bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peridynamics for Fracture Analysis of Reflective Cracks in Semi-Rigid Base Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Shi Zhichuang , Yue Jinchao , Xu Lingling , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: March 2022

Reflective cracking is one of the major forms of deterioration in semi-rigid base asphalt pavements. It is, therefore, very important to have a correct understanding of the internal crack propagation mechanism of asphalt pavement to propose the most effective remedial solution(s), which corresponds to that mode of failure. In this study, two-dimensional asphalt pavement layered models are first established by modifying the peridynamics theory. Then, the influence of asphalt overlay thickness and load form on reflective crack propagation is explored. On this basis, the influence of friction between the tire and road surface on reflective crack propagation is analyzed. The results show that increasing the thickness of the asphalt overlay can inhibit reflective crack propagation, and the friction force accelerates reflective crack propagation when the direction of friction is the same as that of reflective crack propagation; otherwise, it inhibits reflective crack propagation. Additionally, the most unfavorable load position is the asymmetrical load when the vehicle is far from the reflective crack.
Low- and Medium-Cost Sensors for Tropospheric Ozone Monitoring—Results of an Evaluation Study in Wrocław, Poland
Authors: Badura Marek , Batog Piotr , Drzeniecka-Osiadacz Anetta , Modzel Piotr
Published: March 2022

The paper presents the results of a 1.5-year evaluation study of low- and medium-cost ozone sensors. The tests covered electrochemical sensors: SensoriC O3 3E 1 (City Technology) and semiconductor gas sensors: SM50 OZU (Aeroqual), SP3-61-00 (FIS) and MQ131 (Winsen). Three copies of each sensor were enclosed in a measurement box and placed near the reference analyser (MLU 400). In the case of SensoriC O3 3E 1 sensors, the R2 values for the 1-h data were above 0.90 for the first 9 months of deployment, but a performance deterioration was observed in the subsequent months (R2 ≈ 0.6), due to sensor ageing processes. High linear relationships were observed for the SM50 devices (R2 > 0.94), but some periodic data offsets were reported, making regular checking and recalibration necessary. Power-law functions were used in the case of SP3-61-00 (R2 = 0.6–0.7) and MQ131 (R2 = 0.4–0.7). Improvements in the fittings were observed for models that included temperature and relative humidity data. In the case of SP3-61-00, the R2 values increased to above 0.82, while for MQ131 they increased to above 0.86. The study also showed that the measurement uncertainty of tested sensors meets the EU Directive 2008/50/EC requirements for indicative measurements and, in some cases, even for fixed measurements.
A 3D Model of the Jaw Applied to Paediatric Dentistry
Authors: Legorburu Begoña Gómez , Adanero Velasco Alberto , Velasco José Ramón Mérida , Pozo Paloma Planells del
Published: March 2022

As education and knowledge are adapted to new education systems, as per the Bologna Plan, new technologies are required for educational support. In dentistry, the creation of virtual simulators can advance understanding in areas like anatomy. With this aim, a three-dimensional virtual model of the maxilo-mandibular system was created, based on a real infantile specimen. Once this model was developed, we applied this virtual structure to a teaching tool in a dentistry subject.The main objective of this project is the creation of a virtual model of the jaw, based on a real and infantile subject that serves as an educative tool in the scope of Paediatric Dentistry Anatomy. The secondary aims were to evaluate this model as an educational tool in a paediatric dentistry subject. For the main objective we obtained tomographic cuts of the craniofacial skeleton of a three-year-old girl that were transcribed to the program Amira 5.3.0. On the cuts, we segmented and named all the mandibular structures: jaw, temporary teeth, and permanent teeth. For the secondary aims we developed virtual clinical cases based on this mandibular model and gave a questionnaire to 29 dentistry students in order to evaluate the tool. A total of 512 cuts were obtained in sagittal and coronal planes and 309 in the cross-sectional plane of a thickness of 0.625 mm. In different colours, we segmented the total 25 structures to generate a three-dimensional mandibular model. For the questionnaire, the results of the students’ satisfaction of the tool were high, with an overall score of 8.5 out of 10. The educative system based on the Bologna Plan is a reality. The self-training based on test and error, is a strategy of extreme utility for the student. With an interactive model, the student is able to value his knowledge instantaneously, and the presence of a professor is not essential at all times. Through this real model, we have described the anatomical study of temporary teething, as well as its interactions with the developing permanent dentition, in a three-dimensional form. The students’ satisfaction of the teaching tool was high.
Neural–Behavioral Relation in Phonetic Discrimination Modulated by Language Background
Authors: Zhao Tian Christina
Published: March 2022

