bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of TRAIL on the Immunological Milieu during the Early Stage of Abdominal Sepsis
Authors: Berg Ann-Kathrin , Hahn Elisabeth M. , Speichinger-Hillenberg Fiona , Grube Annemaria Silvana , Hering Nina A. , Stoyanova Ani K. , Beyer Katharina
Published: March 2023

Despite intensive scientific efforts, the therapy of peritonitis is presently limited to symptomatic measures, including infectious source control and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Promising therapeutic approaches to reduce morbidity and mortality are still missing. Within the early phase of abdominal sepsis, apoptosis of neutrophil granulocytes is inhibited, which is linked to tissue damage and septic shock. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising agent to stimulate neutrophil apoptosis. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated so far. The objective of the present study was to characterize the molecular mechanisms of TRAIL-stimulated apoptosis in early abdominal sepsis. Therefore, the murine sepsis model Colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) was applied in wild type (WT) and TRAIL knock-out (TRAIL–/–) C57/BL6j mice. Neutrophil granulocytes were isolated from spleen, blood, bone marrow, and peritoneal lavage using magnetic-activated cell sorting. Neutrophil maturation was analyzed by light microscopy, and apoptotic neutrophils were quantified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Western blot and FACS were used to investigate expression changes in apoptotic proteins and TRAIL receptors. The impact of TRAIL-induced apoptosis was studied in vitro. In septic mice (CASP 6 h), the number of neutrophils in the BM was reduced but increased in the blood and peritoneal lavage. This was paralleled by an increased maturation of neutrophils from rod-shaped to segmented neutrophils (right shift). In vitro, extrinsic TRAIL stimulation did not alter the apoptosis level of naïve neutrophils but stimulated apoptosis in neutrophils derived from septic WT and TRAIL–/– mice. Neutrophils of the bone marrow and spleen showed enhanced protein expression of anti-apoptotic Flip, c-IAP1, and McL-1 and reduced expression levels of pro-apoptotic Bax in neutrophils, which might correlate with apoptosis inhibition in these cells. CASP increased the expression of intrinsic TRAIL in neutrophils derived from the bone marrow and spleen. This might be explained by an increased expression of the TRAIL receptors DR5, DcR1, and DcR2 on neutrophils in sepsis. No differences were observed between septic or naïve WT and TRAIL–/– mice. In conclusion, the present study shows that neutrophil granulocytes are sensitive to TRAIL-stimulated apoptosis in the early stage of abdominal sepsis, emphasizing the promising role of TRAIL as a therapeutic agent.
Disparities in Survival Outcomes among Racial/Ethnic Minorities with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer in the United States
Authors: Baliga Sujith , Yildiz Vedat O. , Bazan Jose , Palmer Joshua D. , Jhawar Sachin R. , Konieczkowski David J. , Grecula John , Blakaj Dukagjin M. , Mitchell Darrion , Henson Christina , Hu Kenneth , Yamoah Kosj , Gamez Mauricio E.
Published: March 2023

Background: Racial/ethnic (R/E) minorities with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have worse survival outcomes compared to White patients. While disparities in patient outcomes for R/E minorities have been well documented, the specific drivers of the inferior outcomes remain poorly understood. Patients and Methods: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study that analyzed HNSCC patients using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2000–2016. Patient outcomes were stratified by R/E groups including White, Black, Hispanic, Native American/Other, and Asian. The main outcome in this study was overall survival (OS). Univariate time-to-event survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimates and the log-rank test to evaluate the differences between strata. Results: There were 304,138 patients with HNSCC identified in this study, of which 262,762 (86.3%) were White, 32,528 (10.6%) were Black, 6191 were Asian (2.0%), and 2657 were Native American/Other (0.9%). Black R/E minorities were more likely to be uninsured (9% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001), have Medicaid insurance (22% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001), be in a lower income quartile (<30,000, 42% vs. 13%, p < 0.0001), have metastatic disease (5% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), and have a total treatment time 6 days longer than White patients (median 107 vs. 101 days, p < 0.001). The 5-year OS for White, Black, Native American/Other, and Asian patients was 50.8%, 38.6%, 51.1%, and 55.8%, respectively. Among the oropharynx HNSCC patients, the 5-year OS rates in p16+ White, Black, and Asian patients were 65.7%, 39.4%%, and 55%, respectively. After a multivariate analysis, Black race was still associated with an inferior OS (HR:1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.15, p = 0.002). Conclusions: This large cohort study of HNSCC patients demonstrates that Black race is independently associated with worse OS, in part due to socioeconomic, clinical, and treatment-related factors.
Analysis of the Effectiveness Factor in a Fixed-Bed Tubular Reactor System: Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexanol
Authors: Carrasco-Venegas Luis Américo , González-Fernández José Vulfrano , Castañeda-Pérez Luz Genara , Medina-Collana Juan Taumaturgo , Palomino-Hernández Guido , Martínez-Hilario Daril Giovanni , Trujillo-Pérez Salvador Apolinar
Published: March 2023

