bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Shear Performance of Short Stud Shear Connectors in Steel–UHPC Composite Beams
Authors: Fang Zhen , Fang Shu , Liu Feng
Published: April 2022

Steel–ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) composite beams offer numerous advantages, such as structural self-weight reduction, bending stiffness improvement, and tensile cracking limitation in slabs. However, few studies have focused on the shear performance of short stud shear connectors in steel–UHPC composite structures. To this end, push-out tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of slab thickness, stud diameter, and casting method on the failure mode, load–slip relationship, ultimate shear strength, shear stiffness, and ductility. The test results indicate that by increasing the slab thickness from 50 to 75 mm, the stud shear capacity and initial shear stiffness were improved by 11.38% and 23.28%, respectively. The stud shear capacity and initial shear stiffness for specimens with stud diameters of 25 mm were 1.29 and 1.23 times that of their 22-mm-diameter counterparts. In addition, adopting precast UHPC slabs could achieve comparative shear resistance (94.91%) but a better slip capacity (108.94%) than those containing conventional monolithic cast slabs. Based on the experimental results, a finite element (FE) model was established to reflect the plastic behavior of the tests and the damage process in the short stud shear connectors. Based on the validated FE model, a parameter study was then performed to further explore the influence of the stud diameter, stud tensile strength, steel beam tensile strength, monolithic slab concrete strength, precast slab concrete strength, and shear pocket concrete strength on the shear performance of short studs in steel–UHPC composite structures.
Reduction of Metastasis via Epigenetic Modulation in a Murine Model of Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Authors: Zylla Jessica L. S. , Hoffman Mariah M. , Plesselova Simona , Bhattacharya Somshuvra , Calar Kristin , Afeworki Yohannes , de la Puente Pilar , Gnimpieba Etienne Z. , Miskimins W. Keith , Messerli Shanta M.
Published: March 2022

This study investigates the effects of a dual selective Class I histone deacetylase (HDAC)/lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (LSD1) inhibitor known as 4SC-202 (Domatinostat) on tumor growth and metastasis in a highly metastatic murine model of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). 4SC-202 is cytotoxic and cytostatic to the TNBC murine cell line 4T1 and the human TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231; the drug does not kill the normal breast epithelial cell line MCF10A. Furthermore, 4SC-202 reduces cancer cell migration. In vivo studies conducted in the syngeneic 4T1 model, which closely mimics human TNBC in terms of sites of metastasis, reveal reduced tumor burden and lung metastasis. The mechanism of action of 4SC-202 may involve effects on cancer stem cells (CSC) which can self-renew and form metastatic lesions. Approximately 5% of the total 4T1 cell population grown in three-dimensional scaffolds had a distinct CD44high/CD24low CSC profile which decreased after treatment. Bulk transcriptome (RNA) sequencing analyses of 4T1 tumors reveal changes in metastasis-related pathways in 4SC-202-treated tumors, including changes to expression levels of genes implicated in cell migration and cell motility. In summary, 4SC-202 treatment of tumors from a highly metastatic murine model of TNBC reduces metastasis and warrants further preclinical studies.
Next Generation Plasma Proteomics Identifies High-Precision Biomarker Candidates for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Gyllensten Ulf , Hedlund-Lindberg Julia , Svensson Johanna , Manninen Johanna , Öst Torbjörn , Ramsell Jon , Åslin Matilda , Ivansson Emma , Lomnytska Marta , Lycke Maria , Axelsson Tomas , Liljedahl Ulrika , Nordlund Jessica , Edqvist Per-Henrik , Sjöblom Tobias , Uhlén Mathias , Stålberg Karin , Sundfeldt Karin , Åberg Mikael , Enroth Stefan
Published: March 2022

Background: Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer among women and has a 5-year survival of only 30–50%. The survival is close to 90% for patients in stage I but only 20% for patients in stage IV. The presently available biomarkers have insufficient sensitivity and specificity for early detection and there is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers. Methods: We employed the Explore PEA technology for high-precision analysis of 1463 plasma proteins and conducted a discovery and replication study using two clinical cohorts of previously untreated patients with benign or malignant ovarian tumours (N = 111 and N = 37). Results: The discovery analysis identified 32 proteins that had significantly higher levels in malignant cases as compared to benign diagnoses, and for 28 of these, the association was replicated in the second cohort. Multivariate modelling identified three highly accurate models based on 4 to 7 proteins each for separating benign tumours from early-stage and/or late-stage ovarian cancers, all with AUCs above 0.96 in the replication cohort. We also developed a model for separating the early-stage from the late-stage achieving an AUC of 0.81 in the replication cohort. These models were based on eleven proteins in total (ALPP, CXCL8, DPY30, IL6, IL12, KRT19, PAEP, TSPAN1, SIGLEC5, VTCN1, and WFDC2), notably without MUCIN-16. The majority of the associated proteins have been connected to ovarian cancer but not identified as potential biomarkers. Conclusions: The results show the ability of using high-precision proteomics for the identification of novel plasma protein biomarker candidates for the early detection of ovarian cancer.
Ibrutinib Associated with Rituximab-Platinum Salt-Based Immunochemotherapy in B-Cell Lymphomas: Results of a Phase 1b-II Study of the LYSA Group
Authors: Bonnet Christophe , Dupuis Jehan , Tilly Hervé , Lamy Thierry , Fruchart Christophe , le Gouill Steven , Thieblemont Catherine , Morschhauser Franck , Casasnovas Olivier , Bouabdallah Krimo , Ghesquieres Hervé , Van Den Neste Eric , André Marc , Cartron Guillaume , Salles Gilles
Published: March 2022

