bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Stewardship during COVID-19 Outbreak: A Retrospective Analysis of Antibiotic Prescriptions in the ICU across COVID-19 Waves
Authors: Lakbar Ines , Delamarre Louis , Curtel Fanny , Duclos Gary , Bezulier Karine , Gragueb-Chatti Ines , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Forel Jean-Marie , Leone Marc
Published: October 2022

The demographics and outcomes of ICU patients admitted for a COVID-19 infection have been characterized in extensive reports, but little is known about antimicrobial stewardship for these patients. We designed this retrospective, observational study to investigate our hypothesis that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted antimicrobial stewardship practices and likely affected the rate of antibiotic de-escalation (ADE), patient outcomes, infection recurrence, and multidrug-resistant bacteria acquisition. We reviewed the prescription of antibiotics in three ICUs during the pandemic from March 2020 to December 2021. All COVID-19 patients with suspected or proven bacterial superinfections who received antibiotic treatment were included. The primary outcome was the rate of ADE, and secondary outcomes included the rate of appropriate empirical treatment, mortality rates and a comparison with a control group of infected patients before the COVID-19 pandemic. We included 170 COVID-19 patients who received antibiotic treatment for a suspected or proven superinfection, of whom 141 received an empirical treatment. For the latter, antibiotic treatment was de-escalated in 47 (33.3%) patients, escalated in 5 (3.5%) patients, and continued in 89 (63.1%) patients. The empirical antibiotic treatment was appropriate for 87.2% of cases. ICU, hospital, and day 28 and day 90 mortality rates were not associated with the antibiotic treatment strategy. The ADE rate was 52.2% in the control group and 27.6% in the COVID-19 group (p < 0.001). Our data suggest that empirical antibiotic treatment was appropriate in most cases. The ADE rates were lower in the COVID-19 group than in the control group, suggesting that the stress associated with COVID-19 affected our practices.
Targeting PARK7 Improves Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Orchestrating Mitochondrial Quality Control and Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Cai Jiao , Kong Deqin , Long Zi , Liu Jiangzheng , Liu Rui , Hai Chunxu
Published: October 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are considered to be key events in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury. Mitochondrial quality control, including mitophagy and mitochondrial synthesis, can restore mitochondrial homeostasis and thus protect the liver. The role of PARK7, a mitochondrial stress protein, in regulating mitochondrial quality control in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity is unclear. In this study, L02 cells, AML12 cells and C57/BL6 mice were each used to establish models of APAP-induced acute liver injury. PARK7 was silenced in vitro by lentiviral transfection and knocked down in vivo by AAV adeno-associated virus. Changes in cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, serum enzyme activity and pathological features were evaluated after APAP treatment. Western blotting, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and Seahorse assays were used to detect changes in key indicators of mitochondrial quality control. The results showed that APAP treatment decreased cell viability and increased the apoptosis rate, ROS levels, serum enzyme activity, pathological damage and PARK7 expression. PARK7 silencing or knockdown ameliorated APAP-induced damage to the cells and liver. Furthermore, PARK7 silencing enhanced mitophagy, increased mitochondrial synthesis, and led to a switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Taken together, these results suggest that PARK7 is involved in APAP-induced acute liver injury by regulating mitochondrial quality control and metabolic reprogramming. Therefore, PARK7 may be a promising therapeutic target for APAP-induced liver injury.
Modulation of NRF-2 Pathway Contributes to the Therapeutic Effects of Boswellia serrata Gum Resin Extract in a Model of Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis
Authors: D’Amico Ramona , Fusco Roberta , Cordaro Marika , Interdonato Livia , Crupi Rosalia , Gugliandolo Enrico , Di Paola Davide , Peritore Alessio Filippo , Siracusa Rosalba , Impellizzeri Daniela , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna
Published: October 2022

Myocarditis is a clinically dangerous disease that can result in death. Oxidative stress as well as inflammatory and immune responses play important roles in the development of myocarditis. Presently, more research has been carried out on anti-inflammatory treatment using natural compounds. The aim was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of Boswellia gum resin extract in an experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) and the involvement of molecular pathways. Rats were immunized with porcine cardiac myosin to ascertain EAM. The EAM rats were treated orally with Boswellia extract or vehicle for 21 days. EAM caused macroscopic and microscopic alterations with necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis of the heart tissues, as well as clinical biochemical changes, cytokines release, altered immune response, and oxidative stress. Oral treatment with Boswellia markedly reduced myocardial damage, decreased inflammatory infiltrate, fibrosis, biochemical markers, such as lactate dehydrogenase and the creatine kinase, and heart weight/body weight ratio. In addition, low nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels together with the upregulation of antioxidant nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 NRF-2 pathway were observed in EAM rats treated with Boswellia. Thus, Boswellia could be considered as a new natural extract to combat heart pathologies, such as autoimmune myocarditis.
Glyoxalase 2: Towards a Broader View of the Second Player of the Glyoxalase System
Authors: Scirè Andrea , Cianfruglia Laura , Minnelli Cristina , Romaldi Brenda , Laudadio Emiliano , Galeazzi Roberta , Antognelli Cinzia , Armeni Tatiana
Published: October 2022

