bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography versus Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gelardi Fabrizia , Ragaini Elisa Maria , Sollini Martina , Bernardi Daniela , Chiti Arturo
Published: August 2022

Background: Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) are commonly used in the screening of breast cancer. The present systematic review aimed to summarize, critically analyse, and meta-analyse the available evidence regarding the role of CE-MRI and CEM in the early detection, diagnosis, and preoperative assessment of breast cancer. Methods: The search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science on 28 July 2021 using the following terms “breast cancer”, “preoperative staging”, “contrast-enhanced mammography”, “contrast-enhanced spectral mammography”, “contrast enhanced digital mammography”, “contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging” “CEM”, “CESM”, “CEDM”, and “CE-MRI”. We selected only those papers comparing the clinical efficacy of CEM and CE-MRI. The study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 criteria. The pooled sensitivities and specificity of CEM and CE-MRI were computed using a random-effects model directly from the STATA “metaprop” command. The between-study statistical heterogeneity was tested (I2-statistics). Results: Nineteen studies were selected for this systematic review. Fifteen studies (1315 patients) were included in the metanalysis. Both CEM and CE-MRI detect breast lesions with a high sensitivity, without a significant difference in performance (97% and 96%, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings confirm the potential of CEM as a supplemental screening imaging modality, even for intermediate-risk women, including females with dense breasts and a history of breast cancer.
Virtual Monochromatic Images from Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Do Not Improve the Detection of Synovitis in Hand Arthritis
Authors: Ulas Sevtap Tugce , Ziegeler Katharina , Richter Sophia-Theresa , Ohrndorf Sarah , Proft Fabian , Poddubnyy Denis , Diekhoff Torsten
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate subtraction images from different polychromatic and virtual monochromatic reconstructions of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) for the detection of inflammation (synovitis/tenosynovitis or peritendonitis) in patients with hand arthritis. In this IRB-approved prospective study, 35 patients with acute hand arthritis underwent contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) of the clinically dominant hand. CT subtractions (CT-S) were calculated from 80 and 135 kVp source data and monochromatic 50 and 70 keV images. CT-S and MSUS were scored for synovitis and tenosynovitis/peritendonitis. Specificity, sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy were assessed by using MSUS as a reference. Parameters of objective image quality were measured. Thirty-three patients were analyzed. MSUS was positive for synovitis and/or tenosynovitis/peritendonitis in 28 patients. The 70 keV images had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with 88% (vs. 50 keV, 82%; 80 kVp, 85%; and 135 kVp, 82%), and superior sensitivity, with 96% (vs. 50 keV: 86%, 80 kVp: 93% and 135 kVp: 79%). The 80 kVp images showed the highest signal- and contrast-to-noise ratio, while the 50 keV images provided the lowest image quality. While all subtraction methods of contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT proved to be able to detect inflammation with sufficient diagnostic accuracy, virtual monochromatic images with low keV showed no significant improvement over conventional subtraction techniques and lead to a loss of image quality.
A Fair Performance Comparison between Complex-Valued and Real-Valued Neural Networks for Disease Detection
Authors: Jojoa Mario , Garcia-Zapirain Begonya , Percybrooks Winston
Published: August 2022

Our aim is to contribute to the classification of anomalous patterns in biosignals using this novel approach. We specifically focus on melanoma and heart murmurs. We use a comparative study of two convolution networks in the Complex and Real numerical domains. The idea is to obtain a powerful approach for building portable systems for early disease detection. Two similar algorithmic structures were chosen so that there is no bias determined by the number of parameters to train. Three clinical data sets, ISIC2017, PH2, and Pascal, were used to carry out the experiments. Mean comparison hypothesis tests were performed to ensure statistical objectivity in the conclusions. In all cases, complex-valued networks presented a superior performance for the Precision, Recall, F1 Score, Accuracy, and Specificity metrics in the detection of associated anomalies. The best complex number-based classifier obtained in the Receiving Operating Characteristic (ROC) space presents a Euclidean distance of 0.26127 with respect to the ideal classifier, as opposed to the best real number-based classifier, whose Euclidean distance to the ideal is 0.36022 for the same task of melanoma detection. The 27.46% superiority in this metric, as in the others reported in this work, suggests that complex-valued networks have a greater ability to extract features for more efficient discrimination in the dataset.
Myeloma Spine and Bone Damage Score (MSBDS) on Whole-Body Computed Tomography (WBCT): Multiple Reader Agreement in a Multicenter Reliability Study
Authors: Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Valle Clarissa , Bonaffini Pietro Andrea , Attieh Ali , Bauckneht Matteo , Belgioia Liliana , Bignotti Bianca , Brunetti Nicole , Bonsignore Alessandro , Capaccio Enrico , De Giorgis Sara , Garlaschi Alessandro , Morbelli Silvia , Rossi Federica , Torri Lorenzo , Caprioli Simone , Tosto Simona , Cea Michele , Dominietto Alida
Published: August 2022

