bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Systemic and Culprit-Coronary Artery miR-483-5p Expression in Chronic CAD and Acute Myocardial Infarction Male Patients
Authors: Volodko Olga , Volinsky Natalia , Yarkoni Merav , Margalit Nufar , Kusniec Fabio , Sudarsky Doron , Elbaz-Greener Gabby , Carasso Shemy , Amir Offer
Published: May 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In chronic and myocardial infarction (MI) states, aberrant levels of circulating microRNAs compromise gene expression and pathophysiology. We aimed to compare microRNA expression in chronic-CAD and acute-MI male patients in peripheral blood vasculature versus coronary arteries proximal to a culprit area. Blood from chronic-CAD, acute-MI with/out ST segment elevation (STEMI/NSTEMI, respectively), and control patients lacking previous CAD or having patent coronary arteries was collected during coronary catheterization from peripheral arteries and from proximal culprit coronary arteries aimed for the interventions. Random coronary arterial blood was collected from controls; RNA extraction, miRNA library preparation and Next Generation Sequencing followed. High concentrations of microRNA-483-5p (miR-483-5p) were noted as ‘coronary arterial gradient’ in culprit acute-MI versus chronic-CAD (p = 0.035) which were similar to controls versus chronic-CAD (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, peripheral miR-483-5p was downregulated in acute-MI and chronic-CAD, compared with controls (1.1 ± 2.2 vs. 2.6 ± 3.3, respectively, p < 0.005). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for miR483-5p association with chronic CAD demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.722 (p < 0.001) with 79% sensitivity and 70% specificity. Using in silico gene analysis, we detected miR-483-5p cardiac gene targets, responsible for inflammation (PLA2G5), oxidative stress (NUDT8, GRK2), apoptosis (DNAAF10), fibrosis (IQSEC2, ZMYM6, MYOM2), angiogenesis (HGSNAT, TIMP2) and wound healing (ADAMTS2). High miR-483-5p ‘coronary arterial gradient’ in acute-MI, unnoticed in chronic-CAD, suggests important local mechanisms for miR483-5p in CAD in response to local myocardial ischemia. MiR-483-5p may have an important role as a gene modulator for pathologic and tissue repair states, is a suggestive biomarker, and is a potential therapeutic target for acute and chronic cardiovascular disease.
Genomic Landscape of Normal and Breast Cancer Tissues in a Hungarian Pilot Cohort
Authors: Pipek Orsolya , Alpár Donát , Rusz Orsolya , Bödör Csaba , Udvarnoki Zoltán , Medgyes-Horváth Anna , Csabai István , Szállási Zoltán , Madaras Lilla , Kahán Zsuzsanna , Cserni Gábor , Kővári Bence , Kulka Janina , Tőkés Anna Mária
Published: May 2023

A limited number of studies have focused on the mutational landscape of breast cancer in different ethnic populations within Europe and compared the data with other ethnic groups and databases. We performed whole-genome sequencing of 63 samples from 29 Hungarian breast cancer patients. We validated a subset of the identified variants at the DNA level using the Illumina TruSight Oncology (TSO) 500 assay. Canonical breast-cancer-associated genes with pathogenic germline mutations were CHEK2 and ATM. Nearly all the observed germline mutations were as frequent in the Hungarian breast cancer cohort as in independent European populations. The majority of the detected somatic short variants were single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and only 8% and 6% of them were deletions or insertions, respectively. The genes most frequently affected by somatic mutations were KMT2C (31%), MUC4 (34%), PIK3CA (18%), and TP53 (34%). Copy number alterations were most common in the NBN, RAD51C, BRIP1, and CDH1 genes. For many samples, the somatic mutational landscape was dominated by mutational processes associated with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Our study, as the first breast tumor/normal sequencing study in Hungary, revealed several aspects of the significantly mutated genes and mutational signatures, and some of the copy number variations and somatic fusion events. Multiple signs of HRD were detected, highlighting the value of the comprehensive genomic characterization of breast cancer patient populations.
Shedding Light on Osteosarcoma Cell Differentiation: Impact on Biomineralization and Mitochondria Morphology
Authors: Rossi Francesca , Picone Giovanna , Cappadone Concettina , Sorrentino Andrea , Columbaro Marta , Farruggia Giovanna , Catelli Emilio , Sciutto Giorgia , Prati Silvia , Oliete Robert , Pasini Alice , Pereiro Eva , Iotti Stefano , Malucelli Emil
Published: May 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor and its etiology has recently been associated with osteogenic differentiation dysfunctions. OS cells keep a capacity for uncontrolled proliferation showing a phenotype similar to undifferentiated osteoprogenitors with abnormal biomineralization. Within this context, both conventional and X-ray synchrotron-based techniques have been exploited to deeply characterize the genesis and evolution of mineral depositions in a human OS cell line (SaOS-2) exposed to an osteogenic cocktail for 4 and 10 days. A partial restoration of the physiological biomineralization, culminating with the formation of hydroxyapatite, was observed at 10 days after treatment together with a mitochondria-driven mechanism for calcium transportation within the cell. Interestingly, during differentiation, mitochondria showed a change in morphology from elongated to rounded, indicating a metabolic reprogramming of OS cells possibly linked to an increase in glycolysis contribution to energy metabolism. These findings add a dowel to the genesis of OS giving new insights on the development of therapeutic strategies able to restore the physiological mineralization in OS cells.
Claudin Barriers on the Brink: How Conflicting Tissue and Cellular Priorities Drive IBD Pathogenesis
Authors: Capaldo Christopher T.
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by acute or chronic recurring inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, often with increasing severity over time. Life-long morbidities and diminishing quality of life for IBD patients compel a search for a better understanding of the molecular contributors to disease progression. One unifying feature of IBDs is the failure of the gut to form an effective barrier, a core role for intercellular complexes called tight junctions. In this review, the claudin family of tight junction proteins are discussed as they are a fundamental component of intestinal barriers. Importantly, claudin expression and/or protein localization is altered in IBD, leading to the supposition that intestinal barrier dysfunction exacerbates immune hyperactivity and disease. Claudins are a large family of transmembrane structural proteins that constrain the passage of ions, water, or substances between cells. However, growing evidence suggests non-canonical claudin functions during mucosal homeostasis and healing after injury. Therefore, whether claudins participate in adaptive or pathological IBD responses remains an open question. By reviewing current studies, the possibility is assessed that with claudins, a jack-of-all-trades is master of none. Potentially, a robust claudin barrier and wound restitution involve conflicting biophysical phenomena, exposing barrier vulnerabilities and a tissue-wide frailty during healing in IBD.
Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Phosphorylation Is Required for 20-Hydroxyecdysone Regulates Ecdysis in Apolygus lucorum
Authors: Tan Yongan , Xiao Liubin , Zhao Jing , Zhang Jieyu , Ahmad Sheraz , Xu Dejin , Xu Guangchun , Ge Linquan
Published: May 2023

