bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuron-Schwann cell interactions in peripheral nervous system homeostasis, disease, and preclinical treatment
Authors: Oliveira Julia Teixeira , Yanick Christopher , Wein Nicolas , Gomez Limia Cintia Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

Schwann cells (SCs) have a critical role in the peripheral nervous system. These cells are able to support axons during homeostasis and after injury. However, mutations in genes associated with the SCs repair program or myelination result in dysfunctional SCs. Several neuropathies such as Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease, diabetic neuropathy and Guillain–Barré syndrome show abnormal SC functions and an impaired regeneration process. Thus, understanding SCs-axon interaction and the nerve environment in the context of homeostasis as well as post-injury and disease onset is necessary. Several neurotrophic factors, cytokines, and regulators of signaling pathways associated with proliferation, survival and regeneration are involved in this process. Preclinical studies have focused on the discovery of therapeutic targets for peripheral neuropathies and injuries. To study the effect of new therapeutic targets, modeling neuropathies and peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) in vitro and in vivo are useful tools. Furthermore, several in vitro protocols have been designed using SCs and neuron cell lines to evaluate these targets in the regeneration process. SCs lines have been used to generate effective myelinating SCs without success. Alternative options have been investigated using direct conversion from somatic cells to SCs or SCs derived from pluripotent stem cells to generate functional SCs. This review will go over the advantages of these systems and the problems associated with them. In addition, there have been challenges in establishing adequate and reproducible protocols in vitro to recapitulate repair SC-neuron interactions observed in vivo. So, we also discuss the mechanisms of repair SCs-axon interactions in the context of peripheral neuropathies and nerve injury (PNI) in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we summarize current preclinical studies evaluating transgenes, drug, and novel compounds with translational potential into clinical studies.
Characteristics and evaluation of atherosclerotic plaques: an overview of state-of-the-art techniques
Authors: He Zhiwei , Luo Jiaying , Lv Mengna , Li Qingwen , Ke Wei , Niu Xuan , Zhang Zhaohui
Published: October 2023

Atherosclerosis is an important cause of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipid infiltration, inflammation, and altered vascular stress are the critical mechanisms that cause atherosclerotic plaque formation. The hallmarks of the progression of atherosclerosis include plaque ulceration, rupture, neovascularization, and intraplaque hemorrhage, all of which are closely associated with the occurrence of CVD. Assessing the severity of atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability is crucial for the prevention and treatment of CVD. Integrating imaging techniques for evaluating the characteristics of atherosclerotic plaques with computer simulations yields insights into plaque inflammation levels, spatial morphology, and intravascular stress distribution, resulting in a more realistic and accurate estimation of plaque state. Here, we review the characteristics and advancing techniques used to analyze intracranial and extracranial atherosclerotic plaques to provide a comprehensive understanding of atheroma.
Assessing the efficacy of perilymphatic fistula repair surgery in alleviating vestibular symptoms and associated auditory impairments
Authors: Matsuda Han , Hornibrook Jeremy , Ikezono Tetsuo
Published: October 2023

Perilymph Fistula (PLF), abnormal communication between the fluid-filled space of the inner ear and the air-filled space of the middle ear, is a significant cause of vestibular and auditory symptoms. This is a retrospective study of 22 cases treated with PLF repair surgery, selected based on our surgical indication. We analyzed the characteristics of these 22 cases and evaluated the efficacy of PLF repair surgery in treating vestibular and auditory symptoms. Cases with antecedent events had significantly shorter intervals before surgery. The postoperative recovery from vestibular symptoms following PLF repair surgery was strikingly rapid, with 82% of cases demonstrating marked improvement within a week, even in chronic cases. Despite the notable absence of a control group in the study, the marked improvements in vestibular symptoms and substantial reductions in Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores suggest that the observed benefits are attributable to the surgical intervention. Further, timely surgery showed improvements in hearing, with some benefits also seen in late-stage surgeries. Using the perilymph-specific protein Cochlin-tomoprotein (CTP) as a diagnostic biomarker, we could prove that PLF could be responsible for disequilibrium and related auditory disturbances in these patients. A new hypothesis is proposed that the chronic disequilibrium experienced by many PLF patients is due to enhanced mobility of the utricle and not to endolymphatic hydrops. Further research is needed to fully elucidate PLF’s symptoms and treatment efficacy using the surgical indication we developed.
Altered functional activity of the precuneus and superior temporal gyrus in patients with residual dizziness caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Lin Cunxin , Liu Dan , Liu Yueji , Chen Zhengwei , Wei Xiue , Liu Haiyan , Wang Kai , Liu Tengfei , Xiao Lijie , Rong Liangqun
Published: October 2023

Objective

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common clinical vertigo disease, and the most effective treatment for this disease is canal repositioning procedures (CRP). Most patients return to normal after a single treatment. However, some patients still experience residual dizziness (RD) after treatment, and this disease’s pathogenesis is currently unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore whether there are abnormal brain functional activities in patients with RD by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and to provide imaging evidence for the study of the pathogenesis of RD.

