The 2023 MDPI Annual Report has
been released!
 
17 pages, 5054 KiB  
Article
Planetary Energy Flow and Entropy Production Rate by Earth from 2002 to 2023
by Elijah Thimsen
Entropy 2024, 26(5), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26050350 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this work, satellite data from the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments are analyzed to determine how the global absorbed sunlight and global entropy production rates have changed from 2002 to 2023. The data [...] Read more.
In this work, satellite data from the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments are analyzed to determine how the global absorbed sunlight and global entropy production rates have changed from 2002 to 2023. The data is used to test hypotheses derived from the Maximum Power Principle (MPP) and Maximum Entropy Production Principle (MEP) about the evolution of Earth’s surface and atmosphere. The results indicate that both the rate of absorbed sunlight and global entropy production have increased over the last 20 years, which is consistent with the predictions of both hypotheses. Given the acceptance of the MPP or MEP, some peripheral extensions and nuances are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Disorder and Biological Physics)
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12 pages, 2249 KiB  
Article
Bacterial Community Influences the Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus on Lipid Metabolism, Immune Response, and Antioxidant Capacity in Dogs
by Aipeng Mao, Xiaoli Chen, Weigang Zhao, Weixiao Nan, Yao Huang, Yalong Sun, Haihua Zhang and Chao Xu
Animals 2024, 14(9), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091257 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), the most prevalent probiotic, has demonstrated the ability to improve the relative abundance of intestinal microorganisms and boost immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. This study evaluated body weight, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum [...] Read more.
Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), the most prevalent probiotic, has demonstrated the ability to improve the relative abundance of intestinal microorganisms and boost immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects remain unclear. This study evaluated body weight, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum indices, and bacterial communities in Chinese rural dogs from a L. acidophilus supplementation group (Lactobacillus acidophilus, n = 6) and a control group (CON, n = 6). The results indicated that L. acidophilus had no significant impact on the body weight and apparent nutrient digestibility of Chinese rural dogs. In comparison with the CON group, L. acidophilus significantly reduced the levels of cholesterol (CHO) and increased the levels of IgA, IFN-α, and T-AOC. Bacterial diversity indices were significantly reduced in the LAC group compared to the CON groups, and MetaStat analysis demonstrated notable distinctions in 14 bacterial genera between the groups. These bacterial genera exhibited correlations with physiological indices such as CHO, IgA, IFN-α, and T-AOC. In conclusion, L. acidophilus can modulate lipid metabolism, immunity, and antioxidant capacity by regulating the relative abundance of specific bacterial communities, which helps dogs to adapt to today’s lifestyle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Companion Animals)
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29 pages, 8439 KiB  
Article
Ramomarthamyces octomerus sp. nov. and Insights into the Evolution and Diversification of Ramomarthamyces (Ascomycota, Leotiomycetes, Marthamycetales)
by Jason M. Karakehian, Luis Quijada, Andrew N. Miller, Lothar Krieglsteiner and Hans-Otto Baral
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050301 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The apothecial fungus Ramomarthamyces octomerus sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in Mediterranean climate regions in southern Portugal, Spain (Canary Islands), and the Dalmatian region of Croatia. Presumably saprobic, R. octomerus occurs on intact, decorticated wood of Laurus novocanariensis and Olea europaea [...] Read more.
The apothecial fungus Ramomarthamyces octomerus sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in Mediterranean climate regions in southern Portugal, Spain (Canary Islands), and the Dalmatian region of Croatia. Presumably saprobic, R. octomerus occurs on intact, decorticated wood of Laurus novocanariensis and Olea europaea. Ascospores are cylindric-ellipsoid and seven-septate. Surprisingly, in our four-locus phylogenetic analysis (nuSSU, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2, LSU, mtSSU), this fungus clusters among species of Cyclaneusma, Marthamyces, Naemacyclus, and Ramomarthamyces in a core Marthamycetaceae clade that circumscribes primarily leaf-inhabiting, filiform-spored species. In addition, the asci of R. octomerus possess an amyloid pore, but the reaction varies between specimens collected in the Canary Islands and those collected in Portugal and Croatia. The occurrence of an amyloid reaction in the asci of R. octomerus challenges the characterization of Marthamycetales taxa as possessing inamyloid asci. In our discussion we provide background and analysis of these notable observations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biology and Systematics of Leotiomycetes)
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16 pages, 2936 KiB  
Article
Transcriptomic Insights: Phytogenic Modulation of Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) Seedling Emergence
by Xipeng Ren, Tieneke Trotter, Nanjappa Ashwath, Dragana Stanley, Yadav S. Bajagai and Philip B. Brewer
Plants 2024, 13(9), 1174; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091174 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study explores the impact of a novel phytogenic product containing citric acid, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde on buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) seedling emergence. A dilution series of the phytogenic solution revealed a concentration range that promoted seedling emergence, with an optimal [...] Read more.