The plant mirid bug Apolygus lucorum is an omnivorous pest that can cause considerable economic damage. The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is mainly responsible for molting and metamorphosis. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an intracellular energy sensor regulated by 20E, and its activity is regulated allosterically through phosphorylation. It is unknown whether the 20E-regulated insect’s molting and gene expression depends on the AMPK phosphorylation. Herein, we cloned the full-length cDNA of the AlAMPK gene in A. lucorum. AlAMPK mRNA was detected at all developmental stages, whereas the dominant expression was in the midgut and, to a lesser extent, in the epidermis and fat body. Treatment with 20E and AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AlCAR) or only AlCAR resulted in activation of AlAMPK phosphorylation levels in the fat body, probed with an antibody directed against AMPK phosphorylated at Thr172, enhancing AlAMPK expression, whereas no phosphorylation occurred with compound C. Compared to compound C, 20E and/or AlCAR increased the molting rate, the fifth instar nymphal weight and shortened the development time of A. lucorum in vitro by inducing the expression of EcR-A, EcR-B, USP, and E75-A. Similarly, the knockdown of AlAMPK by RNAi reduced the molting rate of nymphs, the weight of fifth-instar nymphs and blocked the developmental time and the expression of 20E-related genes. Moreover, as observed by TEM, the thickness of the epidermis of the mirid was significantly increased in 20E and/or AlCAR treatments, molting spaces began to form between the cuticle and epidermal cells, and the molting progress of the mirid was significantly improved. These composite data indicated that AlAMPK, as a phosphorylated form in the 20E pathway, plays an important role in hormonal signaling and, in short, regulating insect molting and metamorphosis by switching its phosphorylation status.
Extracellular Vesicles Released from Macrophages Infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Stimulate Proinflammatory Response via the TLR2-NF-κB/JNK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ma Chunji , Hao Xiujing , Gao Liyang , Wang Yongyu , Shi Juan , Luo Haixia , Li Min
Published: May 2023

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae, Mp) is an intracellular pathogen that causes pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, pharyngitis, and asthma in humans and can infect and survive in the host cells leading to excessive immune responses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from host cells carry components of pathogens to recipient cells and play a role in intercellular communication during infection. However, there is limited knowledge on whether EVs derived from M. pneumoniae-infected macrophages play as intercellular messengers and functional mechanisms. In this study, we establish a cell model of M. pneumoniae-infected macrophages that continuously secrete EVs to further asses their role as intercellular messengers and their functional mechanisms. Based on this model, we determined a method for isolating the pure EVs from M. pneumoniae-infected macrophages, which employs a sequence of operations, including differential centrifugation, filtering, and ultracentrifugation. We identified EVs and their purity using multiple methods, including electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, Western blot, bacteria culture, and nucleic acid detection. EVs from M. pneumoniae-infected macrophages are pure, with a 30–200 nm diameter. These EVs can be taken up by uninfected macrophages and induce the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 through the nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signals pathway. Moreover, the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by EVs relies on TLR2-NF-κB/JNK signal pathways. These findings will help us better understand a persistent inflammatory response and cell-to-cell immune modulation in the context of M. pneumoniae infection.
NOD-like Receptors—Emerging Links to Obesity and Associated Morbidities
Authors: Bauer Sarah , Hezinger Lucy , Rexhepi Fjolla , Ramanathan Sheela , Kufer Thomas A.
Published: May 2023

