical systems. Digital transformation is essential for businesses to remain competitive in the global marketplace. One of the effective tools for such a transformation is model-based systems engineering (MBSE). However, there is a gap in the practical application of knowledge regarding the uniform principles for the formation of a digital representation of complex technical systems, which limits the realization of the cross-industry potential of digital transformation in the economy. The motivation for this study is to identify common cross-industry principles for the formation of digital representations of complex technical systems that can lead companies to a sustainable and successful digital transformation. The purpose of this work is to identify and formulate these principles through an analysis of publications, using an inductive approach and classifying them by the category of application. As a result of the study, 23 principles were obtained, and the degree of their use in various industries associated with complex technical systems was determined. The results of this study will help to solve the problem of cross-industry integration and guide systemic changes in the organization of enterprises during their digital transformation.
Soft Segmentation of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Point Cloud of Forests
Authors: Dai Mingrui , Li Guohua
Published: May 2023

As the three-dimensional (3D) laser scanner is widely used for forest inventory, analyzing and processing point cloud data captured with a 3D laser scanner have become an important research topic in recent years. The extraction of single trees from point cloud data is essential for further investigation at the individual tree level, such as counting trees and trunk analysis, and many developments related to this topic have been published. However, constructing an accurate and automated method to obtain the tree crown silhouette from the point cloud data is challenging because the tree crowns often overlap between adjacent trees. A soft segmentation method that uses K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and contour shape constraints at the overlap region is proposed to solve this task. Experimental results show that the visual effect of the tree crown shape and the precision of point cloud segmentation have improved. It is concluded that the proposed method works well for tree crown segmentation and silhouette reconstruction from the terrestrial laser scanning point cloud data of the forest.
An Adaptive Multitask Network for Detecting the Region of Water Leakage in Tunnels
Authors: Zhao Liang , Wang Jiawei , Liu Shipeng , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2023

Tunnels water leakage detection in complex environments is difficult to detect the edge information due to the structural similarity between the region of water seepage and wet stains. In order to address the issue, this study proposes a model comprising a multilevel transformer encoder and an adaptive multitask decoder. The multilevel transformer encoder is a layered transformer to extract the multilevel characteristics of water leakage information, and the adaptive multitask decoder comprises the adaptive network branches. The adaptive network branches generate the ground truths of wet stains and water seepage through the threshold value and transmit them to the network for training. The converged network, the U-net, fuses coarse images from the adaptive multitask decoder, and the fusion images are the final segmentation results of water leakage in tunnels. The experimental results indicate that the proposed model achieves 95.1% Dice and 90.4% MIOU, respectively. This proposed model demonstrates a superior level of precision and generalization when compared to other related models.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Progressive Damage and Failure of SiCf/TC4 Composite Shafts
Authors: Luo Li , Wang Jingxuan , Sha Yundong , Hao Yanping , Zhao Fengtong
Published: May 2023

Long fibre-reinforced metal matrix composite materials, which are widely used in industry, have complex and diverse damage modes due to their structural characteristics. In this study, the progressive damage process and failure mode analysis of the SiCf/TC4 composite shafts were thoroughly investigated under single torsional loads. A bearing performance test was carried out, the damage process was monitored using acoustic emissions, and the fracture specimens were analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SME). More specifically, under reverse torque loading, the damage process was slow-varying, the interface was subjected to tensile force, and fracture occurred mostly in the form of interface cracking; further, the breaking load of the specimen was 11,812 Nm. Under forward loading, the damage process was fast-varying. The fibres were subjected to tensile forces, and the fracture form was mostly fibre fracture; the breaking load of the specimen was 10,418 Nm. Under torque loading, the first damage to the specimens appeared in the outermost layer of the composite material’s reinforced section, and the initial cracking position was at the interface, expanding from the outside to the inside. Based on the principles of macro-mechanics and micro-mechanics theory, the cross-scale models were proposed, which contain the shaft with the same dimensions as the specimen and a micro-mechanics representative volume element (RVE) model. The initial interface damage load was 6552 Nm under reverse torque loading. Under forward loading, the initial interface damage load was 9108 Nm. In comparison to the acoustic emission test results, the main goal was to calculate the progressive damage process under the same conditions as the experiment, verifying the effectiveness of the cross-scale models.
Seismic Risk in Alborz: Insights from Geological Moment Rate Estimation and Fault Activity Analysis
Authors: Mohammadi Nia Ali , Rashidi Ahmad , Khatib Mohammad Mahdi , Mousavi Seyed Morteza , Nemati Majid , Shafieibafti Shahram , Derakhshani Reza
Published: May 2023

