bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HUSH (Hiking in Urban Scientific Heritage): The Augmented Reality for Enhancing the Geological and Naturalistic Heritage in Urban Areas
Authors: Melelli Laura , Bianchini Giulio , Fanò Livio
Published: August 2023

Over the past two decades, significant efforts have been made to diversify the tourism industry and enhance its educational experience. One such endeavor is urban trekking and geotourism, which have emerged as important means of promoting geological knowledge. The recent advancements in augmented reality technologies as well as the increasing availability of ‘born digital’ data such as those gathered from social media create a basis for the development of immersive and customized touristic experiences. Urban scientific heritage, augmented reality, and data mining are the key elements of the HUSH project. Its first focus is the identification of the naturalistic components in a given urban area (flora, fauna, and geological features) through literature surveys and scientific research. These factors become points of interest (PoIs) along touristic paths, where they are connected to the historical and artistic components of the area. Augmented reality serves as the medium through which the user can access this content. The contents are delivered as videos, text, images, or interactive 3D models. The mobile application from this project is a useful tool for promoting geoheritage and naturalistic values in urban areas and for improving the awareness and the sustainability of our cities.
Probabilistic Forecasting of Available Load Supply Capacity for Renewable-Energy-Based Power Systems
Authors: Shao Qizhuan , Liu Shuangquan , Xie Yigong , Zhu Xinchun , Zhang Yilin , Wang Junzhou , Tang Junjie
Published: August 2023

In order to accurately analyze the load supply capability of power systems with high penetration of renewable energy generation, this paper proposes a probabilistic available load supply capability (ALSC) forecasting method. Firstly, the optimal input features are selected by calculating the maximal information coefficient (MIC) between the input features and the target output. Based on this, a stacking ensemble learning model is applied for the prediction of wind power, photovoltaic power and load power. Secondly, the distributions of the forecasting objects are obtained based on forecasting errors and the error statistics method. Finally, the forecasting distributions of wind power, photovoltaic power and load are set as the parameters of a power system, and then probabilistic ALSC is calculated using Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) and repeated power flow (RPF). In order to simulate a more realistic power system, multiple slack buses are introduced to conduct two types of power imbalance allocations with novel allocation principles during the RPF calculation, which makes the ALSC evaluation results more reasonable and accurate. The results of probabilistic ALSC forecasting can provide a reference for the load power supply capacity of a power system in the future, and they can also provide an early warning for the risk of ALSC threshold overlimit. Case studies carried out on the modified IEEE 39-bus system verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Influence of Bone Conduction Hearing Device Implantation on Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients with and without Tinnitus
Authors: Khan Nasrene , Lewis Aaran T.
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Tinnitus, often related to hearing loss, is an addressable public health concern affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to explore the influence of bone conduction hearing aid (BCHA) implantation on HRQoL and hearing disability in patients with hearing loss suffering from tinnitus. (2) Methods: Data were collected from an international hearing implant registry. Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI-3), Spatial and Qualities of Hearing- 49 Questionnaire (SSQ) and self-reported tinnitus burden data for adult patients implanted with a BCHA (n = 42) who provided baseline as well as follow-up data 1-year post-implantation were extracted from the registry. Wilcoxon signed rank tests and paired samples t-tests were used to analyse outcomes data. (3) Results: Patients, with or without tinnitus, demonstrated clinically important mean improvements in HUI-3 multi-attribute utility scores, HUI-3 hearing attribute and SSQ scores. Hearing loss patients with tinnitus presented with a lower HRQoL than patients without tinnitus. (4) Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the importance of hearing rehabilitation in improving the quality of life and hearing disability of patients with or without tinnitus and in providing tinnitus relief in some patients with hearing loss and tinnitus.
Deleterious Interaction between the Neurosteroid (3α,5α)3-Hydroxypregnan-20-One (3α,5α-THP) and the Mu-Opioid System Activation during Forced Swim Stress in Rats
Authors: Boero Giorgia , McFarland Minna H. , Tyler Ryan E. , O’Buckley Todd K. , Chéry Samantha L. , Robinson Donita L. , Besheer Joyce , Morrow A. Leslie
Published: August 2023

The neurosteroid 3α,5α-THP is a potent GABAA receptor-positive modulator and its regulatory action on the HPA axis stress response has been reported in numerous preclinical and clinical studies. We previously demonstrated that 3α,5α-THP down-regulation of HPA axis activity during stress is sex-, brain region- and stressor-dependent. In this study, we observed a deleterious submersion behavior in response to 3α,5α-THP (15 mg/kg) during forced swim stress (FSS) that led us to investigate how 3α,5α-THP might affect behavioral coping strategies engaged in by the animal. Given the well-established involvement of the opioid system in HPA axis activation and its interaction with GABAergic neurosteroids, we explored the synergic effects of 3α,5α-THP/opiate system activation in this behavior. Serum β-endorphin (β-EP) was elevated by FSS and enhanced by 3α,5α-THP + FSS. Hypothalamic Mu-opiate receptors (MOP) were increased in female rats by 3α,5α-THP + FSS. Pretreatment with the MOP antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTAP; 2 mg/kg, IP) reversed submersion behavior in males. Moreover, in both males and females, CTAP pretreatment decreased immobility episodes while increasing immobility duration but did not alter swimming duration. This interaction between 3α,5α-THP and the opioid system in the context of FSS might be important in the development of treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders involving HPA axis activation.
Fluoropolymer Functionalization of Organ-on-Chip Platform Increases Detection Sensitivity for Cannabinoids
Authors: Tong Ziqiu , Esser Lars , Galettis Peter , Rudd David , Easton Christopher D. , Nilghaz Azadeh , Peng Bo , Zhu Douer , Thissen Helmut , Martin Jennifer H. , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: August 2023

