The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
15 pages, 11756 KiB  
Article
Identification of a Rye Spring Mutant Derived from a Winter Rye Variety by High-Altitude Environment Screening Using RNA Sequencing Technology
by Yangying Wang, Yixuan Liu, Chengqun Yu, Shizhan Chen, Yankun Li, Lina Wei, Junxi Wu and Jianping Yang
Genes 2024, 15(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15050572 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Wintergrazer-70 and Ganyin No1 are high-yield forage varieties suitable for cultivation in high-altitude areas of Tibet (4300 m above sea level). Ganyin No1 was developed from Wintergrazer-70, with the latter serving as its parent variety. Ganyin No1 was identified as a spring [...] Read more.
Wintergrazer-70 and Ganyin No1 are high-yield forage varieties suitable for cultivation in high-altitude areas of Tibet (4300 m above sea level). Ganyin No1 was developed from Wintergrazer-70, with the latter serving as its parent variety. Ganyin No1 was identified as a spring variety, and subsequent RNA sequencing was conducted. RNA sequencing analysis identified 4 differentially expressed genes related to vernalization and 28 genes related to photoperiod regulation. The Sc7296g5-i1G3 gene is related to the flowering inhibition of rye, which may be related to the phenotypic difference in the Ganyin No1 variety in winter and spring. This finding provides valuable insights for future research on Ganyin No1, especially in addressing feed shortages in Tibet during winter and spring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Genetics and Genomics of Plants)
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19 pages, 4282 KiB  
Review
Application of Deferoxamine in Tissue Regeneration Attributed to Promoted Angiogenesis
by Haijun Shen, Yane Ma, Yi Qiao, Chun Zhang, Jialing Chen and Ran Zhang
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092050 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Deferoxamine, an iron chelator used to treat diseases caused by excess iron, has had a Food and Drug Administration-approved status for many years. A large number of studies have confirmed that deferoxamine can reduce inflammatory response and promote angiogenesis. Blood vessels play a [...] Read more.
Deferoxamine, an iron chelator used to treat diseases caused by excess iron, has had a Food and Drug Administration-approved status for many years. A large number of studies have confirmed that deferoxamine can reduce inflammatory response and promote angiogenesis. Blood vessels play a crucial role in sustaining vital life by facilitating the delivery of immune cells, oxygen, and nutrients, as well as eliminating waste products generated during cellular metabolism. Dysfunction in blood vessels may contribute significantly to the development of life-threatening diseases. Anti-angiogenesis therapy and pro-angiogenesis/angiogenesis strategies have been frequently recommended for various diseases. Herein, we describe the mechanism by which deferoxamine promotes angiogenesis and summarize its application in chronic wounds, bone repair, and diseases of the respiratory system. Furthermore, we discuss the drug delivery system of deferoxamine for treating various diseases, providing constructive ideas and inspiration for the development of new treatment strategies. Full article
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15 pages, 1808 KiB  
Article
Is the A-1 Pigment in Photosystem I Part of P700? A (P700+–P700) FTIR Difference Spectroscopy Study of A-1 Mutants
by Julia S. Kirpich, Lujun Luo, Michael R. Nelson, Neva Agarwala, Wu Xu and Gary Hastings
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4839; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094839 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The involvement of the second pair of chlorophylls, termed A-1A and A-1B, in light-induced electron transfer in photosystem I (PSI) is currently debated. Asparagines at PsaA600 and PsaB582 are involved in coordinating the A-1B and A-1A pigments, respectively. [...] Read more.
The involvement of the second pair of chlorophylls, termed A-1A and A-1B, in light-induced electron transfer in photosystem I (PSI) is currently debated. Asparagines at PsaA600 and PsaB582 are involved in coordinating the A-1B and A-1A pigments, respectively. Here we have mutated these asparagine residues to methionine in two single mutants and a double mutant in PSI from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, which we term NA600M, NB582M, and NA600M/NB582M mutants. (P700+–P700) FTIR difference spectra (DS) at 293 K were obtained for the wild-type and the three mutant PSI samples. The wild-type and mutant FTIR DS differ considerably. This difference indicates that the observed changes in the (P700+–P700) FTIR DS cannot be due to only the PA and PB pigments of P700. Comparison of the wild-type and mutant FTIR DS allows the assignment of different features to both A-1 pigments in the FTIR DS for wild-type PSI and assesses how these features shift upon cation formation and upon mutation. While the exact role the A-1 pigments play in the species we call P700 is unclear, we demonstrate that the vibrational modes of the A-1A and A-1B pigments are modified upon P700+ formation. Previously, we showed that the A-1 pigments contribute to P700 in green algae. In this manuscript, we demonstrate that this is also the case in cyanobacterial PSI. The nature of the mutation-induced changes in algal and cyanobacterial PSI is similar and can be considered within the same framework, suggesting a universality in the nature of P700 in different photosynthetic organisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Photosystem I)
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21 pages, 2967 KiB  
Article
Cleavage of [Pd2(PP)2(μ-Cl)2][BArF24]2 (PP = Bis(phosphino)ferrocene, BArF24 = Tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate) with Monodentate Phosphines
by Ian S. Leiby, Virginia Parparcén, Natalya Ding, Klara J. Kunz, Sadie A. Wolfarth, Jeremiah E. Stevens and Chip Nataro
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092047 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The addition of Na[BArF24] (BArF24 = tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate) to [Pd(PP)Cl2] (PP = 1,1′-bis(phosphino)ferrocene ligands) compounds results in the loss of a chloride ligand and the formation of the dimeric species [Pd2(PP)2(μ-Cl)2][BArF [...] Read more.