The modeling and simulation of the catalytic dehydrogenation process of cyclohexanol in a fixed-bed catalytic reactor is presented, leading to finding the relationship between the effectiveness factor, the Thiele modulus, and the Weisz–Prater modulus of the catalyst particles with respect to their axial and radial position, for which the external conditions of concentration and temperature around each particle were previously obtained by applying the material and energy balances in the catalyst bed considering a two-dimensional pseudo-homogeneous model with radial diffusion. Subsequently, the material balances are established in terms of the molar flux density and conversion, the energy balance in terms of the heat flux density, Fick’s law, Fourier’s law, and the differential form of the effectiveness factor non-isothermal for each particle chosen based on the proposed meshing. The Thiele modulus calculated for most of the points is between 0.8 and 0.25, with a tendency towards the lower limit, and the theoretical values established as the limit for the Thiele modulus fluctuate between 0.4<Th<4. Therefore, the effectiveness factor analyzed is between 1 and 1/Th; this indicates that both the reaction speed as well as the diffusion speed within the particle have an influence on the intraparticle process, which is confirmed by the calculation of the Weisz–Prater modulus whose values are not <<1 nor >>1. The results obtained are subjected to a statistical test leading to analyzing whether there are significant differences both in the Thiele modulus, as well as in the effectiveness factor with respect to the radius and length of the reactor. It has been determined that there are no significant differences between the effectiveness factor with respect to the radius of the reactor; however, according to the analysis of variance, there are significant differences in the effectiveness factor with respect to length and, likewise, there are significant differences in the Thiele modulus and the Weisz–Prater modulus with respect to radius and length.
Metagenomic Type IV Aminotransferases Active toward (R)-Methylbenzylamine
Authors: Statkevičius Rokas , Vaitekūnas Justas , Stanislauskienė Rūta , Meškys Rolandas
Published: March 2023

Aminotransferases (ATs) are pyridoxal 5′-phosphate-dependent enzymes that catalyze the reversible transfer of an amino group from an amino donor to a keto substrate. ATs are promising biocatalysts that are replacing traditional chemical routes for the production of chiral amines. In this study, an in silico-screening of a metagenomic library isolated from the Curonian Lagoon identified 11 full-length fold type IV aminotransferases that were successfully expressed and used for substrate profiling. Three of them (AT-872, AT-1132, and AT-4421) were active toward (R)-methylbenzylamine. Purified proteins showed activity with L- and D-amino acids and various aromatic compounds such as (R)-1-aminotetraline. AT-872 and AT-1132 exhibited thermostability and retained about 55% and 80% of their activities, respectively, even after 24 h of incubation at 50 °C. Active site modeling revealed that AT-872 and AT-4421 have an unusual active site environment similar to the AT of Haliscomenobacter hydrossis, while AT-1132 appeared to be structurally related to the AT from thermophilic archaea Geoglobus acetivorans. Thus, we have identified and characterized PLP fold type IV ATs that were active toward both amino acids and a variety of (R)-amines.
Advanced Bioinformatics Analysis and Genetic Technologies for Targeting Autophagy in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Manea Amanda J. , Ray Swapan K.
Published: March 2023

As the most malignant primary brain tumor in adults, a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) continues to carry a poor prognosis. GBM is characterized by cytoprotective homeostatic processes such as the activation of autophagy, capability to confer therapeutic resistance, evasion of apoptosis, and survival strategy even in the hypoxic and nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironment. The current gold standard of therapy, which involves radiotherapy and concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), has been a game-changer for patients with GBM, relatively improving both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); however, TMZ is now well-known to upregulate undesirable cytoprotective autophagy, limiting its therapeutic efficacy for induction of apoptosis in GBM cells. The identification of targets utilizing bioinformatics-driven approaches, advancement of modern molecular biology technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)—CRISPR-associated protein (Cas9) or CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, and usage of microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of gene expression led to the selection of many novel targets for new therapeutic development and the creation of promising combination therapies. This review explores the current state of advanced bioinformatics analysis and genetic technologies and their utilization for synergistic combination with TMZ in the context of inhibition of autophagy for controlling the growth of GBM.
Different Resistance Exercise Loading Paradigms Similarly Affect Skeletal Muscle Gene Expression Patterns of Myostatin-Related Targets and mTORC1 Signaling Markers
Authors: McIntosh Mason C. , Sexton Casey L. , Godwin Joshua S. , Ruple Bradley A. , Michel J. Max , Plotkin Daniel L. , Ziegenfuss Tim N. , Lopez Hector L. , Smith Ryan , Dwaraka Varun B. , Sharples Adam P. , Dalbo Vincent J. , Mobley C. Brooks , Vann Christopher G. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: March 2023