It is a well-demonstrated phenomenon that listeners can discriminate native phonetic contrasts better than nonnative ones. Recent neuroimaging studies have started to reveal the underlying neural mechanisms. By focusing on the mismatch negativity/response (MMN/R), a widely studied index of neural sensitivity to sound change, researchers have observed larger MMNs for native contrasts than for nonnative ones in EEG, but also a more focused and efficient neural activation pattern for native contrasts in MEG. However, direct relations between behavioral discrimination and MMN/R are rarely reported. In the current study, 15 native English speakers and 15 native Spanish speakers completed both a behavioral discrimination task and a separate MEG recording to measure MMR to a VOT-based speech contrast (i.e., pre-voiced vs. voiced stop consonant), which represents a phonetic contrast native to Spanish speakers but is nonnative to English speakers. At the group level, English speakers exhibited significantly lower behavioral sensitivity (d’) to the contrast but a more expansive MMR, replicating previous studies. Across individuals, a significant relation between behavioral sensitivity and the MMR was only observed in the Spanish group. Potential differences in the mechanisms underlying behavioral discrimination for the two groups are discussed.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Insulation Performance of a Photo-Thermal Roof in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Areas
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sun Hongfa , Long Jibo , Zeng Li , Shen Xiaohang
Published: March 2022

The use of a solar architecture system is a feasible way to reduce the energy consumption of a building. The system also has important significance to the “Dual-carbon” plan. In this study, the heat transfer characteristics of a photo-thermal roof were analyzed in hot summer and cold winter zones; a model to calculate insulation performance was established. In the summer climate, the thermal performances of the photo-thermal roof and an ordinary roof were explored through experiments and simulations. The results showed that the heat transfer and temperature of the photo-thermal roof were lower than those of the ordinary roof. Heat transfer through a photo-thermal roof can be changed by adjusting the water flow of collectors. The water saturation of insulation materials is an important factor that affects the insulation performance of a roof. Compared with the ordinary roof, the change in water saturation was shown to have less impact on the insulation performance of the photo-thermal roof. The water saturation increased from 0 to 30%, while the heat transfer per unit area of the photo-thermal roof only increased by 0.9 W/m2; 97.3% lower than that of the ordinary roof. The effect of reducing the insulation material thickness was less for the photo-thermal roof than for the ordinary roof. When the insulation material thickness was reduced from 100 mm to 0 mm, the average temperature in the indoor non-working area reached 38.5 °C and 27.1 °C in the ordinary roof and the photo-thermal roof, respectively. The insulation thickness of the photo-thermal roof had little effect on the indoor air temperature. The research results provide a reference for the roof energy-saving design of new buildings and the roof energy-saving transformation of existing buildings.
Strategy for Improving the Indoor Environment of Office Spaces in Subtropical Cities
Authors: Sung Wen-Pei , Chen Ting-Yu , Liu Chun-Hao
Published: March 2022

Taiwan is located in a subtropical region with high temperatures and humidity. Office spaces are located in air-enclosed rooms in buildings, where doors and windows remain closed and only a central air-conditioning system provides temperature adjustment and ventilation. Most offices in this area have office seating areas, document storage areas on both sides of the office, and multi-function devices, which can cause sick office syndrome in the employees. This study applied environmental monitoring technology to analyze the architectural form and indoor and outdoor air quality to propose improvement strategies addressing indoor temperature, relative humidity and air quality. Quality indices were used created to evaluate the improvement efficiency. The analysis results showed that the indoor temperature and relative humidity in staff seating areas can be effectively improved. The statistical analysis results of improved efficiency for PM2.5, PM10 concentrations and total suspended particulates showed that the average indicator values have been raised from 0.05 to 1.5, 2.45 to 4.02 and 0.91 to 3.54, respectively, for staff seating area and −0.01 to 2.82, 0.15 to 3.91 and 1.25 to 7.25, respectively, for photocopier areas. The ambient air quality of this office space has been significantly improved. This study can serve as an example of air quality improvement in traditional common office spaces.
Post-Disaster Temporary Shelters Distribution after a Large-Scale Disaster: An Integrated Model
Authors: Gharib Zahra , Tavakkoli-Moghaddam Reza , Bozorgi-Amiri Ali , Yazdani Maziar
Published: March 2022

This paper develops an integrated model for the distribution of post-disaster temporary shelters after a large-scale disaster. The proposed model clusters impacted areas using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) method and then prioritizes the points of clusters by affecting factors on the route reliability using a permanent matrix. The model’s objectives are to minimize the maximum service time, maximize the route reliability and minimize the unmet demand. In the case of ground relief, the possibility of a breakdown in the vehicle is considered. Due to the disaster’s uncertain nature, the demands of impacted areas are considered in the form of fuzzy numbers, and then the equivalent crisp counterpart of the non-deterministic is made by Jimenez’s method. Since the developed model is multi-objective, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) and Multi-Objective Firefly Algorithm (MOFA) are applied to find efficient solutions. The results confirm higher accuracy and lower computational time of the proposed MOFA. The findings of this study can contribute to the growing body of knowledge about disaster management strategies and have implications for critical decision-makers involved in post-disaster response projects. Furthermore, this study provides valuable information for national decision-makers in countries with limited experience with disasters and where the destructive consequences of disasters on the built environment are increasing.
Study of Building Demand Response Method Based on Indoor Temperature Setpoint Control of VRV Air Conditioning
Authors: Kang Jing , Weng Shengjie , Li Yutong , Ma Tao
Published: March 2022