Glyoxalase 2 is a mitochondrial and cytoplasmic protein belonging to the metallo-β-lactamase family encoded by the hydroxyacylglutathione hydrolase (HAGH) gene. This enzyme is the second enzyme of the glyoxalase system that is responsible for detoxification of the α-ketothaldehyde methylglyoxal in cells. The two enzymes glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) and glyoxalase 2 (Glo2) form the complete glyoxalase pathway, which utilizes glutathione as cofactor in eukaryotic cells. The importance of Glo2 is highlighted by its ubiquitous distribution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Its function in the system has been well defined, but in recent years, additional roles are emerging, especially those related to oxidative stress. This review focuses on Glo2 by considering its genetics, molecular and structural properties, its involvement in post-translational modifications and its interaction with specific metabolic pathways. The purpose of this review is to focus attention on an enzyme that, from the most recent studies, appears to play a role in multiple regulatory pathways that may be important in certain diseases such as cancer or oxidative stress-related diseases.
Possible Effects and Mechanisms of Dietary Natural Products and Nutrients on Depression and Anxiety: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wu Si-Xia , Li Jiahui , Zhou Dan-Dan , Xiong Ruo-Gu , Huang Si-Yu , Saimaiti Adila , Shang Ao , Li Hua-Bin
Published: October 2022

Depression and anxiety are severe public health problems and have attracted more and more attention from researchers of food science and nutrition. Dietary natural products and nutrients, such as fish, coffee, tea, n-3 PUFA, lycopene, and dietary fiber, could play a vital role in the prevention and management of these diseases. The potential mechanisms of action mainly include inhibiting inflammation, ameliorating oxidative stress, modulating the microbiota–gut–brain axis, suppressing hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis hyperactivity, and regulating the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters. In this narrative review, we summarize the most recent advancements regarding the effects of dietary natural products and nutrients on depression and anxiety, and their underlying mechanisms are discussed. We hope that this paper can provide a better understanding of the anti-depressive and anxiolytic action of dietary natural products, and that it is also helpful for developing dietary natural products for functional food, dietary supplements, or auxiliary agents for the prevention and management of these diseases.
Identification of Heme Oxygenase-1 as a Putative DNA-Binding Protein
Authors: Scaffa Alejandro , Tollefson George A. , Yao Hongwei , Rizal Salu , Wallace Joselynn , Oulhen Nathalie , Carr Jennifer F. , Hegarty Katy , Uzun Alper , Dennery Phyllis A.
Published: October 2022

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in degrading heme into biliverdin and iron. HO-1 can also enter the nucleus and regulate gene transcription independent of its enzymatic activity. Whether HO-1 can alter gene expression through direct binding to target DNA remains unclear. Here, we performed HO-1 CHIP-seq and then employed 3D structural modeling to reveal putative HO-1 DNA binding domains. We identified three probable DNA binding domains on HO-1. Using the Proteinarium, we identified several genes as the most highly connected nodes in the interactome among the HO-1 gene binding targets. We further demonstrated that HO-1 modulates the expression of these key genes using Hmox1 deficient cells. Finally, mutation of four conserved amino acids (E215, I211, E201, and Q27) within HO-1 DNA binding domain 1 significantly increased expression of Gtpbp3 and Eif1 genes that were identified within the top 10 binding hits normalized by gene length predicted to bind this domain. Based on these data, we conclude that HO-1 protein is a putative DNA binding protein, and regulates targeted gene expression. This provides the foundation for developing specific inhibitors or activators targeting HO-1 DNA binding domains to modulate targeted gene expression and corresponding cellular function.
Exploration of Molecular Structure, DFT Calculations, and Antioxidant Activity of a Hydrazone Derivative
Authors: Tayade Kundan , Yeom Gyu-Seong , Sahoo Suban K. , Puschmann Horst , Nimse Satish Balasaheb , Kuwar Anil
Published: October 2022

The hydrazine derivatives are known to possess several biological activities including anticancer, antibacterial and anti-fungal, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant. This communication presents the synthesis, X-ray crystal structure analysis, DFT calculations, cell cytotoxicity, and antioxidant activity of the Schiff base 4,4′-((1E,1′E)-hydrazine-1,2-diylidenebis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(benzene-1,3-diol) (compound 2). We have also isolated the side product compound 1 and characterized it using single X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of compound 1 depicts that the ensuing C–H···N hydrogen bonding interaction is presented and discussed herein. In addition, the calculations using density functional theory (DFT) approximation supported by experimental 1H and 13C NMR studies on the key compound 2 are reported. The results of theoretical and experimental 1H and 13C NMR were concordant. The antioxidant activity of compound 2 was determined by using 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) radical cation assays and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay. Compound 2 demonstrated excellent antioxidant activity in ABTS assay (IC50 = 4.30 ± 0.21 µM) and DPPH assay (IC50 = 81.06 ± 0.72 µM) with almost no cytotoxicity below 25 µM.
Neurodegenerative Microbially-Shaped Diseases: Oxidative Stress Meets Neuroinflammation
Authors: Silva Diana Filipa , Empadinhas Nuno , Cardoso Sandra Morais , Esteves Ana Raquel
Published: October 2022

