bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Accuracy of a Hygrothermal Model for Wood-Frame Walls: A Cold-Climate Study
Authors: Boardman Charles , Glass Samuel
Published: December 2020

A one-dimensional transient hygrothermal model was used to simulate eight different wood-frame wall assemblies. Simulations were compared with measured results from a two-year field study exploring the effects of exterior insulation on wall moisture performance in a cold-climate. The field study documented the moisture content, temperature, and relative humidity measurements in wall assemblies using oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing. Simulations were performed using generic design input values as well as input values based on measurements or sensitivity analysis. Laboratory material property measurements informed the choice of material property values in the improved model for OSB, asphalt-coated kraft paper, and interior latex paint. Simulations using improved input values typically agreed with field measurements within measurement error. The most significant model improvements were all related to vapor permeance. The vinyl siding used an effective permeance much lower than typically recommended. However, both the extruded polystyrene insulation and the asphalt-coated kraft paper facing on the cavity fiberglass insulation had higher permeance than literature values.
Prospects for NK Cell Therapy of Sarcoma
Authors: Lachota Mieszko , Vincenti Marianna , Winiarska Magdalena , Boye Kjetil , Zagożdżon Radosław , Malmberg Karl-Johan
Published: December 2020

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells with potent antitumor activity. One of the most NK cell cytotoxicity-sensitive tumor types is sarcoma, an aggressive mesenchyme-derived neoplasm. While a combination of radical surgery and radio- and chemotherapy can successfully control local disease, patients with advanced sarcomas remain refractory to current treatment regimens, calling for novel therapeutic strategies. There is accumulating evidence for NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance of sarcoma cells during all stages of the disease, highlighting the potential of using NK cells as a therapeutic tool. However, sarcomas display multiple immunoevasion mechanisms that can suppress NK cell function leading to an uncontrolled tumor outgrowth. Here, we review the current evidence for NK cells’ role in immune surveillance of sarcoma during disease initiation, promotion, progression, and metastasis, as well as the molecular mechanisms behind sarcoma-mediated NK cell suppression. Further, we apply this basic understanding of NK–sarcoma crosstalk in order to identify and summarize the most promising candidates for NK cell-based sarcoma immunotherapy.
NIR Imaging of the Integrin-Rich Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Ternary Copper Indium Selenide/Zinc Sulfide-Based Quantum Dots
Authors: Yakavets Ilya , Francois Aurelie , Guiot Maelle , Lequeux Nicolas , Fragola Alexandra , Pons Thomas , Bezdetnaya Lina , Marchal Frédéric
Published: December 2020

The efficient intraoperative identification of cancers requires the development of the bright, minimally-toxic, tumor-specific near-infrared (NIR) probes as contrast agents. Luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) offer several unique advantages for in vivo cellular imaging by providing bright and photostable fluorescent probes. Here, we present the synthesis of ZnCuInSe/ZnS core/shell QDs emitting in NIR (~750 nm) conjugated to NAVPNLRGDLQVLAQKVART (A20FMDV2) peptide for targeting αvβ6 integrin-rich head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Integrin αvβ6 is usually not detectable in nonpathological tissues, but is highly upregulated in HNSCC. QD-A20 showed αvβ6 integrin-specific binding in two-dimension (2D) monolayer and three-dimension (3D) spheroid in vitro HNSCC models. QD-A20 exhibit limited penetration (ca. 50 µm) in stroma-rich 3D spheroids. Finally, we demonstrated the potential of these QDs by time-gated fluorescence imaging of stroma-rich 3D spheroids placed onto mm-thick tissue slices to mimic imaging conditions in tissues. Overall, QD-A20 could be considered as highly promising nanoprobes for NIR bioimaging and imaging-guided surgery.
Primary and Acquired Resistance to Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer: Unveiling the Mechanisms Underlying of Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Boyero Laura , Sánchez-Gastaldo Amparo , Alonso Miriam , Noguera-Uclés José Francisco , Molina-Pinelo Sonia , Bernabé-Caro Reyes
Published: December 2020

After several decades without maintained responses or long-term survival of patients with lung cancer, novel therapies have emerged as a hopeful milestone in this research field. The appearance of immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, has improved both the overall survival and quality of life of patients, many of whom are diagnosed late when classical treatments are ineffective. Despite these unprecedented results, a high percentage of patients do not respond initially to treatment or relapse after a period of response. This is due to resistance mechanisms, which require understanding in order to prevent them and develop strategies to overcome them and increase the number of patients who can benefit from immunotherapy. This review highlights the current knowledge of the mechanisms and their involvement in resistance to immunotherapy in lung cancer, such as aberrations in tumor neoantigen burden, effector T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME), epigenetic modulation, the transcriptional signature, signaling pathways, T-cell exhaustion, and the microbiome. Further research dissecting intratumor and host heterogeneity is necessary to provide answers regarding the immunotherapy response and develop more effective treatments for lung cancer.
CA125 and Ovarian Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Charkhchi Parsa , Cybulski Cezary , Gronwald Jacek , Wong Fabian Oliver , Narod Steven A. , Akbari Mohammad R.
Published: December 2020