The addition of Na[BArF24] (BArF24 = tetrakis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)borate) to [Pd(PP)Cl2] (PP = 1,1′-bis(phosphino)ferrocene ligands) compounds results in the loss of a chloride ligand and the formation of the dimeric species [Pd2(PP)2(μ-Cl)2][BArF24]2. In most cases, the addition of a monodentate phosphine, PR3, to these dimeric species leads to cleaving of the dimer and formation of [Pd(PP)(PR3)Cl][BArF24]. While these reactions are readily observed via a significant color change, the 31P{1H} NMR spectra offer more significant support, as the singlet for the dimer is replaced with three doublets of doublets. The reaction seems to take place for a wide range of PR3 ligands, although there do appear to be steric limitations to the reaction. The compounds were thoroughly characterized by NMR, and X-ray crystal structures of several of the compounds were obtained. In addition, the ferrocenyl backbone of the 1,1′-bis(phosphino)ferrocene ligands provides an opportunity to examine the oxidative electrochemistry of these compounds. In general, the potential at which oxidations of these compounds occurs shows a dependence on the phosphine substituents. Full article
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17 pages, 2232 KiB  
Article
Advancements in Data Analysis for the Work-Sampling Method
by Borut Buchmeister and Natasa Vujica Herzog
Algorithms 2024, 17(5), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/a17050183 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The work-sampling method makes it possible to gain valuable insights into what is happening in production systems. Work sampling is a process used to estimate the proportion of shift time that workers (or machines) spend on different activities (within productive work or losses). [...] Read more.
The work-sampling method makes it possible to gain valuable insights into what is happening in production systems. Work sampling is a process used to estimate the proportion of shift time that workers (or machines) spend on different activities (within productive work or losses). It is estimated based on enough random observations of activities over a selected period. When workplace operations do not have short cycle times or high repetition rates, the use of such a statistical technique is necessary because the labor sampling data can provide information that can be used to set standards. The work-sampling procedure is well standardized, but additional contributions are possible when evaluating the observations. In this paper, we present our contribution to improving the decision-making process based on work-sampling data. We introduce a correlation comparison of the measured hourly shares of all activities in pairs to check whether there are mutual connections or to uncover hidden connections between activities. The results allow for easier decision-making (conclusions) regarding the influence of the selected activities on the triggering of the others. With the additional calculation method, we can uncover behavioral patterns that would have been overlooked with the basic method. This leads to improved efficiency and productivity of the production system. Full article
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18 pages, 9554 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Occupancy Grid Map with Semantic Information Using Deep Learning-Based BEVFusion Method with Camera and LiDAR Fusion
by Harin Jang, Taehyun Kim, Kyungjae Ahn, Soo Jeon and Yeonsik Kang
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2828; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092828 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the field of robotics and autonomous driving, dynamic occupancy grid maps (DOGMs) are typically used to represent the position and velocity information of objects. Although three-dimensional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor-based DOGMs have been actively researched, they have limitations, as they [...] Read more.
In the field of robotics and autonomous driving, dynamic occupancy grid maps (DOGMs) are typically used to represent the position and velocity information of objects. Although three-dimensional light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor-based DOGMs have been actively researched, they have limitations, as they cannot classify types of objects. Therefore, in this study, a deep learning-based camera–LiDAR sensor fusion technique is employed as input to DOGMs. Consequently, not only the position and velocity information of objects but also their class information can be updated, expanding the application areas of DOGMs. Moreover, unclassified LiDAR point measurements contribute to the formation of a map of the surrounding environment, improving the reliability of perception by registering objects that were not classified by deep learning. To achieve this, we developed update rules on the basis of the Dempster–Shafer evidence theory, incorporating class information and the uncertainty of objects occupying grid cells. Furthermore, we analyzed the accuracy of the velocity estimation using two update models. One assigns the occupancy probability only to the edges of the oriented bounding box, whereas the other assigns the occupancy probability to the entire area of the box. The performance of the developed perception technique is evaluated using the public nuScenes dataset. The developed DOGM with object class information will help autonomous vehicles to navigate in complex urban driving environments by providing them with rich information, such as the class and velocity of nearby obstacles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Radar Sensors)
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12 pages, 5116 KiB  
Article
Design and Growth of Low Resistivity P-Type AlGaN Superlattice Structure
by Yang Liu, Xiaowei Zhou, Peixian Li, Bo Yang and Zhuang Zhao
Micromachines 2024, 15(5), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15050596 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This work investigated the impact of periodic thickness and doping region on the doping efficiency of the P-type AlGaN superlattice. In this paper, the band structure of the simulated superlattice was analyzed. The superlattice structure of Al0.1Ga0.3N/Al0.4Ga [...] Read more.
