bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routing, Modulation Format, Spatial Lane, and Spectrum Block Assignment in Static Spatial Channel Networks
Authors: Yang Xin , Zhou Yang , Sun Qiang
Published: February 2023

Spatial channel networks (SCNs) and related key technologies have been proposed to increase the capacity and flexibility of optical networks. We define the network resource allocation problem in a static SCN as the routing, modulation format (MF), spatial lane, and spectrum block assignment (RMSSA) problem and try to solve it. In this paper, we derive the relationship between the traffic bit rate, the transmission distance of optical channels, and MFs in SCNs, and obtain the adoption method of MFs. In addition, we introduce conversion nodes (CNs) into SCNs to perform a modulation format conversion (MFC) for more efficient use of network resources. Moreover, the RMSSA problem in static SCNs is modeled, and heuristic spatial lane and spectrum block minimization based on simulated annealing (LBMSA) algorithm is proposed to solve the RMSSA problem. Simulation results show that when the throughput of SCNs is small, the LBMSA algorithm can carry traffic requests with the least amount of network resources and maximize the network resource utilization. When the network throughput is high, the LBMSA algorithm is more inclined to carry all requests rather than efficient transmission. We also show that network resource utilization can be improved with the LBMSA algorithm by setting CNs to perform the MFC.
Automatic Extraction of Flooding Control Knowledge from Rich Literature Texts Using Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Juanle
Published: February 2023

Flood control is a global problem; increasing number of flooding disasters occur annually induced by global climate change and extreme weather events. Flood studies are important knowledge sources for flood risk reduction and have been recorded in the academic literature. The main objective of this paper was to acquire flood control knowledge from long-tail data of the literature by using deep learning techniques. Screening was conducted to obtain 4742 flood-related academic documents from past two decades. Machine learning was conducted to parse the documents, and 347 sample data points from different years were collected for sentence segmentation (approximately 61,000 sentences) and manual annotation. Traditional machine learning (NB, LR, SVM, and RF) and artificial neural network-based deep learning algorithms (Bert, Bert-CNN, Bert-RNN, and ERNIE) were implemented for model training, and complete sentence-level knowledge extraction was conducted in batches. The results revealed that artificial neural network-based deep learning methods exhibit better performance than traditional machine learning methods in terms of accuracy, but their training time is much longer. Based on comprehensive feature extraction capability and computational efficiency, the performances of deep learning methods were ranked as: ERNIE > Bert-CNN > Bert > Bert-RNN. When using Bert as the benchmark model, several deformation models showed applicable characteristics. Bert, Bert-CNN, and Bert-RNN were good at acquiring global features, local features, and processing variable-length inputs, respectively. ERNIE showed improved masking mechanism and corpus and therefore exhibited better performance. Finally, 124,196 usage method and 8935 quotation method sentences were obtained in batches. The proportions of method sentence in the literature showed increasing trends over the last 20 years. Thus, as literature with more method sentences accumulates, this study lays a foundation for knowledge extraction in the future.
Optimization of Computational Resources for Real-Time Product Quality Assessment Using Deep Learning and Multiple High Frame Rate Camera Sensors
Authors: Wibowo Adi , Setiawan Joga Dharma , Afrisal Hadha , Mertha Anak Agung Sagung Manik Mahachandra Jayanti , Santosa Sigit Puji , Wisnu Kuncoro Budhi , Mardiyoto Ambar , Nurrakhman Henri , Kartiwa Boyi , Caesarendra Wahyu
Published: February 2023

Human eyes generally perform product defect inspection in Indonesian industrial production lines; resulting in low efficiency and a high margin of error due to eye tiredness. Automated quality assessment systems for mass production can utilize deep learning connected to cameras for more efficient defect detection. However, employing deep learning on multiple high frame rate cameras (HFRC) causes the need for much computation and decreases deep learning performance, especially in the real-time inspection of moving objects. This paper proposes optimizing computational resources for real-time product quality assessment on moving cylindrical shell objects using deep learning with multiple HFRC Sensors. Two application frameworks embedded with several deep learning models were compared and tested to produce robust and powerful applications to assess the quality of production results on rotating objects. Based on the experiment results using three HFRC Sensors, a web-based application with tensorflow.js framework outperformed desktop applications in computation. Moreover, MobileNet v1 delivers the highest performance compared to other models. This result reveals an opportunity for a web-based application as a lightweight framework for quality assessment using multiple HFRC and deep learning.
Diurnal Characteristics in Summer Water Vapor Budget and Transport over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Huimei , Zhao Ping
Published: February 2023