In the post-rituximab era, patients with relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma (R/R B-NHL) responding to a platinum salt-based salvage regimen can potentially be cured after intensification followed by autologous stem cell transplantation, with the quality of the response to salvage predicting survival. The Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib, given as monotherapy or combined with other molecules, has proven effective in numerous B-cell lymphomas. To evaluate the safety of the combination of ibrutinib, rituximab, dexamethasone, and cytarabine with either cisplatin (R-DHAP) or oxaliplatin (R-DHAOx), we conducted a multicenter Phase 1b-II study in transplant-eligible R/R B-NHL patients, with ibrutinib given using a 3-by-3 dose-escalation design. The combination of R-DHAP and ibrutinib (given from Day 1 to Day 21 of each cycle) was associated with dose-limiting hematological, infectious, and renal toxicities, while we were unable to reach a dose to recommend for Phase II. R-DHAOx could only be combined with a daily dosage of 280 mg ibrutinib when administered continuously. R-DHAP combined with intermittent ibrutinib administration (from Day 5 to Day 18) was found to be highly toxic. On the other hand, when this administration schedule was combined with R-DHAOx, ibrutinib dosing could be increased up to 560 mg but with relevant toxicities. Despite a strong rationale for combining ibrutinib and R-DHAP/R-DHAOx, as both target lymphoma B-cells by different mechanisms, this approach was limited by significant toxicities.
miR-214-3p Is Commonly Downregulated by EWS-FLI1 and by CD99 and Its Restoration Limits Ewing Sarcoma Aggressiveness
Authors: De Feo Alessandra , Pazzaglia Laura , Ciuffarin Lisa , Mangiagli Fabio , Pasello Michela , Simonetti Elisa , Pellegrini Evelin , Ferrari Cristina , Bianchi Giuseppe , Spazzoli Benedetta , Scotlandi Katia
Published: March 2022

Ewing’s sarcoma (EWS), an aggressive pediatric bone and soft-tissue sarcoma, has a very stable genome with very few genetic alterations. Unlike in most cancers, the progression of EWS appears to depend on epigenetic alterations. EWS–FLI1 and CD99, the two hallmarks of EWS, are reported to severely impact the malignancy of EWS cells, at least partly by regulating the expression of several types of non-coding RNAs. Here, we identify miR-214-3p as a common mediator of either EWS-FLI1 or CD99 by in silico analysis. MiR-214-3p expression was lower in EWS cells and in clinical samples than in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and this miRNA was barely expressed in metastatic lesions. Silencing of EWS-FLI1 or CD99 restored the expression of miR-214-3p, leading to a reduced cell growth and migration. Mechanistically, miR-214-3p restoration inhibits the expression of the high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) protein, a validated target of miR-214-3p and a major regulator of the transcriptional machinery. The decrease in HMGA1 expression reduced the growth and the migration of EWS cells. Taken together, our results support that the miR-214-3p is constitutively repressed by both EWS-FLI1 and CD99 because it acts as an oncosuppressor limiting the dissemination of EWS cells.
Inhibiting Endothelin Receptors with Macitentan Strengthens the Bone Protective Action of RANKL Inhibition and Reduces Metastatic Dissemination in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Muñoz-Garcia Javier , Vargas-Franco Jorge William , Royer Bénédicte Brounais-Le , Cochonneau Denis , Amiaud Jérôme , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Heymann Dominique , Lézot Frédéric
Published: March 2022

Current treatments for osteosarcoma, combining conventional polychemotherapy and surgery, make it possible to attain a five-year survival rate of 70% in affected individuals. The presence of chemoresistance and metastases significantly shorten the patient’s lifespan, making identification of new therapeutic tools essential. Inhibiting bone resorption has been shown to be an efficient adjuvant strategy impacting the metastatic dissemination of osteosarcoma, tumor growth, and associated bone destruction. Unfortunately, over-apposition of mineralized matrix by normal and tumoral osteoblasts was associated with this inhibition. Endothelin signaling is implicated in the functional differentiation of osteoblasts, raising the question of the potential value of inhibiting it alone, or in combination with bone resorption repression. Using mouse models of osteosarcoma, the impact of macitentan, an endothelin receptor inhibitor, was evaluated regarding tumor growth, metastatic dissemination, matrix over-apposition secondary to RANKL blockade, and safety when combined with chemotherapy. The results showed that macitentan has no impact on tumor growth or sensitivity to ifosfamide, but significantly reduces tumoral osteoid tissue formation and the metastatic capacity of the osteosarcoma. To conclude, macitentan appears to be a promising therapeutic adjuvant for osteosarcoma alone or associated with bone resorption inhibitors.
Metagenomic Approaches as a Tool to Unravel Promising Biocatalysts from Natural Resources: Soil and Water
Authors: Sousa Joana , Silvério Sara C. , Costa Angela M. A. , Rodrigues Ligia R.
Published: March 2022