Objective: To assess the reliability of the myeloma spine and bone damage score (MSBDS) across multiple readers with different levels of expertise and from different institutions. Methods: A reliability exercise, including 104 data sets of static images and complete CT examinations of patients affected by multiple myeloma (MM), was performed. A complementary imaging atlas provided detailed examples of the MSBDS scores, including low-risk and high-risk lesions. A total of 15 readers testing the MSBDS were evaluated. ICC estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated based on mean rating (k = 15), absolute agreement, a two-way random-effects model and Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Overall, the ICC correlation coefficient was 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.79–0.92), and the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.97). Global inter- and intra-observer agreement among the 15 readers with scores below or equal to 6 points and scores above 6 points were 0.81 (95% C.I.: 0.72–0.86) and 0.94 (95% C.I.:0.91–0.98), respectively. Conclusion: We present a consensus-based semiquantitative scoring systems for CT in MM with a complementary CT imaging atlas including detailed examples of relevant scoring techniques. We found substantial agreement among readers with different levels of experience, thereby supporting the role of the MSBDS for possible large-scale applications. Significance and Innovations • Based on previous work and definitions of the MSBDS, we present real-life reliability data for quantitative bone damage assessment in multiple myeloma (MM) patients on CT. • In this study, reliability for the MSBDS, which was tested on 15 readers with different levels of expertise and from different institutions, was shown to be moderate to excellent. • The complementary CT imaging atlas is expected to enhance unified interpretations of the MSBDS between different professionals dealing with MM patients in their routine clinical practice.
Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Rhabdomyosarcoma in Children
Authors: Radzikowska Joanna , Czarnecka Anna M. , Klepacka Teresa , Rychłowska-Pruszyńska Magdalena , Raciborska Anna , Dembowska-Bagińska Bożenna , Pronicki Maciej , Kukwa Andrzej , Fendler Wojciech , Smyczyńska Urszula , Kukwa Wojciech , Krzeski Antoni
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to assess the cancer stem cell (CSC) markers CD24, CD44, CD133, and ALDH1A1 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in children and to define their prognostic role in this group of patients. (2) Methods: The study material was archival tissue specimens collected from 49 patients under 18 years of age and who had been diagnosed with RMS. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of the selected CSC markers in the tumor tissue. Expression was evaluated using a semiquantitative IRS scale based on the one developed by Remmele and Stenger and was correlated with the clinical and pathomorphological parameters of prognostic importance in RMS. (3) Results: Expression of the selected CSC markers CD24, CD44, CD133, and ALDH1A1 was demonstrated in 83.7%, 55.1%, 81.6%, and 100% of the RMS patients, respectively. The expression of all of the assessed CSC markers was statistically significantly higher in the study group versus the control group. No significant correlation was found between the expression of the selected CSC markers and clinical and pathological prognostic factors that were analyzed. The expression of the CSC markers did not have a significant influence on RMS survival rates. (4) Conclusions: The results of the conducted study confirm the expression of selected CSC markers in rhabdomyosarcoma tissue in children. The study did not support the prognostic relevance of the expression of any of the assessed CSC markers. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the relevance of the selected CSC markers in RMS carcinogenesis.
Cell-Free DNA Fragmentation Patterns in a Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Ungerer Vida , Bronkhorst Abel J. , Uhlig Carsten , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: August 2022