Inflammation and oxidative stress characterize a number of chronic conditions including neurodegenerative diseases and aging. Inflammation is a key component of the innate immune response in Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease of which oxidative stress is an important hallmark. Immune dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction with concomitant reactive oxygen species accumulation have also been implicated in both diseases, both systemically and within the Central Nervous System. Mitochondria are a centrally positioned signalling hub for inflammatory responses and inflammatory cells can release reactive species at the site of inflammation often leading to exaggerated oxidative stress. A growing body of evidence suggests that disruption of normal gut microbiota composition may induce increased permeability of the gut barrier leading to chronic systemic inflammation, which may, in turn, impair the blood–brain barrier function and promote neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The gastrointestinal tract is constantly exposed to myriad exogenous substances and microbial pathogens, which are abundant sources of reactive oxygen species, oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory events. Several studies have demonstrated that microbial infections may also affect the balance in gut microbiota composition (involving oxidant and inflammatory processes by the host and indigenous microbiota) and influence downstream Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis, in which blood–brain barrier damage ultimately occurs. Therefore, the oxidant/inflammatory insults triggered by a disrupted gut microbiota and chronic dysbiosis often lead to compromised gut barrier function, allowing inflammation to “escape” as well as uncontrolled immune responses that may ultimately disrupt mitochondrial function upwards the brain. Future therapeutic strategies should be designed to “restrain” gut inflammation, a goal that could ideally be attained by microbiota modulation strategies, in alternative to classic anti-inflammatory agents with unpredictable effects on the microbiota architecture itself.
Maternal Amino Acid Mixtures Supplementation during Late Gestation and Lactation Improved Growth Performance of Piglets through Improving Colostrum Composition and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Yuan Xiongkun , Zhang Xiangyu , Wu Yujun , Che Dongsheng , Ye Hao , Pi Yu , Tao Shiyu , Wang Junjun , Han Dandan
Published: October 2022

During late gestation and lactation, oxidative stress in sows can affect their health and reproductive performance. Supplemental amino acid contributes to the antioxidant capacity of pigs. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different combinations of Gln, Leu and γ-GABA (amino acid mixtures, AAMs) during late gestation and lactation on the performance of the sows and their offspring. Fifty large white × landrace sows were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n = 10), including a control group and four AAMs groups (AAMs1, Gln + Leu; AAMs2 (Gln + GABA; AAMs3, Leu + GABA; AAMs4, Gln + Leu + GABA). AAMs supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity of sows, including significantly enhanced total antioxidant capacity in AAMs2, 3 and 4 groups and reduced malonaldehyde concentration in AAMs1, 3 and 4 groups. Additionally, all AAMs significantly increased lactoprotein, total solid and IgA levels of colostrum in sows during lactation. Average body weight of piglets on day 21 after birth in all AAMs groups were significantly increased. Furthermore, the significantly increased total antioxidant capacity was observed in the piglets of every AAMs group. In conclusion, supplementing AAMs during late gestation and lactation improved the antioxidant capacity of sows and colostrum composition, thereby enhancing antioxidant status and the growth performance of piglets. This study provides the possibility of maternal amino acid mixtures to improve the productivity of the swine industry.
NADPH Oxidase 5 (NOX5) Overexpression Promotes Endothelial Dysfunction via Cell Apoptosis, Migration, and Metabolic Alterations in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells (hCMEC/D3)
Authors: Marqués Javier , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín , Ainzúa Elena , Martínez-Azcona María , Cortés Adriana , Roncal Carmen , Orbe Josune , Santamaría Enrique , Zalba Guillermo
Published: October 2022

NADPH oxidases (NOX) constitute the main reactive oxygen species (ROS) source in blood vessels. An oxidative stress situation due to ROS overproduction can lead into endothelial dysfunction, a molecular mechanism that precedes cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. NOX5 is the last discovered member of the NOX family, studied in a lesser extent due to its absence in the rodent genome. Our objective was to describe the phenotypic alterations produced by an oxidative stress situation derived from NOX5 overexpression in an endothelial in vitro model. The in vitro model consists of the hCMEC/D3 cell line, derived from brain microvascular endothelium, infected with a recombinant NOX5-β adenovirus. After an initial proteomic analysis, three phenotypic alterations detected in silico were studied: cell proliferation and apoptosis, general and mitochondrial metabolism, and migration capacity. NOX5 infection of hCMEC/D3 generates a functional protein and an increase in ROS production. This model produced changes in the whole cell proteome. The in silico analysis together with in vitro validations demonstrated that NOX5 overexpression inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis, metabolic alterations and cell migration in hCMEC/D3 cells. NOX5 overexpression in endothelial cells leads to phenotypic changes that can lead to endothelial dysfunction, the onset of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Ecotoxicity of Copper(I) Chloride in Grooved Carpet Shell (Ruditapes decussatus)
Authors: Esposito Giuseppe , Pastorino Paolo , Prearo Marino , Magara Gabriele , Cesarani Alberto , Freitas Rosa , Caldaroni Barbara , Meloni Domenico , Pais Antonio , Dondo Alessandro , Antuofermo Elisabetta , Elia Antonia Concetta
Published: October 2022

