bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontier Review of the Molecular Mechanisms and Current Approaches of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Chen Liang-Yun , Kao Ting-Wan , Chen Chang-Cyuan , Niaz Noreen , Lee Hsin-Lun , Chen Yu-Hsin , Kuo Chia-Chun , Shen Yao-An
Published: March 2023

Exosomes are effective therapeutic vehicles that may transport their substances across cells. They are shown to possess the capacity to affect cell proliferation, migration, anti-apoptosis, anti-scarring, and angiogenesis, via the action of transporting molecular components. Possessing immense potential in regenerative medicine, exosomes, especially stem cell-derived exosomes, have the advantages of low immunogenicity, minimal invasiveness, and broad clinical applicability. Exosome biodistribution and pharmacokinetics may be altered, in response to recent advancements in technology, for the purpose of treating particular illnesses. Yet, prior to clinical application, it is crucial to ascertain the ideal dose and any potential negative consequences of an exosome. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived exosomes and further illustrates the molecular mechanisms that underpin their potential in musculoskeletal regeneration, wound healing, female infertility, cardiac recovery, immunomodulation, neurological disease, and metabolic regulation. In addition, we provide a summary of the currently effective techniques for isolating exosomes, and describe the innovations in biomaterials that improve the efficacy of exosome-based treatments. Overall, this paper provides an updated overview of the biological factors found in stem cell-derived exosomes, as well as potential targets for future cell-free therapeutic applications.
Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Spanish Primary School Children: Mediation of Sex and Maturational Stage
Authors: Pano-Rodriguez Alvaro , Arnau-Salvador Rosa , Mayolas-Pi Carmen , Hernandez-Gonzalez Vicenç , Legaz-Arrese Alejandro , Reverter-Masia Joaquim
Published: March 2023

Background: sleep is a physiological process that is critical for physical and mental health in children. Childhood encompasses diverse developmental stages that may affect the impact of physical activity on sleep quality, which may also be influenced by sex. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediation effect of sex and, as well as maturational stage on the association between physical activity and sleep quality, among primary school children. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study of 954 Spanish primary school students (437 early childhood and 517 middle childhood) with a mean age of 10.5 ± 1.2 years. Participants reported their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and their physical activity levels using the Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: our study found that physical activity is associated with improved sleep quality in children, particularly during middle childhood. Higher physical activity was linked to better sleep quality and reduced sleep latency (p = 0.044). Sleep quality was generally better in males than in females (p = 0.002) and was also better in early than middle childhood (p = 0.000). Conclusions: especially in middle childhood, physical activity promotes children’s sleep quality. Thus, educational institutions should promote or improve the implementation of physical activity in the school context in order to benefit children’s sleep quality and, hence, improve their quality of life and wellbeing.
Study of Structural, Mechanical, and Corrosion Resistance of a Nanocomposite CrSiN/CrN/Cr Coating Deposited on AZ31: Effects of Deposition Time
Authors: Cui Changqing , Yang Chunyan
Published: March 2023

To improve the surface properties of Mg alloys and expand the applications of CrN-based materials, composite CrSiN coatings consisting of amorphous Si3N4 and nano CrN phases have been prepared on AZ31 based on the theory of fine grain strengthening and multigrain boundaries. The effect of the thickness of the coating on the structure and properties was investigated. The microstructure was studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The mechanical properties, adhesion properties, and corrosion resistance were investigated using a nanoindentater, scratch testers, and electrochemical workstations. The results show that the coating consists of a face-centered cubic CrN phase, that Si3N4 is not found in the diffraction pattern, and that the HRTEM images show a composite structure of amorphous and nanocrystalline phases. With the increase in deposition time (thickness), the surface roughness decreases, the defects disappear, and the interface has no visible defects. Moreover, the hardness and elastic modulus of the coating increase, corrosion resistance improves, adhesion performance first increases and then decreases. The adhesion between coating and substrate reaches the maximum when sputtering time is 50 min, which corresponds to the CrSiN thickness of 0.79 μm.
First-Principle Study of the Interface of Al2O3/CoCr Metal-Based Composites
Authors: Hong Qin , Bai Peikang , Zhao Zhanyong , Wang Jianhong
Published: March 2023

In this work, the interface bonding properties of Al2O3/CoCr metal matrix composites were calculated using first principles after Al2O3 was added to traditional CoCr alloys. The phase and microstructure of the CoCr alloy and the Al2O3/CoCr metal matrix composites were characterized. The results indicate that the interface binding ability of the Al2O3 (111)/CoCr (111) interface model was the strongest, and the electronic overlap of its interface was the highest. The charge density was the strongest, the overlap area was the highest, and there was a charge accumulation area at the interface. Meanwhile, the influence of the amount of added Al2O3 on the bonding strength of the Al2O3/CoCr interface was studied. It was concluded that the interface bonding ability of the Al2O3 (111)/CoCr (111) interface was the best when 5% Al2O3 was added. By studying the phase composition and microstructure of Al2O3/CoCr metal matrix composites, it was shown that the microstructure of the composites was uniform and dense after added Al2O3, Al2O3, M6C, and CoAl2O4 phases appeared, and the grain size was finer.
Dermatological Management of Aged Skin
Authors: Rostkowska Ewelina , Poleszak Ewa , Wojciechowska Katarzyna , Dos Santos Szewczyk Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