Unique bits of genetic, biological and pathological information occur in differently sized cell-free DNA (cfDNA) populations. This is a significant discovery, but much of the phenomenon remains to be explored. We investigated cfDNA fragmentation patterns in cultured human bone cancer (143B) cells using increasingly sensitive electrophoresis assays, including four automated microfluidic capillary electrophoresis assays from Agilent, i.e., DNA 1000, High Sensitivity DNA, dsDNA 915 and dsDNA 930, and an optimized manual agarose gel electrophoresis protocol. This comparison showed that (i) as the sensitivity and resolution of the sizing methods increase incrementally, additional nucleosomal multiples are revealed (hepta-nucleosomes were detectable with manual agarose gel electrophoresis), while the estimated size range of high molecular weight (HMW) cfDNA fragments narrow correspondingly; (ii) the cfDNA laddering pattern extends well beyond the 1–3 nucleosomal multiples detected by commonly used methods; and (iii) the modal size of HMW cfDNA populations is exaggerated due to the limited resolving power of electrophoresis, and instead consists of several poly-nucleosomal subpopulations that continue the series of DNA laddering. Furthermore, the most sensitive automated assay used in this study (Agilent dsDNA 930) revealed an exponential decay in the relative contribution of increasingly longer cfDNA populations. This power-law distribution suggests the involvement of a stochastic inter-nucleosomal DNA cleavage process, wherein shorter populations accumulate rapidly as they are fed by the degradation of all larger populations. This may explain why similar size profiles have historically been reported for cfDNA populations originating from different processes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, accidental cell lysis and purported active release. These results not only demonstrate the diversity of size profiles generated by different methods, but also highlight the importance of caution when drawing conclusions on the mechanisms that generate different cfDNA size populations, especially when only a single method is used for sizing.
Bioengineering Tools Applied to Dentistry: Validation Methods for In Vitro and In Silico Analysis
Authors: Matos Jefferson David Melo de , Queiroz Daher Antonio , Nakano Leonardo Jiro Nomura , Andrade Valdir Cabral , Ribeiro Nathália de Carvalho Ramos , Borges Alexandre Luiz Souto , Bottino Marco Antonio , Lopes Guilherme da Rocha Scalzer
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the use of bioengineering tools, finite element analysis, strain gauge analysis, photoelastic analysis, and digital image correlation, in computational studies with greater validity and reproducibility. A bibliographic search was performed in the main health databases PUBMED and Scholar Google, in which different studies, among them, laboratory studies, case reports, systematic reviews, and literature reviews, which were developed in living individuals, were included. Therefore, articles that did not deal with the use of finite element analysis, strain gauge analysis, photoelastic analysis, and digital image correlation were excluded, as well as their use in computational studies with greater validity and reproducibility. According to the methodological analysis, it is observed that the average publication of articles in the Pubmed database was 2.03 and with a standard deviation of 1.89. While in Google Scholar, the average was 0.78 and the standard deviation was 0.90. Thus, it is possible to verify that there was a significant variation in the number of articles in the two databases. Modern dentistry finds in finite element analysis, strain gauge, photoelastic and digital image correlation a way to analyze the biomechanical behavior in dental materials to obtain results that assist to obtain rehabilitations with favorable prognosis and patient satisfaction.
Who Sends Scores to GRE-Optional Graduate Programs? A Case Study Investigating the Association between Latent Profiles of Applicants’ Undergraduate Institutional Characteristics and Propensity to Submit GRE Scores
Authors: Cho-Baker Sugene , Kell Harrison J.
Published: August 2022