Copper (Cu) is a ubiquitous trace element in the aquatic environment, and is usually found at low levels. Copper environmental concentrations can be altered as a result anthropogenic activities. Shellfish are useful bioindicators to ensure adequate environmental monitoring. Thus, the aim of the present study was as follows: (a) determine the LC50 of copper(I) chloride in grooved carpet shell (Ruditapes decussatus) collected in the Santa Gilla lagoon (Sardinia, Italy), and (b) analyze the antioxidant biomarkers in digestive gland and gills of same specimens exposed to different concentrations of the above-mentioned metal (0.045, 0.45, and 0.90 mg/L) for 96 h. A withdrawal period of 96 h was considered for the treated clam, carrying out the same biochemical analyses, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and total glutathione (GSH+2GSSG) in the two tissues. Different time and dose responses of the antioxidant biomarkers were recorded in the digestive glands and gills. Oxidative stress biomarkers highlighted the ability of Cu to induce oxidative stress in R. decussatus. Clam, following the withdrawal period of 96 h, has not been able to achieve the control levels of all biochemical markers in the digestive gland and gills. R. decussatus can be a suitable model to assess the ecotoxicity of copper in aquatic ecosystems. These findings may advance knowledge on the role and the effects of copper on oxidative stress biomarkers in grooved carpet shell. The metal ecotoxicity response can be useful to perform accurate biomarker-based monitoring programs using this bivalve species.
The Self-Administered Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Supplements and Antioxidants in Cancer Therapy and the Critical Role of Nrf-2—A Systematic Review
Authors: Krejbich Paula , Birringer Marc
Published: October 2022

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplements are widely used by cancer patients. Dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, and antioxidants are especially popular. In a systematic literature review, 37 studies, each including more than 1000 participants, on CAM, dietary supplement, and vitamin use among cancer patients were identified. Accordingly, cancer patients use antioxidants such as vitamin C (from 2.6% (United Kingdom) to 41.6% (United States)) and vitamin E (from 2.9% (China) to 48% (United States)). Dietary supplements and vitamins are taken for different reasons, but often during conventional cancer treatment involving chemotherapy or radiotherapy and in a self-decided manner without seeking medical advice from healthcare professionals. Drug–drug interactions with dietary supplements or vitamins involving multiple signaling pathways are well described. Since most of the anticancer drugs generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), an adaptive stress response of healthy and malignant cells, mainly driven by the Nrf-2-Keap I network, can be observed. On the one hand, healthy cells should be protected from ROS-overproducing chemotherapy and radiotherapy; on the other hand, ROS production in cancer cells is a “desirable side effect” during anticancer drug treatment. We here describe the paradoxical use of antioxidants and supplements during cancer therapy, possible interactions with anticancer drugs, and the involvement of the Nrf-2 transcription factor.
Effect of Empagliflozin on Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury in Rats: Role of AMPK/SIRT-1/HIF-1α Pathway in Halting Liver Fibrosis
Authors: ElBaset Marwan A. , Salem Rana S. , Ayman Fairouz , Ayman Nadeen , Shaban Nooran , Afifi Sherif M. , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Abdelaziz Mahmoud , Elalfy Zahraa S.
Published: October 2022

Hepatic fibrosis causes severe morbidity and death. No viable treatment can repair fibrosis and protect the liver until now. We intended to discover the empagliflozin’s (EMPA) hepatoprotective efficacy in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and reducing HIF-1α. Rats were treated orally with EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) with TAA (100 mg/kg, IP) thrice weekly for 6 weeks. EMPA in both doses retracted the serum GGT, ALT, AST, ammonia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and increased serum albumin. At the same time, EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) replenished the hepatic content of GSH, ATP, AMP, AMPK, or SIRT-1 and mitigated the hepatic content of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, or HIF-1α in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, hepatic photomicrograph stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson trichrome stain of EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) revealed marked regression of the hepatotoxic effect of TAA with minimal injury. Similarly, in rats given EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg), the immunohistochemically of hepatic photomicrograph revealed minimal stain of either α-SMA or caspase-3 compared to the TAA group. Therefore, we concluded that EMPA possessed an antifibrotic effect by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and inhibiting HIF-1α. The present study provided new insight into a novel treatment of liver fibrosis.
Special Issue “Physics and Mechanics of New Materials and Their Applications 2021”
Authors: Parinov Ivan A. , Chang Shun-Hsyung , Wang Hung-Yu
Published: October 2022

Material science, aimed at designing, fabricating, investigating, and using advanced materials and composites in different fields, is the one of the most rapidly developing directions in science, technologies, and techniques [...]
High-Performance Solid Medium Thermal Energy Storage System for Heat Supply in Battery Electric Vehicles: Proof of Concept and Experimental Testing
Authors: Dreißigacker Volker , Hofer Lukas
Published: October 2022