Ovarian cancer is the second most lethal gynecological malignancy. The tumour biomarker CA125 has been used as the primary ovarian cancer marker for the past four decades. The focus on diagnosing ovarian cancer in stages I and II using CA125 as a diagnostic biomarker has not improved patients’ survival. Therefore, screening average-risk asymptomatic women with CA125 is not recommended by any professional society. The dualistic model of ovarian cancer carcinogenesis suggests that type II tumours are responsible for the majority of ovarian cancer mortality. However, type II tumours are rarely diagnosed in stages I and II. The recent shift of focus to the diagnosis of low volume type II ovarian cancer in its early stages of evolution provides a new and valuable target for screening. Type II ovarian cancers are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and have significantly higher CA125 levels than type I tumours. The detection of low volume type II carcinomas in stage IIIa/b is associated with a higher likelihood for optimal cytoreduction, the most robust prognostic indicator for ovarian cancer patients. The diagnosis of type II ovarian cancer in the early substages of stage III with CA125 may be possible using a higher cutoff point rather than the traditionally used 35 U/mL through the use of point-of-care CA125 assays in primary care facilities. Rapid point-of-care testing also has the potential for effective longitudinal screening and quick monitoring of ovarian cancer patients during and after treatment. This review covers the role of CA125 in the diagnosis and management of ovarian cancer and explores novel and more effective screening strategies with CA125.
Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Ibrutinib and Acalabrutinib Counteract Anthracycline Resistance in Cancer Cells Expressing AKR1C3
Authors: Morell Anselm , Čermáková Lucie , Novotná Eva , Laštovičková Lenka , Haddad Melodie , Haddad Andrew , Portillo Ramon , Wsól Vladimír
Published: December 2020

Over the last few years, aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) has been associated with the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR), thereby hindering chemotherapy against cancer. In particular, impaired efficacy of the gold standards of induction therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has been correlated with AKR1C3 expression, as this enzyme metabolises several drugs including anthracyclines. Therefore, the development of selective AKR1C3 inhibitors may help to overcome chemoresistance in clinical practice. In this regard, we demonstrated that Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors ibrutinib and acalabrutinib efficiently prevented daunorubicin (Dau) inactivation mediated by AKR1C3 in both its recombinant form as well as during its overexpression in cancer cells. This revealed a synergistic effect of BTK inhibitors on Dau cytotoxicity in cancer cells expressing AKR1C3 both exogenously and endogenously, thus reverting anthracycline resistance in vitro. These findings suggest that BTK inhibitors have a novel off-target action, which can be exploited against leukaemia through combination regimens with standard chemotherapeutics like anthracyclines.
Modulating the Crosstalk between the Tumor and the Microenvironment Using SiRNA: A Flexible Strategy for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Roscigno Giuseppina , Scognamiglio Iolanda , Ingenito Francesco , Chianese Rosario Vincenzo , Palma Francesco , Chan Alan , Condorelli Gerolama
Published: December 2020

Tumorigenesis is a complex and multistep process in which sequential mutations in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes result in enhanced proliferation and apoptosis escape. Over the past decades, several studies have provided evidence that tumors are more than merely a mass of malignant cancer cells, with the tumor microenvironment (TME) also contributing to cancer progression. For this reason, the focus of cancer research in recent years has shifted from the malignant cancer cell itself to the TME and its interactions. Since the TME actively participates in tumor progression, therapeutic strategies targeting it have created great interest. In this context, much attention has been paid to the potential application of small interfering RNA (siRNA), a class of non-coding RNA that has the ability to downregulate the expression of target genes in a sequence-specific way. This is paving the way for a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of several diseases, including cancer. In this review, we describe recent efforts in developing siRNA therapeutics for the treatment of breast cancer, with particular emphasis on TME regulation. We focus on studies that adapt siRNA design to reprogram/re-educate the TME and eradicate the interplay between cancer cells and TME.
Vincristine-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Pediatric Oncology: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Push Injections with One-Hour Infusions (The VINCA Trial)
Authors: van de Velde Mirjam , Kaspers Gertjan , Abbink Floor , Twisk Jos , van der Sluis Inge , van den Bos Cor , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry , Segers Heidi , Chantrain Christophe , van der Werff ten Bosch Jutte , Willems Leen , van den Berg Marleen
Published: December 2020