Demand response has been attracting increasing attention due to the promotion of renewable energy applications and the benefits of carbon emission reduction it brings for the utility grid. The development of the smart grid pays great attention to investigating reliable demand response technologies provided by energy users. Buildings are energy users with high-level load regulation capacity and energy flexibility, which indicates they have the potential to conduct demand response services to achieve power regulation targets for the grid. This paper presents the latest investigation of a building demand response method based on indoor temperature setpoint control of air conditioning systems. The proposed method can be adopted for all air conditioning systems with basic feedback control functions and communication protocol in buildings. A load prediction model which considers impacts of temperatures and building thermal characteristics is developed. An on-site test in an office building is implemented to validate the effects of the proposed method in a temporary demand response case. Results show that about 40% of the air conditioning rated load is reduced while 26.8% of the energy consumption is saved during the demand response event, which earns substantial economic benefits for building users.
Pancarditis as the Clinical Presentation of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Multimodality Approach to Diagnosis
Authors: Lioncino Michele , Monda Emanuele , Dellegrottaglie Santo , Cirillo Annapaola , Caiazza Martina , Fusco Adelaide , Esposito Francesca , Verrillo Federica , Ciccarelli Giovanni , Rubino Marta , Triggiani Massimo , Scarpa Raffaele , Caforio Alida Linda Patrizia , Marcolongo Renzo , Rizzo Stefania , Basso Cristina , Nigro Gerardo , Russo Maria Giovanna , Golino Paolo , Limongelli Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Eosinophilic pancarditis (EP) is a rare, often unrecognized condition caused by endomyocardial infiltration of eosinophil granulocytes (referred as eosinophilic myocarditis, EM) associated with pericardial involvement. EM has a variable clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic cases to acute cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or chronic restrictive cardiomyopathy at high risk of progression to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). EP is associated with high in-hospital mortality, particularly when associated to endomyocardial thrombosis, coronary arteries vasculitis or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. To date, there is a lack of consensus about the optimal diagnostic algorithm and clinical management of patients with biopsy-proven EP. The differential diagnosis includes hypersensitivity myocarditis, eosinophil granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), hypereosinophilic syndrome, parasitic infections, pregnancy-related hypereosinophilia, malignancies, drug overdose (particularly clozapine) and Omenn syndrome (OMIM 603554). To our knowledge, we report the first case of pancarditis associated to eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) with negative anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Treatment with steroids and azathioprine was promptly started. Six months later, the patient developed a relapse: treatment with subcutaneous mepolizumab was added on the top of standard therapy, with prompt disease activity remission. This case highlights the role of a multimodality approach for the diagnosis of cardiac involvement associated to systemic immune disorders.
Sexual Dimorphism in Kisspeptin Signaling
Authors: Lee Eun Bee , Dilower Iman , Marsh Courtney A. , Wolfe Michael W. , Masumi Saeed , Upadhyaya Sameer , Rumi Mohammad A. Karim
Published: March 2022

Kisspeptin (KP) and kisspeptin receptor (KPR) are essential for the onset of puberty, development of gonads, and maintenance of gonadal function in both males and females. Hypothalamic KPs and KPR display a high degree of sexual dimorphism in expression and function. KPs act on KPR in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and induce distinct patterns of GnRH secretion in males and females. GnRH acts on the anterior pituitary to secrete gonadotropins, which are required for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in testes and ovaries. Gonadal steroid hormones in turn regulate the KP neurons. Gonadal hormones inhibit the KP neurons within the arcuate nucleus and generate pulsatile GnRH mediated gonadotropin (GPN) secretion in both sexes. However, the numbers of KP neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and preoptic area are greater in females, which release a large amount of KPs in response to a high estrogen level and induce the preovulatory GPN surge. In addition to the hypothalamus, KPs and KPR are also expressed in various extrahypothalamic tissues including the liver, pancreas, fat, and gonads. There is a remarkable difference in circulating KP levels between males and females. An increased level of KPs in females can be linked to increased numbers of KP neurons in female hypothalamus and more KP production in the ovaries and adipose tissues. Although the sexually dimorphic features are well characterized for hypothalamic KPs, very little is known about the extrahypothalamic KPs. This review article summarizes current knowledge regarding the sexual dimorphism in hypothalamic as well as extrahypothalamic KP and KPR system in primates and rodents.
Biomarkers and Cellular Biology in Perioperative Medicine
Authors: Larmann Jan , Luedi Markus M.
Published: March 2022