Materials and methods

The BPPV patients in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University had been included from December 2021 to November 2022. All patients had been received the collection of demographic and clinical characteristics (age, gender, involved semicircular canal, affected side, CRP times, BPPV course, duration of RD symptoms, and whether they had hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease.), scale assessment, including Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Hamilton Anxiety Inventory (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Inventory (HAMD), rs-fMRI data collection, CRP treatment, and then a one-month follow-up. According to the follow-up results, 18 patients with RD were included. At the same time, we selected 19 healthy individuals from our hospital’s physical examination center who matched their age, gender as health controls (HC). First, the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) analysis method was used to compare the local functional activities of the two groups of subjects. Then, the brain regions with different ALFF results were extracted as seed points. Functional connectivity (FC) analysis method based on seed points was used to explore the whole brain FC of patients with RD. Finally, a correlation analysis between clinical features and rs-fMRI data was performed.

Results

Compared to the HC, patients with RD showed lower ALFF value in the right precuneus and higher ALFF value in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG). When using the right STG as a seed point, it was found that the FC between the right STG, the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG), and the left precuneus was decreased in RD patients. However, no significant abnormalities in the FC were observed when using the right precuneus as a seed point.

Conclusion

In patients with RD, the local functional activity of the right precuneus is weakened, and the local functional activity of the right STG is enhanced. Furthermore, the FC between the right STG, the right SMG, and the left precuneus is weakened. These changes may explain the symptoms of dizziness, floating sensation, walking instability, neck tightness, and other symptoms in patients with RD to a certain extent.
Oculomotor feature discrimination is cortically mediated
Authors: Kehoe Devin H. , Fallah Mazyar
Published: October 2023

Eye movements are often directed toward stimuli with specific features. Decades of neurophysiological research has determined that this behavior is subserved by a feature-reweighting of the neural activation encoding potential eye movements. Despite the considerable body of research examining feature-based target selection, no comprehensive theoretical account of the feature-reweighting mechanism has yet been proposed. Given that such a theory is fundamental to our understanding of the nature of oculomotor processing, we propose an oculomotor feature-reweighting mechanism here. We first summarize the considerable anatomical and functional evidence suggesting that oculomotor substrates that encode potential eye movements rely on the visual cortices for feature information. Next, we highlight the results from our recent behavioral experiments demonstrating that feature information manifests in the oculomotor system in order of featural complexity, regardless of whether the feature information is task-relevant. Based on the available evidence, we propose an oculomotor feature-reweighting mechanism whereby (1) visual information is projected into the oculomotor system only after a visual representation manifests in the highest stage of the cortical visual processing hierarchy necessary to represent the relevant features and (2) these dynamically recruited cortical module(s) then perform feature discrimination via shifting neural feature representations, while also maintaining parity between the feature representations in cortical and oculomotor substrates by dynamically reweighting oculomotor vectors. Finally, we discuss how our behavioral experiments may extend to other areas in vision science and its possible clinical applications.
Nutrient synergy: definition, evidence, and future directions
Authors: Townsend Jeremy R. , Kirby Trevor O. , Sapp Philip A. , Gonzalez Adam M. , Marshall Tess M. , Esposito Ralph
Published: October 2023

Nutrient synergy refers to the concept that the combined effects of two or more nutrients working together have a greater physiological impact on the body than when each nutrient is consumed individually. While nutrition science traditionally focuses on isolating single nutrients to study their effects, it is recognized that nutrients interact in complex ways, and their combined consumption can lead to additive effects. Additionally, the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) provide guidelines to prevent nutrient deficiencies and excessive intake but are not designed to assess the potential synergistic effects of consuming nutrients together. Even the term synergy is often applied in different manners depending on the scientific discipline. Considering these issues, the aim of this narrative review is to investigate the potential health benefits of consuming different nutrients and nutrient supplements in combination, a concept we define as nutrient synergy, which has gained considerable attention for its impact on overall well-being. We will examine how nutrient synergy affects major bodily systems, influencing systemic health. Additionally, we will address the challenges associated with promoting and conducting research on this topic, while proposing potential solutions to enhance the quality and quantity of scientific literature on nutrient synergy.
Invasion of the bucco-mandibular space by oral squamous cell carcinoma: histopathological analysis of invasion pattern
Authors: Kugimoto Takuma , Nishii Naoto , Oikawa Yu , Kuroshima Takeshi , Hirai Hideaki , Tomioka Hirofumi , Michi Yasuyuki , Kayamori Kou , Sakamoto Junichiro , Iwanaga Joe , Tubbs R. Shane , Ikeda Tohru , Miura Masahiko , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to determine the patterns of invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) into the bucco-mandibular space (BMS) using detailed histopathological analysis and to assess clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with OSCC who underwent segmental mandibulectomy or hemi-mandibulectomy combined with resection of the BMS between 2012 and 2021 were included. The invasions of the BMS were classified into three patterns. Pattern A was defined as a horizontal invasion, Pattern B as a vertical invasion, and Pattern C as an expansive invasion.