Obesity and its associated metabolic morbidities have been and still are on the rise, posing a major challenge to health care systems worldwide. It has become evident over the last decades that a low-grade inflammatory response, primarily proceeding from the adipose tissue (AT), essentially contributes to adiposity-associated comorbidities, most prominently insulin resistance (IR), atherosclerosis and liver diseases. In mouse models, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β and the imprinting of immune cells to a pro-inflammatory phenotype in AT play an important role. However, the underlying genetic and molecular determinants are not yet understood in detail. Recent evidence demonstrates that nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) family proteins, a group of cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRR), contribute to the development and control of obesity and obesity-associated inflammatory responses. In this article, we review the current state of research on the role of NLR proteins in obesity and discuss the possible mechanisms leading to and the outcomes of NLR activation in the obesity-associated morbidities IR, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and discuss emerging ideas about possibilities for NLR-based therapeutic interventions of metabolic diseases.
Dry Friction Properties of Diamond-Coated Silicon Carbide
Authors: Du Yuefeng , Xie Fangmin , Wang Jian , Xu Bin , Chen Huanyi , Yan Bineng , Wu Yanjiao , Huang Weifeng , Li He
Published: May 2023

Dry friction between seal faces, caused by unstable or extreme operating conditions, significantly affects the running stability and service life of mechanical seals. Therefore, in this work, nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) coatings were prepared on the surface of silicon carbide (SiC) seal rings by hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD). The friction test results under dry environment reveals that the coefficient of friction (COF) of SiC–NCD seal pairs is about 0.07–0.09, which were reduced by 83–86% compared to SiC–SiC seal pairs. The wear rate of SiC–NCD seal pairs is relatively low, ranging from 1.13 × 10−7 mm3/N·m to 3.26 × 10−7 mm3/N·m under different test conditions, which is due to the fact that the NCD coatings prevent adhesive and abrasive wear between the SiC seal rings. The analysis and observation of the wear tracks illustrate that the excellent tribological performance of the SiC–NCD seal pairs is due to a self-lubricating amorphous layer formed on the worn surface. In conclusion, this work highlights a pathway to enable mechanical seals to satisfy the high application requirements under highly parametric working conditions.
Measuring the Cooling Behavior of Melt Pools in L-PBF by Pyrometry
Authors: Pfaff Aron , Schäffer Sebastian , Jäcklein Martin , Balle Frank
Published: May 2023

This study aims to measure the cooling rates or, more precisely, the cooling durations of single laser tracks by pyrometry within the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process. Two-color, as well as one-color pyrometers are tested within this work. Regarding the second, the emissivity of the investigated 30CrMoNb5-2 alloy is determined in-situ within the L-PBF system in order to measure temperature instead of arbitrary units. This is done by heating up printed samples and verifying the measured pyrometer signal by comparing it to values obtained by thermocouples attached to the samples. In addition, the precision of two-color pyrometry is verified for the given setup. Following the verification experiments, single laser track experiments are conducted. The obtained signals prove to be partially distorted mainly due to by-products such as smoke and weld beads arising from the melt pool. To encounter this problem, a new fitting method is presented and experimentally validated. Melt pools resulting from different cooling durations are analyzed by EBSD. These measurements show areas of extreme deformation or potential amorphization correlating with the cooling durations. The obtained cooling duration can be used for the validation of simulations as well as for the correlation of corresponding microstructure and process parameters.
Corrosion Resistance and Titanium Ion Release of Hybrid Dental Implants
Authors: Robles Daniel , Brizuela Aritza , Fernández-Domínguez Manuel , Gil Javier
Published: May 2023

One of the strategies for the fight against peri-implantitis is the fabrication of titanium dental implants with the part close to the neck without roughness. It is well known that roughness favors osseointegration but hinders the formation of biofilm. Implants with this type of structure are called hybrid dental implants, which sacrifice better coronal osseointegration for a smooth surface that hinders bacterial colonization. In this contribution, we have studied the corrosion resistance and the release of titanium ions to the medium of smooth (L), hybrid (H), and rough (R) dental implants. All implants were identical in design. Roughness was determined with an optical interferometer and residual stresses were determined for each surface by X-ray diffraction using the Bragg–Bentano technique. Corrosion studies were carried out with a Voltalab PGZ301 potentiostat, using Hank’s solution as an electrolyte at a temperature of 37 °C. Open-circuit potentials (Eocp), corrosion potential (Ecorr), and current density (icorr) were determined. Implant surfaces were observed by JEOL 5410 scanning electron microscopy. Finally, for each of the different dental implants, the release of ions into Hank’s solution at 37 °C at 1, 7, 14, and 30 days of immersion was determined by ICP-MS. The results, as expected, show a higher roughness of R with respect to L and compressive residual stresses of −201.2 MPa and −20.2 MPa, respectively. These differences in residual stresses create a potential difference in the H implant corresponding to Eocp of −186.4 mV higher than for the L and R of −200.9 and −192.2 mV, respectively. The corrosion potentials and current intensity are also higher for the H implants (−223 mV and 0.069 μA/mm2) with respect to the L (−280 mV and 0.014 μA/mm2 and R (−273 mV and 0.019 μA/mm2). Scanning electron microscopy revealed pitting in the interface zone of the H implants and no pitting in the L and R dental implants. The titanium ion release values to the medium are higher in the R implants due to their higher specific surface area compared to the H and L implants. The maximum values obtained are low, not exceeding 6 ppb in 30 days.
Review of Potential Drug-Eluting Contact Lens Technologies
Authors: Lovrec-Krstič Tina , Orthaber Kristjan , Maver Uroš , Sarenac Tomislav
Published: May 2023