The Alborz mountain range in northern Iran is part of the active and seismic Alpide belt, where assessing seismic hazards is crucial due to the region’s history of large instrumental earthquakes and destructive seismic background. Moment rate estimation, which quantifies tectonic activity, offers a novel approach to understanding the energy potential of active tectonic regions. In this study, a regional perspective is employed to investigate the maximum horizontal acceleration for Tehran, the major city in Alborz, resulting from the Sorkh-e Hesar and Ghasr-e-Firuzeh faults located approximately 7.5 km southeast of Tehran. These faults have a seismic potential of Mw 6.5 and a gravity of ~0.5723. While previous studies have identified faults in northern Tehran as the greatest seismic risk, our findings suggest otherwise. The calculated geological moment was 5.18218 × 1017 Nm/y, with a seismic moment rate of 1.83375 × 1014 Nm/y, providing valuable insights into fault activity and seismic potential in the study area.
Characterization of Nonlinear Responses of Non-Premixed Flames to Low-Frequency Acoustic Excitations
Authors: Pan Deng , Ji Chenzhen , Zhu Tong
Published: May 2023

The response of flames’ heat release to acoustic excitation is a critical factor for understanding combustion instability. In the present work, the nonlinear heat release response of a methane–air non-premixed flame to low-frequency acoustic excitations is experimentally investigated. The flame describing function (FDF) was measured based on the overall CH* chemiluminescence intensity and the velocity fluctuations obtained by the two-microphone method. The CH* chemiluminescence and schlieren images were analyzed for revealing the mechanism of nonlinear response. The excitation frequency ranges from 10 Hz to 120 Hz. The forced relative velocity fluctuation amplitude ranges from 0.10 to 0.50. The corresponding flame Strouhal number (Stf) ranges from 0.43 to 4.67. The study has shown that the flame length responds more sensitively to changes in excitation amplitude when subjected to relatively high-frequency excitations. The normalized flame length (Lf/D) decreases from 3.79 to 2.37 with the increase in excitation amplitude at an excitation frequency of 100 Hz. The number of oscillation zones along the flame increases with increasing excitation frequency, which is consistent with the increase in the Stf. The low-pass filtering characteristic of FDF is caused by the dispersion of multiple oscillation zones, as well as the cancellation effect of the adjacent oscillation zones under relatively high-frequency excitation. The main mechanism for the local gain peak and valley is the cancellation effect of positive and negative oscillation zones with various Stf. When two adjacent oscillation regions have similar amplitudes, the overall phase-lag becomes more sensitive to changes in excitation frequency and amplitude. This sensitivity leads to nonlinear anomalous changes in the phase-lag near the frequency corresponding to the gain valley. The calculated disturbance convection time is consistent with the measured time delay in the short flame scenario. Further research is required to determine whether the identified agreement is a result of the consistent occurrence of the oscillation zone in close proximity to the flame’s center of mass, in conjunction with a precise determination of the average convective velocity.
Buckling Enhancement Analysis of Auxetic Laminated Rectangular Plate under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Wang Kai , Wan Feng , Luo Ling , Cao Pengyu , Han Lei , Jin Peng
Published: May 2023

The buckling enhancement of the negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) effect on a laminated plate under uniaxial compression with an in-plane translational restraint is investigated in this paper. According to the buckling equation of an orthotropic plate under biaxial compression, the critical buckling load of an NPR-laminated composite under uniaxial compression can be increased due to the induced tension force on the unloaded direction. Instead of layer angles and stacking sequence, the NPR envelope and buckling load enhancement are studied using lamination parameters in this paper. The Poisson’s ratio contours are given in the feasible region of membrane lamination parameters. The results show that the negative Poisson’s ratios are more sensitive to V3A, which represents the unbalance degree of the laminate. Furthermore, the buckling loads for various Poisson’s ratio layups are investigated, and it is concluded that the buckling load increases with a decrease in Poisson’s ratio for the laminated rectangular plate considering in-plane translational restraint. Finally, the inverse problem of deciding the laminate configuration to target the lamination parameters is solved using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm.
Computational Analysis of Nanocarriers in the Tumor Microenvironment for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Morales Esteban Vallejo , Guerrero Gustavo Suárez , Hoyos Palacio Lina M. , Maday Yvon
Published: May 2023