Results

In total, 109 patients were reviewed. Of these 109 patients, the primary tumor affected the lower gingiva in 78 patients, the buccal mucosa in 18 patients, and was a primary intraosseous carcinoma of the mandible in 13 patients. Invasion of the BMS was significantly associated with a higher pathological T stage, positive/close margins, and lower disease-free survival (DFS) rates. The DFS rates were 86.7% and 66.0% in the BMS non-invasion and invasion groups, respectively. The DFS rates for each type of invasion were 82.1% for Pattern A, 67.4% for Pattern B, and 48.0% for Pattern C (P=0.277).

Conclusion

Patients with BMS invasion have a poorer prognosis than those without invasion of the BMS. Therefore, adjuvant therapy is necessary, especially in Patterns B and C. Evaluation of preoperative BMS invasion patterns is important for predicting the prognosis of OSCC.
The relationship between emotional intelligence, anxiety, and performance in physical education and sport students
Authors: Zoghlami Wael , Hawani Aymen , Khiari Hyem , Mnedla Sofiene , Marsigliante Santo , Elloumi Ali , Muscella Antonella
Published: October 2023

Emotional intelligence (EI) has been recently the main target in research on sports psychology. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relation between self-report measures of emotional intelligence, pre-competitive anxiety, and performance among students during the physical education exam of the high school final year. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 350 students attending the physical education exam in the year 2021–2022. Analysis of the correlations between the scores of Emotional intelligence and anxiety showed that self-confidence was positively correlated with all dimensions of Emotional intelligence (Beta = 0.524; p = 0.000). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the most related items to performance were self-confidence in a positive direction (r = 0.56; p = 0.000) and negatively with somatic anxiety (r = −0, 39; p = 0.000). Considering the Emotional intelligence subscales, hetero-emotional management was significantly positively associated with performance (p = 0.000) however emotional perception was negatively correlated with performance (p = 0.003). These results demonstrate the importance of social and emotional learning programs for improving self-confidence and better management of emotions during physical education and sports.
Transformational leadership of physical education instructors and university students' satisfaction with online classes
Authors: Cruz Angelita Bautista , Kim Hyun-Duck
Published: October 2023

This study examined the relationship between the transformational leadership of PE instructors and students' satisfaction in an online PE class. In particular, it aimed to investigate whether the PE instructors' transformational leadership behaviors could predict students' satisfaction toward the class, their PE teacher, and their health and fitness. Furthermore, this study explored these relationships in male and female students. A total of 448 university students (male = 228; female = 220) between the ages of 18 and 22 participated in the study. The results revealed a positive relationship between the transformational leadership behaviors of PE instructors and students' satisfaction with online PE classes. Moreover, male and female students' satisfaction with the teaching of their PE instructor, feelings of fun and enjoyment, and perception of improved health and fitness in their online PE classes varied greatly as they perceived specific behaviors of transformational leadership from their PE instructors. These findings demonstrate that PE instructors play an important role as (online) classroom leaders in enhancing students' satisfaction with online learning. Therefore, PE instructors should be mindful to demonstrate transformational leadership to improve their effectiveness when conducting online classes.
Conversation analysis, institutions, and rituals
Authors: Alasuutari Pertti
Published: October 2023

By relating conversation analysis (CA), in particular CA research on institutional interaction to such research traditions as sociological institutionalism, new materialism, and ritual theory, the article illustrates how CA scholarship can contribute to macrosociological theorizing. This argument is illustrated by how national parliaments are organized as institutions. The main point made in the article is that occasions of what CA calls institutional interaction should be considered as rituals. Although those occasions are scripted ceremonial performances wherein social pressure, material conditions, or avoidance of punishment make actors conform, they still play a role in constituting social order by making participants honor the rules and principles codified in an organization’s frontstage events. The article also underlines that organizational arrangements do not determine what actors can say or do, but they impose limits and conditions on people’s conduct. Finally, the paper suggests that it is through such arrangements of institutional interaction that social structure is created, maintained, and naturalized.
eNightTrack: Restraint-Free Depth-Camera-Based Surveillance and Alarm System for Fall Prevention Using Deep Learning Tracking
Authors: Mao Ye-Jiao , Tam Andy Yiu-Chau , Shea Queenie Tsung-Kwan , Zheng Yong-Ping , Cheung James Chung-Wai
Published: October 2023

