bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maintenance of NAD+ Homeostasis in Skeletal Muscle during Aging and Exercise
Authors: Ji Li Li , Yeo Dongwook
Published: February 2022

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a versatile chemical compound serving as a coenzyme in metabolic pathways and as a substrate to support the enzymatic functions of sirtuins (SIRTs), poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), and cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase (CD38). Under normal physiological conditions, NAD+ consumption is matched by its synthesis primarily via the salvage pathway catalyzed by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). However, aging and muscular contraction enhance NAD+ utilization, whereas NAD+ replenishment is limited by cellular sources of NAD+ precursors and/or enzyme expression. This paper will briefly review NAD+ metabolic functions, its roles in regulating cell signaling, mechanisms of its degradation and biosynthesis, and major challenges to maintaining its cellular level in skeletal muscle. The effects of aging, physical exercise, and dietary supplementation on NAD+ homeostasis will be highlighted based on recent literature.
p53 in Proximal Tubules Mediates Chronic Kidney Problems after Cisplatin Treatment
Authors: Fu Shuangshuang , Hu Xiaoru , Ma Zhengwei , Wei Qingqing , Xiang Xiaohong , Li Siyao , Wen Lu , Liang Yumei , Dong Zheng
Published: February 2022

Nephrotoxicity is a major side-effect of cisplatin in chemotherapy, which can occur acutely or progress into chronic kidney disease (CKD). The protein p53 plays an important role in acute kidney injury induced by cisplatin, but its involvement in CKD following cisplatin exposure is unclear. Here, we address this question by using experimental models of repeated low-dose cisplatin (RLDC) treatment. In mouse proximal tubular BUMPT cells, RLDC treatment induced p53 activation, apoptosis, and fibrotic changes, which were suppressed by pifithrin-α, a pharmacologic inhibitor of p53. In vivo, chronic kidney problems following RLDC treatment were ameliorated in proximal tubule-specific p53-knockout mice (PT-p53-KO mice). Compared with wild-type littermates, PT-p53-KO mice showed less renal damage (KIM-1 positive area: 0.97% vs. 2.5%), less tubular degeneration (LTL positive area: 15.97% vs. 10.54%), and increased proliferation (Ki67 positive area: 2.42% vs. 0.45%), resulting in better renal function after RLDC treatment. Together, these results indicate that p53 in proximal tubular cells contributes significantly to the development of chronic kidney problems following cisplatin chemotherapy.
S1P Signalling Axis Is Necessary for Adiponectin-Directed Regulation of Electrophysiological Properties and Oxidative Metabolism in C2C12 Myotubes
Authors: Bernacchioni Caterina , Squecco Roberta , Gamberi Tania , Ghini Veronica , Schumacher Fabian , Mannelli Michele , Garella Rachele , Idrizaj Eglantina , Cencetti Francesca , Puliti Elisa , Bruni Paola , Turano Paola , Fiaschi Tania , Donati Chiara
Published: February 2022

Background: Adiponectin (Adn), released by adipocytes and other cell types such as skeletal muscle, has insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is reported to act as effector of diverse biological actions of Adn in different tissues. S1P is a bioactive sphingolipid synthesized by the phosphorylation of sphingosine catalyzed by sphingosine kinase (SK) 1 and 2. Consolidated findings support the key role of S1P in the biology of skeletal muscle. Methods and Results: Here we provide experimental evidence that S1P signalling is modulated by globular Adn treatment being able to increase the phosphorylation of SK1/2 as well as the mRNA expression levels of S1P4 in C2C12 myotubes. These findings were confirmed by LC-MS/MS that showed an increase of S1P levels after Adn treatment. Notably, the involvement of S1P axis in Adn action was highlighted since, when SK1 and 2 were inhibited by PF543 and ABC294640 inhibitors, respectively, not only the electrophysiological changes but also the increase of oxygen consumption and of aminoacid levels induced by the hormone, were significantly inhibited. Conclusion: Altogether, these findings show that S1P biosynthesis is necessary for the electrophysiological properties and oxidative metabolism of Adn in skeletal muscle cells.
Bone Marrow-Derived Cells in Endometrial Cancer Pathogenesis: Insights from Breast Cancer
Authors: Ferrer Alejandra I. , Einstein Ella , Morelli Sara S.
Published: February 2022