Colorectal cancer is currently treated by surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, these latest treatments are highly aggressive, with side effects that affect the patient’s quality of life. The scientific union has been investigating other more favorable alternatives, such as targeted therapy, which seeks greater selectivity in the type of target cells. This type of treatment can significantly reduce side effects in the patient. The goal of this research is to computationally visualize the behavior of nanocarriers in the colon tumor microenvironment, as well as their capacity for deepening, selective coupling and differentiating between healthy and cancerous tissue. A group of histological samples of cancerous tissue was selected, based on morphological criteria and the stage of the disease. This was used to elaborate 2D and 3D models to study different cases using artificial vision and computer simulation techniques. The results indicated velocities of the nanocarriers that reached values between 1.40 and 8.69×10−7ms for a time of 3.88 h, with a vectorized deposition efficiency of 1.0 to 4.46%. In addition, selective mating events were achieved at a maximum depth of 4.68 × 10−4 m. This scientific knowledge can contribute to the estimation of the efficacy of the treatment, as well as the assessment for different dosage levels and frequency of drug administration from the studies carried out on the lesion.
Integrating Deep Learning and Deterministic Inversion for Enhancing Fault Detection in Electrical Resistivity Surveys
Authors: Kong Shinhye , Oh Jongchan , Yoon Daeung , Ryu Dong-Woo , Kwon Hyoung-Seok
Published: May 2023

Clays in fault zones have low electrical resistivity, making electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) effective for fault investigations. However, traditional ERT inversion methods struggle to find a unique solution and produce unstable results owing to the ill-posed nature of the problem. To address this, a workflow integrating deep-learning (DL) technology with traditional ERT inversion is proposed. First, a deep-learning model named DL-ERT inversion that maps apparent resistivity data to subsurface resistivity models is developed. To create target-oriented training data, we use approximately 150 field borehole data acquired from various survey areas in South Korea. The DL-ERT inversion algorithm is based on a U-Net structure and includes an additional network called the borehole mixer to incorporate borehole information when available. The DL-ERT inversion model is trained in three stages: base model training, borehole mixer training, and fine-tuning. Results showed that the fine-tuning model provided the highest prediction accuracy for all test datasets. Next, the prediction of the trained model is used as the initial model for the deterministic inversion method to predict the final subsurface model. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed workflow are demonstrated in fault detection using a field data example compared with traditional deterministic inversion.
Intrusion Detection Model Based on Improved Transformer
Authors: Liu Yi , Wu Lanjian
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes an enhanced Transformer-based intrusion detection model to tackle the challenges of lengthy training time, inaccurate detection of overlapping classes, and poor performance in multi-class classification of current intrusion detection models. Specifically, the proposed model includes the following: (i) A data processing strategy that initially reduces the data dimension using a stacked auto-encoder to speed up training. In addition, a novel under-sampling method based on the KNN principle is introduced, along with the Borderline-SMOTE over-sampling method, for hybrid data sampling that balances the dataset while addressing the issue of low detection accuracy in overlapping data classes. (ii) An improved position encoding method for the Transformer model that effectively learns the dependencies between features by embedding the position information of features, resulting in better classification accuracy. (iii) A two-stage learning strategy in which the model first performs rough binary prediction (determining whether it is an illegal intrusion) and then inputs the prediction value and original features together for further multi-class prediction (predicting the intrusion category), addressing the issue of low accuracy in multi-class classification. Experimental results on the official NSL-KDD test set demonstrate that the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 88.7% and an F1-score of 88.2% in binary classification and an accuracy of 84.1% and an F1-score of 83.8% in multi-class classification. Compared to existing intrusion detection models, our model exhibits higher accuracy and F1-score and trains faster than other models.
System Predictability Assessed by Low Wavenumber Fourier Components and Analogue Pair Progression of Geopotential Height
Authors: Liddle Marshall , Moosmüller Hans , Lewis John
Published: May 2023

Following Lorenz’s work using analogue pairs for establishing 10-to-14-day predictability limits for synoptic weather regimes, predictability limits for the Rex block, the long-wave wintertime ridge over the eastern Pacific Ocean and the western United States, have been estimated. This was accomplished by using mid-latitude geopotential height reanalysis data over a period of 38 years, 1979–2016, and associated 90-day winters (DJF). The metric used to define analogue pairs is the RMS difference assessed for the hemispheric 850, 500, and 200 hPa geopotential height fields. The resultant set of analogue pairs was used to estimate predictability with respect to both a single latitude circle (40° N) that passes through the Rex Block and for a multi-latitude swath (20–80° N). Our methods showed a range of results, by choice of Fourier component wavenumbers 2 through 8. These results indicate system predictability for low wavenumber components to exceed the 10–14-day limit imposed by Lorenz’ results. The results to 21 days, the maximum predictability limit value allowed by our method, do not preclude the possibility of a greater range of system predictability past 21 days. The unique aspect of this work is determination of predictability limits as a function of geopotential wave structure found through Fourier decomposition.
Occurrence Characteristics of VHF Scintillation and Equatorial Spread F over Kwajalein during Moderate Solar Activity in 2012
Authors: Huang Chao-Song
Published: May 2023