Using the ERA5 reanalysis dataset during the period 1979–2019, the diurnal variation in summer water vapor budget (Bt) over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is investigated in this study. It is found that the TP Bt shows a distinct diurnal cycle. It tends to increase in the morning, reaches a peak in the afternoon, and falls to a minimum in the early morning. The diurnal variations in four boundary water vapor budgets of the TP contribute to the growth in the TP Bt from the early morning to the afternoon, of which the western and eastern boundaries are more important. To understand the reasons for the diurnal variations in boundary water vapor budgets, the temporal evolutions of water vapor transports and relevant circulations at the four boundaries are examined. The results show that the temporal evolutions of water vapor transports and budgets at the four boundaries are essentially regulated by the changes in the orographic thermodynamic effect. Specifically, rapid and strong warming (cooling) on the TP slopes generates anomalous water vapor inputs (outputs) by anomalous upslope (downslope) flows during the daytime (nighttime). At the southern and western boundaries, apart from the terrain effects, the diurnal variation in the Indian southerly monsoon also has an effect on the changes in water vapor budgets by modulating the water vapor input towards the TP below 700 hPa. At the northern and eastern boundaries, under the orographic thermodynamic effects, low-level water vapor transports towards the TP accompanying by plateau-scale vertical circulations, exist significant diurnal variations and thereby adjust the boundary water vapor budgets. In this study, it is also found that the deviated water vapor flux vectors over the TP present a daily clockwise rotation, which mainly results from the diurnal variation in wind below 450 hPa. In addition, the largest amount of precipitation over the TP occurs 2–3 h after the Bt peak.
Spatiotemporal Trends and Variation of Precipitation over China’s Loess Plateau across 1957–2018
Authors: Xu Xiaoming , Huang Tao
Published: February 2023

Better understanding of the spatiotemporal characteristics of precipitation is essential in developing the best management practices for ecological restoration and soil erosion control on China’s Loess Plateau, an arid and semiarid region with severe soil erosion. This study aimed to explore the spatiotemporal trends of precipitation using long-term precipitation data from 1957 to 2018 from the 100 national standard meteorological stations across the Loess Plateau. The nonparametric Mann–Kendall statistical test and geospatial interpolation were used to detect the trends and to analyze spatial patterns of annual and seasonal precipitation. Wavelet analysis was applied to examine periodical variation across the plateau. The results reveal that regional annual precipitation over the Loess Plateau decreased during the 62 years of the study at a mean rate of −1.05 mm/10 years (p > 0.1). The changes in annual precipitation showed a periodical fluctuation with an increasing trend from 1957 to 1969, a decreasing trend from 1970 to 1999, and an increasing trend again in the first 18 years of the 21st century. The annual precipitation decreased in all eight sub-annual periods except for winter. Spatially, a decreasing trend occurred in the southern and eastern parts of the Loess Plateau, whereas a slight increase existed in the northwest in all periods. The decrease in six stations was statistically significant (p < 0.05), and a significant increase occurred in four stations (p < 0.1). These changes can be explained by an evident southward shift of the precipitation isohyets especially for 350 mm, 450 mm and 550 mm from the 1960s to the 1990s, and a clearly northward shift after the 1990s. Findings from this study facilitate an understanding of the spatial temporal trends of precipitation so appropriate countermeasures can be developed for effective vegetation restoration and soil erosion control across the Loess Plateau.
Detailed Analysis of Spectra from Ga-like Ions of Heavy Elements Observed in High-Temperature Plasmas
Authors: Suzuki Chihiro , Koike Fumihiro , Murakami Izumi , Kato Daiji , Tamura Naoki , Oishi Tetsutarou , Nakamura Nobuyuki
Published: February 2023

This study has systematically investigated the atomic number (Z) dependence of spectra from gallium-like (Ga-like) ions of heavy elements. We have mainly analyzed the experimental spectra recorded in high-temperature plasmas produced in the Large Helical Device (LHD) for various elements with atomic numbers from 57 onward. The measured wavelengths are compared with theoretical values calculated with a multi-configuration Dirac Fock code. As a result, we have successfully obtained Z-dependent wavelengths of several prominent transitions of Ga-like ions, including a magnetic dipole (M1) transition. Many of them have been experimentally identified for the first time in this study. The present results manifest the significant effects of configuration interaction and spin–orbit interaction for highly charged heavy ions.
End-Cloud Collaboration Approach for State-of-Charge Estimation in Lithium Batteries Using CNN-LSTM and UKF
Authors: Wang Wentao , Ma Bin , Hua Xiao , Zou Bosong , Zhang Lisheng , Yu Hanqing , Yang Kaiyi , Yang Shichun , Liu Xinhua
Published: February 2023

The accurate estimation of the state of charge (SOC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the range of electric vehicles (EVs) and the reliability of the EVs battery. However, due to the dynamic working conditions in the implementation of EVs and the limitation of the onboard BMS computational force, it is challenging to achieve a reliable, high-accuracy and real-time online battery SOC estimation under diverse working scenarios. Therefore, this study proposes an end-cloud collaboration approach of lithium-ion batteries online estimate SOC. On the cloud-side, a deep learning model constructed based on CNN-LSTM is deployed, and on the end-side, the coulomb counting method and Kalman’s filter are deployed. The estimation results at both sides are fused through the Kalman filtering algorithm, realizing high-accuracy and real-time online estimation of SOC. The proposed approach is evaluated with three dynamic driving profiles and the results demonstrate the proposed approach has high accuracy under different temperatures and initial errors, where the root means square error (RMSE) is lower than 1.5% and the maximum error is lower than 5%. Furthermore, this method could achieve high-accuracy and real-time SOC online estimation under the cyber hierarchy and interactional network (CHAIN) framework and can be extended to multi-state collaborative online estimation.
Electromyography–Force Relation and Muscle Fiber Conduction Velocity Affected by Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Li Le , Hu Huijing , Yao Bo , Huang Chengjun , Lu Zhiyuan , Klein Cliff S. , Zhou Ping
Published: February 2023

