bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind energy relevant characteristics of turbulence over boreal forests
Authors: Arnqvist Johan , Olivares-Espinosa Hugo , Carlén Ingemar
Published: June 2024

Turbulence statistics from three tall meteorological masts and LES in forested landscapes are compared to standard turbulence models used for wind turbine design. The comparison is split into different atmospheric conditions to highlight the impact of stratification on the character of turbulence. The aim of the work is to clarify to which extent standard turbulence models are accurate over forested regions. To this end, different spectral measures such as power spectra and coherence are examined as well as vertical profiles of turbulence characteristics relevant to the design and siting of wind turbines. The measurements are used to investigate vertically separated 2-point statistics and the LES to investigate laterally separated statistics. The results show that in neutral stratification and for smaller separation distances, in the order of half a radius, the standard turbulence models apply, but in non-neutral stratification, particularly in stable conditions and for larger separations the disparity between observations and standard turbulence grow. This effect is mainly attributed to the effect of stratification, while features in the turbulence statistics specifically related to the forest cover is absent at heights relevant to wind energy. The results of the study are expected to be of interest for turbine design purposes as well as wind resource estimation and wind modelling in forested areas.
Attribution of drought trends on the Mongolian Plateau over the past decades
Authors: Li Yulan , Gong Hainan , Chen Wen , Wang Lin
Published: June 2024

The Mongolian Plateau (MP) has undergone a significant drought trend in recent decades, presenting a substantial threat to local ecosystems and environments. The debate persists on whether this observed drought trend stems from external forcings or is a result of internal variability. Utilizing the large-ensemble simulations of the climate model and dynamical adjustment method, we have identified that the atmospheric circulation anomalies are the main drivers of drought trends in MP. A zonal atmospheric wave train, triggered by internally-generated warming of the North Atlantic sea surface temperature (NAS), is responsible for nearly 57% of the drought trend observed in MP. While external forcings could potentially induce a moistening trend in MP via direct thermodynamic processes, the atmospheric circulation anomalies linked to the forced NAS warming can not only offset its direct effect but also further amplify the drought trend in MP, accounting for 43% of the drought trend observed in MP.
Maintaining Performance and Lifetime of Boiler Assets During Implementation of Cofiring and Coal Switching by Using Integrated Digital Boiler Combustion Tuning
Authors: Yudisaputro H , Gumbira D , Lubis R S , Saputra A T , Satyadi H
Published: June 2024

Implementing coal switching and co-firing at the JPR coal-fired power plant significantly impacts life assets and plant performance, especially in the boiler. This phenomenon happens because low-calorie coal and biomass in Indonesia have a very high water content of up to 56%. According to the problem, an improvement based on a digital system was carried out to adjust the combustion pattern to achieve the operation parameter target for the main boiler equipment. This study was completed in three steps: first, the mixing characteristics of biomass and coal were validated; second, the combustion process was optimized through boiler tuning, which involves figuring out the best value for every fuel modification; and third, a digital platform was developed to make the process of controlling, monitoring, and optimizing combustion more straightforward. The work process begins with inputting daily operation planning data, and then the digital boiler system identifies fuel needs based on availability at the coal yard. Moreover, it also shows the recommendation for the baseline operating parameters executed by the plant operator. The system automatically warns if there is a difference between the actual operating pattern and the baseline. As a result, this study creates a symmetrical fireball concerning the combustion chamber and reduces SO2 and NOx emissions. Boiler performance indicators such as O2 outlet at 3-4 % and other indicators can operate within the baseline parameter. Boiler efficiency increased by 0,8 %, or equivalent to savings of $ 1.272.992,83, and decreased electricity generation cost to $ 0,000081/kWh. The pipe thickness rate is also reduced, preventing leakage in the boiler and, as an indication, increasing the boiler’s lifetime.
Investigation of slagging-fouling tendency for high-sulfur coal and solid recovered fuel (SRF)
Authors: Ghazidin H , Suyatno  , Cahyo Nur , Ruhiyat A S , Prabowo  , Darmawan A
Published: June 2024

SRF can be utilized as co-firing fuel in power plants in order to provide more green energy and decrease the waste landfill. However, the characteristics of SRF with high potassium and chlorine need to be investigated first to avoid ash problem aspects in the future. This study aims to obtain initial prediction of slagging, fouling, abrasion, and corrosion for SRF and high-sulfur coal blend using empirical indices. This study used five slagging parameters, four fouling parameters, one abrasion parameter, and two corrosion parameters. The result shows that SRF contains high ash content, chlorine, Fe2O3, CaO, and K2O, that affects ash deposit formation like slagging, fouling, abrasion, and corrosion. Therefore, composition of 0-15 wt% SRF is more suitable than other compositions.
Effect of Fuel Substitution on Thermal Efficiency Using GateCycle
Authors: Ruhiyat A S , Prismantoko A , Luktyansyah I M , Abimanyu H , Adelia N , Prasetyo B T , Hartono J
Published: June 2024

Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used to substitute coal. However, in its utilization, the impact of several factors must be investigated. In this study, a simulation was conducted utilizing the GateCycle software to assess the impact of fuel composition modifications on the boiler’s operational efficiency. Simulation results show that changes in fuel composition do not significantly affect boiler efficiency. Co-combustion fuel, blended coal with 5% frond, has low total moisture and high fixed carbon, giving the highest boiler efficiency among other blended fuels. The steam output decreases by 3 - 7 t/h at the same pressure and temperature. Simulation results need to be validated by testing on existing boilers. It is also necessary to investigate the effect of fuel characteristics on slag fouling, which can lead to reduced boiler performance.
Xylitol Production from Aspergillus niger using Empty Fruit Bunches (EFBs) as a Substrate by Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Panjaitan G , Simanjuntak B , Martgrita M M
Published: June 2024

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that has five carbon chains and is one of the commercial products whose use is quite high in Indonesia, but its availability is still low. Xylitol is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The production of xylitol can be carried out through fermentation using microorganisms and pure xylose as a substrate, but the use of pure xylose is quite expensive so it will increase production costs. Xylose can be replaced by hydrolysate xylose from agricultural waste. Empty Fruit Bunches (EFBs) is one of the agricultural wastes which has a high hemicellulose content, which is 35%. The high hemicellulose content from EFBs can be used as a substrate in the production of xylitol by submerged fermentation. This research was conducted to determine the effect of variations substrate concentration on xylitol production, evaluate the effect of Aspergillus niger growth rate on xylitol production, and determine the concentration of xylitol produced during the fermentation process. The concentration variations of the substrate were 14.28%, 28.57%, and 42.85%. The result of this research indicated that the substrate concentration increase led to increasing cell concentration, cell growth rate, xylitol concentration, and xylitol production rate. The highest substrate concentration resulted in a cell concentration of 0.0078 g/ml, a cell growth rate of 0.00014 cells/hour, a xylitol concentration of 189.00 mg/ml, and a xylitol production rate of 2.861 mg/hour.
Pyrolysis of oil palm trunk biomass using a fixed bed reactor to produce raw material for bio-carbon black
Authors: Raksodewanto Alfonsus Agus , Sudarmanta Bambang , Setiyawan Atok , Priyanto Unggul , Fariza Oni , Yarsono Samdi , Zufri Muhamad Fauzi , Puspitasari Santi
Published: June 2024

The abundance of palm oil plantation waste in Indonesia can be utilized as a raw material for making carbon black, which currently relies on fossil fuel-based raw materials. Out of the five types of palm oil biomass waste, including empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm kernel shells (PKS), palm mesocarp fibers (PMF), oil palm fronds (OPF), and oil palm trunks (OPT), one will be chosen as the raw material for carbon black production. Palm oil biomass waste typically has a relatively high ash content. To reduce the ash content, the biomass must first undergo pyrolysis to transform it into pyrolysis oil. The higher the carbon content and the lower the oxygen content, the more the pyrolysis oil meets the criteria for replacing crude oil. Among the criteria mentioned, the lowest ash content is found in palm kernel shells (1.4%). The highest carbon content is in palm trunks (55.8%), while the lowest oxygen content is also in palm kernel shells (34.5%). Palm kernel shells are the best palm oil biomass that can be used as a raw material for carbon black. However, because palm kernel shells are commonly used as boiler fuel, the second choice is palm trunks due to their high carbon content. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted using palm trunk biomass to produce bio-oil, which would be further processed into carbon black. The palm trunks were divided into three parts: outer trunk, middle trunk, and core trunk. The biomass size was also varied, with sizes of 20 mesh and 40 mesh. The pyrolysis process used a fixed bed reactor with a heating rate of 3°C/minute, reaching a pyrolysis temperature of 600°C, and maintaining that temperature for 1.5 hours. The highest yield of bio-oil obtained was from the outer trunk with a biomass size of 40 mesh (36.8%). Similarly, for a size of 20 mesh, the highest yield was also from the outer trunk (35.7%).
Risk Management for the Petrodiesel-Biodiesel Fuel Blend Supply Chain in Indonesia
Authors: Ardiansah Nur , Nyoman Pujawan I
Published: June 2024

This research addresses the management of risks within inter-business unit networks, focusing on two key levels of risk mitigation: strategic and operational. Prior research primarily explored risk management within specific fuel industry units supplied by a single source. This study represents a novel approach, delving into dual-source fuel strategies and engaging various supply chain stakeholders to identify and mitigate operational risks accordingly. The research findings demonstrate that stakeholders can reduce risks through integrated planning and collaboration among business units, with government support further reducing inter-unit risks. This study’s main contribution is establishing a basis for future research in eco-friendly fuel supply chains, specifically examining the long-term viability of blending petrofuel with biofuel. This extends risk analysis to supply chain networks involving multiple business units. Moreover, this research emphasizes the significance of case studies covering end-to-end product flows in fuel blend supply, encompassing various supply chain functions. Additionally, it investigates stakeholder perceptions of operational risks associated with different business unit types, addressing potential domino effects. It highlights the importance of information technology in risk reduction through collaborative information exchange within the supply chain.
On-Stream Pipe Scale Inspection Using Gamma-Ray Tomography Technique: Field Experiment in Karaha Geothermal Power Plant, Indonesia
Authors: Azmi Bayu , Milyardi Indra , Stefanus Megy , Prasetyo Fajar Adi , Prasetio Rasi , Kuznetsov Mikhail S. , Dolmatov Oleg Yu.
Published: June 2024