Microfluidic technology is applied across various research areas including organ-on-chip (OOC) systems. The main material used for microfluidics is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone elastomer material that is biocompatible, transparent, and easy to use for OOC systems with well-defined microstructures. However, PDMS-based OOC systems can absorb hydrophobic and small molecules, making it difficult and erroneous to make quantitative analytical assessments for such compounds. In this paper, we explore the use of a synthetic fluoropolymer, poly(4,5-difluoro-2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (Teflon™ AF 2400), with excellent “non-stick” properties to functionalize OOC systems. Cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD), are classes of hydrophobic compounds with a great potential for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, and cancer. By using CBD as a testing compound, we examined and systematically quantified CBD absorption into PDMS by means of an LC-MS/MS analysis. In comparison to the unmodified PDMS microchannels, an increase of approximately 30× in the CBD signal was detected with the fluoropolymer surface modification after 3 h of static incubation. Under perfusion conditions, we observed an increase of nearly 15× in the CBD signals from the surface-modified microchannels than from the unmodified microchannels. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that fluoropolymer-modified microchannels are compatible for culturing hCMEC/D3 endothelial cells and for CBD perfusion experiments.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Primary and Secondary Myelofibrosis According to the Genomic Classification Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Garrote Marta , López-Guerra Mónica , Arellano-Rodrigo Eduardo , Rozman María , Carbonell Sara , Guijarro Francesca , Santaliestra Marta , Triguero Ana , Colomer Dolors , Cervantes Francisco , Álvarez-Larrán Alberto
Published: August 2023

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a heterogeneous disease regarding its mutational landscape, clinical presentation, and outcomes. The aim of our work is to evaluate the genomic classification of MF considering whether it is primary or secondary. One-hundred seventy-five patients, 81 with primary MF (PMF) and 94 with secondary MF (SMF) were hierarchically allocated into eight molecular groups. We found that TP53 disruption/aneuploidy (n = 16, 9%) was more frequent (12% versus 6%) and showed higher allele burden (57% versus 15%, p = 0.01) in SMF than in PMF, and was associated with shorter survival (median 3.5 years). Mutations in chromatin/spliceosome genes (n = 72, 41%) represented the most frequent genomic group in PMF. Homozygous JAK2 mutation (n = 40, 23%) was enriched with old patients with SMF after long-standing polycythemia vera, whereas MF with heterozygous JAK2 mutation (n = 22, 13%) was similarly distributed among PMF and SMF. MF with CALR mutation (n = 19, 11%) predominated in post-essential thrombocythemia MF. The remaining genomic groups were infrequent. TP53 disruption, chromatin/spliceosome mutation, and homozygous JAK2 mutation were associated with significantly shorter survival and higher risk of progression. In conclusion, genomic classification reveals different pathogenic pathways between PMF and SMF and provides relevant information regarding disease phenotype and outcomes.
Nonlinear Dynamic Analyses Utilising Macro-Models of Reinforced Concrete Building Structures and Site-Specific Accelerograms
Authors: Khatiwada Prashidha , Hu Yiwei , Lam Nelson , Menegon Scott J.
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to guide structural engineers on how to apply the rapid nonlinear time history analysis (RNLTHA) procedure effectively to predict seismic demand, taking into account ductility and overstrength, and effects of dynamic phenomena including cyclic degradation of strength and stiffness in structures, in a direct and expedient manner. The shortcoming of the conventional force-based approach of design involving the use of a force reduction factor to account for nonlinear effects is well recognised. Nonlinear static (pushover) analysis and dynamic nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA) are offered as alternative methods of analysis by major codes of practices to achieve better optimisation in the use of materials. NLTHA has advantages over pushover analysis in being more direct and capable of capturing cyclic response behaviour. Despite the merits of NLTHA, its adoption in the industry has been limited, mainly because of the complexity and the higher analysis cost involved. RNLTHA proposed in this article uses a macroscopic model of the building to fulfil the purpose of NLTHA, whilst saving computational time and achieving a good degree of accuracy, as verified by comparison with results generated from SeismoStruct.
Optimistic Scenario of 0.50 m Mean Sea Level Rise and Possible Environmental Impacts, Resulting from Tidal Variations, in the City of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro—Brazil
Authors: Dias Ferreira Vilmar Leandro , Santos Pereira Elizabeth , Souza de Mello Lucas Pluvie , Garcia Silva Rodrigo Amado , Dias Fábio Ferreira
Published: August 2023