This study explores the impact of a novel phytogenic product containing citric acid, carvacrol, and cinnamaldehyde on buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) seedling emergence. A dilution series of the phytogenic solution revealed a concentration range that promoted seedling emergence, with an optimal concentration of 0.5%. Transcriptomic analysis using RNA-seq was performed to investigate gene expression changes in seedlings under the influence of the phytogenic product. The results revealed that the phytogenic treatment significantly altered the gene expression, with a prevalent boost in transcriptional activity compared to the control. Functional analysis indicated the positive alteration of key metabolic pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathways. Moreover, pathways related to amino acids, nucleotide biosynthesis, heme biosynthesis, and formyltetrahydrofolate biosynthesis showed substantial modulation. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the phytogenic product’s effects on grass seedling establishment and highlights its ability to promote energy metabolism and essential biosynthetic pathways for plant growth. Full article
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25 pages, 936 KiB  
Review
Tackling the Antimicrobial Resistance “Pandemic” with Machine Learning Tools: A Summary of Available Evidence
by Doris Rusic, Marko Kumric, Ana Seselja Perisin, Dario Leskur, Josipa Bukic, Darko Modun, Marino Vilovic, Josip Vrdoljak, Dinko Martinovic, Marko Grahovac and Josko Bozic
Microorganisms 2024, 12(5), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12050842 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the top threats healthcare is bound to face in the future. There have been various attempts to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, develop new and efficient antimicrobials, manage infections with multi-drug resistant strains, and improve [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the top threats healthcare is bound to face in the future. There have been various attempts to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, develop new and efficient antimicrobials, manage infections with multi-drug resistant strains, and improve patient outcomes, resulting in a growing mass of routinely available data, including electronic health records and microbiological information that can be employed to develop individualised antimicrobial stewardship. Machine learning methods have been developed to predict antimicrobial resistance from whole-genome sequencing data, forecast medication susceptibility, recognise epidemic patterns for surveillance purposes, or propose new antibacterial treatments and accelerate scientific discovery. Unfortunately, there is an evident gap between the number of machine learning applications in science and the effective implementation of these systems. This narrative review highlights some of the outstanding opportunities that machine learning offers when applied in research related to antimicrobial resistance. In the future, machine learning tools may prove to be superbugs’ kryptonite. This review aims to provide an overview of available publications to aid researchers that are looking to expand their work with new approaches and to acquaint them with the current application of machine learning techniques in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Review Papers in Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance 2024)
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13 pages, 3335 KiB  
Article
FPGA-Based Implementation of a Digital Insulin-Glucose Regulator for Type 2 Diabetic Patients
by Guido Di Patrizio Stanchieri, Andrea De Marcellis, Marco Faccio, Elia Palange, Mario Di Ferdinando, Stefano Di Gennaro and Pierdomenico Pepe
Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091607 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper reports on the hardware implementation of a digital insulin-glucose regulator for type 2 diabetic patients by using a Field Programmable Gate Array board. For a real time-control of the patient insulin concentration, the insulin-regulator needs to measure only his blood glucose [...] Read more.
This paper reports on the hardware implementation of a digital insulin-glucose regulator for type 2 diabetic patients by using a Field Programmable Gate Array board. For a real time-control of the patient insulin concentration, the insulin-regulator needs to measure only his blood glucose concentration. With respect to other reported solutions using general-purpose programmable hardware’s, the proposed insulin-glucose regulator allows to design a software-free, fully-hardware architecture of the system here described in detail. A prototype has been developed so to validate its functionality in the following two operating modes: (i) in the open loop condition for which only the insulin-glucose regulator is operating; (ii) in the closed loop condition for which the insulin-glucose regulator acting as an artificial pancreas is connected to a population of one hundred virtual patients individuated by employing a comprehensive theoretical model recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the pre-clinical validation of glucose control strategies. These virtual patients present the same trend of the variation of the glucose concentration achieving different maximum and minimum values of glucose concentrations when eating a meal. The paper presents and discusses the experimental results by comparing them with those ones obtained by implementing the theoretical model through numerical simulations performed in SIMULINK. Relative errors lower than ±1% have been achieved by performing this comparison so demonstrating a very high accuracy of the proposed insulin-glucose regulator digital system. The implemented hardware solution of the digital controller can process the input data related to the glucose concentration of each virtual patient in about 1.1 μs with an estimated power consumption of about 36 mW. These achievements open the way for further investigations on digital architectures for glucose regulators to be integrated in VLSI as System-on-Chips and/or Lab-on-Chips for portable, wearable, and implantable solutions in real biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Electronic Technologies for Biomedical Applications)
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19 pages, 5692 KiB  
Article
Fostering Design for Sustainability through the Adoption of Computer-Aided Engineering Tools in the Development of Energy-Related Products
by Claudio Favi, Daniele Landi, Rinaldo Garziera and Marta Rossi
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3516; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093516 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The main challenge to face in the development of energy-related products is represented by the adoption of effective design for sustainability strategies that encompasses the adoption of engineering design tools, knowledge collection, and reuse/sharing in technical departments. This present paper proposes an engineering [...] Read more.