Pipe scaling is a common problem in geothermal power plants. Currently, the pipeline withinside the Karaha Telaga Bodas geothermal subject is indicated to incorporate scale because of pressure anomalies. On-stream pipe scale inspection techniques are needed to maintain the production process. This research aims to apply the gamma-ray transmission tomography technique to pipelines in geothermal fields. The gamma-ray tomography system consists of a 137Cs (2.96 GBq) gamma radiation source, a scintillation detector, mechanical parts, control parts, and data acquisition. Scanning was performed at three predetermined points: brine pipe 1, two-phase pipe, and brine pipe 2. The system scans half of the pipe circumference (180°) and divides it into 32 projections (5.625°). Each projection performs a translational scan with a resolution of 4 mm. Three cross-sectional images of the pipe were obtained, showing the inside condition. Pipe scale was observed at three scanning points with a thickness of 12 mm-48 mm. Gamma tomography can potentially be a tool for examining pipe scale thickness in geothermal fields. The use of a single detector is a limitation that needs to be improved. Apart from that, the stability of the control and mechanical parts must also be improved.
The Implementation of Traceability and Ensuring Validity of Results at Testing Laboratories for Air and Exhaust Gas in Indonesia
Authors: Hamim N , Budiman H , Habibie M H , Basuki B
Published: June 2024

Ensuring metrological traceability and result validity is a critical aspect of testing laboratories to obtain reliable results and ensure comparability. A survey was conducted in testing laboratories to assess the extent of traceability and result validity assurance through the utilization of certified reference materials and the implementation of quality assurance. The objective of this survey is to determine the necessary types of reference materials and proficiency tests, particularly for air and exhaust gas laboratories, in order to enhance the development of reference materials and proficiency testing services. The survey involved distributing a questionnaire regarding the utilization of certified reference materials and the implementation of quality assurance to accredited air and exhaust gas testing laboratories. The findings revealed that out of the 25 participating laboratories, a significant portion had not yet incorporated the use of certified reference materials in their testing processes. Although internal quality control measures were generally implemented across laboratories, only 40% had adopted external quality control methods, such as comparative and proficiency tests. Consequently, it is evident that there is an urgent need to develop reference materials for all parameters of air and exhaust gas testing, and there is a requirement for updated information for proficiency test providers.
Numerical investigations on Hydrofoil Performance due to Homogeneous Roughness
Authors: Aisyah Imaniar Fitri , Sutardi
Published: June 2024

Adding a foil system to catamaran shups, also known as Hydrofoil Supported Catamarans (hysucat), is one method of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. By taking advantage of the lifting force of the foil, the implementation of a foil system can efficiently decrease a vessel’s draft and consequently reduce the ship’s resistance. However, continually submerged areas of the ship’s hull will be vulnerable to biofouling. As biofouling grows, the hull becomes rough. As a result of increased frictional resistance, rough surfaces may lower the performance of a system, according to fluid mechanics. This study aims to investigate the impact of foil roughness on its work performance. To achieve this, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical method will be set up with a modified wall function employed for roughness modelling in simulation. The specified roughness height values (ks
) values, which range from 81.25 to 325.00 to 568.75 in µm, represent the general hull roughness. The results reveal that a rough surface may negatively affect the hydrofoil’s operational performance by raising the resistance significantly.
Hopf bifurcations of twisted states in phase oscillators rings with nonpairwise higher-order interactions
Authors: Bick Christian , Böhle Tobias , Omel’chenko Oleh E
Published: June 2024

Synchronization is an essential collective phenomenon in networks of interacting oscillators. Twisted states are rotating wave solutions in ring networks where the oscillator phases wrap around the circle in a linear fashion. Here, we analyze Hopf bifurcations of twisted states in ring networks of phase oscillators with nonpairwise higher-order interactions. Hopf bifurcations give rise to quasiperiodic solutions that move along the oscillator ring at nontrivial speed. Because of the higher-order interactions, these emerging solutions may be stable. Using the Ott–Antonsen approach, we continue the emergent solution branches which approach anti-phase type solutions (where oscillators form two clusters whose phase is π apart) as well as twisted states with a different winding number.
Antibacterial and photo dye degradative ability of copper oxide nanoparticles from Pleurotus cystidiosus
Authors: S Kamakshi , P Anantha Lakshmi , R Shenbhagaraman , P Jenavio Maria Amirtham , R Siva , G Lakshmanan , J Selvakumari
Published: June 2024