Natural resources are considered a promising source of microorganisms responsible for producing biocatalysts with great relevance in several industrial areas. However, a significant fraction of the environmental microorganisms remains unknown or unexploited due to the limitations associated with their cultivation in the laboratory through classical techniques. Metagenomics has emerged as an innovative and strategic approach to explore these unculturable microorganisms through the analysis of DNA extracted from environmental samples. In this review, a detailed discussion is presented on the application of metagenomics to unravel the biotechnological potential of natural resources for the discovery of promising biocatalysts. An extensive bibliographic survey was carried out between 2010 and 2021, covering diverse metagenomic studies using soil and/or water samples from different types and locations. The review comprises, for the first time, an overview of the worldwide metagenomic studies performed in soil and water and provides a complete and global vision of the enzyme diversity associated with each specific environment.
Highly Efficient Asymmetric Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reaction Promoted by Chiral Aziridine-Phosphines
Authors: Buchcic-Szychowska Aleksandra , Zawisza Anna , Leśniak Stanisław , Rachwalski Michał
Published: April 2022

Continuing our research on the use of organophosphorus derivatives of aziridines in asymmetric synthesis and expanding the scope of their applicability, chiral aziridine-phosphines obtained earlier in our laboratory were used as chiral catalysts in the asymmetric Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction of methyl vinyl ketone and methyl acrylate with various aromatic aldehydes. The desired chiral products were formed in moderate to high chemical yields and with enantiomeric excess reaching value of 98% ee in some cases. The use of catalysts being pairs of enantiomers led to the desired products with opposite absolute configurations.
Chemerin Effect on the Endometrial Proteome of the Domestic Pig during Implantation Obtained by LC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Orzechowska Kinga , Dobrzyń Kamil , Kieżun Marta , Malinowska Agata , Świderska Bianka , Kamiński Tadeusz , Smolińska Nina
Published: March 2022

Chemerin (CHEM) is a hormone mainly expressed in adipocytes involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and inflammatory response. CHEM expression has been demonstrated in the structures of the porcine hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, as well as in the uterus, trophoblasts and conceptuses of pigs. In this study, we performed high-throughput proteomic analyses (liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, LC-MS/MS) to examine the influence of CHEM (400 ng/mL) on differentially regulated proteins (DRPs) in the porcine endometrial tissue explants during implantation (15 to 16 days of gestation). Among all 352 DRPs, 164 were up-regulated and 188 were down-regulated in CHEM-treated group. DRPs were assigned to 47 gene ontology (GO) terms (p-adjusted < 0.05). Validation of four DRPs (IFIT5, TGFβ1, ACO1 and PGRMC1) by Western blot analysis confirmed the veracity and accuracy of the LC-MS/MS method used in the present study. We suggest that CHEM, by modulating various protein expressions, takes part in the endometrial cell proliferation, migration and invasion at the time of implantation. It also regulates the endometrial immune response, sensitivity to P4 and the formation of new blood vessels. Additionally, CHEM appears to be an important factor involved in endothelial cell dysfunction during the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. The identification of a large number of DRPs under the influence of CHEM provides a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms of this hormone action during implantation, which is a prerequisite for better control of pig reproduction.
Identification, Structural, and Expression Analyses of SPX Genes in Giant Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) Reveals Its Role in Response to Low Phosphorus and Nitrogen Stresses
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Zhao Xuyao , Chen Yan , Li Gaojie , Li Xiaozhe , Xia Manli , Sun Zuoliang , Chen Yimeng , Li Yixian , Yao Lunguang , Hou Hongwei
Published: March 2022

SPX genes play important roles in the coordinated utilization of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in plants. However, a genome-wide analysis of the SPX family is still lacking. In this study, the gene structure and phylogenetic relationship of 160 SPX genes were systematically analyzed at the genome-wide level. Results revealed that SPX genes were highly conserved in plants. All SPX genes contained the conserved SPX domain containing motifs 2, 3, 4, and 8. The 160 SPX genes were divided into five clades and the SPX genes within the same clade shared a similar motif composition. P1BS cis–elements showed a high frequency in the promoter region of SPXs, indicating that SPX genes could interact with the P signal center regulatory gene Phosphate Starvation Response1 (PHR1) in response to low P stress. Other cis–elements were also involved in plant development and biotic/abiotic stress, suggesting the functional diversity of SPXs. Further studies were conducted on the interaction network of three SpSPXs, revealing that these genes could interact with important components of the P signaling network. The expression profiles showed that SpSPXs responded sensitively to N and P deficiency stresses, thus playing a key regulatory function in P and N metabolism. Furthermore, the expression of SpSPXs under P and N deficiency stresses could be affected by environmental factors such as ABA treatment, osmotic, and LT stresses. Our study suggested that SpSPXs could be good candidates for enhancing the uptake ability of Spirodela polyrhiza for P nutrients in wastewater. These findings could broaden the understanding of the evolution and biological function of the SPX family and offer a foundation to further investigate this family in plants.
Phenotypical Screening on Neuronal Plasticity in Hippocampal-Prefrontal Cortex Connectivity Reveals an Antipsychotic with a Novel Profile
Authors: Spedding Michael , Sebban Claude , Jay Thérèse M. , Rocher Cyril , Tesolin-Decros Brigitte , Chazot Paul , Schenker Esther , Szénási Gabor , Lévay György I. , Megyeri Katalin , Barkóczy Jozsef , Hársing Laszlo G. , Thomson Ian , Cunningham Mark O. , Whittington Miles A. , Etherington Lori-An , Lambert Jeremy J. , Antoni Ferenc A. , Gacsályi Istvan
Published: April 2022