The main challenge to face in the development of energy-related products is represented by the adoption of effective design for sustainability strategies that encompasses the adoption of engineering design tools, knowledge collection, and reuse/sharing in technical departments. This present paper proposes an engineering design for sustainability methodology that assists engineers in developing energy-related products in compliance with ecodesign standards. The methodology uses virtual prototyping tools to assess energy consumption in compliance with energy labeling directives and analyze different use scenarios. The results obtained by numerical simulations (e.g., Finite Element Method—FEM, Computational Fluid Dynamics—CFD) are used to create specific design eco-knowledge in the field of energy-related products. Numerical results are linked with design configurations to understand the benefits introduced by engineering design choices. This knowledge is stored in a structured database with the aim of being reused when a new product is developed or improved/upgraded. The case study of an induction hob, belonging to the household appliance product family, is investigated to understand the potential and drawbacks of the presented approach in a real application. The results show that potential energy and environmental performance benefits are achieved (e.g., reduction of energy losses, achievement of A+ energy class, and overall life cycle environmental impact reduction). Additionally, a new set of ecodesign guidelines are defined for this product family and employed in developing new compliant products belonging to the same family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Engineering and Science)
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21 pages, 7214 KiB  
Article
Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperones and Mutant Protein Degradation in GABRG2(Q390X) Associated with Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus and Dravet Syndrome
by Sarah Poliquin, Gerald Nwosu, Karishma Randhave, Wangzhen Shen, Carson Flamm and Jing-Qiong Kang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094601 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
A significant number of patients with genetic epilepsy do not obtain seizure freedom, despite developments in new antiseizure drugs, suggesting a need for novel therapeutic approaches. Many genetic epilepsies are associated with misfolded mutant proteins, including GABRG2(Q390X)-associated Dravet syndrome, which we have [...] Read more.
A significant number of patients with genetic epilepsy do not obtain seizure freedom, despite developments in new antiseizure drugs, suggesting a need for novel therapeutic approaches. Many genetic epilepsies are associated with misfolded mutant proteins, including GABRG2(Q390X)-associated Dravet syndrome, which we have previously shown to result in intracellular accumulation of mutant GABAA receptor γ2(Q390X) subunit protein. Thus, a potentially promising therapeutic approach is modulation of proteostasis, such as increasing endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD). To that end, we have here identified an ERAD-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase, HRD1, among other ubiquitin ligases, as a strong modulator of wildtype and mutant γ2 subunit expression. Overexpressing HRD1 or knockdown of HRD1 dose-dependently reduced the γ2(Q390X) subunit. Additionally, we show that zonisamide (ZNS)—an antiseizure drug reported to upregulate HRD1—reduces seizures in the Gabrg2+/Q390X mouse. We propose that a possible mechanism for this effect is a partial rescue of surface trafficking of GABAA receptors, which are otherwise sequestered in the ER due to the dominant-negative effect of the γ2(Q390X) subunit. Furthermore, this partial rescue was not due to changes in ER chaperones BiP and calnexin, as total expression of these chaperones was unchanged in γ2(Q390X) models. Our results here suggest that leveraging the endogenous ERAD pathway may present a potential method to degrade neurotoxic mutant proteins like the γ2(Q390X) subunit. We also demonstrate a pharmacological means of regulating proteostasis, as ZNS alters protein trafficking, providing further support for the use of proteostasis regulators for the treatment of genetic epilepsies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epilepsy: From Molecular Basis to Therapy)
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15 pages, 2811 KiB  
Article
Research on Surface Defect Detection of Strip Steel Based on Improved YOLOv7
by Baozhan Lv, Beiyang Duan, Yeming Zhang, Shuping Li, Feng Wei, Sanpeng Gong, Qiji Ma and Maolin Cai
Sensors 2024, 24(9), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24092667 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Surface defect detection of strip steel is an important guarantee for improving the production quality of strip steel. However, due to the diverse types, scales, and texture structures of surface defects on strip steel, as well as the irregular distribution of defects, it [...] Read more.