Many programs have made the submission of GRE scores optional. Little research examines differences in propensity to submit scores according to applicants’ characteristics, however, including the type of undergraduate institution they attended. This study’s purpose was to examine the degree to which the type of undergraduate institution applicants attended predicted score submission to GRE-optional programs, including when controlling for covariates (demographics, program degree and discipline, undergraduate grades). We used data provided by a doctoral degree–granting university to answer our research question. We indexed differences in GRE score submission using odds ratios. Both individually (1.93) and after controlling for covariates (2.00), we found that applicants from small, bachelor’s degree–granting schools were more likely to submit scores than applicants from large, doctoral degree–granting schools. Men were more likely to submit scores than women (1.55). Larger effects were observed for program characteristics: Ph.D. versus master’s (2.94), humanities versus social sciences (3.23), and fine arts versus social sciences (0.16). Our findings suggest that there may be differences in propensity to submit GRE scores to test-optional programs and that some of these differences may be associated with variables (undergraduate school, program type) that have not been widely discussed in the literature.
Effects of Blended Learning in Physical Education among University Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wang Chen , Dev Roxana Dev Omar , Soh Kim Geok , Nasiruddin Nasnoor Juzaily Mohd , Wang Yuansheng
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Blended learning (BL) models have attracted the attention of university teachers and students worldwide in recent years. However, systematic reviews related to the effectiveness of BL in university physical education are lacking. (2) Purpose: Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of BL in physical education among university students. (3) Methods: Searches were conducted in the following five databases: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and 18 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the selected studies and the quality of this study was fair (range 4–5). (4) Results: All reported sports included basketball (n = 6), badminton (n = 3), dance (n = 3), volleyball (n = 1), yoga (n = 1), aerobics (n = 1), Taiji (n = 1), swimming (n = 1), and tennis (n = 1). Seventeen studies described the effect of BL on students’ motor skills, and the results showed that BL had a greater effect on basic skills, but the improvement was not significant for combination techniques. There were three studies related to physical fitness. Studies have observed significant effects on lung capacity (n = 1), sit and reach (n = 1), pull-ups (n = 1), 1000 m (n = 3), and 800 m (n = 1). However, there was no significant difference in body weight (n = 1) or standing long jump (n = 1). In addition, two articles examined the impact of BL on sitting up, but the findings were the opposite. Six studies reported on exercise attitude and the results demonstrated that BL can significantly improve students’ learning attitude, target attitude, behavioral cognition, and emotional experience. However, the two articles produced different results in behavioral habits. Other results, such as satisfaction and interest in learning, were also popular topics regarding BL and were found to have improved significantly.
Support and Perceptions of Teachers Working with Students with Special Needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Donnelly Hayoung Kim , Solberg V. Scott H. , Shavers Efe I. , Howard Kimberly A. S. , Ismail Bushra , Nieves Hector
Published: August 2022

Teachers serving students with special needs, students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, and students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds experienced a myriad of challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to assess whether and to what extent teachers received resources during the pandemic, and to evaluate the impact of this on their perceptions of student academic engagement. Using the American Teacher Panel (ATP) data collected in October 2020, this research found that 41% of teachers working with diverse and marginalized students did not receive any resources tailored specifically for students with special needs. Teacher experiences with resources were clustered into four groups: Most Supported (35%), Least Supported (41%), Moderately Supported A (16%; received support primarily with students with disabilities), and Moderately Supported B (8%; received support primarily with students with racial/ethnic backgrounds). Across the four groups of teachers, teacher groups classified as less supported were more likely to be teaching in more urbanized settings with larger size schools than the other teacher groups. Additionally, they perceived their students as attending less often and being less ready for grade-level coursework than their counterparts. Discussions for school leaders and counselors are outlined to emphasize the importance of teacher support for effective education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stratosphere: A Fast Virtual Circuit Switch Layer for Data Center Network
Authors: Mo Lusha , Lv Gaofeng , Wang Baosheng , Yang Xiangrui
Published: August 2022

The hierarchical structure of the data center network is more and more unsuitable for increasing east-west traffic from virtual machines. Reconfigurable circuit switching is utilized to reduce regional hotspots, which causes the problem of routing oscillation. We propose a stratospheric network of the data center, which combines virtual circuit switching and Tor switches. It acts as a supplement to tropospheric transmission across the hierarchical structure to alleviate global hotspots. The link of VCS (Virtual Circuit Switching) is divided into virtual channels by time division, and packets are sliced into cells to be transmitted at a specific time slot. Via the direct connection and the relaying of VCS modules, the stratospheric network could support not only the sharing of uplinks between Tor switches but also dynamical forwarding. Experiments of parameter servers demonstrate that it accelerates the transmission of data, which could provide a direct and fast path, especially for east-west traffic.
Karnaugh-Veitch Maps as Minimal Formal Contract between Textual Requirements and Tests: A Use-Case Based Technical Analysis
Authors: Müllner Nils Henning
Published: August 2022