The subject of the work concerns the dermatological management of patients mainly with aged skin. The purpose of the work was to present the basic techniques and preparations which are performed by dermatologists in the treatment of aged skin. There are dermatological treatments related to the treatment of skin diseases and cosmetic treatments which are mainly related to skin care. In this work, the method of literature research was applied. On the basis of books and journal articles on dermatological and cosmetic procedures for aged skin, an analysis of treatment types was made. Then, the results of this analysis were presented in the paper under discussion. The paper presents information on the skin and its properties. The structure and functions of the skin, aging processes and characteristics of aged skin were discussed. Then, the possibilities of reducing the visible signs of skin aging through the use of invasive and non-invasive dermatological and cosmetological treatments were given, and the most important components of preparations used supportively in combating skin aging processes were discussed.
The Role of Er3+ Content in the Luminescence Properties of Y3Al5O12 Single Crystals: Incorporation into the Lattice and Defect State Creation
Authors: Buryi Maksym , Gaston-Bellegarde Amayès Médhi , Pejchal Jan , Levchenko Fedor , Remeš Zdeněk , Ridzoňová Katarína , Babin Vladimir , Chertopalov Sergii
Published: March 2023

Erbium-doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG) single crystals grown using the micro-pulling-down technique were investigated. Three Er concentrations were chosen: 0.1, 0.3 and 1 at%. Er3+ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were measured in the ground and first excited states. The corresponding g tensors and 167Er hyperfine interaction were changing upon Er content indicating moderation of the Er-O bond length and/or Er local surrounding. Photoluminescence (PL) and radioluminescence (RL) spectra were complex, consisting of strongly overlapped typical Er3+ transitions. In addition, there were other broad PL band (3.1 eV) and RL band (3.95 eV) attributed to the F+ center and yttrium substituting for aluminum (YAl), respectively. The X-ray excited decay kinetics exhibited a decrease of the decay time of the YAl from hundreds of nanoseconds to nanoseconds upon Er doping level. This is discussed and explained considering EPR data.
Antibacterial Properties of Three-Dimensional Flower Cluster ZIF-L Modified by N-Doped Carbon Dots
Authors: He Jing , Xiong Yuanyuan , Mu Huaixuan , Li Peini , Deng Yiqing , Zou Wangcai , Zhao Qiang
Published: March 2023

To overcome the problems of excessive ion release of inorganic antimicrobial agents and the biological toxicity of organic antimicrobial agents, metal organic framework (MOF) materials are attracting attention in the antimicrobial field due to their tunable structural properties and multifunctional applications. Most current studies are limited to zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which has low antimicrobial efficiency by component release. Two-dimensional (2D) zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoleaf (ZIF-L) possesses better antimicrobial effect than ZIF-8 because of the physical destructionto bacteria by its blade tip. However, the in-situ synthesis method of two-dimensional ZIF-L, and the problem of leaf accumulation, limit the wider application of ZIF-L. In this paper, three-dimensional(3D) flower cluster-like ZIF-L (2–3 μm, +31.23 mv), with better antibacterial effects and a wider application range, was prepared by stirring without adding other reagents. To further improve the antibacterial performance of ZIF-L, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) were electrostatically absorbed by ZIF-L to obtain NCDs@ZIF-L composites. The NCDs@ZIF-L composites showed over 95% and 85% antibacterial efficiency against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL. In addition, polylactic acid (PLA) films mixed with ZIF-L and NCDs@ZIF-L composites with PLA showed good antimicrobial properties, indicating the applicability of ZIF-L and NCDs@ZIF-L composites for antibacterial materials. With a unique three-dimensional crystal shape and positive surface charge, ZIF-L and NCDs@ZIF-L composites exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, which provided a new perspective for the study of antimicrobial materials.
Preparation and Performance of Highly Stable Cathode Material Ag2V4O11 for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery
Authors: Tong Xiangling , Zhong Junyuan , Hu Xinxin , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2023