Surface defect detection of strip steel is an important guarantee for improving the production quality of strip steel. However, due to the diverse types, scales, and texture structures of surface defects on strip steel, as well as the irregular distribution of defects, it is difficult to achieve rapid and accurate detection of strip steel surface defects with existing methods. This article proposes a real-time and high-precision surface defect detection algorithm for strip steel based on YOLOv7. Firstly, Partial Conv is used to replace the conventional convolution blocks of the backbone network to reduce the size of the network model and improve the speed of detection; Secondly, The CA attention mechanism module is added to the ELAN module to enhance the ability of the network to extract detect features and improve the effectiveness of detect detection in complex environments; Finally, The SPD convolution module is introduced at the output end to improve the detection performance of small targets with surface defects on steel. The experimental results on the NEU-DET dataset indicate that the mean average accuracy (mAP@IoU = 0.5) is 80.4%, which is 4.0% higher than the baseline network. The number of parameters is reduced by 8.9%, and the computational load is reduced by 21.9% (GFLOPs). The detection speed reaches 90.9 FPS, which can well meet the requirements of real-time detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sensors and Robotics)
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16 pages, 28169 KiB  
Article
CO2 Emission Compensation by Tree Species in Some Urban Green Areas
by Marco Fornaciari, Desirée Muscas, Federico Rossi, Mirko Filipponi, Beatrice Castellani, Alessia Di Giuseppe, Chiara Proietti, Luigia Ruga and Fabio Orlandi
Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093515 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Mitigating the negative impacts of climate change in urban areas has recently become essential to improving citizens’ living conditions. Trees are one of the most effective ways to attenuate the Heat Island phenomenon in cities, and numerous projects have been carried out to [...] Read more.
Mitigating the negative impacts of climate change in urban areas has recently become essential to improving citizens’ living conditions. Trees are one of the most effective ways to attenuate the Heat Island phenomenon in cities, and numerous projects have been carried out to calculate tree ecosystem services (ES) provisioning. Among these, the Clivut European project (LIFE 18 GIC/IT/001217) developed a web app to allow citizens and the public administration to quantify the ES provided by the most common tree species. The present study aims to consider a new model to calculate the tree evapotranspiration cooling effect in the urban environment in terms of CO2-compensated emissions. The model directly converts the surface temperature change produced by tree evapotranspiration into the corresponding CO2 offset in four urban parks in two Italian cities (Bologna and Perugia). The considered parks stored 1100 t of CO2 at the time of the study, while the CO2 compensated is 860 t, showing the significance of this interpretation. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that the presented model will allow a better estimation of the potential trees’ climate change compensation and also add further functionality to the web app. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Planning: Biodiversity, Greening, and Forestry)
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21 pages, 3769 KiB  
Article
A Machine Learning Model to Predict the Seismic Lifecycle Behavior of a Cross-Sea Cable-Stayed Bridge
by Ping Lu, Zichuan Liu and Tianlong Zhang
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1190; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051190 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cross-sea cable-stayed bridges encounter challenges associated with cable corrosion and cable-force relaxation during their service life, which significantly affects their structural performance and seismic response. This study focuses on a cross-sea cable-stayed bridge located in Hainan Province. Utilizing an LSTM deep learning model, [...] Read more.
Cross-sea cable-stayed bridges encounter challenges associated with cable corrosion and cable-force relaxation during their service life, which significantly affects their structural performance and seismic response. This study focuses on a cross-sea cable-stayed bridge located in Hainan Province. Utilizing an LSTM deep learning model, this study aims to fill in the gaps in short-term cable-monitoring data from the past year using the available cable-force-monitoring data from the same period. The authors of this study interpolated the cable-force data in the absence of sensors and employed a SARIMA machine learning time-series-prediction model to predict the future trends of all cable forces. A finite-element model was constructed, and a dynamic time-history analysis of the seismic response of the cross-sea cable-stayed bridge was conducted, considering the influence of cable-force relaxation and cable corrosion in the future. The findings indicate that the LSTM-SARIMA model predicted an average decrease of 11.81% in the cable force of the cable-stayed bridge after 20 years. During the lifecycle of the cables, cable corrosion exerts a significant impact on the variation in cable stress within the bridge structure during earthquakes, while cable-force relaxation has a more pronounced effect on the vertical displacement of the main beam of the bridge structure during seismic events. Compared to when using the traditional model that only considers cable corrosion, the maximum negative vertical displacement of the main beam increases by 29.7% when using the proposed model if the earthquake intensity is 0.35 g after 20 years, which indicates that the proposed machine learning model can exactly determine the seismic behavior of the lifecycle cross-sea cable-stayed bridge, considering the impacts of both cable-force relaxation and cable corrosion. Full article
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10 pages, 831 KiB  
Article
Who Still Gets Ligated? Reasons for Persistence of Surgical Ligation of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus Following Availability of Transcatheter Device Occlusion for Premature Neonates
by Julia K. Hoffmann, Zahra Khazal, Wievineke Apers, Puneet Sharma, Constance G. Weismann, Kira Kaganov, Craig R. Wheeler, Michael Farias, Diego Porras, Philip Levy and Sarah U. Morton
J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2024, 11(5), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11050132 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
(1) Background: To identify reasons for the persistence of surgical ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants after the 2019 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of transcatheter device closure; (2) Methods: We performed a 10-year (2014–2023) single-institution retrospective study [...] Read more.