Falls are a major problem in hospitals, and physical or chemical restraints are commonly used to “protect” patients in hospitals and service users in hostels, especially elderly patients with dementia. However, physical and chemical restraints may be unethical, detrimental to mental health and associated with negative side effects. Building upon our previous development of the wandering behavior monitoring system “eNightLog”, we aimed to develop a non-contract restraint-free multi-depth camera system, “eNightTrack”, by incorporating a deep learning tracking algorithm to identify and notify about fall risks. Our system evaluated 20 scenarios, with a total of 307 video fragments, and consisted of four steps: data preparation, instance segmentation with customized YOLOv8 model, head tracking with MOT (Multi-Object Tracking) techniques, and alarm identification. Our system demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.8% with 5 missed warnings out of 154 cases. The eNightTrack system was robust to the interference of medical staff conducting clinical care in the region, as well as different bed heights. Future research should take in more information to improve accuracy while ensuring lower computational costs to enable real-time applications.
Modeling and Experimental Studies of the Photovoltaic System Performance in Climate Conditions of Poland
Authors: Gulkowski Slawomir
Published: October 2023

The polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic system located in Poland has been investigated from a modeling and an experimental perspective. The five-parameter single-diode (SD) model was used to compute the current–voltage (I-V) characteristics of the PV modules for weather conditions measured during one year (2022) of PV system operation. Based on the I-V curves, the PV power output, monthly energy yields, and performance were simulated. Besides the single-diode method, the Osterwald model (OM) was used to estimate the power output of the PV system under scrutiny. The modeling results were compared to the experimental data. The determination coefficient (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and relative error (RE) were utilized to quantify the quality of both models. The highest R2 value of 0.983 (power output) was found for March, a relatively cold and sunny month in the analyzed period. The lowest values of the RMSE and the MBE were found to be 5% and 1%, respectively. A high correlation between the modeled and the experimental daily yield was noticed in June, which was the sunniest month of the year. Median values were found to be 5.88 kWh/kW (measurement), 5.87 kWh/kW (SD), and 5.87 kWh/kW (OM). The RE of the monthly array yield was found to be below 1% (summer half-year) in terms of the single-diode method. The strong correlation between the simulated and the experimental findings was also noticed for the medians of the DC performance ratio (PRDC). The median values of the PRDC from May to July were found to be in the range between 0.88 and 0.94.
Considering Socio-Technical Parameters in Energy System Models—The Current Status and Next Steps
Authors: Liegl Theresa , Schramm Simon , Kuhn Philipp , Hamacher Thomas
Published: October 2023

The energy transition is a complex development towards a climate-neutral, economic, safe, and fair energy system. Therefore, numerical energy system models, among others, can make a significant contribution by simulating, optimizing and thus demonstrating possible transition pathways. Representative models and forecasting tools are needed to illustrate the next necessary steps and measures for the various target groups. In the literature, such energy system models have been studied and evaluated many times. This paper presents the approaches of previous reviews and analyses of how technical, economic, and social aspects of energy system models have been investigated so far. It is shown that especially recent studies already address this topic, but still receive insufficient recognition. Besides the general structural features, the technical modeling details were evaluated in the previous literature. Thereby, a part of the examined general reviews assesses the representation of consumer behavior in the models as a representative for social system aspects. Only a minor amount of the energy system models analyzed there per se represent consumer behavior. Furthermore, this article identifies possible linking strategies of social science parameters and energy system models from the literature based on their opportunities and challenges. This analysis forms a basis on which the already established majority of techno-economic energy system models can be extended in order to provide a more holistic view of the energy system. To do so, further research and development to improve future interdisciplinary processes are required.
Decarbonization of Former Lignite Regions with Renewable Hydrogen: The Western Macedonia Case
Authors: Kafetzis Alexandros , Bampaou Michael , Kardaras Giorgos , Panopoulos Kyriakos
Published: October 2023

For lignite intense regions such as the case of Western Macedonia (WM), the production and utilization of green hydrogen is one of the most viable ways to achieve near zero emissions in sectors like transport, chemicals, heat and energy production, synthetic fuels, etc. However, the implementation of each technology that is available to a respective sector differs significantly in terms of readiness and the current installation scale of each technology. The goal of this study is the provision of a transition roadmap for a decarbonized future for the WM region through utilizing green hydrogen. The technologies which can take part in this transition are presented, along with the implementation purpose of each technology, and the reasonable extension that each technology could be adopted in the present context. The WM region’s limited capacity for green hydrogen production leads to certain integration scenarios, with regards to the required hydrogen, electrolyzer capacities, and required power, whereas an environmental assessment is also presented for each scenario.
Day-Ahead Operational Planning for DisCos Based on Demand Response Flexibility and Volt/Var Control
Authors: Jurado Mauro , Salazar Eduardo , Samper Mauricio , Rosés Rodolfo , Ojeda Esteybar Diego
Published: October 2023