The field of ophthalmology is expanding exponentially, both in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, as well as the worldwide increasing incidence of eye-related diseases. Due to an ageing population and climate change, the number of ophthalmic patients will continue to increase, overwhelming healthcare systems and likely leading to under-treatment of chronic eye diseases. Since drops are the mainstay of therapy, clinicians have long emphasised the unmet need for ocular drug delivery. Alternative methods, i.e., with better compliance, stability and longevity of drug delivery, would be preferred. Several approaches and materials are being studied and used to overcome these drawbacks. We believe that drug-loaded contact lenses are among the most promising and are a real step toward dropless ocular therapy, potentially leading to a transformation in clinical ophthalmic practice. In this review, we outline the current role of contact lenses in ocular drug delivery, focusing on materials, drug binding and preparation, concluding with a look at future developments.
Optimization of Thermal Conductivity vs. Bulk Density of Steam-Exploded Loose-Fill Annual Lignocellulosics
Authors: Tupciauskas Ramunas , Berzins Andris , Pavlovics Gunars , Bikovens Oskars , Filipova Inese , Andze Laura , Andzs Martins
Published: May 2023

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB)-based thermal insulation materials available in the market are more expensive than conventional ones and consist mainly of wood or agricultural bast fibers which are primarily used in construction and textile industries. Therefore, it is crucial to develop LCB-based thermal insulation materials from cheap and available raw materials. The study investigates new thermal insulation materials from locally available residues of annual plants like wheat straw, reeds and corn stalks. The treatment of raw materials was performed by mechanical crushing and defibration by steam explosion process. Optimization of thermal conductivity of the obtained loose-fill thermal insulation materials was investigated at different bulk density levels (30–45–60–75–90 kg m−3). The obtained thermal conductivity varies in range of 0.0401–0.0538 W m−1 K−1 depending on raw material, treatment mode and a target density. The changes of thermal conductivity depending on density were described by the second order polynomial models. In most cases, the optimal thermal conductivity was revealed for the materials with the density of 60 kg m−3. The obtained results suggest the adjustment of density to achieve an optimal thermal conductivity of LCB-based thermal insulation materials. The study also approves the suitability of used annual plants for further investigation towards sustainable LCB-based thermal insulation materials.
Applicability of Compost and Mineral Materials for Reducing the Effect of Diesel Oil on Trace Element Content in Soil
Authors: Wyszkowski Mirosław , Kordala Natalia
Published: May 2023

Petroleum-derived substances have become the factor adversely affecting the soil quality and, also, crop production. However, the ability to immobilise contaminants is limited in anthropogenically altered soils. Therefore, a study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of soil contamination with diesel oil (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 cm3 kg−1) on the contents of trace elements in the soil and determine the suitability of different neutralising materials (compost, bentonite and calcium oxide) for the in situ stabilisation of soil contaminated with this petroleum derivative. In the soil contaminated with the highest dose of diesel oil (10 cm3 kg−1), a decrease in chromium, zinc and cobalt and an increase in the total nickel, iron and cadmium concentrations were found in the series without the addition of neutralising materials. Remediation with compost and mineral materials contributed to a significant reduction of nickel and iron, as well as cobalt, in soil (calcium oxide only). All materials used contributed to an increase in cadmium, chromium, manganese and copper in the soil. The above-mentioned materials (most notably calcium oxide) can be successfully used to reduce the effect of diesel oil on the contents of some trace elements in soil.
Homogeneous Zero-Index Thermal Metadevice for Thermal Camouflaging and Super-Expanding
Authors: Li Huagen , Liu Kaipeng , Liu Tianfeng , Hu Run
Published: May 2023