This work investigated the impact of periodic thickness and doping region on the doping efficiency of the P-type AlGaN superlattice. In this paper, the band structure of the simulated superlattice was analyzed. The superlattice structure of Al0.1Ga0.3N/Al0.4Ga0.6N, and the AlGaN buffer on the sapphire substrate, achieved a resistivity of ~3.3 Ω·cm. The results indicate that barrier doping and low periodic thickness offer significant advantages in introducing a reduction of the resistivity of P-type AlGaN superlattice structures. Full article
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20 pages, 3330 KiB  
Article
Dissecting Genetic Mechanisms of Differential Locomotion, Depression, and Allodynia after Spinal Cord Injury in Three Mouse Strains
by Wendy W. Yang, Jessica J. Matyas, Yun Li, Hangnoh Lee, Zhuofan Lei, Cynthia L. Renn, Alan I. Faden, Susan G. Dorsey and Junfang Wu
Cells 2024, 13(9), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells13090759 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Strain differences have been reported for motor behaviors, and only a subset of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients develop neuropathic pain, implicating genetic or genomic contribution to this condition. Here, we evaluated neuropsychiatric behaviors in A/J, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 male mice and tested [...] Read more.
Strain differences have been reported for motor behaviors, and only a subset of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients develop neuropathic pain, implicating genetic or genomic contribution to this condition. Here, we evaluated neuropsychiatric behaviors in A/J, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 male mice and tested genetic or genomic alterations following SCI. A/J and BALB/c naive mice showed significantly less locomotor activity and greater anxiety-like behavior than C57BL/6 mice. Although SCI elicited locomotor dysfunction, C57BL/6 and A/J mice showed the best and the worst post-traumatic recovery, respectively. Mild (m)-SCI mice showed deficits in gait dynamics. All moderate/severe SCI mice exhibited similar degrees of anxiety/depression. mSCI in BALB/c and A/J mice resulted in depression, whereas C57BL/6 mice did not exhibit depression. mSCI mice had significantly lower mechanical thresholds than their controls, indicating high cutaneous hypersensitivity. C57BL/6, but not A/J and BLAB/c mice, showed significantly lower heat thresholds than their controls. C57BL/6 mice exhibited spontaneous pain. RNAseq showed that genes in immune responses and wound healing were upregulated, although A/J mice showed the largest increase. The cell cycle and the truncated isoform of trkB genes were robustly elevated in SCI mice. Thus, different genomics are associated with post-traumatic recovery, underscoring the likely importance of genetic factors in SCI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Cell Biology of Spinal Cord Injury and Repair)
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25 pages, 20853 KiB  
Article
Optimising Plate Thickness in Interlocking Inter-Module Connections for Modular Steel Buildings: A Finite Element and Random Forest Approach
by Khaled Elsayed, Azrul A. Mutalib, Mohamed Elsayed and Mohd Reza Azmi
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051254 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Interlocking Inter-Module Connections (IMCs) in Modular Steel Buildings (MSBs) have garnered significant interest from researchers. Despite this, the optimisation of plate thicknesses in such structures has yet to be extensively explored in the existing literature. Therefore, this paper focuses on optimising the thickness [...] Read more.
