bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pattern Recognition Method for Offshore Drilling Gas Kick and Overflow Diagnosis
Authors: Xu Yang , Yang Jin , Hu Zhiqiang , Xu Dongsheng
Published: May 2023

In offshore drilling, accidents such as gas invasion, overflow, and kicks are inevitable, and they can escalate into blowouts and other catastrophic events that result in casualties and substantial economic losses. Therefore, maintaining drilling safety requires accurate monitoring of gas invasion and overflow. The majority of overflow monitoring methods currently utilized at drilling sites are threshold-based. However, monitoring parameters acquired during actual drilling operations frequently contain noise signals, making it difficult for threshold-based methods to strike a balance between improving accuracy and minimizing false positives. In this paper, Pattern Recognition-based Kick Detection (PRKD) is proposed as a novel method for diagnosing overflow in offshore drilling. This method utilizes the overflow evolution process by integrating multi-phase flow calculations, data filtering theory, pattern recognition theory, the Bayesian framework, and other theoretical models. The PRKD effectively detects and monitors gas intrusion and overflow based on single parameters by analyzing the shape and wave characteristics of the curves. The case analysis demonstrates that the proposed method for monitoring drilling overflow achieves high precision while maintaining a low false positive rate. By combining advanced computational techniques with pattern recognition algorithms, the PRKD improves the accuracy and reliability of kick detection, enabling proactive responses to potential risks, protecting the environment and human lives, and optimizing drilling operations.
Predictors of Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Persons from Mozambique: The Dual Role of Schooling
Authors: Lufiande Jorge , Silva Susana , Reis Ana Catarina , Guerra Marina Prista
Published: May 2023

Increasing quality of life (QoL) is both an end in itself and a means to optimize the impact of treatment in HIV-infected persons. Possibly due to cultural and social influences, the predictors of QoL vary across studies, which highlights the importance of studying specific populations. In the present study, we wanted to determine the sociodemographic (age, sex, schooling) and psychosocial correlates (meaning in life, social support, positive and negative affect) of QoL in HIV-infected patients living in Mozambique, a country with high prevalence of HIV, but also with well-structured strategies to fight the disease. To that end, we made correlational analyses followed by regression models, and we examined potential mediation processes among predictors. All correlates were relevant except sex. Meaning in life was the strongest predictor, while social support was the weakest. Schooling was both directly and indirectly related with QoL - in the latter case, it was mediated by meaning in life, social support and positive affect. Our findings suggest that investments in education may be highly rewarding to Mozambicans, and that satisfying needs of self-actualization and purpose may be more urgent than improving social connections.
Protein Fishmeal Replacement in Aquaculture: A Systematic Review and Implications on Growth and Adoption Viability in the Philippines
Authors: Macusi Edison D. , Cayacay Melanie A. , Borazon Elaine Q. , Sales Anthony C. , Habib Ahasan , Fadli Nur , Santos Mudjekeewis D.
Published: May 2023

Aquaculture is growing rapidly as a food-producing sector and in recent years, fishmeal prices have climbed by more than twofold on a global scale. This review of previous studies was performed to contribute to the extant literature on the aquaculture sector to aid cost reduction of aquafeeds by identifying substitute protein that can replace fishmeal. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using the SCOPUS and WOS (Web of Science), DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals), Academia, and Pubmed Central databases with the following search terms: “fishmeal,” “alternative protein source” and “aquafeeds.” This resulted in 5,331 articles from the SCOPUS and WOS databases. Finally, the titles and abstracts of the articles were screened, giving a total of 162 articles that were used in the study; another 58 articles came from open databases. Results have shown that 100% replacement of fishmeal with blood meal did not affect the growth of fish as well as 75% to 100% combination of poultry-by-product (PBM), feather meal (FEM), and blood meal (BM). Moreover, a 10% replacement of fishmeal using seaweed (Gracilaria arcuata) has no adverse effect on feed efficiency and growth performance of tilapia, a 50% replacement of fishmeal using black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), and 25% replacement using soybean (Glycine max) also showed better results for fish growth. With that, this review shows that alternative protein can be a great alternative to the aquaculture sector in reducing the cost of aquafeeds since alternative proteins are much cheaper than the usual fishmeal.
A Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Extract and Essential Oil of Origanum onites L. In Vivo
Authors: Kubiliene Asta , Munius Edvinas , Songailaite Gabriele , Kokyte Indre , Baranauskaite Juste , Liekis Arunas , Sadauskiene Ilona
Published: May 2023

