bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting over High-Dimensionality: How Multidimensional Projection Methods Can Assist Data Science
Authors: Ortigossa Evandro S. , Dias Fábio Felix , Nascimento Diego Carvalho do
Published: July 2022

The exploration and analysis of multidimensional data can be pretty complex tasks, requiring sophisticated tools able to transform large amounts of data bearing multiple parameters into helpful information. Multidimensional projection techniques figure as powerful tools for transforming multidimensional data into visual information according to similarity features. Integrating this class of methods into a framework devoted to data sciences can contribute to generating more expressive means of visual analytics. Although the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is a well-known method in this context, it is not the only one, and, sometimes, its abilities and limitations are not adequately discussed or taken into consideration by users. Therefore, knowing in-depth multidimensional projection techniques, their strengths, and the possible distortions they can create is of significant importance for researchers developing knowledge-discovery systems. This research presents a comprehensive overview of current state-of-the-art multidimensional projection techniques and shows example codes in Python and R languages, all available on the internet. The survey segment discusses the different types of techniques applied to multidimensional projection tasks from their background, application processes, capabilities, and limitations, opening the internal processes of the methods and demystifying their concepts. We also illustrate two problems, from a genetic experiment (supervised) and text mining (non-supervised), presenting solutions through multidimensional projection application. Finally, we brought elements that reverberate the competitiveness of multidimensional projection techniques towards high-dimension data visualization, commonly needed in data sciences solutions.
A Novel FFT_YOLOX Model for Underwater Precious Marine Product Detection
Authors: Wang Peng , Yang Zhipeng , Pang Hongshuai , Zhang Tao , Cai Kewei
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the culture and fishing of precious marine product are heavily dependent on manual work, which is labor-intensive, high-cost and time-consuming. To address this issue, an underwater robot can be used to monitor the size of the marine products and fish the mature ones automatically. Automatic detection of marine products from underwater images is one of the most important steps in developing an underwater robot perceiving method. In the traditional detection model, the CNN based backbone suffers from the limited receptive field and hinders the modeling of long-range dependencies, due to the small kernel size. In this paper, a novel detection model FFT_YOLOX based on a modified YOLOX is proposed. Firstly, a unique FFT_Filter is presented, which is a computational efficient and conceptually simple architecture to capture global information of images. Then, a novel FFT_YOLOX model is introduced with fewer model parameters and FLOPs by replacing the standard 3 × 3 kernel in the original backbone of the YOLOX model with a FFT_Filter, for an underwater object detection vision task. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and generalization of the visual representation of our proposed FFT_YOLOX model.
How Useful Are Strain Rates for Estimating the Long-Term Spatial Distribution of Earthquakes?
Authors: Rastin Sepideh J. , Rhoades David A. , Rollins Christopher , Gerstenberger Matthew C.
Published: July 2022

Strain rates have been included in multiplicative hybrid modelling of the long-term spatial distribution of earthquakes in New Zealand (NZ) since 2017. Previous modelling has shown a strain rate model to be the most informative input to explain earthquake locations over a fitting period from 1987 to 2006 and a testing period from 2012 to 2015. In the present study, three different shear strain rate models have been included separately as covariates in NZ multiplicative hybrid models, along with other covariates based on known fault locations, their associated slip rates, and proximity to the plate interface. Although the strain rate models differ in their details, there are similarities in their contributions to the performance of hybrid models in terms of information gain per earthquake (IGPE). The inclusion of each strain rate model improves the performance of hybrid models during the previously adopted fitting and testing periods. However, the hybrid models, including strain rates, perform poorly in a reverse testing period from 1951 to 1986. Molchan error diagrams show that the correlations of the strain rate models with earthquake locations are lower over the reverse testing period than from 1987 onwards. Smoothed scatter plots of the strain rate covariates associated with target earthquakes versus time confirm the relatively low correlations before 1987. Moreover, these analyses show that other covariates of the multiplicative models, such as proximity to the plate interface and proximity to mapped faults, were better correlated with earthquake locations prior to 1987. These results suggest that strain rate models based on only a few decades of available geodetic data from a limited network of GNSS stations may not be good indicators of where earthquakes occur over a long time frame.
Bonding Performance of Steel Rebar Coated with Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Eom In-Hyeok , Oh Sang-Keun , Kim Byoungil
Published: July 2022

In this study, to improve the bond performance of reinforcing bars fixed inside concrete, a pullout test using ultra high-performance concrete (UHPC) and structural steel fibers was conducted and a model that could predict the performance was also presented. After creating a UHPC layer on the rebar surface, the specimens were prepared along with three types of structural fibers. The structural fibers with different shapes were mixed up to 0.2%, 0,4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1% and 2% to analyze their effects on the bond failure at the interface. As a result of the experiment, the pullout resistance ability of the specimen thinly coated with UHPC maintained high residual stress due to the steep section reaching the maximum load, increased the maximum pullout load, and delayed the bond failure during the extraction process. As a result of the cross-sectional examination of the specimen, the coating of UHPC was strongly attached to the rebar surface and the bond surface was broken through sliding at the interface (UHPC–ordinary Portland concrete (OPC)). It was found that the increase in the structural fiber significantly improved the pulling-out resistance at the interface. The proposed model based on the existing Cosenz–Manfredi–Realfonzo (CMR) and Bertero–Popov–Eligehausen (BPE) prediction models was found to be in good agreement with the experimental results.
Link Pruning for Community Detection in Social Networks
Authors: Kim Jeongseon , Jeong Soohwan , Lim Sungsu
Published: July 2022