The occurrence probability of equatorial plasma bubbles and the associated spread F (ESF) irregularities have been derived from ground-based and space-borne measurements. In general, ESF occurrence depends on season and longitude and is high in equinoctial months and low around June solstice. In the West Pacific sector, previous statistical results show that the ESF occurrence probability increases gradually and continuously from March to August. In this study, we use trans-ionospheric VHF data received at Kwajalein Atoll in 2012 to derive the occurrence characteristics of scintillation. It is found that the occurrence probability of strong scintillation had two maxima in June and September and a minimum in July in the evening and midnight sector but only one maximum in June in the post-midnight sector. The monthly variations of scintillation occurrence at Kwajalein are different from almost all previous studies on ESF and scintillation at or near this longitude. To identify the cause for the June peak and the July minimum of scintillation, the ion density and velocity data measured by the Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System (C/NOFS) satellite in 2011–2012 are used to derive the ESF occurrence and the post-sunset vertical ion drift near Kwajalein. The ESF occurrence probability and the ion drift measured by the C/NOFS satellite showed two maxima in May/June and August/September and a minimum in July, verifying that the June peak and the July minimum of the VHF scintillation are realistic and caused by the similar variations in the ionospheric ion drift and density.
Modulation Transfer between Microwave Beams: Angular Dependence of the Delay-Time
Authors: Cacciari Ilaria , Ranfagni Anedio
Published: May 2023

Further measurements of delay time, in the transfer of modulation between microwave beams, are reported even considering the angular dependence in the orientation of the F1 c.w. launcher. The obtained results allow for a better interpretation of the observed phenomenology on the basis of a more sophisticated analysis, which takes into account the presence of pole singularities in field-amplitude evaluations according to the saddle point method. The model already presented in one of our previous publications, consisting of a photon–photon scattering mechanism as concomitant with a stochastic process, is then confirmed.
An Analytic Solution for the Dynamic Behavior of a Cantilever Beam with a Time-Dependent Spring-like Actuator
Authors: Chang Jer-Rong , Tu Te-Wen , Huang Chun-Jung
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to derive an analytical solution for a cantilever beam with a novel spring-like actuator that behaves like a time-dependent spring and to study the dynamic behavior of the system. A time-dependent spring was set at the free end of the cantilever beam to model the novel spring-like actuator. First, the boundary conditions were transformed from being nonhomogeneous to being homogeneous using the shifting function method. The solution of the analytic series was then obtained by using the expansion theorem method. The correctness of the proposed analytical solution was verified by comparing the results with those obtained via the separation of variables in the special extreme case of a constant spring coefficient. We took the free end of a cantilever beam with harmonic spring stiffness and an external periodic unit load as an example. The influence of the actuator parameters, such as the effect of the magnitude and the frequency of the time-dependent spring stiffness on the resonance frequency, was investigated. An important new result was found, i.e., that the resonance frequency is clearly dependent on the magnitude and the frequency of the spring-like actuator in the first two modes, but not in the third and fourth modes. In practical engineering applications, system resonance can be avoided by adjusting the magnitude and frequency of the actuator.
Dynamics in an n-Species Lotka–Volterra Cooperative System with Delays
Authors: Jiang Zhao , Halik Azhar , Muhammadhaji Ahmadjan
Published: May 2023

We studied a class of generalized n-species non-autonomous cooperative Lotka–Volterra (L-V) systems with time delays. We obtained new criteria on the dynamic properties of the systems. First, we obtained the boundedness and permanence of the system using the inequality analysis technique and comparison method. Then, the existence of positive periodic solutions was investigated using the coincidence degree theory. The global attractivity of the system was obtained by constructing suitable Lyapunov functionals and utilizing Barbalat’s lemma. The existence and global attractivity of the periodic solutions were also obtained. Finally, we conducted two numerical simulations to validate the feasibility and practicability of our results.
Development of an Integrated Powered Hip and Microprocessor-Controlled Knee for a Hip–Knee–Ankle–Foot Prosthesis
Authors: Bader Yousef , Langlois David , Baddour Natalie , Lemaire Edward D.
Published: May 2023