The present study deals with in vitro experiments for to develop synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles using Pleurotus cystidiosus. Mushroom-based nanoparticles, such as copper nanoparticles have become more significant because of potential biocatalytic properties, including antibacterial activity. The blue-to-brown color shift suggests CuONPs, as confirmed by absorbance maxima at 246 nm in ultraviolet spectroscopy. FTIR spectra reveal the existence of carboxyl, alcohol, and aldehyde carbon; the amine group represents the myco-synthesized copper nanoparticle. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) nanoparticles show spherical to oval nano aggregates of 80–110 nm in size. The EDX spectrum confirms the presence of Cu at 8.00 keV in myco-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles. The antimicrobial efficacy of produced copper oxide nanoparticles on human pathogens showed a maximum zone of inhibition against coliform bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis (32 ± 2), Enterobacter aerogenes (30 ± 1), E. coli (28 ± 1) and least zone of inhibition about 25 ± 1 mm recorded in Streptococcus mutans. The photocatalytic activity of Congo red dye, Malachite green dye, and Remazol blue dye by copper oxide nanoparticles from Pleurotus cystidiosus was investigated, and the results showed a maximum degradation efficiency of 99.2% in Congo red within 90 min. However, moderate degradation was noted in malachite green, and Remazol blue dye has a low degradation efficiency. Thus, myco-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles from Pleurotus cystidiosus have potent antimicrobial and photocatalytic dye degradation efficacy.
The General Food Law Regulation (GFLR) and Transparency Amendment
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter outlines the main EU food law umbrella harmonization measure, the General Food Law Regulation (GFLR). The adoption of the general food law and the GFLR’s modification through the Transparency Regulation are discussed in detail (section 5.2). It looks at the aims and objectives of the Regulation and defines its scope of application (section 5.3). The chapter also explains the role of the GFLR as an overarching framework of principles valid for all EU secondary food law, in particular in terms of the principles it lays down, that is, science-based risk analysis, the precautionary principle, transparency, and protection of consumers’ interests; section 5.4). The general requirements on food trade, in particular the prohibition on placing unsafe food on the market, and the corresponding duties of food business operators (FBOs) when placing food on the market (sections 5.5. and 5.6) are discussed. The GFLR also establishes the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA; section 5.7), and lays down the Rapid Alert System, Crisis Management procedures (section 5.8). Lastly, the GFLR covers procedural aspects (section 5.9). The chapter concludes with a reflection on the GFLR in general (section 5.10).
Genetically Modified Food
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter covers the EU’s regulatory system on genetically modified (GM) food. It outlines the legal framework, its foundation, objectives and primary goals (sections 8.2 and 8.2.1), as well as the scope (section 8.2.2), and main requirements (section 8.3) of the GMO deliberate release and GM food and feed framework. It also discusses the authorization procedures of GMOs, specifically its content (section 8.3.1) and process, looking at risk assessment (section 8.3.2), management (section 8.3.3), and validity and renewal (section 8.3.4). The specific traceability and labelling requirements are listed (section 8.4), followed by a discussion on the current EU GM food legislation (section 8.6).
Hygiene Legislation and Microbiological Criteria for Food
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter covers the biological dimension of food safety. It discusses the EU hygiene legislation for food (section 10.2) on the basis of Regulation (EC) 852/2004—the General Hygiene Regulation (section 10.3) and Regulation (EC) 853/2004—the Hygiene Regulation for Animal Origin (section 10.4). General and specific principles and requirements of hygiene, such as the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles (section 10.3.1), are explained, as is the importance and functioning of guides to good practice and the notion of an integrated food safety management system (FSMS) (section 10.3.2.). In addition, the chapter deals with the microbiological criteria for foodstuffs (section 10.5).
Food Contact Materials
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter covers the EU legislation on food contact materials (FCM). It outlines the regulatory framework by discussing Regulation 1935/2004 on FCM (section 12.2) as well as Regulation (EC) 2023/2006 on good manufacturing practices (GMPs) (section 12.3). In addition to examining the general regulations, the chapter also looks in more detail at the EU legislation on the use (section 12.4) and restriction (section 12.5) of specific materials, namely ‘virgin’ plastic materials (section 12.3.1), active and intelligent materials (section 12.4.2), recycled plastic materials (section 12.4.3), ceramics (section 12.4.4), and regenerated cellulose film (section 12.4.5). It concludes with a debate on the reform of the FCM Regulatory Framework (section 12.6).
Food Information to Consumers Regulation
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter analyses the provisions of the Food Information Regulation. Given the high level of detail of the provisions, the focus is on explaining the structure of the legal instruments, and illustrating the main rules with examples. After a general introduction of its legal basis, scope, and major definitions (section 13.3), the basic, horizontally applicable principles of EU food information law (section 13.4) and fair information practices (section 13.5) are introduced. The chapter then discusses the regulations for mandatory food information (section 13.5), as well as the rules on voluntary food information section (section 13.7).
Nutrition and Health in EU Food Law
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter deals with the need to specifically regulate nutrition and health in food in order to meet the diverse needs of society and ensure health protection. Regulation (EU) 609/2013 on Foods for Specific Groups and Purposes (section 17.2.1) regulates several categories of foodstuffs: infant and follow-up-formula (section 17.2.2), processed cereal food and baby food for infants and young children (section 17.2.3), food for special medical purposes (section 17.2.4), and total diet replacements for weight control (section 17.2.5). In addition, the chapter looks at Regulation 1925/2006 on fortified food (section 17.3) and Directive 2002/46 on food supplements (section 17.4). It concludes with a discussion on the harmonization process of nutritional food regulation (section 17.5).
Food in a Globalized World
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses the relationship between EU food law and international law (section 18.1). It first looks at the law of the United Nations (UN) (section 18.2), especially the human right to food, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) documents, and the setting of international standards through the Codex Alimentarius. The chapter then analyses the significant relevance of World Trade Organization (WTO) law, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) in relation to food regulation. The chapter finally concludes with a discussion (section 18.6).
Future of Food Law—Conclusions and Outlook
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This concluding chapter synthesizes the main findings of the book across its individual parts. These are: European Integration and Food Law (Part I); Food Safety Umbrella Laws: The General Food Law Regulation (GFLR) and the Official Controls Regulation (OCR) (Part II); The Food Law Acquis (Parts III–VII); and International Food Law (Part VIII). The main challenges of the different areas of food law are outlined, for instance the rationale of food domain specific regulation, sustainability, the tension between risk regulation and innovation, and the challenge of the completion of the internal market. The chapter concludes by looking ahead to the future of food law, beyond the Farm to Fork Strategy.
Oxylipins in Breast Implant–Associated Systemic Symptoms
Authors: Khan Imran , Timsina Lava , Chauhan Ruvi , Ingersol Christopher , Wang David R , Rinne Ethan , Muraru Rodica , Mohan Ganesh , Minto Robert E , Van Natta Bruce W , Hassanein Aladdin H , Kelley-Patteson Christine , Sinha Mithun
Published: June 2024