A surface electromyography (EMG) analysis was performed in this study to examine central neural and peripheral muscle changes after a spinal cord injury (SCI). A linear electrode array was used to record surface EMG signals from the biceps brachii (BB) in 15 SCI subjects and 14 matched healthy control subjects as they performed elbow flexor isometric contractions from 10% to 80% maximum voluntary contraction. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) and BB EMG–force relation were examined. MFCV was found to be significantly slower in the SCI group than the control group, evident at all force levels. The BB EMG–force relation was well fit by quadratic functions in both groups. All healthy control EMG–force relations were best fit with positive quadratic coefficients. In contrast, the EMG–force relation in eight SCI subjects was best fit with negative quadratic coefficients, suggesting impaired EMG modulation at high forces. The alterations in MFCV and EMG–force relation after SCI suggest complex neuromuscular changes after SCI, including alterations in central neural drive and muscle properties.
Nanocrystalline Apatites: Post-Immersion Acidification and How to Avoid It—Application to Antibacterial Bone Substitutes
Authors: Drouet Christophe , Vandecandelaère Nicolas , Burger-Kentischer Anke , Trick Iris , Kohl Christina G. , Maucher Tanja , Mueller Michaela , Weber Franz E.
Published: February 2023

Biomimetic nanocrystalline apatites analogous to bone mineral can be prepared using soft chemistry. Due to their high similarity to bone apatite, as opposed to stoichiometric hydroxyapatite for example, they now represent an appealing class of compounds to produce bioactive ceramics for which drug delivery and ion exchange abilities have been described extensively. However, immersion in aqueous media of dried non-carbonated biomimetic apatite crystals may generate an acidification event, which is often disregarded and not been clarified to-date. Yet, this acidification process could limit their further development if it is not understood and overcome if necessary. This may, for example, alter biological test outcomes, during their evaluation as bone repair materials, due to potentially deleterious effects of the acidic environment on cells, especially in in vitro static conditions. In this study, we explore the origins of this acidification phenomenon based on complementary experimental data and we point out the central role of the hydrated ionic layer present on apatite nanocrystals. We then propose a practical strategy to circumvent this acidification effect using an adequate post-precipitation equilibration step that was optimized. Using this enutralization protocol, we then showed the possibility of performing (micro)biological assessments on such compounds and provide an illustration with the examples of post-equilibrated Cu2+- and Ag+-doped nanocrystalline apatites. We demonstrate their non-cytotoxicity to osteoblast cells and their antibacterial features as tested versus five major pathogens involved in bone infections, therefore pointing to their relevance in the field of antibacterial bone substitutes. The preliminary in vivo implantation of a relevant sample in a rat’s calvarial defect confirmed its biocompatibility and the absence of adverse reaction. Understanding and eliminating this technical barrier should help promoting biomimetic apatites as a genuine new class of biomaterial-producing compounds for bone regeneration applications, e.g., with antibacterial features, far from being solely considered as “laboratory curiosities”.
Determination of the Bacterial Community of Mustard Pickle Products and Their Microbial and Chemical Qualities
Authors: Chien Hung-I , Yen Yu-Fan , Lee Yi-Chen , Wei Pi-Chen , Huang Chun-Yung , Tseng Chih-Hua , Yen Feng-Lin , Tsai Yung-Hsiang
Published: February 2023