Surgical procedures alter tissue integrity; are associated with pain and activation of the sympathetic nervous system; and sometimes, cause exposure to foreign materials used during the surgery or implanted perioperatively [...]
NGLY1 Deficiency, a Congenital Disorder of Deglycosylation: From Disease Gene Function to Pathophysiology
Authors: Pandey Ashutosh , Adams Joshua M. , Han Seung Yeop , Jafar-Nejad Hamed
Published: March 2022

N-Glycanase 1 (NGLY1) is a cytosolic enzyme involved in removing N-linked glycans of misfolded N-glycoproteins and is considered to be a component of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). The 2012 identification of recessive NGLY1 mutations in a rare multisystem disorder has led to intense research efforts on the roles of NGLY1 in animal development and physiology, as well as the pathophysiology of NGLY1 deficiency. Here, we present a review of the NGLY1-deficient patient phenotypes, along with insights into the function of this gene from studies in rodent and invertebrate animal models, as well as cell culture and biochemical experiments. We will discuss critical processes affected by the loss of NGLY1, including proteasome bounce-back response, mitochondrial function and homeostasis, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. We will also cover the biologically relevant targets of NGLY1 and the genetic modifiers of NGLY1 deficiency phenotypes in animal models. Together, these discoveries and disease models have provided a number of avenues for preclinical testing of potential therapeutic approaches for this disease.
Proteomics Approach Highlights Early Changes in Human Fibroblasts-Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Crosstalk
Authors: Damiani Verena , Cufaro Maria Concetta , Fucito Maurine , Dufrusine Beatrice , Rossi Claudia , Del Boccio Piero , Federici Luca , Turco Maria Caterina , Sallese Michele , Pieragostino Damiana , De Laurenzi Vincenzo
Published: March 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Non-specific symptoms, lack of biomarkers in the early stages, and drug resistance due to the presence of a dense fibrous stroma all contribute to the poor outcome of this disease. The extracellular matrix secreted by activated fibroblasts contributes to the desmoplastic tumor microenvironment formation. Given the importance of fibroblast activation in PDAC pathology, it is critical to recognize the mechanisms involved in the transformation of normal fibroblasts in the early stages of tumorigenesis. To this aim, we first identified the proteins released from the pancreatic cancer cell line MIA-PaCa2 by proteomic analysis of their conditioned medium (CM). Second, normal fibroblasts were treated with MIA-PaCa2 CM for 24 h and 48 h and their proteostatic changes were detected by proteomics. Pathway analysis indicated that treated fibroblasts undergo changes compatible with the activation of migration, vasculogenesis, cellular homeostasis and metabolism of amino acids and reduced apoptosis. These biological activities are possibly regulated by ITGB3 and TGFB1/2 followed by SMAD3, STAT3 and BAG3 activation. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the crosstalk between PDAC cells and associated fibroblasts. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD030974.
Gold Nanoparticles Green-Synthesized by the Suaeda japonica Leaf Extract and Screening of Anti-Inflammatory Activities on RAW 267.4 Macrophages
Authors: Kwak Gi-Young , Han Yaxi , Baik Sul , Kong Byoung-Man , Yang Deok-Chun , Kang Se-Chan , Sukweenadhi Johan
Published: March 2022

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles from medicinal plants has become a modern strategy in biomedical research based on their exclusive properties, including specific targeting, lower toxicity, and biocompatibility. In this study, gold nanoparticles, reduced by the Suaeda japonica leaf extract, were promptly validated by UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy at 548 nm. No additional reducing agents were needed in this kind of a reduction reaction, which provided evidence of green synthesis. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used to illustrate the nanoscale characterization of S. japonica gold nanoparticles (Sj-AuNps). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity effect of Sj-AuNps against the RAW 264.7 cell line was determined by performing an MTT assay. We also investigated Sj-AuNps’ anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-induced murine macrophages. These nanoparticles reduced the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and repressed the expression of the LPS-stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes. This study presents a significant biomedical application of S. japonica AuNps. The anti-inflammatory capabilities of Sj-AuNps underline their potential as possible options for suppressing inflammation-mediated diseases.
Study on ε-CL-20 Coated with a Wax/F2311 Double-Layer Composite Structure
Authors: Wang Wei , Shi Liping , Wu Chengcheng , Pan Qi , Fang Hua , Jiang Jianwei , Guo Xueyong
Published: March 2022