Although transcriptome profiling has been used in several resistance training studies, the associated analytical approaches seldom provide in-depth information on individual genes linked to skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Therefore, a secondary analysis was performed herein on a muscle transcriptomic dataset we previously published involving trained college-aged men (n = 11) performing two resistance exercise bouts in a randomized and crossover fashion. The lower-load bout (30 Fail) consisted of 8 sets of lower body exercises to volitional fatigue using 30% one-repetition maximum (1 RM) loads, whereas the higher-load bout (80 Fail) consisted of the same exercises using 80% 1 RM loads. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected prior to (PRE), 3 h, and 6 h after each exercise bout, and 58 genes associated with skeletal muscle hypertrophy were manually interrogated from our prior microarray data. Select targets were further interrogated for associated protein expression and phosphorylation induced-signaling events. Although none of the 58 gene targets demonstrated significant bout x time interactions, ~57% (32 genes) showed a significant main effect of time from PRE to 3 h (15↑ and 17↓, p < 0.01), and ~26% (17 genes) showed a significant main effect of time from PRE to 6 h (8↑ and 9↓, p < 0.01). Notably, genes associated with the myostatin (9 genes) and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) (9 genes) signaling pathways were most represented. Compared to mTORC1 signaling mRNAs, more MSTN signaling-related mRNAs (7 of 9) were altered post-exercise, regardless of the bout, and RHEB was the only mTORC1-associated mRNA that was upregulated following exercise. Phosphorylated (phospho-) p70S6K (Thr389) (p = 0.001; PRE to 3 h) and follistatin protein levels (p = 0.021; PRE to 6 h) increased post-exercise, regardless of the bout, whereas phospho-AKT (Thr389), phospho-mTOR (Ser2448), and myostatin protein levels remained unaltered. These data continue to suggest that performing resistance exercise to volitional fatigue, regardless of load selection, elicits similar transient mRNA and signaling responses in skeletal muscle. Moreover, these data provide further evidence that the transcriptional regulation of myostatin signaling is an involved mechanism in response to resistance exercise.
Controversies and Recent Advances in Senescence and Aging
Authors: Wagner Nicole , Wagner Kay-Dietrich
Published: March 2023

Aging is the leading predictive factor of many chronic diseases that account for most of the morbidity and mortality worldwide, i [...]
Efficacy and Safety of Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor in the Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kapouni Nikoletta , Moustaki Maria , Douros Konstantinos , Loukou Ioanna
Published: March 2023

Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ELX/TEZ/IVA) is a new CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) modulator treatment, used over the last few years, which has shown an improvement in different clinical outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The objective of this study was a systematic research of the literature on the efficacy and safety of this CFTR modulator on patients with CF. A search of Pubmed was conducted for randomized clinical trials and observational studies published from 2012 to September 2022. The included full manuscripts comprised nine clinical trials and 16 observational studies, whose participants were aged ≥12 years or were children 6–11 years old with at least one Phe508del mutation and/or advanced lung disease (ALD). These studies reported that ELX/TEZ/IVA has a significant positive effect on the lung function of patients with CF, by ameliorating parameters such as FEV1, LCI, pulmonary exacerbations or sweat chloride concentration, increasing BMI and improving quality of their life. Its role in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is not yet clear. It was found that this new CFTR modulator has an overall favorable safety profile, with mild to moderate adverse events. Further studies are needed for a deeper understanding of the impact of CFTR modulators on other CF manifestations, or the possibility of treating with ELX/TEZ/IVA CF patients with rare CFTR mutations.
Genetic Testing in Children with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies: A Review of Advances in Epilepsy Genomics
Authors: Chang Yu-Tzu , Hong Syuan-Yu , Lin Wei-De , Lin Chien-Heng , Lin Sheng-Shing , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Chou I-Ching
Published: March 2023

Advances in disease-related gene discovery have led to tremendous innovations in the field of epilepsy genetics. Identification of genetic mutations that cause epileptic encephalopathies has opened new avenues for the development of targeted therapies. Clinical testing using extensive gene panels, exomes, and genomes is currently accessible and has resulted in higher rates of diagnosis and better comprehension of the disease mechanisms underlying the condition. Children with developmental disabilities have a higher risk of developing epilepsy. As our understanding of the mechanisms underlying encephalopathies and epilepsies improves, there may be greater potential to develop innovative therapies tailored to an individual’s genotype. This article provides an overview of the significant progress in epilepsy genomics in recent years, with a focus on developmental and epileptic encephalopathies in children. The aim of this review is to enhance comprehension of the clinical utilization of genetic testing in this particular patient population. The development of effective and precise therapeutic strategies for epileptic encephalopathies may be facilitated by a comprehensive understanding of their molecular pathogenesis.
Evaluation of Some Benzo[g]Quinazoline Derivatives as Antiviral Agents against Human Rotavirus Wa Strain: Biological Screening and Docking Study
Authors: Abuelizz Hatem A. , Bakheit Ahmed H. , Marzouk Mohamed , El-Senousy Waled M. , Abdellatif Mohamed M. , Mostafa Gamal A. E. , Al-Salahi Rashad
Published: March 2023