Considering the integration of distributed energy resources (DER) such as distributed generation, demand response, and electric vehicles, day-ahead scheduling plays a significant role in the operation of active distribution systems. Therefore, this article proposes a comprehensive methodology for the short-term operational planning of a distribution company (DisCo), aiming to minimize the total daily operational cost. The proposed methodology integrates on-load tap changers, capacitor banks, and flexible loads participating in demand response (DR) to reduce losses and manage congestion and voltage violations, while considering the costs associated with the operation and use of controllable resources. Furthermore, to forecast PV output and load demand behind the meter at the MV/LV distribution transformer level, a short-term net load forecasting model using deep learning techniques has been incorporated. The proposed scheme is solved through an efficient two-stage strategy based on genetic algorithms and dynamic programming. Numerical results based on the modified IEEE 13-node distribution system and a typical 37-node Latin American system validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The obtained results verify that, through the proposed methodology, the DisCo can effectively schedule its installations and DR to minimize the total operational cost while reducing losses and robustly managing voltage and congestion issues.
The Potential of Chemically Recuperated Power Cycles in Markets with High Shares of Variable Renewables
Authors: Arnaiz del Pozo Carlos , Jiménez Álvaro Ángel , Cloete Schalk , García del Pozo Martín de Hijas Jose Antonio
Published: October 2023

Rising shares of variable wind and solar generation in decarbonized electricity systems motivate the development of novel power cycles employing unconventional fuels. Innovative designs must be highly flexible and profitable at low capacity factors, requiring a simple process layout and low capital costs. Fuel supply infrastructure represents a significant additional capital cost, which is often ignored in economic assessments of gas-fired power plants. When these capital costs are included, liquid fuels such as NH3 or MeOH gain relevance despite their high production costs because they are cheap to store and distribute. In addition, chemically recuperated power cycle designs upgrade these fuels with waste heat from the gas turbine exhaust, avoiding a capital-intensive bottoming cycle while achieving high thermal efficiencies. This work presents an exergoeconomic benchmarking of different large-scale power plants and their fuel supply infrastructure. The results show that chemically recuperated cycles using MeOH become competitive relative to natural-gas-fired combined cycles with fuel storage in salt caverns at capacity factors below 32% if seven-day storage is required and plants are located 500 km from the fuel source. NH3 can compete with H2 at a higher capacity factor of 47% because of the high cost of storing H2, while a CO2 price of 140 EUR/ton is required for NH3 to outperform MeOH as a fuel. In cases where salt cavern storage is unavailable, or the energy security of multi-week fuel storage is highly valued, liquid fuels present a clearly superior solution.
Dual-Motor Dual-Source High Performance EV: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nguyen Chi T. P. , Nguyễn Bảo-Huy , Ta Minh C. , Trovão João Pedro F.
Published: October 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been regarded as one of the promising alternatives to zero-emission transportation. New EV registrations have increased as a result of government policies and consumers’ awareness of climate change. Moreover, EV technology is being improved through ongoing research and development efforts. Among these, a powertrain with a combination of two electric motors has been proposed for high driving and efficiency performance. The study presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of architectures and energy distribution for a dual-motor equipped with dual-source EV system. In detail, various dual-motor configurations, and energy management strategies (EMSs) used in the literature are investigated and categorized. A comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of existing topologies and the EMSs of hybrid energy storage systems (HESSs) is also discussed. Following that, research gaps have been considered. This study can be used as a reference for researchers who are interested in the design and optimal control of the dual-motor dual-source EVs.
The Complex Impedance of the Hemispherical Ground Electrode: An Open Analytical Problem
Authors: Faria José Brandão , Pedro Maria Eduarda , Machado Vitor Maló
Published: October 2023