In order to reduce the mechanical sensitivity of ε-CL-20, wax and fluororubber polymers were used as coating materials and desensitizers to coat ε-CL-20 by the water suspension method. Through molecular dynamics calculations, fluorine rubber F2311, which had a good combination with ε-CL-20, was selected as the coating material and then ε-CL-20-based composite particles with double-layer structure were prepared. The contact angles of water, glycerin and diiodomethane as the testing liquids on the surface of F2311 and wax were measured by a contact angle measuring instrument, and the thermodynamic parameters of ε-CL-20/F2311 and the ε-CL-20/wax interface were calculated. ε-CL-20 before and after coating was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the mechanical sensitivity analytical method. The results showed that F2311/wax had uniformly passivated on the surface of ε-CL-20, forming a dense and uniform protective film, and the CL-20 crystal form did not change after coating. The double-layer composite structure effectively reduces the sensitivity of ε-CL-20 and improves the thermal stability of ε-CL-20.
Broadband Reflective Liquid Crystal Films Prepared by Rapid Inkjet Printing and Superposition Polymerization
Authors: He Wanli , Yao Daipeng , Luo Shiguang , Xiong Ruijuan , Yuan Xiaotao
Published: March 2022

Inkjet printing is a non-contact, material saving and on-demand material manufacturing technology, which is able to be applied to the fabrication of functional materials with high efficiency. A new method for preparing broadband reflective cholesteric films based on inkjet printing and non-stick technology was proposed in this paper. The feasibility of automatic mixing of liquid crystal and doped materials in inkjet printing was studied. The spectral data of samples prepared by manual mixing and automatic mixing by inkjet printing were compared. It was found that the spectral error of the printed film was only less than 0.17 wt%, which reached or even exceeded the effect of manual mixing. The feasibility of preparing liquid crystal films with broadband reflection characteristics by stacking polymerization based on in situ UV polymerization and non-stick technology was verified. By changing the printing amount of chiral doped ink, the bandwidth of PSCLC film can be accurately controlled. This technology is expected to play an important role in scientific research and practical application.
Long COVID Neuropsychological Deficits after Severe, Moderate, or Mild Infection
Authors: Voruz Philippe , Allali Gilles , Benzakour Lamyae , Nuber-Champier Anthony , Thomasson Marine , Jacot de Alcântara Isabele , Pierce Jordan , Lalive Patrice H. , Lövblad Karl-Olof , Braillard Olivia , Coen Matteo , Serratrice Jacques , Pugin Jérôme , Ptak Radek , Guessous Idris , Landis Basile N. , Assal Frédéric , Péron Julie A.
Published: March 2022

There is growing awareness that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, even in its mild or moderate respiratory forms, can include long-term neuropsychological deficits. Standardized neuropsychological, psychiatric, neurological, and olfactory tests were administered to 45 patients 236.51 ± 22.54 days after hospital discharge following severe, moderate, or mild respiratory severity from SARS-CoV-2 infection (severe = intensive care unit hospitalization, moderate = conventional hospitalization, mild = no hospitalization). Deficits were found in all domains of cognition, and the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms was relatively high in the three groups. The severe infection group performed more poorly on long-term episodic memory tests and exhibited greater anosognosia than did the other two groups. Those with moderate infection had poorer emotion recognition, which was positively correlated with persistent olfactory dysfunction. Individuals with mild infection were more stressed, anxious, and depressed. The data support the hypothesis that the virus targets the central nervous system (notably the limbic system) and the notion that there are different neuropsychological phenotypes.
Validity and Reliability of the Staden Schizophrenia Anxiety Rating Scale
Authors: Van Staden Werdie , Dlagnekova Antonia , Naidu Kalai
Published: March 2022

In schizophrenia, none of the standard anxiety measures exhibit strong psychometric properties, and all performed poorly against quality assessment criteria. Developed for the schizophrenia population, this study examined the validity and reliability of the Staden Schizophrenia Anxiety Rating Scale (S-SARS) that measures both specified and undifferentiated anxiety. Among 353 schizophrenia patients, strong correlations with anxiety parameters supported the S-SARS’s convergent validity. Criterion-related validity testing yielded accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity rates of around 95%. Its discriminant validity was observed for measures of depression, psychosis, akathisia, fatigue, vigour, procrastination, behavioural inhibition and activation, and personal growth and initiative. Structural validity was found in a single-factor unidimensional model with a 0.953 factor score. Excellent results were found for internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.931; Spearman–Brown coefficient = 0.937; Guttman split-half coefficient = 0.928) and inter-rater reliability (Krippendorff’s alpha = 0.852). It incurred no more than a small error of measurement whereby the observed scores were within 1.54 to 3.58 of a true score on a zero to 50 scale. These strong psychometric properties suggest that the S-SARS is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring specified and undifferentiated anxiety in schizophrenia, providing the means for the accurate measurement of anxiolytic treatment effects.
Elevated Serum Cystatin C and Decreased Cathepsin S/Cystatin C Ratio Are Associated with Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease and Polyvascular Involvement
Authors: Nagy Előd Ernő , Puskás Attila , Kelemen Piroska , Makó Katalin , Brassai Zoltán , Hársfalvi Jolán , Frigy Attila
Published: March 2022