Vincristine (VCR) is a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent. However, it can lead to VCR-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN). In this study we investigated if one-hour infusions of VCR instead of push-injections reduces VIPN in pediatric oncology patients. We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial in which participants received all VCR administrations through push injections or one-hour infusions. VIPN was measured at baseline and 1–5 times during treatment using Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (CTCAE) and pediatric-modified Total Neuropathy Score. Moreover, data on co-medication, such as azole antifungals, were collected. Overall, results showed no effect of administration duration on total CTCAE score or ped-mTNS score. However, total CTCAE score was significantly lower in patients receiving one-hour infusions concurrently treated with azole antifungal therapy (β = -1.58; p = 0.04). In conclusion, generally VCR administration through one-hour infusions does not lead to less VIPN compared to VCR push injections in pediatric oncology patients. However, one-hour infusions lead to less severe VIPN compared to push-injections when azole therapy is administered concurrently with VCR. These results indicate that in children treated with VCR and requiring concurrent azole therapy, one-hour infusions might be beneficial over push injections, although larger trials are needed to confirm this association.
Dual Pharmacological Targeting of HDACs and PDE5 Inhibits Liver Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Biliary Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: Claveria-Cabello Alex , Colyn Leticia , Uriarte Iker , Latasa Maria Ujue , Arechederra Maria , Herranz Jose M. , Alvarez Laura , Urman Jesus M. , Martinez-Chantar Maria L. , Banales Jesus M. , Sangro Bruno , Rombouts Krista , Oyarzabal Julen , Marin Jose J. G. , Berasain Carmen , Avila Matias A. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G.
Published: December 2020

Liver fibrosis, a common hallmark of chronic liver disease (CLD), is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix secreted by activated hepatic fibroblasts and stellate cells (HSC). Fibrogenesis involves multiple cellular and molecular processes and is intimately linked to chronic hepatic inflammation. Importantly, it has been shown to promote the loss of liver function and liver carcinogenesis. No effective therapies for liver fibrosis are currently available. We examined the anti-fibrogenic potential of a new drug (CM414) that simultaneously inhibits histone deacetylases (HDACs), more precisely HDAC1, 2, and 3 (Class I) and HDAC6 (Class II) and stimulates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway activity through phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibition, two mechanisms independently involved in liver fibrosis. To this end, we treated Mdr2-KO mice, a clinically relevant model of liver inflammation and fibrosis, with our dual HDAC/PDE5 inhibitor CM414. We observed a decrease in the expression of fibrogenic markers and collagen deposition, together with a marked reduction in inflammation. No signs of hepatic or systemic toxicity were recorded. Mechanistic studies in cultured human HSC and cholangiocytes (LX2 and H69 cell lines, respectively) demonstrated that CM414 inhibited pro-fibrogenic and inflammatory responses, including those triggered by transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Our study supports the notion that simultaneous targeting of pro-inflammatory and fibrogenic mechanisms controlled by HDACs and PDE5 with a single molecule, such as CM414, can be a new disease-modifying strategy.
Modeling and Experimental Studies on Adsorption and Photocatalytic Performance of Nitrogen-Doped TiO2 Prepared via the Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Jiang Zhuoying , Wickramasinghe Sameera , Tsai Yu Hsin , Samia Anna Cristina S. , Gurarie David , Yu Xiong
Published: December 2020

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 has a great potential as a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation with applications in the removal of air and water pollutants, and the treatment of bacterial contaminations. In this study, nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via the sol–gel method and a post-annealing heat treatment approach. The effects of annealing treatment on the photocatalyst crystalline size and degree of crystallinity were analyzed. Methylene blue dye was used as the model water contaminant for the evaluation of the photoactivity of the synthesized nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. The degradation of methylene blue was attributed to three mechanisms, i.e., adsorption, photocatalysis, and direct light photolysis. A kinetic model was developed to distinguish the impact of these three different mechanisms on the removal of contaminants. Adsorption and photocatalysis are heterogeneous processes for removing water organic contaminants. The characterization analysis demonstrates that they are relevant to the microstructures and surface chemical compositions of nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalysts. The processing–structure–performance relationship helped to determine the optimal processing parameters for nitrogen-doped TiO2 photocatalyst to achieve the best performance. While we used methylene blue as the model contaminant, the generalized quantitative model framework developed in this study can be extended to other types of contaminants after proper calibration.
Recent Advances in the Design and Photocatalytic Enhanced Performance of Gold Plasmonic Nanostructures Decorated with Non-Titania Based Semiconductor Hetero-Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Garcia-Peiro Jose I. , Bonet-Aleta Javier , Bueno-Alejo Carlos J. , Hueso Jose L.
Published: December 2020

Plasmonic photocatalysts combining metallic nanoparticles and semiconductors have been aimed as versatile alternatives to drive light-assisted catalytic chemical reactions beyond the ultraviolet (UV) regions, and overcome one of the major drawbacks of the most exploited photocatalysts (TiO2 or ZnO). The strong size and morphology dependence of metallic nanostructures to tune their visible to near-infrared (vis-NIR) light harvesting capabilities has been combined with the design of a wide variety of architectures for the semiconductor supports to promote the selective activity of specific crystallographic facets. The search for efficient heterojunctions has been subjected to numerous studies, especially those involving gold nanostructures and titania semiconductors. In the present review, we paid special attention to the most recent advances in the design of gold-semiconductor hetero-nanostructures including emerging metal oxides such as cerium oxide or copper oxide (CeO2 or Cu2O) or metal chalcogenides such as copper sulfide or cadmium sulfides (CuS or CdS). These alternative hybrid materials were thoroughly built in past years to target research fields of strong impact, such as solar energy conversion, water splitting, environmental chemistry, or nanomedicine. Herein, we evaluate the influence of tuning the morphologies of the plasmonic gold nanostructures or the semiconductor interacting structures, and how these variations in geometry, either individual or combined, have a significant influence on the final photocatalytic performance.
Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as Therapeutic Approach for Neurodegenerative Disorders: From Biology to Biotechnology
Authors: Araldi Rodrigo Pinheiro , D’Amelio Fernanda , Vigerelli Hugo , de Melo Thatiana Correa , Kerkis Irina
Published: December 2020