In the present study the effects of Origanum onites L. extract and essential oil of O. onites L. on the antioxidant status of the liver and brain of mice were investigated. Due to certain disadvantages of essential oils, such as poor solubility, high volatility, sensitivity to UV light and heat, formulation of liposomes with Oregano essentials (OE) was optimized and used in this study. The results demonstrated that the best composition of the lipid carriers and Oregano essentials were conducted in terms of the PDI, mean particle size and EE. The LE4 formulation contained Lipoid S100 of 45 mg, Lipoid S75 of 45 mg and 90 mg of EO. The administration of O. onites L. extract to mice for 21 days significantly decreased glutathione (GSH) level in the liver and brain of mouse as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the liver. In the brain of mice MDA level significantly increased after this extract consumption. Whereas liposomes with OE significantly decreased GSH concentration in mouse brain and MDA concentration in mouse liver but increased (p>0.05) GSH level in liver and MDA concentration in brain of mice compared with the control group. It was investigated that both, O. onites L. extract as well as liposomes with OE of this plant material make changes in the antioxidant status in the liver and brain of mice.
ADL: Anomaly Detection and Localization in Crowded Scenes Using Hybrid Methods
Authors: Rui Bai , Wu Hequn
Published: May 2023

In recent years, video anomaly detection technology , which can intelligently analyze

massive video and quickly find abnormal phenomena, has attracted extensive attention with the

wide application of video surveillance technology . To address the complex and diverse problem

of abnormal human behavior detection in surveillance videos, a surveillance video abnormal

behavior detection and localization supervised method based on the deep network model and

the traditional method is proposed. Specifically, we combined AGMM and YOLACT methods to

obtain more accurate foreground information by fusing the foreground maps extracted by each technique. To further improve the accuracy , we use the PWC-Net technique to extract features of

the foreground images and input them into an anomaly classification model for classification. The

proposed method effectively detects and locates the abnormal behavior in the monitoring scene.

In addition to the aforementioned methods, this paper also employs YOLOV5 and DeepSORT

networks for object detection and tracking in the video, which allows us to track the detected

objects for better understanding of the scene in the video. Experiments on the UCSD benchmark

dataset and the comparison with state-of-the-art schemes prove the advantages of our method.
Phylogeographic Aspects of Bat Lyssaviruses in Europe: A Review
Authors: Dundarova Heliana , Ivanova-Aleksandrova Nadya , Bednarikova Sarka , Georgieva Irina , Kirov Krasimir , Miteva Kalina , Neov Boyko , Ostoich Peter , Pikula Jiri , Zukal Jan , Hristov Peter
Published: May 2023

During the last few decades bat lyssaviruses have become the topic of intensive molecular and epidemiological investigations. Since ancient times rhabdoviruses have caused fatal encephalitis in humans which has led to research into effective strategies for their eradication. Modelling of potential future cross-species virus transmissions forms a substantial component of the recent infection biology of rabies. In this article we summarise the available data on the phylogeography of both bats and lyssaviruses in Europe and the adjacent regions, especially in the contact zone between the Palearctic and Ethiopian realms. Within these zones three bat families are present with high potential for cross-species transmission and the spread of lyssaviruses in Phylogroup II to Europe (part of the western Palearctic). The lack of effective therapies for rabies viruses in Phylogroups II and III generates impetus for additional phylogenetic and virological research within this geographical region.
Stator ITSC Fault Diagnosis for EMU Induction Traction Motor based on Goertzel Algorithm and Random Forest
Authors: Ma Jie , Li Yingxue , Wang Liying , Hu Jisheng , Li Hua , Fei Jiyou , Li Lin , Zhao Geng
Published: May 2023

The stator winding insulation system is the most critical and weak part of the EMU's (electric multiple unit) traction motor. The effective diagnosis for stator ITSC (inter-turn short-circuit) faults can prevent the fault from expanding into phase-to-phase or ground short-circuits. The TCU(traction control unit) controls the traction inverter to output SPWM (sine pulse width modulation) excitation voltage when the traction motor is stationary. Three ITSC fault diagnostic conditions are based on different IGBTs control logic. The Goertzel algorithm is used to calculate the fundamental current amplitude difference Δi and phase angle difference Δθ of equivalent parallel windings under the three diagnostic conditions. The six parameters under the three diagnostic conditions are used as features to establish an ITSC fault diagnostic model based on random forest. The proposed method was validated using a simulation experimental platform for ITSC fault diagnosis of EMU traction motors. The experimental results indicate that the current amplitude features Δi and phase angle features Δθ change obviously with the increase of ITSC fault extent if the ITSC fault occurs at the equivalent parallel windings. The accuracy of the ITSC fault diagnosis model based on the random forest for ITSC fault detection and location both in train and test samples are 100%.
Assessment of Two Materials as Adsorbents for the Effective Removal and Further Pre-concentration of Gallium from Aqueous Solutions: Mesoporous Carbon vs Clinoptilolite
Authors: Sáez Patricia , Bernabé Ignacio , Gómez José María , Díez Eduardo , Fraile Cristina , García Noelia , Rodríguez Araceli
Published: May 2023