The reduction of global CO2 emissions requires cross-sectoral measures to reduce fossil energy consumptions and to strengthen the expansion of renewable energy sources. One element for this purpose are thermal energy storage systems. They enable, due to their time-decoupled operation, increases in systemic efficiency and flexibility in various industrial and power plant processes. In the electricity and heat sector such solutions are already commercially available for large-scale applications or are focused in diverse R&D projects, but are largely new in the transport sector. By transferring existing concepts specifically to the requirements for the heat supply of battery electric vehicles, efficiency improvements can also be achieved in the transport sector. The idea is to provide the required heat for the interior during cold seasons via a previously electrical heated thermal energy storage system. Thus, battery capacities can be saved, and the effective range of the vehicle can be increased. Basic prerequisites for this concept are high systemic storage densities and high performances, which must be justified to commercial battery powered PTC-elements. Compared to large-scale applications, this results in new challenges and design solutions needing finally a proof of concept and experimental tests under vehicle typical specifications. For the first time, a novel thermal energy storage system based on ceramic honeycombs with integrated heating wires and a double-walled, thermally insulated storage containment was developed and constructively realized. This storage system meets all the requirements for the heat supply, reaches high systemic storage and power densities and allows due to its high flexibility a bifunctional operation use: a cyclic storage and a conventional heating mode. In the focused storage operation, high-temperature heat is generated electrically through heating wires during the charging period and transferred efficiently via thermal radiation to the ceramic honeycombs. During the discharging period (driving) the stored thermal energy is used for heating the interior by a bypass control system at defined temperatures with high thermal output. The systematic measurement campaigns and successful model validations confirm high electrical heating powers of 6.8 kW during the charging period and a heat supply with a thermal output of 5 kW over more than 30 min during the discharging period. Despite current infrastructure and test rig restrictions, high systemic storage densities of 155 Wh/kg with constant discharging outlet temperatures are reached. Compared to battery powered heating systems, the experimental results for the developed thermal energy storage system confirm an excellent level of competitiveness due to its high performance, operational flexibility and low-cost materials.
Atmospheric Effects on Satellite–Ground Free Space Uplink and Downlink Optical Transmissions
Authors: Maharjan Nilesh , Devkota Nikesh , Kim Byung Wook
Published: October 2022

Free space optical (FSO) communications have the potential to be one of the most essential technologies for solving the high-bandwidth demands of communications between satellites and ground stations. In this study, we examine the impact of the atmosphere on satellite–ground FSO uplink and downlink communications. To consider diverse atmospheric conditions on both uplink and downlink, we derive FSO channel elements such as the fog attenuation coefficient, refractive index parameter, coherence length, turbulence model, and angle-of-arrival fluctuation. Unlike conventional work, we provide FSO channel analysis based on variations in the Fried parameter, zenith angle, scintillation index, and Rytov variance. Using simulation results from the optical settings, we examine the influence on channel performance of conditions such as atmospheric attenuation and intensity fluctuation. Based on this examination, we determine that 1550 nm is the preferred wavelength for both uplink and downlink FSO channels to mitigate the impact of turbulence and that larger receiver apertures lessen angle-of-arrival changes.
Whole-Heart Assessment of Turbulent Kinetic Energy in the Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Hudani Ashifa , White James A. , Greenway Steven C. , Garcia Julio
Published: October 2022

Approximately 10% of congenital heart diseases (CHDs) include Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Fortunately, due to advanced surgical techniques, most patients survive until adulthood. However, these patients require frequent monitoring for postoperative complications leading to heart hemodynamic alterations. Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), as derived from 4D-flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D-flow MRI), has been used to characterize abnormal heart hemodynamics in CHD. Hence, this study aimed to assess the difference in TKE between patients with repaired TOF (rTOF) and healthy volunteers. A total of 35 subjects, 17 rTOF patients and 18 controls, underwent standard-of-care cardiac MRI and research 4D-flow MRI using a clinical 3T scanner. Heart chambers and great vessels were segmented using 3D angiograms derived from 4D-flow MRI. The TKE was quantified within segmented volumes. TKE was compared to standard cardiac MRI metrics. Controls demonstrated higher TKE in the left atria and left ventricle. However, patients demonstrated higher TKE in the right atria, right ventricle (p < 0.05), and pulmonary artery. Lastly, no correlation was observed between TKE and standard clinical measurements. TKE can be a key indicator of the abnormal hemodynamics present in patients with rTOF and can assist future interventions and help monitor long-term outcomes.
Dosimetric Evaluation of the Inter-Fraction Motion of Organs at Risk in SBRT for Nodal Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: La Fauci Francesco , Augugliaro Matteo , Mazzola Giovanni Carlo , Comi Stefania , Pepa Matteo , Zaffaroni Mattia , Vincini Maria Giulia , Corrao Giulia , Mistretta Francesco Alessandro , Luzzago Stefano , Fodor Cristiana , Musi Gennaro , Gallo Salvatore , Petralia Giuseppe , De Cobelli Ottavio , Orecchia Roberto , Cattani Federica , Marvaso Giulia , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we aim to evaluate the entity of inter-fraction organ motion and deformation in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatments for nodal oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Thirty-three patients with lymph nodes showing oligometastatic PCa treated with SBRT were included. Organs at risk (OARs) were delineated using both simulation computer tomography (s-CT) and daily cone beam CTs (CBCTs) using the Raystation planning system. For each OAR, the union volume (UV) between all the CBCTs and s-CT was computed. An expanded volume (EV) of the s-CT OARs was applied using six different margins (3, 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 mm). A percentage volume (V%) was computed to assess the intersection between each EV and UV. The OAR deformation and motion were further evaluated using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean distance to agreement (Mean_DA). The percentage maximum dose variations for all the OARs were estimated. A recalculation with higher dose prescriptions was performed by prescribing 36 Gy/3 fx, as well as 45 Gy/3 fx. The cauda showed the highest matching (DSC = 0.72; Mean_DA = 0.14 cm), and the colon showed the lowest one (DSC = 0.37; Mean_DA = 0.44 cm). The minimum margin, which ensured a V% > 95%, was 3 mm (97.5%) for the cauda and 15 mm (96.6%) for the colon. All the OARs reached the compliance of the constraints in each session. Regarding 36 Gy-plans, the ileum punctual compliance Dmax failed in 58.8% of patients, and it failed in 70.6% of the patients for the ileum, 7.14% for the colon, and 12.5% for the bladder in the case of 45 Gy-plans. This study is an ancillary study of the RADIOSA clinical trial (AIRC IG-22159) and can be used as a benchmark for dose escalation.
Review of Research Progresses and Application of Geothermal Disaster Prevention on Large-Buried Tunnels
Authors: Chen Yifan , Lin Hang , Liu Baohua
Published: October 2022