Hip–knee–ankle–foot prostheses (HKAF) are full lower-limb devices for people with hip amputations that enable individuals to regain their mobility and move freely within their chosen environment. HKAFs typically have high rejection rates among users, as well as gait asymmetry, increased trunk anterior–posterior lean, and increased pelvic tilt. A novel integrated hip–knee (IHK) unit was designed and evaluated to address the limitations of existing solutions. This IHK combines powered hip and microprocessor-controlled knee joints into one structure, with shared electronics, sensors, and batteries. The unit is also adjustable to user leg length and alignment. ISO-10328:2016 standard mechanical proof load testing demonstrated acceptable structural safety and rigidity. Successful functional testing involved three able-bodied participants walking with the IHK in a hip prosthesis simulator. Hip, knee, and pelvic tilt angles were recorded and stride parameters were analyzed from video recordings. Participants were able to walk independently using the IHK and data showed that participants used different walking strategies. Future development of the thigh unit should include completion of a synergistic gait control system, improved battery-holding mechanism, and amputee user testing.
Conformer-Based Dental AI Patient Clinical Diagnosis Simulation Using Korean Synthetic Data Generator for Multiple Standardized Patient Scenarios
Authors: Kim Kangmin , Chun Chanjun , Moon Seong-Yong
Published: May 2023

The goal of clinical practice education is to develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical setting and to foster growth as a professional healthcare provider. One effective method of achieving this is through the utilization of Standardized Patients (SP) in education, which familiarizes students with real patient interviews and allows educators to assess their clinical performance skills. However, SP education faces challenges such as the cost of hiring actors and the shortage of professional educators to train them. In this paper, we aim to alleviate these issues by utilizing deep learning models to replace the actors. We employ the Conformer model for the implementation of the AI patient, and we develop a Korean SP scenario data generator to collect data for training responses to diagnostic questions. Our Korean SP scenario data generator is devised to generate SP scenarios based on the provided patient information, using pre-prepared questions and answers. In the AI patient training process, two types of data are employed: common data and personalized data. The common data are employed to develop natural general conversation skills, while personalized data, from the SP scenario, are utilized to learn specific clinical information relevant to a patient’s role. Based on these data, to evaluate the learning efficiency of the Conformer structure, a comparison was conducted with the Transformer using the BLEU score and WER as evaluation metrics. Experimental results showed that the Conformer-based model demonstrated a 3.92% and 6.74% improvement in BLEU and WER performance compared to the Transformer-based model, respectively. The dental AI patient for SP simulation presented in this paper has the potential to be applied to other medical and nursing fields, provided that additional data collection processes are conducted.
Concept for the Treatment of Class III Anomalies with a Skeletally Anchored Appliance Fabricated in the CAD/CAM Process—The MIRA Appliance
Authors: Hodecker Lutz D. , Kühle Reinald , Weichel Frederic , Roser Christoph J. , Lux Christopher J. , Bauer Carolien A. J.
Published: May 2023

Objective: Intermaxillary elastics, anchored skeletally, represent a promising concept for treatment in adolescent patients with skeletal Class III anomalies. A challenge in existing concepts is the survival rate of the miniscrews in the mandible or the invasiveness of the bone anchors. A novel concept, the mandibular interradicular anchor (MIRA) appliance, for improving skeletal anchorage in the mandible, will be presented and discussed. Clinical case: In a ten-year-old female patient with a moderate skeletal Class III, the novel MIRA concept, combined with maxillary protraction, was applied. This involved the use of a CAD/CAM-fabricated indirect skeletal anchorage appliance in the mandible, with interradicularly placed miniscrews distal to each canine (MIRA appliance), and a hybrid hyrax in the maxilla with paramedian placed miniscrews. The modified alt-RAMEC protocol involved an intermittent weekly activation for five weeks. Class III elastics were worn for a period of seven months. This was followed by alignment with a multi-bracket appliance. Discussion: The cephalometric analysis before and after therapy shows an improvement of the Wits value (+3.8 mm), SNA (+5°), and ANB (+3°). Dentally, a transversal postdevelopment in the maxilla (+4 mm) and a labial tip of the maxillary (+3.4°) and mandibular anterior teeth (+4.7°) with gap formation is observed. Conclusion: The MIRA appliance represents a less invasive and esthetic alternative to the existing concepts, especially with two miniscrews in the mandible per side. In addition, MIRA can be selected for complex orthodontic tasks, such as molar uprighting and mesialization.
Tumor Microenvironment and Glioblastoma Cell Interplay as Promoters of Therapeutic Resistance
Authors: Agosti Edoardo , Panciani Pier Paolo , Zeppieri Marco , De Maria Lucio , Pasqualetti Francesco , Tel Alessandro , Zanin Luca , Fontanella Marco Maria , Ius Tamara
Published: May 2023