The infinite effective thermal conductivity (IETC) can be considered to be an equivalence of the effective zero index in photonics. A recent highly rotating metadevice has been discovered to approach near IETC, subsequently demonstrating a cloaking effect. However, this near IETC, related to a rotating radius, is quite inhomogeneous, and the high-speed rotating motor also needs a high energy input, limiting its further applications. Herein, we propose and realize an evolution of this homogeneous zero-index thermal metadevice for robust camouflaging and super-expanding through out-of-plane modulations rather than high-speed rotation. Both the theoretical simulations and experiments verify a homogeneous IETC and the corresponding thermal functionalities beyond cloaking. The recipe for our homogeneous zero-index thermal metadevice involves an external thermostat, which can be easily adjusted for various thermal applications. Our study may provide meaningful insights into the design of powerful thermal metadevices with IETCs in a more flexible way.
Numerical Analysis on Fatigue Crack Growth at Negative and Positive Stress Ratios
Authors: Alshoaibi Abdulnaser M. , Fageehi Yahya Ali
Published: May 2023

The finite element method was used to investigate the effect of the stress ratio on fatigue crack propagation behavior within the framework of the linear elastic fracture mechanics theory. The numerical analysis was carried out using ANSYS Mechanical R19.2 with the unstructured mesh method-based separating, morphing, and adaptive remeshing technologies (SMART). Mixed mode fatigue simulations were performed on a modified four-point bending specimen with a non-central hole. A diverse set of stress ratios (R = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, −0.1, −0.2, −0.3, −0.4, −0.5), including positive and negative values, is employed to examine the influence of the load ratio on the behavior of the fatigue crack propagation, with particular emphasis on negative R loadings that involve compressive excursions. A consistent decrease in the value of the equivalent stress intensity factor (ΔKeq) is observed as the stress ratio increases. The observation was made that the stress ratio significantly affects both the fatigue life and the distribution of von Mises stress. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between von Mises stress, ΔKeq, and fatigue life cycles. With an increase in the stress ratio, there was a significant decrease in the von Mises stress, accompanied by a rapid increase in the number of fatigue life cycles. The results obtained in this study have been validated by previously published literature on crack growth experiments and numerical simulations.
Diketopiperazine Alkaloids and Bisabolene Sesquiterpenoids from Aspergillus versicolor AS-212, an Endozoic Fungus Associated with Deep-Sea Coral of Magellan Seamounts
Authors: Dong Yu-Liang , Li Xiao-Ming , Shi Xiao-Shan , Wang Yi-Ran , Wang Bin-Gui , Meng Ling-Hong
Published: May 2023

Two new quinazolinone diketopiperazine alkaloids, including versicomide E (2) and cottoquinazoline H (4), together with ten known compounds (1, 3, and 5–12) were isolated and identified from Aspergillus versicolor AS-212, an endozoic fungus associated with the deep-sea coral Hemicorallium cf. imperiale, which was collected from the Magellan Seamounts. Their chemical structures were determined by an extensive interpretation of the spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic data as well as specific rotation calculation, ECD calculation, and comparison of their ECD spectra. The absolute configurations of (−)-isoversicomide A (1) and cottoquinazoline A (3) were not assigned in the literature reports and were solved in the present work by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In the antibacterial assays, compound 3 exhibited antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophilia with an MIC value of 18.6 μM, while compounds 4 and 8 exhibited inhibitory effects against Vibrio harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus with MIC values ranging from 9.0 to 18.1 μM.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Quantum Dots Frontiers
Authors: Chen Wei , Hao Junjie
Published: May 2023

Thanks to state-of-the-art chemical and device engineering in past decades, we have witnessed more and more novel applications based on semiconductor nanocrystals: quantum dots (QDs) [...]
Research on Temperature Dependence of Single-Event Burnout in Power MOSFETs
Authors: Wang Chen , Liu Yi , Xu Changqing , Liao Xinfang , Chen Dongdong , Wu Zhenyu
Published: May 2023

Power MOSFETs are found to be very vulnerable to single-event burnout (SEB) in space irradiation environments, and the military components generally require that devices could operate reliably as the temperature varies from 218 K to 423 K (−55 °C to 150 °C); thus, the temperature dependence of single-event burnout (SEB) in power MOSFETs should be investigated. Our simulation results showed that the Si power MOSFETs are more tolerant to SEB at a higher temperature at the lower LET (10 MeV∙cm2/mg) due to the decrease of the impact ionization rate, which is in good agreement with the previous research. However, the state of the parasitic BJT plays a primary role in the SEB failure mechanism when the LET value is greater than 40 MeV∙cm2/mg, which exhibits a completely different temperature dependence from that of 10 MeV∙cm2/mg. Results indicate that with the temperature increasing, the lower difficulty to turn on the parasitic BJT and the increasing current gain all make it easier to build up the regenerative feedback process responsible for SEB failure. As a result, the SEB susceptibility of power MOSFETs increases as ambient temperature increases when the LET value is greater than 40 MeV∙cm2/mg.
Assessment of the Use of Common Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) Foliage following the Cascade Principle
Authors: Mediavilla Irene , Bados Raquel , Barros Lillian , Xavier Virginie , Finimundy Tiane C. , Pires Tania C. S. P. , Heleno Sandrina A. , Calhelha Ricardo C. , Amaral Joana S. , Rizzo Andrea Maria , Casini David , Lombardi Giacomo , Chiaramonti David , Cámara Miguel , Suárez Ana , Ardid Tomás , Esteban Luis Saúl
Published: May 2023

