bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodic Electro-Optical Characteristics of PDLC Film Driven by a Low-Frequency Square Wave Voltage
Authors: Meng Xiangshen , Li Jian , Lin Yueqiang , Liu Xiaodong , Zhao Jianwei , Li Decai , He Zhenghong
Published: January 2022

The electro-optical features of the PDLC films applied with a low-frequency square wave voltage were investigated. The transmittance curves indicated the double frequency of the applied voltage at 0–50 Hz, which resulted from the relaxation of an internal electric field polarized by ions in LC droplets. When the local electric field was reversed, the internal polarization electric field could be maintained and superimposed on the local electric field. The relaxation of the internal polarized electric field resulted in the relaxation of the transmittance. Furthermore, the transmittance curves changed with the frequency of the applied voltage.
Electromagnetically Modified Wettability and Interfacial Tension of Hybrid ZnO/SiO2 Nanofluids
Authors: Hassan Yarima Mudassir , Guan Beh Hoe , Chuan Lee Kean , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin , Sikiru Surajudeen , Halilu Ahmed , Adam Abdullahi Abbas , Abdulkadir Bashir Abubakar , Usman Fahad
Published: January 2022

Worldwide, reservoirs are having serious challenges on crude oil removal due to various factors affecting its mobility; hence, the approach of oil production needs to be rectified. Recently, various nanoparticles (NPs) were discovered to have aided in oil displacement to improve oil production by modifying some reservoir conditions thereby reducing interfacial tension (IFT) and rock surface wettability. However, the injected NPs in the reservoir are trapped within the rock pores and become worthless due to high temperature and pressure. Hence, introducing energy to the nanofluids via electromagnetic (EM) waves can improve nanoparticle (NPs) mobility in the reservoir for the attainment of oil displacements. In this work, hybrid ZnO/SiO2 NPs were selected by considering that the combination of two dielectric NPs may produce a single nanofluid that is expected to make the fluids more electrified under EM waves. The result showed that ZnO/SiO2 NPs reduced the IFT (mN/m) from 17.39 to 2.91, and wettability (°) from 141 to 61. Moreover, by introducing the EM waves to the fluids, the IFT was further reduced to 0.02 mN/m from 16.70 mN/m, and solid surface wettability was also reduced from 132° to 58°. The advancement observed during exposure to EM waves was attributed to the energy propagated to the fluids that polarize the free charges of the NPs and consequently activate the fluids by creating disturbances at the fluid/oil interface, which resulted in reduced IFT and wettability.
Microstructure and Hot Deformation Behaviour of Twin-Roll Cast AZ31 Magnesium Wire
Authors: Arndt Falko , Berndorf Susanne , Moses Marie , Ullmann Madlen , Prahl Ulrich
Published: January 2022

Due to their low density and high specific strength, magnesium alloys offer great potential as a design material for lightweight construction. An economical and energy-efficient method for the production of magnesium wire is the technology of twin-roll casting. In this work, the deformation behaviour of twin-roll cast and heat-treated AZ31 wire pre-profile is investigated for the first time during the compression test at different temperatures (250–400 °C) and forming speeds (0.01–10 s−1). To obtain optimal parameters, a processing map is created, and the microstructural changes during the hot forming processes are determined by accompanying microstructure characterization through an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The heat treatment causes a reduction in segregation and a homogeneous microstructure. The average activating energy for plastic deformation of twin-roll cast and heat-treated magnesium alloy AZ31 is 159.008 kJ·mol−1. The instability region of the process map starts at a forming temperature of 250 °C and extends into the range of high forming speeds (1–10 s−1). In this area, cracks in the microstructure can be detected during hot forming. At high temperatures (300–350 °C), dynamic recrystallization at the grain boundaries is observed as the main forming mechanism. Based on these results and observations, existing models for describing the hot forming behaviour of magnesium alloys can be extended and validated.
In Memoriam—Gerda van Rosmalen
Authors: Jančić Slobodan
Published: January 2022

This Special Issue is in memory and in honor of Professor Gerda van Rosmalen, who saddened the crystallization community with her departure and left us with the wide and deep heritage of her work and most pleasant personal memories[...]
Review on the Application of Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Pang Lang , Liu Zhenguo , Wang Dengquan , An Mingzhe
Published: January 2022

For the sustainable development of construction materials, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are commonly added to self-compacting concrete (SCC). This paper reviewed the application techniques and hydration mechanisms of SCMs in SCC. The impacts of SCMs on the microstructure and performance of SCC were also discussed. SCMs are used as a powder material to produce SCC by replacing 10% to 50% of cement. Hydration mechanisms include the pozzolanic reaction, alkaline activation, and adsorption effect. Moreover, the filling effect and dilution effect of some SCMs can refine the pore structure and decrease the temperature rise of concrete, respectively. Specifically, the spherical particles of fly ash can improve the fluidity of SCC, and the aluminum-containing mineral phase can enhance the resistance to chloride ion penetration. Silica fume will increase the water demand of the paste and promote its strength development (a replacement of 10% results in a 20% increase at 28 days). Ground-granulated blast furnace slag may reduce the early strength of SCC. The adsorption of Ca2+ by CaCO3 in limestone powder can accelerate the hydration of cement and promote its strength development.
Looking Forward to Serving You in 2006
Authors: McLean M.
Published: January 2022