Globally, rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and toddlers; however, there are currently no agents available that are tailored to treat rotavirus infection in particular. Improved and widespread immunization programs are being implemented worldwide to reduce rotavirus morbidity and mortality. Despite certain immunizations, there are no licensed antivirals that can attack rotavirus in hosts. Benzoquinazolines, chemical components synthesized in our laboratory, were developed as antiviral agents, and showed good activity against herpes simplex, coxsackievirus B4 and hepatitis A and C. In this research project, an in vitro investigation of the effectiveness of benzoquinazoline derivatives 1–16 against human rotavirus Wa strains was carried out. All compounds exhibited antiviral activity, however compounds 1–3, 9 and 16 showed the greatest activity (reduction percentages ranged from 50 to 66%). In-silico molecular docking of highly active compounds, which were selected after studying the biological activity of all investigated of benzo[g]quinazolines compounds, was implemented into the protein’s putative binding site to establish an optimal orientation for binding. As a result, compounds 1, 3, 9, and 16 are promising anti-rotavirus Wa strains that lead with Outer Capsid protein VP4 inhibition.
A Novel Nonsense Pathogenic TTN Variant Identified in a Patient with Severe Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Micolonghi Caterina , Fabiani Marco , Pagannone Erika , Savio Camilla , Ricci Marta , Caroselli Silvia , Gambioli Vittoria , Musumeci Beatrice , Germani Aldo , Tini Giacomo , Autore Camillo , Pizzuti Antonio , Visco Vincenzo , Rubattu Speranza , Petrucci Simona , Piane Maria
Published: March 2023

Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Among the genes involved, TTN mutations, including truncated variants, explain 25% of DCM cases. We performed genetic counseling and analysis on a 57-year-old woman diagnosed with severe DCM and presenting relevant acquired risk factors for DCM (hypertension, diabetes, smoking habit, and/or previous alcohol and cocaine abuse) and with a family history of both DCM and sudden cardiac death. The left ventricular systolic function, as assessed by standard echocardiography, was 20%. The genetic analysis performed using TruSight Cardio panel, including 174 genes related to cardiac genetic diseases, revealed a novel nonsense TTN variant (TTN:c.103591A > T, p.Lys34531*), falling within the M-band region of the titin protein. This region is known for its important role in maintaining the structure of the sarcomere and in promoting sarcomerogenesis. The identified variant was classified as likely pathogenic based on ACMG criteria. The current results support the need of genetic analysis in the presence of a family history, even when relevant acquired risk factors for DCM may have contributed to the severity of the disease.
Complex Functions, Multipoles and Light Polarization in a Ferrocell
Authors: Tufaile Alberto , Tufaile Adriana Pedrosa Biscaia
Published: March 2023

Ferrofluid is a magnetic fluid that undergoes structural changes when subjected to a magnetic field, with the formation of arrays of nanoparticles aligned with the field. Using polarized light passing through the ferrofluid, we can observe the formation of light patterns for different magnetic field configurations. Using a device known as a Ferrocell, we present a study relating magnetic fields and complex functions. Our main issue here is to know what the relationship is between fundamental multipole expressions and light polarization patterns obtained with the ferrofluid. We have applied multipole fields to the Ferrocell, observed the light patterns, and compared them with multipoles of complex functions. We interpreted other luminous polarization patterns as the sum of these fundamental multipoles.
Theoretical Study of Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions in Sb2S3, Bi2S3, and Sb2Se3
Authors: da Silva Estelina Lora , Santos Mario C. , Rodríguez-Hernández Plácida , Muñoz Alfonso , Manjón Francisco Javier
Published: March 2023

We report an ab initio study of Sb2S3, Sb2Se3, and Bi2S3 sesquichalcogenides at hydrostatic pressures of up to 60 GPa. We explore the possibility that the C2/m, C2/c, the disordered Im-3m, and the I4/mmm phases observed in sesquichalcogenides with heavier cations, viz. Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3, and Sb2Te3, could also be formed in Sb2S3, Sb2Se3, and Bi2S3, as suggested from recent experiments. Our calculations show that the C2/c phase is not energetically favorable in any of the three compounds, up to 60 GPa. The C2/m system is also unfavorable for Sb2S3 and Bi2S3; however, it is energetically favorable with respect to the Pnma phase of Sb2Se3 above 10 GPa. Finally, the I4/mmm and the disordered body-centered cubic-type Im-3m structures are competitive in energy and are energetically more stable than the C2/m phase at pressures beyond 30 GPa. The dynamical stabilities of the Pnma, Im-3m, C2/m, and I4/mmm structural phases at high pressures are discussed for the three compounds.
Quantum Behaviour of Mg and Mg-Al-Zn Microstructure
Authors: Basri Sahriah , Zulkifli Mohd Ezhar , Hazri Nurul Shahzira , Kamarudin Siti Kartom
Published: March 2023