Juniperus communis L. is a species commonly grown in regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and is a good candidate to be cultivated in marginal lands. Plants coming from a pruning performed in a natural population located in Spain were used to assess the yield and quality of different products obtained following the cascade principle. A total of 1050 kg of foliage biomass were crushed, steam-distilled, and separated into fractions to produce biochar and absorbents for the pet industry using pilot plants. The obtained products were analysed. The essential oil, with a yield of 0.45% dry basis and a qualitative chemical composition similar to that described for the berries in international standards or monographs, showed antioxidant activity with promising CAA results (inhibition of 89% of the cell’s oxidation). However, regarding antibacterial and antifungal activities, it only inhibited the growth of microorganisms at the maximum concentration tested, 2.5%. Concerning the hydrolate, it did not show bioactivity. Regarding the biochar, whose yield was 28.79% dry basis, interesting results were obtained for its characterisation as a possible soil improver for agronomic purposes (PFC 3(A)). Finally, promising results were obtained regarding the use of common juniper as absorbent, taking into account the physical characterisation and odour control capacity.
Anticancer Activity of Chalcones and Its Derivatives: Review and In Silico Studies
Authors: Leite Fernando Ferreira , de Sousa Natália Ferreira , de Oliveira Bruno Hanrry Melo , Duarte Gabrielly Diniz , Ferreira Maria Denise Leite , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Filho José Maria Barbosa , Rodrigues Luís Cezar , de Moura Ricardo Olímpio , Mendonça-Junior Francisco Jaime Bezerra , Scotti Luciana
Published: May 2023

Chalcones are direct precursors in the biosynthesis of flavonoids. They have an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system which gives them broad biological properties. Among the biological properties exerted by chalcones, their ability to suppress tumors stands out, in addition to their low toxicity. In this perspective, the present work explores the role of natural and synthetic chalcones and their anticancer activity in vitro reported in the last four years from 2019 to 2023. Moreover, we carried out a partial least square (PLS) analysis of the biologic data reported for colon adenocarcinoma lineage HCT-116. Information was obtained from the Web of Science database. Our in silico analysis identified that the presence of polar radicals such as hydroxyl and methoxyl contributed to the anticancer activity of chalcones derivatives. We hope that the data presented in this work will help researchers to develop effective drugs to inhibit colon adenocarcinoma in future works.
The Relationship of Ketogenic Diet with Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Diseases: A Scoping Review from Basic Research to Clinical Practice
Authors: Mentzelou Maria , Dakanalis Antonios , Vasios Georgios K. , Gialeli Maria , Papadopoulou Sousana K. , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: May 2023

Background: The ketogenic diet (KD) has become widespread for the therapy of epileptic pathology in childhood and adulthood. In the last few decades, the current re-emergence of its popularity has focused on the treatment of obesity and diabetes mellitus. KD also exerts anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which could be utilized for the therapy of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Purpose: This is a thorough, scoping review that aims to summarize and scrutinize the currently available basic research performed in in vitro and in vivo settings, as well as the clinical evidence of the potential beneficial effects of KD against neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. This review was conducted to systematically map the research performed in this area as well as identify gaps in knowledge. Methods: We thoroughly explored the most accurate scientific web databases, e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, to obtain the most recent in vitro and in vivo data from animal studies as well as clinical human surveys from the last twenty years, applying effective and characteristic keywords. Results: Basic research has revealed multiple molecular mechanisms through which KD can exert neuroprotective effects, such as neuroinflammation inhibition, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, decreased amyloid plaque deposition and microglial activation, protection in dopaminergic neurons, tau hyper-phosphorylation suppression, stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis, enhancing gut microbial diversity, restoration of histone acetylation, and neuron repair promotion. On the other hand, clinical evidence remains scarce. Most existing clinical studies are modest, frequently uncontrolled, and merely assess the short-term impacts of KD. Moreover, several clinical studies had large dropout rates and a considerable lack of compliance assessment, as well as an increased level of heterogeneity in the study design and methodology. Conclusions: KD can exert substantial neuroprotective effects via multiple molecular mechanisms in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric pathological states. Large, long-term, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials with a prospective design are strongly recommended to delineate whether KD may attenuate or even treat neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease development, progression, and symptomatology.
Kinematic Features of Mandibular Movement during Mastication in Geriatric Individuals Who Are Provided with a Dysphagia Diet at Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Nakayama Enri , Tohara Haruka , Sakai Mayu , Iida Masato , Abe Kimiko , Ueda Koichiro
Published: May 2023