Interlocking Inter-Module Connections (IMCs) in Modular Steel Buildings (MSBs) have garnered significant interest from researchers. Despite this, the optimisation of plate thicknesses in such structures has yet to be extensively explored in the existing literature. Therefore, this paper focuses on optimising the thickness of interlocking IMCs in MSBs by leveraging established experimental and numerical simulation methodologies. The study developed various numerical models for IMCs with plate thicknesses of 4 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm, all subjected to compression loading conditions. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive parametric analysis, which evaluates the slip prediction model. A random forest regression model, trained using the ‘TreeBagger’ function, was also implemented to predict slip values based on applied force. Sensitivity analysis and comparisons with alternative methods underscored the reliability and applicability of the findings. The results indicate that a plate thickness of 11.03 mm is optimal for interlocking IMCs in MSBs, achieving up to 8.08% in material cost reductions while increasing deformation resistance by up to 50.75%. The ‘TreeBagger’ random forest regression significantly enhanced slip prediction accuracy by up to 7% at higher force levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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15 pages, 5727 KiB  
Article
A Low-Voltage Self-Starting Boost Converter Using MPPT with Pulse Multiplication for Energy Harvesting
by Ning Wang, Xiaofei Zhang, Shuxi Xu, Yuan Liu, Lei Zhang, Zhonghui Zhao, Zhiyang Hu and Hengsheng Shan
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091713 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
A single-inductor, low-voltage, three-step self-starting boost converter is proposed for photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting. In order to enhance energy transfer efficiency, a variable-step Perturb and Observe (P&O) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) scheme has been devised based on a novel pulse multiplication technique. [...] Read more.
A single-inductor, low-voltage, three-step self-starting boost converter is proposed for photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting. In order to enhance energy transfer efficiency, a variable-step Perturb and Observe (P&O) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) scheme has been devised based on a novel pulse multiplication technique. Upon overcoming the speed and accuracy limitations, the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV model is accurately tracked. In the boost converter, the average inductor current is utilized to implement closed-loop control of the MPPT loop, enhancing the stability of the tracking process and enabling efficient energy transmission. Finally, the boost converter is implemented using a 0.18 μm CMOS process, which is capable of self-starting and maintaining stable operations at input voltages ranging from 90 mV to 300 mV, achieving a peak efficiency of 93%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro Energy Harvesters: Modelling, Design, and Applications)
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14 pages, 1655 KiB  
Article
Effects of Paraspinal Intramuscular Injection of Atelocollagen in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Observational Study
by Tae Kwang Kim and Ho Young Gil
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092607 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Atelocollagen is used for soft tissue repair and reconstruction by replacing defective or damaged muscles, membranes, ligaments, and tendons. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of additional paraspinal intramuscular injection of atelocollagen on lumbar epidural steroid injection [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Atelocollagen is used for soft tissue repair and reconstruction by replacing defective or damaged muscles, membranes, ligaments, and tendons. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of additional paraspinal intramuscular injection of atelocollagen on lumbar epidural steroid injection for reducing pain and improving functional capacity of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 608 consecutive patients with CLBP who received lumbar epidural steroid injection with or without additional paraspinal intramuscular injection of atelocollagen. The Numerical Rating Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index were used to assess pain and functional capacity, respectively, before the procedure, and three months after the injection. Also, we analyzed the relationship between the additional paraspinal intramuscular injection of atelocollagen and the success rate. Results: Both Numerical Rating Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index scores were significantly reduced in both groups at three months after injection. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the success rate was significantly higher in the additional paraspinal intramuscular injection of atelocollagen group. Conclusions: This study’s results showed that additional paraspinal intramuscular injection of atelocollagen on lumbar epidural steroid injection reduced pain and improved functional capacity for patients with CLBP. Therefore, the paraspinal intramuscular injection of atelocollagen may be a promising option for the treatment of patients with CLBP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Anesthesiology)
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23 pages, 2836 KiB  
Article
Effect of Changing and Combining Trivalent Metals in the Structural and Electronic Properties of Cu-Based Crystal Delafossite Materials
by Joeluis Cerutti Torres, Pablo Sánchez-Palencia, José Carlos Jiménez-Sáez, Perla Wahnón and Pablo Palacios
Crystals 2024, 14(5), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050418 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cu-based ternary oxides with delafossite structure have received considerable attention in recent years for their versatility in a wide range of applications, among which is the possibility to use them in heterostructure solar cells as hole transport layers, due to their promising behavior [...] Read more.
Cu-based ternary oxides with delafossite structure have received considerable attention in recent years for their versatility in a wide range of applications, among which is the possibility to use them in heterostructure solar cells as hole transport layers, due to their promising behavior as p-type conducting oxides. Ab initio calculations have been performed with density functional theory to investigate the role of the trivalent metal within the CuMO2 structure and the dependence of structural and electronic properties with the species (M = Al, Ga, In, Fe, Cr, Co, Sc, Y) occupying the site of the metal. Generalized Gradient Approximation also including a Hubbard term and nonlocal Heyd–Scuseria–Enzerhof screened hybrid functional schemes were tested and their results were compared. Excellent agreement with experimental lattice parameters and measured gaps have been found. The use of hybrid functionals in HSE approximation considerably improves the bandgaps when compared with the experimental results but takes considerable time to converge, hence the need to explore less demanding methodologies. Trends in the geometry as well as in the electronic properties are discussed, and the effect of mixing different metals (CuMxN1−xO2, M, N being the aforementioned elements) in the geometry and electronic properties of these delafossite materials is investigated. Due to the high cost of HSE calculations, especially when supercells are needed to model several x concentrations, statistical models and techniques based on machine learning have also been explored to predict HSE bandgap values from GGA and structural information. Full article
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20 pages, 1709 KiB  
Article
An In Vitro Study on the Application of Silver-Doped Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Prevention of Post-Implant-Associated Infections
by Chiara Ceresa, Fabio Travagin, Alice Marchetti, Francesco Tessarolo, Letizia Fracchia, Giovanni Battista Giovenzana and Michela Bosetti
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094842 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Implant therapy is a common treatment option in dentistry and orthopedics, but its application is often associated with an increased risk of microbial contamination of the implant surfaces that cause bone tissue impairment. This study aims to develop two silver-enriched platelet-rich plasma (PRP) [...] Read more.