Attempts to discover knowledge through data are gradually becoming diversified to understand complex aspects of social phenomena. Graph data analysis, which models and analyzes complex data as graphs, draws much attention as it combines the latest machine learning techniques. In this paper, we propose a new framework called link pruning for detecting clusters in complex networks, which leverages the cohesiveness of local structures by removing unimportant connections. Link pruning is a flexible framework that reduces the clustering problem in a highly mixed community structure to a simpler problem with a lowly mixed community structure. We analyze which similarities and curvatures defined on the pairs of nodes, which we call the link attributes, allow links inside and outside the community to have a different range of values. Using the link attributes, we design and analyze an algorithm that eliminates links with low attribute values to find a better community structure on the transformed graph with low mixing. Through extensive experiments, we have shown that clustering algorithms with link pruning achieve higher quality than existing algorithms in both synthetic and real-world social networks.
A Simple and Stable Atmospheric Pressure Electrodeless Water Vapor Microwave Plasma Torch
Authors: Tang Qiang , Hu Zhibin , Cui Xiaxia , Tao Zechao , Tang Jau
Published: July 2022

An atmospheric pressure microwave plasma source operating on water vapor has many potential applications. To avoid the corrosion of metal electrodes in a traditional water vapor microwave plasma system, we propose a simple water vapor electrodeless microwave plasma device. By introducing a ceramic tube, the device can work directly with liquid water without complex evaporation equipment. This study examined the relationship between microwave power and water vapor torch plasma duration. When the microwave power is greater than 800 W, the plasma torch can be excited permanently and stably without the loss of ceramic. The excitation of the oxygen atom, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen atom was found using optical spectroscopy, confirming the water vapor’s decomposition. In addition, it was also found that the crystallinity of the ceramic was improved after microwave discharge. This work enriches the microwave plasma techniques for water vapor for various applications, such as electric propulsion, hydrogen production, and surface treatment.
PFC Inductor Design Considering Suppression of the Negative Effects of Fringing Flux
Authors: Frivaldsky Michal , Pipiska Michal , Zurek-Mortka Marta , Andriukaitis Darius
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the main aim of the study was the investigation of the possibilities of power inductor design, reflecting the performance of the component itself, as well as the operational efficiency of the power factor correction (PFC) converter. PFC inductors represent a key component of the converter, while within the design of any magnetic component, several design rules must be considered to provide proper operational performance. Here we discuss skin-effect, while the proximity effect and formation of fringing flux pose a more serious problem in terms of mitigating their negative impact. Therefore, in this study, the space is devoted exclusively to the analysis of the impact of the fringing flux of the PFC inductor and subsequently to the possibilities of its suppression. The resulting optimizations are reflected in the investigation of the operational efficiency of the PFC converter.
The Trends and Content of Research Related to the Sustainable Development Goals: A Systemic Review
Authors: Yeh Shin-Cheng , Hsieh Yi-Lin , Yu Hui-Ching , Tseng Yuen-Hsien
Published: July 2022

This study employed a comprehensive systematic review of the literature (SRL) process with the Content Analysis Toolkits for Academic Research (CATAR) for conducting a bibliometric analysis of the 2814 general SDG-related papers and 92 review papers selected from the Web of Science database from 2013 to 2022. The overview analysis found that the US and UK took the lead in publication and citation. The WHO and several universities were identified as the most prominent institutes around the globe. The field distribution of the most cited papers revealed the existence of a “strong sustainability” paradigm and the importance of science and technology. A landscape of 1123 papers was included in eight clusters according to the bibliographic coupling algorithms in the Multi-stage Document Clustering (MSDC) process. These clusters were then categorized into three groups, “synergies and trade-offs”, “networking”, and “systems analysis”, demonstrated in the theme maps. As for the 92 SDG-related review papers, most were shaped based on literature analysis without specified countries. Moreover, SDG 3 was identified as that exclusively studied in most papers. The information presented is expected to help research scholars, public sectors, and practitioners monitor, gather, check, analyze, and use the growing volume of SDG-related academic articles.
α-MnO2 Nanowire Structure Obtained at Low Temperature with Aspects in Environmental Remediation and Sustainable Energy Applications
Authors: Taranu Bogdan-Ovidiu , Novaconi Stefan Danica , Ivanovici Madalina , Gonçalves João Nuno , Rus Florina Stefania
Published: July 2022