One of the hottest research topics at present is the construction of environmentally friendly and secure aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) using an aqueous electrolyte instead of an organic electrolyte. As a result of their diverse structure, valence state, high theoretical specific capacity, and other benefits, vanadium-based materials, which are frequently employed as the cathode of AZIBs, have drawn the attention of many researchers. The low cycle stability of zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) is mostly caused by the disintegration of the vanadium-based cathode materials during continuous charge and discharge. In this work, using 3M Zn(CF3SO3)2 as the electrolyte and hydrothermally synthesized Ag2V4O11 as the cathode material, the high-rate performance and extended cycle life of ZIBs were evaluated. The effects of different hydrothermal temperatures on the microstructure, capacity, and cycle stability of the Ag2V4O11 cathode material were examined. The experimental results show that Ag2V4O11 exhibits a typical intercalation-displacement process when used as the cathode material. The multiplicative performance and cycle stability of the cathode material were significantly enhanced at a hydrothermal temperature of 180 °C. Ag2V4O11-180 has a high discharge specific capacity of 251.5 mAh·g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A·g−1 and a long cycle life (117.6 mAh·g−1 after 1000 cycles at a current density of 3 A·g−1). According to the electrochemical kinetic investigation, the cathode material has a high pseudocapacitive charge storage and Zn2+ diffusion coefficient. This is attributed to the large layer spacing and the Ag+ anchored interlayer structure.
Supramolecular Structure of Tris(1,10-phenanthroline)zinc(II)-Cation and N,N′,N″-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide-Anion: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectra, and Theoretical Investigations
Authors: Pook Niels-Patrick
Published: March 2023

The present work reports on the synthesis, structural, spectroscopic, and theoretical studies of a new solid state ionic compound mainly composed of tris(1,10-phenanthroline)zinc(II) cations and N,N′,N″-tris(carboxymethyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide anions. Colorless and well-shaped crystals were obtained from an alkaline aqueous methanolic solution, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a distinct supramolecular network. Powder diffraction techniques and Rietveld analysis confirmed the phase purity of the crystalline probes. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with a cell volume of 9517.0 Å3. The complex cations [Zn(phen)3]2+ are interconnected via π–π-interactions and form a cationic layer network with holes. The organic counterion, as a dianion, forms dimeric units through π–π-interactions and hydrogen bonds, which also form an anionic layer network with honeycomb-like holes through cooperative classical hydrogen bonds of the O∙∙∙H–O and O∙∙∙H–N type with attractive secondary electrostatic interactions. Using the holes, the resulting supramolecular framework can be described as an interpenetrated network of separate anionic and cationic layers linked by further weaker non-covalent interactions such as C–H∙∙∙π and lone-pair∙∙∙π interactions. DFT calculations confirmed the experimentally observed spectroscopic (IR and Raman) findings. For a deeper insight into the structural arrangement in the crystal, the different Hirshfeld surfaces of the cation and anion, the pairwise interaction energies as well as the energy framework were calculated, supporting the dominance of attractive and repulsive electrostatic forces between the ions.
Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: What Is Available and What Is Coming?
Authors: Wikramanayake Tongyu C. , Haberland Nicole I. , Akhundlu Aysun , Laboy Nieves Andrea , Miteva Mariya
Published: March 2023

Millions of new cancer patients receive chemotherapy each year. In addition to killing cancer cells, chemotherapy is likely to damage rapidly proliferating healthy cells, including the hair follicle keratinocytes. Chemotherapy causes substantial thinning or loss of hair, termed chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA), in approximately 65% of patients. CIA is often ranked as one of the most distressing adverse effects of chemotherapy, but interventional options have been limited. To date, only scalp cooling has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent CIA. However, several factors, including the high costs not always covered by insurance, preclude its broader use. Here we review the current options for CIA prevention and treatment and discuss new approaches being tested. CIA interventions include scalp cooling systems (both non-portable and portable) and topical agents to prevent hair loss, versus topical and oral minoxidil, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, among others, to stimulate hair regrowth after hair loss. Evidence-based studies are needed to develop and validate methods to prevent hair loss and/or accelerate hair regrowth in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, which could significantly improve cancer patients’ quality of life and may help improve compliance and consequently the outcome of cancer treatment.
Patient-Initiated Follow-Up in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Luk Hiu Mei , Ngu Siew Fei , Lau Lesley S. K. , Tse Ka Yu , Chu Mandy M. Y. , Kwok Shuk Tak , Ngan Hextan Y. S. , Chan Karen K. L.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU) in combination with regular tumour marker monitoring as an alternative to conventional hospital follow-up for ovarian cancer survivors. Women who had recently completed treatment for ovarian cancer and had a raised pre-treatment tumour marker were recruited. Participants were allocated to PIFU (intervention group) or conventional hospital follow-up (control group) according to their own preference. Both groups had regular tumour marker monitoring. The change in fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) score as measured by the FCR inventory, and the supportive care need (SCN) scores as measured by the SCN survey at baseline and at 6 months between PIFU and hospital follow-up were compared. Out of 64 participants, 37 (58%) opted for hospital follow-up and 27 (42%) opted for PIFU. During the 6-month study period, there was no significant difference in the change of FCR between the two groups (p = 0.35). There was a significant decrease in the sexuality unmet needs score in the intervention group from baseline to 6-month FU (mean difference −8.7, 95% confidence interval −16.1 to −1.4, p = 0.02). PIFU with tumour marker monitoring is a feasible follow-up approach in ovarian cancer survivorship care. FCR and SCN were comparable between PIFU and conventional hospital follow-up.
Developments in Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for the Management of Deficient Mismatch Repair (dMMR) Rectal Cancer
Authors: Su Alan , Pedraza Rodrigo , Kennecke Hagen
Published: March 2023

Deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSIH) colorectal cancer is resistant to conventional chemotherapy but responds to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). We review the standard of care in locally advanced dMMR rectal cancer with a focus on ICI. We also present a case report to highlight the treatment complexities and unique challenges of this novel treatment approach. ICI can lead to immune related adverse events (irAEs), resulting in early treatment discontinuation as well as new challenges to surveillance and surgical management. Overall, neoadjuvant ICI can lead to robust treatment responses, but its impact on durable response and organ preservation requires further study.
Early Recurrence after Upfront Surgery for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nappo Gennaro , Donisi Greta , Capretti Giovanni , Ridolfi Cristina , Pagnanelli Michele , Nebbia Martina , Bozzarelli Silvia , Petitti Tommasangelo , Gavazzi Francesca , Zerbi Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Background. Survival after surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains poor, due to early recurrence (ER) of the disease. A global definition of ER is lacking and different cut-off values (6, 8, and 12 months) have been adopted. The aims of this study were to define the optimal cut-off for the definition of ER and predictive factors for ER. Methods. Recurrence was recorded for all consecutive patients undergoing upfront surgery for PDAC at our institute between 2010 and 2017. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized, to estimate the optimal cut-off for the definition of ER as a predictive factor for poor post-progression survival (PPS). To identify predictive factors of ER, univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used. Results. Three hundred and fifty one cases were retrospectively evaluated. The recurrence rate was 76.9%. ER rates were 29.0%, 37.6%, and 47.6%, when adopting 6, 8, and 12 months as cut-offs, respectively. A significant difference in median PPS was only shown between ER and late recurrence using 12 months as cut-off (p = 0.005). In the multivariate analysis, a pre-operative value of CA 19-9 > 70.5 UI/L (OR 3.10 (1.41–6.81); p = 0.005) and the omission of adjuvant treatment (OR 0.18 (0.08–0.41); p < 0.001) were significant predictive factors of ER. Conclusions. A twelve-months cut-off should be adopted for the definition of ER. Almost 50% of upfront-resected patients presented ER, and it significantly affected the prognosis. A high preoperative value of CA 19-9 and the omission of adjuvant treatment were the only predictive factors for ER.
Being Safe, but Not Too Safe: A Nudibranch Feeding on a Bryozoan-Associated Hydrozoan
Authors: Maggioni Davide , Furfaro Giulia , Solca Michele , Seveso Davide , Galli Paolo , Montano Simone
Published: March 2023

Nudibranchs have a mostly carnivorous diet, and they prey on a wide variety of other animal taxa. Many species, mainly belonging to the Cladobranchia suborder, feed on cnidarians, including member of the class Hydrozoa. Several hydrozoan species display a symbiotic lifestyle, being associated with other benthic invertebrates, including for instance bryozoans, corals, octocorals, and sponges. In our knowledge, no record of nudibranch predation on symbiotic hydrozoans has been reported so far, possibly thanks to the protective action by the host towards its symbiotic hydrozoan. Here, we show the unexpected case of a nudibranch belonging to the recently described species Sakuraeolis marhe (Fernández-Simón and Moles, 2023) feeding on Zanclea sp. 2, a hydrozoan associated with the cheilostome bryozoan Celleporaria sp. This trophic association is confirmed by the presence and storage of the nematocysts into the nudibranch cnidosacs. Moreover, the nudibranch appears to selectively store mostly a single type of nematocyst, that is large size stenotele. The observation here reported represents the first well-documented record of a nudibranch feeding on a symbiotic hydrozoan and the first confirmed case of predation on Zanclea polyps. Moreover, we provide additional genetic information and the first description of the internal anatomy of S. marhe.
Economic Valuation of Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog Conservation
Authors: Kontsiotis Vasileios J. , Chrysopoulou Despina , Chrysopoulou Parthena , Liordos Vasilios
Published: March 2023

The northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus) is a charismatic insectivore mammal threatened by habitat loss, the use of biocides, and collisions with vehicles. We aimed at valorizing hedgehog conservation through the contingent valuation method for estimating the proportion and the amount of willingness to pay (WTP) and the effects of cognitions and sociodemographic characteristics on WTP. We collected data through interviews with 704 residents of four administrative regions of northern Greece. Binary logistic regression and Welsh–Poe interval regression were used for estimating the effects of predictors on the proportion and mean WTP, respectively. Most participants (58.2%) were WTP a mean of EUR 31.7 for hedgehog conservation, totaling EUR 21.9 million annually when projected to the population. Positive attitudes, mutualism wildlife orientations, intention to participate in hedgehog conservation actions, and participation in consumptive and non-consumptive wildlife-related recreational activities increased WTP. Highly educated females, with high income and a pet were more WTP than less educated males, with low income and without a pet. Findings provided necessary information to managers about the value of hedgehog conservation, the potential for raising required funds and the differences in WTP among and within public groups.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors-Related Myocarditis: A Review of Reported Clinical Cases
Authors: Zotova Liudmila
Published: March 2023