Providing a normal diet to a care recipient who is unable to form an adequate bolus may cause suffocation or aspiration pneumonia. We investigated whether differences in kinematic data of mandibular movements during mastication can be used as an indicator of the need for a dysphagia diet in the elderly in long-term care facilities. We included 63 participants who were provided with solid food in two long-term care facilities. The primary outcome variable was the kinematic data on mandibular movement during cracker chewing. The analysis results were compared between the normal and dysphagia diet groups. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed. Significant differences were observed in the masticatory time, cycle frequency, total change amount, number of linear motions, and circular motion frequency between the normal and modified diet groups. The odds ratio for the circular motion frequency was −0.307, and the calculated cutoff value was 63%, with a sensitivity of 71.4%, a specificity of 73.5%, and an area under the curve of 0.714. Thus, these characteristics may be useful for detecting care recipients who need to be provided with a dysphagia diet. Moreover, the circular motion frequency could be used as a screening test to identify people who need a dysphagia diet.
Application of the MPPT Control Algorithm Based on Hybrid Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization in a Photovoltaic Power Generation System
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Zhou Wei , Xu Wenhua , Nie Yongjie , Chen Shan , Ou Yangjian , Zhou Kaihong , Liu Mingxian
Published: May 2023

The Maximum Power Point Tracking method is a mainstream method for improving the operational efficiency of photovoltaic power generation, but it is difficult to adapt to the rapidly changing environment and lacks good steady-state and dynamic performance. To achieve fast and accurate tracking of the Maximum Power Point Tracking, the optimization of the contraction expansion coefficient of the Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm is studied, and then the Levy flight strategy is introduced to optimize the algorithm’s global convergence ability, thereby constructing the Hybrid Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm. Finally, the Hybrid Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization combined with the Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm is obtained. The research results showed that the Hybrid Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization combined with the Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm can always converge to the theoretical minimum value with a probability of more than 94% in the Roserock function and Rastigin function tests. The tracking error of the Hybrid Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization combined with the Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm was less than 1% under lighting conditions. The convergence time of the Hybrid Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization combined with the Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm in arbitrary shadow occlusion environments can reach a stable state within 0.1 s. In summary, the Hybrid Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization combined with the Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm proposed in the study has excellent performance and very wide applicability. To a certain extent, it improves the total power generation capacity of the photovoltaic power generation system and the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic array.
An Overview of the PAKF-JPDA Approach for Elliptical Multiple Extended Target Tracking Using High-Resolution Marine Radar Data
Authors: Fowdur Jaya Shradha , Baum Marcus , Heymann Frank , Banys Pawel
Published: May 2023

Ground radar stations observing specific regions of interest nowadays provide detections in the form of point-clouds. This article focuses on a framework that consists of an elliptical multitarget tracker, referred to as Principal-Axes based Kalman Filter (PAKF)-based Joint Probabilistic Data Association (JPDA) (PAKF-JPDA), to enable maritime traffic monitoring. The framework touches on two major stages, target detection and target tracking. For the former, we employed a clustering approach and for the latter, we presented a data-association-based version of the PAKF tracker with an automatic track management functionality. The framework’s benefits are demonstrated when it is applied to the radar streaming in a harbor setting based on a homogeneous multisensor tracking system by comparing our results against their corresponding reference data with visualizations, including performance measures.
Monitoring the Degree of Mosaic Disease in Apple Leaves Using Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Jiang Danyao , Chang Qingrui , Zhang Zijuan , Liu Yanfu , Zhang Yu , Zheng Zhikang
Published: May 2023

Mosaic of apple leaves is a major disease that reduces the yield and quality of apples, and monitoring for the disease allows for its timely control. However, few studies have investigated the status of apple pests and diseases, especially mosaic diseases, using hyperspectral imaging technology. Here, hyperspectral images of healthy and infected apple leaves were obtained using a near-ground imaging high spectrometer and the anthocyanin content was measured simultaneously. The spectral differences between the healthy and infected leaves were analyzed. The content of anthocyanin in the leaves was estimated by the optimal model to determine the degree of apple mosaic disease. The leaves exhibited stronger reflectance at a range of 500–560 nm as the degree of disease increased. The correlation between the spectral reflectance processed by the Gaussian1 wavelet transform and anthocyanin was significantly improved compared to the corresponding correlation results with the original spectrum. The VPs-XGBoost anthocyanin estimation model performed the best, which was sufficient to monitor the degree of the disease. The findings provide theoretical support for the quantitative estimation of leaf anthocyanin content by remote sensing to monitor the degree of disease; they lay the foundation for large-scale monitoring of the degree of apple mosaic disease by remote sensing.
Automatic ISAR Ship Detection Using Triangle-Points Affine Transform Reconstruction Algorithm
Authors: Jin Xinfei , Su Fulin , Li Hongxu , Xu Zihan , Deng Jie
Published: May 2023