Hydrothermally obtained α-MnO2 nanowire characterizations confirm the tetragonal crystalline structure that is several micrometers long and 20–30 nm in diameter with narrow distributions in their dimensions. The absorption calculated from diffuse reflectance of α-MnO2 occurred in the visible region ranging from 400 to 550 nm. The calculated band gap with Quantum Espresso using HSE approximation is ~2.4 eV for the ferromagnetic case, with a slightly larger gap of 2.7 eV for the antiferromagnetic case, which is blue-shifted as compared to the experimental. The current work also illustrates the transformations that occur in the material under heat treatment during TGA analysis, with the underlying mechanism. Electrochemical studies on graphite supports modified with α-MnO2 compositions revealed the modified electrode with the highest electric double-layer capacitance of 3.444 mF cm−2. The degradation rate of an organic dye—rhodamine B (RhB)—over the compound in an acidic medium was used to examine the catalytic and photocatalytic activities of α-MnO2. The peak shape changes in the time-dependent visible spectra of RhB during the photocatalytic reaction were more complex and progressive. In two hours, RhB degradation reached 97% under sun irradiation and 74% in the dark.
Research on Tiny Target Detection Technology of Fabric Defects Based on Improved YOLO
Authors: Yue Xi , Wang Qing , He Lei , Li Yuxia , Tang Dan
Published: July 2022

Fabric quality plays a crucial role in modern textile industry processes. How to detect fabric defects quickly and effectively has become the main research goal of researchers. The You Only Look Once (YOLO) series of networks have maintained a dominant position in the field of target detection. However, detecting small-scale objects, such as tiny targets in fabric defects, is still a very challenging task for the YOLOv4 network. To address this challenge, this paper proposed an improved YOLOv4 target detection algorithm: using a combined data augmentation method to expand the dataset and improve the robustness of the algorithm, obtaining the anchors suitable for fabric defect detection by using the k-means algorithm to cluster the ground truth box of the dataset, adding a new prediction layer in yolo_head in order to have a better effect on tiny target detection, integrating a convolutional block attention module into the backbone feature extraction network, and innovatively replacing the CIOU loss function with the CEIOU loss function to achieve accurate classification and localization of defects. Experimental results show that compared with the original YOLOv4 algorithm, the detection accuracy of the improved YOLOv4 algorithm for tiny targets has been greatly increased, the AP value of tiny target detection has increased by 12%, and the overall mean average precision (mAP) has increased by 3%. The prediction results of the proposed algorithm can provide enterprises with more accurate defect positioning, reduce the defect rate of fabric products, and improve their economic effect.
The Importance of Capturing Local Measurement-Driven Adjustment of Modelled j(NO2)
Authors: Walker Hannah L. , Heal Mathew R. , Braban Christine F. , Leeson Sarah R. , Simmons Ivan , Jones Matthew R. , Kift Richard , Marsden Nicholas , Twigg Marsailidh M.
Published: July 2022

Accurate photolysis rate constants are essential for simulation of local air quality but their values can vary substantially with changes in local meteorological and surface conditions. This study demonstrates the use of local radiometer measurements for capturing via hourly measurement-driven adjustment factors (MDAF) the temporal resolution needed to adjust clear-sky or cloud-free model estimates of j(NO2). Measurements simultaneously at two sites in the UK (Auchencorth Moss and Manchester) showed that TUV (v5.3) model estimates of j(NO2)↓ in cloud-free conditions (used as an example of modelled j-values) were, on average, approximately 45% larger than measured j(NO2)↓, which would lead to substantial model bias in the absence of local adjustment. At Auchencorth Moss, MDAF values based on 4π and 2π radiometer inlets generally agreed very well with each other (<6% average difference). However, under conditions of particularly high surface albedo (such as snow cover), increased upwelling local diffuse radiation yielded an MDAF derived using total radiation (sum of ↓ and ↑ components) ~40% larger than the MDAF derived using only ↓ radiation. The study has demonstrated: (1) the magnitude of potential impact of local conditions—principally cloud cover, but also changes in surface albedo—on assumed j-values; (2) that whilst annual mean MDAF values are similar at Auchencorth Moss and Manchester, there is no contemporaneous correlation between them at hourly resolution; hence MDAF values derived at one site cannot readily be applied at another site. These data illustrate the need to routinely deploy long-term radiometer measurements alongside compositional measurements to support atmospheric chemistry modelling.
The Otoprotective Effect of Ear Cryotherapy: Systematic Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Péus Dominik , Sellathurai Shaumiya , Newcomb Nicolas , Tschopp Kurt , Radeloff Andreas
Published: July 2022

This systematic review investigates ear cooling and cryotherapy in the prevention and treatment of inner ear damage and disease, within the context of animal models and clinical studies. A literature search was carried out in the databases Pubmed and Cochrane Library. Ten studies were identified concerning the otoprotective properties of cryotherapy. Nine of these were rodent in vivo studies (mice, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs). One study involved human subjects and investigated cryotherapy in idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss. The studies were heterogeneous in their goals, methods, and the models used. Disorder models included ischemia and noise damage, ototoxicity (cisplatin and aminoglycoside), and CI-electrode insertion. All ten studies demonstrated significant cryotherapeutic otoprotection for their respective endpoints. No study revealed or expressly investigated otodestructive effects. While limited in number, all of the studies within the scope of the review demonstrated some degree of cryotherapeutic, otoprotective effect. These promising results support the conducting of further work to explore and refine the clinical applicability and impact of cryotherpeutics in otolaryngology.
The C-Terminal Repeat Units of SpaA Mediate Adhesion of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae to Host Cells and Regulate Its Virulence
Authors: Wu Chao , Zhang Zhewen , Kang Chao , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Weifeng , Zhang Yadong , Zhang Hao , Xiao Jingfa , Jin Meilin
Published: July 2022