(1) Background: To identify reasons for the persistence of surgical ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants after the 2019 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of transcatheter device closure; (2) Methods: We performed a 10-year (2014–2023) single-institution retrospective study of premature infants (<37 weeks) and compared clinical characteristics and neonatal morbidities between neonates that underwent surgical ligation before (epoch 1) and after (epoch 2) FDA approval of transcatheter closure; (3) Results: We identified 120 premature infants that underwent surgical ligation (n = 94 before, n = 26 after FDA approval). Unfavorable PDA morphology, active infection, and recent abdominal pathology were the most common reasons for surgical ligation over device occlusion in epoch 2. There were no differences in demographics, age at closure, or outcomes between infants who received surgical ligation in the two epochs; (4) Conclusions: Despite increasing trends for transcatheter PDA closure in premature infants, surgical ligation persists due to unfavorable ductal morphology, active infection, or abdominal pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Babies)
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14 pages, 28960 KiB  
Article
HOPS/TMUB1 Enhances Apoptosis in TP53 Mutation-Independent Setting in Human Cancers
by Nicola Di-Iacovo, Simona Ferracchiato, Stefania Pieroni, Damiano Scopetti, Marilena Castelli, Danilo Piobbico, Luca Pierucci, Marco Gargaro, Davide Chiasserini, Giuseppe Servillo and Maria Agnese Della-Fazia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4600; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094600 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
TP53 mutations are prevalent in various cancers, yet the complexity of apoptotic pathway deregulation suggests the involvement of additional factors. HOPS/TMUB1 is known to extend the half-life of p53 under normal and stress conditions, implying a regulatory function. This study investigates, for the [...] Read more.
TP53 mutations are prevalent in various cancers, yet the complexity of apoptotic pathway deregulation suggests the involvement of additional factors. HOPS/TMUB1 is known to extend the half-life of p53 under normal and stress conditions, implying a regulatory function. This study investigates, for the first time, the potential modulatory role of the ubiquitin-like-protein HOPS/TMUB1 in p53-mutants. A comprehensive analysis of apoptosis in the most frequent p53-mutants, R175, R248, and R273, in SKBR3, MIA PaCa2, and H1975 cells indicates that the overexpression of HOPS induces apoptosis at least equivalent to that caused by DNA damage. Immunoprecipitation assays confirm HOPS binding to p53-mutant forms. The interaction of HOPS/TMUB1 with p53-mutants strengthens its effect on the apoptotic cascade, showing a context-dependent gain or loss of function. Gene expression analysis of the MYC and TP63 genes shows that H1975 exhibit a gain-of-function profile, while SKBR3 promote apoptosis in a TP63-dependent manner. The TCGA data further corroborate HOPS/TMUB1’s positive correlation with apoptotic genes BAX, BBC3, and NOXA1, underscoring its relevance in patient samples. Notably, singular TP53 mutations inadequately explain pathway dysregulation, emphasizing the need to explore additional contributing factors. These findings illuminate the intricate interplay among TP53 mutations, HOPS/TMUB1, and apoptotic pathways, providing valuable insights for targeted cancer interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Therapeutic Targets in Cancers 2.0)
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18 pages, 15710 KiB  
Article
Unveiling Fall Triggers in Older Adults: A Machine Learning Graphical Model Analysis
by Tho Nguyen, Ladda Thiamwong, Qian Lou and Rui Xie
Mathematics 2024, 12(9), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/math12091271 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
While existing research has identified diverse fall risk factors in adults aged 60 and older across various areas, comprehensively examining the interrelationships between all factors can enhance our knowledge of complex mechanisms and ultimately prevent falls. This study employs a novel approach—a mixed [...] Read more.
While existing research has identified diverse fall risk factors in adults aged 60 and older across various areas, comprehensively examining the interrelationships between all factors can enhance our knowledge of complex mechanisms and ultimately prevent falls. This study employs a novel approach—a mixed undirected graphical model (MUGM)—to unravel the interplay between sociodemographics, mental well-being, body composition, self-assessed and performance-based fall risk assessments, and physical activity patterns. Using a parameterized joint probability density, MUGMs specify the higher-order dependence structure and reveals the underlying graphical structure of heterogeneous variables. The MUGM consisting of mixed types of variables (continuous and categorical) has versatile applications that provide innovative and practical insights, as it is equipped to transcend the limitations of traditional correlation analysis and uncover sophisticated interactions within a high-dimensional data set. Our study included 120 elders from central Florida whose 37 fall risk factors were analyzed using an MUGM. Among the identified features, 34 exhibited pairwise relationships, while COVID-19-related factors and housing composition remained conditionally independent from all others. The results from our study serve as a foundational exploration, and future research investigating the longitudinal aspects of these features plays a pivotal role in enhancing our knowledge of the dynamics contributing to fall prevention in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Intelligence in Addressing Data Heterogeneity)
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16 pages, 5508 KiB  
Article
Sugarcane Water Productivity for Bioethanol, Sugar and Biomass under Deficit Irrigation
by Fernando da Silva Barbosa, Rubens Duarte Coelho, Timóteo Herculino da Silva Barros, Jonathan Vásquez Lizcano, Eusímio Felisbino Fraga Júnior, Lucas da Costa Santos, Daniel Philipe Veloso Leal, Nathália Lopes Ribeiro and Jéfferson de Oliveira Costa
AgriEngineering 2024, 6(2), 1117-1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020064 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Knowledge of how certain crops respond to water stress is one of the prerequisites for choosing the best variety and best management practices to maximize crop water productivity (WPc). The selection of a more efficient protocol for managing irrigation depths throughout [...] Read more.