This final issue of Current Oncology for 2005 marks the advent of some important changes as the journal goes forward into 2006 [...]
Psychological, Physical, Social, and Economic Impact of Travelling Great Distances for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Lightfoot N. , Steggles S. , Gauthier–Frohlick D. , Arbour–Gagnon R. , Conlon M. , Innes C. , O’Bonsawin L. , Merali H.
Published: January 2022

Although equity of access to cancer treatment ideally should occur regardless of residence [...]
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Retinal Detachment following Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Zu Cheng , Xu Yufeng , Wang Yiyun , Zhang Mingming , Zhao Houli , Fang Xiaoyun , Huang He , Hu Yongxian
Published: January 2022

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a rare end-organ disease of CMV infection and is a marker of severe immunosuppression, especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. In multiple myeloma (MM) patients, CMV retinitis has been reported in the post-transplant setting, with an incidence lower than 0.2%, and in patients receiving lenalidomide. Here, we describe the first case of CMV retinitis in myeloma patients following B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (BCMA CAR-T) cell therapy. In addition to CMV, the patient developed multiple infections including a mouth ulcer, pneumonia, and fungal enteritis. While the complete remission (CR) status of MM was maintained, he regained a visual acuity of 20/1000 after appropriate ophthalmologic treatment. This single case illustrates the potential of BCMA CAR-T therapy to induce profound humoral immunosuppression, and demonstrates an imperative need for an established standard of monitoring and prophylaxis of post-CAR-T infections.
Efficacy of Capecitabine and Temozolomide in Small Bowel (Midgut) Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Al-Toubah Taymeyah , Morse Brian , Strosberg Jonathan
Published: January 2022

The capecitabine/temozolomide regimen has significant activity in pancreatic NETs; however, data are limited in NETs of the small bowel (midgut). A retrospective study of all patients with metastatic midgut NETs seen at Moffitt Cancer Center between January 2008 and June 2019 treated with CAPTEM was conducted. 32 patients with proven or suspected well-differentiated primary small bowel NETs (excluding duodenum) were identified. 6 patients were found to have a radiographic response (19%), 5 of whom had high-grade disease. Only one patient among 23 with low/intermediate-grade disease responded (4%), whereas the response rate for patients with high-grade disease was 56%. Among patients with low/intermediate-grade disease, 44% discontinued due to poor tolerability. The CAPTEM regimen appears to have an activity in patients with high-grade small bowel NETs and is largely inactive in patients with low/intermediate-grade tumors.
Conservation and Phylogeography of Plants: From the Mediterranean to the Rest of the World
Authors: Bobo-Pinilla Javier , Salmerón-Sánchez Esteban , Mendoza-Fernández Antonio J. , Mota Juan F. , Peñas Julio
Published: January 2022

During the last decades, phylogeography has transformed the ways to analyze and understand plant diversity and biogeography. The repeated and increasingly detailed articles made from DNA data with phylogeographical procedures and algorithms have revolutionized biodiversity research, particularly on biodiversity conservation. This paper presents a systematic literature review of the different ways in which phylogeography has been applied to plants in Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs), especially to rare, threatened, and endemic plants. Studies ranged from basic research to how phylogeography is actually contributing to management conservation of Mediterranean plants. Finally, new and future phylogeography perspectives with integrative scientific arguments and conceptual bases applied to plant conservation biology are discussed.
First Molecular Phylogeny of Lumbrineridae (Annelida)
Authors: Borisova Polina , Budaeva Nataliya
Published: January 2022

Lumbrineridae is a family of marine annelids with simple external morphology but complex and diverse jaw apparatuses consisting of paired maxillae and mandibles. Here we present the first phylogeny of lumbrinerids based on combination of nuclear (18S rDNA) and mitochondrial (COI, 16S rDNA) markers utilizing Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood approaches. Despite limited taxon sampling, our results support monophyly of the genera Abyssoninoe, Augeneria, Gallardoneris, Lumbrineriopsis, and Ninoe and indicate polyphyly of the genera Lumbrineris (the type genus of the family) and Scoletoma. None of the morphological characters traditionally used in lumbrinerid systematics, such as the presence of connecting plates, four pairs of maxillae, bidentate simple hooded hooks, colorless maxillae IV, and multidentate maxillae IV were found to be exclusive homologies for a well-supported clade and have probably evolved several times independently within Lumbrineridae.
Evaluating Potential Distribution and Niche Divergence among Populations of the World’s Largest Living Damselfly, Megaloprepus caerulatus (Drury, 1782)
Authors: Encarnación-Luévano Alondra , Escoto-Moreno Jaime Antonio , Villalobos-Jiménez Giovanna
Published: January 2022