The invasive nature of glioblastoma is problematic in a radical surgery approach and can be responsible for tumor recurrence. In order to create new therapeutic strategies, it is imperative to have a better understanding of the mechanisms behind tumor growth and invasion. The continuous cross-talk between glioma stem cells (GSCs) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to disease progression, which renders research in this field difficult and challenging. The main aim of the review was to assess the different possible mechanisms that could explain resistance to treatment promoted by TME and GSCs in glioblastoma, including the role of M2 macrophages, micro RNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from exosomes from the TME. A systematic review of the literature on the role of the TME in developing and promoting radioresistance and chemoresistance of GBM was performed according to PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. A dedicated literature review search was also performed on the immunotherapeutic agents against the immune TME. We identified 367 papers using the reported keywords. The final qualitative analysis was conducted on 25 studies. A growing amount of evidence in the current literature supports the role of M2 macrophages and non-coding RNAs in promoting the mechanisms of chemo and radioresistance. A better insight into how GBM cells interact with TME is an essential step towards comprehending the mechanisms that give rise to resistance to standard treatment, which can help to pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for GBM patients.
Feeding on the Fruit Waste Orange Bagasse Modifies Immature Protein Content, Body Weight, Scent Bouquet Composition, and Copula Duration in Males of a Tephritid Frugivorous Fly
Authors: Pascacio-Villafán Carlos , Guillén Larissa , Altúzar-Molina Alma , Tellez-Mora Julio A. , Cruz-Hernández Enedina , Aluja Martín
Published: May 2023

Anastrepha ludens is a polyphagous frugivorous tephritid that infests citrus and mango. Here, we report the establishment of a laboratory colony of A. ludens reared on a larval medium that is a waste for the citrus industry, specifically, orange (Citrus × sinensis) fruit bagasse. After 24 generations of rearing on a nutritionally poor orange bagasse diet, pupae weighed 41.1% less than pupae from a colony reared on a nutritionally rich artificial diet. Larvae from the orange bagasse diet had 6.94% less protein content than larvae from the artificial diet, although their pupation rate was similar. Males from the orange bagasse diet produced a scent bouquet with 21 chemical compounds and were sexually competitive, but they had significantly shorter copulations when compared to males from the artificial diet and from the wild host, Casimiroa edulis, which had relatively simple scent bouquets. The chemical complexity in the odors of males from the orange bagasse diet might initially have attracted females to novel scent combinations, but, once in the copula, they may have been able to sense negative characteristics in males, leading them to terminate copulations soon after they began. We conclude that A. ludens can adjust morphological, life history, nutritional, and chemical traits when adapted to a larval environment consisting of fruit bagasse.
Social Learning versus Individual Learning in the Division of Labour
Authors: Khajehnejad Moein , García Julian , Meyer Bernd
Published: May 2023

Division of labour, or the differentiation of the individuals in a collective across tasks, is a fundamental aspect of social organisations, such as social insect colonies. It allows for efficient resource use and improves the chances of survival for the entire collective. The emergence of large inactive groups of individuals in insect colonies sometimes referred to as laziness, has been a puzzling and hotly debated division-of-labour phenomenon in recent years that is counter to the intuitive notion of effectiveness. It has previously been shown that inactivity can be explained as a by-product of social learning without the need to invoke an adaptive function. While highlighting an interesting and important possibility, this explanation is limited because it is not yet clear whether the relevant aspects of colony life are governed by social learning. In this paper, we explore the two fundamental types of behavioural adaptation that can lead to a division of labour, individual learning and social learning. We find that inactivity can just as well emerge from individual learning alone. We compare the behavioural dynamics in various environmental settings under the social and individual learning assumptions, respectively. We present individual-based simulations backed up by analytic theory, focusing on adaptive dynamics for the social paradigm and cross-learning for the individual paradigm. We find that individual learning can induce the same behavioural patterns previously observed for social learning. This is important for the study of the collective behaviour of social insects because individual learning is a firmly established paradigm of behaviour learning in their colonies. Beyond the study of inactivity, in particular, the insight that both modes of learning can lead to the same patterns of behaviour opens new pathways to approach the study of emergent patterns of collective behaviour from a more generalised perspective.
Generation of Herbicide-Resistant Soybean by Base Editing
Authors: Wei Tao , Jiang Linjian , You Xiang , Ma Pengyu , Xi Zhen , Wang Ning Ning
Published: May 2023

