bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting of the NOX1/ADAM17 Enzymatic Complex Regulates Soluble MCAM-Dependent Pro-Tumorigenic Activity in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Stalin Jimmy , Coquoz Oriana , Jeitziner Marcone Rachel , Jemelin Stephane , Desboeufs Nina , Delorenzi Mauro , Blot-Chabaud Marcel , Imhof Beat A. , Ruegg Curzio
Published: November 2023

The melanoma cell adhesion molecule, shed from endothelial and cancer cells, is a soluble growth factor that induces tumor angiogenesis and growth. However, the molecular mechanism accounting for its generation in a tumor context is still unclear. To investigate this mechanism, we performed in vitro experiments with endothelial/cancer cells, gene expression analyses on datasets from human colorectal tumor samples, and applied pharmacological methods in vitro/in vivo with mouse and human colorectal cancer cells. We found that soluble MCAM generation is governed by ADAM17 proteolytic activity and NOX1-regulating ADAM17 expression. The treatment of colorectal tumor-bearing mice with pharmacologic NOX1 inhibitors or tumor growth in NOX1-deficient mice reduced the blood concentration of soluble MCAM and abrogated the anti-tumor effects of anti-soluble MCAM antibodies while ADAM17 pharmacologic inhibitors reduced tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Especially, the expression of MCAM, NOX1, and ADAM17 was more prominent in the angiogenic, colorectal cancer-consensus molecular subtype 4 where high MCAM expression correlated with angiogenic and lymphangiogenic markers. Finally, we demonstrated that soluble MCAM also acts as a lymphangiogenic factor in vitro. These results identify a role for NOX1/ADAM17 in soluble MCAM generation, with potential clinical therapeutic relevance to the aggressive, angiogenic CMS4 colorectal cancer subtype.
Prefrontal Dopamine in Flexible Adaptation to Environmental Changes: A Game for Two Players
Authors: Latagliata Emanuele Claudio , Orsini Cristina , Cabib Simona , Biagioni Francesca , Fornai Francesco , Puglisi-Allegra Stefano
Published: November 2023

Deficits in cognitive flexibility have been characterized in affective, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders. This paper reviews data, mainly from studies on animal models, that support the existence of a cortical–striatal brain circuit modulated by dopamine (DA), playing a major role in cognitive/behavioral flexibility. Moreover, we reviewed clinical findings supporting misfunctioning of this circuit in Parkinson’s disease that could be responsible for some important non-motoric symptoms. The reviewed findings point to a role of catecholaminergic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mpFC) in modulating DA’s availability in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), as well as a role of NAc DA in modulating the motivational value of natural and conditioned stimuli. The review section is accompanied by a preliminary experiment aimed at testing weather the extinction of a simple Pavlovian association fosters increased DA transmission in the mpFC and inhibition of DA transmission in the NAc.
Editorial to the Special Issue “Clinical Immunology in Italy, with Special Emphasis to Primary and Acquired Immunodeficiencies: A Commemorative Issue in Honor of Prof. Fernando Aiuti”
Authors: Aiuti Alessandro , D’Amelio Raffaele , Quinti Isabella , Rossi Paolo
Published: November 2023

Fernando Aiuti (Figure 1), born in Urbino on 8 June 1935, suddenly died on 9 January 2019, leaving a great void not only among his family members and those who knew him and appreciated his great humanity and acute intelligence, but in the entire immunological scientific community [...]
Determining the Optimal Stimulation Sessions for TMS-Induced Recovery of Upper Extremity Motor Function Post Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lv Yichen , Zhang Jack Jiaqi , Wang Kui , Ju Leilei , Zhang Hongying , Zhao Yuehan , Pan Yao , Gong Jianwei , Wang Xin , Fong Kenneth N. K.
Published: November 2023

To find out the optimal treatment sessions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) for upper extremity dysfunction after stroke during the 6-week treatment and to explore its mechanism using motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), 72 participants with upper extremity motor dysfunction after ischemic stroke were randomly divided into the control group, 10-session, 20-session, and 30-session rTMS groups. Low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS over the contralesional M1 was applied in all rTMS groups. The motor function of the upper extremity was assessed before and after treatment. In addition, MEPs and rs-fMRI data were analyzed to detect its effect on brain reorganization. After 6 weeks of treatment, there were significant differences in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity and the Wolf Motor Function Test scores between the 10-session group and the 30-session group and between the 20- and 30-session groups and the control group, while there was no significant difference between the 20-session group and the 30-session group. Meanwhile, no significant difference was found between the 10-session group and the control group. The 20-session group of rTMS decreased the excitability of the contralesional corticospinal tract represented by the amplitudes of MEPs and enhanced the functional connectivity of the ipsilesional M1 or premotor cortex with the the precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and cingulate gyrus, etc. In conclusion, the 20-session of rTMS protocol is the optimal treatment sessions of TMS for upper extremity dysfunction after stroke during the 6-week treatment. The potential mechanism is related to its influence on the excitability of the corticospinal tract and the remodeling of corticomotor functional networks.
HSP110 Inhibition in Primary Effusion Lymphoma Cells: One Molecule, Many Pro-Survival Targets
Authors: Gonnella Roberta , Zarrella Roberta , Di Crosta Michele , Benedetti Rossella , Arena Andrea , Santarelli Roberta , Gilardini Montani Maria Saveria , D’Orazi Gabriella , Cirone Mara
Published: November 2023

