bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Do Marijuana and Synthetic Cannabimimetics Induce Acute Myocardial Infarction in Healthy Young People?
Authors: Weresa Jolanta , Pędzińska-Betiuk Anna , Mińczuk Krzysztof , Malinowska Barbara , Schlicker Eberhard
Published: March 2022

The use of cannabis preparations has steadily increased. Although cannabis was traditionally assumed to only have mild vegetative side effects, it has become evident in recent years that severe cardiovascular complications can occur. Cannabis use has recently even been added to the risk factors for myocardial infarction. This review is dedicated to pathogenetic factors contributing to cannabis-related myocardial infarction. Tachycardia is highly important in this respect, and we provide evidence that activation of CB1 receptors in brain regions important for cardiovascular regulation and of presynaptic CB1 receptors on sympathetic and/or parasympathetic nerve fibers are involved. The prototypical factors for myocardial infarction, i.e., thrombus formation and coronary constriction, have also been considered, but there is little evidence that they play a decisive role. On the other hand, an increase in the formation of carboxyhemoglobin, impaired mitochondrial respiration, cardiotoxic reactions and tachyarrhythmias associated with the increased sympathetic tone are factors possibly intensifying myocardial infarction. A particularly important factor is that cannabis use is frequently accompanied by tobacco smoking. In conclusion, additional research is warranted to decipher the mechanisms involved, since cannabis use is being legalized increasingly and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and its synthetic analogue nabilone are indicated for the treatment of various disease states.
The Regulatory Functions and the Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Yang Qiwei , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: March 2022

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in gynecology cancer worldwide. High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the major etiological agents for cervical cancer. Still, other factors also contribute to cervical cancer development because these cancers commonly arise decades after initial exposure to HPV. So far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cervical cancer are still quite limited, and a knowledge gap needs to be filled to help develop novel strategies that will ultimately facilitate the development of therapies and improve cervical cancer patient outcomes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly shown to be involved in gene regulation, and the relevant role of lncRNAs in cervical cancer has recently been investigated. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in ascertaining the biological functions of lncRNAs in cervical cancer from the perspective of cervical cancer proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, we provide the current state of knowledge by discussing the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation and emerging role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Comprehensive and deeper insights into lncRNA-mediated alterations and interactions in cellular events will help develop novel strategies to treat patients with cervical cancer.
A Novel Role for Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-2 as a Hypochlorite-Resistant Serine Protease Inhibitor and Holdase Chaperone
Authors: Cater Jordan H. , Mañucat-Tan Noralyn B. , Georgiou Demi K. , Zhao Guomao , Buhimschi Irina A. , Wyatt Amy R. , Ranson Marie
Published: March 2022

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-2 (PAI-2), a member of the serpin family, is dramatically upregulated during pregnancy and in response to inflammation. Although PAI-2 exists in glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms in vivo, the majority of in vitro studies of PAI-2 have exclusively involved the intracellular non-glycosylated form. This study shows that exposure to inflammation-associated hypochlorite induces the oligomerisation of PAI-2 via a mechanism involving dityrosine formation. Compared to plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), both forms of PAI-2 are more resistant to hypochlorite-induced inactivation of its protease inhibitory activity. Holdase-type extracellular chaperone activity plays a putative non-canonical role for PAI-2. Our data demonstrate that glycosylated PAI-2 more efficiently inhibits the aggregation of Alzheimer’s disease and preeclampsia-associated amyloid beta peptide (Aβ), compared to non-glycosylated PAI-2 in vitro. However, hypochlorite-induced modification of non-glycosylated PAI-2 dramatically enhances its holdase activity by promoting the formation of very high-molecular-mass chaperone-active PAI-2 oligomers. Both PAI-2 forms protect against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line in vitro. In the villous placenta, PAI-2 is localised primarily to syncytiotrophoblast with wide interpersonal variation in women with preeclampsia and in gestational-age-matched controls. Although intracellular PAI-2 and Aβ staining localised to different placental cell types, some PAI-2 co-localised with Aβ in the extracellular plaque-like aggregated deposits abundant in preeclamptic placenta. Thus, PAI-2 potentially contributes to controlling aberrant fibrinolysis and the accumulation of misfolded proteins in states characterised by oxidative and proteostasis stress, such as in Alzheimer’s disease and preeclampsia.
Mucosal Immune Responses to Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Barnes Megan V. C. , Openshaw Peter J. M. , Thwaites Ryan S.
Published: March 2022