Background

A subset of females with breast implants have reported a myriad of nonspecific systemic symptoms collectively termed systemic symptoms associated with breast implants (SSBI). SSBI symptoms are similar to manifestations associated with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. Breast tissue is rich in adipose cells, comprised of lipids. Insertion of an implant creates an oxidative environment leading to lipid oxidation. Oxylipins can influence immune responses and inflammatory processes.

Objectives

In this study we explored the abundance of a spectrum of oxylipins in the periprosthetic tissue surrounding the breast implant. Because oxylipins are immunogenic, we sought to determine if they were associated with the SSBI patients. We have also attempted to determine if the common manifestations exhibited by such patients have any association with oxylipin abundance.

Methods

The study included 120 patients divided into 3 cohorts. We analyzed 46 patients with breast implants exhibiting manifestations associated with SSBI; 29 patients with breast implants not exhibiting manifestations associated with SSBI (control cohort I, non-SSBI); and 45 patients without implants (control cohort II, no-implant tissue). Lipid extraction and oxylipin quantification were performed with liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). LC-MS/MS targeted analysis of the breast adipose tissue was performed.

Results

Of the 15 oxylipins analyzed, 5 exhibited increased abundance in the SSBI cohort when compared to the non-SSBI and no-implant cohorts.

Conclusions

The study documents the association of the oxylipins with each manifestation reported by the patient. This study provides an objective assessment of the subjective questionnaire, highlighting which symptoms may be more relevant than the others.

Level of Evidence: 4
Spatiotemporal constrained RNA–protein heterogeneous network for protein complex identification
Authors: Li Zeqian , Wang Shilong , Cui Hai , Liu Xiaoxia , Zhang Yijia
Published: June 2024

The identification of protein complexes from protein interaction networks is crucial in the understanding of protein function, cellular processes and disease mechanisms. Existing methods commonly rely on the assumption that protein interaction networks are highly reliable, yet in reality, there is considerable noise in the data. In addition, these methods fail to account for the regulatory roles of biomolecules during the formation of protein complexes, which is crucial for understanding the generation of protein interactions. To this end, we propose a SpatioTemporal constrained RNA–protein heterogeneous network for Protein Complex Identification (STRPCI). STRPCI first constructs a multiplex heterogeneous protein information network to capture deep semantic information by extracting spatiotemporal interaction patterns. Then, it utilizes a dual-view aggregator to aggregate heterogeneous neighbor information from different layers. Finally, through contrastive learning, STRPCI collaboratively optimizes the protein embedding representations under different spatiotemporal interaction patterns. Based on the protein embedding similarity, STRPCI reweights the protein interaction network and identifies protein complexes with core-attachment strategy. By considering the spatiotemporal constraints and biomolecular regulatory factors of protein interactions, STRPCI measures the tightness of interactions, thus mitigating the impact of noisy data on complex identification. Evaluation results on four real PPI networks demonstrate the effectiveness and strong biological significance of STRPCI. The source code implementation of STRPCI is available from https://github.com/LI-jasm/STRPCI.
Figeno: multi-region genomic figures with long-read support
Authors: Sollier Etienne , Heilmann Jessica , Gerhauser Clarissa , Scherer Michael , Plass Christoph , Lutsik Pavlo
Published: June 2024

The vast amount of publicly available genomic data requires analysis and visualization tools. Here, we present figeno, an application for generating publication-quality FIgures for GENOmics. Figeno particularly focuses on multi-region views across genomic breakpoints and on long reads with base modifications. In addition, we support epigenomic data including ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq or HiC, as well as whole genome sequencing data with copy numbers and structural variants.