Megaloprepus caerulatus is a Neotropical species with a highly specialised niche, found from Mexico to Bolivia, primarily in mature tropical forests lower than 1500 masl. It is also the damselfly with the largest wingspan in the world. Recent studies found strong genetic isolation among populations of M. caerulatus. Further studies found genetic and morphological divergence, but ecological divergence was not tested. Here, we test for ecological divergence by evaluating niche differences among populations of M. caerulatus in Los Tuxtlas (Mexico), Corcovado (Costa Rica), Barro Colorado (Panama), and La Selva (Costa Rica). We used Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) to compare potential distribution ranges, and we estimated the breadth and overlap of the ecological niche using equivalence and similarity tests. The potential distributions estimated with ENM were heavily fragmented and we found no geographic overlap of potential distributions among populations. However, we found geographic correspondence between populations with a close phylogenetic relationship. Even though all similarity tests were non-significant, the results of the equivalence tests suggest niche divergence between Corcovado and the other three populations, but also between Barro Colorado (Panama) and La Selva. These results show evidence of strong ecological divergence in Corcovado and Barro Colorado populations.
Alveopora japonica Conquering Temperate Reefs despite Massive Coral Bleaching
Authors: Kim Taihun , Kim Taeho , Yang Hyun-Sung , Choi Sun Kyeong , Son Young Baek , Kang Do-Hyung
Published: January 2022

Alveopora japonica is restricted to the Asia-Pacific region, ranging from subtropical to temperate waters. In 2016, a massive bleaching event of an A. japonica population was observed at the south coast of Jeju Island, South Korea, which is within its northernmost limit. After the bleaching event, most of the colonies had recovered by 2017.
VC-SLAM—A Handcrafted Data Corpus for the Construction of Semantic Models
Authors: Burgdorf Andreas , Paulus Alexander , Pomp André , Meisen Tobias
Published: January 2022

Ontology-based data management and knowledge graphs have emerged in recent years as efficient approaches for managing and utilizing diverse and large data sets. In this regard, research on algorithms for automatic semantic labeling and modeling as a prerequisite for both has made steady progress in the form of new approaches. The range of algorithms varies in the type of information used (data schema, values, or metadata), as well as in the underlying methodology (e.g., use of different machine learning methods or external knowledge bases). Approaches that have been established over the years, however, still come with various weaknesses. Most approaches are evaluated on few small data corpora specific to the approach. This reduces comparability and also limits statements for the general applicability and performance of those approaches. Other research areas, such as computer vision or natural language processing solve this problem by providing unified data corpora for the evaluation of specific algorithms and tasks. In this paper, we present and publish VC-SLAM to lay the necessary foundation for future research. This corpus allows the evaluation and comparison of semantic labeling and modeling approaches across different methodologies, and it is the first corpus that additionally allows to leverage textual data documentations for semantic labeling and modeling. Each of the contained 101 data sets consists of labels, data and metadata, as well as corresponding semantic labels and a semantic model that were manually created by human experts using an ontology that was explicitly built for the corpus. We provide statistical information about the corpus as well as a critical discussion of its strengths and shortcomings, and test the corpus with existing methods for labeling and modeling.
Augmented and Virtual Reality in Dermatology—Where Do We Stand and What Comes Next?
Authors: Bonmarin Mathias , Läuchli Severin , Navarini Alexander
Published: January 2022

As the skin is an accessible organ and many dermatological diagnostics still rely on the visual examination and palpation of the lesions, dermatology could be dramatically impacted by augmented and virtual reality technologies. If the emergence of such tools raised enormous interest in the dermatological community, we must admit that augmented and virtual reality have not experienced the same breakthrough in dermatology as they have in surgery. In this article, we investigate the status of such technologies in dermatology and review their current use in education, diagnostics, and dermatologic surgery; additionally, we try to predict how it might evolve in the near future.
Clinicopathological Significance of Exosomal Proteins CD9 and CD63 and DNA Mismatch Repair Proteins in Prostate Adenocarcinoma and Benign Hyperplasia
Authors: Folkmanis Kristofs , Junk Elizabete , Merdane Evelina , Folkmane Inese , Folkmanis Valdis , Ivanovs Igors , Eglitis Janis , Jakubovskis Maris , Laabs Sven , Isajevs Sergejs , Lietuvietis Vilnis
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Recently, it has been shown that exosomal biomarkers and DNA mismatch repair proteins (MMR) could play an important role in cancer risk stratification and prognosis assessment. The gold standard for prostate carcinoma (PCa) diagnosis is biopsy and histopathological examination. Thus, the complex evaluation of exosomal and MMR proteins could be beneficial for prostate cancer risk stratification and diagnostics. The aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare the expression of exosomal proteins CD9 and CD63 and MMR proteins in the tissue of patients with prostate benign hyperplasia (BPH) and PCa. Methods. The study was retrospective. Altogether, 92 patients with PCa and 20 patients with BPH (control group) were enrolled in the study. Exosomal and MMR protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The follow-up for each PCa patient in our study lasted till disease progression and/or a maximum of 5 years. Results. Low-grade PCa was observed in 56 patients and high-grade PCa in 36 patients. CD63 expression was significantly higher in patients with high-grade PCa compared to those with low-grade PCa. CD9 expression was significantly downregulated in PCa patients compared to the control group. MMR protein expression deficiency was observed in 10 PCa patients. MMR proteins were maintained in all cases of BPH. The study found a negative correlation between MMR protein loss and PCa ISUP grade groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with MMR deficiency was significantly shorter than in patients with maintained MMR expression. Conclusions. CD9 protein expression was downregulated in PCa, compared to BPH, while CD63 protein expression was upregulated in high-grade PCa but downregulated in low-grade PCa. CD63 protein upregulation, CD9 downregulation, and loss of MMR protein characterized the shorter PFS of high-grade PCa patients. CD9, CD63, and MMR could be the routine immunohistochemical biomarkers for the diagnosis and risk stratification of PCa.
Machine Learning in Prostate MRI for Prostate Cancer: Current Status and Future Opportunities
Authors: Li Huanye , Lee Chau Hung , Chia David , Lin Zhiping , Huang Weimin , Tan Cher Heng
Published: January 2022