Dysfunction in the hippocampus-prefrontal cortex (H-PFC) circuit is a critical determinant of schizophrenia. Screening of pyridazinone-risperidone hybrids on this circuit revealed EGIS 11150 (S 36549). EGIS 11150 induced theta rhythm in hippocampal slice preparations in the stratum lacunosum molecular area of CA1, which was resistant to atropine and prazosin. EGIS 11150 enhanced H-PFC coherence, and increased the 8–9 Hz theta band of the EEG power spectrum (from 0.002 mg/kg i.p, at >30× lower doses than clozapine, and >100× for olanzapine, risperidone, or haloperidol). EGIS 11150 fully blocked the effects of phencyclidine (PCP) or ketamine on EEG. Inhibition of long-term potentiation (LTP) in H-PFC was blocked by platform stress, but was fully restored by EGIS 11150 (0.01 mg/kg i.p.), whereas clozapine (0.3 mg/kg ip) only partially restored LTP. EGIS 11150 has a unique electrophysiological profile, so phenotypical screening on H-PFC connectivity can reveal novel antipsychotics.
Current Development of Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum (MIRPE)
Authors: Haecker Frank-Martin , Krebs Thomas Franz , Kleitsch Kai-Uwe
Published: April 2022

For decades, open surgical repair was the only available method to treat congenital and acquired chest wall deformities (CWDs). In 1998, D. Nuss described a minimally invasive procedure for surgical repair of Pectus excavatum (PE). Today, the Nuss procedure is performed with increasing frequency worldwide and considered as the “gold standard”. After its introduction, the method experienced numerous modifications such as routine thoracoscopy and/or sternal elevation, increasing safety of the procedure. Placement of multiple bars and/or the so called cross-bar technique were introduced to correct complex CWDs. Standardized pain management, the introduction of cryo-analgesia and a standardized postoperative physiotherapy program including deep breathing exercises facilitate the establishment of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) process. However, the widespread use of the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) procedure has been associated with a significant number of serious complications. Furthermore, several studies report near-fatal complications, not only during bar placement, but also during bar removal. This review focuses upon the most relevant modifications, including recent published surgical techniques of MIRPE, in order to describe current developments in the field.
Thermal Stress Analysis of the Adhesive Layer in Composite Laminates
Authors: Qian Yuan , Wu Nan , Hou Jinsen , Hao Xufeng , Cai Deng’an
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a thermal stress analysis of the adhesive structure to study the effect of temperature change on the performance of the resin layer. The adhesive structure’s finite element model (FEM) is established, and the verified test is conducted in an environmental chamber. The simulated predictions are in good agreement with the experimental data. Subsequently, the effect of thickness of the resin layer, the elastic modulus of sheet materials, and vertex angle on the thermal behavior of the adhesive structure are discussed. The results show that the stiffness of sheet materials and vertex angle have a limited influence on the thermal stress of the resin layer. It is beneficial to reduce its thermal stress by increasing the height of the resin layer. In addition, the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the upper and bottom sheets is the major cause of thermal stress in the resin layer.
Evaluation of the Leak Detection Performance of Distributed Kalman Filter Algorithms in WSN-Based Water Pipeline Monitoring of Plastic Pipes
Authors: Nkemeni Valery , Mieyeville Fabien , Tsafack Pierre
Published: March 2022

Water is a basic necessity and one of the most valuable resources for human living. Sadly, large quantities of treated water get lost daily worldwide, especially in developing countries, through leaks in the water distribution network. Wireless sensor network-based water pipeline monitoring (WWPM) systems using low-cost micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers have become popular for real-time leak detection due to their low-cost and low power consumption, but they are plagued with high false alarm rates. Recently, the distributed Kalman filter (DKF) has been shown to improve the leak detection reliability of WWPM systems using low-cost MEMS accelerometers. However, the question of which DKF is optimal in terms of leak detection reliability and energy consumption is still unanswered. This study evaluates and compares the leak detection reliability of three DKF algorithms, selected from distributed data fusion strategies based on diffusion, gossip and consensus. In this study, we used a combined approach involving simulations and laboratory experiments. The performance metrics used for the comparison include sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. The laboratory results revealed that the event-triggered diffusion-based DKF is optimal, having a sensitivity value of 61%, a specificity value of 93%, and an accuracy of 90%. It also has a lower communication burden and is less affected by packet loss, making it more responsive to real-time leak detection.
Applying Machine Learning Methods and Models to Explore the Structure of Traffic Accident Data
Authors: Sysoev Anton , Klyavin Vladimir , Dvurechenskaya Alexandra , Mamedov Albert , Shushunov Vladislav
Published: April 2022