Knowledge of how certain crops respond to water stress is one of the prerequisites for choosing the best variety and best management practices to maximize crop water productivity (WPc). The selection of a more efficient protocol for managing irrigation depths throughout the cultivation cycle and in the maturation process at the end of the growth period for each sugarcane variety can maximize bioethanol productivity and WPc for bioethanol, sugar and biomass, in addition to the total energy captured by the sugarcane canopy in the form of dry biomass. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four irrigation depths and four water deficit intensities on the maturation phase for eight sugarcane varieties under drip irrigation, analyzing the responses related to WPc for bioethanol, sugar and biomass. These experiments were conducted at the University of São Paulo. The plots were positioned in three randomized blocks, and the treatments were distributed in a factorial scheme (4 × 8 × 4). The treatments involved eight commercial varieties of sugarcane and included four water replacement levels and four water deficits of increasing intensity in the final phase of the crop season. It was found that for each variety of sugarcane, there was an optimal combination of irrigation management strategies throughout the cycle and during the maturation process. The RB966928 variety resulted in the best industrial bioethanol yield (68.7 L·Mg−1), WPc for bioethanol (0.97 L·m−3) and WPc for sugar (1.71 kg·m−3). The energy of the aerial parts partitioned as sugar had a direct positive correlation with the availability of water in the soil for all varieties. The RB931011 variety showed the greatest potential for converting water into shoots with an energy of 1.58 GJ·ha−1·mm−1, while the NCo376 variety had the lowest potential at 1.32 GJ·ha−1·mm−1. The productivity of first-generation bioethanol had the highest values per unit of planted area for the greatest water volumes applied and transpired by each variety; this justifies keeping soil moisture at field capacity until harvesting time only for WR100 water replacement level with a maximum ethanol potential of 13.27 m3·ha−1. Full article
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21 pages, 4010 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Profile of SWEETs Gene Family in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)
by Linjing Zhong, Shuya Xu, Chenchen Song, Ning Zhao, Zhiqi Yang, Yanxiang Liu, Xiaoyue Cui, Jianxia Zhang, Zhi Li, Xiping Wang and Min Gao
Horticulturae 2024, 10(5), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10050428 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
SWEET (Sugars Will Eventually Be Exported Transporter) proteins, identified recently as a novel class of sugar transporters, play pivotal roles in the transport and distribution of photosynthetic products in plants. They are integral to physiological processes such as response to biotic and abiotic [...] Read more.
SWEET (Sugars Will Eventually Be Exported Transporter) proteins, identified recently as a novel class of sugar transporters, play pivotal roles in the transport and distribution of photosynthetic products in plants. They are integral to physiological processes such as response to biotic and abiotic stress, growth and development, and fruit quality formation. In this study, leveraging the latest grapevine genomic data, we identified 18 members of the grapevine SWEET family and named them based on their homologs in Arabidopsis. We conducted a detailed analysis of these protein-encoding genes, focusing on their structure, conserved domains, and phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the grapevine SWEET family members could be categorized into four clades, with the majority of members displaying relatively conserved gene structures and motifs. Chromosomal localization and homology analysis indicated an uneven distribution of VvSWEETs across 11 chromosomes, with evidence of two segmental duplication events during evolution. Furthermore, we investigated the transcription levels of SWEET genes across different tissues, organs, and developmental stages of fruit, as well as their response patterns under abiotic stress (drought, cold, and salt stress) and biotic stress (Botrytis cinerea infection). Expression profiling demonstrated strong tissue-specificity and temporal-spatial specificity of VvSWEETs, correlated with their respective clades. It is noteworthy that the expression levels of most members within Clade 1 of the VvSWEET gene family, especially VvSWEET1, were markedly upregulated in response to a broad range of stress conditions. Our results provide a comprehensive bioinformatic characterization and analysis of the grapevine SWEET gene family, unveiling the potential functions of grapevine SWEET genes and offering a vital reference for further functional studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics, Genomics, Breeding, and Biotechnology (G2B2))
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21 pages, 10954 KiB  
Article
An Efficient Image Cryptosystem Utilizing Difference Matrix and Genetic Algorithm
by Honglian Shen and Xiuling Shan
Entropy 2024, 26(5), 351; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26050351 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Aiming at addressing the security and efficiency challenges during image transmission, an efficient image cryptosystem utilizing difference matrix and genetic algorithm is proposed in this paper. A difference matrix is a typical combinatorial structure that exhibits properties of discretization and approximate uniformity. It [...] Read more.