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are highly expressed in cancer cells and represent a promising target in anti-cancer therapy. In this study, we investigated for the first time the expression of high-molecular-weight HSP110, belonging to the HSP70 family of proteins, in Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL) and explored its role in their survival. This is a rare lymphoma associated with KSHV, for which an effective therapy remains to be discovered. The results obtained from this study suggest that targeting HSP110 could be a very promising strategy against PEL, as its silencing induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization, the cleavage of BID, caspase 8 activation, downregulated c-Myc, and strongly impaired the HR and NHEJ DNA repair pathways, leading to apoptotic cell death. Since chemical inhibitors of this HSP are not commercially available yet, this study encourages a more intense search in this direction in order to discover a new potential treatment that is effective against this and likely other B cell lymphomas that are known to overexpress HSP110.
Cancer-Preventive Activity of Argemone mexicana Linn Leaves and Its Effect on TNF-α and NF-κB Signalling
Authors: Kulshrestha Sunanda , Goel Anjana , Siddiqi Nikhat J. , Fatima Sabiha , Sharma Bechan
Published: November 2023

Skin cancer is the 5th most common cancer in Western countries with a surge in case occurrences making it a global burden on healthcare systems. The present study aims to evaluate the cancer-preventive activity of an ethanolic extract of Argemone mexicana Linn leaves (AML). The DMBA/TPA method was used to induce skin cancer in mice. Experimental animals were divided into three pretreatment groups of 100 mg/kg BW, 250 mg/kg BW, and 500 mg/kg BW of AML extract, and feeding was continued during the induction process. In the fourth group, 500 mg/kg BW AML extract treatment was started along with the cancer induction. The analyses were performed on the basis of the time period of in-tumour induction incidence, haematological parameters, histopathology and augmentation of TNF-α secretion and the NF-κB (p65 subunit) signalling pathway. The AML extract resisted and delayed tumour formation for up to 8 weeks in the 500 mg/kg BW pretreated group as compared to 4 weeks in the negative control group. The tumour burden varied in a dose-dependent manner in the different groups. On the 60th day, a significantly high burden (p < 0.001) was observed in the negative control group and the 100 mg/kg BW group. The study was validated by investigating the expression of TNF-α and the p65 subunit of the NF-κB signalling pathway, which were found to be reduced significantly in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in the 500 mg/kg BW group as compared to negative control group. The 500 mg/kg BW pretreated group was found to have significant results in comparison to the 500 mg/kg BW post-treatment group. The study revealed the effective cancer preventive activity of Argemone mexicana Linn leaves (AML) in the mouse model and paved a pathway for molecular approaches which could be explored more in future studies.
Schlafen Family Intra-Regulation by IFN-α2 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Brown Savannah R. , Vomhof-DeKrey Emilie E. , Al-Marsoummi Sarmad , Brown Nicholas D. , Hermanson Kole , Basson Marc D.
Published: November 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poor prognosis and no targeted therapy for treatment. The Schlafen gene family, particularly SLFN12, critically mediates TNBC biology. Higher expression of SLFN12 correlates with decreased TNBC viability and increased chemosensitivity and patient survival, yet no treatment is known to upregulate SLFN12 in TNBC. We hypothesized that Interferon-α (IFN-α2) upregulates SLFN12 in TNBC, subsequently reducing cell viability. We utilized short hairpin adenovirus to knockout SLFN12 (AdvShSLFN12) in MDA-MB-231, Hs-578T, and BT-549 TNBC cells. Cells were treated with AdvShSLFN12 and IFN-α2. After treatment, TNBC cell viability, SLFN family mRNA, and protein expression were analyzed. Treating TNBC cells with IFN-α2 increased SLFN12 expression and reduced cell viability. However, when AdvShSLFN12 knocked down SLFN12 during IFN-α2 treatment, TNBC cell viability was still reduced. We, therefore, investigated the potential involvement of other SLFN members IFN-α2 effects on cell viability. IFN-α2 increased SLFN5, SLFN12-Like, and SLFN14 but not SLFN11 or SLFN13. During AdvShSLFN12 + IFN-α2 treatment, the expressions of SLFN5, SLFN12-Like, and SLFN14 further increased. However, when siRNA knocked down SLFN5, SLFN12-Like, and SLFN14, the IFN-α2 reduction in viability was blunted. Although the interpretation of these results may be limited by the potential interactions between different siRNAs, these data suggest a complex regulatory signaling cascade among SLFN family members. Targeting this cascade to manipulate SLFN levels may, in the future, offer the potential to manipulate the chemosensitivity of TNBC tumors.
Enhancing Prostate Cancer Diagnosis with a Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Web Application: Synergizing Deep Learning Models, Multimodal Data, and Insights from Usability Study with Pathologists
Authors: Singh Akarsh , Randive Shruti , Breggia Anne , Ahmad Bilal , Christman Robert , Amal Saeed
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer remains a significant cause of male cancer mortality in the United States, with an estimated 288,300 new cases in 2023. Accurate grading of prostate cancer is crucial for ascertaining disease severity and shaping treatment strategies. Modern deep learning techniques show promise in grading biopsies, but there is a gap in integrating these advances into clinical practice. Our web platform tackles this challenge by integrating human expertise with AI-driven grading, incorporating diverse data sources. We gathered feedback from four pathologists and one medical practitioner to assess usability and real-world alignment through a survey and the NASA TLX Usability Test. Notably, 60% of users found it easy to navigate, rating it 5.5 out of 7 for ease of understanding. Users appreciated self-explanatory information in popup tabs. For ease of use, all users favored the detailed summary tab, rating it 6.5 out of 7. While 80% felt patient demographics beyond age were unnecessary, high-resolution biopsy images were deemed vital. Acceptability was high, with all users willing to adopt the app, and some believed it could reduce workload. The NASA TLX Usability Test indicated a low–moderate perceived workload, suggesting room for improved explanations and data visualization.
Topical Imiquimod in Primary Cutaneous Extramammary Paget’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mayo-Martínez Fátima , Moro Ruggero , Millán-Esteban David , Ríos-Viñuela Elisa , Bautista Iker Javier , Nagore Eduardo , Sanmartín Onofre , Llombart Beatriz
Published: November 2023

Extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) is subclinical in extent and multifocal in nature. There is no global consensus for treatment, so its management represents a challenge in clinical practice. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review through the main electronic databases to assess the effectiveness of topical imiquimod in cutaneous EMPD and to discuss its management. Finally, 24 studies involving a total of 233 EMPD patients treated with topical imiquimod were selected. The topical imiquimod response rate was 67%, and the complete response (CR) rate was 48%. Patients were treated with a three–four times a week regimen in most cases, ranging between 2 to 52 weeks. In addition, imiquimod was applied as an adjunctive treatment in 21 patients, achieving a CR rate of 71%. Consequently, imiquimod therapy could achieve a good response ratio as a first-line treatment, as adjuvant and neo-adjuvant therapy, and as a treatment for recurrent disease. The heterogeneity between studies and the lack of a control arm made it impossible to conduct a meta-analysis. To improve the quality of evidence on EMPD, multicenter studies are essential to collect a larger number of patients and, consequently, obtain high-quality evidence to standardize treatment. The Prospero registration number is CRD42023447443.
Rotating Night Shift Work, Sleep, and Thyroid Cancer Risk in the Nurses’ Health Study 2
Authors: Papantoniou Kyriaki , Konrad Peter , Haghayegh Shahab , Strohmaier Susanne , Eliassen A. Heather , Schernhammer Eva
Published: November 2023

Night shift work has been associated with breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer, but evidence on other types of cancer is limited. We prospectively evaluated the association of rotating night shift work, sleep duration, and sleep difficulty with thyroid cancer risk in the Nurses’ Health Study 2 (NHS2). We assessed rotating night shift work duration (years) at baseline and throughout follow-up (1989–2015) and sleep characteristics in 2001. Cox proportional hazard models, adjusted for potential confounders, were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for (a) shift work duration, (b) sleep duration, and (c) difficulty falling or staying asleep. We stratified the analyses of night shift work by sleep duration and sleep difficulty. Over 26 years of follow-up, 588 incident cases were identified among 114,534 women in the NHS2 cohort. We observed no association between night shift work and the risk of thyroid cancer. Difficulty falling or staying asleep was suggestively associated with a higher incidence of thyroid cancer when reported sometimes (HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.95, 1.66) and all or most of the time (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.00, 1.81). Night shift workers (10+ years) with sleep difficulty all or most of the time (HR 1.47; 0.58–3.73) or with >7 h of sleep duration (HR 2.17; 95% CI, 1.21–3.92) had a higher risk of thyroid cancer. We found modest evidence for an increased risk of thyroid cancer in relation to sleep difficulty, which was more pronounced among night shift workers.
Alteration of Immunoregulatory Patterns and Survival Advantage of Key Cell Types in Food Allergic Children
Authors: Ivory Kamal , Angotti Rossella , Messina Mario , Bonente Denise , Paternostro Ferdinando , Gulisano Massimo , Nicoletti Claudio
Published: November 2023