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is frequently associated with atherosclerotic manifestations of the carotids and coronaries. Polyvascular involvement and low ankle–brachial index predict major cardiovascular events and high mortality. Cathepsin S (Cat S) promotes the inflammatory pathways of the arterial wall, while Cystatin C (Cys C) functions as its inhibitor; therefore, Cys C was proposed to be a biomarker of progression in PAD. In a single-center observational study, we investigated the correlations of serum Cys C and Cat S/Cys C ratio in a group of 90 PAD patients, predominantly with polyvascular involvement. Cys C and Cat S/Cys C were associated with ankle–brachial index (ABI) scores <0.4 in univariate and multiple regression models. Furthermore, both markers correlated positively with the plasma Von Willebrand Factor Antigen (VWF: Ag) and Von Willebrand Factor collagen-binding activity (VWF: CB). In addition, Cat S/Cys C was significantly decreased, whereas Cys C increased in subjects with three-bed atherosclerotic involvement. According to our results, high serum Cys C and low Cat S/Cys C ratios may indicate severe peripheral arterial disease and polyvascular atherosclerotic involvement.
Next Generation Sequencing and Molecular Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer—An Opportunity for Targeted Therapy
Authors: Harbin Laura M. , Gallion Holly H. , Allison Derek B. , Kolesar Jill M.
Published: March 2022

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic malignancies claiming the lives of nearly 14,000 women in the United States annually. Despite therapeutic advances, the ovarian cancer mortality rate has remained stagnant since the 1980’s. The molecular heterogeneity of ovarian cancers suggest they may be more effectively treated via precision medicine. Current guidelines recommend germline and somatic testing for all new epithelial ovarian cancer diagnoses to assist providers in identifying candidates for targeted therapies. Next generation sequencing (NGS) identifies targetable, driver, and novel mutations used to guide treatment decisions. Performing NGS is standard of care in many other malignancies, but for ovarian cancer the use of NGS in daily practice is still emerging. This review discusses the targetable genetic mutations and role of NGS and molecular biomarker testing in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
An Imaging Overview of COVID-19 ARDS in ICU Patients and Its Complications: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Brandi Nicolò , Ciccarese Federica , Rimondi Maria Rita , Balacchi Caterina , Modolon Cecilia , Sportoletti Camilla , Renzulli Matteo , Coppola Francesca , Golfieri Rita
Published: March 2022

A significant proportion of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia could develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), thus requiring mechanical ventilation, and resulting in a high rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Several complications can arise during an ICU stay, from both COVID-19 infection and the respiratory supporting system, including barotraumas (pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum), superimposed pneumonia, coagulation disorders (pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, hemorrhages and acute ischemic stroke), abdominal involvement (acute mesenteric ischemia, pancreatitis and acute kidney injury) and sarcopenia. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the detection and monitoring of ICU complications and is expanding even to prognosis prediction. The present pictorial review describes the clinicopathological and radiological findings of COVID-19 ARDS in ICU patients and discusses the imaging features of complications related to invasive ventilation support, as well as those of COVID-19 itself in this particularly fragile population. Radiologists need to be familiar with COVID-19’s possible extra-pulmonary complications and, through reliable and constant monitoring, guide therapeutic decisions. Moreover, as more research is pursued and the pathophysiology of COVID-19 is increasingly understood, the role of imaging must evolve accordingly, expanding from the diagnosis and subsequent management of patients to prognosis prediction.
The Relationship between Cognitive Status and Retained Activity Participation among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Adelirad Fatemeh , Salimi Maryam Moghaddam , Dianat Iman , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Allahverdipour Hamid
Published: March 2022

Identifying retained activity participation to old age can improve age-related changes in balance and cognition function. Subjects ≥ 60 years were enrolled in this study. Balance and Cognitive function include working memory, executive function, and sustained and divided attention was evaluated with “Fullerton advanced balance”, “n-back”, “Wisconsin card sort”, “sustain and divided attention test”, respectively. In addition, retained activity participation was measured using the Activity Card Sort questionnaire. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses of different domains of retained activity participation were used as independent variables, including instrumental activity, low-effort leisure, high-effort leisure, and social activity on balance and specific domains of cognition. Seventy-seven subjects (65.3 ± 4.4 years, 61% female) were included. About 47% of older adults had a college education, 32.3% had a diploma, and 20.7% had elementary–middle education. These results show that retained instrumental activity had a relationship with working memory (β = 0.079, p < 0.05). In addition, we found that retained high-effort leisure activity can increase balance, divided attention, and executive function score (β = 0.1, β = 0.05, β = 0.02, p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a positive relationship between retained low-effort activity and sustained attention (β = 0.08, p < 0.05). In addition, the coefficient of determination (R2) for balance, working memory, executive function, sustained, and divided attention were 0.45, 0.25, 0.13, 0.11 and 0.18, respectively. The study suggests that retained activity participation types may have various effects on balance and some selective cognitive components in older people.
Re-Assembly of the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem: Effects of Groundcover Seeding on Understory Community, Fire Behavior and Soil Properties
Authors: Baniya Benju , Bigelow Seth W. , Sharma Ajay , Taylor Scott , Vogel Jason G. , Brantley Steven T.
Published: March 2022