Despite over half a century of research, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced bronchiolitis remains a major cause of hospitalisation in infancy, while vaccines and specific therapies still await development. Our understanding of mucosal immune responses to RSV continues to evolve, but recent studies again highlight the role of Type-2 immune responses in RSV disease and hint at the possibility that it dampens Type-1 antiviral immunity. Other immunoregulatory pathways implicated in RSV disease highlight the importance of focussing on localised mucosal responses in the respiratory mucosa, as befits a virus that is essentially confined to the ciliated respiratory epithelium. In this review, we discuss studies of mucosal immune cell infiltration and production of inflammatory mediators in RSV bronchiolitis and relate these studies to observations from peripheral blood. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of studying the nasal mucosa in a disease that is most severe in the lower airway. A fresh focus on studies of RSV pathogenesis in the airway mucosa is set to revolutionise our understanding of this common and important infection.
Regulatory Role of Circadian Clocks on ABA Production and Signaling, Stomatal Responses, and Water-Use Efficiency under Water-Deficit Conditions
Authors: Yari Kamrani Yousef , Shomali Aida , Aliniaeifard Sasan , Lastochkina Oksana , Moosavi-Nezhad Moein , Hajinajaf Nima , Talar Urszula
Published: March 2022

Plants deploy molecular, physiological, and anatomical adaptations to cope with long-term water-deficit exposure, and some of these processes are controlled by circadian clocks. Circadian clocks are endogenous timekeepers that autonomously modulate biological systems over the course of the day–night cycle. Plants’ responses to water deficiency vary with the time of the day. Opening and closing of stomata, which control water loss from plants, have diurnal responses based on the humidity level in the rhizosphere and the air surrounding the leaves. Abscisic acid (ABA), the main phytohormone modulating the stomatal response to water availability, is regulated by circadian clocks. The molecular mechanism of the plant’s circadian clock for regulating stress responses is composed not only of transcriptional but also posttranscriptional regulatory networks. Despite the importance of regulatory impact of circadian clock systems on ABA production and signaling, which is reflected in stomatal responses and as a consequence influences the drought tolerance response of the plants, the interrelationship between circadian clock, ABA homeostasis, and signaling and water-deficit responses has to date not been clearly described. In this review, we hypothesized that the circadian clock through ABA directs plants to modulate their responses and feedback mechanisms to ensure survival and to enhance their fitness under drought conditions. Different regulatory pathways and challenges in circadian-based rhythms and the possible adaptive advantage through them are also discussed.
Amphiphilic Cell-Penetrating Peptides Containing Natural and Unnatural Amino Acids as Drug Delivery Agents
Authors: Salehi David , Mozaffari Saghar , Zoghebi Khalid , Lohan Sandeep , Mandal Dindyal , Tiwari Rakesh K. , Parang Keykavous
Published: March 2022

A series of cyclic peptides, [(DipR)(WR)4], [(DipR)2(WR)3], [(DipR)3(WR)2], [(DipR)4(WR)], and [DipR]5, and their linear counterparts containing arginine (R) as positively charged residues and tryptophan (W) or diphenylalanine (Dip) as hydrophobic residues, were synthesized and evaluated for their molecular transporter efficiency. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized peptides was determined in human epithelial ovary adenocarcinoma cells (SK-OV-3), human lymphoblast peripheral blood cells (CCRF-CEM), human embryonic epithelial kidney healthy cells (HEK-293), human epithelial mammary gland adenocarcinoma cells (MDA-MB-468), pig epithelial kidney normal cells (LLC-PK1), and human epithelial fibroblast uterine sarcoma cells (MES-SA). A concentration of 5–10 µM and 3 h incubation were selected in uptake studies. The cellular uptake of a fluorescent-labeled phosphopeptide, stavudine, lamivudine, emtricitabine, and siRNA was determined in the presence of peptides via flow cytometry. Among the peptides, [DipR]5 (10 µM) was found to be the most efficient transporter and significantly improved the uptake of F’-GpYEEI, i.e., by approximately 130-fold after 3 h incubation in CCRF-CEM cells. Confocal microscopy further confirmed the improved delivery of fluorescent-labeled [DipR]5 (F’-[K(DipR)5]) alone and F’-GpYEEI in the presence of [DipR]5 in MDA-MB-231 cells. The uptake of fluorescent-labeled siRNA (F’-siRNA) in the presence of [DipR]5 with N/P ratios of 10 and 20 was found to be 30- and 50-fold higher, respectively, compared with the cells exposed to F’-siRNA alone. The presence of endocytosis inhibitors, i.e., nystatin, chlorpromazine, chloroquine, and methyl β-cyclodextrin, did not completely inhibit the cellular uptake of F’-[K(DipR)5] alone or F’-GpYEEI in the presence of [DipR]5, suggesting that a combination of mechanisms contributes to uptake. Circular dichroism was utilized to determine the secondary structure, while transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate the particle sizes and morphology of the peptides. The data suggest the remarkable membrane transporter property of [DipR]5 for improving the delivery of various small molecules and cell-impermeable negatively charged molecules (e.g., siRNA and phosphopeptide).
Sensitivity Control of Hydroquinone and Catechol at Poly(Brilliant Cresyl Blue)-Modified GCE by Varying Activation Conditions of the GCE: An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Faraezi Sharifa , Khan Md Sharif , Monira Ferzana Zaman , Mamun Abdullah Al , Akter Tania , Mamun Mohammad Al , Rabbani Mohammad Mahbub , Uddin Jamal , Ahammad A. J. Saleh
Published: March 2022