Aiming at addressing the security and efficiency challenges during image transmission, an efficient image cryptosystem utilizing difference matrix and genetic algorithm is proposed in this paper. A difference matrix is a typical combinatorial structure that exhibits properties of discretization and approximate uniformity. It can serve as a pseudo-random sequence, offering various scrambling techniques while occupying a small storage space. The genetic algorithm generates multiple ciphertext images with strong randomness through local crossover and mutation operations, then obtains high-quality ciphertext images through multiple iterations using the optimal preservation strategy. The whole encryption process is divided into three stages: first, the difference matrix is generated; second, it is utilized for initial encryption to ensure that the resulting ciphertext image has relatively good initial randomness; finally, multiple rounds of local genetic operations are used to optimize the output. The proposed cryptosystem is demonstrated to be effective and robust through simulation experiments and statistical analyses, highlighting its superiority over other existing algorithms. Full article
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17 pages, 3875 KiB  
Article
Construction Safety Risk Assessment of High-Pile Wharf: A Case Study in China
by Ziwen Wang and Yuan Yuan
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051189 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The complexity of the wharf components and the harshness of the offshore construction environment increase the safety risk of hazards, which has highlighted the importance and urgency of safety risk management in high-pile wharf constructions. This paper established a visualized digital construction safety [...] Read more.
The complexity of the wharf components and the harshness of the offshore construction environment increase the safety risk of hazards, which has highlighted the importance and urgency of safety risk management in high-pile wharf constructions. This paper established a visualized digital construction safety risk model for high-pile wharf based on a so-called FAHP method (the combination of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methods). The construction safety risk indicators were constructed as the target layer, the principle layer and the scheme layer, and then the corresponding safety risk assessment algorithm was established. The physical, functional and safety risk assessment parameters of the component in the BIM model were employed to the safety risk assessment algorithm, and the risk assessment level of each sub-process was subsequently classified. The case study indicated that the high-pile wharf construction project included five elements in principle layer and 15 risk indicators in the scheme layer. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the sub-processes with the highest construction risk level were steel pipe pile sinking in wharf construction and steel pipe pile, steel sheath-immersed pile sinking and embedded rock pile construction in approaches to bridge construction with a risk level of III. In this way, the quantitative visualization of the construction safety risk was effectively realized, which facilitates the safety risk management of construction sites and timely warning and response to unexpected safety accidents. Full article
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10 pages, 3456 KiB  
Brief Report
Photovoice in Aggression Management Training for Medical and Nursing Students—A Pilot Study
by Jakub Lickiewicz, Laura S. Lorenz and Bettina Kolb
Healthcare 2024, 12(9), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12090873 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Aggression towards medical staff in the healthcare workplace is a common global concern. Measures to mitigate consequences of patient aggression include training through Aggression Management Programs (AMPs), which have been shown to increase students’ self-efficacy and self-confidence. To encourage better engagement with a [...] Read more.