Planting native groundcover is often recommended to restore the understory of longleaf pine stands in the southeastern United States, but the effectiveness of such restoration activities remains poorly evaluated. We conducted a study in 25-year-old longleaf pine plantation stands in Georgia, USA, to examine the effects of seeding native groundcover on understory characteristics, fire behavior and soil properties. In 2015, four stands were seeded with five warm-season C4 grasses and a legume and four served as controls. In Fall 2020, we sampled the understory and analyzed soils collected from these stands, and in Spring 2021, fire behavior was evaluated. A total of 120 species were recorded in the understory across the stands, with the seeded species average foliar cover of 15%. There were no significant differences in species richness and Shannon diversity index of the seeded and control stands but understory species composition changed significantly. Soil properties and fire behavior during the prescribed fire also did not differ significantly between treatments, however, mean flame residence time was higher in seeded stands (108 s). Agricultural legacies of elevated soil P and old-field indicator species were prominent across stands. Overall, seeding had a minor effect on longleaf pine ecological characteristics in five years.
A Sustainable Approach to Build Insulated External Timber Frame Walls for Passive Houses Using Natural and Waste Materials
Authors: Georgescu Sergiu-Valeriu , Șova Daniela , Campean Mihaela , Coșereanu Camelia
Published: March 2022

This paper presents structures of timber-framed walls designed for passive houses, using natural and waste resources as insulation materials, such as wool, wood fibers, ground paper, reeds (Phragmites communis), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) wastes. The insulation systems of stud walls composed of wool–ABS composite boards and five types of fillers (wool, ABS, wood fibers, ground paper, and reeds) were investigated to reach U-value requirements for passive houses. The wall structures were designed at a thickness of 175 mm, including gypsum board for internal wall lining and oriented strand board (OSB) for the exterior one. The testing protocol of thermal insulation properties of wall structures simulated conditions for indoor and outdoor temperatures during the winter and summer seasons using HFM-Lambda laboratory equipment. In situ measurements of U-values were determined for the experimental wall structures during winter time, when the temperature differences between outside and inside exceeded 10 °C. The results recorded for the U-values between 0.20 W/m2K and 0.35 W/m2K indicate that the proposed structures are energy-efficient walls for passive houses placed in the temperate-continental areas. The vapour flow rate calculation does not indicate the presence of condensation in the 175 mm thick wall structures, which proves that the selected thermal insulation materials are not prone to degradation due to condensation. The research is aligned to the international trend in civil engineering, oriented to the design and construction of low-energy buildings on the one hand and the use of environmentally friendly or recycled materials on the other.
TalkRoBots: A Middleware for Robotic Systems in Industry 4.0
Authors: Ayaida Marwane , Messai Nadhir , Valentin Frederic , Marcheras Dimitri
Published: March 2022

This paper proposes a middleware called TalkRoBots that handles interoperability issues, which could be encountered in Industry 4.0. The latter proposes a unified communication approach facilitating the collaboration between heterogeneous equipment without needing to change neither the already used software nor the existing hardware. It allows heterogeneous robots, using both open and proprietary robotic frameworks (i.e., ROS, ABB, Universal Robots, etc.), to communicate and to share information in a transparent manner. It allows robots and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices to communicate together. Furthermore, a resilience mechanism based on an Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach was designed in order to allow automatically replacing a defective robot with an optimal alternatively available robot. Finally, a remote interface, which could be run through the Cloud, allows users to manipulate fleets of robots from anywhere and to obtain access to sensors’ data. A practical scenario using five different robots has been realized to demonstrate the different possibilities. This demonstrates the cost effectiveness of our middleware in terms of its impacts on the communication network. Finally, a simulation study that evaluates the scalability of our middleware clearly shows that TalkRoBots can be used efficiently in industrial scenarios involving a huge number of heterogeneous robots and IIoT devices.
Scientific Research and Its Influence in Decision-Making of Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations: Case Studies in the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean
Authors: Kao Shih-Ming , Tseng Huan-Sheng
Published: March 2022

Scientific research has played an important role in the conservation and management of high seas fisheries resources since the adoption and entry into the force of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In addition, regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) have become the most important platform in addressing fisheries-related issues under the contemporary international fisheries legal regime, which also includes the responsibility to ensure that their decisions have to properly incorporate recommendations of scientific research into their decisions. This paper aims to analyze, from a legal aspect, how scientific research plays its role in the formation and adoption of conservation and management measures (CMMs) in RFMOs and finds that scientific research has become an essential and integral part of both International Commission on the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). Although, on some occasions, these recommendations will not be totally accepted and adopted by the Commission due to social, economic, and political considerations, the results from scientific research have become the basis for issues related to conservation and management measures discussed in RFMOs and will be more influential if the Scientific Committee provides a more concrete recommendation to the Commission.
Linezolid-Resistant Enterococcus spp. Isolates from Foods of Animal Origin—The Genetic Basis of Acquired Resistance
Authors: Zarzecka Urszula , Zakrzewski Arkadiusz Józef , Chajęcka-Wierzchowska Wioleta , Zadernowska Anna
Published: March 2022