As several researches indicate, since the 1950s one observed unprecedented warming of the atmosphere and oceans, resulting from greenhouse gas emissions and changes in land use and occupation, leading to sea level rise and impacts on coastal areas. In the municipality of Niterói—Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where a large urban concentration in coastal areas is observed, a Climate Change Adaptation System was developed, through which mitigation and adaptation strategies are combined, in order to: reduce vulnerabilities; avoid losses and damages; build instruments to allow adaptation of natural, human, productive and infrastructure systems. In this context, this paper aims to measure possible impacts, in the biophysical and socioeconomic spheres, resulting from an eventual 0.50 m rise in mean sea level, which represents an optimistic scenario according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In contrast to similar studies, this work also considered daily and occasional water level variations, represented by the highest astronomical tide and the highest storm surge observed in the studied region. The following data were applied: digital elevation model, 2010 population census data, and real estate information. With the altimetry data, by means of GIS, the census sectors inserted in the affected areas were selected, to obtain data regarding population, number of households, and income. Specialized websites were applied to collect average property values. The simulations revealed that approximately 2950 households and more than 9000 residents could be directly affected, with losses that could exceed R$ 3.60 billion. The Oceanic Region is configured as the most exposed region, susceptible to losses of several ecosystems, economic losses in residential areas and possible destruction of urban infrastructure.
Effects of Y2O3 Content on Wear Resistance and Corrosion Resistance of 316L/TiC Coating Fabricated by Laser Cladding
Authors: Jia Donghe , Shi Wenqing , Zhang Hao , Wu Teng , Diao Yalong , Li Kaiyue , Lu Chao
Published: August 2023

Laser cladding technology is a surface modification technology emerging in recent years, and it is widely used in the marine engineering field. Since the structural steels used in marine engineering are mostly carbon steels, their wear resistance and corrosion resistance are poor. In this paper, 316 L stainless steel/TiC composite coatings with different Y2O3 addition amounts were fabricated on Q355B steel surface using the laser cladding technology, and the phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated with an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a digital microhardness tester, a friction and wear tester, and an electrochemical workstation. When Y2O3 is added, the crystals in the bottom part of the coating are basically broken and the organisation becomes more dense. When the Y2O3 addition amount is 2%, the hardness is highest, the frictional coefficient curve of the coating exhibits a stable descending trend, and the coating mass loss is the lowest. When Y2O3 is added at 1%, the dynamic potential polarisation curve shows high corrosion potential and low corrosion current density and exhibited the best performance in EIS. The added Y2O3 evidently improves the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of 316 L stainless steel/TiC composite coatings, and this provides a new possibility that a composite coating modified with rare earth oxide is used for repair of marine engineering structures.
Effect of Temperature on the Corrosion Resistance of Ni5Al Coating Deposited by Electric Arc in 3.5% NaCl Solution
Authors: Arrieta-González Cinthya Dinorah , Perez-Arizmendi Francisco Javier , Dorta-Leon Milagros Alejandra , Porcayo-Calderón Jesús
Published: August 2023

The electrochemical behavior of the Ni5Al coating deposited by an electric arc was evaluated. Its behavior was evaluated in a saline solution as a function of temperature (20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C). The variation as a function of time of the Ni5Al coating’s values of open circuit potential, linear polarization resistance, and the evolution of its electrochemical impedance spectra were analyzed. With this deposition technique, the rapid formation of thick coatings is achieved, which reduces the presence of interconnected porosity. Even though the microstructural characteristics showed the presence of trapped oxides, the electrochemical measurements carried out showed excellent corrosion resistance of the coating. The coating quickly develops a passive layer that allows it to rapidly reach thermodynamic equilibrium with the corrosive medium.
Edible Coatings and Films for Preparation of Grapevine By-Product Infusions and in Freshly Processed Products
Authors: Pinto Teresa , Pinto Ana , Vilela Alice
Published: August 2023