Geothermal disaster caused by high geotemperature is a commonly encountered geological problem in tunnel engineering, especially in large-buried tunnels, which is directly related to the safety, technology, and economy of tunnel construction. It seriously affects the personnel security and the performances of construction equipment and building materials, greatly increasing the construction difficulty, and extending the total construction period, which has become a major issue to be urgently solved in the tunnel construction. This paper first briefly introduces the formation mechanism of the high-geotemperature environment of a large-buried tunnel and analyzes the significant influences of high-temperature on personnel, equipment, and materials in the construction process of tunnel engineering. Then, the worldwide research progress of rock mechanics in high-temperature large-buried tunnels is systematically described, including the thermo-mechanical properties of rock mass, the thermo-mechanical properties of shotcrete, and the rheological mechanism and control technology of surrounding rock. Subsequently, the previous geothermal disaster classification of large-buried tunnels is summarized and evaluated. Finally, the research findings of the key technologies of geothermal disaster prevention and control are presented in detail from three aspects of temperature reduction, thermal insulation, and personal protection, which are of great theoretical and practical significance for ensuring the safety design and construction of tunnels in similar geological environment.
Emotion Recognition Method for Call/Contact Centre Systems
Authors: Płaza Mirosław , Kazała Robert , Koruba Zbigniew , Kozłowski Marcin , Lucińska Małgorzata , Sitek Kamil , Spyrka Jarosław
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, one of the important aspects of research on call/contact centre (CC) systems is how to automate their operations. Process automation is influenced by the continuous development in the implementation of virtual assistants. The effectiveness of virtual assistants depends on numerous factors. One of the most important is correctly recognizing the intent of clients conversing with the machine. Recognizing intentions is not an easy process, as often the client’s actual intentions can only be correctly identified after considering the client’s emotional state. When it comes to human–machine communication, the ability of a virtual assistant to recognize the client’s emotional state would greatly improve its effectiveness. This paper proposes a new method for recognizing interlocutors’ emotions dedicated directly to contact centre systems. The developed method provides opportunities to determine emotional states in text and voice channels. It provides opportunities to explore both the client’s and the agent’s emotional states. Information about agents’ emotions can be used to build their behavioural profiles, which is also applicable in contact centres. In addition, the paper explored the possibility of emotion assessment based on automatic transcriptions of recordings, which also positively affected emotion recognition performance in the voice channel. The research used actual conversations that took place during the operation of a large, commercial contact centre. The proposed solution makes it possible to recognize the emotions of customers contacting the hotline and agents handling these calls. Using this information in practical applications can increase the efficiency of agents’ work, efficiency of bots used in CC and increase customer satisfaction.
Target Identification via Multi-View Multi-Task Joint Sparse Representation
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Zhang Zhenshi , Wen Xupeng
Published: October 2022

Recently, the monitoring efficiency and accuracy of visible and infrared video have been relatively low. In this paper, we propose an automatic target identification method using surveillance video, which provides an effective solution for the surveillance video data. Specifically, a target identification method via multi-view and multi-task sparse learning is proposed, where multi-view includes various types of visual features such as textures, edges, and invariant features. Each view of a candidate is regarded as a template, and the potential relationship between different tasks and different views is considered. These multiple views are integrated into the multi-task spare learning framework. The proposed MVMT method can be applied to solve the ship’s identification. Extensive experiments are conducted on public datasets, and custom sequence frames (i.e., six sequence frames from ship videos). The experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to other classical methods, qualitatively and quantitatively.
An Efficient MAC Protocol for Blockchain-Enabled Patient Monitoring in a Vehicular Network
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Aman , Alvi Ahmad Naseem , Javed Muhammad Awais , Khan Muhammad Badruddin , Abul Hasanat Mozaherul Hoque , Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani , Alkhathami Mohammed
Published: October 2022