The aging population has contributed to the rapid rise in the global incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the medical advances, there are no effective treatments for these disorders. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new treatments for these diseases. In this sense, cell therapy has been recognized as the best candidate for treating incurable diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders. However, the therapeutic use of these cells can be limited by several factors. Thus, there has been a rediscovery that extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, can be alternatively explored in the treatment of these diseases, overcoming the limits of cell-based therapy. In this sense, this review aims to revisit all areas from biology, including biogenesis and the content of exosomes, to biotechnology, proposing the minimal information required to isolate, characterize, and study the content of these vesicles for scientific and/or clinical purposes.
Regulatory T Cell Stability and Plasticity in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ali Amal J. , Makings Jeffrey , Ley Klaus
Published: December 2020

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) express the lineage-defining transcription factor FoxP3 and play crucial roles in self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Thymic tTregs are selected based on affinity for self-antigens and are stable under most conditions. Peripheral pTregs differentiate from conventional CD4 T cells under the influence of TGF-β and other cytokines and are less stable. Treg plasticity refers to their ability to inducibly express molecules characteristic of helper CD4 T cell lineages like T-helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17 or follicular helper T cells. Plastic Tregs retain FoxP3 and are thought to be specialized regulators for “their” lineage. Unstable Tregs lose FoxP3 and switch to become exTregs, which acquire pro-inflammatory T-helper cell programs. Atherosclerosis with systemic hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory cytokines, and local hypoxia provides an environment that is likely conducive to Tregs switching to exTregs.
Health Monitoring of Aviation Hydraulic Fluids Using Opto-Chemical Sensor Technologies
Authors: Helwig Andreas , Müller Gerhard , Paul Sumit
Published: December 2020

Passenger safety requires that in commercial airplanes hydraulic actuators be powered by fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. As a downside, such fluids are hygroscopic which means that these tend to accumulate humidity from the environment and that the dissolved humidity tends to produce acidity which can corrode all kinds of metallic components inside a hydraulic system. As such damage in safety-critical subsystems is hard to localize and expensive to repair, sensor technologies are required which allow the state of water contamination and fluid degradation to be routinely checked and necessary maintenance actions to be scheduled in a way that causes minimum flight interruptions. The paper reviews progress that has been made in developing such sensor systems and in commissioning these into practical flight operation. Sensor technologies that proved optimally adapted to this purpose are multi-channel non-dispersive (NDIR) systems working in the mid-infrared range. Additional options concern optical absorption sensors working in the near-infrared and visible ranges as well as fluorescence sensors.
Microstructural Analysis and Tribological Behavior of Ti-Based Alloys with a Ceramic Layer Using the Thermal Spray Method
Authors: Baltatu Madalina Simona , Vizureanu Petrica , Sandu Andrei Victor , Munteanu Corneliu , Istrate Bogdan
Published: December 2020

The present article focuses on a recently developed new system of alloys (Ti15MoSi) coated with ZrO2. The thin coatings deposition of ZrO2 on titanium alloys can be a solution to improve their corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and to extend their long life with the human tissue. In order to improve the corrosion resistance, atmospheric plasma spraying coatings with zirconia have been performed. These coatings present a homogenous aspect with very few cracks. The novelty of the research is that zirconia is much stable in the simulated body fluids and presents no harm effects to the healing process of the bone. To analyze the thin coatings deposition, mechanical properties, chemical structure, and corrosion resistance were examined by a modulus of elasticity, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and linear polarization. The results reveal that Young’s modulus shows a low value (51 GPa for Ti15Mo0.5Si-ZrO2 and 48 GPa for Ti15Mo-ZrO2) and the XRD patterns show the presence of β-Ti and ZrO2 phases having a tetragonal crystalline structure. The research highlighted the morphological aspect of zirconia coatings on the new alloy titanium substrate, being an adherent compact coating with significantly improved corrosion resistance. Moreover, the mechanical properties are similar to the biological bone, which will avoid the stress shielding of the implant with bone tissue.
Statically Aggregate Verifiable Random Functions and Application to E-Lottery
Authors: Liang Bei , Banegas Gustavo , Mitrokotsa Aikaterini
Published: December 2020