The problem of reducing the increasing number of road traffic accidents has become more relevant in recent years. According to the United Nations plan this number has to be halved by 2030. A very effective way to handle it is to apply the machine learning paradigm to retrospective road traffic accident datasets. This case study applies machine learning techniques to form typical “portraits” of drivers violating road traffic rules by clustering available data into seven homogeneous groups. The obtained results can be used in forming effective marketing campaigns for different target groups. Another relevant problem under consideration is to use available retrospective statistics on mechanical road traffic accidents without victims to estimate the probable type of road traffic accident for the driver taking into account her/his personal features (such as social characteristics, typical road traffic rule violations, driving experience, and age group). For this purpose several machine learning models were applied and the results were discussed.
Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer—Update Based on the Current Consort Recommendations
Authors: Treese Christoph , Siegmund Britta , Daum Severin
Published: March 2022

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is an autosomal dominant inherited cancer syndrome that has been associated with a mutation of the CDH1, and rarely the CTNNA1 gene, respectively. HDGC is characterized histologically by multifocal growth and signet ring cells in the gastric mucosa and lobular type breast cancer. In cases of a proven pathogenic CDH1 mutation, a prophylactic gastrectomy, or alternatively, an annual surveillance gastroscopy in expert centers is recommended. Additionally, MR imaging of the breast should be performed annually starting from the age of 30, to detect lobular breast cancer. In 2020, the International Gastric Cancer Linkage Consortium (IGCLC) additionally defined new clinical groups with specific recommendations: (1) the group of patients with a proven mutation in the CDH1 gene, but exclusive manifestation as lobular breast cancer, was defined as hereditary lobular breast cancer (HLBC); (2) the group, which clinically fulfills familial HDGC criteria, in the absence of a relevant mutation, was designated as HDGC-like. This update summarizes relevant aspects of hereditary gastric cancer and the current recommendation criteria of the IGCLC published in 2020.
Evaluation of Open Surgical and Endovascular Treatment Options for Visceral Artery Erosions after Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Bruder Leon , Schawe Larissa , Gebauer Bernhard , Frese Jan Paul , de Bucourt Maximilian , Beyer Katharina , Pratschke Johann , Greiner Andreas , Omran Safwan
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To report and compare the results of endovascular and open surgical treatment for erosion bleeding of visceral arteries following pancreatitis and pancreatic surgery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 65 consecutive patients (46 males, mean age 63 ± 14 years) presenting with visceral artery erosions between January 2011 and December 2020. Endpoints were technical success, freedom from reintervention, stent-graft-related complications, and 30-day and one-year mortality. Results: The causes of erosion bleeding included complications of surgical treatment for the pancreas and upper gastrointestinal tract (75%), pancreatitis (19%), and spontaneous bleeding (6%). Pancreatectomy was performed in 34 (52%) patients, representing 2% of all pancreatectomy procedures (n = 1645) performed in our hospital during the study period. A total of 37 (57%) patients underwent endovascular treatment (EVT), and 28 (43%) patients had open surgery (OS) as a primary treatment. Eight of 37 (22%) patients in the EVT group underwent stent-graft treatment of the eroded vessels and 28 (78%) coil embolization. Six (9%) patients underwent reintervention with no significant differences between EVT and OS groups (11% vs. 7%, p = 0.692). Postoperative morbidity and complications in 52% of all patients were higher in the OS group than in the EVT group (41% vs. 68%, p = 0.029). The in-hospital 30-days mortality rate for all patients was 25%, and it was higher in the OS group than in the EVT group (14% vs. 39%, p = 0.017). Conclusions: An endovascular-first strategy for treating visceral arteries erosions may be preferred to reduce the complications associated with open surgery if patients are hemodynamically stable and have no anastomotic insufficiency. Endovascular treatment may be associated with better in-hospital survival when compared to primary open surgery. Further studies are required to identify the optimal approach.
Ant Diversity Declines with Increasing Elevation along the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Kunene Caroline , Foord Stefan H. , Scharff Nikolaj , Pape Thomas , Malumbres-Olarte Jagoba , Munyai Thinandavha C.
Published: March 2022