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, representing 3.5% of all new cancer cases in the United States. Abnormal stem cell-like cells, referred to as cancer stem cells (CSCs), reside in the endometrium and possess the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into cancer progenitors, leading to tumor progression. Herein we review the role of the endometrial microenvironment and sex hormone signaling in sustaining EC progenitors and potentially promoting dormancy, a cellular state characterized by cell cycle quiescence and resistance to conventional treatments. We offer perspective on mechanisms by which bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) within the endometrial microenvironment could promote endometrial CSC (eCSC) survival and/or dormancy. Our perspective relies on the well-established example of another sex hormone-driven cancer, breast cancer, in which the BM microenvironment plays a crucial role in acquisition of CSC phenotype and dormancy. Our previous studies demonstrate that BMDCs migrate to the endometrium and express sex hormone (estrogen and progesterone) receptors. Whether the BM is a source of eCSCs is unknown; alternatively, crosstalk between BMDCs and CSCs within the endometrial microenvironment could be an additional mechanism supporting eCSCs and tumorigenesis. Elucidating these mechanisms will provide avenues to develop novel therapeutic interventions for EC.
Response Facilitation Induced by Insulin-like Growth Factor-I in the Primary Somatosensory Cortex of Mice Was Reduced in Aging
Authors: García-Magro Nuria , Zegarra-Valdivia Jonathan A. , Troyas-Martinez Sara , Torres-Aleman Ignacio , Nuñez Angel
Published: February 2022

Aging is accompanied by a decline in cognition that can be due to a lower IGF-I level. We studied response facilitation induced in primary somatosensory (S1) cortical neurons by repetitive stimulation of whiskers in young and old mice. Layer 2/3 and 5/6 neurons were extracellularly recorded in young (≤ 6 months of age) and old (≥ 20 month of age) anesthetized mice. IGF-I injection in S1 cortex (10 nM; 0.2 μL) increased whisker responses in young and old animals. A stimulation train at 8 Hz induced a long-lasting response facilitation in only layer 2/3 neurons of young animals. However, all cortical neurons from young and old animals showed long-lasting response facilitation when IGF-I was applied in the S1 cortex. The reduction in response facilitation in old animals can be due to a reduction in the IGF-I receptors as was indicated by the immunohistochemistry study. Furthermore, a reduction in the performance of a whisker discrimination task was observed in old animals. In conclusion, our findings indicate that there is a reduction in the synaptic plasticity of S1 neurons during aging that can be recovered by IGF-I. Therefore, it opens the possibility of use IGF-I as a therapeutic tool to ameliorate the effects of heathy aging.
Acute Facial Nerve Palsy in Children: Gold Standard Management
Authors: Wohrer Delphine , Moulding Thomas , Titomanlio Luigi , Lenglart Léa
Published: February 2022

Facial nerve palsy (FNP) is a common illness in the paediatric emergency department. Missed or delayed diagnosis can have a serious impact on a patient’s quality of life. The aim of this article is to give a recent overview of this pathology in terms of the causes, diagnosis, red flag symptoms, complementary examinations, treatments and follow-up in the child population. In cases of acquired, acute onset and isolated FNP, Bell’s palsy can be assumed, and no further investigation is required. In any other scenario, complementary examinations are required. Treatment depends on the aetiology. Corticosteroids, in addition to antiviral medication, are recommended to treat Bell’s palsy whenever a viral infection is suspected. However, the lack of randomised control trials in the paediatric population does not allow us to comment on the effectiveness of these treatments. In all cases, treated or not, children have a very good recovery rate. This review emphasises the necessity of randomised control trials concerning this frequent neurological pathology in order to better treat these children.
Cold Ischemia Time and Graft Fibrosis Are Associated with Autoantibodies after Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study of the European Reference Network TransplantChild
Authors: Junge Norman , Di Giorgio Angelo , Girard Muriel , Demir Zeynep , Kaminska Diana , Janowska Maria , Urbonas Vaidotas , Varnas Dominykas , Maggiore Giuseppe , Alterio Tommaso , Leiskau Christoph , Vondran Florian W. R. , Richter Nicolas , D’Antiga Lorenzo , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Pfister Eva-Doreen , Baumann Ulrich
Published: February 2022

The reported prevalence of autoantibodies (AAB) (ANA, SMA, LKM, SLA) after pediatric liver transplantation (pLTX) varies considerably from 26–75%, but their clinical impact on outcome is uncertain. We aimed to study the prevalence of AAB after pLTX, their association with donor-, transplant-, and recipient-characteristics, and their relation to outcome. In our multicenter retrospective study, we aimed to clarify conflicting results from earlier studies. Six ERN TransplantChild centers reported data on 242 patients, of whom 61% were AAB positive. Prevalence varied across these centers. Independent of the interval between pLTX and AAB analysis, a one-hour increase in CIT resulted in an odds ratio (OR) of 1.37 (95% CI 1.11–1.69) for SMA positivity and an OR of 1.42 (95%CI 1.18–1.72) for ANA positivity. Steroid-free immunosuppression (IS) versus steroid-including IS (OR 5.28; 95% CI 1.45–19.28) was a risk factor for SMA positivity. Liver enzymes were not associated with ANA or SMA positivity. We did not observe an association of rejection activity index with ANA or SMA. However, the liver fibrosis score in follow-up biopsies was associated with ANA titer and donor age. In conclusion, this first multicenter study on AAB after pLTX showed high AAB prevalence and varied widely between centers. Longer CIT and prednisolone-free-IS were associated with AAB positivity, whereas AAB were not indicative of rejection, but instead were associated with graft fibrosis. The detection of AAB may be a marker of liver fibrosis and may be taken into consideration when indications for liver biopsy and immunosuppressive regimes, or reduction of immunosuppression in long-term follow-up, are being discussed. Prospective immunological profiling of pLTX patients, including AAB, is important to further improve our understanding of transplant immunology and silent graft fibrosis.
Mentalization and Parental Stress: How Do They Predict Mother–Child Interactions?
Authors: Santelices María-Pía , Cortés Pamela A.
Published: February 2022