We assessed the microbial and chemical qualities and microbiomes of 14 mustard pickle products coded sequentially from A to N and sold in traditional Taiwanese markets. The results showed that the aerobic plate count and lactic acid bacteria count of commercially available mustard pickle products were 2.18–4.01 and <1.0–3.77 log CFU/g, respectively. Moreover, no coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., or Listeria monocytogenes were detected in any of the samples. Analysis of the chemical quality showed that the sulfite content of all samples exceeded 30 ppm, which is the food additive limit in Taiwan. Furthermore, the mean contents of eight biogenic amines in the mustard pickle product samples were below 48.0 mg/kg. The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that the dominant bacterial genera in sample A were Proteus spp. (25%), Vibrio (25%), and Psychrobacter (10%), in sample C they were Weissella (62%) and Lactobacillus (15%), in sample E it was Lactobacillus (97%), and in sample J it was Companilactobacillus (57%). Mustard pickle product samples from different sources contained different microbiomes. The dominant bacterial family was Lactobacillaceae in all samples except for sample A. In contrast, the microbiome of sample A mainly consisted of Morganellaceae and Vibrionaceae, which may have resulted from environmental contamination during storage and sales. The result of this work suggests it may be necessary to monitor sulfite levels and potential sources of bacterial contamination in mustard pickle products, and to take appropriate measures to rule out any public health risks.
Various Expressions of PIK3C2A and TXNIP Genes and Their Potential Role as Independent Risk Factors for Chronic Stable Angina and Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Soliman Shimaa E. , Abouelenin Mai A. H. , Samy Neven I. , Omar Marwa M. , Alrefai Abeer A.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim: Genetic factors play a significant role in the onset and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). PIK3C2A may contribute to the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) by affecting blood glucose levels and oxidative stress. The expression levels of TXNIP were significantly higher in patients with unstable angina pectoris. However, the situation is different in ACS. In the current study, we aim to investigate the role of PIK3C2A and TXNIP as independent risk factors for chronic stable angina (CSA) and ACS. Subjects and Methods: This study involved 215 subjects (60 patients with CSA, 55 patients with ACS, and 100 controls). All subjects were exposed for assaying gene expressions of PIK3C2A and TXNIP by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: It was found that TXNIP was upregulated, whereas PIK3C2A was downregulated in patients with CAD compared to the control group. PIK3C2A was significantly downregulated in patients with ACS compared to that in patients with CSA (p < 0.001), but TXNIP was not (p = 0.7). TXNIP was significantly upregulated in STEMI-ACS patients compared to CSA (p = 0.045) and NSTEMI ACS (p = 0.046), among non-diabetic (p = 0.023) smokers (p = 0.036) with hypertension (p = 0.005) and hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.001). ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis revealed that PIK3C2A (0.981; p < 0.001; 98.18) was the most sensitive mRNA for discriminating ACS from control, followed by TXNIP (0.775; p < 0.001; 70.91). However, for discriminating ACS from CSA combined mRNAs, (PIK3C2A + TXNIP) (0.893; p < 0.001; 98.18) and PIK3C2A (0.892; p < 0.001; 81.82) are promising biomarkers. On the other hand, the most sensitive mRNA for differentiating CSA from control is mRNAs (PIK3C2A + TXNIP) (0.963; p < 0.001; 95), then TXINP (81.3; p < 0.001; 93.33), and finally, PIK3C2A (0.782; p < 0.001; 81.67). In the multivariate regression model, PIK3C2A ((p = 0.002), 0.118 (0.031–0.445)) and smoking status ((p = 0.034); 0.151 (0.026–0.866)) were independent variables for ACS. Moreover, PIK3C2A ((p < 0.013); 0.706 (0.614–0.812)), Hb ((p = 0.013); 0.525 (0.317–0.871)), and total cholesterol ((p = 0.04); 0.865 (0.784–0.955)) were significantly (p < 0.05) and independently related to the prognosis of CSA. Furthermore, PIK3C2A ((p = 0.002), 0.923 (0.877–0.971)), TXNIP ((p = 0.001); 2.809 (1.558–5.064)) the body weight ((p = 0.033); 1.254 (1.018–1.544)) were independently associated with CSA. Conclusions: Our study concluded that the dysregulated mRNA PIK3C2A and TXNIP gene expressions may be useful in diagnosis of CAD and prediction of ACS development.
Prognostic Value of CAV1 and CAV2 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: He Jingyu , Ouyang Simin , Zhao Yilong , Liu Yuqi , Liu Yaolong , Zhou Bing , Man Qiwen , Liu Bing , Wu Tianfu
Published: February 2023

Background: The CAV family, especially CAV1 and CAV2, is significantly associated with tumor development. In this study, we aimed to explore the pathogenic and prognostic roles of CAV1 and CAV2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through bioinformatic analysis and verified in human tissue. Methods: We analyzed expression profiles of CAV1 and CAV2 in HNSCC and in normal tissues via data from The Cancer Genome Altas. Prognostic significance was examined by Kaplan–Meier survival curve obtained from the Xena browser together with Cox regression analysis. Co-expressed genes were uploaded to GeneMANIA and applied to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses, showing interaction networks. Signaling pathways of CAV1 and CAV2 in HNSCC were analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to elucidate potential regulatory mechanisms. Gene–drug interaction network was explored via Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Immunohistochemistry was performed to verify theoretical results. Results: Compared with normal tissues, expression levels of CAV1 and CAV2 were remarkably higher in HNSCC (p < 0.0001), which independently implies poor OS (CAV1: HR: 1.146, p = 0.027; CAV2: HR: 1.408, p = 0.002). Co-expressed genes (PXN, ITGA3, TES, and MET) were identified and analyzed by FunRich with CAV1 and CAV2, revealing a significant correlation with focal adhesion (p < 0.001), which has a vital influence on cancer progression. GSEA also showed cellular protein catabolic process (ES = 0.42) and proteasome complex (ES = 0.72), which is a key degradation system for proteins involved in oxidatively damaging and cell cycle and transcription, closely correlated with high expression of CAV2 in HNSCC. More importantly, we found the relationship between different immune cell infiltration degrees in the immune micro-environment in HNSCC and expression levels of CAV1/CAV2 (p < 0.0001). Gene–drug interaction network was checked via CTD. Moreover, tissue microarrays verified higher expression levels of CAV1/CAV2 in HNSCC (p < 0.0001), and the high expression subgroup indicated significantly poorer clinical outcomes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results revealed that CAV1 and CAV2 are typically upregulated in HNSCC and might predict poor prognosis.
Factors and Methods for the Detection of Gene Expression Regulation
Authors: Wang Mengyuan , Li Qian , Liu Lingbo
Published: February 2023