All allergic responses to food indicate the failure of immunological tolerance, but it is unclear why cow’s milk and egg (CME) allergies resolve more readily than reactivity to peanuts (PN). We sought to identify differences between PN and CME allergies through constitutive immune status and responses to cognate and non-cognate food antigens. Children with confirmed allergy to CME (n = 6) and PN (n = 18) and non-allergic (NA) (n = 8) controls were studied. Constitutive secretion of cytokines was tested in plasma and unstimulated mononuclear cell (PBMNC) cultures. Blood dendritic cell (DC) subsets were analyzed alongside changes in phenotypes and soluble molecules in allergen-stimulated MNC cultures with or without cytokine neutralization. We observed that in allergic children, constitutively high plasma levels IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 but less IL-12p70 than in non-allergic children was accompanied by the spontaneous secretion of sCD23, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, IFN-γ and TNF-α in MNC cultures. Furthermore, blood DC subset counts differed in food allergy. Antigen-presenting cell phenotypic abnormalities were accompanied by higher B and T cell percentages with more Bcl-2 within CD69+ subsets. Cells were generally refractory to antigenic stimulation in vitro, but IL-4 neutralization led to CD152 downregulation by CD4+ T cells from PN allergic children responding to PN allergens. Canonical discriminant analyses segregated non-allergic and allergic children by their cytokine secretion patterns, revealing differences and areas of overlap between PN and CME allergies. Despite an absence of recent allergen exposure, indication of in vivo activation, in vitro responses independent of challenging antigen and the presence of unusual costimulatory molecules suggest dysregulated immunity in food allergy. Most importantly, higher Bcl-2 content within key effector cells implies survival advantage with the potential to mount abnormal responses that may give rise to the manifestations of allergy. Here, we put forward the hypothesis that the lack of apoptosis of key immune cell types might be central to the development of food allergic reactions.
The Research Progress in Transforming Growth Factor-β2
Authors: Wang Meng-Yan , Liu Wen-Juan , Wu Le-Yi , Wang Gang , Zhang Cheng-Lin , Liu Jie
Published: November 2023

Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2), an important member of the TGF-β family, is a secreted protein that is involved in many biological processes, such as cell growth, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. TGF-β2 had been thought to be functionally identical to TGF-β1; however, an increasing number of recent studies uncovered the distinctive features of TGF-β2 in terms of its expression, activation, and biological functions. Mice deficient in TGF-β2 showed remarkable developmental abnormalities in multiple organs, especially the cardiovascular system. Dysregulation of TGF-β2 signalling was associated with tumorigenesis, eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders, as well as motor system diseases. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the research progress in TGF-β2 to support further research on TGF-β2.
Incorrect Feeding Practices, Dietary Diversity Determinants and Nutritional Status in Children Aged 6–23 Months: An Observational Study in Rural Angola
Authors: Pietravalle Andrea , Dosi Alessia , Inocêncio Telmo Ambrosio , Cavallin Francesco , Tomás Joaquim , Putoto Giovanni , Laforgia Nicola
Published: November 2023

Background: More than a quarter of children who are affected by severe acute undernutrition reside in Sub-Saharan Africa. Incorrect feeding practices have a negative impact on a child’s health in both the short and the long term, and the interval from conception to two years is the most critical for the development of undernutrition-related complications. These first 1000 days of life also represent an “opportunity window” for early interventions, hence, having a clear insight into dietary habits and the determinants of diet quality is fundamental to improving nutritional counseling practices. Objectives: To investigate incorrect feeding practices, dietary diversity determinants and nutritional status in children aged 6–23 months. Methods: Prospective quali-quantitative observational study conducted at the Missionary Catholic Hospital of Chiulo (Angola) from March to April 2023. Results: Of 250 children, global acute malnutrition affected 25.2% and was associated with starting complementary feeding at <4 months of age (p = 0.007) and not achieving the minimum meal frequency (p < 0.0001). Minimum dietary diversity was found in 11.2%, minimum meal frequency was experienced by 72.8%, and the minimum acceptable diet was found in 11.2% of participants. The minimum dietary diversity was reached only by households with access to food from five or more major food groups (p = 0.007) or the money to buy food from five or more major food groups (p = 0.008) and was higher in households where the householder had a higher educational level (p = 0.002). Regarding the determinants linked to family traditions and beliefs, the main religion-associated beliefs concerned the impurity of pork (n = 25) and fish (n = 8), while eggs (n = 19) and cow milk (n = 8) were the main food types that were deemed harmful for children. Conclusions: Although some factors (economic and religious) may be difficult to overcome, other factors linked to erroneous beliefs (dangerous foods) or incorrect feeding practices (early weaning and an incorrect frequency of meals) can be targeted, to improve the effectiveness of nutritional counseling practices.
An Update in Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Anton-Păduraru Dana-Teodora , Murgu Alina Mariela , Donos Mădălina Andreea , Trofin Felicia , Azoicăi Alice Nicoleta , Popovici Paula , Stana Aurelian Bogdan , Gheorghiescu Ionela , Trandafir Laura Mihaela
Published: November 2023