Parent–child interactions can be negatively influenced by contextual, individual, and familial factors. The present study examines how parental stress and parental mentalization predicts interactions between 36–48-month-old preschoolers and their mothers. The sample comprises 106 mother–child dyads from Santiago, Chile, from a mid-low SES. The instruments used were the Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), Mentalization in the Significant Adult during Interaction with the Child between 10 to 48 months old, and Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO). A regression model was used to determine the significant impacts of mentalization and parental stress on interactions. The results indicate that the Encouragement dimension of parent–child interaction is predicted by emotional mentalization and parental distress, while the Teaching dimension of parent–child interaction is impacted by the cognitive dimension of mentalization and the perception that the child is difficult (stress difficult child). No association for the Responsivity and Affectivity dimension was observed.
Integration of Solar Process Heat in Industries: A Review
Authors: Tasmin Nahin , Farjana Shahjadi Hisan , Hossain Md Rashed , Golder Santu , Mahmud M. A. Parvez
Published: February 2022

Industrial manufacturing approaches are associated with processing materials that consume a significant amount of thermal energy, termed as industrial process heat. Industrial sectors consume a substantial amount of energy for process heating over a wide range of temperatures (up to 400 °C) from agriculture, HVAC to power plants. However, the intensive industrial application of fossil fuels causes unfavorable environmental effects that cannot be ignored. To address this issue, green energy sources have manifested their potential as economical and pollution-free energy sources. Nevertheless, the adoption of solar industrial process heating systems is still limited due to a lack of knowledge in the design/installation aspects, reluctance to experience the technical/infrastructural changes, low price of fossil fuels, and lack of relative incentives. For successful solar process heat integration in industries, a proper understanding of the associated design factors is essential. This paper comprehensively reviews the integration strategies of solar industrial process heating systems, appraisal of the integration points, different aspects of solar collectors, installed thermal power, and thermal storage volume covering case studies, reports and reviews. The integration aspects of solar process heat, findings, and obstacles of several projects from the literature are also highlighted. Finally, the integration locations of SHIP systems are compared for different industrial sectors to find out the most used integration point for a certain sector and operation. It was found that for the food, beverage, and agriculture sector, 51% of solar process heat integration occurs at the supply level and 27.3% at the process-level.
Matching Imaging and Remodulation Effects: Benefits of Cardiac Contractility Modulation Shown by Global Longitudinal Strain: A Case Report
Authors: Matteucci Andrea , Bonacchi Giacomo , La Fazia Vincenzo M. , Stifano Giuseppe , Sergi Domenico
Published: February 2022

Cardiac Contractility Modulation (CCM) has been proposed for inpatients affected by heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), with relapsing HF symptoms. We present a case of a patient treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of acute coronary syndrome without persistent ST-segment elevation, with the best medical therapy for decompensated HF. The patient refused the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), and to reduce the increasing number of hospitalizations for HF exacerbations, we proposed the use of the cardiac contractility modulation device. After the implant, the patient demonstrated a marked improvement in exercise effort and quality of life (QOL) with a six-minute walk test (SMWT), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHFQ), and echocardiographic parameters. At 9 months after discharge, no hospital admissions for HF were recorded. We showed with the speckle tracking imaging how the improvement in global longitudinal strain (GLS) correlates with the remodeling effects on myocardial cells.
Cyclic Polarization of Corrugated Austenitic Stainless Steel Rebars in Acid Rain: Effect of Fly Ash, pH and Steel Type
Authors: Lekatou Angeliki , Tsouli Sofia
Published: February 2022

The present work studies the effect of fly ash content (0–25 wt.%), pH (8, 12.5), and steel type (316L, 304L) on the cyclic polarization of stainless steel rebars in electrolytes, simulating fresh concrete exposed to acid rain and corroded concrete cover that has exposed the reinforcement to direct acid rain attack. At the same time, it tries to elucidate the corrosion inhibition activities of a Greek lignite fly ash that is a high-Ca fly ash with a questionable effect on the corrosion resistance of concrete. A higher pH results in lower corrosion rates for both steels and all fly ash content. However, different passivity trends are noted for the two steels as a function of pH. The partial replacement of Ca(OH)2 with fly ash up to 20 wt.% has a beneficial effect on the electrochemical behavior of the stainless steel rebars, in terms of both uniform and localized corrosion resistance. However, this trend is reversed at 25 wt.% FA. The reasons for such trends are explored via microstructural examinations of the steels after polarization and XRD analysis of fly ash, as well as reinforced concrete containing fly ash.
Hardness Enhancement in CoCrFeNi1−x(WC)x High-Entropy Alloy Thin Films Synthesised by Magnetron Co-Sputtering
Authors: Schwarz Holger , Uhlig Thomas , Lindner Thomas , Lampke Thomas , Wagner Guntram , Seyller Thomas
Published: February 2022