The poly(brilliant cresyl blue) (PBCB)-modified activated glassy carbon electrode (AGCE) shows the catalytic activity toward the oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CT). The modified electrode can also separate the oxidation peaks of HQ and CT in their mixture, which is not possible with bare GCE. These properties of the modified electrode can be utilized to fabricate an electrochemical sensor for sensitive and simultaneous detection of HQ and CT. In this study, an attempt is made to control the sensitivity of the modified electrodes. This can be accomplished by simply changing the activation condition of the GCE during electropolymerization. GCE can be activated via one-step (applying only oxidation potential) and two-step (applying both oxidation and reduction potential) processes. When we change the activation condition from onestep to twosteps, a clear enhancement inpeak currents of HQ and CT is observed. This helps us to fabricate a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of HQ and CT. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is carried out to explain the experimental data. The MD simulations provide the insight adsorption phenomena to clarify the reasons for higher signals of CT over HQ due to having meta-position –OH group in its structure.
Does Less Pain Predict Better Quality of Life among Malaysian Patients with Mild–Moderate Knee Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Mohd Yusuf Salma Yasmin , Md-Yasin Mazapuspavina , Mohd Miswan Mohd Fairudz
Published: March 2022

This study aims to identify the relationship between knee functional status and Health-Related QoL (HRQoL) in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and to ascertain which subdomain of knee functional status best predicts good HRQoL. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an orthopaedic clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Patients aged 40–75 years old with mild–moderate primary knee OA were recruited. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and SF-36 questionnaires were used to measure knee functional status and HRQoL, respectively. Subdomains of KOOS include “function in daily living”, “function in recreational activities”, “pain”, “symptom”, and “knee-specific quality of life”. Subdomains for SF-36 are Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS). Overall, 290 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study, with a mean age of 66.8 years old (±7.06). Majority were female (57.6%) and Malay (79.7%). The relationships between all KOOS and HRQoL subdomains were significant. “Pain” contributed most towards better physical HRQoL ((PCS) Adj. B (95% CI); 0.063 (0.044, 0.169)), while “function in daily living” contributed most towards better mental HRQoL ((MCS) Adj. B (95% CI); 0.624 (0.478, 0.769)). Thus, better HRQoL was related to better pain control and improved “function in daily living” in these patients.
Microstructure and Wear Properties of HVAF Sprayed Cu-Zr-Al-Ag-Co Amorphous Coatings at Different Spray Temperatures
Authors: Wen Shu , Dai Cuiying , Mao Weiguo , Ren Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaoming , Zhao Yang , Han Guofeng
Published: March 2022

Wear-resistant Cu-Zr-Al-Ag-Co amorphous coatings were fabricated by high-velocity air-fuel spray technology using (Cu43Zr47Al7Ag3)99.5Co0.5 powder at different temperatures (i.e., 645, 725, and 805 K). The feedstock powders (98.6 wt.% amorphous phase) were produced by a gas atomization method. Thermal properties and microstructure of the powders and the coatings were comparably investigated by differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Wear properties were studied by a dry sliding wear tester under the linear reciprocating sliding in a ball-on-plate mode using a GCr15 ball as the counterpart at room temperature in air. A large fraction of amorphous phase (~67.5 wt.%) and crystalline phases (ZrO2, Al2.5Cu0.5Zr, and AlZr3) are found in the coating fabricated at a temperature (725 K) between the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the onset crystallization temperature (Tx). In addition, the coating also exhibits the highest Vickers hardness (554 HV0.1), bonding strength (59.3 MPa), a relatively low porosity (1.65%), and superior wear resistance. The wear mechanism of the coating is primarily abrasive wear and slight adhesive wear.
Application and Monitoring of Oxidative Alginate–Biocide Hydrogels for Two Case Studies in “The Sassi and the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera”
Authors: Gabriele Francesco , Bruno Laura , Casieri Cinzia , Ranaldi Roberta , Rugnini Lorenza , Spreti Nicoletta
Published: March 2022

The removal of biological colonization on building materials of cultural heritage is a difficult challenge, as the treatment must completely eliminate the biological patina without altering the treated substrate and possibly delaying new colonization. With the aim of searching for systems to minimize the biocide impact on the substrate, the environment and the operators, different alginate–oxidizing biocide hydrogels were previously tested and optimized in the laboratory and here selected for application in situ. The churches “San Pietro Barisano” and “Madonna dei Derelitti”, located in the Sassi of Matera (UNESCO World Heritage Site in Basilicata region, Italy), were chosen as case studies. They differ in terms of both the environmental conditions and the microorganisms responsible for colonization. Colorimetric measurements and microscopic investigation proved the efficacy of biocide hydrogels in removing biopatinas and in restoring the original chromaticity of the selected treated surfaces of both sites. After the biocidal treatments, new protective acrylic coatings were applied to prevent recolonization and minimize the loss of material grains. Samples collected, immediately after and two years later, established the absence of biological colonization, demonstrating the long-term efficacy of the proposed restoration protocol.
Skin Sensitization Testing: The Ascendancy of Non-Animal Methods
Authors: Basketter David A. , Gerberick George F.
Published: March 2022