Checking that requirements written in natural language hold for a formally implemented system is a complex task. Test steps are commonly implemented manually from the requirements. This process is inherently prone to mistakes, as test cases are complex and need to be analyzed sequentially to check which input/output combinations are tested (although tools allow for explicit tracing). Utilizing Karnaugh–Veitch maps as minimal formal contract between informal requirements and implemented test steps improves this process. KV-maps provide the requirements in a computer-editable way, as they correspond to Boolean formulas. KV-maps further allow to define which test steps are relevant. With both requirements and relevance specification at hand, test steps are automatically generated. The approach is applied on a real-world industrial use-case—a train control management system. Although being generally amenable to permutation testing, the selected use-case emphasizes the potential of the method. The method successfully demonstrates its benefits and may help to disclose flaws in the current manually implemented tests.
Luminescent Downshifting Silicon Quantum Dots for Performance Enhancement of Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Masaadeh Qais , Kaplani Eleni , Chao Yimin
Published: August 2022

Silicon quantum dots (Si-QDs) with luminescent downshifting properties have been used for the efficiency enhancement of solar cells. In this study, Phenylacetylene-capped silicon quantum dots (PA Si-QDs) have been fabricated and applied as luminescent downshifting material on polycrystalline silicon solar cells, by dropcasting. The PA Si-QD coated solar cell samples presented an average increase in the short circuit current (Isc) of 0.75% and 1.06% for depositions of 0.15 mg and 0.01 mg on 39 mm × 39 mm pc-Si solar cells, respectively. The increase was further enhanced by full encapsulation of the sample leading to overall improved performance of about 3.4% in terms of Isc and 4.1% in terms of power output (Pm) when compared to the performance of fully encapsulated reference samples. The PA Si-QD coating achieved a reduction in specular reflectance at 377 nm of 61.8%, and in diffuse reflectance of 44.4%. The increase observed in the Isc and Pm is a promising indicator for the use of PA Si-QDs as luminescent downshifting material to improve the power conversion efficiency of pc-Si solar cells.
A 1.2 V 0.4 mW 20~200 MHz DLL Based on Phase Detector Measuring the Delay of VCDL
Authors: Cho Sang-Hyun , Cho Young-Kyun
Published: August 2022

A delay locked loop (DLL) based on a Phase Detector, which Measures the Delay of the Voltage-controlled delay line (PD-MDV), which is tVCDL, with efficient and stable locking performance was proposed. In contrast to conventional phase detectors, the PD-MDV measures tVCDL more accurately; thus, it can always generate the correct up/down (UP/DN) pulses. The proposed technique prevents becoming stuck in the fastest operation, in which UP pulses continue to appear even when tVCDL < tREF, where tREF is the reference time, which is an input of the DLL. In the reverse case, the PD-MDV prohibits DN pulses from continuing to appear under the condition tVCDL > tREF, thereby freeing the DLL from harmonic locking and becoming stuck in the slowest operation. The proposed phase detection scheme was verified under various conditions, including process corners, temperature variations, and abrupt changes in tREF. The proposed 1.2 V, 20~200 MHz DLL with the PD-MDV was designed using the 65 nm process, with a power consumption of 0.4 mW at 200 MHz.
Cyclic Learning-Based Lightweight Network for Inverse Tone Mapping
Authors: Park Jiyun , Song Byung Cheol
Published: August 2022

Recent studies on inverse tone mapping (iTM) have moved toward indirect mapping, which generates a stack of low dynamic range (LDR) images with multiple exposure values (multi-EV stack) and then merges them. In order to generate multi-EV stack(s), several large-scale networks with more than 20 M parameters have been proposed, but their high dynamic range (HDR) reconstruction and multi-EV stack generation performance were not acceptable. Also, some previous methods using cycle consistency should even have trained additional networks that are not used for multi-EV stack generation, which results in large memory for training. Thus, this paper proposes novel cyclic learning based on cycle consistency to reduce the memory burden in training. In detail, we eliminated networks used only for training, so the proposed method enables efficient learning in terms of training-purpose memory. In addition, this paper presents a lightweight iTM network that dramatically reduces the network sizes of the existing networks. Actually, the proposed lightweight network requires only a small parameter size of 1/100 compared to the state-of-the-art (SOTA) method. The lightweight network contributes to the practical use of iTM. Therefore, the proposed method based on a lightweight network reliably generates a multi-EV stack. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves quantitatively SOTA performance and is qualitatively comparable to conventional indirect iTM methods.
Machine Learning in Electronic and Biomedical Engineering
Authors: Turchetti Claudio , Falaschetti Laura
Published: August 2022