Implant therapy is a common treatment option in dentistry and orthopedics, but its application is often associated with an increased risk of microbial contamination of the implant surfaces that cause bone tissue impairment. This study aims to develop two silver-enriched platelet-rich plasma (PRP) multifunctional scaffolds active at the same time in preventing implant-associated infections and stimulating bone regeneration. Commercial silver lactate (L) and newly synthesized silver deoxycholate:β-Cyclodextrin (B), were studied in vitro. Initially, the antimicrobial activity of the two silver soluble forms and the PRP enriched with the two silver forms has been studied on microbial planktonic cells. At the same time, the biocompatibility of silver-enriched PRPs has been assessed by an MTT test on human primary osteoblasts (hOBs). Afterwards, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the activity of selected concentrations and forms of silver-enriched PRPs in inhibiting microbial biofilm formation and stimulating hOB differentiation. PRP-L (0.3 µg/mm2) and PRP-B (0.2 µg/mm2) counteract Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans planktonic cell growth and biofilm formation, preserving hOB viability without interfering with their differentiation capability. Overall, the results obtained suggest that L- and B-enriched PRPs represent a promising preventive strategy against biofilm-related implant infections and demonstrate a new silver formulation that, together with increasing fibrin binding protecting silver in truncated cone-shaped cyclic oligosaccharides, achieved comparable inhibitory results on prokaryotic cells at a lower concentration. Full article
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22 pages, 5331 KiB  
Article
Use of Optical Redox Imaging to Quantify Alveolar Macrophage Redox State in Infants: Proof of Concept Experiments in a Murine Model and Human Tracheal Aspirates Samples
by He N. Xu, Diego Gonzalves, Jonathan H. Hoffman, Joseph A. Baur, Lin Z. Li and Erik A. Jensen
Antioxidants 2024, 13(5), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13050546 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Emerging data indicate that lung macrophages (LM) may provide a novel biomarker to classify disease endotypes in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a form of infant chronic lung disease, and that augmentation of the LM phenotype may be a potential therapeutic target. To contribute to [...] Read more.
Emerging data indicate that lung macrophages (LM) may provide a novel biomarker to classify disease endotypes in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a form of infant chronic lung disease, and that augmentation of the LM phenotype may be a potential therapeutic target. To contribute to this area of research, we first used Optical Redox Imaging (ORI) to characterize the responses to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and caffeine treatment in an in vitro model of mouse alveolar macrophages (AM). H2O2 caused a dose-dependent decrease in NADH and an increase in FAD-containing flavoproteins (Fp) and the redox ratio Fp/(NADH + Fp). Caffeine treatment did not affect Fp but significantly decreased NADH with doses of ≥50 µM, and 1000 µM caffeine treatment significantly increased the redox ratio and decreased the baseline level of mitochondrial ROS (reactive oxygen species). However, regardless of whether AM were pretreated with caffeine or not, the mitochondrial ROS levels increased to similar levels after H2O2 challenge. We then investigated the feasibility of utilizing ORI to examine macrophage redox status in tracheal aspirate (TA) samples obtained from premature infants receiving invasive ventilation. We observed significant heterogeneity in NADH, Fp, Fp/(NADH + Fp), and mitochondrial ROS of the TA macrophages. We found a possible positive correlation between gestational age and NADH and a negative correlation between mean airway pressure and NADH that provides hypotheses for future testing. Our study demonstrates that ORI is a feasible technique to characterize macrophage redox state in infant TA samples and supports further use of this method to investigate lung macrophage-mediated disease endotypes in BPD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress and Newborns)
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17 pages, 1166 KiB  
Article
Resource Allocation and Pricing in Energy Harvesting Serverless Computing Internet of Things Networks
by Yunqi Li and Changlin Yang
Information 2024, 15(5), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/info15050250 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper considers a resource allocation problem involving servers and mobile users (MUs) operating in a serverless edge computing (SEC)-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) network. Each MU has a fixed budget, and each server is powered by the grid and has energy harvesting [...] Read more.