Advances in our understanding of the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of prostate cancer have enabled its integration into clinical routines in the past two decades. The Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) is an established imaging-based scoring system that scores the probability of clinically significant prostate cancer on MRI to guide management. Image fusion technology allows one to combine the superior soft tissue contrast resolution of MRI, with real-time anatomical depiction using ultrasound or computed tomography. This allows the accurate mapping of prostate cancer for targeted biopsy and treatment. Machine learning provides vast opportunities for automated organ and lesion depiction that could increase the reproducibility of PI-RADS categorisation, and improve co-registration across imaging modalities to enhance diagnostic and treatment methods that can then be individualised based on clinical risk of malignancy. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and contemporary review of advancements, and share insights into new opportunities in this field.
Deep Sequencing of Immunoglobulin Genes Identifies a Very Low Percentage of Monoclonal B Cells in Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone Lymphomas with CD30-Positive Hodgkin/Reed–Sternberg-like Cells
Authors: Di Napoli Arianna , Rogges Evelina , Noccioli Niccolò , Gazzola Anna , Lopez Gianluca , Persechino Severino , Mancini Rita , Sabattini Elena
Published: January 2022

The spectrum of cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders encompasses both inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. CD30+ Hodgkin and Reed–Sternberg-like cells have been occasionally reported in primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma, where they are thought to represent a side neoplastic component within a dominant background of lymphomatous small B cells. Herein, we describe the histological and molecular findings of three cases of primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas with CD30+ H/RS cells, in which next-generation sequencing analysis revealed the clonal population to consist in less than 5% of the cutaneous B-cell infiltrate, providing a thought-provoking focus on a possible main role for CD30+ cells in primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoproliferations.
Deep Learning Applications in Computed Tomography Images for Pulmonary Nodule Detection and Diagnosis: A Review
Authors: Li Rui , Xiao Chuda , Huang Yongzhi , Hassan Haseeb , Huang Bingding
Published: January 2022

Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of all cancers and poses a severe threat to people’s health. Therefore, diagnosing lung nodules at an early stage is crucial to improving patient survival rates. Numerous computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems have been developed to detect and classify such nodules in their early stages. Currently, CAD systems for pulmonary nodules comprise data acquisition, pre-processing, lung segmentation, nodule detection, false-positive reduction, segmentation, and classification. A number of review articles have considered various components of such systems, but this review focuses on segmentation and classification parts. Specifically, categorizing segmentation parts based on lung nodule type and network architectures, i.e., general neural network and multiview convolution neural network (CNN) architecture. Moreover, this work organizes related literature for classification of parts based on nodule or non-nodule and benign or malignant. The essential CT lung datasets and evaluation metrics used in the detection and diagnosis of lung nodules have been systematically summarized as well. Thus, this review provides a baseline understanding of the topic for interested readers.
Influence of Spinal Movements Associated with Physical Evaluation on Muscle Mechanical Properties of the Lumbar Paraspinal in Subjects with Acute Low Back Pain
Authors: Alcaraz-Clariana Sandra , García-Luque Lourdes , Garrido-Castro Juan Luis , Carmona-Pérez Cristina , Rodrigues-de-Souza Daiana Priscila , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco
Published: January 2022