In recent years, machine learning (ML) algorithms have become of paramount importance in computer science research, both in the electronic and biomedical fields [...]
Propagation Characteristics and Identification of High-Order Harmonics of a Traction Power Supply System
Authors: Jin Miaoxin , Yang Yuehuan , Yang Jiapeng , Wu Mingli , Xie Ganghui , Song Kejian
Published: August 2022

High-order harmonics in the traction power supply show negative effects on the safe and stable operation of the railway transportation system. There is a fixed resonant frequency in the traction network. When the harmonic current frequency produced by the locomotive matches the resonant frequency of the traction network, it will cause high-frequency resonant overvoltage. The propagation path of the high-order harmonics of the traction load is analyzed based on a V/v wiring traction transformer. The propagation characteristics of high-order harmonics on self-used equipment at 380 V low-voltage side and 27.5 kV high-voltage side are expounded. A simulation model for the low-voltage self-consumption power system is established and the singular value decomposition algorithm is proposed to identify the harmonic impedance. The simulation results show that the proposed method can reduce the error to within 0.1%. Under realistic conditions, the overvoltage caused by high-order harmonics is difficult to identify. To solve this problem, an overvoltage identification algorithm for Electric Multiple Units based on a convolutional neural network is proposed. The ShuffleNet neural network model is then used to identify high-order harmonics overvoltage and other types of overvoltage. The overall accuracy of the proposed classification model can be improved from 97.12% to 98.44%. Better recognition and classification performances can also be achieved.
Biomass-Based Renewable Energy Community: Economic Analysis of a Real Case Study
Authors: Ceglia Francesca , Marrasso Elisa , Roselli Carlo , Sasso Maurizio , Coletta Guido , Pellegrino Luigi
Published: August 2022

Renewable energy communities are catalysts of social innovation, the citizens’ engagement in energy actions, and the exploitation of local resources. Thus, this paper defines a model for analyzing and optimally sizing energy systems serving renewable energy communities. Then, the proposed and replicable model was tailored to the economic feasibility analysis of a renewable energy community in the municipality of Tirano (Northern Italy). An energy audit was carried out to identify the electricity production and consumption within the perimeter of the primary substation and the thermal energy demand of the existing district heating network. The technical features of the energy conversion systems serving the renewable energy community were determined: an organic Rankine cycle biomass-based cogeneration plant, a mini-hydro plant, and a distributed photovoltaic system. Moreover, several different scenarios have been identified, in terms of cogeneration operating mode, photovoltaic penetration, and thermal energy economic value. The results show that, moving from 4.22 MW to 5.22 MW of photovoltaic peak power, the annual renewable electricity production increases by 10.1%. In particular, the simple pay back ranges between 4.90 and 4.98 years and the net present value between EUR 12.4 and 13.3 M for CHP operating at full power mode, considering that thermal energy available from the cogeneration unit is sold at EUR 49.2/MWh. These outcomes demonstrate the economic feasibility of wood-biomass-based renewable energy communities, which may help to enlarge the contribution of renewable technologies other than photovoltaic.
Borehole Protection Technology of Screen Pipes for Gas Drainage Boreholes in Soft Coal Seams
Authors: He Shengquan , Ou Shengnan , Huang Fengxiang , Jin Longzhe , Ma Yanran , Chen Tuo
Published: August 2022

In this paper, research was carried out on borehole protection technology using screen pipes, aiming to address the problems of gas drainage borehole collapse and low gas drainage efficiency in soft coal seams, which have low gas permeability and high gas content. An experiment was conducted to study the compressive resistance and borehole protection effects of polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) screen pipes with different sieve opening spacings. The optimal screen pipe material and sieve opening spacing were determined. The borehole protection effect and gas drainage efficiency using three borehole protection methods, namely, bare boreholes, traditional PVC screen pipes, and new ABS screen pipes, were compared and studied on site, and the influence of pipe diameter on borehole protection efficiency was revealed. The results show that the compressive resistance and borehole protection effects of the three types of screen pipes are in the following order: PVC < PP < ABS. ABS screen pipes can more effectively inhibit boreholes from collapse, and the best borehole protection is achieved with a sieve opening spacing of 50 mm. The field tests showed that the gas drainage concentration of the bare borehole in the creep deceleration stage was 113% higher than that of the borehole protected by the ABS screen pipe and 255% higher than that of the borehole with the PVC screen pipe. The screen pipe began to play a role in borehole protection at the beginning of the stable working stage, as the borehole wall began to deform and collapse. On the 30th day of gas drainage, the gas drainage concentration of the borehole installed with the ABS screen pipe was about 9 times that of the bare borehole due to the collapse and blockage of the bare borehole. The new ABS screen pipe with an outer diameter of 40 mm and a sieve opening spacing of 50 mm had a better borehole protection effect and gas drainage efficiency than the traditional PVC pipe. Proper sizing of the screen pipe diameter can improve borehole service life and gas drainage efficiency. The research results are of great significance for solving the problem of gas drainage borehole instability and for improving gas drainage efficiency in soft coal seams.
Research on Decision-Making for a Photovoltaic Power Generation Business Model under Integrated Energy Services
Authors: Yu Guanyi , Chen Weidong , Wang Junnan , Hu Yumeng
Published: August 2022