This paper considers a resource allocation problem involving servers and mobile users (MUs) operating in a serverless edge computing (SEC)-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) network. Each MU has a fixed budget, and each server is powered by the grid and has energy harvesting (EH) capability. Our objective is to maximize the revenue of the operator that operates the said servers and the number of resources purchased by the MUs. We propose a Stackelberg game approach, where servers and MUs act as leaders and followers, respectively. We prove the existence of a Stackelberg game equilibrium and develop an iterative algorithm to determine the final game equilibrium price. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is efficient in terms of the SEC’s profit and MU’s demand. Moreover, both MUs and SECs gain benefits from renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Internet of Things and Cloud-Fog-Edge Computing)
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13 pages, 439 KiB  
Article
Establishment of a Dataset for the Traditional Korean Medicine Examination in Healthy Adults
by Soyoung Kim, Ancho Lim, Young-Eun Kim, Youngseop Lee, Hyeong Joon Jun, Mi Hong Yim, Daehyeok Kim, Purumea Jun, Jeong Hwan Park and Sanghun Lee
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090918 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
We established a protocol for the traditional Korean medicine examination (KME) and methodically gathered data following this protocol. Potential indicators for KME were extracted through a literature review; the first KME protocol was developed based on three rounds of expert opinions. The first [...] Read more.
We established a protocol for the traditional Korean medicine examination (KME) and methodically gathered data following this protocol. Potential indicators for KME were extracted through a literature review; the first KME protocol was developed based on three rounds of expert opinions. The first KME protocol’s feasibility was confirmed, and data were collected over four years from traditional Korean medicine (KM) hospitals, focusing on healthy adults, using the final KME protocol. A literature review identified 175 potential core indicators, condensed into 73 indicators after three rounds of expert consultation. The first KME protocol, which was categorized under questionnaires and medical examinations, was developed after the third round of expert opinions. A pilot study using the first KME protocol was conducted to ensure its validity, leading to modifications resulting in the development of the final KME protocol. Over four years, data were collected from six KM hospitals, focusing on healthy adults; we obtained a dataset comprising 11,036 healthy adults. This is the first protocol incorporating core indicators of KME in a quantitative form and systematically collecting data. Our protocol holds potential merit in evaluating predisposition to diseases or predicting diseases. Full article
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18 pages, 2921 KiB  
Article
Variation in Fruit Traits and Seed Nutrient Compositions of Wild Camellia oleifera: Implications for Camellia oleifera Domestication
by Kai-Feng Xing, Yu-Jing Zou, Hao-Xing Xie, Shang Chen, Jun Zhou, Xie-Tian Luo, Gong-Hu Chen, Yao Zhao, Ze-Yuan Deng, Jun Rong, Jing Li and Jian Zhang
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050450 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Camellia oleifera is a woody oil crop with the highest oil yield and the largest cultivation area in China, and C. oleifera seed oil is a high-quality edible oil recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The objectives of [...] Read more.
Camellia oleifera is a woody oil crop with the highest oil yield and the largest cultivation area in China, and C. oleifera seed oil is a high-quality edible oil recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The objectives of this study were to investigate the variation in fruit yield traits and seed chemical compositions of wild C. oleifera in China and to identify the differences between wild C. oleifera and cultivated varieties. In this study, we collected wild C. oleifera samples from 13 sites covering the main distribution areas of wild C. oleifera to comprehensively evaluate 25 quantitative traits of wild C. oleifera fruit and seed chemical compositions and collected data of 10 quantitative traits from 434 cultivated varieties for a comparative analysis of the differences between wild and cultivars. The results showed that the coefficients of variation of the 25 quantitative traits of wild C. oleifera ranged from 2.605% to 156.641%, with an average of 38.569%. The phenotypic differentiation coefficients ranged from 25.003% to 99.911%, with an average of 77.894%. The Shannon–Wiener index (H’) ranged from 0.195 to 1.681. Based on the results of principal component analysis (PCA) and phenotypic differentiation coefficients, 10 traits differed significantly between wild C. oleifera and cultivated varieties, while the differentiation coefficients (VST) for fresh fruit weight, oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, stearic acid, and saturated fatty acids were more than 95%, of which fresh fruit weight and oleic acid content were potential domestication traits of C. oleifera. The results of this study can contribute to the efficient excavation and utilization of wild C. oleifera genetic resources for C. oleifera breeding. Full article
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15 pages, 3572 KiB  
Article
Monitoring and Genotyping of Wild Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris) in Slovenia
by Andrej Perko, Oliver Trapp, Erika Maul, Franco Röckel, Andrej Piltaver and Stanko Vršič
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091234 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (sylvestris) is the only native wild grapevine in Eurasia (Europe and western Asia) and is the existing ancestor of the grapevine varieties (for wine and table grape production) belonging to the subsp. sativa. In Slovenia, [...] Read more.
Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (sylvestris) is the only native wild grapevine in Eurasia (Europe and western Asia) and is the existing ancestor of the grapevine varieties (for wine and table grape production) belonging to the subsp. sativa. In Slovenia, the prevailing opinion has been that there are no Slovenian sylvestris habitats. This study describes sylvestris in Slovenia for the first time and aims to present an overview of the locations of the wild grapevine in the country. In this project, a sample set of 89 accessions were examined using 24 SSR and 2 SSR markers plus APT3 markers to determine flower sex. The accessions were found in forests on the left bank of the Sava River in Slovenia, on the border between alluvial soils and limestone and dolomite soils, five different sites, some of which are described for the first time. The proportion of female to male accessions differed between sites. At two sites, female plants dominated; at others, the ratio was balanced. The plants’ genetic diversity and structure were compared with autochthonous and unique varieties of subsp. sativa from old vineyards in Slovenia and with rootstocks escaped from nature from abandoned vineyards. Sylvestris was clearly distinguishable from vinifera and the rootstocks. Based on genetic analyses, it was confirmed that Slovenian sylvestris is closest to the Balkan and German sylvestris groups. Meanwhile, a safety duplication of the wild grapevine accessions has been established at the University Centre of Viticulture and Enology Meranovo, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Maribor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Grapevine Genetic Resources)
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25 pages, 19187 KiB  
Article
A Graph-Based Keyword Extraction Method for Academic Literature Knowledge Graph Construction
by Lin Zhang, Yanan Li and Qinru Li
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091349 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we construct an academic literature knowledge graph based on the relationship between documents to facilitate the storage and research of academic literature data. Keywords are an important type of node in the knowledge graph. To solve the problem that there [...] Read more.
In this paper, we construct an academic literature knowledge graph based on the relationship between documents to facilitate the storage and research of academic literature data. Keywords are an important type of node in the knowledge graph. To solve the problem that there are no keywords in some documents for several reasons in the process of knowledge graph construction, an improved keyword extraction algorithm called TP-CoGlo-TextRank is proposed by using word frequency, position, word co-occurrence frequency, and a word embedding model. By combining the word frequency and position in the document, the importance of words is distinguished. By introducing the GloVe word-embedding model, which brings the external knowledge of documents into the TextRank algorithm, and combining the internal word co-occurrence frequency in the documents, the word-adjacency relationship is transferred non-uniformly. Finally, the words with the highest scores are combined into phrases if they are adjacent in the original text. The validity of the TP-CoGlo-TextRank algorithm is verified by experiments. On this basis, the Neo4j graph database is used to store and display the academic literature knowledge graph, to provide data support for research tasks such as text clustering, automatic summarization, and question-answering systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Machine Learning and Applications)
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17 pages, 4138 KiB  
Article
Mixing Time Prediction in a Ladle Furnace
by Xipeng Guo, Yun Liu, Yasmeen Jojo-Cunningham, Armin Silaen, Nicholas Walla and Chenn Zhou
Metals 2024, 14(5), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/met14050518 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper presents a study on the effectiveness of two turbulence models, the large eddy simulation (LES) model and the k-ε turbulence model, in predicting mixing time within a ladle furnace using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. The CFD model was developed [...] Read more.