The wine industry is responsible for a considerable part of environmental problems because of the large amounts of residues. However, several studies have shown these wine industry residues, such as grapes, skins, seeds, and leaves, represent a complex matrix of bio-compounds, such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, procyanidins, anthocyanins, tannins, catechin, quercetin, kaempferol, and trans-resveratrol, and nutrients such as vitamin C. These wine and vine by-products or their extracts have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti-aging, and anti-cancer activities, which benefit human health. Due to processing (drying, mincing), some vine by-products are perishable and may present a short shelf-life. The production of the developed products can be achieved by using edible films and coatings. The use of edible coatings is an innovative method for preservation in postharvest. This technique is gaining popularity since it is easy to apply, environmentally friendly, and highly efficient. Indeed, the application of edible layers on lightly processed foods can preserve their essential nutrients and protect them from attack by microorganisms in addition to preserving their appearance by maintaining their original color, flavor, and texture. More research must be carried out to optimize coating formulations to achieve the highest possible quality. This review aims to elucidate several techniques of making edible coatings and the different types of edible coatings that can be used in the preparation of grape by-products for foods and drinks, namely grapevine infusions made with dried minced grapes, dried minced grape pomaces, and in freshly processed products. Besides the usually used coating materials, such as chitosan, agar-agar, gelatin, and alginate, other compounds will also be discussed, namely guar gum, soy lecithin, maltodextrin, inulin, and propolis.
Effect of UV Irradiation on the Alternating Wet and Dry Corrosion Behavior of Galvanized Steel in Sodium Chloride Solution
Authors: Pan Jilin , Wang Yuhao , Yang Liang , Li Weiguang , Yang Dan , Dou Baojie , Hu Chun , Lin Xiuzhou
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the corrosion performance of galvanized steel was investigated in a simulated marine environment, under UV irradiation coupling with an alternating wet and dry cycle in a NaCl solution. The surface morphology, composition, and corrosion performance of galvanized steel before and after different alternating wet and dry corrosion under UV irradiation were investigated. The results show that the corrosion current density gradually increases and the corrosion resistance decreases as a function of the alternating wet and dry corrosion cycles. Meanwhile, UV irradiation accelerates the increase in the corrosion current density and the decrease in the corrosion resistance. In addition, the corrosion product ZnO shows a semiconductor property, and the photo-induced electrons and holes produced under UV can participate in the corrosion reaction and promote the formation of loose corrosion products Zn(OH)2, Zn5(OH)8Cl2, and Al2Cl3(OH)5·4H2O, thus accelerating the corrosion of galvanized steel in the atmosphere environment.
Phononic Crystal Coupled Mie Structure for Acoustic Amplification
Authors: Han Jianning , Hao Guodong , Yang Wenying , Zhao Xinsa
Published: August 2023

In the field of industrial structure detection, acoustic signals have been pivotal. A cost-effective and highly sensitive acoustic monitoring system that can enhance weak acoustic signals has always been an interesting topic in many research fields. However, environmental noise signals have consistently hindered the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of traditional acoustic systems. In this work, we propose a structure (PC-Mie) that couples phononic crystal (PC) point defects and Mie resonance structures (Mies) to enhance weak effective signals from complex environments. Numerical simulations have confirmed that the PC-Mie exhibits superior sound pressure enhancement performance compared to each individual PC point defect and Mies. Moreover, the capability to amplify the sound pressure amplitude is related to the angle and position of the Mies at the center position. Simultaneously, the PC-Mie has a narrower bandwidth, giving the structure stronger frequency selectivity. Finally, the experiment proves that PC-Mie can function as an enhanced acoustic device or sensor to detect harmonic signals, verifying the validity of the PC-Mie structure for acoustically enhanced perception. Both numerical and experimental studies demonstrate that the PC-Mie can effectively enhance the energy of specific sound frequencies in complex air environments, making it suitable for collecting high-sensitivity acoustic signals. This research has significant implications for the development of weak acoustic signal detection technology and the application of self-powered sensors.
Exploiting Machine Learning Technologies to Study the Compound Effects of Serum Creatinine and Electrolytes on the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Liu Hsin-Hung , Wang Yu-Tseng , Yang Meng-Han , Lin Wei-Shu Kevin , Oyang Yen-Jen
Published: August 2023

Assessing the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) has been a challenging issue for clinicians in intensive care units (ICUs). In recent years, a number of studies have been conducted to investigate the associations between several serum electrolytes and AKI. Nevertheless, the compound effects of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and clinically relevant serum electrolytes have yet to be comprehensively investigated. Accordingly, we initiated this study aiming to develop machine learning models that illustrate how these factors interact with each other. In particular, we focused on ICU patients without a prior history of AKI or AKI-related comorbidities. With this practice, we were able to examine the associations between the levels of serum electrolytes and renal function in a more controlled manner. Our analyses revealed that the levels of serum creatinine, chloride, and magnesium were the three major factors to be monitored for this group of patients. In summary, our results can provide valuable insights for developing early intervention and effective management strategies as well as crucial clues for future investigations of the pathophysiological mechanisms that are involved. In future studies, subgroup analyses based on different causes of AKI should be conducted to further enhance our understanding of AKI.
De Novo Large Deletions in the PHEX Gene Caused X-Linked Hypophosphataemic Rickets in Two Italian Female Infants Successfully Treated with Burosumab
Authors: Pecoraro Carmine , Fioretti Tiziana , Perruno Assunta , Klain Antonella , Cioffi Daniela , Ambrosio Adelaide , Passaro Diego , Annicchiarico Petruzzelli Luigi , Di Domenico Carmela , de Girolamo Domenico , Vallone Sabrina , Cattaneo Fabio , Ammendola Rosario , Esposito Gabriella
Published: August 2023