Blockchain is an emerging computing platform that provides recording and tracking facilities to substantially increase the security issues in healthcare systems. The evolution of wireless body area networks requires the continuous monitoring of the health parameters of traveling patients while traveling on road. The health parameter data of each patient are sent to the Road Side Units (RSUs) for generating the blocks by computing the required hash functions. A major challenge in such a network is to efficiently exchange the data blocks between mining RSUs and vehicles using a medium access protocol with a reduced number of collisions. The medium access problem becomes more challenging due to the vehicle mobility, high vehicle density and the varying nature of the data generated by the vehicles. In this work, a TDMA-based MAC protocol to meet an Adaptive Patients Data traffic for Vehicular Network (TAPDVN) is proposed. TAPDVN is specifically designed for patients in a vehicular network by considering the frequent entry and exit of vehicles in a mining node’s coverage area. It allows mining nodes to adjust time slots according to the sensitive patient’s data and allows the maximum number of patient vehicular nodes by considering their sensitivity to send their data in a session to compute their hash values accordingly. Simulation results verify that the proposed scheme accommodates the maximum number of high-risk patient data and improves bandwidth utilization by 20%.
Study on Blasting Vibration Control of Brick-Concrete Structure under Subway Tunnel
Authors: Wu Yangyong , Mu Chaomin , Zong Qi , Wu Jiehao , Zhou Hui
Published: October 2022

In order to study the impact of the blasting vibration of subway tunnels on adjacent buildings, taking the tunnel mining method construction of the section between Zhifang Street Station and Metro Town Station of Wuhan Metro Line 27 as the engineering background, the blasting scheme is optimized by reducing the maximum single section charge, multi-section and densifying the surrounding holes. The HHT method and wavelet analysis are used to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the optimization scheme from the perspective of energy. The results show that the peak velocity of the blasting vibration is significantly reduced and the frequency is significantly increased after the blasting scheme is optimized. After the blasting scheme is optimized, when the working face is directly below the external wall of the building, the peak vibration velocity is the largest; from the back of the working face to the front of the working face, the peak velocity of the surface particle vibration first increases and then decreases. The frequency band of the optimized blasting vibration signal energy distribution is wider and the energy is more dispersed. This study can provide some practical experience for the design and construction of similar projects.
An Improved BiLSTM Approach for User Stance Detection Based on External Commonsense Knowledge and Environment Information
Authors: Jia Peng , Du Yajun , Hu Jingrong , Li Hui , Li Xianyong , Chen Xiaoliang
Published: October 2022

In the age of social networks, the number of tweets sent by users has led to a sharp rise in public opinion. Public opinions are closely related to user stances. User stance detection has become an important task in the field of public opinion. However, previous studies have not distinguished between user viewpoints and stances. These studies usually detected stance from the perspective of the tweet level but rarely the user level. Therefore, in this paper, we defined user stance, which is the user viewpoint (support, oppose, and neutral) toward the entire target event process. On this basis, we put forward a user stance detection method based on external commonsense knowledge (such as SenticNet) and environment information (such as a user’s historical tweets, topic information, and neighbor tweets) and denote this method as ECKEI. First, in order to better integrate external commonsense knowledge into the neural network, we improved BiLSTM and called it CK-BiLSTM for complementary commonsense information to the memory cell. Secondly, we used LDA to extract the topic of user tweets and designed a topic-driven module to capture the users’ neighbors’ information. Finally, we used the attention mechanism to integrate information from users’ historical tweets and neighbors’ tweets obtained through topic information; then, we used the softmax layer to classify user stances into the support, neutral and oppose classes. In this paper, we conducted experiments and assessments on datasets containing information on Brexit and the elections to verify the practicability and effectiveness of our proposed method. Extensive experimental results on the Brexit and elections datasets show that our approach outperforms six baseline methods (SVM-ngram, NB, MTTRE (RNN), Pkudblab (CNN), TAAT, and Aff-feature). We use the average micro-F1 and average accuracy to measure performance on the detection of a user’s stance. The ECKEI model makes improvements of 4.30–16.89% and 1.22–16.58% on the Brexit and election datasets, respectively, in terms of average micro-F1. Meanwhile, this model makes improvements of 4.24–17.46% and 0.48–14.64% on the Brexit and election datasets, respectively, in terms of average accuracy. Our model makes improvements of 5.34–17.30% and 2.65–19.73%, respectively, on the Brexit and election datasets in terms of average recall.
The Interference Effects of Wind Load and Wind-Induced Dynamic Response of Quayside Container Cranes
Authors: Wu Xiaotong , Sun Ying , Wu Yue , Su Ning , Peng Shitao
Published: October 2022