Gene-expression regulation involves multiple processes and a range of regulatory factors. In this review, we describe the key factors that regulate gene expression, including transcription factors (TFs), chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and RNA modifications. In addition, we also describe methods that can be used to detect these regulatory factors.
LRRK2 Kinase Inhibition Attenuates Astrocytic Activation in Response to Amyloid β1-42 Fibrils
Authors: Filippini Alice , Salvi Valentina , Dattilo Vincenzo , Magri Chiara , Castrezzati Stefania , Veerhuis Robert , Bosisio Daniela , Gennarelli Massimo , Russo Isabella
Published: February 2023

Intracerebral accumulation of amyloid-β in the extracellular plaques of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains represents the main cause of reactive astrogliosis and neuroinflammatory response. Of relevance, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), a kinase linked to genetic and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD), has been identified as a positive mediator of neuroinflammation upon different inflammatory stimuli, however its pathogenicity in AD remains mainly unexplored. In this study, by using pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2 and murine primary astrocytes, we explored whether LRRK2 regulates astrocytic activation in response to amyloid-β1-42 (Aβ1-42). Our results showed that murine primary astrocytes become reactive and recruit serine 935 phosphorylated LRRK2 upon Aβ1-42 fibril exposure. Moreover, we found that pharmacological inhibition of LRRK2, with two different kinase inhibitors, can attenuate Aβ1-42-mediated inflammation and favor the clearance of Aβ1-42 fibrils in astrocytes. Overall, our findings report that LRRK2 kinase activity modulates astrocytic reactivity and functions in the presence of Aβ1-42 deposits and indicate that PD-linked LRRK2 might contribute to AD-related neuroinflammation and pathogenesis.
Quantification of Cycling Smoothness in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Behboodi Ahad , Sansare Ashwini , Lee Samuel C. K.
Published: February 2023

Smoothness is a hallmark of skilled, coordinated movement, however, mathematically quantifying movement smoothness is nuanced. Several smoothness metrics exist, each having its own limitations and may be specific to a particular motion such as upper limb reaching. To date, there is no consensus on which smoothness metric is the most appropriate for assessing cycling motion in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We evaluated the ability of four preexisting metrics, dimensionless jerk, spectral arc length measure, roughness index, and cross-correlation; and two new metrics, arc length and root mean square error, to quantify the smoothness of cycling in a preexisting dataset from children with CP (mean age 13.7 ± 2.6 years). First, to measure the repeatability of each measure in distinguishing between different levels of un-smoothness, we applied each metric to a set of simulated crank motion signals with a known number of aberrant revolutions using subjects’ actual crank angle data. Second, we used discriminant function analysis to statistically compare the strength of the six metrics, relative to each other, to discriminate between a smooth cycling motion obtained from a dataset of typically developed children (TD), the control group (mean age 14.9 ± 1.4 years), and a less smooth, halted cycling motion obtained from children with CP. Our results show that (1) ArcL showed the highest repeatability in accurately quantifying an unsmooth motion when the same cycling revolutions were presented in a different order, and (2) ArcL and DJ had the highest discriminatory ability to differentiate between an unsmooth and smooth cycling motion. Combining the results from the repeatability and discriminatory analysis, ArcL was the most repeatable and sensitive metric in identifying unsmooth, halted cycling motion from smooth motion. ArcL can hence be used as a metric in future studies to quantify changes in the smoothness of cycling motion pre- vs. post-interventions. Further, this metric may serve as a tool to track motor recovery not just in individuals with CP but in other patient populations with similar neurological deficits that may present with halted, unsmooth cycling motion.
Targeting Mitochondrial IDH2 Enhances Antitumor Activity of Cisplatin in Lung Cancer via ROS-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Li He , Li Jiang-jiang , Lu Wenhua , Yang Jing , Xia Yunfei , Huang Peng
Published: February 2023

Mitochondrial isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) is an important metabolic enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle. Our previous study showed that high expression of wild-type IDH2 promotes the proliferation of lung cancer cells. This study aims to test the potential of targeting IDH2 as a therapeutic strategy to inhibit lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. First, we analyzed the available data from the databases gene expression omnibus (GEO) database to evaluate the clinical relevance of IDH2 expression in affecting lung cancer patient survival. We then generated a stable IDH2-knockdown lung cancer cell line using a lentivirus-based method for in vitro and in vivo study. Cell growth, apoptosis, cell viability, and colony formation assays were conducted to test the sensitivity of lung cancer cells with different IDH2 expression status to cisplatin or radiation treatment in vitro. For mechanistic study, Cellular oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates were measured using a Seahorse metabolic analyzer, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was analyzed using flow cytometry. An animal study using a xenograft tumor model was performed to further evaluate the in vivo therapeutic effect on tumor growth. We found that high IDH2 expression was associated with poor survival in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Inhibition of IDH2 significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of cisplatin and also increased the effect of radiation against lung cancer cells. IDH2 was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells, which could be sensitized by targeted inhibition of IDH2. Mechanistic study showed that abrogation of IDH2 caused only minimal changes in oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in lung cancer cells, but induced a significant increase in ROS, which rendered the cancer cells more sensitive to cisplatin. Pretreatment of lung cancer cells with the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine could partially rescue cells from the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin and IDH2 inhibition. Importantly, abrogation of IDH2 significantly increased the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to cisplatin in vivo.
Coverage Optimization of Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network Based on Improved Wild Horse Optimizer
Authors: Zeng Chuijie , Qin Tao , Tan Wei , Lin Chuan , Zhu Zhaoqiang , Yang Jing , Yuan Shangwei
Published: February 2023