A century ago, toxicology was an empirical science identifying substance hazards in surrogate mammalian models. Over several decades, these models improved, evolved to reduce animal usage, and recently have begun the process of dispensing with animals entirely. However, despite good hazard identification, the translation of hazards into adequately assessed risks to human health often has presented challenges. Unfortunately, many skin sensitizers known to produce contact allergy in humans, despite being readily identified as such in the predictive assays, continue to cause this adverse health effect. Increasing the rigour of hazard identification is inappropriate. Regulatory action has only proven effective via complete bans of individual substances. Since the problem applies to a broad range of substances and industry categories, and since generic banning of skin sensitizers would be an economic catastrophe, the solution is surprisingly simple—they should be subject to rigorous safety assessment, with the risks thereby managed accordingly. The ascendancy of non-animal methods in skin sensitization is giving unparalleled opportunities in which toxicologists, risk assessors, and regulators can work in concert to achieve a better outcome for the protection of human health than has been delivered by the in vivo methods and associated regulations that they are replacing.
Structural Study of the Complex of cblC Methylmalonic Aciduria and Homocystinuria-Related Protein MMACHC with Cyanocobalamin
Authors: Xu Qin , Zhou Huan , Li Minjun , Wang Weiwei , Xu Mengxue , Zhu Zhimin , Zhang Chenyu , Wang Qisheng , Yu Feng , He Jianhua
Published: March 2022

MMACHC is an essential protein for the body to metabolise vitamin B12, and its deficiency will cause cblC-type methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria. MMACHC can interact with cyanocobalamin (a type of vitamin B12) cofactor and plays an important role in targeting cyanocobalamin to the enzyme of interest. In this paper, the GST-tag fusion-tagged MMACHC protein was successfully expressed by Escherichia coli (E. coli) low-temperature induction, and the high-purity MMACHC protein was successfully purified by affinity chromatography and gel filtration. Further, the crystal structure of MMACHC and cyanocobalamin complex was obtained with a resolution of 1.93 Å using X-ray diffraction. By analysing the complex structure of MMACHC and cyanocobalamin, we revealed the reasons for the diversity of MMACHC substrates and explained the reasons for the differences in disease conditions caused by different MMACHC site mutations. The acquisition of the complex structure of MMACHC and cyanocobalamin will play a significant role in promoting research on the metabolic pathway of vitamin B12.
Research on the Impact-Induced Deflagration Behavior by Aluminum/Teflon Projectile
Authors: Xiao Jianguang , Wang Yanxin , Zhou Dongmo , He Chenglong , Li Xiangrong
Published: March 2022

Although the ignition-and-growth model can simulate the ignition and detonation behavior of traditional energy materials well, it seems insufficient to simulate the impact-induced deflagration behavior of reactive materials (RMs) using current finite element codes due to their more complicated ignition threshold and lower reaction rates. Therefore, a simulation method for the impact-induced deflagration behavior of a reactive materials projectile (RMP) is developed by introducing tunable ignition threshold conditions for RMs, and a user-defined subroutine is formed by the secondary development on the equation of state (EOS). High-velocity impact experiments were performed to prove the validity of simulations. The results show that the user-defined subroutine for RMs is competent in simulating the ignition and deflagration behavior under impact conditions, because the reaction ratio, morphology and temperature distribution of RMP fragments are all well consistent with experiments, theory, and current reports from other researchers. In this way, the quantitative study on the deflagration reaction of RMs can be implemented and relevant mechanisms are revealed more clearly.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Calculation of High Strength Aluminum-Lithium Alloy
Authors: Wang Jinsan , Xiao Xiang
Published: March 2022