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a causative agent of erysipelas in animals and erysipeloid in humans. However, current information regarding E. rhusiopathiae pathogenesis remains limited. Previously, we identified two E. rhusiopathiae strains, SE38 and G4T10, which were virulent and avirulent in pigs, respectively. Here, to further study the pathogenic mechanism of E. rhusiopathiae, we sequenced and assembled the genomes of strains SE38 and G4T10, and performed a comparative genomic analysis to identify differences or mutations in virulence-associated genes. Next, we comparatively analyzed 25 E. rhusiopathiae virulence-associated genes in SE38 and G4T10. Compared with that of SE38, the spaA gene of the G4T10 strain lacked 120 bp, encoding repeat units at the C-terminal of SpaA. To examine whether these deletions or splits influence E. rhusiopathiae virulence, these 120 bp were successfully deleted from the spaA gene in strain SE38 by homologous recombination. The mutant strain ΔspaA displayed attenuated virulence in mice and decreased adhesion to porcine iliac artery endothelial cells, which was also observed using the corresponding mutant protein SpaA’. Our results demonstrate that SpaA-mediated adhesion between E. rhusiopathiae and host cells is dependent on its C-terminal repeat units.
Brain Cancer Chemotherapy through a Delivery System across the Blood-Brain Barrier into the Brain Based on Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis Using Monoclonal Antibody Conjugates
Authors: Tashima Toshihiko
Published: July 2022

Advances in pharmacotherapy have brought extraordinary benefits to humanity. However, unmet medical needs in patients remain, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and cancers. CNS drug delivery into the brain across the endothelium is difficult due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is composed mainly of tight junctions and efflux transporters, such as multiple drug resistance 1 (MDR1) (P-glycoprotein). On the other hand, the development of anti-cancer drugs is a challenging task due to their frequent off-target side effects and the complicated mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis and progression. Brain cancer treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It is difficult to remove all tumor cells, even by surgical removal after a craniotomy. Accordingly, innovative brain cancer drugs are needed. Currently, antibody (Ab) drugs that show high therapeutic effects are often used clinically. Furthermore, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), such as trastuzumab deruxtecan, an anti-HER2 (human epidermal receptor 2) ADC with low-molecular cancer drugs through the suitable linker, have been developed. In the case of trastuzumab deruxtecan, it is internalized into cancer cells across the membrane via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, it is reported that drug delivery into the brain across the BBB was carried out via receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT), using anti-receptor Abs as a vector against the transferrin receptor (TfR) or insulin receptor (InsR). Thus, anti-TfR ADCs with cancer drugs are promising brain cancer agents due to their precise distribution and low side effects. In this review, I introduce the implementations and potential of brain cancer drug delivery into the brain across the BBB, based on RMT using ADCs.
Identification of Young High-Functioning Autism Individuals Based on Functional Connectome Using Graph Isomorphism Network: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yang Sihong , Jin Dezhi , Liu Jun , He Ye
Published: July 2022

Accumulated studies have determined the changes in functional connectivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and spurred the application of machine learning for classifying ASD. Graph Neural Network provides a new method for network analysis in brain disorders to identify the underlying network features associated with functional deficits. Here, we proposed an improved model of Graph Isomorphism Network (GIN) that implements the Weisfeiler-Lehman (WL) graph isomorphism test to learn the graph features while taking into account the importance of each node in the classification to improve the interpretability of the algorithm. We applied the proposed method on multisite datasets of resting-state functional connectome from Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) after stringent quality control. The proposed method outperformed other commonly used classification methods on five different evaluation metrics. We also identified salient ROIs in visual and frontoparietal control networks, which could provide potential neuroimaging biomarkers for ASD identification.
Hierarchical Quantification of Utilization Rate and Related Indicators of Mixed-Use High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Xie Yuchen , Du Peng , Luo Jianhe
Published: July 2022

Mixed-use high-rise buildings are vertical superpositions of various business types in the category of mixed-use development. It has become a highly intensive organizational form in the urban high-density environment. Under China’s “height limit” policy, the simple superposition of business types does not meet the government requirements for planning, construction, and management, and does not fully utilize the advantages of the mixed development mode. The single utilization rate index used in the past could not accurately describe such buildings’ usage value and spatial variation characteristics. In this study, a quantitative analysis of data from eight construction projects was carried out, and a utilization rate index system was established at three levels, namely, the typical floor utilization rate k1, business utilization rate k2, and building utilization rate k3. In terms of k1, the emphasis was placed on the design elements of the mixed-use development and the variation of relative indicators. In k2 and k3, it was found that the business type, floor area, and utilization rate were negatively correlated. In conclusion, by establishing a hierarchical utilization rate calculation method, the efficiency values and design characteristics of mixed-use high-rise (MUHR) buildings were explored, which provide references for the future design of such buildings.
Energy Efficiency Evaluation of Green Roofs as an Intervention Strategy in Residential Buildings in the Field of Spanish Climate
Authors: Borràs Júlia G. , Lerma Carlos , Mas Ángeles , Vercher Jose , Gil Enrique
Published: July 2022