The hemispherical ground electrode is a basic electrode whose analysis appears in many textbooks on electromagnetics in chapters dedicated to steady currents. Considering a soil with a given resistivity and an electrode with a given perimeter, the electrode DC resistance is simply calculated from the ratio resistivity/perimeter. Strangely, the generalization of this result to AC regimes is missing. The issue of the frequency-domain impedance of the hemispherical ground electrode has been avoided in the literature despite its trivial geometry. But the problem is indeed not easy; electromagnetic field calculation involves Legendre and Bessel functions; the application of boundary conditions involves an infinite set of points, and some integrals involved need to be calculated recursively. We analyzed the math and physics of the problem but failed to find a closed-form solution. This article with “negative results” can, however, be useful; on one hand it may prevent researchers from wasting their time following the same steps, and, on the other hand, it may attract the interest of new researchers to the subject, ultimately, accelerating its analytical solution (if the solution exists).
Differentiator-Based Output Feedback MPPT Controller for DFIG Wind Energy Conversion Systems with Minimal System Information
Authors: Park Jang-Hyun
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces a novel differentiator-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller for a wind energy conversion system (WECS) equipped with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). Building upon our previous algorithms, the proposed controller reduces the need for detailed system information and displays enhanced robustness against parameter variations and disturbances. The innovation lies in the elimination of the need for explicit functional forms or specific parameter values in the system’s dynamics, relying solely on relative degrees and control directions. Utilizing a higher-order switching differentiator (HOSD), this paper outlines a method for overestimating the time derivatives of system outputs, thereby simplifying both the controller design and stability analysis. Compared to existing solutions, the proposed method requires minimal information, offers simpler control law structures, and follows a systematic design approach with fewer design constants. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller in both tracking maximum power and regulating reactive power to zero, suggesting a more efficient and simplified approach to MPPT control in WECS.
Power Cloud Framework for Prosumer Aggregation to Unlock End-User Flexibility
Authors: Brusco Giovanni , Menniti Daniele , Pinnarelli Anna , Sorrentino Nicola , Vizza Pasquale
Published: October 2023

The behind-the-meter technologies integrating “all-in-one” photovoltaic plants, storage systems, and other technological solutions can transform consumers into active prosumages to both reduce their energy costs and provide flexibility to the grid. To exploit those flexibility services, it is necessary to manage the end-users in an aggregated form. End-user aggregation is currently becoming a suitable solution to manage energy flows to obtain environmental, economic, and social benefits. In this scope, the paper presents an algorithm to opportunely manage the energy flows inside this aggregation operating in a Power Cloud framework. The algorithm schedules the energy flows that the end-user storage systems must exchange inside the aggregation to maximize the use of renewable sources, provide grid flexibility services, and simultaneously provide balancing services. The algorithm is organized into three different steps: the day-ahead step, the real-time step, and the balancing one. Some simulation results are illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Calcium Pyrophosphate and Basic Calcium Phosphate Deposition Diseases: The Year in Review 2022
Authors: McCarthy Geraldine Mary
Published: October 2023

Calcium-containing crystal deposition diseases are a common cause of pain and disability but remain relatively under-investigated. No drug has been identified that can prevent deposition or effect dissolution of either calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) or basic calcium phosphate (BCP) crystals. In comparison to the field of gout and urate biology, published research in relation to calcium crystal deposition diseases in 2022 was relatively modest in quantity. In CPP deposition (CPPD) disease, progress was made mainly in epidemiology, imaging, surgical management and Gitelman’s syndrome. In relation to BCP crystals, the effect on tenocytes in vitro was explored and results indicate that BCP crystals likely reduce tendon matrix integrity via their interaction with tenocytes. The involvement of calcification in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) was elegantly demonstrated contributing to further discovery of the process of OA progression. There was a paucity of mechanistic and genetic studies in calcium crystal deposition diseases published in 2022, nor any breakthrough in therapy, showing that there is abundant scope for investigation under these themes in the future.
Jane Austen’s Persuasion: Finding Companionate Marriage through Sickness and Health
Authors: Johnson Maureen
Published: October 2023

In Jane Austen’s last novel Persuasion (1817), embodiment and disability function metonymically to show the emotional suffering of its characters. Austen gives temporary impairments to the novel’s protagonists, Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth, and physical disabilities to minor characters who suffer actual and metaphorical falls, such as Louisa Musgrove and Mrs. Smith. In Persuasion, Austen evokes pain and suffering in both mental and physical ways, with men, like Wentworth, experiencing mental impairments and women, like Anne, Louisa, and Mrs. Smith, experiencing physical impairments. Austen uses impairments, illness, and disability as prostheses to highlight the importance of a marriage of respect, affection, and rationality.
NTPDase1/CD39 Ectonucleotidase Is Necessary for Normal Arterial Diameter Adaptation to Flow
Authors: Favre Julie , Roy Charlotte , Guihot Anne-Laure , Drouin Annick , Laprise Manon , Gillis Marc-Antoine , Robson Simon C. , Thorin Eric , Sévigny Jean , Henrion Daniel , Kauffenstein Gilles
Published: October 2023