Biodiversity patterns along elevational gradients are generally characterised by monotonic decreases or mid-elevational peaks in species richness, while elevational zones may be characterised by distinct assemblages, or higher zones may be subsets of lowland assemblages. Elevational gradients in diversity have been less studied in the Afrotropical region. This study documents ant diversity patterns in three forest types associated with the tropical mountains of Udzungwa; we hypothesise that: (1) ant diversity and activity will show a monotonic decrease from mid-elevation with increasing elevation and (2) that forests associated with different elevations will have a distinct ant assemblage. Pitfall traps were deployed at three targeted elevations (650–800, 800–1400, and 1400–1500 m a.s.l.). Ant species richness declined with increasing elevation from 650 m a.s.l. and formed three elevational assemblages with lower elevation forests having almost twice as many species as sub-montane forests and three times as many as that of the montane forests. In contrast, overall ant activity peaked at 800–1400 m a.s.l. The ant assemblages associated with the lower elevation forest were very distinct, while assemblages associated with the sub-montane and montane forests shared species. Our study reveals valuable and relevant information for biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning as the species associated with each forest type may be used as indicator species for assessing biodiversity responses to climate change and anthropogenic activities on these mountains.
Backyard Biomes: Is Anyone There? Improving Public Awareness of Urban Wildlife Activity
Authors: Fardell Loren L. , Pavey Chris R. , Dickman Chris R.
Published: March 2022

Wildlife are increasingly being found in urban habitats, and likely rely on some resources in suburban household yards, which exposes them to the effects of yard management and human and pet activities. We compared the relationships between these potential disturbances and benefits to the number of different types of wildlife sighted by householders, using written surveys. Owing to the inability of many household respondents to identify animals to the species or genus level, each different ‘type’ of animal individually listed was counted to generate the total number of types of wildlife observed by each household. We found that relatively more types of wildlife were observed by residents whose yards provided ease of faunal access under or through fences, had reduced pesticide use, increased levels of anthropogenic noise, and increased presence of pets in yards. The latter two associations likely relate to the increased opportunities to observe wildlife in yards that each creates. We also investigated the use of yards by wildlife and domestic pets in open compared to more vegetated habitats by day and night, using motion-sensor cameras. All animals observed were compared to the activity of introduced brown and black rats (Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus), owing to their wild origins but long commensal history with humans. Camera images indicated that animals’ natural activity periods were maintained in yards. Brown antechinuses (Antechinus stuartii), northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus), domestic cats (Felis catus) and native birds (species as listed below) each preferred sheltered or vegetated habitats over open habitats, when compared to the introduced rats that showed little habitat preference. However, unlike the other species, the native birds used open areas more than vegetated or sheltered areas when compared within their group only. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was observed to use open areas comparatively more than the introduced rats, but used vegetated or sheltered habitats more when compared to self only. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) used open areas more than vegetated or sheltered areas, when compared to the introduced rats, and against themselves. This indicated a level of coping with urban stressors by the native animals, but with a reliance on more vegetated habitats to allow for natural stress-relieving behaviours of escape or hiding. Here, we offer insights into how each of these findings may be used to help educate and motivate increased household responsibility for urban wildlife conservation.
Machine Learning-Based Pressure Ulcer Prediction in Modular Critical Care Data
Authors: Šín Petr , Hokynková Alica , Marie Nováková , Andrea Pokorná , Krč Rostislav , Podroužek Jan
Published: March 2022

Increasingly available open medical and health datasets encourage data-driven research with a promise of improving patient care through knowledge discovery and algorithm development. Among efficient approaches to such high-dimensional problems are a number of machine learning methods, which are applied in this paper to pressure ulcer prediction in modular critical care data. An inherent property of many health-related datasets is a high number of irregularly sampled time-variant and scarcely populated features, often exceeding the number of observations. Although machine learning methods are known to work well under such circumstances, many choices regarding model and data processing exist. In particular, this paper address both theoretical and practical aspects related to the application of six classification models to pressure ulcers, while utilizing one of the largest available Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) databases. Random forest, with an accuracy of 96%, is the best-performing approach among the considered machine learning algorithms.
Tubulin Alpha 1b Is Associated with the Immune Cell Infiltration and the Response of HCC Patients to Immunotherapy
Authors: Hu Xinyao , Zhu Hua , Chen Biao , He Xiaoqin , Shen Yang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Chen Wenliang , Liu Xin , Xu Yangtao , Xu Ximing
Published: March 2022

Tubulin alpha 1b (TUBA1B) is an important microtubule isoform that is involved in the formation of the cytoskeleton. The objective of our study was to explore the potential of TUBA1B in predicting the prognosis of HCC and patients’ response to immunotherapy. Raw data was extracted from TCGA and GEO databases, and then HCCDB, TIMER, HPA, and GEPIA websites, as well as R software, were used to perform bioinformatics analysis to investigate the potential of TUBA1B as a prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that both TUBA1B mRNA and protein were highly expressed in HCC. TUBA1B was proved to be an independent prognostic predictor of HCC. Additionally, TUBA1B expression was associated with the infiltration of several immune cells in HCC. Moreover, TUBA1B was coexpressed with immune-related genes and immune checkpoints. Patients expressing high TUBA1B responded better to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that TUBA1B may be involved in the processes of cell cycle, spliceosome, and DNA replication. In conclusion, TUBA1B is expected to be a prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker for HCC.
De-Speckling Breast Cancer Ultrasound Images Using a Rotationally Invariant Block Matching Based Non-Local Means (RIBM-NLM) Method
Authors: Ayana Gelan , Dese Kokeb , Raj Hakkins , Krishnamoorthy Janarthanan , Kwa Timothy
Published: March 2022