This paper presents a study on the effectiveness of two turbulence models, the large eddy simulation (LES) model and the k-ε turbulence model, in predicting mixing time within a ladle furnace using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. The CFD model was developed based on a downscaled water ladle from an industrial ladle. Corresponding experiments were conducted to provide insights into the flow field, which were used for the validation of CFD simulations. The correlation between the flow structure and turbulence kinetic energy in relation to mixing time was investigated. Flow field results indicated that both turbulence models aligned well with time-averaged velocity data from the experiments. However, the LES model not only offered a closer match in magnitude but also provided a more detailed representation of turbulence eddies. With respect to predicting mixing time, increased flow rates resulted in extended mixing times in both turbulence models. However, the LES model consistently projected longer mixing times due to its capability to capture a more intricate distribution of turbulence eddies. Full article
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14 pages, 2170 KiB  
Article
Correlation of Systemic Inflammation Parameters and Serum SLFN11 in Small Cell Lung Cancer—A Prospective Pilot Study
by Ivana Simić, Azra Guzonjić, Jelena Kotur Stevuljević, Vesna Ćeriman Krstić, Natalija Samardžić, Katarina Savić Vujović and Dragana Jovanović
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12050976 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background and objectives: The objective of this research was to analyze the correlation of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble programmed cell death ligand 1 (sPD-L1), and Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) with the response to first-line chemotherapy in a cohort of small [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: The objective of this research was to analyze the correlation of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble programmed cell death ligand 1 (sPD-L1), and Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) with the response to first-line chemotherapy in a cohort of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients, and to determine their potential as predictive serum biomarkers. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 SCLC patients were included. Blood samples were taken to determine CRP, sPD-L1, and SLFN11 levels. The first sampling was performed before the start of chemotherapy, the second after two cycles, and the third after four cycles of chemotherapy. Results: The patients who died earlier during the study had NLR and SLFN11 concentrations significantly higher compared to the survivor group. In the group of survivors, after two cycles of chemotherapy, the NLR ratio decreased significantly (p < 0.01), but after four cycles, the NLR ratio increased (p < 0.05). Their serum SLFN11 concentration increased significantly (p < 0.001) after two cycles of chemotherapy, but after four cycles, the level of SLFN11 fell significantly (p < 0.01). CRP, NLR, and SLFN11 were significant predictors of patient survival according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. The combination of inflammatory parameters and SLFN11 with a cutoff value above the 75th percentile of the predicted probability was associated with significantly lower overall survival in SCLC patients (average survival of 3.6 months vs. 4.8 months). Conclusion: The combination of inflammatory markers and the levels of two specific proteins (sPD-L1, SLFN11) could potentially serve as a non-invasive biomarker for predicting responses to DNA-damaging therapeutic agents in SCLC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Non-communicable Diseases)
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39 pages, 454 KiB  
Review
Ill Fares the Land: Confronting Unsustainability in the U.K. Food System through Political Agroecology and Degrowth
by Mark Tilzey
Land 2024, 13(5), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050594 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The U.K. food system exhibits strong unsustainability indicators across multiple dimensions, both in terms of food and nutritional insecurity and in terms of adverse climate change, biodiversity, and physical resource impacts. These indices of an unsustainable and inequitable social metabolism are the result [...] Read more.
The U.K. food system exhibits strong unsustainability indicators across multiple dimensions, both in terms of food and nutritional insecurity and in terms of adverse climate change, biodiversity, and physical resource impacts. These indices of an unsustainable and inequitable social metabolism are the result of capitalist agriculture and society in general and, more specifically, of neoliberal and austerity policies adopted with vigour since the global financial crisis. The causal, capitalistic, and, latterly, more neoliberal bases of the U.K. food system are delineated in the first section of the paper. These bases are then detailed in terms of their impacts in exacerbating climate change, biodiversity (and resource) decline and loss, and food and nutritional insecurity. The political narratives and policy frameworks available to dissemble, mitigate, or, more rarely, to address (resolve) these impacts are then delineated. It is argued that the only policy framework available that strongly integrates food security (social equity) with ecological sustainability is political agroecology and an accompanying degrowth strategy. The final section of the paper details what political agroecology and degrowth might entail for the U.K. food system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Systems and Global Change Section)
17 pages, 3251 KiB  
Article
Artificial Intelligence, Intrapartum Ultrasound and Dystocic Delivery: AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm), a Promising Helping Decision Support System
by Antonio Malvasi, Lorenzo E. Malgieri, Ettore Cicinelli, Antonella Vimercati, Antonio D’Amato, Miriam Dellino, Giuseppe Trojano, Tommaso Difonzo, Renata Beck and Andrea Tinelli
J. Imaging 2024, 10(5), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging10050107 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The position of the fetal head during engagement and progression in the birth canal is the primary cause of dystocic labor and arrest of progression, often due to malposition and malrotation. The authors performed an investigation on pregnant women in labor, who all [...] Read more.
The position of the fetal head during engagement and progression in the birth canal is the primary cause of dystocic labor and arrest of progression, often due to malposition and malrotation. The authors performed an investigation on pregnant women in labor, who all underwent vaginal digital examination by obstetricians and midwives as well as intrapartum ultrasonography to collect four “geometric parameters”, measured in all the women. All parameters were measured using artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, called AIDA (artificial intelligence dystocia algorithm), which incorporates a human-in-the-loop approach, that is, to use AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms that prioritize the physician’s decision and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI). The AIDA was structured into five classes. After a number of “geometric parameters” were collected, the data obtained from the AIDA analysis were entered into a red, yellow, or green zone, linked to the analysis of the progress of labor. Using the AIDA analysis, we were able to identify five reference classes for patients in labor, each of which had a certain sort of birth outcome. A 100% cesarean birth prediction was made in two of these five classes. The use of artificial intelligence, through the evaluation of certain obstetric parameters in specific decision-making algorithms, allows physicians to systematically understand how the results of the algorithms can be explained. This approach can be useful in evaluating the progress of labor and predicting the labor outcome, including spontaneous, whether operative VD (vaginal delivery) should be attempted, or if ICD (intrapartum cesarean delivery) is preferable or necessary. Full article
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