Myocarditis associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is a rare manifestation of their cardiotoxicity, but is characterized by a high mortality rate. A literature search was conducted using PubMed using keywords, which resulted in the selection of 679 scientific works, from which 160 articles that described 244 clinical cases were selected. The median age of the patients was 67 years (IQR, 60–74). The median time from the start of ICI therapy to the development of the first adverse symptoms was 21 days (IQR, 14–38.3). In 37% of cases, myocarditis developed after the first administration of ICI. Cardiac symptoms were present in 47.1% of cases, neuromuscular symptoms in 30.3%, and other symptoms in 12.6%, while myocarditis was asymptomatic in 10.1% of cases. New changes in the electrocardiograms were detected in 85.1% of patients compared to the initial data. A high incidence of complete atrioventricular block (25.4%), right bundle branch block (18.4%), ventricular tachycardia (13%), and sinus tachycardia (12%) were noted. In 97% of the cases, the patients received prednisolone or methylprednisolone therapy. When using ICI, special attention should be paid to the early detection of possible cardiotoxicity by analyzing the condition and function of the myocardium before treatment and its dynamics.
Evaluation of the Expression Levels of miR-21-5p and miR-429 Genes in Biopsy Samples from Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Garajei Ata , Allameh Abdolamir , Azadi Mehdi , Emami Azadeh , Atashbasteh Mostafa , Mostafavi Melina , Ghaderi Bayazid , Inchingolo Francesco , Sadeghi Masoud , Tadakamadla Santosh Kumar , Mohammadi Hady , Tadakamadla Jyothi
Published: March 2023

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRs) are a group of endogenous, non-coding, 18-24 nucleotide length single-strand RNAs that mediate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level through mRNA degradation or translational repression. They are involved in regulating diverse cellular biological processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, and apoptosis. The deregulation of miRs affects normal biological processes, leading to malignancies, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study evaluates the expression level of miR-21-5p and miR-429 genes in biopsy samples from patients with OSCC and performs a comparison with controls. Materials and Methods: In this study, tissue samples were obtained from 40 individuals (20 OSCC patients and 20 healthy controls) to determine miR-21-5p and miR-429 expression using the ΔCT method and analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test. Results: The mean age of subjects in the control and patient groups was 47.15 and 53.8 years, respectively. According to the Mann–Whitney test, significant differences were observed in miR-21-5p (p < 0.0001) and miR-429 (p = 0.0191) expression levels between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The expression of miR-21-5p, miR-429, and combined miRNAs in the OSCC group was significantly higher compared to the control group. As a result, changes in the expression of these biomarkers in cancerous tissues could potentially be considered as a marker for the early diagnosis of OSCC.
Anti-U11/U12 Antibodies as a Rare but Important Biomarker in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Fritzler Marvin J. , Bentow Chelsea , Beretta Lorenzo , Palterer Boaz , Perurena-Prieto Janire , Sanz-Martínez Maria Teresa , Guillen-Del-Castillo Alfredo , Marín Ana , Fonollosa-Pla Vicent , Callejas-Moraga Eduardo , Simeón-Aznar Carmen Pilar , Mahler Michael
Published: March 2023

Anti-nuclear (ANA) are present in approximately 90% of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and are key biomarkers in supporting the diagnosis and determining the prognosis of this disease. In addition to the classification criteria autoantibodies for SSc [i.e., anti-centromere, anti-topoisomerase I (Scl-70), anti-RNA polymerase III], other autoantibodies have been associated with important SSc phenotypes. Among them, anti-U11/U12 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibodies, also known as anti-RNPC-3, were first reported in a patient with SSc, but very little is known about their association and clinical utility. The U11/U12 RNP macromolecular complex consists of several proteins involved in alternative mRNA splicing. More recent studies demonstrated associations of anti-anti-U11/U12 antibodies with SSc and severe pulmonary fibrosis as well as with moderate to severe gastrointestinal dysmotility. Lastly, anti-U11/U12 autoantibodies have been strongly associated with malignancy in SSc patients. Here, we aimed to summarize the knowledge of anti-U11/U12/RNPC-3 antibodies in SSc, including their seroclinical associations in a narrative literature review.
A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm Based on Imitation Learning for the Airport Gate Assignment Problem
Authors: Ding Cong , Bi Jun , Wang Yongxing
Published: March 2023