Weeds cause the largest yield loss in soybean production. The development of herbicide-resistant soybean germplasm is of great significance for weed control and yield improvement. In this study, we used the cytosine base editor (BE3) to develop novel herbicide-resistant soybean. We have successfully introduced base substitutions in GmAHAS3 and GmAHAS4 and obtained a heritable transgene-free soybean with homozygous P180S mutation in GmAHAS4. The GmAHAS4 P180S mutants have apparent resistance to chlorsulfuron, flucarbazone-sodium, and flumetsulam. In particular, the resistance to chlorsulfuron was more than 100 times that of with wild type TL-1. The agronomic performance of the GmAHAS4 P180S mutants showed no significant differences to TL-1 under natural growth conditions. In addition, we developed allele-specific PCR markers for the GmAHAS4 P180S mutants, which can easily discriminate homozygous, heterozygous mutants, and wild-type plants. This study demonstrates a feasible and effective way to generate herbicide-resistant soybean by using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated base editing.
The Migration and the Fate of Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Lampiasi Nadia
Published: May 2023

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) obtained from dental pulp and derived from the neural crest. They can differentiate into odontoblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes and nerve cells, and they play a role in tissue repair and regeneration. In fact, DPSCs, depending on the microenvironmental signals, can differentiate into odontoblasts and regenerate dentin or, when transplanted, replace/repair damaged neurons. Cell homing depends on recruitment and migration, and it is more effective and safer than cell transplantation. However, the main limitations of cell homing are the poor cell migration of MSCs and the limited information we have on the regulatory mechanism of the direct differentiation of MSCs. Different isolation methods used to recover DPSCs can yield different cell types. To date, most studies on DPSCs use the enzymatic isolation method, which prevents direct observation of cell migration. Instead, the explant method allows for the observation of single cells that can migrate at two different times and, therefore, could have different fates, for example, differentiation and self-renewal. DPSCs use mesenchymal and amoeboid migration modes with the formation of lamellipodia, filopodia and blebs, depending on the biochemical and biophysical signals of the microenvironment. Here, we present current knowledge on the possible intriguing role of cell migration, with particular attention to microenvironmental cues and mechanosensing properties, in the fate of DPSCs.
Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1: More than a Leukocyte Adhesion Molecule
Authors: Haydinger Cameron D. , Ashander Liam M. , Tan Alwin Chun Rong , Smith Justine R.
Published: May 2023