This research aimed to identify changes in muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) when a standardized sequence of movements is performed and to determine the influence of acute low back pain (LBP) and age on the MMPs. Socio-demographic, clinical variables and MMPs were collected in 33 patients with LBP and 33 healthy controls. A 2 × 2 × 2 (group × age × time) analysis of variance (ANOVA) mixed model was used to determine the effect of the study factors on the different MMPs. There were no significant triple interactions. After the movements, tone and stiffness increased 0.37 Hz and 22.75 N/m, respectively, in subjects <35 years, independent of their clinical status. Relaxation showed differences by age in healthy subjects and creep in LBP subjects. Furthermore, elasticity was higher in <35 years (p < 0.001) without the influence of any other factor. In conclusion, sequenced movements can modify tone and stiffness as a function of age, while age-associated changes in viscoelastic characteristics depends on pain but not on movements. The MMPs should be assessed, not only at the beginning of the physical examination at rest, but also along the patient’s follow-up, depending on their pain and age, in a clinical setting.
A Narrative Review of the Design of Ultrasound Indices for Detecting Enthesitis
Authors: Song Yeohan , Mascarenhas Sheryl
Published: January 2022

With the increased utilization of musculoskeletal ultrasound in clinical practice, there has been rapid proliferation of publications on sonographic evaluation of enthesitis. This has led to the development of multiple new approaches to scoring sonographic findings in the detection of enthesitis, with variations including entheseal sites and sonographic features that limit cross-study comparisons. Furthermore, despite efforts to standardize the definition of enthesitis, there is still heterogeneity in the sonographic features included in existing ultrasound scores, and additional adjustments are required to distinguish active inflammatory changes from non-inflammatory conditions and to adjust for demographic features associated with increased prevalence of abnormal sonographic findings. This review provides an update on the current landscape of ultrasound scoring systems for enthesitis and emphasizes the importance of future data-based ultrasound scoring systems to improve the distinction between inflammatory and non-inflammatory or degenerative changes of the enthesis.
Yolk Sac Tumor of the Omentum: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fischerova Daniela , Indrielle-Kelly Tereza , Burgetova Andrea , Bennett Rosalie Jana , Gregova Maria , Dundr Pavel , Nanka Ondrej , Gambino Giulia , Frühauf Filip , Kocian Roman , Borcinova Martina , Cibula David
Published: January 2022

This is a case report of a rare finding of an extragonadal yolk sac tumor in a 37-year-old patient who presented with shortness of breath and abdominal bloating. During imaging and staging surgery, the findings were strongly suggestive of an extragonadal advanced tumor presenting with peritoneal dissemination, predominantly affecting omentum, with no clear primary origin. Histology revealed an extragonadal yolk sac tumor in a pure form outside the ovaries. Lacking an obvious origin elsewhere, the tumor was highly suspected to have truly originated from the omentum. The patient underwent surgery and four cycles of chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin. One-year outpatient follow-up thereafter showed no relapse. We herein discuss a possible site of the tumor origin and its development, as well as diagnostic challenges and disease prognosis.
Big and Free Fractions of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase: New Diagnostic Biomarkers for Malignant Mesothelioma?
Authors: Foddis Rudy , Franzini Maria , Bonotti Alessandra , Marino Riccardo , Silvestri Roberto , Fallahi Poupak , Chiappino Dante , Emdin Michele , Paolicchi Aldo , Cristaudo Alfonso
Published: January 2022

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a cancer mainly caused by asbestos fiber inhalation, characterized by an extremely long latency and poor prognosis. Recently, researchers have focused on testing the diagnostic ability of several biomarkers. Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) has been demonstrated to be the sum of several GGT sub-fractions activity, classified based on their molecular weight in big-GGT, medium-GGT, small-GGT, and free-GGT. This work aims to evaluate whether specific GGT fractional enzymatic activity patterns could be helpful in MPM diagnosis. We analyzed blood samples from 175 workers previously exposed to asbestos, 157 non-exposed healthy subjects, and 37 MPM patients through a molecular exclusion chromatographic method. We found a specific profile of GGT fractions activity, significantly associated with MPM, resulting in an increase in b-, m- activity, along with an evident, yet not significant, decrease in f-activity. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the best Area Under Curve (AUC) value resulted from the combined index b/f (0.679, 95% CI: 0.582–0.777). Combining the b-/f-GGT activity with the levels of serum mesothelin-related protein (SMRP; another promising MPM biomarker) improved the diagnostic accuracy, increasing the AUC value to 0.875 (95% CI: 0.807–0.943, p = <0.0001). Since MPM has a specific pattern of GGT enzymatic activity, we could hypothesize that GGT fractions play different specific biochemical roles. The improvement in the diagnostic power given by the combination of these two biomarkers confirms that the strategy of biomarkers combination might be a better approach for MPM diagnosis.
Development of an Automated Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay for Measuring Thrombopoietin in Human Plasma
Authors: Nishikawa Yukihiro , Nishida Shiyo , Kuroda Keiko , Kashiwagi Hirokazu , Tomiyama Yoshiaki , Kuwana Masataka
Published: January 2022