Magnesium is an essential element because of its many beneficial properties and advantages over other metals, including its lack of risk to people’s health and its reasonable cost. However, Mg has several disadvantages, one of which is its high corrosion rate. This work analysed magnesium alloy characteristics and quantum behaviour, including band structure, molecular orbital, and corrosion behaviour in the presence of water. Magnesium was characterised by density functional theory software using CASTEP and Dmol3. Results showed no Mg band structure displays a conductive Fermi level of 8.85 eV. Curvature studies revealed that Mg has strong curvature and electron mobility. The density of state (DOS) of Mg-Al-Zn changes with Al and Zn alloy atoms, and the electron density increases to −7.5 eV compared with pure Mg. HOMO–LUMO analysis elucidated that Mg-Al-Zn* has a large gap (0.419 eV), leading to its stability and low chemical reactivity. This study analysed the properties of Mg and then examines the effect of corrosion on Mg alloys using DFT at different element positions. Corrosion analysis indicated that Mg-Al-Zn has the highest activation energy, implying that its corrosion is less likely than that of other alloys.
Computer Simulations of a Twist Bend Nematic (NTB): A Coarse-Grained Simulation of the Phase Behaviour of the Liquid Crystal Dimer CB7CB
Authors: Wilson Mark R. , Yu Gary
Published: March 2023

In recent years, a number of achiral liquid crystal dimer molecules have been shown to exhibit nematic–nematic phase transitions. The lower temperature phase has been identified as the NTB phase, which demonstrates emergent chirality in the spontaneous formation of a heliconical structure. Recent fully atomistic simulations of the molecule CB7CB (1,7-bis-4-(4′-cyanobiphenyl) heptane), a dimer with an odd number of carbon spacers between the mesogenic parts of the molecule, have captured the NTB–N–I phase sequence, providing a picture of the order at a molecular level. In this paper, we use atomistic simulations of CB7CB to develop a coarse-grained model using systematic coarse graining in the NTB phase. We use both force matching (in the form of the MS-CG method) and iterative Boltzmann inversion (IBI) methodologies. Both techniques capture the heliconical order within the NTB phase. Moreover, the model developed via force matching is shown to provide an excellent representation of the atomistic simulation reference model and, remarkably, demonstrates good transferability across temperatures, allowing the NTB–N and N–I phase transitions to be simulated. We also compare results with those of a Martini 3-based coarse-grained model.
Thermal Response of Circulating Estrogens in an Emydid Turtle, Chrysemys picta, and the Challenges of Climate Change
Authors: Topping Nicholas E. , Valenzuela Nicole
Published: March 2023

Maternal hormones such as estrogens deposited into the yolk of turtle eggs follow circulating levels in adult females, and they may alter the sexual fate of developing embryos in species with temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). In temperate regions, this deposition occurs during the spring when estrogens increase in adult females as ambient temperatures rise, drop after the first clutch, and peak again (albeit less) in the fall. Global warming alters turtle nesting phenology (inducing earlier nesting), but whether it affects circulating hormones remains unknown, hindering our understanding of all potential challenges posed by climate change and the adaptive potential (or lack thereof) of turtle populations. Here, we addressed this question in painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) by quantifying estradiol, estrone, and testosterone via mass spectrometry in the blood of wild adult females exposed to 26 °C and 21 °C in captivity between mid-August and mid-October (15 females per treatment). Results from ANOVA and pairwise comparisons revealed no differences between treatments in circulating hormones measured at days 0, 2, 7, 14, 28, and 56 of the experiment. Further research is warranted (during the spring, using additional temperatures) before concluding that females are truly buffered against the indirect risk of climate change via maternal hormone allocation.
The Early History of Giant Cockroaches: Gyroblattids and Necymylacrids (Blattodea) of the Late Carboniferous
Authors: Schneider Joerg W. , Rößler Ronny
Published: March 2023

Large-winged blattoids of the Middle to Late Pennsylvanian reveal a striking appearance, diversification, and decline in the fossil record. Among them, the families Necymylacridae Durden, 1969, and Gyroblattidae Durden, 1969, as well as the mylacrid genus Opsiomylacris exhibit, the largest pre-Cenozoic blattoids with forewing lengths up to 7.5 cm. As finds from coal-bearing sedimentary basins in Europe, North Africa, and North America indicate, these giant insects started to spread around the Bashkirian–Moscovian transition and experienced a diversification in late Moscovian and Kasimovian times, until they disappeared in the middle Gzhelian. Whereas necymylacrids are only patchily reported and still lack distributional patterns, we disclose the occurrence and particular habitat preference of gyroblattids. Although appearing first in some vast North American basins, they became successively widespread only in small-sized basins of the European Variscan interior. Frequently found associated with enigmatic gymnosperms, they may have lived in well-drained hinterland areas from where they immigrated into the ever-wet basin centers only with increasing seasonality. Gyroblattids apparently followed meso- to xerophilous plants and likely colonized spaces offering a broader spectrum of edaphic conditions that resulted from the closeness of erosional and depositional areas. The presented analysis and revision of all gyroblattids aim to facilitate future more realistic biodiversity estimations based on fossil taxa.
Longitudinal Chest X-ray Scores and their Relations with Clinical Variables and Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Shen Beiyi , Hou Wei , Jiang Zhao , Li Haifang , Singer Adam J. , Hoshmand-Kochi Mahsa , Abbasi Almas , Glass Samantha , Thode Henry C. , Levsky Jeffrey , Lipton Michael , Duong Tim Q.
Published: March 2023