Enterococci are important opportunistic pathogens with the capacity to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. At present, linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) pose a great challenge. Linezolid is considered as a last resort antibiotic in the treatment of enterococcal infections, so it is important to monitor the occurrence of LRE in various environments. The aim of this study was to define the genetic mechanisms of linezolid resistance in enterococci (E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. hirae, E. casseliflavus) isolated from foods of animal origin (n = 104). Linezolid resistance (LR) was shown by 26.9% of isolates. All of them displayed linezolid MICs of 8–32 µg/mL, and 96.4% of them were multidrug multidrug-resistant. The most common acquired linezolid resistance gene in LR isolates was poxtA (64%), followed by optrA (28%) and cfr (12%). According to the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to indicate the presence of the cfr gene among isolates from food. In 28.6% of the isolates, the point mutation G2576T in the V domain of the 23S rRNA was responsible for linezolid resistance. All isolates harbored the wild-type rplC, rplD and rplV genes. The obtained results indicate that linezolid resistance among enterococci in animal-derived food may result from various genetic mechanisms. The most worrying is that this resistance is encoded on mobile genetic elements, so there is a risk of its rapid transmission, even despite the lack of selective pressure resulting from the use of antibiotics.
A Search Engine Concept to Improve Food Traceability and Transparency: Preliminary Results
Authors: Palocci Caterina , Presser Karl , Kabza Agnieszka , Pucci Emilia , Zoani Claudia
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the digital revolution has involved the agrifood sector. However, the use of the most recent technologies is still limited due to poor data management. The integration, organisation and optimised use of smart data provides the basis for intelligent systems, services, solutions and applications for food chain management. With the purpose of integrating data on food quality, safety, traceability, transparency and authenticity, an EOSC-compatible (European Open Science Cloud) traceability search engine concept for data standardisation, interoperability, knowledge extraction, and data reuse, was developed within the framework of the FNS-Cloud project (GA No. 863059). For the developed model, three specific food supply chains were examined (olive oil, milk, and fishery products) in order to collect, integrate, organise and make available data relating to each step of each chain. For every step of each chain, parameters of interest and parameters of influence—related to nutritional quality, food safety, transparency and authenticity—were identified together with their monitoring systems. The developed model can be very useful for all actors involved in the food supply chain, both to have a quick graphical visualisation of the entire supply chain and for searching, finding and re-using available food data and information.
Organizational Food Environments: Advancing Their Conceptual Model
Authors: de Castro Inês Rugani Ribeiro , Canella Daniela Silva
Published: March 2022

Understanding the complexity of the elements that constitute organizational food environments and their operating dynamics is essential to improving their healthiness. This study developed a conceptual model of organizational food environments. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, a first version of the conceptual model was prepared, a panel of experts was consulted, the model was improved, a second panel of experts was consulted, and the model was finalized. The model consists of four components (the institutional level, internal level of eating spaces, surroundings, and the decisional level) and 10 dimensions related to the institutional level and internal level of eating spaces (the availability, accessibility, affordability, quality, food and nutrition information, and promotion of foods, beverages, and culinary preparations and the availability, acceptability, convenience, ambience, and infrastructure of the eating space), as expressed in a graphical scheme. The conceptual model presented here offers innovative elements which contribute to understanding of the organizational food environment. It can guide the development of both assessment studies of food environments and interventions for their improvement.
Pharmacogenomics: A Step forward Precision Medicine in Childhood Asthma
Authors: Ferrante Giuliana , Fasola Salvatore , Malizia Velia , Licari Amelia , Cilluffo Giovanna , Piacentini Giorgio , La Grutta Stefania
Published: March 2022

Personalized medicine, an approach to care in which individual characteristics are used for targeting interventions and maximizing health outcomes, is rapidly becoming a reality for many diseases. Childhood asthma is a heterogeneous disease and many children have uncontrolled symptoms. Therefore, an individualized approach is needed for improving asthma outcomes in children. The rapidly evolving fields of genomics and pharmacogenomics may provide a way to achieve asthma control and reduce future risks in children with asthma. In particular, pharmacogenomics can provide tools for identifying novel molecular mechanisms and biomarkers to guide treatment. Emergent high-throughput technologies, along with patient pheno-endotypization, will increase our knowledge of several molecular mechanisms involved in asthma pathophysiology and contribute to selecting and stratifying appropriate treatment for each patient.