We demonstrate the systematic hardness enhancement of the CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) by the addition of tungsten carbide (WC). Mixed thin films are fabricated by magnetron co-sputtering using a home-made spark plasma-sintered CoCrFeNi target and a commercially available WC target. The WC content in the thin films is adjusted via the ratio of deposition powers applied to the targets. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements were taken to determine the surface and bulk stoichiometry, respectively. The uniform distribution of the elements is confirmed via EDX mapping. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is carried out on the samples to determine the crystal phase formation. The Vickers hardness of the thin films is investigated using nanoindentation and shows an increase in the hardness in the thin films following an increased WC content. The data obtained are presented in comparison to pure WC and CoCrFeNi thin films fabricated by magnetron sputtering, respectively.
Hierarchical Epidemic Model on Structured Population: Diffusion Patterns and Control Policies
Authors: Gubar Elena , Taynitskiy Vladislav , Fedyanin Denis , Petrov Ilya
Published: February 2022

In the current study, we define a hierarchical epidemic model that helps to describe the propagation of a pathogen in a clustered human population. The estimation of a novel coronavirus spreading worldwide leads to the idea of the hierarchical structure of the epidemic process. Thus, the propagation process is divided into three possible levels: a city, a country, and a worldwide. On each level, the pathogen propagation process is based on the susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) model. We thus formulate a modified transmission model of infected individuals between levels. The control of the pathogen’s spread can be seen as an optimal control problem. A trade-off exists between the cost of active virus propagation and the design of appropriate quarantine measures. Each level of the hierarchy is defined by its network. A series of numerical experiments was conducted to corroborate the obtained results.
Detection of Abnormal SIP Signaling Patterns: A Deep Learning Comparison
Authors: Pereira Diogo , Oliveira Rodolfo
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the detection of abnormal sequences of signaling packets purposely generated to perpetuate signaling-based attacks in computer networks. The problem is studied for the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) using a dataset of signaling packets exchanged by multiple end-users. A sequence of SIP messages never observed before can indicate possible exploitation of a vulnerability and its detection or prediction is of high importance to avoid security attacks due to unknown abnormal SIP dialogs. The paper starts to briefly characterize the adopted dataset and introduces multiple definitions to detail how the deep learning-based approach is adopted to detect possible attacks. The proposed solution is based on a convolutional neural network capable of exploring the definition of an orthogonal space representing the SIP dialogs. The space is then used to train the neural network model to classify the type of SIP dialog according to a sequence of SIP packets prior observed. The classifier of unknown SIP dialogs relies on the statistical properties of the supervised learning of known SIP dialogs. Experimental results are presented to assess the solution in terms of SIP dialogs prediction, unknown SIP dialogs detection, and computational performance, demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed methodology to rapidly detect signaling-based attacks.
Current Methods for Synthesis and Potential Applications of Cobalt Nanoparticles: A Review
Authors: Vodyashkin Andrey A. , Kezimana Parfait , Prokonov Fedor Y. , Vasilenko Ivan A. , Stanishevskiy Yaroslav M.
Published: February 2022

Cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) are promising nanomaterials with exceptional catalytic magnetic, electronic, and chemical properties. The nano size and developed surface open a wide range of applications of cobalt nanoparticles in biomedicine along with those properties. The present review assessed the current environmentally friendly synthesis methods used to synthesize CoNPs with various properties, such as size, zeta potential, surface area, and magnetic properties. We systematized several methods and provided some examples to illustrate the synthetic process of CoNPs, along with the properties, the chemical formula of obtained CoNPs, and their method of analysis. In addition, we also looked at the potential application of CoNPs from water purification cytostatic agents against cancer to theranostic and diagnostic agents. Moreover, CoNPs also can be used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging and photoacoustic methods. This review features a comprehensive understanding of the synthesis methods and applications of CoNPs, which will help guide future studies on CoNPs.
Fabrication of Polarization Grating on N-Benzylideneaniline Polymer Liquid Crystal and Control of Diffraction Beam
Authors: Kondo Mizuho , Fujita Kyohei , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Sakamoto Moritsugu , Ono Hiroshi , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro
Published: February 2022

Photoresponsive photoalignable liquid crystalline polymers composed of phenyl benzoate terminated with N-benzylideneaniline were evaluated. These polymers are capable of axis-selective photoreaction, photoinduced orientation, and surface relief grating formation. Polarization holography using an He-Cd laser beam at a wavelength of 325 nm demonstrated the formation of a surface relief grating with a molecularly oriented structure based on periodic light-induced reorientation and molecular motion. Electrical switching of diffracted light using an electric field response of twisted-nematic cell containing a low-molecular-weight liquid crystal in combination was also demonstrated.
Analysis of the Radiation Attenuation Parameters of Cu2HgI4, Ag2HgI4, and (Cu/Ag/Hg I) Semiconductor Compounds
Authors: Zahran Heba Y. , Yousef El Sayed , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Reben Manuela , Algarni Hamed , Umar Ahmad , Albargi Hasan B. , Yahia Ibrahim S. , Sabry Nehal
Published: February 2022