Cohen, Goldwasser, and Vaikuntanathan (TCC’15) introduced the concept of aggregate pseudo-random functions (PRFs), which allow efficiently computing the aggregate of PRF values over exponential-sized sets. In this paper, we explore the aggregation augmentation on verifiable random function (VRFs), introduced by Micali, Rabin and Vadhan (FOCS’99), as well as its application to e-lottery schemes. We introduce the notion of static aggregate verifiable random functions (Agg-VRFs), which perform aggregation for VRFs in a static setting. Our contributions can be summarized as follows: (1) we define static aggregate VRFs, which allow the efficient aggregation of VRF values and the corresponding proofs over super-polynomially large sets; (2) we present a static Agg-VRF construction over bit-fixing sets with respect to product aggregation based on the q-decisional Diffie–Hellman exponent assumption; (3) we test the performance of our static Agg-VRFs instantiation in comparison to a standard (non-aggregate) VRF in terms of costing time for the aggregation and verification processes, which shows that Agg-VRFs lower considerably the timing of verification of big sets; and (4) by employing Agg-VRFs, we propose an improved e-lottery scheme based on the framework of Chow et al.’s VRF-based e-lottery proposal (ICCSA’05). We evaluate the performance of Chow et al.’s e-lottery scheme and our improved scheme, and the latter shows a significant improvement in the efficiency of generating the winning number and the player verification.
Current State and Drivers of Arable Plant Diversity in Conventionally Managed Farmland in Northwest Germany
Authors: Wietzke Alexander , van Waveren Clara-Sophie , Bergmeier Erwin , Meyer Stefan , Leuschner Christoph
Published: December 2020

Agricultural intensification has led to dramatic diversity losses and impoverishment of the arable vegetation in much of Europe. We analyzed the status of farmland phytodiversity and its determinants in 2016 in northwest Germany by surveying 200 conventionally managed fields cultivated with seven crops. The study was combined with an analysis of edaphic (soil yield potential), agronomic (crop cover, fertilizer and herbicide use) and landscape factors (adjacent habitats). In total, we recorded 150 non-crop plant species, many of them nitrophilous generalist species, while species of conservation value were almost completely absent. According to a post-hoc pairwise comparison of the mixed model results, the cultivation of rapeseed positively influenced non-crop plant species richness as compared to winter cereals (wheat, barley, rye and triticale; data pooled), maize or potato. The presence of grassy strips and ditch margins adjacent to fields increased plant richness at field edges presumably through spillover effects. In the field interiors, median values of non-crop plant richness and cover were only 2 species and 0.5% cover across all crops, and at the field edges 11 species and 4% cover. Agricultural intensification has wiped out non-crop plant life nearly completely from conventionally managed farmland, except for a narrow, floristically impoverished field edge strip.
Hemi- and Homonyms in the Big Data Era
Authors: Sánchez-González Jorge Rubén
Published: December 2020

The issue of hemi- and homonyms is an unsolved topic in the Big Data era, where informatics and technicians, rather than biologists or taxonomists, analyze huge datasets. Nowadays, taxonomic nomenclature is ruled by four independent international codes, and according to them, the existence of hemihomonyms and homonyms is accepted under some conditions as an exception to the general rule. This situation entails confusion, disagreements, and a plethora of problems whose consequences could worsen in the near future within the framework of the big data era. Moreover, the increasing use of big databases and analyses, data science, bioinformatics, biological monitoring, and bioassessment has shown such exceptions to be inconvenient, since these exceptions to homonyms are considered as duplicates by databases and statistical software, which are handled by non-taxonomist experts. International Codes of Nomenclature must change within the new context of big data analysis. This work aims to propose the elimination of any exception to the presence of homonyms and to evaluate whether the Independence Principle makes sense within this new context. Increasing coordination between several independent nomenclatural systems is essential and, perhaps, we must conduct our efforts towards a universal species list, finishing with the historical schism between Codes.
Vocalization Analyses of Nocturnal Arboreal Mammals of the Taita Hills, Kenya
Authors: Rosti Hanna , Pihlström Henry , Bearder Simon , Pellikka Petri , Rikkinen Jouko
Published: December 2020