Availability and implementation

Figeno is available as a python package with both a command line and graphical user interface. It can be installed via PyPI and the source code is available at https://github.com/CompEpigen/figeno.
Cholinergic deficiency in Parkinson’s disease patients with visual hallucinations
Authors: d’Angremont Emile , van der Zee Sygrid , Slingerland Sofie , Slomp Anne C , de Vries Erik F J , van Laar Teus , Sommer Iris E
Published: June 2024

Visual hallucinations can increase the burden of disease for both patients with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. Multiple neurotransmitters have been implicated in the neuropathology of visual hallucinations, which provide targets for treatment and prevention. In this study, we assessed the association between cholinergic denervation and visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease in vivo, using PET imaging of the cholinergic system.

A total of 38 patients with Parkinson’s disease participated in this study. A group of 10 healthy subjects, matched for age, sex and education, was included for comparison. None of the participants used cholinergic drugs. Thirteen patients who had experienced visual hallucinations in the past month (VH+) were compared with 20 patients who had never experienced visual hallucinations in their lives (VH−). Cholinergic system integrity was assessed with PET imaging using 18F-fluoroethoxybenzovesamicol as the tracer. We assessed the differences in tracer uptake between groups by cluster-based analysis and by analysis of predefined regions of interest consisting of the ventral visual stream, the dorsal attentional network, the ventral attentional network and the lateral geniculate nucleus and mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus.

The Parkinson’s disease group (n = 38) showed an extensive pattern of decreased tracer uptake throughout the brain compared with the controls (n = 10). Within the Parkinson’s disease group, the VH+ group (n = 13) showed a cluster of decreased tracer uptake compared with the VH− group (n = 20), which covered most of the left ventral visual stream and extended towards superior temporal areas. These results were mirrored in the regions of interest-based analysis, in which the VH+ group showed the strongest deficits in the left inferior temporal gyrus and the left superior temporal gyrus compared with the VH− group.

Visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease are associated with a marked cholinergic deficiency in the left ventral visual stream and the left superior temporal lobe, in addition to an extensive global cholinergic denervation in the general Parkinson’s disease population.
Hypoxic environment of wounds and photosynthesis-based oxygen therapy
Authors: Tian Shuning , Tan Shenyu , Fan Mingjie , Gong Wenlin , Yang Tianchang , Jiao Fangwen , Qiao Hongzhi
Published: June 2024

The hypoxic environment is among the most important factors that complicates the healing of chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries and diabetic foot ulcers, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Various oxygen supply treatments are used in clinical practice to improve the hypoxic environment at the wound site. However, problems still occur, such as insufficient oxygen supply, short oxygen infusion time and potential biosafety risks. In recent years, artificial photosynthetic systems have become a research hotspot in the fields of materials and energy. Photosynthesis is expected to improve the oxygen level at wound sites and promote wound healing because the method provides a continuous oxygen supply and has good biosafety. In this paper, oxygen treatment methods for wounds are reviewed, and the oxygen supply principle and construction of artificial photosynthesis systems are described. Finally, research progress on the photosynthetic oxygen production system to promote wound healing is summarized.
The real exchange rate and industrial investment: new evidence for Brazil
Authors: Iasco-Pereira Hugo C , Libânio Gilberto , Missio Fabrício
Published: June 2024

This study empirically investigates the influence exerted by the real exchange rate (RER) on investments in 81 sectors of Brazil’s manufacturing industry, between 2007 and 2018. The work has a number of novel features. First, a more disaggregated database is employed than that commonly found in the existing literature. Second, the article’s empirical findings indicate the existence of two competing channels through which a competitive RER may influence sectoral investments, that is: (i) positively, by enhanced exports and (ii) negatively, via more expensive imported inputs. Third, our empirical results also indicate that the RER’s influence is more significant in sectors with a lower mark-up, which means that a competitive RER—caused by expanding revenues from exports, offsets a lack of internal funds to finance new investments. Fourth, we tested the existence of an import penetration channel. The results reveal that a competitive RER increases investments as consumers substitute imported goods with domestic ones.
Systematic hand-held echocardiography in patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Geers Jolien , Balfour Amy , Molek Patrycja , Barron Peter , Botezatu Simona , Joshi Shruti S , White Audrey , Buchwald Mikolaj , Everett Russell , McCarley Joanne , Cusack David , Japp Alan G , Gibson Patrick H , Lang Chris C E , Stirrat Colin , Grubb Neil R , Bing Rong , Cruden Nick L , Denvir Martin A , Soliman Aboumarie Hatem , Cosyns Bernard , Newby David E , Dweck Marc R
Published: June 2024

Aims

Transthoracic echocardiography is recommended in all patients with acute coronary syndrome but is time-consuming and lacks an evidence base. We aimed to assess the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy, and time efficiency of hand-held echocardiography in patients with acute coronary syndrome and describe the impact of echocardiography on clinical management in this setting.