In this research, the adsorption of gallium onto natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) and two mesoporous activated carbons was compared and evaluated. The clinoptilolite was treated with HCl (HCPL) while mesoporous activated carbons (MCSG60A and MCO1) were synthesized by replica method, using sucrose as carbon precursor and silica gel as template. These carbonacenous materials showed large pore sizes and mesoporous surface, as well as a suitable surface chemistry for cation adsorption, which promotes a high negative charge density. On the other hand, zeolites have narrower pore sizes, which hinders the material diffusion inside the particle; however, its strength is their ion exchange capacity. Regarding the gallium kinetic studies, it is described by Pseudo-second order model for both sorts of adsorbents. MCO1 is the best carbonaceous adsorbent studied, with a capacity of 4.58 mg/g. As for zeolites, between the two zeolites studied, HCPL showed the best results, with a gallium adsorption capacity of 3.1 mg/g. The gallium adsorption mechanism onto MCO1 material is based on physisorption while HCPL is mainly retained due to an ion-exchange process. Regarding Giles classification, MCO1 isotherm described an H-4 pattern of high affinity, characteristic of multilayer adsorption. Double-Langmuir model fits properly these experimental results. In the case of zeolites, HCPL adsorption isotherm followed an L-2 pattern, typical of monolayer adsorption, being the Sips model the one which better describes the adsorption of gallium onto the zeolite.
Global Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Regulatory Framework: A Critique
Authors: Gaviyau William , Sibindi Athenia Bongani
Published: May 2023

Money launderers prefer to use financial services as the ideal medium to launder. The study aimed to provide an overview of the global AML/CFT regulations, application and how they should evolve in this dynamic environment. To gather more insight, a qualitative study was undertaken with relevant documents analysed. The main findings were: country implementation of the global AML/CFT regulations differed due to political and economic factors amongst others. While the various AML/CFT enforcements done by sampled countries were mainly cease and desist orders and monetary penalties which were publicized; and drawbacks of global AML/CFT regulations centered on application of these regulations and emerging trends. These include among other definitions of money laundering, reference to the three stage of money laundering, link between penalty and violations, technological innovations and regulations paradigm shift, cyber-attacks and data privacy. The study contributes to application and growing body of knowledge in that the advent of technology has resulted in better consumer experiences, new payment platforms, products, and services. However, these innovations have broadened emerging money laundering risks and risks in general to the financial system. Hence the need to conduct research based FATF Recommendations as risk is dynamic and not static.
Fake News in Marketing
Authors: Morais da Silva José , Rosário Albérico Travassos , Gestoso Carlos Guillen , Romana Fernando Acabado
Published: May 2023

Fake news was conventionally assumed to mean fabricated information published in newspapers and other mass media. It was mostly done to increase the paper's sales and was unlikely to have long-term impacts on society. Fake news in marketing concerns intentionally delivering false or misleading information regarding a product or service to influence consumer behavior. Despite the severity of these impacts, we noted that there is very little scientific research on fake news in marketing and consumer behavior. This systematic literature review (LRSB) aims to bridge this knowledge gap by searching and analysing relevant publications on "fake news in marketing" and synthesising data from 117 relevant studies, providing a framework for marketers and business leaders to reduce the spread and impact of online misinformation. The main highlights identify that the implementation and use of social media, shaping a presence on the internet, diffusion, and consumption of fake news have become a serious challenge and a dominant problem in the marketing sector, especially with the growth of digital marketing. Strategically, fake news spread can be categorized into various types, and the use of these tactics can produce short-term benefits such as increased engagement and instant sales, but they can also have severe long-term costs such as reputational damage, loss of revenues and market share, and discouraged investors and shareholders.
Genotypic and Sanitary Characterization of Minority Grapevine Varieties Prospected in Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Rodríguez-Torres Inmaculada , Martín Carrillo Ana , Ramírez María del Pilar , Gómez Gálvez Francisco Jesus , Velasco Arjona Leonardo , Padilla Carlos , Cretazzo Enrico
Published: May 2023

Andalusia is a Spanish region that is home to numerous minority varieties due to its diversity and territorial extension, offering the local viticulture the possibility of diversifying its wine production. The molecular identification of 98 specimens from six areas with a winemaking tradition in Andalusia was carried out between the years 2020 and 2022. Thirteen microsatellite markers were used in this study, including the nine recommended by the OIV. 31 different genotypes were obtained, 20 of which corresponded to profiles of already described varieties (11 of them are of minority cultivation in Andalusia: 'Rojal Tinto', 'Beba', 'Zurieles', 'Rome', 'Hebén', 'Mollar Cano', 'Listán Prieto', 'Listán del Condado', 'Jarrosuelto', 'Negra Dorada' and 'Mantúo de Pilas'), while the other 11 profiles did not match with previously identified varieties. This profiles were integrated into the database of the IFAPA “Rancho de la Merced” Germplasm Bank. The eco-geographical groups of the new identified genotypes were determined through analysis of genetic diversity. The presence of the Grapevine Fanleaf Virus, the Grapevine Fleck Virus and the Grapevine Leafroll associated Viruses was also analyzed using an ELISA test due to the necessity of having certifiable clones of the new varieties for their potential interest in being authorized for its cultivation in Spain.
Forensic Assessment of Textile Fibers Using Micro FTIR-ATR Spectroscopy
Authors: Testoni Samara , Ortiz Rafael , Mariotti Kristiane , Camargo Flavio
Published: May 2023