The 14th Five-Year Plan for renewable energy development proposes that renewable energy should achieve high-quality leapfrog development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. The rapid development of integrated energy services has created more market opportunities for photovoltaics, and the photovoltaic (PV) industry has entered a new stage. In this study, from the perspective of stakeholders of a PV micro-grid under integrated energy services, a decision model for a PV micro-grid business model was established with the help of fuzzy mathematical theory. The MATLAB platform was used to carry out the decision analysis and simulation of the PV micro-grid business model. The simulation results showed that the self-consumption business model had the best overall performance among the current three different business models. It was also the business model with the highest comprehensive correlation with the government, power grids, investors, and users. Studying the best business model for PV micro-grids under integrated energy services has practical significance as it provides guidance and promotes faster and better development of PV micro-grids under integrated energy services.
Air-Type Vacuum-Tube Solar Collector Design and Heat Collection Performance Test
Authors: Zhu Chuanhui , Dong Xiaodong , Yan Shubin , Cui Yang , Luo Quanquan
Published: August 2022

With the continuous development and utilization of clean energy, the thermal utilization of solar energy is an important research direction. In view of the problems of the low utilization rate of solar heat in alpine regions of solar energy, an air-type vacuum-tube solar collector (AVSC) with air as the heat-exchange medium was designed. The vacuum tube of the solar heat collector adopted a double-pass spiral direct-current structure, and the vacuum tube had a built-in heat-storage rod. In order to test the heat collection performance of the designed air evacuated-tube solar collector, a heat collection performance test of the collector was conducted. The results showed that the average heat collection efficiency of the vacuum tube solar collector without phase-change heat-storage rods was 38%. The evacuated-tube solar collector using water as the heat transfer medium had an average heat collection efficiency of 58%. The average equivalent heat collection efficiency of the AVSC with a built-in phase-change heat-storage rod was 61%.
The Contributions of Soil Fauna to the Accumulation of Humic Substances during Litter Humification in Cold Forests
Authors: Tan Yu , Yang Kaijun , Xu Zhenfeng , Zhang Li , Li Han , You Chengming , Tan Bo
Published: August 2022

Litter humification is an essential process of soil carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems, but the relationship between soil fauna and humic substances has not been well understood. Therefore, a field litterbag experiment with manipulation of soil fauna was carried out in different soil frozen seasons over one year in cold forests. The foliar litter of four dominated tree species was selected as Birch (Betula albosinensis), Fir (Abies fargesii var. faxoniana), Willow (Salix paraplesia), and Cypress (Juniperus saltuaria). We studied the contribution of soil fauna to the accumulation of humic substances (including humic acid and fulvic acid) and humification degree as litter humification proceeding. The results showed that soil fauna with litter property and environmental factor jointly determined the accumulation of humic substances (humic acid and fulvic acid) and humification degree of four litters. After one year of incubation, the contribution rates of soil fauna to the accumulation of humic substances were 109.06%, 71.48%, 11.22%, and −44.43% for the litter of fir, cypress, birch, and willow, respectively. Compared with other stages, both growing season and leaf falling stage could be favorable to the contributions of soil fauna to the accumulation of humic substances in the litter of birch, fir, and cypress rather than in willow litter. In contrast, the contribution rates of soil fauna to humification degree were −49.20%, −7.63%, −13.27%, and 12.66% for the litter of fir, cypress, birch, and willow, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that temperature changes at different sampling stages and litter quality exhibited dominant roles in the contributions of soil fauna on the accumulation of humus and litter humifiaction degree in the cold forests. Overall, the present results highlight that soil fauna could play vital roles in the process of litter humification and those strengths varied among species and seasons.
Antihypertensive Activity of Milk Fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SR37-3 and SR61-2 in L-NAME-Induced Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Yuan Lin , Li Ying , Chen Moutong , Xue Liang , Wang Juan , Ding Yu , Zhang Jumei , Wu Shi , Ye Qinghua , Zhang Shuhong , Yang Runshi , Zhao Hui , Wu Lei , Liang Tingting , Xie Xinqiang , Wu Qingping
Published: August 2022