This paper delineates several aspects of cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD)—a common complication of cystic fibrosis (CF). CFRD exhibits a predilection for older individuals with CF, yet it also extends its influence on children and adolescents. Scientific insights postulate a potential link between CFRD and the aberrant mucus production within the pancreas, thereby culminating in pancreatic insufficiency. This, in turn, perturbs the synthesis of insulin, a pivotal endocrine hormone responsible for the regulation of glycemic levels. Standardized protocols advocate for the systematic screening of CFRD among all individuals with CF, commencing at the age of 10 years using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Therapeutic modalities encompass insulin therapy, dietary adjustments, and the vigilant monitoring of glycemic parameters. The overarching objective is to maintain blood glucose levels within a targeted range to mitigate the advent of diabetic complications. Untreated or sub-optimally managed CFRD can precipitate a spectrum of deleterious health ramifications, encompassing cardiovascular afflictions, neuropathy, renal dysfunction, and ocular complications.
Novel Method for Assessing the Protection Lifetime of Building Coatings against Fungi
Authors: Szulc Justyna , Komar Michał , Kata Iwona , Szafran Krzysztof , Gutarowska Beata
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to develop a novel method for evaluating the service life of building coatings. In Stage 1, we assessed existing methods for determining the degree of fungal overgrowth on building materials (visual assessment, culture method, luminometric ATP (adenosine-5’-triphosphate) measurement, and spectrophotometric assessment of colour changes). Laboratory tests were carried out for 19 types of facade coating (mineral and silicone with/without primer, silicone paint, biocides) and 7 fungal strains (moulds Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus niger, Aureobasidium melanogenum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium sp., Penicillium citrinum, and the yeast Rhodotorula mucilaginosa). The number of fungi on the facade coatings after 28 days of incubation was 1.7 × 105–4.6 × 105 CFUs (colony-forming units)/sample. The ATP content was 12 RLUs–30333 RLUs (relative light units). Colour change was ΔE > 5 depending on the coating type and fungal strain. A high or very high correlation was found between the ATP concentration (RLUs), colour change (ΔE), and the results of the culture method (CFUs/sample). In Stage 2, a new methodology for evaluating the protection lifetime of building coatings against fungi was developed, taking into account environmental conditions (impact of ultraviolet radiation, precipitation, presence of organic matter on the surface, quantitative and qualitative composition of bioaerosol). The developed method consists of one research cycle conducted in the laboratory, corresponding to one year under natural conditions. Preliminary verification showed the model to be compatible with long-term observations (3 years) of fungal growth on the facade coatings under real environmental conditions. The novel method could be used to design biodeterioration control and protection strategies for both new and cultural heritage buildings.
Contact Analysis for Cycloid Pinwheel Mechanism by Isogeometric Finite Element
Authors: Zhang Ke , Guo Caixia , Li Yutao , Su Yuewen , Zhang Bodong , Gao Peihu
Published: November 2023

Cycloid drives are generally used in precision machinery requiring high-reduction ratios, such as robot joint (RV) reducers. The contact stress of cycloidal gears greatly affects lifetime and transmission performance. Traditional finite element method (FEM) has less computational efficiency for contact analysis of complex surface. Therefore, in this paper, isogeometric analysis (IGA) was employed to explore the multi-tooth contact problem of the cycloid pinwheel drive. Based on the nonuniform rational B spline (NURBS) curved surface generation method, the NURBS tooth profile of the cycloid gear was reconstructed. In addition, the NURBS surface of the cycloid gear–pin tooth–output pin was generated via the element splicing method. A geometrical analysis model of cycloid pinwheel drive was established to solve the contact force of the meshing pair under different input angles and compared with the finite element method in terms of convergence, resultant accuracy, and solving timeliness. The results show that isogeometric analysis has higher accuracy and efficiency than the finite element method in calculating the contact stress and contact force. The error of the IGA is only 8.8% for 10 × 10 elements in contact, while the error of the finite element method reaches about 40%. The method can improve the contact simulation accuracy of the cycloid drive and provides a reference for the design evaluation of RV reducer.
Rice Derivatives in Hair Protecting
Authors: Centini Marisanna , Signori Giulia , Francescon Fabrizio , Tsuno Fumi , Oguro Tomoki , Anselmi Cecilia
Published: November 2023

The research was carried out on a hair conditioner containing the following rice derivatives individually: rice germ oil, rice germ oil GX-N, and riceterol esters. To evaluate the protective efficacy of the three active ingredients chosen, the following techniques were used: FT-IR, SEM, stress–strain test, and polarized light microscopy analysis. The tests were carried out on natural Caucasian hair. The methodologies were found to be suitable for the evaluation and led to interesting results: the selected ingredients showed good properties in improving the hair. The conditioners containing the active ingredients restored the properties of the hair even when subjected to stress such as irradiation. In this case, the most effective was the rice germ oil GX-N.
On the Constitutive Modelling of Piezoelectric Quasicrystals
Authors: Agiasofitou Eleni , Lazar Markus
Published: November 2023