Forensic assessments may involve the sampling of textile fibers when examining crime scenes. The need to characterize and identify those fibers is crucial as they can provide extensive information relating to a crime, linking a suspect to a location. Fibers in particular may contain issues in terms of both size and quantity of sample, and micro Fourier transform Infrared in attenuated total reflectance mode (micro FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy presents a non-destructive method to identify those fibers. In this study we carried out a rapid forensic assessment via micro FTIR-ATR of sixty textile fibers recovered from twenty white fabrics relying on tape lifting method, in order to discriminate those materials. Two dimensional principal component analysis and radar chart were applied to enhance the visual comparison of the fibers. Results of infrared spectra revealed that the technique allows the discrimination of textile fibers according to their spectral composition (cellulose, polyamide, polyester, or mixture of these composites) and to some characteristics, as number and width of peaks, peak position according to the wavenumber, absorbance index related to peak sharpness, etc. The technique was deemed useful in the forensic assessment of the fibers, presenting rapid and enlightening results.
Structural Characterization and Anticancer Activity of a New Anthraquinone from Senna velutina
Authors: Castro David Tsuyoshi Hiramatsu , Leite Daniel Ferreira , Baldívia Debora da Silva , Dos Santos Helder Freitas , Balogun Sikiru Olaitan , Silva Denise Brentan , Carollo Carlos Alexandre , De Picoli Souza Kely , Santos Edson Lucas dos
Published: May 2023

Cancer is a complex disease, considered a major public health problem worldwide. Among the types of cancer, melanoma, and leukemias present high mortality rates in Brazil and worldwide. Currently, conventional cytotoxic treatments cause severe side effects by the non-selectivity between normal cells and cancer cells. Therefore, molecules of natural origin with more efficient anticancer properties and that present fewer adverse effects are of extreme importance for cancer therapy and improvement in patients’ quality of life. This study isolated, identified, and characterized the chemical structure of a new anthraquinone present in the extract of the roots of Senna velutina. In addition, we sought to evaluate the anticancer potential of this molecule against melanoma and leukemic cell lines and identify the pathways of cell death involved. To this end, a novel anthraquinone was isolated from the barks of the roots of S. velutina, analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and its molecular structure was determined by NMR. Subsequently, their cytotoxic activity was evaluated by the MTT method against non-cancerous, melanoma, and leukemic cells. The migration of melanoma cells was evaluated by the scratch assay. By flow cytometry technique, the apoptosis process, caspase-3 activation, analysis of mitochondrial membrane potential, and measurement of ROS were evaluated. In addition, the pharmacological cell death inhibitors NEC-1, RIP-1, BAPTA, Z-VAD, and Z-DEVD were used to confirm the related cell death mechanisms. With the results, it was possible to elucidate the novel compound characterized as 2'-OH-Torosaol I. In normal cells, the compound showed no cytotoxicity in PBMC but reduced the cell viability of all melanoma and leukemic cell lines evaluated. 2'-OH-Torosaol I inhibited chemotaxis of B16F10-Nex2, SK-Mel-19, SK-Mel28 and SK-Mel-103. The cytotoxicity of the compound was induced by apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased levels of reactive oxygen species, and activation of caspase-3. In addition, the inhibitors demonstrated the involvement of necroptosis and CA+ in the death process and confirmed caspase-dependent apoptosis death as one of the main programmed-cell death pathways induced by 2'-OH-Torosaol I. Taken together, the data characterize the novel anthraquinone 2'-OH-Torosaol I, demonstrating its anticancer activity and potential application in cancer therapy.
Novel Multivariable Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Method for Modal Reconstruction of the Corneal Surface from Sparse and Incomplete Point Clouds
Authors: Sáez-Gutiérrez Francisco L. , Velázquez José S. , Alió del Barrio Jorge L. , Alió Jorge L. , Cavas Francisco
Published: May 2023

Three-Dimensional reconstruction of the corneal surface provides a powerful tool for managing corneal diseases. This study proposes a novel method for reconstructing the corneal surface from elevation point clouds, using modal schemes capable of reproducing corneal shapes using surface polynomial functions. The multivariable polynomial fitting was performed using a non-dominated sorting multivariable genetic algorithm (NS-MVGA). Standard reconstruction methods using least-squares discrete fitting (LSQ) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) were compared with the evolutionary algorithm-based approach. The study included 49 eyes of 49 patients (ages 11-63) sorted in two groups: control (33 eyes) and keratoconus (KC) (16 eyes). Tomographic information (Sirius, Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Italy) was processed using Matlab. The goodness of fit for each method was evaluated using mean squared error (MSE), measured at the same nodes where the elevation data were collected. Polynomial fitting based on NS-MVGA improves MSE values by 86% compared to LSQ-based methods in healthy patients. Moreover, this new method improves aberrated surface reconstruction by 43% for Amsler-Krumeich (AK) Grade 1 keratoconus patients. Finally, significant improvements were also found in morpho-geometric parameters, such as asphericity and corneal curvature radii.
Employing Molecular Conformations for Ligand-based Virtual Screening with Equivariant Graph Neural Network and Deep Multiple Instance Learning
Authors: Gu Yaowen , Li Jiao , Kang Hongyu , Zhang Bowen , Zheng Si
Published: May 2023

Ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) is a promising approach for rapid and low-cost screening of potentially bioactive molecules in the early stage of drug discovery. Compared with traditional similarity-based machine learning methods, deep learning frameworks for LBVS can more effectively extract high-order molecule structure representations from molecular fingerprints or structures. However, the 3D conformation of a molecule largely influences its bioactivity and physical properties, and has rarely been considered in previous deep learning-based LBVS methods. Moreover, the relative bioactivity benchmark dataset is still lacking. To address these issues, we introduce a novel end-to-end deep learning architecture trained from molecular conformers for LBVS. We first extracted molecule conformers from multiple public molecular bioactivity data and consolidated them into a large-scale bioactivity benchmark dataset, which totally includes millions of endpoints and molecules corresponding to 954 targets. Then, we devised a deep learning-based LBVS called EquiVS to learn molecule representations from conformers for bioactivity prediction. Specifically, graph convolutional network (GCN) and equivariant graph neural network (EGNN) are sequentially stacked to learn high-order molecule-level and conformer-level representations, followed by attention-based deep multiple-instance learning (MIL) to aggregate these representations and then predict the potential bioactivity for the query molecule on a given target. We conducted various experiments to validate the data quality of our benchmark dataset, and confirmed EquiVS achieved better performance compared with 10 traditional machine learning or deep learning-based LBVS methods. Further ablation studies demonstrate the significant contribution of molecular conformation for bioactivity prediction, as well as the reasonability and non-redundancy of deep learning architecture in EquiVS. Finally, a model interpretation case study on CDK2 shows the potential of EquiVS in optimal conformer discovery. The overall study shows that our proposed benchmark dataset and EquiVS method have promising prospects in virtual screening applications.
Effect of Diffusion and Laser Pulse on a Poro-Thermoelastic Medium via Three-Phase-Lag Model
Authors: Fahmy Mohamed Abdelsabour , Othman Mohamed I. A. , Abd-Elaziz Elsayed M.
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of diffusion and thermal loading due to pulsed laser heating on a thermoelastic solid with voids in the context of the model of three-phase-lag. The non-dimensional governing equations are formulated and then the exact expressions for the temperature field, the displacement components, the stress components, the concentration field and the change in the volume fraction field are obtained using the normal mode technique. The material is an isotropic, homogeneous elastic half-space and heated by a non-Gaussian laser beam with pulse duration of ps. The magnesium crystal element is used as an application to compare the predictions induced by diffusion and laser pulse on poro-thermoelastic medium of the model of three-phase-lag with those for the theory of Green–Naghdi of type III. The results obtained for thermal changes are verified by comparison with two theories of thermoelasticity, namely the model of three-phase lag (3PHL) and the Green and Nagdi type III theory. Plot the expressions to examine the effect of the laser pulse at two different values of time and the effect void parameter. This study also yields some interesting special cases.
The Bacterial Spore as a Mucosal Vaccine Delivery System
Authors: Saggese Anella , Baccigalupi Loredana , Donadio Giuliana , Ricca Ezio , Isticato Rachele
Published: May 2023

The development of efficient mucosal vaccines is strongly dependent on the use of appropriate vectors. Various biological systems or synthetic nanoparticles have been proposed to display and deliver antigens to mucosal surfaces. The Bacillus spore, a metabolically quiescent and extremely resistant cell, has also been proposed as a mucosal vaccine delivery system and shown able to conjugate the advantages of live and synthetic systems. Several antigens have been displayed on the spore by either recombinant or non-recombinant approaches, and antigen-specific immune responses have been observed in animals immunized by the oral or nasal route. Here we review the use of the bacterial spore as a mucosal vaccine vehicle focusing on the advantages and drawbacks of using the spore and of the recombinant vs. non-recombinant approach to display antigens on the spore surface. An overview of the immune responses induced by antigen-displaying spores so far tested in animals is presented and discussed.
Automatic Identification System (AIS) data case study : identifying unofficial mooring areas along the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Kress Marin
Published: May 2023

This Dredging Operations and Technical Support (DOTS) program technical note presents the results of a study undertaken at the request of staff from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Rock Island District (MVR) as part of a larger effort examining the potential creation of seven new permanent mooring cells along the Upper Mississippi River in proximity to lock and dam (LD) locations selected by MVR. MVR staff were interested in evaluating vessel traffic and identifying unofficial mooring areas (i.e., waiting areas) in the vicinity of LD7, LD10, LD11, LD14, LD15, LD20, and LD22; they were also interested in travel times from those unofficial mooring areas to the destination lock. The search distance for unofficial mooring areas was limited to 20 miles from the lock, or the distance to the next closest lock if less than 20 miles, in the appropriate direction (i.e., upstream or downstream), as specified by MVR staff.
Deep Learning-Based Disentangled Parametrization for Model Calibration Under Multiple Geologic Scenarios
Authors: Yu Junjie , Jafarpour Behnam
Published: May 2023