Airport gates are the main places for aircraft to receive ground services. With the increased number of flights, limited gate resources near to the terminal make the gate assignment work more complex. Traditional solution methods based on mathematical programming models and iterative algorithms are usually used to solve these static situations, lacking learning and real-time decision-making abilities. In this paper, a two-stage hybrid algorithm based on imitation learning and genetic algorithm (IL-GA) is proposed to solve the gate assignment problem. First of all, the problem is defined from a mathematical model to a Markov decision process (MDP), with the goal of maximizing the number of flights assigned to contact gates and the total gate preferences. In the first stage of the algorithm, a deep policy network is created to obtain the gate selection probability of each flight. This policy network is trained by imitating and learning the assignment trajectory data of human experts, and this process is offline. In the second stage of the algorithm, the policy network is used to generate a good initial population for the genetic algorithm to calculate the optimal solution for an online instance. The experimental results show that the genetic algorithm combined with imitation learning can greatly shorten the iterations and improve the population convergence speed. The flight rate allocated to the contact gates is 14.9% higher than the manual allocation result and 4% higher than the traditional genetic algorithm. Learning the expert assignment data also makes the allocation scheme more consistent with the preference of the airport, which is helpful for the practical application of the algorithm.
Social Depolarization and Diversity of Opinions—Unified ABM Framework
Authors: Sobkowicz Paweł
Published: March 2023

Most sociophysics opinion dynamics simulations assume that contacts between agents lead to greater similarity of opinions, and that there is a tendency for agents having similar opinions to group together. These mechanisms result, in many types of models, in significant polarization, understood as separation between groups of agents having conflicting opinions. The addition of inflexible agents (zealots) or mechanisms, which drive conflicting opinions even further apart, only exacerbates these polarizing processes. Using a universal mathematical framework, formulated in the language of utility functions, we present novel simulation results. They combine polarizing tendencies with mechanisms potentially favoring diverse, non-polarized environments. The simulations are aimed at answering the following question: How can non-polarized systems exist in stable configurations? The framework enables easy introduction, and study, of the effects of external “pro-diversity”, and its contribution to the utility function. Specific examples presented in this paper include an extension of the classic square geometry Ising-like model, in which agents modify their opinions, and a dynamic scale-free network system with two different mechanisms promoting local diversity, where agents modify the structure of the connecting network while keeping their opinions stable. Despite the differences between these models, they show fundamental similarities in results in terms of the existence of low temperature, stable, locally and globally diverse states, i.e., states in which agents with differing opinions remain closely linked. While these results do not answer the socially relevant question of how to combat the growing polarization observed in many modern democratic societies, they open a path towards modeling polarization diminishing activities. These, in turn, could act as guidance for implementing actual depolarization social strategies.
Dynamic Equivalent Model Considering Multiple Induction Motors for System Frequency Response
Authors: Tang Zhen , Mu Guoxing , Pan Jie , Xue Zhiwei , Yang Hong , Mei Mingyang , Zhang Zhihao , Kou Peng
Published: March 2023

Renewable energy sources have been characterized by a persistent and rapid proliferation, which has resulted in a notable reduction in grid inertia over an extended period. There is a widely held belief that the primary source of inertia within the grid stems from generation-side conventional units. However, in power consumption, a significant number of induction motors are present, which can inherently offer rotational inertia by virtue of their kinetic energy. To investigate the influence of induction motors on grid inertia, in this paper, we propose two types of models, i.e., a detailed grid model and a dynamic equivalent model that considers multiple induction motors. Specifically, the detailed grid model with multiple induction motors is first established. However, the detailed model requires the specific parameters of induction motors, which are hard to acquire in large systems. Moreover, the accuracy of the model is unsatisfactory. To fill these gaps, the dynamic equivalent model (DEM) is further proposed to emulate the detailed model. Compared with the detailed model, the proposed dynamic equivalent model is structurally simple and does not require the specific parameters of induction motors. Therefore, it is possible to apply to large systems for investigating the influence of induction motors on grid frequency dynamics. A genetic algorithm is introduced in order to figure out the parameters of the proposed dynamic equivalent model from historical frequency data. The proposed detailed model and dynamic equivalent model are evaluated on the IEEE 9-bus system in MATLAB and SimPowerSystems toolbox.
Accelerating Optimal Control Strategy Generation for HVAC Systems Using a Scenario Reduction Method: A Case Study
Authors: Tian Zhe , Ye Chuang , Zhu Jie , Niu Jide , Lu Yakai
Published: March 2023