Methods and results

Patients with acute coronary syndrome underwent both hand-held and transthoracic echocardiographies with agreement between key imaging parameters assessed using kappa statistics. The immediate clinical impact of hand-held echocardiography in this population was systematically evaluated. Overall, 262 patients (65 ± 12 years, 71% male) participated. Agreement between hand-held and transthoracic echocardiographies was good-to-excellent (kappa 0.60–1.00) with hand-held echocardiography having an overall negative predictive value of 95%. Hand-held echocardiography was performed rapidly (7.7 ± 1.6 min) and completed a median of 5 (interquartile range 3–20) h earlier than transthoracic echocardiography. Systematic hand-held echocardiography in all patients with acute coronary syndrome identified an important cardiac abnormality in 50%, and the clinical management plan was changed by echocardiography in 42%. In 85% of cases, hand-held echocardiography was sufficient for patient decision-making, and transthoracic echocardiography was no longer deemed necessary.

Conclusion

In patients with acute coronary syndrome, hand-held echocardiography provides comparable results to transthoracic echocardiography, can be more rapidly applied, and gives sufficient imaging information for decision-making in the vast majority of patients. Systematic echocardiography has clinical impact in half of patients, supporting the clinical utility of echocardiography in this population and providing an evidence base for current guidelines.
Evinacumab in homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: long-term safety and efficacy
Authors: Gaudet Daniel , Greber-Platzer Susanne , Reeskamp Laurens F , Iannuzzo Gabriella , Rosenson Robert S , Saheb Samir , Stefanutti Claudia , Stroes Erik , Wiegman Albert , Turner Traci , Ali Shazia , Banerjee Poulabi , Drewery Tiera , McGinniss Jennifer , Waldron Alpana , George Richard T , Zhao Xue-Qiao , Pordy Robert , Zhao Jian , Bruckert Eric , Raal Frederick J
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severely elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In the pivotal Phase 3 HoFH trial (NCT03399786), evinacumab significantly decreased LDL-C in patients with HoFH. This study assesses the long-term safety and efficacy of evinacumab in adult and adolescent patients with HoFH.

Methods

In this open-label, single-arm, Phase 3 trial (NCT03409744), patients aged ≥12 years with HoFH who were evinacumab-naïve or had previously received evinacumab in other trials (evinacumab-continue) received intravenous evinacumab 15 mg/kg every 4 weeks with stable lipid-lowering therapy.

Results

A total of 116 patients (adults: n = 102; adolescents: n = 14) were enrolled, of whom 57 (49.1%) were female. Patients were treated for a median (range) duration of 104.3 (28.3–196.3) weeks. Overall, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and serious TEAEs were reported in 93 (80.2%) and 27 (23.3%) patients, respectively. Two (1.7%) deaths were reported (neither was considered related to evinacumab). Three (2.6%) patients discontinued due to TEAEs (none were considered related to evinacumab). From baseline to Week 24, evinacumab decreased mean LDL-C by 43.6% [mean (standard deviation, SD), 3.4 (3.2) mmol/L] in the overall population; mean LDL-C reduction in adults and adolescents was 41.7% [mean (SD), 3.2 (3.3) mmol/L] and 55.4% [mean (SD), 4.7 (2.5) mmol/L], respectively.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patients with HoFH, evinacumab was generally well tolerated and markedly decreased LDL-C irrespective of age and sex. Moreover, the efficacy and safety of evinacumab was sustained over the long term.
Differences in urban vs. non-urban trends in mortality from ischaemic heart disease and diabetes in Italy and Spain, 2003–19
Authors: Moreno Almudena , Pulido José , Cea-Soriano Lucía , Mateo Alberto , Pezzotti Patrizio , Regidor Enrique
Published: June 2024

Aims

In recent years, mortality from ischaemic heart disease and diabetes has decreased. There is an inequality in mortality reduction between urban and non-urban areas. This study aims to estimate the trend in mortality from ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus in urban and non-urban areas in Italy and Spain throughout the first two decades of the 21st century.

Methods and results

Deaths and population data by age and sex, according to the area of residence, were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics of Italy and National Institute of Statistics of Spain. The annual age-standardized mortality rates from ischaemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus were calculated from 2003 to 2019 for each of the two areas of residence in both countries. The average annual percentage change (APC) in the mortality rate in each area was estimated using linear regression models and taking age-standardized mortality rates as a dependent variable. The mortality rates from both causes of death decreased between the beginning and the end of the period analysed. In Italy, the APC was −4.0 and −3.6% in the mortality rate from ischaemic heart disease and −1.5 and −1.3% in the mortality rate from diabetes mellitus in urban and non-urban areas, respectively. In Spain, the APC in was −4.4 and −3.7% in the mortality rate from ischaemic heart disease and −3.3 and −2.0% in the mortality rate from diabetes mellitus in urban and non-urban areas, respectively.