Plasma thrombopoietin (TPO) measurements help distinguish between different types of thrombocytopenia but are not feasible in routine clinical practice. We developed a fully automated quantitative chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) for measuring TPO (TPO-CLEIA), which is a one-step sandwich-type assay. This assay utilizes a mouse monoclonal capture antibody, which has the neutralizing epitope of the interaction between TPO and the TPO receptor, and a newly generated rabbit monoclonal detector antibody. In analytical performance studies, this assay showed good linearity over the measuring range and high sensitivity. The limit of quantification (LoQ) of this assay was 3.4 pg/mL; low TPO concentration values of almost all healthy individuals exceeded the LoQ value. In clinical validation studies, TPO levels obtained from patients with aplastic anemia (AA) significantly increased, whereas those of patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) were normal or slightly increased. The cutoff value for TPO-CLEIA corresponding to the previously reported values was useful for distinguishing between ITP and AA. These results suggest that TPO-CLEIA can quantify human plasma TPO levels with high accuracy and sensitivity and has the potential to facilitate routine clinical measurement of TPO in patients with various types of thrombocytopenia.
Thyroglossal Duct Cyst, a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Taha Anas , Enodien Bassey , Frey Daniel M. , Taha-Mehlitz Stephanie
Published: January 2022

A thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is one of the most commonly encountered congenital anomalies of the neck. However, it is difficult to diagnose as differentiating it from other cysts like brachial cysts, lymphangiomas, epidermoid cysts, dermoid cysts, and hydatid cysts, is challenging. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the literature of 47 patients—25 males (53.1%) and 21 females (44.7%)—about their TGDC to assess the clinical picture, therapy, and prognosis of the disease. Most of the patients were children under the age of ten (63.8%). All patients had a history of a painless swelling in the anterior midline of the neck that moved in response to deglutition and tongue protrusion, thus interfering with their daily activity. Post-resection recurrence was unusual, with only 3 of 47 patients (6.4%) experiencing recurrence.
Aerodynamic-Torque Induced Motions of a Spinning Football and Why the Ball’s Longitudinal Axis Rotates with the Linear Velocity Vector
Authors: Dzielski John , Blackburn Mark
Published: January 2022

This paper presents an explanation of why a spinning football rotates so that the spin axis remains nearly aligned with the velocity vector, and approximately parallel to the tangent to the trajectory. The paper derives the values of the characteristic frequencies associated with the football’s precession and nutation. The paper presents a graphical way of visualizing how the motions associated with these frequencies result in the observed “wobble” of the football. A solution for the linearized dynamics shows that there is a minimum amount of spin required for the motion to be stable and for the football not to tumble. This paper notes the similarity of this problem to that of spun projectiles. The results show that the tendency of a football to align itself with and rotate with the velocity vector is associated with an equilibrium condition with a non-zero aerodynamic torque. The torque is precisely the value required for the football to rotate at the same angular rate as the velocity vector. An implication of this is that a release with the football spin axis and velocity vector aligned (zero aerodynamic torque) is not the condition that results in minimum motion after release. Minimum “wobble” occurs when the ball is released with its symmetry axis slightly to the right or left of the velocity vector, depending on the direction of the spin. There are additional forces and moments acting on the football that affect its trajectory and its stability, but it is not necessary to consider these to explain the tendency of the ball to align with the velocity vector and to ”wobble.” The results of this paper are equally applicable to the spiral pass in American football and the screw kick in rugby.
The Use of the Statistical Entropy in Some New Approaches for the Description of Biosystems
Authors: Aristov Vladimir V. , Buchelnikov Anatoly S. , Nechipurenko Yury D.
Published: January 2022

Some problems of describing biological systems with the use of entropy as a measure of the complexity of these systems are considered. Entropy is studied both for the organism as a whole and for its parts down to the molecular level. Correlation of actions of various parts of the whole organism, intercellular interactions and control, as well as cooperativity on the microlevel lead to a more complex structure and lower statistical entropy. For a multicellular organism, entropy is much lower than entropy for the same mass of a colony of unicellular organisms. Cooperativity always reduces the entropy of the system; a simple example of ligand binding to a macromolecule carrying two reaction centers shows how entropy is consistent with the ambiguity of the result in the Bernoulli test scheme. Particular attention is paid to the qualitative and quantitative relationship between the entropy of the system and the cooperativity of ligand binding to macromolecules. A kinetic model of metabolism. corresponding to Schrödinger’s concept of the maintenance biosystems by “negentropy feeding”, is proposed. This model allows calculating the nonequilibrium local entropy and comparing it with the local equilibrium entropy inherent in non-living matter.
Information Hiding in the DICOM Message Service and Upper Layer Service with Entropy-Based Detection
Authors: Mileva Aleksandra , Velinov Aleksandar , Dimitrova Vesna , Caviglione Luca , Wendzel Steffen
Published: January 2022