Learning an optimal control strategy from the optimized operating dataset is a feasible way to improve the operational efficiency of HVAC systems. The operation dataset is the key to ensuring the global optimality and universality of the operation strategy. Currently, the model-based method is commonly used to generate datasets that cover all operating scenarios throughout the cooling season. However, thousands of iterative optimizations of the model also lead to high computational costs. Therefore, this paper proposed a scenario reduction method in which similar operating scenarios were grouped into clusters to significantly reduce the number of optimization calculations. First, k-means clustering (with dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature, and cooling load as features) was used to select typical scenarios from operating scenarios for the entire cooling season. Second, the model-based optimization was performed with the typical scenarios to generate the optimal operating dataset. Taking a railway station in Beijing as a case study, the results show that the optimization time for the typical scenarios was only 1.4 days, which was reduced by 93.1% compared with the 20.6 days required to optimize the complete cooling season scenario. The optimal control rules were extracted, respectively, from the above datasets generated under the two schemes, and the results show that the deviation of energy saving rate was only 0.45%. This study shows that the scenario reduction method can significantly speed up the generation of the optimal control strategy dataset while ensuring the energy-saving effect.
Study of the Wellbore Instability Mechanism of Shale in the Jidong Oilfield under the Action of Fluid
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Chen Chunlai , Zhou Yan , Pan Junying , Song Wei , Zhu Kuanliang , Wang Changhao , Li Shibin
Published: March 2023

Wellbore instability is the primary technical problem that restricts the low-cost drilling of long-interval horizontal wells in the shale formation of the Jidong Oilfield. Based on the evaluation of the mineral composition, structure and physicochemical properties of shale, this paper investigates the mechanical behavior and instability characteristics of shale under fluid action by combining theoretical analysis, experimental evaluation and numerical simulation. Due to the existence of shale bedding and microcracks, the strength of shale deteriorates after soaking in drilling fluid. The conductivity of the weak surface of shale is much higher than that of the rock matrix. The penetration of drilling fluid into the formation along the weak surface directly reduces the strength of the structural surface of shale, which is prone to wellbore collapse. The collapse pressure of the shale formation in the Nanpu block of the Jidong oilfield was calculated. The well inclination angle, azimuth angle and drilling fluid soaking time were substituted in the deterioration model of rock mechanics parameters, and the safe drilling fluid density of the target layer was given. This work has important guiding significance for realizing wellbore stability and safe drilling of hard brittle shale in the Jidong Oilfield.
Hydrogen Production from Biogas: Development of an Efficient Nickel Catalyst by the Exsolution Approach
Authors: Matus Ekaterina , Kerzhentsev Mikhail , Ismagilov Ilyas , Nikitin Andrey , Sozinov Sergey , Ismagilov Zinfer
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen production from biogas over alumina-supported Ce1−xNixO2−x catalysts was studied in a temperature range of 600–850 °C with an initial gas composition of CH4/CO2/H2O of 1/0.8/0.4. To achieve a high and stable hydrogen yield, highly dispersed Ni catalysts were prepared through the exsolution approach. A solid solution of Ce1−xNixO2−x was firstly formed on the surface of Al2O3 and then activated in H2/Ar at 800 °C. The genesis and properties of the Ce1−xNixO2−x/Al2O3 catalysts were established using X-ray fluorescence analysis, thermal analysis, N2 adsorption, ex situ and in situ X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, EDX analysis, and temperature-programmed hydrogen reduction. The performance of Ce1−xNixO2−x/Al2O3 catalysts in biogas conversion was tuned by regulation of the dispersion and reducibility of the active component through variation of content (5–20 wt.%) and composition (x = 0.2, 0.5, 0.8) of Ce1−xNixO2−x as well as the mode of its loading (co-impregnation (CI), citrate sol–gel method (SG)). For the 20 wt.% Ce1−xNixO2−x/Al2O3 catalyst, the rate of the coke formation decreased by a factor of 10 as x increased from 0.2 to 0.8. The optimal catalyst composition (20 wt.% Ce0.2Ni0.8O1.8/80 wt.% Al2O3) and preparation mode (citrate sol–gel method) were determined. At 850 °C, the 20 wt.% Ce0.2Ni0.8O1.8/Al2O3-SG catalyst provides 100% hydrogen yield at full CH4 conversion and 85% CO2 utilization.
Perspectives on Electric Machines with Cryogenic Cooling
Authors: Marignetti Fabrizio , Rubino Guido
Published: March 2023

Cryogenic cooling is a well-established and expanding technology. In the field of electric machines, it allows the construction of more efficient machines with a high power density. This paper addresses the main cooling technologies and their impact on cryogenic machine construction, providing perspective for their use in future electrical machines. Although cost and safety issues of cryogenic systems are still holding back the uptake of cryogenic electric motors and generators, research in this field should provide significant improvements and promote their use at different levels.
Characterisation and Field Test of a Simple AvaSpec Array Spectroradiometer for Solar Irradiance Measurements at an Alpine Site
Authors: Pisani Olga , Diémoz Henri , Cassardo Claudio
Published: March 2023