NTPDase1/CD39, the major vascular ectonucleotidase, exerts thrombo-immunoregulatory function by controlling endothelial P2 receptor activation. Despite the well-described release of ATP from endothelial cells, few data are available regarding the potential role of CD39 as a regulator of arterial diameter. We thus investigated the contribution of CD39 in short-term diameter adaptation and long-term arterial remodeling in response to flow using Entpd1−/− male mice. Compared to wild-type littermates, endothelial-dependent relaxation was modified in Entpd1−/− mice. Specifically, the vasorelaxation in response to ATP was potentiated in both conductance (aorta) and small resistance (mesenteric and coronary) arteries. By contrast, the relaxing responses to acetylcholine were supra-normalized in thoracic aortas while decreased in resistance arteries from Entpd1−/− mice. Acute flow-mediated dilation, measured via pressure myography, was dramatically diminished and outward remodeling induced by in vivo chronic increased shear stress was altered in the mesenteric resistance arteries isolated from Entpd1−/− mice compared to wild-types. Finally, changes in vascular reactivity in Entpd1−/− mice were also evidenced by a decrease in the coronary output measured in isolated perfused hearts compared to the wild-type mice. Our results highlight a key regulatory role for purinergic signaling and CD39 in endothelium-dependent short- and long-term arterial diameter adaptation to increased flow.
Mechanisms of Formation of Antibodies against Blood Group Antigens That Do Not Exist in the Body
Authors: Mironov Alexander A. , Savin Maksim A. , Zaitseva Anna V. , Dimov Ivan D. , Sesorova Irina S.
Published: October 2023

The system of the four different human blood groups is based on the oligosaccharide antigens A or B, which are located on the surface of blood cells and other cells including endothelial cells, attached to the membrane proteins or lipids. After transfusion, the presence of these antigens on the apical surface of endothelial cells could induce an immunological reaction against the host. The final oligosaccharide sequence of AgA consists of Gal-GlcNAc-Gal (GalNAc)-Fuc. AgB contains Gal-GlcNAc-Gal (Gal)-Fuc. These antigens are synthesised in the Golgi complex (GC) using unique Golgi glycosylation enzymes (GGEs). People with AgA also synthesise antibodies against AgB (group A [II]). People with AgB synthesise antibodies against AgA (group B [III]). People expressing AgA together with AgB (group AB [IV]) do not have these antibodies, while people who do not express these antigens (group O [0; I]) synthesise antibodies against both antigens. Consequently, the antibodies are synthesised against antigens that apparently do not exist in the body. Here, we compared the prediction power of the main hypotheses explaining the formation of these antibodies, namely, the concept of natural antibodies, the gut bacteria-derived antibody hypothesis, and the antibodies formed as a result of glycosylation mistakes or de-sialylation of polysaccharide chains. We assume that when the GC is overloaded with lipids, other less specialised GGEs could make mistakes and synthesise the antigens of these blood groups. Alternatively, under these conditions, the chylomicrons formed in the enterocytes may, under this overload, linger in the post-Golgi compartment, which is temporarily connected to the endosomes. These compartments contain neuraminidases that can cleave off sialic acid, unmasking these blood antigens located below the acid and inducing the production of antibodies.
Hormone Receptor Signaling and Breast Cancer Resistance to Anti-Tumor Immunity
Authors: Moisand Alexandra , Madéry Mathilde , Boyer Thomas , Domblides Charlotte , Blaye Céline , Larmonier Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Breast cancers regroup many heterogeneous diseases unevenly responding to currently available therapies. Approximately 70–80% of breast cancers express hormone (estrogen or progesterone) receptors. Patients with these hormone-dependent breast malignancies benefit from therapies targeting endocrine pathways. Nevertheless, metastatic disease remains a major challenge despite available treatments, and relapses frequently ensue. By improving patient survival and quality of life, cancer immunotherapies have sparked considerable enthusiasm and hope in the last decade but have led to only limited success in breast cancers. In addition, only patients with hormone-independent breast cancers seem to benefit from these immune-based approaches. The present review examines and discusses the current literature related to the role of hormone receptor signaling (specifically, an estrogen receptor) and the impact of its modulation on the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to the effector mechanisms of anti-tumor immune responses and on the capability of breast cancers to escape from protective anti-cancer immunity. Future research prospects related to the possibility of promoting the efficacy of immune-based interventions using hormone therapy agents are considered.
Comparison of Methods for Quantifying Extracellular Vesicles of Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Mosby Chanel A. , Perez Devia Natalia , Jones Melissa K.
Published: October 2023