The DICOM (Digital Imaging and COmmunication in Medicine) standard provides a framework for a diagnostically-accurate representation, processing, transfer, storage and display of medical imaging data. Information hiding in DICOM is currently limited to the application of digital media steganography and watermarking techniques on the media parts of DICOM files, as well as text steganographic techniques for embedding information in metadata of DICOM files. To improve the overall security of the DICOM standard, we investigate its susceptibility to network steganographic techniques. To this aim, we develop several network covert channels that can be created by using a specific transport mechanism – the DICOM Message Service and Upper Layer Service. The bandwidth, undetectability and robustness of the proposed covert channels are evaluated, and potential countermeasures are suggested. Moreover, a detection mechanism leveraging entropy-based metrics is introduced and its performance has been assessed.
Work Measurement in OPEN Quantum System
Authors: Xu Youyang
Published: January 2022

Work is an important quantity in thermodynamics. In a closed quanutm system, the two-point energy measurements can be applied to measure the work but cannot be utilized in an open quantum system. With the two-point energy measurements, it has been shown that the work fluctuation satisfies the Jarzynski equality. We propose a scheme to measure the work in an open quantum system through the technique of reservoir engineering. Based on this scheme, we show that the work fluctuation in open quantum system may violate the Jarzynski equality. We apply our scheme to a two-level atom coupled to an engineered reservoir and numerically justify the general results, especially demonstrating that the second law of thermodynamics can be violated.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Ecologies in 2021
Authors:   Ecologies Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Analysis of Differences in the Levels of TPACK: Unpacking Performance Indicators in the TPACK Levels Rubric
Authors: Lyublinskaya Irina , Kaplon-Schilis Aleksandra
Published: January 2022

Since the development of the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework, researchers have been developing a variety of instruments to measure the TPACK of pre-service and in-service teachers. The task of developing an efficient, reliable, and valid instrument is difficult. Even validated instruments require guidance for consistent use that preserves the instrument fidelity. The purpose of this study is to provide guidance for using the TPACK Levels Rubric, a validated instrument that was developed on the basis of the model for the progressive levels of TPACK. The authors systematically examined the criteria of the rubric in order to understand the differences in the levels of TPACK for each rubric component, and developed lesson exemplars to create guidelines for educators using this tool in assessing the TPACK levels of teachers. The iterative instrument analysis also led to the revision of the original rubric to establish the horizontal and vertical alignments and the consistency of the rubric, for each level across four components, and for each component across five levels. The construct validity of the revised rubric was confirmed on the basis of a exploratory factor analysis of 175 mathematics lesson plans and videos of taught lessons developed by graduate special education pre-service and in-service elementary school teachers.
Self-Assessment in the Development of Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills
Authors: Barana Alice , Boetti Giulia , Marchisio Marina
Published: January 2022

Self-assessment, in the education framework, is a methodology that motivates students to play an active role in reviewing their performance. It is defined as “the evaluation or judgment of ‘the worth’ of one’s performance and the identification of one’s strengths and weaknesses with a view to improving one’s learning outcomes”. The goal of this research is to study the relationship between self-assessment and the development and improvement of problem-solving skills in Mathematics. In particular, the investigation focuses on how accurate the students’ self-evaluations are when compared to external ones, and if (and how) the accuracy in self-assessment changed among the various processes involved in the problem-solving activity. Participants are grade 11 students (in all 182 participants) in school year 2020/2021 who were asked to solve 8 real-world mathematical problems using an Advanced Computing Environment (ACE). Each problem was assessed by a tutor and self-assessed by students themselves, according to a shared rubric with five indicators: Comprehension of the problematic situation, identification of the solving strategy, development of the solving process, argumentation of the chosen strategy, and appropriate and effective use of the ACE. Through a quantitative analysis, students’ self-assessment and tutors’ assessment were compared; data were cross-checked with students’ answers to a questionnaire. The results show a general correlation between tutor assessment and self-assessment, with a tendency of students to underestimate their performance. Moreover, students were more precise in self-assessing in the indicators: Development of the solving process and use of the ACE, while they had major difficulties in self-assessment for the indicators: Comprehension of the problematic situation and argumentation.
Listening for Integrated STEM Discourse: Power and Positioning in a Teacher Professional Development Dataset Activity
Authors: Schwortz Andria C. , Burrows Andrea C.
Published: January 2022

The “leaky pipeline” in STEM remains an open issue. The integration of multiple STEM subjects, especially technology, is a promising approach, and pre-collegiate STEM teachers are particularly underprepared in this content area. In this case study, the authors explore and characterize the discussions of pre-collegiate STEM teachers among themselves when working with a large astronomy dataset using a web-based spreadsheet tool. The authors used a feminist social constructivism theoretical framework and obtained observational field notes on five, in-service, STEM primary and secondary teachers (purposefully selected from 15 potential groups). The participants were audio and video recorded as they worked on the activity for two hours. Discourse analysis was used as qualitative analysis. Results show that the participants positioned group members with higher social status (based on gender, degrees, experience, etc.) as peer mentors. The peer mentors controlled the computer and guided the others to develop pedagogical content knowledge. The computer was also used as a technological bridge between science and math concepts. Participants showed evidence of not only integrating STEM concepts in their discussion, but also made connections to the science-adjacent topics of geography and technical writing. Suggestions are made for teachers and professional development workshop organizers to help ameliorate inequity in this setting.
GESUS, an Interactive Computer Application for Teaching and Learning the Space Groups of Symmetry
Authors: Miras Adolfo , Cota Agustín , Martín Domingo
Published: January 2022