High strength Al-Li alloy is the research focus of aluminum alloy. In the present paper, high strength Al-Li alloy 2A97 composed of Al-Li-Cu-Zn-Mg-Mn-Zr system is studied by thermodynamic and kinetic calculation. The equilibrium phase diagram and the metastable phases of 2A97 were calculated by thermodynamic method. The solidification phase diagram of 2A97 was obtained using the Scheil–Gulliver model. The continuous cooling transformation diagram and isothermal aging curves were calculated using the kinetic method. In addition, the 2A97 microstructures of cast, homogenized, hot-rolled, and solid solution were observed by a scanning electron microscope. The results can be used for the process optimization and microstructure control of 2A97. In particular, the research results of this work can be used for the determination of the homogenization temperature and solid-solution temperature.
Rapid One-Tube RPA-CRISPR/Cas12 Detection Platform for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Yanan , Shi Zhonglin , Hu Anzhong , Cui Junsheng , Yang Ke , Liu Yong , Deng Guoqing , Zhu Cancan , Zhu Ling
Published: March 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a severe health threat causing high-level morbidity and mortality in health care environments and in community settings. Though existing diagnostic methods, including PCR and culture-based methods, are routinely used in clinical practice, they are not appropriate for rapid point-of-care testing (POCT). Recently, since the development of the CRISPR/Cas technology, new possibilities for rapid point-of-care detection have emerged. In this study, we developed a rapid, accurate, and contamination-free platform for MRSA detection by integrating recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with the Cas12 system into one tube. Using this approach, visual MRSA detection could be achieved in 20 min. Based on the one-tube RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a platform, the assay results are visualized by lateral flow test strips (LFS) and fluorescent-based methods, including real-time and end-point fluorescence. This platform allows specific MRSA detection with a sensitivity of 10 copies for the fluorescence method and a range of 10–100 copies for the LFS. The results of 23 samples from clinical MRSA isolates showed that the coincidence rate was 100% and 95.7% of the fluorescence method and LFS, respectively, compared to qPCR. In conclusion, the one-tube RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a platform is an effective method for MRSA detection with significant potential in future practical POCT applications.
Human Papillomavirus Infection: Knowledge, Risk Perceptions and Behaviors among SMW and AFAB
Authors: Piróg Magdalena , Grabski Bartosz , Jach Robert , Zmaczyński Andrzej , Dutsch-Wicherek Magdalena , Wróbel Andrzej , Stangel-Wójcikiewicz Klaudia
Published: March 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, and persistent HPV infection has been established as playing a major role in the development of cervical cancer. Providing HPV vaccination and regular screening tests have reduced the risk of developing cervical cancer or helped to detect the cancer at an early stage. Despite the above measures, cervical cancer still remains a major public health problem worldwide. Infection with HPV, and consequently cervical cancer, affects all people with an intact cervix, so not only heterosexual women, but also women from sexual minorities (SMW) together with people assigned female at birth (AFAB). These populations may be even more likely to develop cervical cancer, mainly because they are less likely to be aware of HPV transmission and prevention of cervical cancer. In our review, we summarized the current state of HPV knowledge, collected data assessing the orientation of this issue among SMW and AFAB, and indicated the causes of possible negligence in the prevention of cervical cancer.
The Utility of Conventional Amino Acid PET Radiotracers in the Evaluation of Glioma Recurrence also in Comparison with MRI
Authors: Santo Giulia , Laudicella Riccardo , Linguanti Flavia , Nappi Anna Giulia , Abenavoli Elisabetta , Vergura Vittoria , Rubini Giuseppe , Sciagrà Roberto , Arnone Gaspare , Schillaci Orazio , Minutoli Fabio , Baldari Sergio , Quartuccio Natale , Bisdas Sotirios
Published: March 2022

Aim: In this comprehensive review we present an update on the most relevant studies evaluating the utility of amino acid PET radiotracers for the evaluation of glioma recurrence as compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: A literature search extended until June 2020 on the PubMed/MEDLINE literature database was conducted using the terms “high-grade glioma”, “glioblastoma”, “brain tumors”, “positron emission tomography”, “PET”, “amino acid PET”, “[11C]methyl-l-methionine”, “[18F]fluoroethyl-tyrosine”, “[18F]fluoro-l-dihydroxy-phenylalanine”, “MET”, “FET”, “DOPA”, “magnetic resonance imaging”, “MRI”, “advanced MRI”, “magnetic resonance spectroscopy”, “perfusion-weighted imaging”, “diffusion-weighted imaging”, “MRS”, “PWI”, “DWI”, “hybrid PET/MR”, “glioma recurrence”, “pseudoprogression”, “PSP”, “treatment-related change”, and “radiation necrosis” alone and in combination. Only original articles edited in English and about humans with at least 10 patients were included. Results: Forty-four articles were finally selected. Conventional amino acid PET tracers were demonstrated to be reliable diagnostic techniques in differentiating tumor recurrence thanks to their high uptake from tumor tissue and low background in normal grey matter, giving additional and early information to standard modalities. Among them, MET–PET seems to present the highest diagnostic value but its use is limited to on-site cyclotron facilities. [18F]labelled amino acids, such as FDOPA and FET, were developed to provide a more suitable PET tracer for routine clinical applications, and demonstrated similar diagnostic performance. When compared to the gold standard MRI, amino acid PET provides complementary and comparable information to standard modalities and seems to represent an essential tool in the differentiation between tumor recurrence and other entities such as pseudoprogression, radiation necrosis, and pseudoresponse. Conclusions: Despite the introduction of new advanced imaging techniques, the diagnosis of glioma recurrence remains challenging. In this scenario, the growing knowledge about imaging techniques and analysis, such as the combined PET/MRI and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), could represent promising tools to face this difficult and debated clinical issue.
Flow-Induced Force Modeling and Active Compensation for a Fluid-Tethered Multirotor Aerial Craft during Pressurised Jetting
Authors: Lee Shawndy , Ng Wei , Liu Jingmin , Wong Shen , Srigrarom Sutthiphong , Foong Shaohui
Published: March 2022