This analysis aims to determine photon attenuation for five different ternary and binary iodide compounds using Phy-X/PSD software. For a broad range of photon energies between 0.015 and 15 MeV, the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP) for the samples of Cu2HgI4, Ag2HgI4, CuI, AgI, and HgI were calculated. For illustration, the following values of TVL apply at 1 MeV: S1: 6.062 cm, S2: 6.209 cm, S3: 6.929 cm, S4: 6.897 cm, and S5: 4.568 cm. Some important parameters, such as total atomic cross-sections (ACS), electronic cross-sections (ECS), the effective atomic numbers (Zeff), effective electron density (Neff), and effective conductivity (Ceff) of the samples were also calculated. Additionally, exposure buildup factors (EBF) and energy-absorption buildup factor (EABF) were estimated. These data on the radiation characteristics of our samples could be useful for gamma attenuation. The HgI sample has the highest FNRCS values (0.0892) relative to the other tested samples showing good neutron attenuation features. The CuI sample shows low gamma attenuation features; in contrast, it shows high neutron attenuation features.
Two Polynuclear Manganese(II) Complexes Based on Multidentate N-Heterocyclic Aromatic Ligand and V-Shaped Polycarboxylate Ligand: Synthesis, Crystal Structure Analysis and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Wang Huarui , Qin Jianhua
Published: February 2022

The reaction of MnCl2, 2-(5-{6-[5-(Pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]pyridin-2-yl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)pyrazine (H2ptptp), 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid (H2sdba) or 4-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phthalate acid (H3cpop) and [BMI]Br ionic liquids (BMI = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) gave rise to two complexes, {[Mn4(ptptp)2(sdba)2(H2O)2]·2H2O}n (1) and {[Mn3(ptptp)(cpop)Br(H2O)2]·2H2O}n (2). The compounds have been well characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, as well as single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The structure feature of 1 is that Mn(II) ions in the [Mn6(sdba)2] loops of V-shaped sdba2− ligands are ptptp2− ligands, respectively, and a 2D layer is constructed from sdba2− and ptptp2− ligands. The adjacent 2D layers are connected by O–H⋯N hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular network. The neighbouring trinuclear Mn(II) clusters in 2 are linked by V-shaped cpop3− ligands to give a 2D layer, which is penetrated by ptptp2− ligands to form self-threading structure. The results of variable-temperature magnetic studies have shown that the magnetic interactions between the Mn(II) ions in 1 and 2 are mainly due to antiferromagnetic coupling.
Effect of Prebiotics and Synbiotics Carried by Food over Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Souza Sofia Steinmetz , Pierezan Milena Dutra , de Souza Hassemer Guilherme , Lima Clara Mariana Gonçalves , De Dea Lindner Juliano , Miotto Marília , Verruck Silvani
Published: February 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects 11.2% of the world’s population. The management of gut microbiota using probiotic and synbiotic agents might be a valid alternative to assist in the treatment of IBS. The focus of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic and synbiotic compounds carried by different foods on major symptoms of IBS through a systematic literature review. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and LILACS were accessed during July 2021. The studies included in this review were the ones that tested volunteers older than 16 years of age and were conducted using a randomized, controlled clinical trial. The risk of bias was assessed by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2). Furthermore, the data found were qualitatively evaluated due to the studies’ differences. Two papers were able to fit the criteria, with a total sample size of 280 participants. No datum was found regarding the use of prebiotics in the treatment of IBS. Synbiotic agents, however, had a positive effect on gastrointestinal symptoms and the participants’ overall bowel satisfaction; however, it was not possible to reach a consensus on which effects. Further studies regarding the use of synbiotics and prebiotics must be carried out to determine which effects are the most significant in the treatment of IBS.
Negative Venous Leg Ultrasound in Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics and Predictors
Authors: Becher Mattes , Heller Thomas , Schwarzenböck Sarah , Kröger Jens-Christian , Weber Marc-André , Meinel Felix G.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and predictors of negative venous leg ultrasound in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 168 patients with acute PE (median age 73 years, 44% women) evaluated with complete venous leg ultrasound. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of negative venous ultrasound in acute PE. Venous leg ultrasound was negative for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in 78 patients (46.4%). Patients with negative venous ultrasound were less likely to have a history of DVT (7.7% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.0273) and had significantly lower D-dimer levels (median 2.5 vs. 6.2 mg/dL p < 0.0001). Negative venous ultrasound was more frequent in PE diagnosed with V/P-SPECT than in PE diagnosed with CT (66.2% vs. 34.0%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of negative venous ultrasound increased with more peripherally located PE (29.5% for central/lobar, 43.1% for segmental, and 60.6% for subsegmental PE, p = 0.0049). For the multivariate analysis, a diagnosis of PE with V/P-SPECT rather than CT (OR 3.2, p = 0.0056) and lower D-dimer levels (OR 0.94, p = 0.0266) were independent predictors of negative venous ultrasound. In conclusion, venous leg ultrasound was negative for DVT in almost half of patients with acute PE. Negative venous ultrasound was more common in patients with no history of DVT, lower D-dimer levels, PE diagnosed with V/P-SPECT rather than CT, and more peripherally located PE.
Blood and Salivary Inflammatory Biomarkers Profile in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tavares Lisandra Taísa Reginaldo , Saavedra-Silva Mariana , López-Marcos Joaquín Francisco , Veiga Nélio Jorge , Castilho Rogerio de Moraes , Fernandes Gustavo Vicentis de Oliveira
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Periodontitis is the most prevalent inflammatory disease worldwide. Its inflammatory levels spread systemically, which can be associated with chronic kidney disease. Biomarkers have the potential to diagnose and correlate periodontitis and chronic kidney disease, helping to monitor systemic inflammation. Thereby, this study aimed to analyze the association between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis by conducting a biomarker analysis on blood and saliva. Material and methods: An electronic search through PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify clinical studies published in the last ten years, with no language restrictions. Twelve articles met all the inclusion criteria, two randomized controlled trials, one cohort study, and nine observational studies. Results: The studies included a total of 117 patients for saliva biomarkers, with a mean age of approximately 57 years old, and 56.68% of the subjects were female. After analyzing all the included studies, it was possible to verify the following biomarkers assessed: CRP, WBC, fibrinogen, IL-4 and -6, cardiac troponin T, NOx, ADMA, albumin, osteocalcin, cystatin C, PGLYRP1, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and hemoglobin. Conclusion: A direct cause–effect association between periodontitis and CKD could not be established. However, it was possible to conclude that there was a correlating effect present, through the analyzed biomarkers.
Thrust Vector Observation for Force Feedback-Controlled UAVs
Authors: Werner Lennart , Strohmeier Michael , Rothe Julian , Montenegro Sergio
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a novel approach to Thrust Vector Control (TVC) for small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The difficulties associated with conventional feed-forward TVC are outlined, and a practical solution to conquer these challenges is derived. The solution relies on observing boom deformations that are created by different thrust vector directions and high-velocity air inflow. The paper describes the required measurement electronics as well as the implementation of a dedicated testbed that allows the evaluation of mid-flight force measurements. Wind-tunnel tests show that the presented method for active thrust vector determination is able to quantify the disturbances due to the incoming air flow.
Homogeneous Agent Behaviours for the Multi-Agent Simultaneous Searching and Routing Problem
Authors: Kent Thomas , Richards Arthur , Johnson Angus
Published: February 2022