This paper describes a digital application designed for learning Space Groups of Symmetry (SGS). It teaches how to recognize the operations performed by the symmetry elements, both point (or 2D) operators (proper and improper rotations, including mirroring, inversion, and other rotoinversions), and space (or 3D) operators (screw axes and glide planes), as well as their combinations with the translations of the lattice. The software applies a 3D space vision to identify the elements of symmetry compatible with the proposed structural models. The symbols of internationally accepted representation are used. The system, class, and space group of the crystal that agree with the proposed model are solved. Two settings are taken into account in the Monoclinic system. The application self-evaluates and assesses the knowledge acquired, allowing each exercise to be re-done until it is correctly completed with the appropriate recommendations. This application constitutes a useful and easy-to-use tool for SGS learning. It is aimed at beginner students of crystallography, with elementary knowledge about elements of symmetry, Bravais lattices, crystal classes, and wallpaper groups.
A Survey of Smart Classroom Literature
Authors: Kaur Avneet , Bhatia Munish , Stea Giovanni
Published: January 2022

Recently, there has been a substantial amount of research on smart classrooms, encompassing a number of areas, including Information and Communication Technology, Machine Learning, Sensor Networks, Cloud Computing, and Hardware. Smart classroom research has been quickly implemented to enhance education systems, resulting in higher engagement and empowerment of students, educators, and administrators. Despite decades of using emerging technology to improve teaching practices, critics often point out that methods miss adequate theoretical and technical foundations. As a result, there have been a number of conflicting reviews on different perspectives of smart classrooms. For a realistic smart classroom approach, a piecemeal implementation is insufficient. This survey contributes to the current literature by presenting a comprehensive analysis of various disciplines using a standard terminology and taxonomy. This multi-field study reveals new research possibilities and problems that must be tackled in order to integrate interdisciplinary works in a synergic manner. Our analysis shows that smart classroom is a rapidly developing research area that complements a number of emerging technologies. Moreover, this paper also describes the co-occurrence network of technological keywords using VOSviewer for an in-depth analysis.
High-Fidelity Simulation-Based Education: Description of an Original Crisis Resource Management and Sedation Learning for Dental Surgeons
Authors: Tanoubi Issam , Perron Roger , Bélanger Marie-Ève , Georgescu Mihai , Robitaille Arnaud , Drolet Pierre
Published: January 2022

Dental surgery includes invasive procedures performed under sedation or monitored anesthesia care (MAC). It is associated with respiratory risks, resulting in death or neurological sequelae without prompt and appropriate management. Management of airway complications also implies mastering crisis resource management (CRM) principles, essentially non-technical skills to improve patient safety. In response to the need to enhance patient safety and to securely perform surgical procedures outside the operating room due to reduced surgical activity during the worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, we realized, in our simulation center, a course based on high fidelity simulation to teach procedural sedation and management of related complications. The simulation center accredited this educational program as a continuing professional development formation. The course includes technical skills practice, theoretical presentation, and mastering non-technical skills related to CRM principles. This brief report describes a relatively innovative teaching technique in dentistry, highlights its interest, and reports the subjective opinion of learners as to the pedagogical and professional impact of this training. A learner’s satisfaction survey supports the utility of our sedation and CRM programs. A high degree of satisfaction and perceived value reflect robust learners’ engagement. All medical specialties should encourage high-fidelity simulation continuing professional development courses that incorporate technical skills and crisis management principles.
SCNN-Attack: A Side-Channel Attack to Identify YouTube Videos in a VPN and Non-VPN Network Traffic
Authors: Khan Muhammad U. S. , Bukhari Syed M. A. H. , Maqsood Tahir , Fayyaz Muhammad A. B. , Dancey Darren , Nawaz Raheel
Published: January 2022

Encryption Protocols e.g., HTTPS is utilized to secure the traffic between servers and clients for YouTube and other video streaming services, and to further secure the communication, VPNs are used. However, these protocols are not sufficient to hide the identity of the videos from someone who can sniff the network traffic. The present work explores the methodologies and features to identify the videos in a VPN and non-VPN network traffic. To identify such videos, a side-channel attack using a Sequential Convolution Neural Network is proposed. The results demonstrate that a sequence of bytes per second from even one-minute sniffing of network traffic is sufficient to predict the video with high accuracy. The accuracy is increased to 90% accuracy in the non-VPN, 66% accuracy in the VPN, and 77% in the mixed VPN and non-VPN traffic, for models with two-minute sniffing.