Background: This study evaluated the temporal characteristics of lung chest X-ray (CXR) scores in COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and how they relate to other clinical variables and outcomes (alive or dead). Methods: This is a retrospective study of COVID-19 patients. CXR scores of disease severity were analyzed for: (i) survivors (N = 224) versus non-survivors (N = 28) in the general floor group, and (ii) survivors (N = 92) versus non-survivors (N = 56) in the invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) group. Unpaired t-tests were used to compare survivors and non-survivors and between time points. Comparison across multiple time points used repeated measures ANOVA and corrected for multiple comparisons. Results: For general-floor patients, non-survivor CXR scores were significantly worse at admission compared to those of survivors (p < 0.05), and non-survivor CXR scores deteriorated at outcome (p < 0.05) whereas survivor CXR scores did not (p > 0.05). For IMV patients, survivor and non-survivor CXR scores were similar at intubation (p > 0.05), and both improved at outcome (p < 0.05), with survivor scores showing greater improvement (p < 0.05). Hospitalization and IMV duration were not different between groups (p > 0.05). CXR scores were significantly correlated with lactate dehydrogenase, respiratory rate, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, SpO2, and lymphocyte count (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Longitudinal CXR scores have the potential to provide prognosis, guide treatment, and monitor disease progression.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Postoperative Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Andrew , Nguyen Alexander , Hsu Timothy I. , Lew Harrison D. , Gupta Nithin , Nguyen Brandon , Mandavalli Akhil , Diaz Michael J. , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: March 2023

(1) Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of injury and mortality worldwide, carrying an estimated cost of $38 billion in the United States alone. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been investigated as a standardized biomarker that can be used to predict outcomes of TBI. The aim of this review was to determine the prognostic utility of NLR among patients admitted for TBI. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in November 2022 to retrieve articles regarding the use of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic measure in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Inclusion criteria included studies reporting outcomes of TBI patients with associated NLR values. Exclusion criteria were studies reporting only non-primary data, those insufficiently disaggregated to extract NLR data, and non-English or cadaveric studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was utilized to assess for the presence of bias in included studies. (3) Results: Following the final study selection 19 articles were included for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The average age was 46.25 years. Of the 7750 patients, 73% were male. Average GCS at presentation was 10.51. There was no significant difference in the NLR between surgical vs. non-surgical cohorts (SMD 2.41 95% CI −1.82 to 6.63, p = 0.264). There was no significant difference in the NLR between bleeding vs. non-bleeding cohorts (SMD 4.84 95% CI −0.26 to 9.93, p = 0.0627). There was a significant increase in the NLR between favorable vs. non-favorable cohorts (SMD 1.31 95% CI 0.33 to 2.29, p = 0.0090). (4) Conclusions: Our study found that NLR was only significantly predictive for adverse outcomes in TBI patients and not surgical treatment or intracranial hemorrhage, making it nonetheless an affordable alternative for physicians to assess patient prognosis.
Editorial of Special Issue “Advances in UAV Detection, Classification and Tracking”
Authors: Wang Daobo , Ali Zain
Published: March 2023

This is an editorial for a Special Issue of Drones titled “Advances in UAV Detection, Classification and Tracking” [...]
Finite-Time Adaptive Consensus Tracking Control Based on Barrier Function and Cascaded High-Gain Observer
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhu Zheng H. , Liao Fei , Gao Hui , Li Weihao , Li Gun
Published: March 2023

This paper studies the consensus tracking control for a class of uncertain high-order nonlinear multi-agent systems under an undirected leader-following architecture. A novel distributed finite-time adaptive control framework is proposed based on the barrier function. The distributed cascaded high-gain observers are introduced to solve the problem of robust consensus tracking with unmeasured intermediate states in multi-agent systems based on the proposed control framework. The proposed control schemes guarantee the finite-time consensus of multi-agent systems, which is proven by the finite-time Lyapunov stability and singular perturbation theory. In conclusion, numerical simulations verify the proposed control protocols’ effectiveness, and their performance advantages are shown by comparing them with another existing method.
HybriD-GM: A Framework for Quantum Computing Simulation Targeted to Hybrid Parallel Architectures
Authors: Avila Anderson , Santos Helida , Cruz Anderson , Xavier-de-Souza Samuel , Lucca Giancarlo , Moura Bruno , Yamin Adenauer , Reiser Renata
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the HybriD-GM model conception, from modeling to consolidation. The D-GM environment is also extended, providing efficient parallel executions for quantum computing simulations, targeted to hybrid architectures considering the CPU and GPU integration. By managing projection operators over quantum structures, and exploring coalescing memory access patterns, the HybriD-GM model enables granularity control, optimizing hardware resources in distributed computations organized as tree data structures. In the HybriD-GM evaluation, simulations of Shor’s and Grover’s algorithms achieve significant performance improvements in comparison to the previous D-GM version, and also with other related works, for example, LIQUi|⟩ and ProjectQ simulators.
Teacher Professional Development in Higher Education: The Impact of Pedagogical Training Perceived by Teachers
Authors: Fernandes Sandra , Araújo Alexandra M. , Miguel Isabel , Abelha Marta
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to analyze the impact of a pedagogical training program aimed to promote teacher professional development in a higher education institution in Portugal. Based on a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates the satisfaction of 36 higher education teachers with the pedagogical training program offered and discusses its impact on teachers’ perceptions of teaching practices, conceptions, and professional development. The results from the questionnaires applied to participants, including multiple choice questions and open-ended answers, indicate high satisfaction with the implemented training program. Based on this case study, the authors discuss the implications of findings for teacher professional development and identify key characteristics for the design of successful pedagogical training programs in higher education.
Analytical Delay Modeling for a Sub-Threshold Cell Circuit with the Inverse Gaussian Distribution Function
Authors: Wang Jiuyue , Wu Yuping , Zhang Xuelian , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Lan
Published: March 2023