Three poorly known nocturnal mammal species from the montane forests of the Taita Hills in Kenya, were studied via vocalization analysis. Here, their acoustic behaviour is described. The studied animals were the tree hyrax (Dendrohyrax sp.), the small-eared greater galago (Otolemur garnettii), and the dwarf galago (Paragalago sp.). High-quality loud calls were analysed using RAVEN PRO, and compared to calls of presumed closest relatives. Our findings include the first detailed descriptions of tree hyrax songs. Moreover, our results suggest that the tree hyrax of Taita Hills may be a taxon new to science, as it produces a characteristic call, the ‘strangled thwack’, not previously known from other Dendrohyrax populations. Our data confirms that the small-eared greater galago subspecies living in the Taita Hills is Otolemur garnettii lasiotis. The loud calls of the elusive Taita Hills dwarf galago closely resemble those of the Kenya coast dwarf galago (Paragalago cocos). Thus, the population in the Taita Hills probably belongs to this species. The Taita Hills dwarf galagos are geographically isolated from other dwarf galago populations, and live in montane cloud forest, which is an unusual habitat for P. cocos. Intriguingly, two dwarf galago subpopulations living in separate forest patches in the Taita Hills, Ngangao and Mbololo, have clearly different contact calls. The Paragalagos in Mbololo Forest may represent a population of P. cocos with a derived call repertoire, or, alternatively, they may actually be mountain dwarf galagos (P. orinus). Hence, differences in habitat, behaviour, and contact call structure suggest that there may be two different Paragalago species in the montane forests of the Taita Hills.
Influence of Dry Period Length of Swedish Dairy Cows on the Proteome of Colostrum
Authors: de Vries Ruben , Boeren Sjef , Holtenius Kjell , Vervoort Jacques , Lindmark-Månsson Helena , Hettinga Kasper
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of applying a 4-week instead of an 8-week dry period to dairy cows on the proteome of colostrum (first sample) and of transition milk (the fifth postpartum milk sample). Individual milk serum samples of colostrum and transition milk were analysed from 12 Swedish Holstein (SH) and 12 Swedish Red (SR) cows. Samples were prepared by filter-aided sample preparation and dimethyl labelling and analysed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Shortening the dry period resulted in upregulation of 18 proteins in colostrum and transition milk of SR, whereas no statistical differences were found for SH colostrum and transition milk. These upregulated proteins may reflect a specific immune response in the SR samples that was reflected in colostrum as well as in transition milk. Upregulated proteins in colostrum seemed to reflect increased mammary epithelial cell proliferation in the periparturient period when a 4-week dry period was applied. The proteome data indicate that a dry period of 4 weeks to SR cows may not be sufficient for complete regeneration of the mammary epithelium.
CRMS/CFSPID Subjects Carrying D1152H CFTR Variant: Can the Second Variant Be a Predictor of Disease Development?
Authors: Terlizzi Vito , Padoan Rita , Claut Laura , Colombo Carla , Fabrizzi Benedetta , Lucarelli Marco , Bruno Sabina Maria , Castaldo Alice , Bonomi Paolo , Taccetti Giovanni , Tosco Antonella
Published: December 2020

Background: There are no predictive factors of evolution of cystic fibrosis (CF) screen positive inconclusive diagnosis subjects (CFSPIDs). Aim: to define the role of the second CFTR variant as a predictive factor of disease evolution in CFSPIDs carrying the D1152H variant. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated clinical characteristics and outcome of CFSPIDs carrying the D1152H variant followed at five Italian CF centers. CFSPIDs were divided in two groups: Group A: compound heterozygous for D1152H and a CF-causing variant; Group B: compound heterozygous for D1152H and a: (i) non CF-causing variant, (ii) variant with varying clinical consequences, or (iii) variant with unknown significance. The variants were classified according to CFTR2 mutation database. Results: We enrolled 43 CFSPIDs with at least one D1152H variant: 28 (65.1%) were classified in the group A, and 15 (34.9%) in the Group B. CFSPIDs of group A had the first IRT significantly higher compared to those of group B (p < 0.05) and had a more severe clinical outcome during the follow-up. At the end of the study period, after a mean follow-up of 40.6 months (range 6–91.6), 4 (9.3%) out of 43 CFSPIDs progressed to CFTR-RD or CF. All these subjects were in the group A. Conclusions: The genetic profile could help predict the risk of disease evolution in CFSPIDs carrying D1152H, revealing the subjects that need a more frequent follow-up.
Comparison of Various Obesity-Related Indices for Identification of Metabolic Syndrome: A Population-Based Study from Taiwan Biobank
Authors: Chiu Tai-Hua , Huang Ya-Chin , Chiu Hsuan , Wu Pei-Yu , Chiou Hsin-Ying Clair , Huang Jiun-Chi , Chen Szu-Chia
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of 11 obesity-related indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, waist–hip ratio, a body shape index, abdominal volume index, body adiposity index, body roundness index, conicity index, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, in identifying metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. The information of 5000 participants was obtained from the Taiwan Biobank. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between MetS and obesity-related indices with odds ratio (ORs). The predictive performance of the indices to identify MetS was compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and areas under curves (AUCs). Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression showed that the ORs for MetS increased across the quartiles of each index. ROC curves analysis demonstrated that TyG index had the greatest AUC in men (AUC = 0.850) and women (AUC = 0.890). Furthermore, VAI had the greatest AUC in men (AUC = 0.867) and women (AUC = 0.925) aged 30−50 years, while TyG index had the greatest AUC in men (AUC = 0.849) and women (AUC = 0.854) aged 51−70 years. Among the studied obesity-related indices, TyG index and VAI exhibited the best performance for identifying MetS in adults. TyG index and VAI may be the relevant indices to assess MetS in clinical practice.
A Light-Sheet-Based Imaging Spectrometer to Characterize Acridine Orange Fluorescence within Leukocytes
Authors: Powless Amy , Prieto Sandra , Gramling Madison , Chen Jingyi , Muldoon Timothy
Published: December 2020