The use of green roofs entails environmental, economic and social benefits as sustainable tools of architecture. They present proven benefits in the path towards carbon neutrality and the reduction of the consumption of energy resources, especially in the field of renovation and improvement of the thermal envelope. In Spain, the current climate crisis also implies a problem of water stress, so it is necessary to analyse in more detail the behaviour of self-sustaining green roofs in the different climatic and rainfall zones into which the territory is divided. Evapotranspiration is the main mechanism of heat dissipation in green roofs, but in this study, it is observed that in the case of self-sustaining roofs with limited water content, the greatest losses through evapotranspiration occur in climates with high temperatures and solar radiation, above cities with higher rainfall and colder climates. On the contrary, the greatest energy savings are obtained in this type of cold climate. Evapotranspiration in self-sustaining roofs is not the most determining factor for achieving energy savings. The design of the roof, the geometry and orientation of the building, as well as the cooling energy consumption, play a more determining role.
Methods for Drainage of Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction after ERCP Failure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Mangiavillano Benedetto , Paduano Danilo , Binda Cecilia , Crinò Stefano Francesco , Gkolfakis Paraskevas , Ramai Daryl , Fugazza Alessandro , Tarantino Ilaria , Lisotti Andrea , Fusaroli Pietro , Fabbri Carlo , Anderloni Andrea
Published: July 2022

There is scarce evidence on the comparison between different methods for the drainage of distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO) after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Therefore, we performed a network meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of these techniques. We searched main databases through September 2021 and identified five randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was clinical success. The secondary outcomes were technical success, overall and serious adverse event rate. Percutaneous trans-hepatic biliary drainage was found to be inferior to other interventions (PTBD: RR 1.01, 0.88–1.17 with EUS-choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD); RR 1.03, 0.86–1.22 with EUS-hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HG); RR 1.42, 0.90–2.24 with surgical hepaticojejunostomy). The comparison between EUS-HG and EUS-CD was not significant (RR 1.01, 0.87–1.17). Surgery was not superior to other interventions (RR 1.40, 0.91–2.13 with EUS-CD and RR 1.38, 0.88–2.16 with EUS-HG). No difference in any of the comparisons concerning adverse event rate was detected, although PTBD showed a slightly poorer performance on ranking analysis (SUCRA score 0.13). In conclusion, all interventions seem to be effective for the drainage of DMBO, although PTBD showed a trend towards higher rates of adverse events.
Application of Nanocatalysts in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Purification: Challenges and Future Prospects
Authors: Masood Zafar , Ikhlaq Amir , Akram Asia , Qazi Umair Yaqub , Rizvi Osama Shaheen , Javaid Rahat , Alazmi Amira , Madkour Metwally , Qi Fei
Published: July 2022

The increase in population demands for industrialization and urbanization which led to the introduction of novel hazardous chemicals in our environment. The most significant parts of these harmful substances found in water bodies remain in the background, causing a health risk to humans and animals. It is critical to remove these toxic chemicals from the wastewater to keep a cleaner and greener environment. Hence, wastewater treatment is a challenging area these days to manage liquid wastes effectively. Therefore, scientists are in search of novel technologies to treat and recycle wastewater, and nanotechnology is one of them, thanks to the potential of nanoparticles to effectively clean wastewater while also being ecologically benign. However, there is relatively little information about nanocatalysts’ applicability, efficacy, and challenges for future applications in wastewater purification. This review paper is designed to summarize the recent studies on applying various types of nanocatalysts for wastewater purification. This review paper highlights innovative work utilizing nanocatalysts for wastewater applications and identifies issues and challenges to overcome for the practical implementation of nanocatalysts for wastewater treatment.
Suppressing VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 Signaling Contributes to the Anti-Angiogenic Effects of PPE8, a Novel Naphthoquinone-Based Compound
Authors: Hsu Ming-Jen , Chen Han-Kun , Lien Jin-Cherng , Huang Yu-Han , Huang Shiu-Wen
Published: July 2022