Considering that power consumption (PC) is an extremely important indicator in digital circuit design, lower PC has always been our pursuit. PC and power supply voltage are positively correlated, and in this case, we must reduce the operating voltage of the circuit. However, as the voltage continues to decrease, various secondary effects and process variations become increasingly influential, making the delay distribution and its statistical characteristics more difficult to predict. In this paper, an inverse Gaussian distribution is used to model the propagation delay. Taking into account the local process variation, the multi-input delay analytical expression is derived according to the sub-threshold current formula to accurately predict the distribution and statistical characteristics of the delay, and the delay is obtained by calculation instead of Monte Carlo simulation, which greatly reduces the simulation time. The accuracy of the delay expression and delay distribution have been tested under 22 nm FDSOI technology and good results were obtained with operating voltages from 0.20 V to 0.30 V, in which the mean error of the delay is approx. 1.5%, the variance error is approx. 4.3%, and the error of the cumulative distribution function is approx. 2%.
Systematic Approach for Measuring Semantic Relatedness between Ontologies
Authors: Elfaki Abdelrahman Osman , Alfaifi Yousef H.
Published: March 2023

Measuring ontology matching is a critical issue in knowledge engineering and supports knowledge sharing and knowledge evolution. Recently, linguistic scientists have defined semantic relatedness as being more significant than semantic similarities in measuring ontology matching. Semantic relatedness is measured using synonyms and hypernym–hyponym relationships. In this paper, a systematic approach for measuring ontology semantic relatedness is proposed. The proposed approach is developed with a clear and fully described methodology, with illustrative examples used to demonstrate the proposed approach. The relatedness between ontologies has been measured based on class level by using lexical features, defining semantic similarity of concepts based on hypernym–hyponym relationships. For evaluating our proposed approach against similar works, benchmarks are generated using five properties: related meaning features, lexical features, providing technical descriptions, proving applicability, and accuracy. Technical implementation is carried out in order to demonstrate the applicability of our approach. The results demonstrate an achieved accuracy of 99%. The contributions are further highlighted by benchmarking against recent related works.
Color Constancy Based on Local Reflectance Differences
Authors: Yan Ming , Hu Yueli , Zhang Haikun
Published: March 2023

Color constancy is used to determine the actual surface color of the scene affected by illumination so that the captured image is more in line with the characteristics of human perception. The well-known Gray-Edge hypothesis states that the average edge difference in a scene is achromatic. Inspired by the Gray-Edge hypothesis, we propose a new illumination estimation method. Specifically, after analyzing three public datasets containing rich illumination conditions and scenes, we found that the ratio of the global sum of reflectance differences to the global sum of locally normalized reflectance differences is achromatic. Based on this hypothesis, we also propose an accurate color constancy method. The method was tested on four test datasets containing various illumination conditions (three datasets in a single-light environment and one dataset in a multi-light environment). The results show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art color constancy methods. Furthermore, we propose a new framework that can incorporate current mainstream statistics-based color constancy methods (Gray-World, Max-RGB, Gray-Edge, etc.) into the proposed framework.
Comparison between Predictive and Measurement Methods of Speech Intelligibility for Educational Rooms of Different Sizes with and without HVAC Systems
Authors: Di Loreto Samantha , Serpilli Fabio , Lori Valter , Di Perna Costanzo
Published: March 2023

Heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems represent one of the main noise sources inside classrooms. This explain why HVAC systems require careful design, competent installation and balancing, and regular maintenance. Many factors influence the classroom acoustical design, such as air handlers or fans, the velocity of air inside the classroom, as well as the size and acoustical treatment of ducts, returns, and diffusers. Acoustic parameters, including background-noise levels, reverberation time, and intelligibility, were analyzed in 17 classrooms at the Università Politecnica in the Marche region. The study of intelligibility was performed by measuring the objective parameters in situ and using prediction methods to determine the intelligibility score. The relationship between speech intelligibility measurements and speech intelligibility calculation has been studied. The relationship between the STI values with the background-noise levels and the reverberation time was also studied. This research shows that a comparison between predictive methods and measurement methods results in speech intelligibility for classrooms of different sizes with and without HVAC systems. The current method of calculating the voice transmission index (STI), proposed by national and international standards, has been used to determine speech intelligibility scores in classrooms. The results show that the calculation tool has computational robustness allowing its use in preliminary evaluations of speech intelligibility, design of the optimal type of school buildings, and sound amplification systems in classrooms that comply with Italian regulations.
Comparison of Control Techniques for Harmonic Isolation in Series VSC-Based Power Flow Controller in Distribution Grids
Authors: Pinheiro Guilherme , Gonzatti Robson , da Silva Carlos , Pereira Rondineli , Guimarães Bruno , Foster João , Lambert-Torres Germano , da Silva Kleverson , Santana-Filho Joselino
Published: March 2023