Parametrization is widely used to improve the solution of ill-posed subsurface flow model calibration problems. Traditional low-dimensional parameterization methods consist of spatial and transform-domain methods with well-established mathematical properties that are mostly amenable to interpretation. More recent deep learning-based parametrization approaches exhibit strong performance in representing complex geological patterns but lack interpretability, making them less suitable for systematic updates based on expert knowledge. We present a disentangled parameterization approach with variational autoencoder (VAE) architecture to enable improved representation of complex spatial patterns and provide some degree of interpretability by allowing certain spatial features and attributes of a property map to be controlled by a single latent variable (generative factor), while remaining relatively invariant to changes in other latent factors. The existence of disentangled latent variables brings extra controllability to incorporate expert knowledge in making updates to the model. We explore two different approaches to achieve disentangled parameterization. In the first approach, we use β-VAE to learn disentangled factors in unsupervised learning manner, while in the second approach we apply the conditional VAE to represent discrete disentangled factors through supervised learning. By encoding the geologic scenarios into discrete latent codes, the parameterization enables automated scenario selection during inverse modeling and assisted updates on the spatial maps by experts. We present preliminary results using a single-phase pumping test example to show how model calibration can benefit from the proposed disentangled parameterization.
The use of lateral arm perforator flap in the reconstruction of post-burn cubital contracture
Authors: Abdelkarim Ahmed , Raief Tarek , Elyounsi Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Introduction
Elbow contracture is a challenging problem to the reconstructive surgeon owing to the wide range of extension that should be achieved and due to the common unavailability of local tissues to be used for reconstruction of the elbow.(1)The lateral arm flap (LAF) is a popular flap transfer, which can be applied in many procedures. Described in 1982 and since its clinical application has been increasing. Perforator flaps become indispensable tool which help not too sacrifice the pedicel (2)
Objective: to describe using the lateral arm perforator flap for reconstruction of cubital contracture secondary to burn.
Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent cubital fossa reconstruction.
Results: In the current series, ten patients were included with the mean age 24 years (8 to 36). they were operated for definitive reconstruction on average 72 months (24m to 120m) after the initial injury. The reconstruction for 10 cases in our study was performed as one stage procedure. In the current study, complications were observed in three cases (27.3%), the wound dehiscence was recorded in one patient also, we faced two patients with dissatisfied results due to bulkiness of the flap in the elbow.
Conclusion: We concluded that the lateral arm perforator flap is a versatile and reliable option for the reconstruction of all types of elbow contracture, releasing defects with satisfactory results in terms of function and esthetic outcomes.
An innovative hybrid training method for ultrasound in giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica and large vessel vasculitis
Authors: Chew Li-Ching , Hong Cassandra , Dasgupta Bhaskar
Published: May 2023

To circumvent the lack of hands-on ultrasound training resulting from inability to conduct face-to-face workshops during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as local expertise was not available, we developed a novel hybrid method combining virtual and physical training. The objective was to achieve appropriate expertise in ultrasound for the safe and accurate diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and large vessel vasculitis. To evaluate the effectiveness of training, competency assessment was conducted using the hybrid platform.
Trends in Uptake and Impact of Thermostable Vaccines in Africa
Authors: Kitui Sophia Khalayi , Juma Evans , Ndalama Maureen Tayamika , Chilot Dagmawi , Tolossa Dejene , Woldemedhin Betelhiem , Muzazu Seke GY , Digamo Kidist , Manyazewal Tsegahun
Published: May 2023

To ensure that the vaccine's stability and viability are maintained, vaccines need to be stored at cooler temperatures. Exposing a vaccine to extreme freezing conditions and high temperatures may result in the loss of its potency and viability. Therefore, the cold chain ensures that the potency of a vaccine is maintained. Thermostable vaccines come up to address the challenges faced while trying to maintain vaccines in a cold chain. Almost 80% of prequalified vaccines require cold chain systems to maintain their potency which is not feasible in settings that lack electricity connections and vaccine storage equipment. Thermostable vaccines, however, are technological advancements believed to solve this problem since they do not depend on cold chain mechanisms for vaccine transport and storage. For example, a pilot study that was done in Uganda shows that the Gardasil vaccine is a heat-stable vaccine and can be kept for 130 months or more at 25°C, 1.5 years at 37°C, and 3 months at 42°C. Another similar study was conducted to check the thermostability of the Menafrivac vaccine. Results indicate that Menafrivac can survive a temperature of up to 40°C for 4 days. This study involved a narrative review of published articles to assess the trends in the uptake of thermostable vaccines and their impact in Africa. The results show that majority of health care providers had poor knowledge regarding thermostable vaccines. Nevertheless, the acceptability of thermostable vaccines by health care providers is quite high because the majority of them are aware of various problems posed during transportation, and storage of vaccine as far as stability and viability is concerned.
LinRace: single cell lineage reconstruction using paired lineage barcode and gene expression data
Authors: Zhang Xiuwei , Pan Xinhai , Li Hechen , Putta Pranav
Published: May 2023