This paper presents an investigation of the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) effects on the stability of a quadrotor attached to a flexible hose conveying and ejecting pressurised fluid from an onboard nozzle. In this study, an analytical solution is derived to obtain the time and spatial responses of the free end, which could affect the quadrotor’s stability. First, the flow-induced force model was simulated at the hose plane to find out the contributing disturbances prior to the physical connection with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Thereafter, the flow-induced forces were introduced to the UAV dynamics model as disturbances to study the FSI response during flight. Physical experiments were conducted to compare the analytical responses of the UAV prior to and during ejection. The presented findings of the perturbations due to the FSI effect from the pressurised fluid flowing through the flexible hose to the free end and the jet reaction at the UAV nozzle will be used for the employment of a combined feedforward-feedback (FF-FB) quadrotor control strategy for a stable ejection phase. The proposed strategy shows an average improvement of 61.14% (x-axis) and 22.46% (z-axis) in terms of active position compensation during ejection as compared to a standard feedback (FB) control loop only.
Exploring Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers’ Pedagogical Scientific Language Knowledge
Authors: Mönch Corinna , Markic Silvija
Published: March 2022

Chemish, as the scientific language of chemistry, is essential for communicating in and understanding chemistry. At the same time, Chemish is one of the major difficulties in teaching and learning chemistry in the school context. Although in recent years the importance of language in general and scientific language in particular has been pointed out and much research has been carried out on these topics, less is known about (pre-service) chemistry teachers’ knowledge of teaching and learning the scientific language in chemistry classes. Thus, the research on Pedagogical Scientific Language Knowledge (PSLK) is missing. As this knowledge is crucial for (future) chemistry teachers to teach chemistry, in our survey, we seek to evaluate the extent of 41 pre-service chemistry teachers’ PSLK. The answers are analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results show that pre-service chemistry teachers’ content knowledge resembles the level of knowledge for higher secondary schools. Likewise, the pre-service chemistry teachers have a lack of incisive pedagogical content knowledge: although recognizing problems within Chemish, the pre-service chemistry teachers hardly address those and do not focus on the characteristics of Chemish while explaining scientific terms. On this basis, implications for further university chemistry teacher education and research will be drawn.
Designing Activities to Develop Statistical Literacy in Primary Pupils While Conducting Physics Laboratory Work in Informal Settings
Authors: Medová Janka , Sedmáková Zdenka , Uhrecký Branislav , Valovičová Ľubomíra
Published: March 2022

According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015 measurements, Slovak primary school pupils commonly can reach some below average scores in terms of scientific literacy and have less and less positive attitudes towards the natural sciences. Natural sciences and statistics are intertwined disciplines. This implies that there is a room for teachers to try using interdisciplinarity and including basic statistics in the laboratory lessons of natural sciences. The aim of this research paper is to identify the difficulties that can occur when primary pupils collect and process data during a practical research task, combining, here, the knowledge stemming from the natural sciences and statistical reasoning. The research sample consisted of nine primary pupils from grade 1 to grade 4; the average age was 9.44 ± 1.33 years. Pupils were divided into the three age heterogeneous groups who were assigned a laboratory exam. The data were collected via an unstructured participatory observation. The results of our analysis of verbal expressions and practical activities suggest that pupils in our research sample are in the range of levels of nonformal and inconsistent understanding of statistics. In addition, we observed here some characteristics of consistent noncritical understanding. These findings suggest that, with the proper stimulation and frequent research activities requiring the direct activity and involvement of pupils, they could achieve higher levels of statistical literacy as well.
Training Data Selection by Categorical Variables for Better Rare Event Prediction in Multiple Products Production Line
Authors: Xu Dongting , Zhang Zhisheng , Shi Jinfei
Published: March 2022

Manufacturers are struggling to use data from multiple products production lines to predict rare events. Improving the quality of training data is a common way to improve the performance of algorithms. However, there is little research about how to select training data quantitatively. In this study, a training data selection method is proposed to improve the performance of deep learning models. The proposed method can represent different time length multivariate time series spilt by categorical variables and measure the (dis)similarities by the distance matrix and clustering method. The contributions are: (1) The proposed method can find the changes to the training data caused by categorical variables in a multivariate time series dataset; (2) according to the proposed method, the multivariate time series data from the production line can be clustered into many small training datasets; and (3) same structure but different parameters prediction models are built instead of one model which is different from the traditional way. In practice, the proposed method is applied in a real multiple products production line dataset and the result shows it can not only significantly improve the performance of the reconstruction model but it can also quantitively measure the (dis)similarities of the production behaviors.
Vertiport Operations Modeling, Agent-Based Simulation and Parameter Value Specification
Authors: Preis Lukas , Hornung Mirko
Published: March 2022