Through the use of autonomy Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used to solve a range of of multi-agent problems that exist in the real world, for example search and rescue or surveillance. Within these scenarios the global objective might often be better achieved if aspects of the problem can be optimally shared amongst its agents. However, in uncertain, dynamic and often partially observable environments centralised global-optimisation techniques are not achievable. Instead, agents may have to act on their own belief of the world, making the best decisions independently and potentially myopically. With multiple agents acting in a decentralised manner how can we discourage competitive behaviour and instead facilitate cooperation. This paper focuses on the specific problem of multiple UAVs simultaneously searching for tasks in an environment whilst efficiently routing between them and ultimately visiting them. This paper is motivated by this idea that collaboration can be simple and achieved without the need for a dialogue but instead through the design of the individual agent’s behaviour. By focusing on what is communicated we expand the use of a single agent behaviour. Which through minor modifications can produce distinct agents demonstrating independent, collaborative and competitive behaviour. In particular by investigating the role of sensor and communication ranges this paper will show that increased sensor ranges can be detrimental to system performance, and instead the simple modelling of nearby agents’ intent is a far better approach.
Attitudes towards Future Unemployment and European Cooperation to Reduce Unemployment among 8th Graders in EU/European Countries
Authors: Trunk Aleš , Mirazchiyski Eva Klemenčič , Mirazchiyski Plamen Vladkov
Published: February 2022

The focus of this article is on the attitudes among 8th graders in European countries on future unemployment and attitudes towards cooperation among European countries to guarantee high levels of employment and strengthen their economies. This article uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches. For the qualitative approach, a systematic literature review was performed using four databases, starting from 16,873 search results for the 2016–2021 period before systematically limiting them to identify possible predictors used in quantitative analyses. The quantitative part uses secondary analyses of data obtained from 52,788 upper secondary students from 14 EU and one EU associated country from the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) 2016, which is the last available cycle with publicly available data since 2018. The techniques used to analyse the data are descriptive statistics, linear and binary logistic regression, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, and Principal Component Analysis. This article also considers the theoretical base of the sustainable development definition—it explores youths’ present perceptions of the future in the economic and financial domains.
Correction: Yang et al. A Learning Control Method of Automated Vehicle Platoon at Straight Path with DDPG-Based PID. Electronics 2021, 10, 2580
Authors: Yang Junru , Peng Weifeng , Sun Chuan
Published: February 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Dynamics Modeling of Bearing with Defect in Modelica and Application in Direct Transfer Learning from Simulation to Test Bench for Bearing Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Ruan Diwang , Chen Yuxiang , Gühmann Clemens , Yan Jianping , Li Zhirou
Published: February 2022