One of the most important challenges for heterogeneous wireless sensor networks (HWSNs) is adequate network coverage and connectivity. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes an improved wild horse optimizer algorithm (IWHO). Firstly, the population’s variety is increased by using the SPM chaotic mapping at initialization; secondly, the WHO and Golden Sine Algorithm (Golden-SA) are hybridized to improve the WHO’s accuracy and arrive at faster convergence; Thirdly, the IWHO can escape from a local optimum and broaden the search space by using opposition-based learning and the Cauchy variation strategy. The results indicate that the IWHO has the best capacity for optimization by contrasting the simulation tests with seven algorithms on 23 test functions. Finally, three sets of coverage optimization experiments in different simulated environments are designed to test the effectiveness of this algorithm. The validation results demonstrate that the IWHO can achieve better and more effective sensor connectivity and coverage ratio compared to that of several algorithms. After optimization, the HWSN’s coverage and connectivity ratio attained 98.51% and 20.04%, and after adding obstacles, 97.79% and 17.44%, respectively.
In Vitro Tumor Models on Chip and Integrated Microphysiological Analysis Platform (MAP) for Life Sciences and High-Throughput Drug Screening
Authors: Ngo Huyen , Amartumur Sarnai , Tran Van Thi Ai , Tran Minh , Diep Yen N. , Cho Hansang , Lee Luke P.
Published: February 2023

The evolution of preclinical in vitro cancer models has led to the emergence of human cancer-on-chip or microphysiological analysis platforms (MAPs). Although it has numerous advantages compared to other models, cancer-on-chip technology still faces several challenges such as the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and integrating multiple organs to be widely accepted in cancer research and therapeutics. In this review, we highlight the advancements in cancer-on-chip technology in recapitulating the vital biological features of various cancer types and their applications in life sciences and high-throughput drug screening. We present advances in reconstituting the tumor microenvironment and modeling cancer stages in breast, brain, and other types of cancer. We also discuss the relevance of MAPs in cancer modeling and precision medicine such as effect of flow on cancer growth and the short culture period compared to clinics. The advanced MAPs provide high-throughput platforms with integrated biosensors to monitor real-time cellular responses applied in drug development. We envision that the integrated cancer MAPs has a promising future with regard to cancer research, including cancer biology, drug discovery, and personalized medicine.
Outer Membrane Integrity-Dependent Fluorescence of the Japanese Eel UnaG Protein in Live Escherichia coli Cells
Authors: Richard Céline S. M. , Dey Hymonti , Øyen Frode , Maqsood Munazza , Blencke Hans-Matti
Published: February 2023

Reporter genes are important tools in many biological disciplines. The discovery of novel reporter genes is relatively rare. However, known reporter genes are constantly applied to novel applications. This study reports the performance of the bilirubin-dependent fluorescent protein UnaG from the Japanese eel Anguilla japonicas in live Escherichia coli cells in response to the disruption of outer membrane (OM) integrity at low bilirubin (BR) concentrations. Using the E. coli wild-type strain MC4100, its isogenic OM-deficient mutant strain NR698, and different OM-active compounds, we show that BR uptake and UnaG fluorescence depend on a leaky OM at concentrations of 10 µM BR and below, while fluorescence is mostly OM integrity-independent at concentrations above 50 µM BR. We suggest that these properties of the UnaG–BR couple might be applied as a biosensor as an alternative to the OM integrity assays currently in use.
Could Vitamins Have a Positive Impact on the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Sandeep  , Sahu Manas , Rani Linchi , Kharat Arun , Mondal Amal
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. Pathophysiologically, it is characterized by intracytoplasmic aggregates of α-synuclein protein in the Lewy body and loss of dopaminergic neurons from substantia nigra pars compacta and striatum regions of the brain. Although the exact mechanism of neurodegeneration is not fully elucidated, it has been reported that environmental toxins such as MPTP, rotenone, paraquat, and MPP+ induce oxidative stress, which is one of the causative factors for it. To date, there is no complete cure. However, the indispensable role of oxidative stress in mediating PD indicates that antioxidant therapy could be a possible therapeutic strategy against the disease. The deficiency of vitamins has been extensively co-related to PD. Dietary supplementation of vitamins with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and free radical scavenging properties could be the potential neuroprotective therapeutic strategy. This review summarizes the studies that evaluated the role of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, and K) in PD. It will guide future studies in understanding the potential therapeutic role of vitamins in disease pathophysiology and may provide a framework for designing treatment strategies against the disease.
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Migraine in Adolescents. A Retrospective Analysis of the Population Attending the Headache Center in Different Phases of the Pandemic
Authors: Checchi Martina Proietti , Tarantino Samuela , Ursitti Fabiana , Monte Gabriele , Moavero Romina , Sforza Giorgia , Ferilli Michela Ada Noris , Grimaldi Capitello Teresa , Vigevano Federico , Valeriani Massimiliano , Papetti Laura
Published: February 2023