With the capability of capturing a target’s two-dimensional information, Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging is widely used in Radar Automatic Target Recognition. However, changes in the ship target’s attitude can lead to the scatterers’ rotation, occlusion, and angle glint, reducing the accuracy of ISAR image recognition. To solve this problem, we proposed a Triangle Preserving level-set-assisted Triangle-Points Affine Transform Reconstruction (TP-TATR) for ISAR ship target recognition. Firstly, three geometric points as initial information were extracted from the preprocessed ISAR images based on the ship features. Combined with these points, the Triangle Preserving level-set (TP) method robustly extracted the fitting triangle of targets depending on the intrinsic structure of the ship target. Based on the extracted triangle, the TP-TATR adjusted all the ship targets from the training and test data to the same attitude, thereby alleviating the attitude sensitivity. Finally, we created templates by averaging the adjusted training data and matched the test data with the templates for recognition. Experiments based on the simulated and measured data indicate that the accuracies of the TP-TATR method are 87.70% and 90.03%, respectively, which are higher than those of the contrast algorithms and have a statistical difference. These demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed TP-TATR method.
Assessment of Nitrogen Nutrition Index of Winter Wheat Canopy from Visible Images for a Dynamic Monitoring of N Requirements
Authors: Gée Christelle , Denimal Emmanuel , de Yparraguirre Maël , Dujourdy Laurence , Voisin Anne-Sophie
Published: May 2023

Hand-held chlorophyll meters or leaf-clip-type sensors indirectly and instantaneously measure leaf N content. They can provide an N nutrition index (NNI) value that is crucial information for adjusting the amount of N fertilizer to the actual N status of the plant. Although these measurements are non-invasive and non-destructive, they require numerous repetitions at the canopy scale. The objective of this work was to explore the potential of visible images to predict nitrogen status in winter wheat crops from estimating NNI and to compare these results with those deduced from classical methods. Based on a dark green colour index (DGCI), which combines hue, saturation and brightness, a normalized DGCI (nDGCI) was proposed as the ratio between the measurements of the study microplot and those of the over-fertilized microplot. The methodology was performed on winter wheat microplots with a nitrogen gradient. Half of the microplots were grown with a single cultivar (LG Absalon) and the other half with a mixture of four wheat cultivars. The impact of optical device (digital camera or smartphone), the white balance (Manual or Automatic), the crop growth stage (two-nodes or heading) and cultivars (single or mixed) on the relationship between (DGCI, nDGCI) and NNI was evaluated. The results showed a close correlation between the nDGCI values and the NNI_NTester values, especially on a single cultivar (LG Absalon; R2 = 0.73 up to 0.91 with smartphone). It suggested that the relationship is highly sensitive to the wheat cultivar. This approach with no specific calibration of images is promising for the estimation of N requirements in wheat field.
Multimodal Deep Learning for Rice Yield Prediction Using UAV-Based Multispectral Imagery and Weather Data
Authors: Mia Md. Suruj , Tanabe Ryoya , Habibi Luthfan Nur , Hashimoto Naoyuki , Homma Koki , Maki Masayasu , Matsui Tsutomu , Tanaka Takashi S. T.
Published: May 2023

Precise yield predictions are useful for implementing precision agriculture technologies and making better decisions in crop management. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have recently been used to predict crop yields in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing studies, but weather data have not been considered in modeling. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of multimodal deep learning on rice yield prediction accuracy using UAV multispectral images at the heading stage, along with weather data. The effects of the CNN architectures, layer depths, and weather data integration methods on the prediction accuracy were evaluated. Overall, the multimodal deep learning model integrating UAV-based multispectral imagery and weather data had the potential to develop more precise rice yield predictions. The best models were those trained with weekly weather data. A simple CNN feature extractor for UAV-based multispectral image input data might be sufficient to predict crop yields accurately. However, the spatial patterns of the predicted yield maps differed from model to model, although the prediction accuracy was almost the same. The results indicated that not only the prediction accuracies, but also the robustness of within-field yield predictions, should be assessed in further studies.
Inversion of Soil Moisture on Farmland Areas Based on SSA-CNN Using Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Wang Ran , Zhao Jianhui , Yang Huijin , Li Ning
Published: May 2023

Soil moisture is a crucial factor in the field of meteorology, hydrology, and agricultural sciences. In agricultural production, surface soil moisture (SSM) is crucial for crop yield estimation and drought monitoring. For SSM inversion, a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) offers a trustworthy data source. However, for agricultural fields, the use of SAR data alone to invert SSM is susceptible to the influence of vegetation cover. In this paper, based on Sentinel-1 microwave remote sensing data and Sentinel-2 optical remote sensing data, a convolution neural network optimized by sparrow search algorithm (SSA-CNN) was suggested to invert farmland SSM. The feature parameters were first extracted from pre-processed remote sensing data. Then, the correlation analysis between the extracted feature parameters and field measured SSM data was carried out, and the optimal combination of feature parameters for SSM inversion was selected as the input data of the subsequent models. To enhance the performance of the CNN, the hyper-parameters of CNN were optimized using SSA, and the SSA-CNN model was built for SSM inversion based on the obtained optimal hyper-parameter combination. Three typical machine learning approaches, including generalized regression neural network, random forest, and CNN, were used for comparison to show the efficacy of the suggested method. With an average coefficient of determination of 0.80, an average root mean square error of 2.17 vol.%, and an average mean absolute error of 1.68 vol.%, the findings demonstrated that the SSA-CNN model with the optimal feature combination had a better accuracy among the 4 models. In the end, the SSM of the study region was inverted throughout four phenological periods using the SSA-CNN model. The inversion results indicated that the suggested method performed well in local situations.