In data-driven bearing fault diagnosis, sufficient fault data are fundamental for algorithm training and validation. However, only very few fault measurements can be provided in most industrial applications, bringing the dynamics model to produce bearing response under defects. This paper built a Modelica model for the whole bearing test rig, including the test bearing, driving motor and hydraulic loading system. First, a five degree-of-freedom (5-DoF) model was proposed for the test bearing to identify the normal bearing dynamics. Next, a fault model was applied to characterize the defect position, defect size, defect shape and multiple defects. The virtual bearing test bench was first developed with OpenModelica and then called in Python with OMPython. For validation of the positive effect of the dynamics model in the direct transfer learning for bearing fault diagnosis, the simulation data from the Modelica model and experimental data from the Case Western Reserve University were fed separately or jointly to train a Convolution Neural Network (CNN). Then the well-trained CNN was transferred directly to achieve the fault diagnosis under the test set consisting of experiment data. Additionally, 157 features were extracted from both time-domain and frequency-domain and fed into CNN as input, and then four different validation cases were designed. The results confirmed the positive effect of simulation data in the CNN transfer learning, especially when the simulation data were added as auxiliary to experimental data, and improved CNN classification accuracy. Furthermore, it indicated that the simulation data from the bearing dynamics model could play a part in the actual experimental measurement when the collected data were insufficient.
10-Bit 5 MS/s Successive Approximation Register Analog-to-Digital Converter with a Phase-Locked Loop and Modified Bootstrapped Switch for a BLDC Motor Drive
Authors: Sung Guo-Ming , Huang Chong-Cheng , Xiao Xiong , Hsu Shih-Ying
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we present a successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a charge-pump (CP) phase-locked loop (PLL) and a bootstrapped switch, also called PLL-SAR ADC. To meet system-on-chip (SOC) and industrial requirements, the proposed SAR ADC and the control circuits of electric vehicles must be integrated into a single chip and be fabricated using the TSMC 0.25-μm 1P3M complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) high-voltage process. It is difficult to implement a high-speed SAR ADC with the TSMC 0.25-μm CMOS high-voltage process because it includes an N-type buried layer, which shorts all p-type metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET) bodies together to withstand high voltages. In the proposed PLL-SAR ADC, two clock signals, an external clock signal and an internal clock signal from the CP-PLL, are provided to guarantee that a correct clock signal is fed. This design improves the robustness of the designed system. A monotonic capacitor-switching procedure is considered to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, a bootstrapped switch was added along with a dummy switch and a dummy transistor to eliminate disturbances in the input voltages and to improve the device’s anti-noise capability. Moreover, a two-stage dynamic comparator was used to prevent kickback noise induced by the parasitic capacitors. The measurements indicate that the signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio, effective number of bits, power consumption, and chip area are 53.82 dB, 8.65 bits, 1.256 mW, and 1.261 × 0.975 mm2, respectively. The FoM is approximately 0.625 pJ/conv-step at 1.256 mW, 8.65 bits, and 5 MS/s. The high sampling rate of 5 MS/s and high accuracy of 8.65 bits are the main advantages of the proposed PLL-SAR ADC.
Predictive Capacity Planning for Mobile Networks—ML Supported Prediction of Network Performance and User Experience Evolution
Authors: Tomic Igor , Bleakley Eoin , Ivanis Predrag
Published: February 2022

Network performance prediction is crucial for enabling agile capacity planning in mobile networks. One of the key problems is predicting evolution of spectral efficiency in growing network load conditions. The main factor driving network performance and spectral efficiency is reportedly the Channel Quality Indicator (CQI). In this paper, the performance of different Machine Learning (ML) models were examined, and XGBoost was selected as the best performing model. Furthermore, to improve modeling accuracy, several features were introduced (operating frequency band, Physical Resource Block (PRB) utilization in surrounding cells, number of surrounding cells within a radius, heavy data factor and higher order modulation usage). The impact of these features on CQI prediction were examined.
A Stereo Calibration Method of Multi-Camera Based on Circular Calibration Board
Authors: Liu Xinhua , Tian Jie , Kuang Hailan , Ma Xiaolin
Published: February 2022