Background: Literature data report that the first COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the progression of migraine both in adults and children. The present study aimed to verify how the migraine course and psychological aspects varied in adolescent patients in relation to some of the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and compared with the months before COVID-19. In addition, the relationship between the characteristics of headache episodes and psychological and school-related aspects were analyzed. Methods: The study included 418 adolescents. Based on the timing of the evaluation, they were categorized into patients observed before the COVID-19 pandemic (pre COVID) or during the first (COVID 1) or second (COVID 2) wave of the pandemic. Subjects were also categorized into three further groups: those who had high or low frequency of migraine attacks during the month, those who had mild or severe pain during the attack, and those who were taking prophylactic drugs. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scales were utilized to assess depression and anxiety. Results: We observed a significant increase in the frequency of attacks and the use of prophylactic drugs during the COVID 2 period compared to the COVID 1 and pre-COVID periods (p < 0.05). Patients showed higher levels of anxiety and depression during each of the two COVID periods compared with the pre-COVID months (p < 0.05), especially during the COVID 2 period (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results show long-term negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical parameters and psychological symptoms in adolescents with migraine.
Building and Architectural Details of Tenement Houses Built at the Turn of the 19th and 20th Centuries in Central European Region—Hygrothermal Analysis
Authors: Kroftova Klara , Zigler Radek
Published: February 2023

Restoring historic buildings is a challenging task in an environment where any insensitive or unprofessional intervention can cause irreparable damage. Among the most important demands currently placed on the construction industry are the protection of structural details, materials and technologies, and the extension of the life of these historic buildings. In this context, we should mention the protection of the high number of tenement buildings in European cities from the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries, whose structural quality is relatively high and where many other building details and elements have been preserved. The brick dwellings of the period, which are between 85 and 170 years old, do not fully comply with many of the requirements and provisions of the current regulations and standards. The serious shortcomings of brick tenement buildings include, among other things, the inadequate thermal resistance of the envelope and infill structures and the high energy consumption of the operation of these buildings. This paper focuses on analysing this situation and defining the requirements for renovation, while preserving the architectural and historical values of urban buildings; achieving acceptable compliance with the requirements and provisions of the currently applicable regulations and standards; and demonstrating cost-effectiveness.
Correction: Chen et al. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) Modulates Autophagy and Oxidative DNA Damage Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Overcome Sorafenib Resistance via TLR9/SOD1/hsa-miR-30a-5p/Beclin-1 Axis. Cancers 2021, 13, 3227
Authors: Chen Ming-Yao , Yadav Vijesh Kumar , Chu Yi Cheng , Ong Jiann Ruey , Huang Ting-Yi , Lee Kwai-Fong , Lee Kuen-Haur , Yeh Chi-Tai , Lee Wei-Hwa
Published: February 2023

Error in Figure [...]
Ki67 as a Predictor of Response to PARP Inhibitors in Platinum Sensitive BRCA Wild Type Ovarian Cancer: The MITO 37 Retrospective Study
Authors: Tuninetti Valentina , Ghisoni Eleonora , Pignata Sandro , Picardo Elisa , Raspagliesi Francesco , Andreetta Claudia , Maldi Elena , Artioli Grazia , Mammoliti Serafina , Zanchi Lucia , Sikokis Angelica , Biglia Nicoletta , Parisi Alessandro , Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Carella Claudia , Cormio Gennaro , Marinaccio Marco , Puppo Andrea , Paolini Biagio , Borsotti Lucia , Scotto Giulia , Turinetto Margherita , Sangiolo Dario , Di Maio Massimo , Valabrega Giorgio
Published: February 2023