Understanding how single cells divide and differentiate into different cell types in developed organs is one of the major tasks of developmental and stem cell biology. Recently, lineage tracing technology using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing have enabled simultaneous readouts of gene expressions and lineage barcodes in single cells, which allows for the reconstruction of the cell division tree, and even the detection of cell types and differentiation trajectories at the whole organism level. While most state-of-the-art methods for lineage reconstruction utilize only the lineage barcode data, methods that incorporate gene expression data are emerging, aiming to improve the accuracy of lineage reconstruction. However, effectively incorporating the gene expression data requires a reasonable model on how gene expression data changes along generations of divisions. Here, we present LinRace (Lineage Reconstruction with asymmetric cell division model), a method that integrates the lineage barcode and gene expression data using the asymmetric cell division model and infers cell lineage under a framework combining Neighbor Joining and maximum-likelihood heuristics. On both simulated and real data, LinRace outputs more accurate cell division trees than existing methods for lineage reconstruction. Moreover, LinRace can output the cell states (cell types) of ancestral cells, which is rarely performed with existing lineage reconstruction methods. The information on ancestral cells can be used to analyze how a progenitor cell generates a large population of cells with various functionalities. LinRace is available at: https://github.com/ZhangLabGT/LinRace.
Efficacy of Kinesio Taping in Post Operative Sequalae After Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars: a Split Mouth Randomized Control Study
Authors: Patil Sneha , Kambala Rajanikanth K. , Bhola Nitin
Published: May 2023

Background - Surgical removal of impacted lower third molars produces a significant degree of trauma to the soft tissue and bony structures of the oral cavity, which can initiate considerable inflammatory reaction. Consequently, patient experiences pain, swelling, hemorrhage, nerve paraesthesia, limited mouth opening etc. The kinesiologic tape (KT) can help with blood and lymphatic circulation and has shown acceptable outcomes in reducing pain and in managing post-operative muscle spasm.
Methodology – The study was aimed to compare the effects of kinesiologic tape on post operative pain, swelling and trismus following surgical removal of mandibular third molar when compared to control group. 15 patients with bilaterally impacted mandibular third molar were included in this split mouth study. One side was randomly assigned as Group A where patient’s face was subjected to Kinesio tape application post extraction. The other was Group B where Kinesio tape was not applied. After extraction each patient was evaluated in terms of post op pain, swelling and trismus in post-op day 1,2 and 7th.
Results - Pain was found to be significantly less (p =0.042) in group A when compared to group B on the first day. The mean pain was 5.07 in KT group and 6.20 in No KT group on day 2nd. Post OP Swelling was statistically significantly less (p <0.01) in Group A on 2nd & 3rd day. The postoperative mouth opening was more from the 2nd day in group A with mean of 26.07 mm and 20.33 mm in group B (p<0.01).
Conclusion- The kinesiologic taping originates from sports medicine, but can also used therapeutically for reducing post operative sequelae as demonstrated in our study. Kinesiologic tape (KT) enables patients to have a comfortable time post-operatively and helps to regain better quality of life.
Trial Registration – Registered in Clinical Trial Registry - India
Registration number - CTRI/2021/05/033359, registration date – 04/05/2021
Deubiquitinase USP1 enhances CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) stability and accelerates adipogenesis and lipid accumulation
Authors: Chun Kyung-Hee , Kim Myung Sup , Baek Jung-Hwan , Lee JinAh
Published: May 2023

Dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several metabolic disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; however, the mechanisms controlling pathogenic metabolic disorders remain unclear. Transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) regulates adipogenic genes. The study showed that the expression level of C/EBPβ is post-translationally regulated by the deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) and that USP1 expression is remarkably upregulated during adipocyte differentiation and in the adipose tissue of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). We found that USP1 directly interacts with C/EBPβ. Knock-down of USP1 decreased C/EBPβ protein stability and increased its ubiquitination. Overexpression of USP1 regulates its protein stability and ubiquitination, whereas catalytic mutant of USP1 had no effect on them. It suggests that USP1 directly deubiquitinases C/EBPβ and increases the protein expression, leading to adipogenesis and lipid accumulation. Notably, the USP1-specific inhibitor ML323—originally developed to sensitize cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents—decreased adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells without cytotoxicity. Oral gavage of ML323 was administered to HFD-fed mice, which showed weight loss and improvement in insulin and glucose sensitivity. Both fat mass and adipocyte size in white adipose tissues were significantly reduced by ML323 treatment, which also reduced expression of genes involved in adipogenesis and inflammatory responses. ML323 also reduced lipid accumulation, hepatic triglycerides, free fatty acids, and macrophage infiltration in the livers of HFD-fed mice. Taken together, we suggest that USP1 plays an important role in adipogenesis by regulating C/EBPβ ubiquitination, and USP1-specific inhibitor ML323 is a potential treatment option and further study by ML323 is needed for clinical application for metabolic disorders.
Analysis of influencing factors of revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with coronary heart disease and construction of nomogram model
Authors: Zhou Xuelian , Yu Hongwei , Miao Xiao , Wang Shaomin , Li Xiaobo , Zhu Liqun , Cao Songmei
Published: May 2023