Strong wind has caused damage to group-arranged quayside container cranes in terminals and ports in recent years. Interference may amplify the wind loads in some cases. However, the interference effect among cranes has rarely been studied. In this study, high-frequency force balance tests were conducted to obtain the wind load of isolated and group-arranged container cranes. The results of the computational fluid dynamics simulation were validated by wind tunnel tests and provided the mean wind loads of all 15 types of member cranes. According to the results from wind tunnel tests, the fluctuating wind loads of each member were generated using the weighted amplitude wave superposition method. Based on dynamic finite element methods, the wind-induced responses were obtained considering the interference effect. It was found that the interference effect is the combined effects of both the shielding effect and the amplification of turbulence. Although in some cases the fluctuating and peak wind loads can increase by up to 16% and 6%, respectively, those in the most unfavorable cases are reduced by the interference effect. The interference factor for extreme nodal deformation is 0.56 and 0.69. The interference effect in container cranes mainly appears as a shielding effect, reducing the wind loads and response of the structures in unfavorable cases.
Damage Mode Analysis of Steel Box Structures Subjected to Internal Blast Loading
Authors: Li Lu-Meng , Zhang Duo , Yao Shu-Jian
Published: October 2022

Steel box structures widely exist in vehicles, ships, and buildings, and internal explosions are one of the primary ways to destroy such targets. In this study, a rapid prediction method for the damage degree evaluation of steel box structures subjected to internal blast loads was proposed. First, the main influencing factors were identified through dimensionless analysis. Next, numerical simulations were conducted to further investigate the key influencing factors and different damage modes that were classified according to their characteristics. The non-dimensional Din* for damage analysis applicable to the internal explosions and the equations describing the deformation of the wall plate were proposed, followed by a comparative study of the damage features of anisotropic box structures with different structural dimensions. The influence of the coupling relationship between structural dimensions and blast loads on the damage modes was analyzed and three competing mechanisms of material failure were studied to analyze and classify the mode of breach expansion. Finally, a large number of experiments were analyzed to verify the analysis method.
Mountain Muon Tomography Using a Liquid Scintillator Detector
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Zhe , Chen Shaomin
Published: October 2022

Muon tomography (MT), based on atmospheric cosmic rays, is a promising technique suitable for nondestructive imaging of the internal structures of mountains. This method uses the measured flux distribution after attenuation, combined with the known muon angular and energy distributions and a 3D satellite map, to perform tomographic imaging of the density distribution inside a probed volume. A muon tomography station (MTS) requires direction-sensitive detectors with a high resolution for optimal tracking of incident cosmic-ray muons. The spherical liquid scintillator detector is one of the best candidates for this application due to its uniform detection efficiency for the whole 4π solid angle and its excellent ability to distinguish muon signals from the radioactive background via the difference in the energy deposit. This type of detector, with a 1.3 m diameter, was used in the Jinping Neutrino Experiment (JNE). Its angular resolution is 4.9 degrees. Following the application of imaging for structures of Jinping Mountain with JNE published results based on the detector, we apply it to geological prospecting. For mountains below 1 km in height and 2.8 g/cm3 in the reference rock, we demonstrate that this kind of detector can image internal regions with densities of ≤2.1 g/cm3 or ≥3.5 g/cm3 and hundreds of meters in size.
Rheological, Textural, and Sensorial Characterization of Walnut Butter
Authors: Leahu Ana , Ghinea Cristina , Ropciuc Sorina
Published: October 2022

The rheological properties of six formulated walnut semi-solid pastes with 0.5, 1.5, and 2.0% w/w xanthan gum, maple syrup, and Jerusalem artichoke powder were characterized using the Mars 40 rheometer (Thermo Haake, Karlsruhe, Germany). The butter samples’ textural behavior and color parameters (CIE L*, a*, and b*) were analyzed. Sensory evaluation and consumer acceptance were also analyzed. Walnut kernels were roasted at an optimized temperature (120 °C) and time (30 min) and subsequently made into walnut butter (WB). Maple syrup has an appreciable influence on the rheological properties of walnut butter. The prepared butter exhibited non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior and showed excellent stability. The results showed that sample S3 (3% maple syrup and 2% xanthan gum) had a bright color with the highest L* values (47.31 ± 0.32), the lowest a* values (2.72 ± 0.04) and the highest b* values (20.54 ± 0.08). In comparison, sample S6 (5% Jerusalem artichoke powder and 2.0% xanthan gum) had a darker color, with the following mean values obtained: 44.67 ± 0.05 for L*, 6.70 ± 0.09 for a* and 18.34 ± 0.07 for b*. The addition of maple syrup even in combination with xanthan gum (2%) S3 to the walnut butter led to a decrease in the viscosity of the butter samples. The hardness and firmness of the walnut butter samples were affected by the type of sweetener used; thus, the nut butter with xanthan gum and Jerusalem artichoke powder had significantly higher hardness values than the samples with added maple syrup. Therefore, based on consumer preferences, we obtained new formulations of walnut butter with a high sensory quality, suitable for those with allergies to peanut butter.