Aggression towards medical staff in the healthcare workplace is a common global concern. Measures to mitigate consequences of patient aggression include training through Aggression Management Programs (AMPs), which have been shown to increase students’ self-efficacy and self-confidence. To encourage better engagement with a 30 h required AMP training, the study piloted an adapted photovoice activity with 58 students of medicine and nursing. Each student took one to three photos depicting their perceptions, feelings, and experiences of patient aggression in the workplace and discussed them in a course session. Their photos showed types of aggression in psychiatric settings, and their consequences for patients and students. Photo strategies included showing ‘actors’ or toy figures in aggressive encounters; tools to control aggression in psychiatric settings (e.g., mechanical restraints and syringes); and symbolic photos showing violence to the heart (emotional impact). Adding photovoice elements to the established AMP training appeared to contribute to student reflection on their individual perspectives on patient aggression in the workplace and help students to link their subjective experiences and theoretical learning. In future, incorporating pre-test and post-test questionnaires measuring empathy, attitudes, or critical thinking could help to decipher any changes in AMP effectiveness due to the use of a self-directed photovoice activity. Full article
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19 pages, 746 KiB  
Article
Impact Analysis of Time Synchronization Error in Airborne Target Tracking Using a Heterogeneous Sensor Network
by Seokwon Lee, Zongjian Yuan, Ivan Petrunin and Hyosang Shin
Drones 2024, 8(5), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8050167 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates the influence of time synchronization on sensor fusion and target tracking. As a benchmark, we design a target tracking system based on track-to-track fusion architecture. Heterogeneous sensors detect targets and transmit measurements through a communication network, while local tracking and [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the influence of time synchronization on sensor fusion and target tracking. As a benchmark, we design a target tracking system based on track-to-track fusion architecture. Heterogeneous sensors detect targets and transmit measurements through a communication network, while local tracking and track fusion are performed in the fusion center to integrate measurements from these sensors into a fused track. The time synchronization error is mathematically modeled, and local time is biased from the reference clock during the holdover phase. The influence of the time synchronization error on target tracking system components such as local association, filtering, and track fusion is discussed. The results demonstrate that an increase in the time synchronization error leads to deteriorating association and filtering performance. In addition, the results of the simulation study validate the impact of the time synchronization error on the sensor network. Full article
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13 pages, 7325 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Structure Analysis of Chitin Obtained from Different Developmental Stages of the Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori)
by Eryk Jędrzejczak, Patrycja Frąckowiak, Teresa Sibillano, Erica Brendler, Cinzia Giannini, Teofil Jesionowski and Marcin Wysokowski
Molecules 2024, 29(9), 1914; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091914 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Chitin, a ubiquitous biopolymer, holds paramount scientific and economic significance. Historically, it has been primarily isolated from marine crustaceans. However, the surge in demand for chitin and the burgeoning interest in biopolymers have necessitated the exploration of alternative sources. Among these methods, the [...] Read more.
Chitin, a ubiquitous biopolymer, holds paramount scientific and economic significance. Historically, it has been primarily isolated from marine crustaceans. However, the surge in demand for chitin and the burgeoning interest in biopolymers have necessitated the exploration of alternative sources. Among these methods, the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori) has emerged as a particularly intriguing prospect. To isolate chitin from Bombyx mori, a chemical extraction methodology was employed. This process involved a series of meticulously orchestrated steps, including Folch extraction, demineralization, deproteinization, and decolorization. The resultant chitin was subjected to comprehensive analysis utilizing techniques such as attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The obtained results allow us to conclude that the Bombyx mori represents an attractive alternative source of α-chitin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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17 pages, 7608 KiB  
Article
The Properties of Magnesium Silicate Hydrate Prepared from the Magnesium Silicate Minerals in the Earth’s Crust
by Qiang Song, Qian He, Jiao Nie, Tiantian Song, Hong Zhou, Yaru Hu, Yanxin Chen, Yang Deng and Fuan Cheng
Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051188 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
In order to explore a wider range and lower cost of raw materials for the preparation of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H), an acid-leaching method was employed to extract and separate high-purity magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) with a purity higher than 97% and [...] Read more.
In order to explore a wider range and lower cost of raw materials for the preparation of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H), an acid-leaching method was employed to extract and separate high-purity magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) with a purity higher than 97% and amorphous silica with a purity higher than 90% from four types of natural silicate minerals (serpentine, peridotite, zeolite, and montmorillonite). These two intermediate products, which are amorphous silica and magnesium hydroxide, were used to prepare M-S-H, and the influence of curing at two temperatures, 50 °C and 80 °C, on the properties of M-S-H was investigated. The results showed that with the increase in curing temperature, the bound water content, tetrahedral polymerization degree, and Mg(OH)2 content increased. There was a good correlation between the increase in strength and the bound water content of M-S-H. This work provides a possible technological route for expanding the raw materials for preparing magnesium silicate hydrate cementitious materials and utilizing the abundant magnesium silicate minerals in the Earth’s crust. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation)
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56 pages, 2569 KiB  
Article
Efficient Multistep Algorithms for First-Order IVPs with Oscillating Solutions: II Implicit and Predictor–Corrector Algorithms
by Theodore E. Simos
Symmetry 2024, 16(5), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16050508 (registering DOI) - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
This research introduces a fresh methodology for creating efficient numerical algorithms to solve first-order Initial Value Problems (IVPs). The study delves into the theoretical foundations of these methods and demonstrates their application to the Adams–Moulton technique in a five-step process. We focus on [...] Read more.
This research introduces a fresh methodology for creating efficient numerical algorithms to solve first-order Initial Value Problems (IVPs). The study delves into the theoretical foundations of these methods and demonstrates their application to the Adams–Moulton technique in a five-step process. We focus on developing amplification-fitted algorithms with minimal phase-lagor phase-lag equal to zero (phase-fitted). The request of amplification-fitted (zero dissipation) is to ensure behavior like symmetric multistep methods (symmetric multistep methods are methods with zero dissipation). Additionally, the stability of the innovative algorithms is examined. Comparisons between our new algorithm and traditional methods reveal its superior performance. Numerical tests corroborate that our approach is considerably more effective than standard methods for solving IVPs, especially those with oscillatory solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mathematics)
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