Natural naphthoquinones and their derivatives exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities and have thus attracted much attention in modern drug discovery. However, it remains unclear whether naphthoquinones are potential drug candidates for anti-angiogenic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-angiogenic properties of a novel naphthoquinone derivative, PPE8, and explore its underlying mechanisms. Determined by various assays including BrdU, migration, invasion, and tube formation analyses, PPE8 treatment resulted in the reduction of VEGF-A-induced proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We also used an aorta ring sprouting assay, Matrigel plug assay, and immunoblotting analysis to examine PPE8’s ex vivo and in vivo anti-angiogenic activities and its actions on VEGF-A signaling. It has been revealed that PPE8 inhibited VEGF-A-induced micro vessel sprouting and was capable of suppressing angiogenesis in in vivo models. In addition, PPE8 inhibited VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2, Src, FAK, ERK1/2, or AKT phosphorylation in HUVECs exposed to VEGF-A, and it also showed significant decline in xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, these observations indicated that PPE8 may target VEGF-A–VEGFR-2 signaling to reduce angiogenesis. It also supports the role of PPE8 as a potential drug candidate for the development of therapeutic agents in the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases including cancer.
A miR-9-5p/FOXO1/CPEB3 Feed-Forward Loop Drives the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Hui , Huang Wei , Zhang Hong , Li Jianye , Zhang Qiong , Miao Ya-Ru , Hu Fei-Fei , Gan Lu , Su Zhenhong , Yang Xiangliang , Guo An-Yuan
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, but its regulatory mechanism remains unclear and potential clinical biomarkers are still lacking. Co-regulation of TFs and miRNAs in HCC and FFL module studies may help to identify more precise and critical driver modules in HCC development. Here, we performed a comprehensive gene expression and regulation analysis for HCC in vitro and in vivo. Transcription factor and miRNA co-regulatory networks for differentially expressed genes between tumors and adjacent tissues revealed the critical feed-forward loop (FFL) regulatory module miR-9-5p/FOXO1/CPEB3 in HCC. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that miR-9-5p promotes HCC tumor proliferation, while FOXO1 and CPEB3 inhibit hepatocarcinoma growth. Furthermore, by luciferase reporter assay and ChIP-Seq data, CPEB3 was for the first time identified as a direct downstream target of FOXO1, negatively regulated by miR-9-5p. The miR-9-5p/FOXO1/CPEB3 FFL was associated with poor prognosis, and promoted cell growth and tumor progression of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Our study identified for the first time the existence of miR-9-5p/FOXO1/CPEB3 FFL and revealed its regulatory role in HCC progression, which may represent a new potential target for cancer therapy.
ProB-Site: Protein Binding Site Prediction Using Local Features
Authors: Khan Sharzil Haris , Tayara Hilal , Chong Kil To
Published: July 2022

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are responsible for various essential biological processes. This information can help develop a new drug against diseases. Various experimental methods have been employed for this purpose; however, their application is limited by their cost and time consumption. Alternatively, computational methods are considered viable means to achieve this crucial task. Various techniques have been explored in the literature using the sequential information of amino acids in a protein sequence, including machine learning and deep learning techniques. The current efficiency of interaction-site prediction still has growth potential. Hence, a deep neural network-based model, ProB-site, is proposed. ProB-site utilizes sequential information of a protein to predict its binding sites. The proposed model uses evolutionary information and predicted structural information extracted from sequential information of proteins, generating three unique feature sets for every amino acid in a protein sequence. Then, these feature sets are fed to their respective sub-CNN architecture to acquire complex features. Finally, the acquired features are concatenated and classified using fully connected layers. This methodology performed better than state-of-the-art techniques because of the selection of the best features and contemplation of local information of each amino acid.
Effects of Omega-3 and Antioxidant Cocktail Supplement on Prolonged Bed Rest: Results from Serum Proteome and Sphingolipids Analysis
Authors: Barbacini Pietro , Blottner Dieter , Capitanio Daniele , Trautmann Gabor , Block Katharina , Torretta Enrica , Moriggi Manuela , Salanova Michele , Gelfi Cecilia
Published: July 2022

Physical inactivity or prolonged bed rest (BR) induces muscle deconditioning in old and young subjects and can increase the cardiovascular disease risk (CVD) with dysregulation of the lipemic profile. Nutritional interventions, combining molecules such as polyphenols, vitamins and essential fatty acids, can influence some metabolic features associated with physical inactivity and decrease the reactive oxidative and nitrosative stress (RONS). The aim of this study was to detect circulating molecules correlated with BR in serum of healthy male subjects enrolled in a 60-day BR protocol to evaluate a nutritional intervention with an antioxidant cocktail as a disuse countermeasure (Toulouse COCKTAIL study). The serum proteome, sphingolipidome and nitrosoproteome were analyzed adopting different mass spectrometry-based approaches. Results in placebo-treated BR subjects indicated a marked decrease of proteins associated with high-density lipoproteins (HDL) involved in lipemic homeostasis not found in the cocktail-treated BR group. Moreover, long-chain ceramides decreased while sphingomyelin increased in the BR cocktail-treated group. In placebo, the ratio of S-nitrosylated/total protein increased for apolipoprotein D and several proteins were over-nitrosylated. In cocktail-treated BR subjects, the majority of protein showed a pattern of under-nitrosylation, except for ceruloplasmin and hemopexin, which were over-nitrosylated. Collectively, data indicate a positive effect of the cocktail in preserving lipemic and RONS homeostasis in extended disuse conditions.
Arachidonic Acid Cascade and Eicosanoid Production Are Elevated While LTC4 Synthase Modulates the Lipidomics Profile in the Brain of the HIVgp120-Transgenic Mouse Model of NeuroHIV
Authors: Yuan Nina Y. , Maung Ricky , Xu Ziying , Han Xianlin , Kaul Marcus
Published: July 2022