Background: There is compelling need for novel biomarkers to predict response to PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in BRCA wild-type (WT) ovarian cancer (OC). Methods: MITO 37 is a multicenter retrospective study aiming at correlating Ki67 expression at diagnosis with a clinical outcome following platinum treatment and PARPi maintenance. Clinical data were collected from high grade serous or endometroid BRCAWT OC treated with niraparib or rucaparib maintenance between 2010–2021 in 15 centers. Ki67 expression was assessed locally by certified pathologists on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues. Median Ki67 was used as a cut-off. Results: A total of 136 patients were eligible and included in the analysis. Median Ki67 was 45.7% (range 1.0–99.9). The best response to platinum according to median Ki67 was 26.5% vs. 39.7% complete response (CR), 69.1% vs. 58.8% partial response (PR), 4.4% vs. 1.5% stable disease (SD). The best response to PARPi according to median Ki67 was 19.1% vs. 36.8% CR, 26.5% vs. 26.5% PR, 26.5 vs. 25% SD, 27.9% vs. 16.2% progressive disease (PD). No statistically significant differences in progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were identified between low and high Ki67. PFS and OS are in line with registration trials. Conclusions: Ki67 at diagnosis did not discriminate responders to PARPi.
Multi-Targeted Neutron Capture Therapy Combined with an 18 kDa Translocator Protein-Targeted Boron Compound Is an Effective Strategy in a Rat Brain Tumor Model
Authors: Kashiwagi Hideki , Hattori Yoshihide , Kawabata Shinji , Kayama Ryo , Yoshimura Kohei , Fukuo Yusuke , Kanemitsu Takuya , Shiba Hiroyuki , Hiramatsu Ryo , Takami Toshihiro , Takata Takushi , Tanaka Hiroki , Watanabe Tsubasa , Suzuki Minoru , Hu Naonori , Miyatake Shin-Ichi , Kirihata Mitsunori , Wanibuchi Masahiko
Published: February 2023

Background: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has been adapted to high-grade gliomas (HG); however, some gliomas are refractory to BNCT using boronophenylalanine (BPA). In this study, the feasibility of BNCT targeting the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) expressed in glioblastoma and surrounding environmental cells was investigated. Methods: Three rat glioma cell lines, an F98 rat glioma bearing brain tumor model, DPA-BSTPG which is a boron-10 compound targeting TSPO, BPA, and sodium borocaptate (BSH) were used. TSPO expression was evaluated in the F98 rat glioma model. Boron uptake was assessed in three rat glioma cell lines and in the F98 rat glioma model. In vitro and in vivo neutron irradiation experiments were performed. Results: DPA-BSTPG was efficiently taken up in vitro. The brain tumor has 16-fold higher TSPO expressions than its brain tissue. The compound biological effectiveness value of DPA-BSTPG was 8.43 to F98 rat glioma cells. The boron concentration in the tumor using DPA-BSTPG convection-enhanced delivery (CED) administration was approximately twice as high as using BPA intravenous administration. BNCT using DPA-BSTPG has significant efficacy over the untreated group. BNCT using a combination of BPA and DPA-BSTPG gained significantly longer survival times than using BPA alone. Conclusion: DPA-BSTPG in combination with BPA may provide the multi-targeted neutron capture therapy against HG.
Correction: von Eyben et al. A Risk Model for Patients with PSA-Only Recurrence (Biochemical Recurrence) Based on PSA and PSMA PET/CT: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. Cancers 2022, 14, 5461
Authors: von Eyben Rie , Kapp Daniel S. , Hoffmann Manuela Andrea , Soydal Cigdem , Uprimny Christian , Virgolini Irene , Tuncel Murat , Gauthé Mathieu , von Eyben Finn E.
Published: February 2023

In the original publication [...]
Micro-Arcs Oxidation Layer Formation on Aluminium and Coatings Tribological Properties—A Review
Authors: Rodriguez Louis , Paris Jean-Yves , Denape Jean , Delbé Karl
Published: February 2023

This review proposes to carry out a state-of-the-art associated with micro-arc oxidation. Firstly, the different aspects of the growth mechanisms of the oxides are detailed. Then, the formation of micro-arcs and the case of soft-spark treatment are discussed. Then, the electrolytic reactions involved in the layer construction are outlined. We focused on the influence of aluminium alloys on the appearance of the coating and its characteristics before considering the electrolyte formulation. We have concentrated some of our efforts on silicate-based electrolytes, mainly used in research and industry. The importance of electrical parameters in layer formation is detailed later. The main factors studied in the literature are the current source, current density, treatment frequency and duration, and duty cycle. We have also noted the different phase compositions identified in the literature. Finally, since the process is particularly advantageous for protecting the surfaces of aluminium parts against wear, we conclude this review by presenting work on the tribological properties of this coating. In this final section, we highlight the work on the wear-reducing properties and tribological mechanisms identified in the literature. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the nature of the substrates used, the role of the electrolyte and the counterpart choice on the friction and wear results.
Active and Programmable Metasurfaces with Semiconductor Materials and Devices
Authors: Cui Can , Ma Junqing , Chen Kai , Wang Xinjie , Sun Tao , Wang Qingpu , Zhang Xijian , Zhang Yifei
Published: February 2023

Active metasurfaces provide promising tunabilities to artificial meta−atoms with unnatural optical properties and have found important applications in dynamic cloaking, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, etc. As the development of semiconductor technologies, electrically controlled metasurfaces with semiconductor materials and devices have become the most promising candidate for the dynamic and programmable applications due to the large modulation range, compact footprint, pixel−control capability, and small switching time. Here, a technical review of active and programmable metasurfaces is given in terms of semiconductors, which consists of metasurfaces with diodes, transistors, and newly rising semiconductor materials. Physical models, equivalent circuits, recent advances, and development trends are discussed collectively and critically. This review represents a broad introduction for readers just entering this interesting field and provides perspective and depth for those well−established.