Urban air mobility (UAM) is the idea of creating a future mobility market through the introduction of a new mode of aerial transport with substantial travel time advantages. A key factor diminishing travel time savings is vertiport processes. So far, vertiport throughput capacity has only been studied in a static manner using analytical methods, which has been found to be insufficient. This paper wants to increase the level of understanding of operational dynamics on vertiport airfields by being the first to apply agent-based simulation. For this purpose, an existing vertiport model consisting of pads, gates and stands was refined through two means. First, a sensitivity study with over 100 simulations was executed shedding light on the driving processes on a vertiport airfield. Second, an expert interview series with 17 participants was conducted, letting the experts evaluate the model and specify relevant parameter values. Three main results should find mention here: (1) Pad operations were identified to be most impactful on passenger delays. (2) Pad and gate processes have a threshold capacity beyond which delays increase exponentially. (3) A refined vertiport model is presented, including the 27 most relevant parameters and their value specification. In conclusion, this paper finds that optimized vertiport airfield design is crucial to UAM operations, and dynamic passenger and vehicle interactions cannot be neglected.
Demystifying In-Vehicle Intrusion Detection Systems: A Survey of Surveys and a Meta-Taxonomy
Authors: Karopoulos Georgios , Kambourakis Georgios , Chatzoglou Efstratios , Hernández-Ramos José L. , Kouliaridis Vasileios
Published: March 2022

Breaches in the cyberspace due to cyber-physical attacks can harm the physical space, and any type of vehicle is an alluring target for wrongdoers for an assortment of reasons. Especially, as the automobiles are becoming increasingly interconnected within the Cooperative Intelligent Transport System (C-ITS) realm and their level of automation elevates, the risk for cyberattacks augments along with the attack surface, thus inexorably rendering the risk of complacency and inaction sizable. Next to other defensive measures, intrusion detection systems (IDS) already comprise an inextricable component of modern automobiles in charge of detecting intrusions in the system while in operation. This work concentrates on in-vehicle IDS with the goal to deliver a fourfold comprehensive survey of surveys on this topic. First, we collect and analyze all existing in-vehicle IDS classifications and fuse them into a simpler, overarching one that can be used as a base for classifying any work in this area. Second, we gather and elaborate on the so-far available datasets which can be possibly used to train and evaluate an in-vehicle IDS. Third, we survey non-commercial simulators which may be utilized for creating a dataset or evaluating an IDS. The last contribution pertains to a thorough exposition of the future trends and challenges in this area. To our knowledge, this work provides the first wholemeal survey on in-vehicle IDS, and it is therefore anticipated to serve as a groundwork and point of reference for multiple stakeholders at varying levels.
Generalized Full Order Observer Subject to Incremental Quadratic Constraint (IQC) for a Class of Fractional Order Chaotic Systems
Authors: Marwan Muhammad , Abidin Muhammad Zainul , Kalsoom Humaira , Han Maoan
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we used Lyapunov theory and Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI) to design a generalized observer by adding more complexity in the output of the dynamic systems. Our designed observer is based on the optimization problem, minimizing error between trajectories of master and slave systems subject to the incremental quadratic constraint. Moreover, an algorithm is given in our paper used to demonstrate a method for obtaining desired observer and gain matrixes, whereas these gain matrixes are obtained with the aid of LMI and incremental multiplier matrix (IMM). Finally, discussion of two examples are an integral part of our study for the explanation of achieved analytical results using MATLAB and SCILAB.
The Cause–Effect Dilemma of Hematologic Changes in COVID-19: One Year after the Start of the Pandemic
Authors: Youssry Ilham , Abd Elaziz Dalia , Ayad Nardeen , Eyada Iman
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 is a systemic infection that leads to multisystem affection, including hematological changes. On the other hand, the patients who have certain hematological diseases are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. The aim of this review is to examine the wide spectrum of hematological changes that are reported to occur due to COVID-19 infection. Most of the studies over the past year mainly show that most of these changes are mainly non-specific, but are of prognostic value. On the other hand, the susceptibility of hematological patients to COVID-19 infection and complications remains questionable. Patients with certain hematological diseases (including malignancy) and those who are treated by aggressive immunosuppressive therapy have shown higher rates of COVID-19 infection and complications. On the other hand, for most of the patients suffering from other chronic hematological conditions, no evidence has shown a greater risk of infection, compared to the general population.
Incidence of Delayed Infections after Lower Third Molar Extraction
Authors: Monaco Giuseppe , Gatto Maria Rosaria A. , Pelliccioni Gian Andrea
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This retrospective study aimed to verify that the onset of delayed infection after lower third molar extraction was influenced by the amount of distal space. Patients and Methods: We evaluated 265 patients (age range 12–55 years), who had one or two mandibular third molars to be extracted. All 380 third molars were removed for orthodontic reasons, periodontal disease, or pericoronitis and were evaluated by the Pell and Gregory classification using the panoramic radiographs. Results: Delayed infection, characterized from purulent exudates from the alveolus and swelling, was reported in 21 extractions between 2 and 8 weeks after surgery. In 16 of the 21 cases of infection, a class III of Pell and Gregory was observed, and this anatomic condition evidenced an extremely reduced space distal to the second molar. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the absence of distal space was significantly correlated with delayed infection. These data are important for proper examination of a patient because, in the case of class I or II of Pell and Gregory, a delayed infection was less likely to occur, while a class III of Pell and Gregory could indicate a greater likelihood of this type of infection.
Transcriptome Analysis of Populus euphratica under Salt Treatment and PeERF1 Gene Enhances Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Populus alba × Populus glandulosa
Authors: Ge Xiao-Lan , Zhang Lei , Du Jiu-Jun , Wen Shuang-Shuang , Qu Guan-Zheng , Hu Jian-Jun
Published: March 2022