Pathogenic variants in the PHEX gene cause rare and severe X-linked dominant hypophosphataemia (XLH), a form of heritable hypophosphatemic rickets (HR) characterized by renal phosphate wasting and elevated fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels. Burosumab, the approved human monoclonal anti-FGF23 antibody, is the treatment of choice for XLH. The genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of HR often delays XLH diagnoses, with critical effects on disease course and therapy. We herein report the clinical and genetic features of two Italian female infants with sporadic HR who successfully responded to burosumab. Their diagnoses were based on clinical and laboratory findings and physical examinations. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the genes associated with inherited HR and multiple ligation probe amplification (MLPA) analysis of the PHEX and FGF23 genes were performed. While a conventional analysis of the NGS data did not reveal pathogenic or likely pathogenic small nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the known HR-related genes, a quantitative analysis identified two different heterozygous de novo large intragenic deletions in PHEX, and this was confirmed by MLPA. Our molecular data indicated that deletions in the PHEX gene can be the cause of a significant fraction of XLH; hence, their presence should be evaluated in SNV-negative female patients. Our patients successfully responded to burosumab, demonstrating the efficacy of this drug in the treatment of XLH. In conclusion, the execution of a phenotype-oriented genetic test, guided by known types of variants, including the rarest ones, was crucial to reach the definitive diagnoses and ensure our patients of long-term therapy administration.
Study of Power and Trajectory Optimization in UAV Systems Regarding THz Band Communications with Different Fading Channels
Authors: Karabulut Muhammet Ali
Published: August 2023

Researchers are interested in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) because they have many uses in current 5G and future 6G networks and are safer than human-operated vehicles. Terahertz (THz)-band communications are a possible option in 6G for fast communication. THz wireless communication between UAVs is taken into consideration in this work. Different fading channels, which are significant influencing factors in THz communication channel modeling, are used to analyze the performance of UAV communications in THz networks. Consideration must be made to the structure, wireless channel parameters, and transmission characteristics when evaluating the performance of wireless technology. Nakagami-m, Rician, Weibull, and Rayleigh fading channels are all taken into consideration, along with log-normal fading. Moreover, an optimization algorithm for the THz channel is presented, which is meant to minimize transmission power by optimizing the trajectory of uplink and downlink transmissions between the UAV and users. The equations of the UAV locations and the transmission power optimization of each user are derived. Analytical formulations regarding capacity, outage probability, and bit error rate (BER) are generated when performance-influencing factors are taken into account. The analytical analysis is supported by the numerical results that are provided.
Decomposition and Modeling of the Situational Awareness of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Advanced Air Mobility
Authors: Kamkuimo Sorelle , Magalhaes Felipe , Zrelli Rim , Misson Henrique , Attia Maroua , Nicolescu Gabriela
Published: August 2023

The use of unmanned aerial aircrafts (UAVs) is governed by strict regulatory frameworks that prioritize safety. To guarantee safety, it is necessary to acquire and maintain situational awareness (SA) throughout the operation. Existing Canadian regulations require pilots to operate their aircrafts in the visual line-of-sight. Therefore, the task of acquiring and maintaining SA primary falls to the pilots. However, the development of aerial transport is entering a new era with the adoption of a highly dynamic and complex system known as advanced air mobility (AAM), which involves UAVs operating autonomously beyond the visual line-of-sight. SA must therefore be acquired and maintained primarily by each UAV through specific technologies and procedures. In this paper, we review these technologies and procedures in order to decompose the SA of the UAV in the AAM. We then use the system modeling language to provide a high-level structural and behavioral representation of the AAM as a system having UAV as its main entity. In a case study, we analyze one of the flagship UAVs of our industrial partner. Results show that this UAV does not have all of the technologies and methodologies necessary to achieve all of the identified SA goals for the safety of the AAM. This work is a theoretical framework intended to contribute to the realization of the AAM, and we also expect to impact the future design and utilization of UAVs.
Receptive Vocabulary and Listening Narrative Comprehension of Italian–English Bilingual Children between 5 to 7 Years
Authors: Roch Maja , Dicataldo Raffaele , Levorato Maria Chiara
Published: August 2023

Vocabulary is the key component of listening narrative comprehension, but its contribution has been scarcely investigated in bilingual children. This study aimed to examine (a) listening narrative comprehension and receptive vocabulary in L1 (Italian) and L2 (English) in preschool and first grade children; (b) the specific contribution of receptive vocabulary to listening narrative comprehension in both languages. Participants were 30 preschoolers and 32 first graders, who are all Italian children attending an international school in English. In both languages, receptive vocabulary was assessed through PPVT-R and listening narrative comprehension through TOR 3-8. The results showed that listening narrative comprehension was age appropriate in both languages but higher in L1. Lower vocabulary in L1 than L2 was found, and this difference is higher for preschoolers than for first grades; finally, two regressions performed on listening narrative comprehension in each language showed that only vocabulary in the same language accounted for listening narrative comprehension. Children obtain higher performance in L1; however, after a few years of L2 exposure in the educational context, language skills fall within the normal range, with some weakness in vocabulary. Vocabulary contribution to listening narrative comprehension is similar in both languages and specific for each.
Flipped Micro-Modules for Teaching Sustainable Engineering Practices
Authors: Hou Huiying (Cynthia) , Zhang Haoran , Wang Yishan
Published: August 2023