Quasicrystals endowed with piezoelectric properties belong nowadays to novel piezoelectric materials. In this work, the basic framework of generalized piezoelectricity theory of quasicrystals is investigated by providing an improvement of the existing constitutive modelling. It is shown, for the first time, that the tensor of phason piezoelectric moduli is fully asymmetric without any major or minor symmetry, which has important consequences on the constitutive relations as well as on its classification with respect to the crystal systems and Laue classes. The exploration of the tensor of phason piezoelectric moduli has a significant impact on the understanding of the piezoelectric properties of quasicrystals. Using the group representation theory, the classification of the tensor of phason piezoelectric moduli with respect to the crystal systems and Laue classes is given for one-dimensional quasicrystals. The number of independent components of the phason piezoelectric moduli is determined for all 31 point groups of one-dimensional quasicrystals. It is proven that the 10 centrosymmetric crystallographic point groups have no piezoelectric effects and that the remaining 21 non-centrosymmetric crystallographic point groups exhibit piezoelectric effects due to both phonon and phason fields. Moreover, the constitutive relations for one-dimensional hexagonal piezoelectric quasicrystals of Laue class 9 with point group 6 and Laue class 10 with point group 6mm are explicitly derived, showing that the constitutive relations for piezoelectric quasicrystals depend on the considered Laue class as well as on the point group. Comparisons with existing results in the literature and discussion are also given.
Compositional Characteristics, Fatty Acid Profile, Phenolic Content and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of Feta Cheese Made in Mountainous Grasslands and Plains of Greece
Authors: Maggira Martha , Ioannidou Maria D. , Parissi Zoi M. , Abraham Eleni M. , Karatassiou Maria , Samouris Georgios
Published: November 2023

The study aimed to compare the physicochemical composition, fatty acid profile, phenolic content and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of feta cheese produced in two regions in Greece (mountainous grasslands and plains). The VOC profiles of forage in the mountainous grasslands were also investigated in order to detect any relationship between the two profiles. Forbs were found to be the major functional group in the mountainous area and the most abundant VOCs were aldehydes, alcohols, and terpenes. Significant variations were observed between the main compositional features of the two types of cheeses, with the cheese produced from the milk of ewes and goats grazing in the mountainous region having a higher moisture content, lower fat content, and higher protein content. A total of 34 VOCs were identified and the most abundant groups in the cheese samples were esters, hydrocarbons, and alcohols. The fatty acid profile, phenolic content, and terpene profile of the cheese were also affected by the type of pasture. The cheese produced from the milk of ewes and goats grazing in the mountainous region also had a higher content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and a lower content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs). These findings suggest that the grasslands grazed by ewes and goats in the mountainous region have a positive impact on the nutritional quality of feta cheese.
Internationalization in the Baltic Regional Accounts: A NUTS 3 Region Dataset
Authors: Holmen Rasmus Bøgh , Gavoille Nicolas , Masso Jaan , Burinskas Arūnas
Published: November 2023

Features of internationalization, such as trade, foreign direct investments, and international migration, are crucial for understanding the economic developments of small and open economies. However, studying internationalization at the country level may obscure significant heterogeneity in its relationship with economic growth and other economic and social outcomes. Regional accounts provide insights into the geography of internationalization, but collections of such disaggregated statistics are rarely provided by statistical bureaus. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we demonstrate how regional account data, including internationalization indicators, can be constructed to obtain consistent and homogeneous regional-level series using a combination of micro and macro data sources. Second, our aim is to foster spatial research on internationalization and the spatial economy in the Baltics by providing comprehensive data collection of socio-economic variables at the NUTS 3 regional level over time. This collection encompasses trade, FDI, and migration, enabling the study of internationalization and other features of the Baltic economy. We present a series of key features, revealing noticeable correlation patterns between regional development and internationalization.
N-Cameras-Enabled Joint Pose Estimation for Auto-Landing Fixed-Wing UAVs
Authors: Tang Dengqing , Shen Lincheng , Xiang Xiaojia , Zhou Han , Lai Jun
Published: November 2023

We propose a novel 6D pose estimation approach tailored for auto-landing fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This method facilitates the simultaneous tracking of both position and attitude using a ground-based vision system, regardless of the number of cameras (N-cameras), even in Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments. Our approach proposes a pipeline consisting of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based detection of UAV anchors which, in turn, drives the estimation of UAV pose. In order to ensure robust and precise anchor detection, we designed a Block-CNN architecture to mitigate the influence of outliers. Leveraging the information from these anchors, we established an Extended Kalman Filter to continuously update the UAV’s position and attitude. To support our research, we set up both monocular and stereo outdoor ground view systems for data collection and experimentation. Additionally, to expand our training dataset without requiring extra outdoor experiments, we created a parallel system that combines outdoor and simulated setups with identical configurations. We conducted a series of simulated and outdoor experiments. The results show that, compared with the baselines, our method achieves 3.0% anchor detection precision improvement and 19.5% and 12.7% accuracy improvement of position and attitude estimation. Furthermore, these experiments affirm the practicality of our proposed architecture and algorithm, meeting the stringent requirements for accuracy and real-time capability in the context of auto-landing fixed-wing UAVs.
Multiview Data Clustering with Similarity Graph Learning Guided Unsupervised Feature Selection
Authors: Li Ni , Peng Manman , Wu Qiang
Published: November 2023