The ultrasonic technique is an indispensable imaging modality for diagnosis of breast cancer in young women due to its ability in efficiently capturing the tissue properties, and decreasing nega-tive recognition rate thereby avoiding non-essential biopsies. Despite the advantages, ultrasound images are affected by speckle noise, generating fine-false structures that decrease the contrast of the images and diminish the actual boundaries of tissues on ultrasound image. Moreover, speckle noise negatively impacts the subsequent stages in image processing pipeline, such as edge detec-tion, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. Previous studies have formulated vari-ous speckle reduction methods in ultrasound images; however, these methods suffer from being unable to retain finer edge details and require more processing time. In this study, we propose a breast ultrasound de-speckling method based on rotational invariant block matching non-local means (RIBM-NLM) filtering. The effectiveness of our method has been demonstrated by com-paring our results with three established de-speckling techniques, the switching bilateral filter (SBF), the non-local means filter (NLMF), and the optimized non-local means filter (ONLMF) on 250 images from public dataset and 6 images from private dataset. Evaluation metrics, including Self-Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Mean Square Error (MSE) were utilized to measure performance. With the proposed method, we were able to record average SSIM of 0.8915, PSNR of 65.97, MSE of 0.014, RMSE of 0.119, and computational speed of 82 seconds at noise variance of 20dB using the public dataset, all with p-value of less than 0.001 compared against NLMF, ONLMF, and SBF. Similarly, the proposed method achieved av-erage SSIM of 0.83, PSNR of 66.26, MSE of 0.015, RMSE of 0.124, and computational speed of 83 seconds at noise variance of 20dB using the private dataset, all with p-value of less than 0.001 compared against NLMF, ONLMF, and SBF.
Measurement of the Spectral Efficiency of a Heterogeneous Network Architecture of the NG-PON Type for a Quasilinear Propagation Regime
Authors: Girón Anyi , Rivera Eliana , Gómez Gustavo
Published: March 2022

The objective of future optical fiber networks is to provide an efficient infrastructure capable of supporting an increasing and variable number of data traffic generated by the diversification of applications with different speed requirements that the current legacy Line Speed networks Single Line Rate (SLR), with predefined modulation formats, cannot supply, because they do not offer enough flexibility to meet the requirements of the demands with such a wide range of granularities. Therefore, next-generation optical networks will be highly heterogeneous in nature, incorporating mixed modulation formats and Mixed Line Rates (MLR). In this work, an analysis of the measurement of the spectral efficiency of a heterogeneous network architecture of the next-generation passive optical network (NG-PON) type is reported for a quasilinear propagation regime through the use of the equation adapted from Shannon’s information theory and developed by the group from the GNTT Research of the University of Cauca, where it was found that it is better to transmit channels of 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps with robust modulations in MLR networks to make an improvement in the spectral efficiency of the network, achieving the same amount of information in a smaller bandwidth or more information in the same bandwidth.
A Novel Lightweight Real-Time Traffic Sign Detection Integration Framework Based on YOLOv4
Authors: Gu Yang , Si Bingfeng
Published: March 2022

As a popular research direction in the field of intelligent transportation, various scholars have widely concerned themselves with traffic sign detection However, there are still some key issues that need to be further solved in order to thoroughly apply related technologies to real scenarios, such as the feature extraction scheme of traffic sign images, the optimal selection of detection methods, and the objective limitations of detection tasks. For the purpose of overcoming these difficulties, this paper proposes a lightweight real-time traffic sign detection integration framework based on YOLO by combining deep learning methods. The framework optimizes the latency concern by reducing the computational overhead of the network, and facilitates information transfer and sharing at diverse levels. While improving the detection efficiency, it ensures a certain degree of generalization and robustness, and enhances the detection performance of traffic signs in objective environments, such as scale and illumination changes. The proposed model is tested and evaluated on real road scene datasets and compared with the current mainstream advanced detection models to verify its effectiveness. In addition, this paper successfully finds a reasonable balance between detection performance and deployment difficulty by effectively reducing the computational cost, which provides a possibility for realistic deployment on edge devices with limited hardware conditions, such as mobile devices and embedded devices. More importantly, the related theories have certain application potential in technology industries such as artificial intelligence or autonomous driving.
Optimized URL Feature Selection Based on Genetic-Algorithm-Embedded Deep Learning for Phishing Website Detection
Authors: Bu Seok-Jun , Kim Hae-Jung
Published: March 2022