Populus euphratica is mainly distributed in desert environments with dry and hot climate in summer and cold in winter. Compared with other poplars, P. euphratica is more resistant to salt stress. It is critical to investigate the transcriptome and molecular basis of salt tolerance in order to uncover stress-related genes. In this study, salt-tolerant treatment of P. euphratica resulted in an increase in osmo-regulatory substances and recovery of antioxidant enzymes. To improve the mining efficiency of candidate genes, the analysis combining both the transcriptome WGCNA and the former GWAS results was selected, and a range of key regulatory factors with salt resistance were found. The PeERF1 gene was highly connected in the turquoise modules with significant differences in salt stress traits, and the expression levels were significantly different in each treatment. For further functional verification of PeERF1, we obtained stable overexpression and dominant suppression transgenic lines by transforming into Populus alba × Populusglandulosa. The growth and physiological characteristics of the PeERF1 overexpressed plants were better than that of the wild type under salt stress. Transcriptome analysis of leaves of transgenic lines and WT revealed that highly enriched GO terms in DEGs were associated with stress responses, including abiotic stimuli responses, chemical responses, and oxidative stress responses. The result is helpful for in-depth analysis of the salt tolerance mechanism of poplar. This work provides important genes for poplar breeding with salt tolerance.
Enabling Stable Interphases via In Situ Two-Step Synthetic Bilayer Polymer Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Liu Ying , Fu Fang , Sun Chen , Zhang Aotian , Teng Hong , Sun Liqun , Xie Haiming
Published: March 2022

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolyte is considered to be one of the most promising polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries. However, a narrow electrochemical stability window and poor compatibility at electrode-electrolyte interfaces restrict the applications of PEO-based electrolyte. An in situ synthetic double-layer polymer electrolyte (DLPE) with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) layer and PEO layer was designed to achieve a stable interface and application in high-energy-density batteries. In this special design, the hydroxy group of PEO-SPE can form an O-H---N hydrogen bond with the cyano group in PAN-SPE, which connects the two layers of DLPE at a microscopic chemical level. A special Li+ conducting mechanism in DLPE provides a uniform Li+ flux and fast Li+ conduction, which achieves a stable electrolyte/electrode interface.LiFePO4/DLPE/Li battery shows superior cycling stability, and the coulombic efficiency remains 99.5% at 0.2 C. Meanwhile, LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2/DLPE/Li battery shows high specific discharge capacity of 176.0 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C between 2.8 V to 4.3 V, and the coulombic efficiency remains 95% after 100 cycles. This in situ synthetic strategy represents a big step forward in addressing the interface issues and boosting the development of high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries.
Characterization of Cold and Heat Tolerance of Bactrocera tau (Walker)
Authors: Liu Huan , Wang Xiaoyan , Chen Zihan , Lu Yongyue
Published: March 2022

Bactrocera tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a serious, economically important invasive pest that has spread and been established in many regions worldwide. Temperature is a crucial abiotic factor governing insect activity, fitness, and geographical distribution. Yet, surprisingly, the tolerance of B. tau to extreme cold and heat stress remains unclear. Here, we measured the supercooling point (SCP) of different life stages of B. tau. Further, several life stages of B. tau (egg, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instar larvae, 1-day-old pupae, and 3-day-old adult) were subjected to six low temperatures (−9, −7, −5, −3, −1, and 0 °C) and six high temperatures (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 °C) for various durations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 h), and three-way survival–time–temperature relationships were investigated. We found that the SCPs differed significantly among different life stages of B. tau, being the lowest for SCP of eggs, at −25.82 ± 0.51 °C. There was no significant effect of sex on the mean SCPs of B. tau adults, except for 45- to 50-day-old flies. In addition, an interaction effect was uncovered between tested temperatures and exposure duration upon B. tau mortality at different life stages. Eggs exhibited the strongest cold tolerance, yet the weakest heat tolerance. The 3rd instar larvae were the most heat- and cold tolerant among larval stages, followed by the 2nd and 1st instar larvae. The upper limit of the chill injury zone (ULCIZ) for 3-day-old adult and 1-day-old pupae was −2.51 °C and −2.50 °C, respectively, while their corresponding lower limit of thermal injury zone (LLTIZ) was 39.39 °C and 38.29 °C. This paper presents valuable data to provide an integrated knowledge for understanding the cold and heat tolerance potential of B. tau and ensure the proper implementation of post-harvest phytosanitary protocols for this pest’s disinfestation.