With the aim of assisting students in acquiring the practical knowledge required for sustainable engineering practices, a new intervention method in the form of flipped micro-modules was developed. The perceived quality of the flipped micro-modules and their relationship with the students’ attitudes towards using them were then evaluated using an extended technology acceptance model (TAM-extended model). The quality of the flipped micro-modules was measured based on three aspects: the quality of the framework, the quality of the content, and the quality of the operation. The findings revealed that the students considered the framework of the flipped micro-modules to be the most important aspect. The findings also demonstrated that the flipped micro-modules have the potential to improve engineering education and prepare students for future sustainable engineering practices.
Editorial for the Molecular Genetics and Genomics of Metabolic Disorders in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Special Issue: June 2023
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Tu Xin
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are the leading causes of the mortality of humans in the 21st century [...]
Long-Term LDL-Apheresis Treatment and Dynamics of Circulating miRNAs in Patients with Severe Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Dlouha Dana , Blaha Milan , Huckova Pavlina , Lanska Vera , Hubacek Jaroslav Alois , Blaha Vladimir
Published: August 2023

Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is a therapeutic option for patients with severe hypercholesterolemia who have persistently elevated LDL-C levels despite attempts at drug therapy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), important posttranscriptional gene regulators, are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to monitor the dynamics of twenty preselected circulating miRNAs in patients under long-term apheresis treatment. Plasma samples from 12 FH patients (men = 50%, age = 55.3 ± 12.2 years; mean LA overall treatment time = 13.1 ± 7.8 years) were collected before each apheresis therapy every sixth month over the course of four years of treatment. Eight complete follow-up (FU) samples were measured in each patient. Dynamic changes in the relative quantity of 6 miRNAs (miR-92a, miR-21, miR-126, miR-122, miR-26a, and miR-185; all p < 0.04) during FU were identified. Overall apheresis treatment time influenced circulating miR-146a levels (p < 0.04). In LDLR mutation homozygotes (N = 5), compared to heterozygotes (N = 7), we found higher plasma levels of miR-181, miR-126, miR-155, and miR-92a (all p < 0.03). Treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors (N = 6) affected the plasma levels of 7 miRNAs (miR-126, miR-122, miR-26a, miR-155, miR-125a, miR-92a, and miR-27a; all p < 0.04). Long-term monitoring has shown that LA in patients with severe familial hypercholesterolemia influences plasma circulating miRNAs involved in endothelial dysfunction, cholesterol homeostasis, inflammation, and plaque development. The longer the treatment using LA, the better the miRNA milieu depicting the potential cardiovascular risk.
An Ontological Model for the Representation of Vallenato as Cultural Heritage in a Context-Aware System
Authors: Diaz-Mendoza María Antonia , De-La-Hoz-Franco Emiro , Gómez Gómez Jorge Eliecer , Ramírez-Velarde Raúl
Published: August 2023

The traditional Colombian vallenato was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on 1 December 2015 with urgency for it to be safeguarded, which led the government of Colombia in the head of the Ministry of Culture and the vallenato music cluster to develop a safeguarding plan that contains different activities, among which stands out a platform for the management of vallenato through educational processes. In this sense, this document proposes an ontological model for the representation of vallenato as cultural heritage in a context-aware system called Vallenatic. The ontology was developed using the NeOn methodology, designed in the Protégé software, and has 15 concepts (Vallenata Songs, Artist, Devices, Persons, Environment, Cultural Managers, Interface, Location, MOOC, Learning Object, Profile, Preference, Net, Time Cultural, Event, Cultural_Sites). The model was evaluated by means of nine (9) situations described in natural language and SWRL; this language was used since it allows expressing OWL concepts in combination with RuleML. The proposed model can be used for other musical genres that have the recognition of cultural and intangible heritage, such as the Spanish flamenco, Argentine Tango, Mexican Mariachi music, Peruvian scissors dance, Brazilian capoeira, Dominican bachata, Jamaican reggae, among others.
HIV-1 Low-Frequency Variants Identified in Antiretroviral-Naïve Subjects with Virologic Failure after 12 Months of Follow-Up in Panama
Authors: Moreno Ambar , González Claudia , Góndola Jessica , Chavarría Oris , Ortiz Alma , Castillo Jorge , Castillo Mewa Juan , Pascale Juan Miguel , Martínez Alexander Augusto
Published: August 2023