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane protein in the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on the surface of multiple cell populations and upregulated by inflammatory stimuli. It mediates cellular adhesive interactions by binding to the β2 integrins macrophage antigen 1 and leukocyte function-associated antigen 1, as well as other ligands. It has important roles in the immune system, including in leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and transendothelial migration, and at the immunological synapse formed between lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells. ICAM-1 has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of diverse diseases from cardiovascular diseases to autoimmune disorders, certain infections, and cancer. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the structure and regulation of the ICAM1 gene and the ICAM-1 protein. We discuss the roles of ICAM-1 in the normal immune system and a selection of diseases to highlight the breadth and often double-edged nature of its functions. Finally, we discuss current therapeutics and opportunities for advancements.
Exosomal Non-Coding RNA Mediates Macrophage Polarization: Roles in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Wang Hongyun , Ye Xuan , Spanos Michail , Wang Huanxin , Yang Zijiang , Li Guoping , Xiao Junjie , Zhou Lei
Published: May 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes are nanosized extracellular particles that contain proteins, DNA, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) and other molecules, which are widely present in biofluids throughout the body. As a key mediator of intercellular communication, EVs transfer their cargoes to target cells and activate signaling transduction. Increasing evidence shows that ncRNA is involved in a variety of pathological and physiological processes through various pathways, particularly the inflammatory response. Macrophage, one of the body’s “gatekeepers”, plays a crucial role in inflammatory reactions. Generally, macrophages can be classified as pro-inflammatory type (M1) or anti-inflammatory type (M2) upon their phenotypes, a phenomenon termed macrophage polarization. Increasing evidence indicates that the polarization of macrophages plays important roles in the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the role of exosomal ncRNA in regulating macrophage polarization and the role of polarized macrophages as an important source of EV in CVD remains to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize the role and molecular mechanisms of exosomal-ncRNA in regulating macrophage polarization during CVD development, focusing on their cellular origins, functional cargo, and their detailed effects on macrophage polarization. We also discuss the role of polarized macrophages and their derived EV in CVD as well as the therapeutic prospects of exosomal ncRNA in the treatment of CVD.
Analysis of Walking Economy after Sleeve Gastrectomy in Patients with Severe Obesity
Authors: Vecchiato Marco , Faggian Sara , Quinto Giulia , Battista Francesca , Foletto Mirto , Di Vincenzo Angelo , Bettini Silvia , Gasperetti Andrea , Busetto Luca , Ermolao Andrea , Neunhaeuserer Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background: Obesity is associated with a higher energy cost of walking which affects activities of daily living. Bariatric surgery with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has beneficial effects on weight loss and comorbidities. Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of SG on walking economy in subjects with severe obesity. Methods: This observational cohort study included all patients with morbid obesity who were considered suitable candidates for SG between June 2017 and June 2019. Each patient underwent an incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill (modified Bruce protocol) one month before and six months after SG. Data on the energy cost of walking were recorded during three protocol stages (stage 0—slow flat walking: speed 2.7 km/h, slope 0%; stage ½—slow uphill walking: speed 2.7 km/h, slope 5%; stage 1—fast uphill walking: speed 4.0 km/h, slope 8%). Results: 139 patients with morbid obesity (78% women; age 44.1 ± 10.7 years; BMI 42.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2) were included in the study. At six months post-SG, patients presented with a significantly decreased body weight (−30.5 ± 17.2 kg; p < 0.05), leading to an average BMI of 31.6 ± 4.2 kg/m2. The net energy cost of walking (measured in J/m and J/kg/m) of the subjects was lower compared to pre-SG at all three protocol stages. This improvement was also confirmed when the subjects were grouped by gender and obesity classes. Conclusion: After a significant weight loss induced by SG, regardless of the severity of obesity and gender, patients exhibited a lower energy expenditure and an improved walking economy. These changes make it easier to perform daily routines and may facilitate an increase in physical activity.
Age and Sex Determine Electrocardiogram Parameters in the Octodon degus
Authors: Cuenca-Bermejo Lorena , Fernández-Del Palacio María Josefa , de Cassia Gonçalves Valeria , Bautista-Hernández Víctor , Sánchez-Rodrigo Consuelo , Fernández-Villalba Emiliano , Kublickiene Karolina , Raparelli Valeria , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Norris Colleen M. , Pilote Louise , Herrero María Trinidad
Published: May 2023

Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and age is an important risk factor. Preclinical models provide supportive evidence toward age-related cardiac changes, as well as allow for the study of pathological aspects of the disease. In the present work, we evaluated the electrocardiogram (ECG) recording in the O. degus during the aging process in both females and males. Taking into account the age and sex, our study provides the normal ranges for the heart rate, duration and voltage of the ECG waves and intervals, as well as electrical axis deviation. We found that the QRS complex duration and QTc significantly increased with age, whereas the heart rate significantly decreased. On the other hand, the P wave, PR and QTc segments durations, S wave voltage and electrical axis were found to be significantly different between males and females. The heart rhythm was also altered in aged animals, resulting in an increased incidence of arrhythmias, especially in males. Based on these results, we suggest that this rodent model could be useful for cardiovascular research, including impacts of aging and biological sex.
Genetic Analysis as a Tool to Improve the Monitoring of Stranded Cetaceans in Chile
Authors: Kraft Sebastián , Rodríguez Francisca , Olavarría Carlos , Poulin Elie , Pérez-Álvarez María José
Published: May 2023

Cetacean strandings are a valuable source of information for several studies from species richness to conservation and management. During the examination of strandings, taxonomic and sex identification might be hindered for several reasons. Molecular techniques are valuable tools to obtain that missing information. This study evaluates how gene fragment amplification protocols can support the records of strandings done in the field in Chile by identifying, corroborating, or correcting the identification of the species and sex of the recorded individuals. Through a collaboration between a scientific laboratory and government institution in Chile, 63 samples were analyzed. Thirty-nine samples were successfully identified to the species level. In total, 17 species of six families were detected, including six species of conservation interest. Of the 39 samples, 29 corresponded to corroborations of field identifications. Seven corresponded to unidentified samples and three to corrected misidentifications, adding up to 28% of the identified samples. Sex was successfully identified for 58 of the 63 individuals. Twenty were corroborations, 34 were previously unidentified, and four were corrections. Applying this method improves the stranding database of Chile and provides new data for future management and conservation tasks.