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of revascularization in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI, and to construct a Nomo diagram model of revascularization in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI and conduct internal verification.
Methods Patients with coronary heart disease who underwent PCI in the National Key Specialty Cardiology Department of a tertiary and first-class hospital in Zhenjiang City from January 2015 to November 2015 were retrospectively collected as the research subjects. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of repeat revascularization after PCI in patients with coronary heart disease, and a nomogram model was established to predict the risk of repeat revascularization after PCI in patients with coronary heart disease. The predictive performance of the model was internally validated using ROC curves.
Results Multivariate analysis showed that poor daily life behaviors [OR=4.208, 95%CI(1.828, 9.686)], high risk of coronary heart disease specific index [OR=3.308, 95%CI(1.157, 9.453)], high fat Hyperemia [OR=7.262, 95%CI(3.236, 16.296)], multivessel disease [OR=2.691, 95%CI(1.061, 6.822); OR=6.068, 95%CI(2.467, 14.925)] was coronary heart disease The independent risk factors of revascularization in patients (P<0.05) were included in the model. Model internal validation AUC value was 0.830 [95%CI (0.782, 0.870), P<0.05], Youden index was 0.5530, specificity was 85.48%, sensitivity was 69.81%, and cut-off value was 122.39 points.
Conclusion The main influencing factors of poor daily living behavior, high risk of coronary heart disease-specific index, hyperlipidemia and multivessel disease, the nomogram model established based on the above factors has good predictive performance.
Clinically used broad-spectrum antibiotics compromise inflammatory monocyte-dependent antibacterial defense in the lung
Authors: Opitz Bastian , Dörner Patrick , Anandakumar Harithaa , Röwekamp Ivo , Milek Miha , Vernengo Facundo Fiocca , Pascual-Leone Belen Millet , Krzanowski Marta , Igbokwe Vanessa , Loeber Ulrike , Holstein Markus , Heinz Gitta , Mashreghi Mir-Farzin , Schulte Leon , Klatt Ann-Brit , Caesar Sandra , Wienhold Sandra-Maria , Offermanns Stefan , Mack Matthias , Witzenrath Martin , Beule Dieter , Forslund Sofia , Wilck Nicola , Bartolomaeus Hendrik , Heimesaat Markus
Published: May 2023

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is associated with high mortality and costs, and frequently caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Although prior antimicrobial therapy is a major risk factor for HAP, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that antibiotic therapy in hospitalized patients is associated with decreased diversity of the gut microbiome and depletion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers. Mice transplanted with patient gut microbiota reveal that these antibiotic-induced microbiota perturbations compromise pulmonary defense against MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae by compromising free fatty acid receptor (FFAR)2/3-controlled antibacterial activity of inflammatory monocytes (IMs). Collectively, we characterize how clinically relevant antibiotics affect antimicrobial defense in the context of human microbiota, and reveal a critical impairment of IMs. Our study provides additional arguments for the rational use of antibiotics and offers mechanistic insights for the development of novel prophylactic strategies to protect high-risk patients from HAP.
Structural insights into MIC2 recognition by MIC2-associated protein
Authors: Zhang Su , Wang Fangfang , Liu dongsheng , Ding Wei , Springer timothy , Zhang Dujuan , Song Gaojie
Published: May 2023

Microneme protein 2 (MIC2) and MIC2-associated protein (M2AP) play crucial roles in the gliding motility and host cell invasion of Toxoplasma gondii. Complex formation between MIC2 and M2AP is required for maturation and transport from the microneme to the parasite surface. Previous studies showed that M2AP associates with the 6th TSR domain of MIC2 (TSR6), but the detailed interaction remains unclear. In this study, we determined crystal structures of MA2P alone and in complex with TSR6. TSR domains have an unusually thin, long structure with a layer of intercalated residues on one side. The non-layered side of TSR6 with hotspot residue His-620 at the center binds to M2AP. Remarkably, we discovered that TSR6 residue Y602 is dynamic; it equilibrates between being part of the layer (the layered state) and in a flipped-out state in the absence of M2AP. However, when bound to M2AP, Y602 shifts to the flipped-out state. Our findings provide insights into the association and stabilization of MIC2-M2AP complex, and may be used to develop new therapies to prevent infections caused by this parasite.