Low-frequency mutations associated with drug resistance have been related to virologic failure in subjects with no history of pre-treatment and recent HIV diagnosis. In total, 78 antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve subjects with a recent HIV diagnosis were selected and followed by CD4+ T lymphocytes and viral load tests to detect virologic failure. We sequenced the basal samples retrospectively using next-generation sequencing (NGS), looking for low-frequency mutations that had not been detected before using the Sanger sequencing method (SSM) and describing the response to ART. Twenty-two subjects developed virologic failure (VF), and thirteen of them had at least one drug-resistance mutation associated with Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (RTI) and Protease Inhibitors (PIs) at frequency levels ≤ 1%, not detected previously in their basal genotyping test. No resistance mutations were observed to Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs). We identified a possible cause of VF in ART-naïve subjects with low-frequency mutations detected. To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of pre-existing drug resistance for HIV-1 minority variants carried out on ART-naïve people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) by analyzing the HIV-1 pol gene using NGS in the country.
Does the Human Right to Healthcare Apply Universally? A Contribution from a Trauma Therapeutic Perspective
Authors: Hanewald Bernd , Berthold Daniel , Stingl Markus
Published: August 2023

Access to the best possible healthcare is a fundamental human right. However, the provision of medical treatment is not only dependent on the actual treatment options available and the type of illness to be treated but is significantly influenced and restricted by structural and legal conditions. This is particularly evident in the case of refugees and other groups such as the so-called “paperless”, whose access to medical treatment is de facto seriously impeded or denied altogether. At the same time, these individuals are particularly vulnerable to the development of mental illness for a variety of reasons. Refugees in particular often suffer from trauma sequelae, resulting in a broad range of impairments. Based on a case study of a refugee woman living in her host country, the interactions between mental illness and limited psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment options due to legal restrictions are analyzed from a medical perspective. Her initially only medically oriented treatment was insufficient to mitigate the consequences of these restrictions. As it was a protracted treatment process, the legal aspects of her case therefore also had to be decisively considered. This case study shows that the human right to the best possible healthcare can be considerably restricted by structural requirements, which, in the case of sequential traumatization and severe illnesses with suicidal tendencies, can be labelled as structural violence.
The Essential Role of H2S-ABA Crosstalk in Maize Thermotolerance through the ROS-Scavenging System
Authors: Wang Jia-Qi , Xiang Ru-Hua , Li Zhong-Guang
Published: August 2023

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and abscisic acid (ABA), as a signaling molecule and stress hormone, their crosstalk-induced thermotolerance in maize seedlings and its underlying mechanism were elusive. In this paper, H2S and ABA crosstalk as well as the underlying mechanism of crosstalk-induced thermotolerance in maize seedlings were investigated. The data show that endogenous levels of H2S and ABA in maize seedlings could be mutually induced by regulating their metabolic enzyme activity and gene expression under non-heat stress (non-HS) and HS conditions. Furthermore, H2S and ABA alone or in combination significantly increase thermotolerance in maize seedlings by improving the survival rate (SR) and mitigating biomembrane damage. Similarly, the activity of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging system, including enzymatic antioxidants catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the non-enzymatic antioxidants reduced ascorbic acid (AsA), carotenoids (CAR), flavone (FLA), and total phenols (TP), was enhanced by H2S and ABA alone or in combination in maize seedlings. Conversely, the ROS level (mainly hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical) was weakened by H2S and ABA alone or in combination in maize seedlings under non-HS and HS conditions. These data imply that the ROS-scavenging system played an essential role in H2S-ABA crosstalk-induced thermotolerance in maize seedlings.
Perspectives of Cell Sensitivity/Resistance Assay in Soft Tissue Sarcomas Chemotherapy
Authors: Fetisov Timur I. , Khazanova Sofya A. , Shtompel Polina A. , Trapeznikova Ekaterina S. , Zinovieva Victoria Y. , Marshall Valeria I. , Lovenger Anastasia A. , Rogozhin Dmitriy V. , Anastasia Tararykova A. , Bokhyan Beniamin Yu. , Belitsky Gennady A. , Yakubovskaya Marianna G. , Kirsanov Kirill I.
Published: August 2023

Treatment of highly malignant soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) requires multicomponent therapy including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Despite the advancements in targeted cancer therapies, cytostatic drug combinations remain the gold standard for STS chemotherapy. The lack of algorithms for personalized selection of STS chemotherapy leads to unhelpful treatment of chemoresistant tumors, causing severe side effects in patients. The goal of our study is to assess the applicability of in vitro chemosensitivity/resistance assays (CSRAs) in predicting STS chemoresistance. Primary cell cultures were obtained from 148 surgery samples using enzymatic and mechanical disaggregation. CSRA was performed using resazurin-based metabolic activity measurement in cells cultured with doxorubicin, ifosfamide, their combination and docetaxel, gemcitabine, and also their combination for 7 days. Both the clinical data of patients and the CSRA results demonstrated a higher resistance of some cancer histotypes to specific drugs and their combinations. The correlation between the CSRA results for doxorubicin and ifosfamide and clinical responses to the combination chemotherapy with these drugs was demonstrated via Spearman rank order correlation. Statistically significant differences in recurrence-free survival were also shown for the groups of patients formed, according to the CSRA results. Thus, CSRAs may help both practicing physicians to avoid harmful and useless treatment, and researchers to study new resistance markers and to develop new STS drugs.
From Spike to Symptom: A Contribution to Decoding the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying SARS-CoV-2 Transmission, Infection, and Disease Pathology
Authors: Mesquita João R.
Published: August 2023