Deep learning models for phishing URL classification based on character- and word-level URL features achieve the best performance in terms of accuracy. Various improvements have been proposed through deep learning parameters, including the structure and learning strategy. However, the existing deep learning approach shows a degradation in recall according to the nature of a phishing attack that is immediately discarded after being reported. An additional optimization process that can minimize the false negatives by selecting the core features of phishing URLs is a promising avenue of improvement. To search the optimal URL feature set and to fully exploit it, we propose a combined searching and learning strategy that effectively models the URL classifier for recall. By incorporating the deep-learning-based URL classifier with the genetic algorithm to search the optimal feature set that minimizing the false negatives, an optimized classifier that guarantees the best performance was obtained. Extensive experiments on three real-world datasets consisting of 222,541 URLs showed the highest recall among the deep learning models. We demonstrated the superiority of the method by 10-fold cross-validation and confirmed that the recall improved compared to the latest deep learning method. In particular, the accuracy and recall were improved by 4.13%p and 7.07%p, respectively, compared to the convolutional–recurrent neural network in which the feature selection optimization was omitted.
Security Ontology Structure for Formalization of Security Document Knowledge
Authors: Ramanauskaitė Simona , Shein Anatoly , Čenys Antanas , Rastenis Justinas
Published: April 2022

Cybersecurity solutions are highly based on data analysis. Currently, it is not enough to make an automated decision; it also has to be explainable. The decision-making logic traceability should be provided in addition to justification by referencing different data sources and evidence. However, the existing security ontologies, used for the implementation of expert systems and serving as a knowledge base, lack interconnectivity between different data sources and computer-readable linking to the data source. Therefore, this paper aims to increase the possibilities of ontology-based cyber intelligence solutions, by presenting a security ontology structure for data storage to the ontology from different text-based data sources, supporting the knowledge traceability and relationship estimation between different security documents. The proposed ontology structure is tested by storing data of three text-based data sources, and its application possibilities are provided. The study shows that the structure is adaptable for different text data sources and provides an additional value related to security area extension.
An Overview on Fault Management for Electric Vehicle Onboard Chargers
Authors: Gaona-Cárdenas Luis-Fernando , Vázquez-Nava Nimrod , Ruíz-Martínez Omar-Fernando , Espinosa-Calderón Alejandro , Barranco-Gutiérrez Alejandro-Israel , Rodríguez-Licea Martín-Antonio
Published: April 2022

Onboard charging systems (OBCs) convert AC power from an external charging source into a DC voltage used to charge the battery pack of an electric vehicle (EV). OBCs are versatile since they can convert energy from almost every AC source, including standard household electrical receptacles, without needing wall chargers or charging stations. Since the same motor-drive electronics are reconfigured for onboard charging, weight and cost barely increase. However, the power quality and reliability of the OBCs are essential elements for proper grid interconnection. This article reviews the failures of power electronic converters that can be used for onboard charging and their most prominent fault-tolerance techniques. The various fault-tolerance methods are evaluated and compared in terms of complexity, cost, and performance to provide insights for future developments and research directions.
The Influence of Biochar Augmentation and Digestion Conditions on the Anaerobic Digestion of Water Hyacinth
Authors: Quintana-Najera Jessica , Blacker A. John , Fletcher Louise A. , Bray Douglas G. , Ross Andrew B.
Published: March 2022

The augmentation of biochar (BC) during anaerobic digestion (AD) has been identified as a potential strategy for improving the AD of complex feedstocks. This study evaluates the influence of oak wood biochar 450 °C and fermentation conditions during the AD of the invasive aquatic plant, water hyacinth (WH). Factorial 22 design of experiments (DOE) allowed the evaluation of the effect of the crucial processing conditions, inoculum-to-substrate ratio (ISR) and biochar load. Further optimisation was performed to identify the best processing conditions for the AD of WH, at an ideal ISR of 1. The contour plots suggested that methane yield is favoured at biochar loads of ≤0.5%, whereas the production rate is favoured by increasing biochar loads. However, biochar addition offered no further improvement or significant effect on the digestion of WH. The subsequent AD of WH samples collected from different locations in India and Uganda exhibited variable biochemical methane potential (BMP) yields. BC addition had little effect on BMP performance, and in some cases, it even reduced the BMP. This study concludes that the amendment potential of biochar is influenced by digestion conditions and the substrate, particularly when working with complex substrates.
Distribution Characteristics of High Wetness Loss Area in the Last Two Stages of Steam Turbine under Varying Conditions
Authors: Fan Shuangshuang , Wang Ying , Yao Kun , Shi Jiakui , Han Jun , Wan Jie
Published: March 2022

Wetness loss of a steam turbine seriously affects the security of the unit when operating in deep peak regulation. To obtain the distribution characteristics of the high wetness loss area under different working conditions, especially low-load conditions, the last two stages of the low-pressure cylinder (LPC) of a 600 MW steam turbine were simulated using the non-equilibrium condensation model proposed in this study. The nucleation rate distribution, supercooling degree, and steam velocity droplet were analyzed. Consequently, the diameter distribution of coarse water droplets under 100%, 50%, 40%, 30%, and 20% THA conditions and the distribution of the thermodynamic loss and water droplet resistance loss were obtained. Thermodynamic loss mainly occurred at the front end of second-stage stator blades and trailing end of the last-stage stator blades. The water droplet resistance loss mainly occurred at 40% of the blade height and at the tip of the last-stage stator blades. Moreover, with a reduction in the unit load, the thermodynamic loss continued to decrease, but the water droplet resistance loss continued to increase.