Background: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has transformed HIV infection from a terminal disease to a manageable chronic health condition, extending patients’ life expectancy to that of the general population. However, the incidence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) has persisted despite virological suppression. Patients with HIV display persistent signs of immune activation and inflammation despite cART. The arachidonic acid (AA) cascade is an important immune response system responsible for both pro- and anti-inflammatory processes. Methods: Lipidomics, mRNA and Western blotting analysis provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms surrounding arachidonic acid metabolism and the resulting inflammation caused by perturbations thereof. Results: Here, we report the presence of inflammatory eicosanoids in the brains of a transgenic mouse model of NeuroHIV that expresses soluble HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein in glial cells (HIVgp120tg mice). Additionally, we report that the effect of LTC4S knockout in HIVgp120tg mice resulted in the sexually dimorphic transcription of COX- and 5-LOX-related genes. Furthermore, the absence of LTC4S suppressed ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling activity in female mice only. The mass spectrometry-based lipidomic profiling of these mice reveals beneficial alterations to lipids in the brain. Conclusion: Targeting the AA cascade may hold potential in the treatment of neuroinflammation observed in NeuroHIV and HANDs.
Unilateral Retinitis Pigmentosa Associated with Possible Ciliopathy and a Novel Mutation
Authors: Milibari Doaa , Magliyah Moustafa , Semidey Valmore A. , Schatz Patrik , ALBalawi Hani B.
Published: July 2022

Unilateral retinitis pigmentosa (URP) is a rare retinal dystrophy. We describe the clinical course of two patients with (URP) unilateral retinitis pigmentosa confirmed by genetic testing, indicating ciliary dysfunction. Methods: The methods used in this study included a detailed ophthalmic examination, multimodal retinal imaging, Goldmann visual fields, full-field electroretinography (ffERG) and targeted next-generation sequencing. Results: A 32-year-old female (patient 1) and 65-year-old male (patient 2) were found to have URP. ffERG showed a non-recordable response in the affected eye and a response within normal limits in the fellow eye of patient 1, while patient 2 showed non-recordable responses in the apparently unaffected eye and a profound reduction in the photopic and scotopic responses in the affected eye. Next-generation sequencing revealed novel compound heterozygous c.373 C>T (p.Arg125Trp) and c.730-22_730-19dup variants in AGBL5 in patient 1, and a novel hemizygous c.1286 C>T (p.Pro429Leu) in patient 2; both gene mutations were 0%. Segregation analysis was not possible for either of the mutations. Conclusion: This report expands the clinical and molecular genetic spectrum of URP.
Characteristics of Vibration Waves Measured in Concrete Lining of Excavated Tunnel during Blasting in Adjacent Tunnel
Authors: Zhang Qingbin , Zhang Zongxian , Wu Congshi , Yang Junsheng , Wang Zhenyu
Published: July 2022

The effect of a blasting vibration from an excavating tunnel on an adjacent excavated tunnel is of great importance for the stability and security of twin tunnels. Due to the relatively small distance between the tunnel face of the excavating tunnel and the concrete lining of the excavated tunnel, the impact of blasting could be significant and should be considered in a practical project. In order to control the blasting scales during the excavation of one tunnel and minimize the effect of blasting on the adjacent one, research based on field-blasting tests performed on twin tunnels is presented in this study. The particle velocities on the concrete lining of the excavating tunnel caused by blasting from the adjacent excavated tunnel were measured and analysed during six rounds of blasts. According to the measured vibration waves, it was clear that the peak particle velocity (PPV) from each blast was always induced by cut blasting, therefore, the maximum vibration due to each blast was mainly dependent on cut blasting. The measured maximum PPV for all the blasts was 15.55 cm/s, corresponding to a maximum tensile stress of 1.44 MPa observed on the concrete lining, which was smaller than the tensile strength of the concrete lining, in accordance with the one-dimensional elastic-wave theory. Moreover, the attenuation of the vibration waves varied in different regions, and they could be utilized to demonstrate the impact characteristics of the blasting; e.g., the particle velocities in the region along the excavating direction were 1.12 to 1.79 times larger than those in the region opposite to the excavating direction, and the difference increased with the increasing distance to the blasting source. The particle velocities on the side of the excavated tunnel close to the excavating tunnel were larger than those on the other side of the excavated tunnel. However, the particle velocities of the two aforementioned regions were similar when the distance between the measuring point and the blasting source was more than 6 m in the longitudinal direction of the tunnels. Furthermore, the measured vibration waves could be used to evaluate and improve the blast designs of tunnelling with the drill-and-blast method.
Pityriasis Lichenoides et Varioliformis Acuta as a Complication of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: De La Garza Henriette , Saliba Elie , Rosales Santillan Monica , Brem Candice , Vashi Neelam A.
Published: July 2022