Conclusion

Mortality from both ischaemic heart disease and diabetes have shown a greater reduction in urban areas compared with non-urban areas since the first years of the 21st century in Spain and Italy.
Transposase-assisted tagmentation: an economical and scalable strategy for single-worm whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Wang Zi , Ke Jingyi , Guo Zhengyang , Wang Yang , Lei Kexin , Wang Shimin , Chen Guanghan , Shen Zijie , Li Wei , Ou Guangshuo
Published: June 2024

AlphaMissense identifies 23 million human missense variants as likely pathogenic, but only 0.1% have been clinically classified. To experimentally validate these predictions, chemical mutagenesis presents a rapid, cost-effective method to produce billions of mutations in model organisms. However, the prohibitive costs and limitations in the throughput of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) technologies, crucial for variant identification, constrain its widespread application. Here, we introduce a Tn5 transposase-assisted tagmentation technique for conducting WGS in Caenorhabditis elegans, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This method, demands merely 20 min of hands-on time for a single-worm or single-cell clones and incurs a cost below 10 US dollars. It effectively pinpoints causal mutations in mutants defective in cilia or neurotransmitter secretion and in mutants synthetically sterile with a variant analogous to the B-Raf Proto-oncogene, Serine/Threonine Kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation. Integrated with chemical mutagenesis, our approach can generate and identify missense variants economically and efficiently, facilitating experimental investigations of missense variants in diverse species.
Directional amplification across the San Jacinto fault zone, CA
Authors: Pischiutta Marta , Baker Lawrence M , Fletcher Jon B , Salvini Francesco , Rovelli Antonio , Ben-Zion Yehuda
Published: June 2024

The amplitude, frequency and polarization of ground motion at the surface can be affected by the local geology. While low-velocity sediments and fill can amplify ground motions in certain frequency ranges, the low velocities found in fault zones can also produce prominent wavelets. In this paper, we provide further evidence that polarization of ground motion can be affected by the geological fabric in fault zones that have sustained significant brittle deformation. Aside from the well-known effect of fault-trapped waves in the low-velocity zone with polarization azimuths parallel to the fault strike, the effect of stiffness anisotropy was recently recognized with polarization azimuths at high-angle to the fault strike and orthogonal to the locally predominant fracture field in the fault damage zone. To clarify further such features, we investigate directional amplification effects across the San Jacinto fault zone in Southern California using seismic data recorded by permanent seismic stations and dense across-fault arrays. We observe three main polarization trends. The first trend parallel to the fault strike is ascribed to fault-trapped waves along the low-velocity zone, in agreement with several studies in the last decade in the same region. The second and third trends are orthogonal to the orientation of R and T Riedel planes, respectively. They are related to the stiffness anisotropy in densely fractured rocks in the damage zone, which are more compliant orthogonal to their fractures. At some locations the two effects are superimposed, occurring in different and distinct frequency ranges. Directional amplification at rock sites can be important for expected ground motion and seismic hazard. However, in seismic engineering the current prescriptions of seismic codes do not account for amplification effects at rock sites at frequencies of engineering interest.
Tandem-repeat lectins: structural and functional insights
Authors: Olvera-Lucio Francisco H , Riveros-Rosas Héctor , Quintero-Martínez Adrián , Hernández-Santoyo Alejandra
Published: June 2024

Multivalency in lectins plays a pivotal role in influencing glycan cross-linking, thereby affecting lectin functionality. This multivalency can be achieved through oligomerization, the presence of tandemly repeated carbohydrate recognition domains, or a combination of both. Unlike lectins that rely on multiple factors for the oligomerization of identical monomers, tandem-repeat lectins inherently possess multivalency, independent of this complex process. The repeat domains, although not identical, display slightly distinct specificities within a predetermined geometry, enhancing specificity, affinity, avidity and even oligomerization. Despite the recognition of this structural characteristic in recently discovered lectins by numerous studies, a unified criterion to define tandem-repeat lectins is still necessary. We suggest defining them multivalent lectins with intrachain tandem repeats corresponding to carbohydrate recognition domains, independent of oligomerization. This systematic review examines the folding and phyletic diversity of tandem-repeat lectins and refers to relevant literature. Our study categorizes all lectins with tandemly repeated carbohydrate recognition domains into nine distinct folding classes associated with specific biological functions. Our findings provide a comprehensive description and analysis of tandem-repeat lectins in terms of their functions and structural features. Our exploration of phyletic and functional diversity has revealed previously undocumented tandem-repeat lectins. We propose research directions aimed at enhancing our understanding of the origins of tandem-repeat lectin and fostering the development of medical and biotechnological applications, notably in the design of artificial sugars and neolectins.