Array spectroradiometers are increasingly being used to measure natural and artificial optical radiation because of their many advantages compared to traditional instruments. This study aims to thoroughly characterise a commercially available, cost-effective array device (AvaSpec ULS2048-LTEC) and compare its measurements of global solar irradiance in the 290–1100 nm wavelength range with those collected during three short-term field campaigns from more advanced, or specifically designed instruments. Moreover, the AvaSpec observations were compared with the output of a radiative transfer model. The results show that, despite its conceptually simple instrumental design, the AvaSpec can provide measurements of nearly comparable quality to those from reference instruments (e.g., UV index and global horizontal irradiance generally within ±5%) if all corrections are performed. These preliminary observations will be the basis of a long-term series at the Aosta–Saint-Christophe observatory, which can be employed to study solar energy production, biological effects and atmospheric composition changes in the Alpine environment. All procedures, including the encountered issues and proposed solutions, are described in detail.
Selecting Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Modules by Measuring Their Attractiveness by a Categorical-Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH): The Case of Lithuania
Authors: Tamošiūnas Andrius
Published: March 2023

The paper examines the challenges related to solar photovoltaic (PV) development with a pivotal focus on the impacts of the dynamics of the relevant markets and technological advancements in the solar industry. In this regard, household investments into rooftop solar PV modules as one of the available incentives are investigated based on a conducted experiment in Lithuania for selecting rooftop solar PV systems for the prosumer by measuring the attractiveness of solar PV modules by a categorical-based evaluation technique (MACBETH). While a variety of multiple-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods used by scholars have their specifics in terms of application and the divergence of results, the findings of the conducted experiment reveal MACBETH’s utility when based upon qualitative judgments about the differences in the attractiveness of offers, quantifying their relative value and accordingly ranking the latter. The findings also confirm MACBETH’s potential to be used not only to solve operational and tactical tasks but also for strategic objectives of private and public organizations aiming at competitive and sustainable development in short- and long-term contexts.
A Modeling Toolkit for Comparing AC and DC Electrical Distribution Efficiency in Buildings
Authors: Othee Avpreet , Cale James , Santos Arthur , Frank Stephen , Zimmerle Daniel , Ghatpande Omkar , Duggan Gerald , Gerber Daniel
Published: March 2023

Recently, there has been considerable research interest in the potential for DC distribution systems in buildings instead of the traditional AC distribution systems. Due to the need for performing power conversions between DC and AC electricity, DC distribution may provide electrical efficiency advantages in some systems. To support comparative evaluations of AC-only, DC-only, and hybrid AC/DC distribution systems in buildings, a new modeling toolkit called the Building Electrical Efficiency Analysis Model (BEEAM) was developed and is described in this paper. To account for harmonics in currents or voltages arising from nonlinear devices, the toolkit implements harmonic power flow, along with nonlinear device behavioral descriptions derived from empirical measurements. This paper describes the framework, network equations, device representations, and an implementation of the toolkit in an open source software package, including a component library and graphical interface for creating circuits. Simulations of electrical behavior and device and system efficiencies using the toolkit are compared with experimental measurements of a small office environment in a variety of operating and load configurations. A detailed analysis of uncertainty estimation is also provided. Key findings were that a comparison of predicted versus measured efficiencies and power losses in the validation testbed using the initial toolkit implementation predicted device- and system-level efficiencies with reasonably good accuracy under both balanced and unbalanced AC scenarios. An uncertainty analysis also revealed that the maximum estimated error for system efficiency across all scenarios was 3%, and measured and modeled system efficiency agreed within the experimental uncertainty in approximately half of the scenarios. Based on the correspondence between simulation and measurement, the toolkit is proposed by the authors as a potentially useful tool for comparing efficiency in AC, DC, and hybrid AC/DC distribution systems in buildings.
Experimental and CFD Investigation of Fuel Mixing in an Optical-Access Direct-Injection NG Engine and Correlation with Test Rig Combustion and Performance Data
Authors: Misul Daniela , Baratta Mirko , Xu Jiajie , Fuerhapter Alois , Heindl Rene
Published: March 2023

The present paper is the result of a cooperation between Politecnico di Torino and AVL List Gmbh within a recent collaborative research project funded by the EC. The research work was focused on the experimental and numerical characterization of mixture formation, combustion, and emissions in direct-injection NG engines, to draw useful indication for the design of innovative, high-performance engine concepts. As a matter of fact, direct-injection IC engines running on NG are believed to be a competitive transition solution towards a sustainable mobility scenario, given their maturity, technological readiness, and flexibility with respect to the fuel quality. Moreover, gaseous-fuel engines can further decrease their carbon footprint if blending of natural gas with hydrogen is considered. Provided that mixture formation represents a key aspect for the design of direct-injection engines, the activity presented in this paper is focused on the characterization of NG injection and on the mixing process, as well as the impact these latter hold on the combustion process as well as on engine-out emissions. The mixture formation process was analyzed by means of combined CFD and optical investigations. Furthermore, a full version of the engine was tested on a dynamic test rig, providing quantitative information on the engine performance and emission characteristics. The CFD results highlighted the correlation between the mixture homogeneity and the combustion stability and hinted at a relevant impact of the jet characteristics on the air charge tumble and turbulence characteristics.