There are a variety of methods employed by laboratories for quantifying extracellular vesicles isolated from bacteria. As a result, the ability to compare results across published studies can lead to questions regarding the suitability of methods and buffers for accurately quantifying these vesicles. Within the literature, there are several common methods for vesicle quantification. These include lipid quantification using the lipophilic dye FM 4-64, protein quantification using microBCA, Qubit, and NanoOrange assays, or direct vesicle enumeration using nanoparticle tracking analysis. In addition, various diluents and lysis buffers are also used to resuspend and treat vesicles. In this study, we directly compared the quantification of a bacterial outer membrane vesicle using several commonly used methods. We also tested the impact of different buffers, buffer age, lysis method, and vesicle diluent on vesicle quantification. The results showed that buffer age had no significant effect on vesicle quantification, but the lysis method impacted the reliability of measurements using Qubit and NanoOrange. The microBCA assay displayed the least variability in protein concentration values and was the most consistent, regardless of the buffer or diluent used. MicroBCA also demonstrated the strongest correlation to the NTA-determined particle number across a range of vesicle concentrations. Overall, these results indicate that with appropriate diluent and buffer choice, microBCA vs. NTA standard curves could be generated and the microBCA assay used to estimate the particle number when NTA instrumentation is not readily available.
Signaling Pathways mTOR and ERK as Therapeutic Targets in Sinonasal Intestinal-Type Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Codina-Martínez Helena , Lorenzo-Guerra Sara Lucila , Cabal Virginia N. , García-Marín Rocío , Suárez-Fernández Laura , Vivanco Blanca , Sánchez-Fernández Paula , López Fernando , Llorente José Luis , Hermsen Mario A.
Published: October 2023

Despite advances in surgery and radiotherapy, the overall prognosis of sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) is poor, and new treatment options are needed. Recent studies have indicated alterations in cellular signaling pathways that may serve as targets for modern inhibitors. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of mTOR and ERK pathway upregulation in a retrospective series of 139 ITAC and to test the efficacy and mechanism of action of candidate targeted inhibitors in cell line ITAC-3. An immunohistochemical analysis on p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-S6, p-4E-BP1, and p-ERK indicated, respectively, a 68% and 57% mTOR and ERK pathway activation. In vitro studies using low doses of mTOR inhibitor everolimus and ERK inhibitor selumetinib showed significant growth inhibition as monotherapy and especially as combined therapy. This effect was accompanied by the downregulation of mTOR and ERK protein expression. Our data open a new and promising possibility for personalized treatment of ITAC patients.
Docking and Electronic Structure of Rutin, Myricetin, and Baicalein Targeting 3CLpro
Authors: Farias Sergio A. de S. , Rocha Kelvyn M. L. , Nascimento Érica C. M. , de Jesus Rafael do C. C. , Neres Paulo R. , Martins João B. L.
Published: October 2023

Understanding the role of 3CLpro protease for SARS-CoV-2 replication and knowing the potential of flavonoid molecules like rutin, myricetin, and baicalein against 3CLpro justify an investigation into their inhibition. This study investigates possible bonds and reactivity descriptors of rutin, myricetin, and baicalein through conformational and electronic properties. Density functional theory was used to determine possible interactions. Analyses were carried out through the molecular electrostatic potential, electron localization function, Fukui function descriptors based on frontier orbitals, and non-covalent interactions. A docking study was performed using a resolution of 1.55 Å for 3CLpro to analyze the interactions of rutin, myricetin, and baicalein. Scores of structures showed that rutin is the best ligand, followed by myricetin and baicalein. Docking studies showed that baicalein and rutin can establish effective interactions with residues of the catalytic dyad (Cys145 and His41), but just rutin forms a hydrogen bond. Myricetin, in turn, could not establish an effective interaction with Cys145. Baicalein interaction arose with active residues such as Arg188, Val186, Gln189, and Gln192. Interactions of rutin and myricetin with Arg188 and Gln189 were also found. A critical interaction was observed only for rutin with the hydroxyls of ring A with His41, and also for Cys145 with rings B and C, which is probably related to the highest score of rutin.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Is Associated with Low Levels of Immunoglobulin Chains and Cystatin-SN
Authors: Muttuvelu Danson Vasanthan , Cehofski Lasse Jørgensen , Holtz Jeppe , Utheim Tor Paaske , Chen Xiangjun , Vorum Henrik , Heegaard Steffen , Rasmussen Marie Louise Roed , Khan Asif Manzoor , Abduljabar Ahmed Basim , Honoré Bent
Published: October 2023

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a highly prevalent condition and the most common cause of evaporative dry eye disease. Studying the proteome of MGD can result in important advances in the management of the condition. Here, we collected tear film samples from treatment naïve patients with MGD (n = 10) and age-matched controls (n = 11) with Schirmer filtration paper. The samples were analyzed with label-free quantification nano liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. The proteins were considered differentially expressed if p < 0.05. A total of 88 proteins were significantly regulated. The largest change was observed in cystatin-SN, which was downregulated in MGD and correlated negatively with tear meniscus height. The downregulation of cystatin-SN was confirmed with targeted mass spectrometry by single reaction monitoring (SRM). Eighteen immunoglobulin components involved in B cell activation, phagocytosis, and complement activation were downregulated in MGD including Ig alpha-1 chain C region, immunoglobulin J chain, immunoglobulin heavy variable 3–15, and Ig mu chain C region. The changes in cystatin-SN and immunoglobulin chains are likely to result from the inflammatory changes related to tear film evaporation, and future studies may assess their association with the meibum quality.