The application of power electronics equipment in medium voltage (MV) distribution grids can provide new management solutions for power flow control, load balancing and voltage problems. A series MV VSC-based power flow controller has recently been presented to interconnect two radial distribution feeders performing active and reactive power transfers to improve the flexibility and utilization of these circuits in a controlled and secure way. Although not previously explored, this power flow controller can integrate the functionality of a series power filter, accomplishing independent control of the fundamental power flow while isolating the harmonic content between the two interconnected feeders. This prevents harmonic pollution from one feeder from propagating to the other, improving the voltage quality. To implement the harmonic isolation, several control strategies can be used. Therefore, this paper provides a comparative analysis between two of the main harmonic control techniques found in the literature: the Synchronous Reference Frame (SRF) controller and the Proportional Resonant (PR) controller. Assessments are conducted both through simulations and experimental results in a meshed network at 13.8 kV with different types of non-linear loads. In the simulation cases, both algorithms showed similar results; however, in the experimental cases, the PR-based solution exhibited better performance in isolating the harmonics from one feeder to the other.
Moving towards Preventive Maintenance in Wind Turbine Structural Control and Health Monitoring
Authors: Leon-Medina Jersson X. , Pozo Francesc
Published: March 2023

In recent years, the scope of structural health monitoring in wind turbines has broadened due to the development of innovative data-driven methodologies [...]
Experiment Study on the Effectiveness of Various and Mixed Kinds of Low Expansion Foam of 120# Gasoline Pool Fire Suppression
Authors: Li Zhaoqian , Zhu Hongqing , Qiu Feng , Zhao Jinlong , Tian Chang
Published: March 2023

Storage tank fires can endanger society and the environment by generating intense heat radiation, rapidly spreading blazes, and cataclysmic explosions. Various types of foam and even two or more mixed foams are commonly used in storage tank fire disposal sites. This research aims to experimentally and analytically assess the efficacy of various and mixed forms of foam in putting out 120# gasoline pool fires. A series of foam fire extinguishing and re-ignition tests were conducted using a laboratory fire-extinguishing device that gently released low-expansion foam. In this work, a 2.4 m-diameter steel round tray was utilized to model the full-surface fire of an oilcan in a large oil depot base. The non-dimensional (T* = TExtinguishing/Tboiling point) average temperature of 0.62–0.66 is used in this study to represent the fire extinguishing temperatures of 120# gasoline fuel. The power law is still followed during the spreading phase as the length of the foam spreads further with time. When combined, 6% aqueous film-forming foam solution and alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam solution (AFFF + AFFF/AR) have the highest flow velocity of 0.0189 m s−1. According to the results, synthesis foam solution combined with alcohol-resistant fluoroprotein foam (S + FP/AR) provided the greatest cooling effect, followed by S + S/AR (alcohol-resistant synthetic foam solution), AFFF/AR, S + AFFF, S/AR + AFFF, and finally S/AR + AFFF. According to the results, foam with an expansion ratio of 8.7:1 (FP (fluoroprotein foam solution) + AFFF/AR) has greater re-ignition resistance and burn-back protection. A referable tactic for choosing foam for liquid fire suppression is shown in this paper. The results suggested that FP and AFFF should be used for effective fire suppression in this hydrocarbon fuel fire rescue. Then, we can use synthetic foam and AR foams to provide continuous cooling and prevent the fire from re-igniting through efficient foam coverage.
A Chromatic Enzymatic Time-Temperature Integrator Device Based on the Degradation of Phenolic Compounds for the Real-Time Prediction of the Quality and Shelf Life of Cherries
Authors: Gaspar Pedro , Alves Joel , Quelhas Adriana , Domingos Christelle , Caio Susana
Published: March 2023

The particular characteristics of cherries, such as color, firmness, and palate increase their demand, as does, among other things, their antioxidant properties that benefit human health. However, their high perishability leads to a reduced shelf life and consequently generates undesirable changes in the cherry flow chain. To ensure food quality and safety and prevent food waste, a smart device prototype is proposed. The concepts related to the formulation and design of the enzymatic-type chromatic time-temperature integrator (TTI) device used to monitor the real-time quality of cherries are described. The kinetic parameters for thermal inactivation of cultivar Santina cherries were determined based on the degradation of phenolic compounds that are substrates of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme, whose hydroxylation reaction of a monophenol to o-diphenol leads to the oxidation in o-quinone. The proposed device concept aims to help retailers and consumers decide upon selling and buying according to the remaining shelf life, thus promoting sustainability related to food processes.