Low-cost imaging systems that utilize exogenous fluorescent dyes, such as acridine orange (AO), have recently been developed for use as point-of-care (POC) blood analyzers. AO-based fluorescence imaging exploits variations in emission wavelength within different cell types to enumerate and classify leukocyte subpopulations from whole blood specimens. This approach to leukocyte classification relies on accurate and reproducible colorimetric features, which have previously been demonstrated to be highly dependent on the cell staining protocols (such as specific AO concentration, timing, and pH). We have developed a light-sheet-based fluorescence imaging spectrometer, featuring a spectral resolution of 9 nm, with an automated spectral extraction algorithm as an investigative tool to study the spectral features from AO-stained leukocytes. Whole blood specimens were collected from human subjects, stained with AO using POC methods, and leukocyte spectra were acquired on a cell-by-cell basis. The post-processing method involves three steps: image segmentation to isolate individual cells in each spectral image; image quality control to exclude cells with low emission intensity, out-of-focus cells, and cellular debris; and the extraction of spectra for each cell. An increase in AO concentration was determined to contribute to the red-shift in AO-fluorescence, while varied pH values did not cause a change in fluorescence. In relation to the spectra of AO-stained leukocytes, there were corresponding red-shift trends associated with dye accumulation within acidic vesicles and at increasing incubation periods. The system presented here could guide future development of POC systems reliant on AO fluorescence and colorimetric features to identify leukocyte subpopulations in whole blood specimens.
An Improved Weighted K-Nearest Neighbor Algorithm for Indoor Localization
Authors: Peng Xuesheng , Chen Ruizhi , Yu Kegen , Ye Feng , Xue Weixing
Published: December 2020

The weighted K-nearest neighbor (WKNN) algorithm is the most commonly used algorithm for indoor localization. Traditional WKNN algorithms adopt received signal strength (RSS) spatial distance (usually Euclidean distance and Manhattan distance) to select reference points (RPs) for position determination. It may lead to inaccurate position estimation because the relationship of received signal strength and distance is exponential. To improve the position accuracy, this paper proposes an improved weighted K-nearest neighbor algorithm. The spatial distance and physical distance of RSS are used for RP selection, and a fusion weighted algorithm based on these two distances is used for position calculation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms traditional algorithms, such as K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Euclidean distance-based WKNN (E-WKNN), and physical distance-based WKNN (P-WKNN). Compared with the KNN, E-WKNN, and P-WKNN algorithms, the positioning accuracy of the proposed method is improved by about 29.4%, 23.5%, and 20.7%, respectively. Compared with some recently improved WKNN algorithms, our proposed algorithm can also obtain a better positioning performance.
A Triple Adversary Network Driven by Hybrid High-Order Attention for Domain Adaptation
Authors: Wang Meng , Fu Jiawei
Published: December 2020

How to bridge the knowledge gap between the annotated source domain and the unlabeled target domain is a basic challenge to domain adaptation. The existing approaches can relieve this gap by feature alignments across domains; however, aligning non-transferable features may lead to negative shift confusing the knowledge learning on target domains. In this paper, a triple adversary network is proposed on the basis of a high-order attention, hopefully to solve the problem. The proposed architecture focuses on the detailed feature alignment by a hybrid high-order attention using a fast iteration algorithm. In addition, an orthogonal loss of two complementary modules is applied to constrain the mutual exclusion of foreground and background features. Finally, a triple adversarial strategy is introduced to further improve the training convergence for the composed architectures. Numeric experiments on datasets of Digits, Office-31 and Office-home illuminate that the proposed network can effectively improve the state-of-art domain adaptations with superior transferring performance.
Growth Uniformity in Selective Area Epitaxy of AlGaN/GaN Heterostructures for the Application in Semiconductor Devices
Authors: Stępniak Michał , Wośko Mateusz , Prażmowska-Czajka Joanna , Stafiniak Andrzej , Przybylski Dariusz , Paszkiewicz Regina
Published: December 2020

The design of modern semiconductor devices often requires the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) structures to integrate microelectronic components with photonic, micromechanical, or sensor systems within one semiconductor substrate. It is a technologically challenging task, as a strictly defined profile of the device structure is obligatory. This can be achieved either by chemical etching or selective deposition on a masked substrate. In this paper, the growth uniformity of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures during selective-area metalorganic vapour-phase epitaxy (SA-MOVPE) was studied. Such structures are typically used in order to fabricate high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMT). The semiconductor material was deposited through 200 μm long stripe-shaped open windows in a SiO2 mask on GaN/sapphire templates. The window width was varied from 5 μm to 160 μm, whereas mask width separating particular windows varied from 5 μm to 40 μm. The experiment was repeated for three samples differing in GaN layer thickness: 150 nm, 250 nm, and 500 nm. Based on theoretical models of the selective growth, a sufficiently uniform thickness of epitaxially grown AlGaN/GaN heterostructure has been achieved by selecting the window half-width that is smaller than the diffusion length of the precursor molecules. A Ga diffusion length of 15 μm was experimentally extracted by measuring the epitaxial material agglomeration in windows in the dielectric mask. Measurements were conducted while using optical profilometry.
A Simple and Efficient Time-Sensitive Networking Traffic Scheduling Method for Industrial Scenarios
Authors: Li Qing , Li Dong , Jin Xi , Wang Qizhao , Zeng Peng
Published: December 2020

Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) provides end-to-end data transmission with extremely low delay and high reliability on the basis of Ethernet. It is suitable for time-sensitive applications and will be widely used in scenarios such as autonomous driving and industrial Internet. IEEE 802.1Qbv proposes a time-aware shaper mechanism, which enables switches to control the forwarding of traffic in port queues according to pre-defined Gate Control List (GCL). The length of the GCL is limited, and the previous method of scheduling cycle with a hyper period may result in a larger GCL. Based on Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT), we propose a TSN scheduling method for industrial scenarios and develops a series of scheduling constraints. Different from the previous scheduling methods, the method proposed in this paper adopts the base period cycle to update GCL regularly, which can effectively reduce the number of time slots in GCL and make the configuration of GCL simpler and more efficient. In addition, compared with the traditional hyper period method, the method proposed in this paper can calculate the scheduling results faster while ensuring low latency and reducing the runtime effectively.
One-Transistor Dynamic Random-Access Memory Based on Gate-All-Around Junction-Less Field-Effect Transistor with a Si/SiGe Heterostructure
Authors: Yoon Young Jun , Lee Jae Sang , Kim Dong-Seok , Lee Sang Ho , Kang In Man
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a one-transistor dynamic random-access memory (1T-DRAM) cell based on a gate-all-around junction-less field-effect transistor (GAA-JLFET) with a Si/SiGe heterostructure for high-density memory applications. The proposed 1T-DRAM achieves the sensing margin using the difference in hole density in the body region between ‘1’ and ‘0’ states. The Si/SiGe heterostructure forms a quantum well in the body and reduces the band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) barrier between the body and drain. Compared with the performances of the 1T-DRAM with Si homo-structure, the proposed 1T-DRAM improves the sensing margin and retention time because its storage ability is enhanced by the quantum well. In addition, the thin BTBT barrier reduced the bias condition for the program operation. The proposed 1T-DRAM showed a high potential for memory applications by obtaining a high read current ratio at ‘1’ and ‘0’ states about 108 and a long retention time above 10 ms.
Efficiency Improvement by Deriving the Optimal Operating Slip Frequency of a Linear-Induction-Style Maglev Train
Authors: Park Sang-Uk , Mok Hyung-Soo , Lim Jae-Won , Seo Hyun-Uk , Oh Sang-Hun
Published: December 2020

While urban maglev trains have the advantage of being optimized for urban environments where noise is low and dust is less generated, their driving efficiency is low when compared to rotary induction motors owing to the structural limitations of linear devices. To compensate for these disadvantages, various studies on train control schemes have been conducted. Representative control methods include improving the efficiency of using slip frequency by directly controlling the propulsion force using vector control. However, this method has limitations in its use as it relates to the normal force that affects the train’s levitation system. Therefore, in this study, mathematical analysis was conducted for each factor that mutually affects the control of the train. On this basis, the magnitude of the normal force related to the safety of the train is limited. Operating efficiency was improved by varying the slip frequency according to the operating conditions of the train. In addition, for verification, the effect was proved through a comparative experiment using an 18 ton class maglev train running at Incheon International Airport.
Machine-Learning Methods to Select Potential Depot Locations for the Supply Chain of Biomass Co-Firing
Authors: Goettsch Diana , Castillo-Villar Krystel K. , Aranguren Maria
Published: December 2020

Coal is the second-largest source for electricity generation in the United States. However, the burning of coal produces dangerous gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. One alternative to decrease these emissions is biomass co-firing. To establish biomass as a viable option, the optimization of the biomass supply chain (BSC) is essential. Although most of the research conducted has focused on optimization models, the purpose of this paper is to incorporate machine-learning (ML) algorithms into a stochastic Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model to select potential storage depot locations and improve the solution in two ways: by decreasing the total cost of the BSC and the computational burden. We consider the level of moisture and level of ash in the biomass from each parcel location, the average expected biomass yield, and the distance from each parcel to the closest power plant. The training labels (whether a potential depot location is beneficial or not) are obtained through the stochastic MILP model. Multiple ML algorithms are applied to a case study in the northeast area of the United States: Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Neural Network. After applying the hybrid methodology combining ML and optimization, it is found that the MLP outperforms the other algorithms in terms of selecting potential depots that decrease the total cost of the BSC and the computational burden of the stochastic MILP model. The LR and the DT also perform well in terms of decreasing total cost.