In multiview data clustering, consistent or complementary information in the multiview data can achieve better clustering results. However, the high dimensions, lack of labeling, and redundancy of multiview data certainly affect the clustering effect, posing a challenge to multiview clustering. A clustering algorithm based on multiview feature selection clustering (MFSC), which combines similarity graph learning and unsupervised feature selection, is designed in this study. During the MFSC implementation, local manifold regularization is integrated into similarity graph learning, with the clustering label of similarity graph learning as the standard for unsupervised feature selection. MFSC can retain the characteristics of the clustering label on the premise of maintaining the manifold structure of multiview data. The algorithm is systematically evaluated using benchmark multiview and simulated data. The clustering experiment results prove that the MFSC algorithm is more effective than the traditional algorithm.
Stable and Fast Deep Mutual Information Maximization Based on Wasserstein Distance
Authors: He Xing , Peng Changgen , Wang Lin , Tan Weijie , Wang Zifan
Published: November 2023

Deep learning is one of the most exciting and promising techniques in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), which drives AI applications to be more intelligent and comprehensive. However, existing deep learning techniques usually require a large amount of expensive labeled data, which limit the application and development of deep learning techniques, and thus it is imperative to study unsupervised machine learning. The learning of deep representations by mutual information estimation and maximization (Deep InfoMax or DIM) method has achieved unprecedented results in the field of unsupervised learning. However, in the DIM method, to restrict the encoder to learn more normalized feature representations, an adversarial network learning method is used to make the encoder output consistent with a priori positively distributed data. As we know, the model training of the adversarial network learning method is difficult to converge, because there is a logarithmic function in the loss function of the cross-entropy measure, and the gradient of the model parameters is susceptible to the “gradient explosion” or “gradient disappearance” phenomena, which makes the training of the DIM method extremely unstable. In this regard, we propose a Wasserstein distance-based DIM method to solve the stability problem of model training, and our method is called the WDIM. Subsequently, the training stability of the WDIM method and the classification ability of unsupervised learning are verified on the CIFAR10, CIFAR100, and STL10 datasets. The experiments show that our proposed WDIM method is more stable to parameter updates, has faster model convergence, and at the same time, has almost the same accuracy as the DIM method on the classification task of unsupervised learning. Finally, we also propose a reflection of future research for the WDIM method, aiming to provide a research idea and direction for solving the image classification task with unsupervised learning.
Analysis of the Practice of Nautical Activities in Schools
Authors: Medina-Rebollo Daniel , Fernández-Ozcorta Eduardo José , Sáenz-López Buñuel Pedro , Fernández-Gavira Jesús
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the analysis of nautical activities in school environments. The primary objective is to highlight the pivotal role of educators in optimizing the benefits and mitigating the risks associated with water activities in educational settings. To achieve this goal, ten interviews were conducted, evenly distributed among men and women from different countries who work in nautical activities with students in aquatic settings. Additionally, the Delphi method was employed to validate the interviews with expert opinions in the field from a group of nine experts. The analysis of the interviews revealed three significant dimensions, including safety, benefits, and sports-related aspects. The results demonstrate that nautical activities offer physical and cognitive benefits, promote ecological awareness, and foster values such as group cohesion, leadership, and respect. Furthermore, these activities have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of participants, encouraging socialization and conflict resolution. In conclusion, nautical activities in school environments provide a wide range of benefits but require continuous attention in terms of safety and adaptation for individuals with disabilities. These findings underscore the importance of promoting these practices as an integral part of the school curriculum.
Efficient Decision-Making Scheme Using Secure Multiparty Computation with Correctness Validation
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Zhusen , Han Zhaoyang , Zhou Lu
Published: November 2023