In the application of 3D reconstruction of multi-cameras, it is necessary to calibrate the camera used separately, and at the same time carry out multi-stereo calibration, and the calibration accuracy directly affects the effect of the 3D reconstruction of the system. Many researchers focus on the optimization of the calibration algorithm and the improvement of calibration accuracy after obtaining the calibration plate pattern coordinates, ignoring the impact of calibration on the accuracy of the calibration board pattern coordinate extraction. Therefore, this paper proposes a multi-camera stereo calibration method based on circular calibration plate focusing on the extraction of pattern features during the calibration process. This method preforms the acquisition of the subpixel edge acquisition based on Franklin matrix and circular feature extraction of the circular calibration plate pattern collected by the camera, and then combines the Zhang’s calibration method to calibrate the camera. Experimental results show that compared with the traditional calibration method, the method has better calibration effect and calibration accuracy, and the average reprojection error of the multi-camera is reduced by more than 0.006 pixels.
Characteristics of Gas–Liquid Slug Flow in Honeycomb Microchannel Reactor
Authors: Jiang Youkai , Zhang Yaheng , Zhang Jie , Tang Zhiyong
Published: February 2022

The gas–liquid slug flow characteristics in a novel honeycomb microchannel reactor were investigated numerically and experimentally. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was carried out with Comsol finite element software using the phase-field method, and the simulation results were verified by micro-particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) analysis. The breakups of liquid slugs at the bifurcations of current honeycomb microchannel followed a complex behavior, leading to non-uniformity in each branch. The pressure distribution inside the microreactor was closely related to the phase distribution. The increasing inlet gas velocity increased the gas phase volume fraction, as well as the gas slug length. Higher gas velocity resulted in stronger turbulence of the liquid phase flow field and a deviation of residence time distribution from normal distribution, but it was favorable to even more residence time during the liquid phase. There also exists a secondary flow in the gas–liquid interface. This work reveals the intrinsic intensified effect of honeycomb microchannel, and it provides guidance on future microreactor design for chemical energy conversion.
Influence of the Contamination of Fuel with Fly Ash Originating from Biomass Gasification on the Performance of the Anode-Supported SOFC
Authors: Skrzypkiewicz Marek , Wierzbicki Michal , Jagielski Stanislaw , Naumovich Yevgeniy , Motylinski Konrad , Kupecki Jakub , Zurawska Agnieszka , Kosiorek Magdalena
Published: February 2022

The integration of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with biomass gasification reactors raises the possibility of solid particle contamination of the gaseous fuel entering the cell. Technical specifications from SOFC manufacturers, among other sources, claim that SOFCs do not tolerate the presence of solid particles in fuel. However, there is very limited literature on the experimental investigation of feeding SOFCs with particulate matter aerosols. In this study, a standard 5 × 5 cm anode-supported SOFC was fueled by two types of aerosols, namely, (1) inert powder of grain sizes and concentration equivalent to gasifier fly ash and (2) a real downdraft gasifier fly ash, both suspended in a gaseous fuel mixture. For reference, cells were also investigated with a dust-free fuel gas of the same composition. A straightforward negative influence of the inert powder aerosol could not be confirmed in experiments with a duration of 6 days. That said, the introduction of carbonaceous fly ash aerosol caused slow but irreversible damage to the SOFC. The degradation mechanisms were studied, and the presence of carbon-containing particles was found to clog the pores of the SOFC anode. The maximum measured power density of the SOFC equaled 855 mW/cm2 (850 °C, reference fuel). Feeding inert aerosol fuel caused no rapid changes in power density. A moderate drop in performance was observed throughout the experiment. The contamination of fuel with fly ash resulted in an initial performance gain and a ca. 25% performance drop longer term (43 h of contamination). Post-mortem analysis revealed contamination on the walls of the gas channels, with some visible alumina or fly ash spots in the anode area.
Optical Diagnostics for Solid Rocket Plumes Characterization: A Review
Authors: Toscano Angelica Maria , Lato Marco Rocco , Fontanarosa Donato , De Giorgi Maria Grazia
Published: February 2022

In recent decades, solid fuel combustion propulsion of spacecraft has become one of the most popular choices for rocket propulsion systems. The reasons for this success are a wide range of applications, lower production costs, simplicity, and safety. The rocket’s plumes leave the nozzle at high temperatures; hence, the knowledge of produced infrared (IR) emissions is a crucial aspect during the design and tests of the rocket motors. Furthermore, rocket plume composition is given by N2, H2, H2O, CO and CO2, while solid rocket motors (SRM) additionally inject some solid particles, given by metal fuel additives in the propellant grain, i.e., aluminum oxide (Al2O3) particles. The main issue is the detection of the particles remaining in the atmosphere due to the exhaust gas of the solid rocket propulsion system that could have effects on ozone depletion. The experimental characterization of SRM plumes in the presence of alumina particles can be conducted using different optical techniques. The present study aims to review the most promising ones with a description of the optics system and their potential applications for SRM plume measurements. The most common measurement techniques are infrared spectroscopy imaging, IR imaging. UV–VIS measurements, shadowgraph, and Schlieren optical methods. The choice of these techniques among many others is due to the ability to study the plume without influencing the physical conditions existing in and around the study object. This paper presents technical results concerning the study of rocket engines plumes with the above-mentioned methods and reveals the feasibility of the measurement techniques applied.