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was identified in Wuhan, China, from patients with severe pneumonia of unknown origin [...]
The Reduction in the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Aging: The Role of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore
Authors: Rottenberg Hagai
Published: August 2023

It is widely reported that the mitochondrial membrane potential, ∆Ψm, is reduced in aging animals. It was recently suggested that the lower ∆Ψm in aged animals modulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and that this effect is a major cause of aging since artificially increased ∆Ψm in C. elegans increased lifespan. Here, I critically review studies that reported reduction in ∆Ψm in aged animals, including worms, and conclude that many of these observations are best interpreted as evidence that the fraction of depolarized mitochondria is increased in aged cells because of the enhanced activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, mPTP. Activation of the voltage-gated mPTP depolarizes the mitochondria, inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, releases large amounts of calcium and mROS, and depletes cellular NAD+, thus accelerating degenerative diseases and aging. Since the inhibition of mPTP was shown to restore ∆Ψm and to retard aging, the reported lifespan extension by artificially generated ∆Ψm in C. elegans is best explained by inhibition of the voltage-gated mPTP. Similarly, the reported activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response by reduction in ∆Ψm and the reported preservation of ∆Ψm in dietary restriction treatment in C. elegans are best explained as resulting from activation or inhibition of the voltage-gated mPTP, respectively.
Endothelial Cell Response in Kawasaki Disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Shimizu Chisato , He Ming , Wang Hao , Hoffman Hal M. , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Shyy John Y.-J. , Burns Jane C.
Published: August 2023

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) share some clinical manifestations, their cardiovascular outcomes are different, and this may be reflected at the level of the endothelial cell (EC). We performed RNA-seq on cultured ECs incubated with pre-treatment sera from KD (n = 5), MIS-C (n = 7), and healthy controls (n = 3). We conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using 935 transcripts differentially expressed between MIS-C and KD using relaxed filtering (unadjusted p < 0.05, >1.1-fold difference). We found seven gene modules in MIS-C, annotated as an increased TNFα/NFκB pathway, decreased EC homeostasis, anti-inflammation and immune response, translation, and glucocorticoid responsive genes and endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). To further understand the difference in the EC response between MIS-C and KD, stringent filtering was applied to identify 41 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between MIS-C and KD (adjusted p < 0.05, >2-fold-difference). Again, in MIS-C, NFκB pathway genes, including nine pro-survival genes, were upregulated. The expression levels were higher in the genes influencing autophagy (UBD, EBI3, and SQSTM1). Other DEGs also supported the finding by WGCNA. Compared to KD, ECs in MIS-C had increased pro-survival transcripts but reduced transcripts related to EndoMT and EC homeostasis. These differences in the EC response may influence the different cardiovascular outcomes in these two diseases.
Numerical Investigation of Rotating Instability Development in a Wide Tip Gap Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Flete Xavier , Binder Nicolas , Bousquet Yannick , Cros Sandrine
Published: August 2023

In the current study, full-stage unsteady simulations were performed to investigate rotating instability inception mechanisms in a particularly large tip clearance centrifugal compressor with a vaneless diffuser and a volute. Four operating points along a speed line were analysed to understand the influence of the mass flow reduction on flow structures. Close to the peak efficiency, an unsteady interaction between the tip clearance vortices and splitter blades was observed. Considering other studies, the influence of the tip gap size was analysed. Then, a large-scale vortex shedding from the leading edges of the main blades was detected when the stage operated near the maximum pressure ratio. It was demonstrated that shed vortices were caused by the combination of the radial gradient of the tangential velocity under the tip vortex and the reverse backflow near the casing. Previous studies on axial compressors refer to these vortical structures as backflow vortices. These vortices cause a significant increase in the incidence angle in the tip region.
Patient-Reported Health-Related Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Inclusion Body Myositis: A Register-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Germany
Authors: Senn Katja C. , Thiele Simone , Kummer Karsten , Walter Maggie C. , Nagels Klaus H.
Published: August 2023

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a rare neuromuscular disease and the most prevalent idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) in patients aged older than 50 years. A systematic review has shown that no clear-cut conclusions can be drawn about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health in IBM. We aimed to assess the HRQoL and mental health, to explore associated disease-related and socioeconomic factors as well as the utilization of psychological support in German IBM patients. This cross-sectional study included 82 patients registered in the German IBM patient registry. Patients had completed a survey battery including the EQ-5D-5L, the Individualized Neuromuscular Quality of Life (INQoL) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale German version (HADS-D). The physical HRQoL dimension was suggested to be most relevant. Most impaired life domains of HRQoL were mobility, independence, and activities. We identified significant differences in the total INQoL score for the degree of disability and care level as well as in depression for the degree of disability (p < 0.05), respectively. Most patients indicated no symptoms of anxiety (64.6%) and depression (62.2%). A more need-oriented psychological support in German IBM patients, reporting doubtful or definite anxiety or depression, could be suggested.