In the era of big data, it is essential to securely and efficiently combine the large amounts of private data owned by different companies or organizations to make correct decisions. Secure Multiparty Computation (SMPC) works as a general cryptographic primitive, which enables distributed parties to collaboratively compute an arbitrary functionality without revealing their own private inputs. While SMPC may potentially address this task, several issues, such as computation efficiency and correctness validation, have to be overcome for practical realizations. To tackle these issues, we designed a secure and efficient decision-making scheme to enable clients to outsource data and computations to cloud servers while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the input and output, in addition to the correctness of the results. Moreover, we implemented our scheme based on an SMPC computation framework named MP-SPDZ. The experimental evaluation results showed that our proposed scheme is feasible and efficient for practical realizations.
A New Design Technique for a High-Speed and High dV/dt Immunity Floating-Voltage Level Shifter
Authors: Guo Min , Wang Lixin , Wang Shixin , Zhao Yuan , Li Bowang
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a high-speed level shifter with about 500 V/ns power supply slew immunity. In this designed structure, a narrow pulse-controlled current source is adapted to accelerate the voltage conversion and reduce the power consumption. A Fast-Slewing Circuit speeds up the operation of the level shifter based on the current comparison principle. Edge detection technology is used to filter the generated voltage noise and achieve high dV/dt immunity. The proposed level shifter simulated with the 0.18 μm BCD (bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) process shows fast responses with a typical delay of 1.49 ns and 500 V/ns dV/dt immunity in the 200 V high-voltage application, which only occupies a 0.022 mm2 active area with the 0.18 μm BCD process.
A Microgrid Test System for Protection Coordination Studies
Authors: Santos-Ramos Javier E. , Saldarriaga-Zuluaga Sergio D. , López-Lezama Jesús M. , Muñoz-Galeano Nicolás , Ortiz-Castrillón José R.
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a comprehensive 26-bus microgrid (MG) test system designed to validate or propose new protection coordination schemes. The proposed MG test system comprises various components facilitating the simulation of diverse configurations and operating modes. It also presents a predefined overcurrent protection scheme which is validated with and without Distributed Generation (DG), offering detailed specifications and settings for the test network. The MG test system outlined in this paper incorporates multiple DG sources in different buses, multiple voltage levels, and two operating modes (with and without DG). Additionally, the overcurrent protection scheme considers multiple functions and devices simultaneously. The detailed features of the proposed protection coordination scheme enable the simulation of various fault types and contingencies. The paper also presents specific details of the MG test system under different single-phase and three-phase faults, reporting bus voltages in nodes, transformer and line loadability, short-circuit currents, and operating times. The MG test system is meant to serve as a valuable tool for researchers to conduct comparative studies and develop new strategies regarding the operation and planning of MGs.
Fault Detection and Localisation in LV Distribution Networks Using a Smart Meter Data-Driven Digital Twin
Authors: Numair Mohamed , Aboushady Ahmed A. , Arraño-Vargas Felipe , Farrag Mohamed E. , Elyan Eyad
Published: November 2023

Modern solutions for precise fault localisation in Low Voltage (LV) Distribution Networks (DNs) often rely on costly tools such as the micro-Phasor Measurement Unit (μPMU), which is potentially impractical for the large number of nodes in LVDNs. This paper introduces a novel fault detection technique using a distribution network digital twin without the use of μPMUs. The Digital Twin (DT) integrates data from Smart Meters (SMs) and network topology to create an accurate replica. In using SM voltage-magnitude readings, the pre-built twin compiles a database of fault scenarios and matches them with their unique voltage fingerprints. However, this SM-based voltage-only approach shows only a 70.7% accuracy in classifying fault type and location. Therefore, this research suggests using the cables’ Currents Symmetrical Component (CSC). Since SMs do not provide direct current data, a Machine Learning (ML)-based regression method is proposed to estimate the cables’ currents in the DT. Validation is performed on a 41-node LV distribution feeder in the Scottish network provided by the industry partner Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN). The results show that the current estimation regressor significantly improves fault localisation and identification accuracy to 95.77%. This validates the crucial role of a DT in distribution networks, thus enabling highly accurate fault detection when using SM voltage-only data, with further refinements being conducted through estimations of CSC. The proposed DT offers automated fault detection, thus enhancing customer connectivity and maintenance team dispatch efficiency without the need for additional expensive μPMU on a densely-noded distribution network.
Assessment of Suitability for Long-Term Operation of a Bucket Elevator: A Case Study
Authors: Sokolski Piotr
Published: November 2023

Bucket elevators generally operate on a 24/7 basis, and for this reason, one of the main requirements is their high reliability. This reliability can be ensured, among other things, by assessing the technical condition of drive assemblies and working assemblies and taking appropriate measures. Carrying out diagnostic measurements enables periodical monitoring of those mechanisms. Vibroacoustic methods are usually employed in operating conditions to measure vibration velocity and acceleration at specific points, and are used as diagnostic signals. This paper presents the results of tests of the intensity of vibrations generated in the drive unit of a large industrial bucket elevator. The analysis of the results in the time domain and frequency domain served as the basis for evaluating the suitability of the drive, and thus the elevator, for long-term operation.
Adaptive Hamiltonian-Based Energy Control with Built-In Integrator for PEMFC Hybrid Power Conversion Architecture
Authors: Li Yuansheng , Cheng Bo , Zhang Kaifu , Li Xiao , Pang Shengzhao , Mao Zhaoyong
Published: November 2023

In this article, an Adaptive Hamiltonian-Based Energy Control (AHBEC) with a built-in integrator is introduced for the Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) hybrid power-conversion system. The presented additional built-in integrator is based on the Lyapunov and Hamiltonian functions. Unlike previous works, the control strategy proposed in this article aims to regulate the output current of the PEMFC stack, i.e., to provide sufficient power support to the load, and the integrator is built into the control loop in order to eliminate the steady-state current error caused by external disturbances and model parameter uncertainties. The large-signal stability of the whole system is demonstrated by selecting a suitable Lyapunov-candidate function. An experimental setup is constructed in the laboratory to verify the proposed control strategy. The experimental results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the designed energy-control approach.