Pityriasis lichenoides is an acute and/or chronic skin disease associated with recurrent erythematous papules that self-resolve. While its etiology is unknown, preceding viral infection may play a role. We present an atypical case of a 40-year-old woman with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta as a complication of a COVID-19 infection.
Preoperative Assessment and Perioperative Management of Resectable Gallbladder Cancer in the Era of Precision Medicine and Novel Technologies: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Cassese Gianluca , Han Ho-Seong , Yoon Yoo-Seok , Lee Jun Suh , Cho Jai Young , Lee Hae-Won , Lee Boram , Troisi Roberto Ivan
Published: July 2022

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a rare malignancy, with an estimated 5-year survival rate of less than 5% in the case of advanced disease. Surgery is the only radical treatment for early stages, but its application and effectiveness depend on the depth of tumoral invasion. The extent of resection is usually determined according to the T-stage. Therefore, an early and correct preoperative assessment is important for the prognosis, as well as for the selection of the most appropriate surgical procedure, to avoid unnecessary morbid surgeries and to reach the best outcomes. Several modalities can be used to investigate the depth of invasion, from ultrasounds to CT scans and MRI, but an ideal method still does not exist. Thus, different protocols are proposed according to different recommendations and institutions. In this scenario, the indications for laparoscopic and robotic surgery are still debated, as well as the role of new technologies such as next-generation sequencing and liquid biopsies. The aim of this article is to summarize the state of the art current modalities and future perspectives for assessing the depth of invasion in GBC and to clarify their role in perioperative management accordingly.
An Evaluation of the Intubrite Laryngoscope in Simulated In-Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Settings by Individuals with No Clinical Experience: A Randomized, Cross-Over, Manikin Study
Authors: Ratajczyk Paweł , Fedorczak Michał , Gaszyński Tomasz
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The aim of the study was to compare the Intubrite laryngoscope and the standard Macintosh blade laryngoscope (MCL) used by persons with no clinical experience in simulated hospital and non-hospital conditions on a manikin model. Materials and methods: The study involved 50 students of Medical Rescue. The hospital conditions (intubation height 110 cm—high position) and those occurring at the scene (intubation of a manikin located at floor level-low position) were simulated. The analysis included: duration of intubation, visibility of the laryngeal opening by the Cormack–Lehane scale, the bioelectrical activity of the intubating muscles, comfort and subjective assessment of physical effort by the Borg scale (Borg’s scale of subjective feeling of effort). The statistical analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel and T-student tests for pairs with unequal variables. The statistical importance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The use of an Intubrite laryngoscope significantly reduces the mean endotracheal intubation time compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope in a low position (17.34 s versus 19.04 s, p < 0.05). A higher rate of repeat intubations was observed in a low position for MCL (from 10% to 14%, p < 0.05). The reverse is true for Intubrite laryngoscope intubation (from 8% to 4%, p < 0.05 Please explain what is compared). The Intubrite laryngoscope improved visualization of glottis in the high and the low positions compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope (54% and 50% to 52% and 38%, respectively, p < 0.05). The risk of tooth damage was the same for the Intubrite and the MCL laryngoscopes in a high position (16% and 14%, respectively, p > 0.05), while in the simulated out-of-hospital setting, it was significantly higher for the MCL (22% versus 8%, p < 0.05). The subjective comfort of intubation in both simulated situations was similar according to the Borg scale (p-value, values). The use of the Intubrite laryngoscope was associated with less effort than the MCL in high versus low positions. For MCL, intubation in a high position was associated with lower mean muscle activity than in a low position (+48.24 µV versus +58.25 µV, p-value). For the Intubrite laryngoscope, these values were at similar levels (+52.03 µV and +52.65 µV, p-value). Conclusions: The use of the Intubrite laryngoscope by people with no clinical experience shortens the time of intubation and improves the laryngeal view compared to the standard Macintosh laryngoscope, but it requires similar muscle work in simulated conditions.
Assessment of the Accuracy in Measuring the Enamel Thickness of Maxillary Incisors with Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Miyagi Hiroshi , Oki Kyosuke , Tsukiyama Yoshihiro , Ayukawa Yasunori , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: July 2022

Although the clinical assessment of enamel thickness is important, hardly any tools exist for accurate measurements. The purpose of this study was to verify the precision of enamel thickness measurements using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Human extracted maxillary central and lateral incisors were used as specimens. Twenty-eight sites were measured in each specimen. The optical path length (OPL) at each measurement site was measured on the OCT images, and enamel thickness (e1) was calculated by dividing OPL by the mean refractive index of enamel, 1.63. The specimens were then sectioned, and a light microscope was used to measure enamel thickness (e2). e1 and e2 were then compared. Measurement errors between e1 and e2 for the central and lateral incisors were 0.04 (0.02; 0.06) mm and 0.04 (0.02; 0.07) mm [median value: (25%, 75% percentile)], respectively. No significant differences between measurement sites were noted for measurement errors between e1 and e2. These results demonstrate that OCT can be used for noninvasive, accurate measurements of enamel thickness.