Probiotic fermented milk can lower the incidence rate of hypertension and is beneficial to the regulation of the intestinal microecology. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we evaluated the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites in the antihypertensive effect of milk fermented by the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains SR37-3 (PFM-SR37-3) and SR61-2 (PFM-SR61-2) in Ng-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced hypertensive rats. The results showed that PFM-SR37-3 and PFM-SR61-2 intervention significantly lowered the blood pressure (BP) of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester induced hypertensive rats and attenuated renal injury. In particular, long-term administration of PFM inhibited a progressive elevation in SBP (170.22 ± 8.40 and 133.28 ± 6.09 by model group and PFM-SR37-3 treated model group, respectively, at the end of the 4 weeks; p < 0.01 PFM-SR37-3 treated model group versus model group) and DBP (133.83 ± 5.91 and 103.00 ± 6.41 by model group and PFM-SR37-3 treated model group, respectively, at the end of the 4 weeks; p < 0.01 PFM-SR37-3 treated model group versus model group). PFM-SR37-3 and PFM-SR61-2 reshaped the gut microbiome and metabolome, and especially regulated the metabolic levels of L-phenylalanine, L-methionine and L-valine in the intestine and blood circulation. The analysis of the target organ’s aortic transcriptome indicated that the protective effects of PFM-SR37-3 and PFM-SR61-2 were accompanied by the modulation of the BP circadian rhythm pathway, which was conducive to cardiovascular function. Vascular transcriptomic analysis showed that circadian rhythm and AMPK might be potential targets of hypertension. In addition, the ACE inhibition rates of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SR37-3 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SR61-2 in vitro were 70.5% and 68.9%, respectively. Our research provides new insights into novel and safe options for hypertension treatment.
Phytochemical Profile and Chemopreventive Properties of Cooked Glutinous Purple Rice Extracts Using Cell-Based Assays and Rat Model
Authors: Guo Huina , Chariyakornkul Arpamas , Phannasorn Warunyoo , Mahatheeranont Sugunya , Wongpoomchai Rawiwan
Published: August 2022

Purple rice has gained attention for its health promoting potential due to a high content of bioactive phytochemicals. The heat generated during cooking alters the quality and quantity of nutrients and phytochemicals in food. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile and chemopreventive properties of cooked glutinous purple rice using cell-based assays and a rat model. Purple rice was cooked in a rice cooker and was then further extracted with solvents to obtain dichloromethane and methanol extracts. The methanol extracts of glutinous purple rice contained great amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Protocatechuic acid (2.26–5.40 mg/g extract) and cyanidin 3-glucoside (34.3–65.7 mg/g extract) were the major phenolic acid and anthocyanin contents, respectively. After cooking, the content of anthocyanins, γ-oryzanols, and phytosterols decreased, while the amount of some phenolic acid and tocol contents increased. Methanol extracts of glutinous purple rice inhibited reactive oxygen species production about 60% in PMA-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, reduced nitric oxide formation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells (26–39% inhibition), and exhibited antimutagenicity against several mutagens using the Ames test, but dichloromethane extracts presented only mild anti-inflammatory activities. Although methanol extracts induced mild mutagenicity (mutagenic index 2.0–2.5), they did not induce micronucleated hepatocyte formation and certain hepatic CYP450 isozyme activities in rats. However, the mutagenicity of the methanol extract significantly declined after cooking. In summary, the methanol extract of the cooked glutinous purple rice might be a promising cancer chemopreventive fraction, which was neither genotoxic nor posing adverse effects on phytochemical–drug interaction in rats.
Investigation of Linear Amplification Using Abasic Site-Containing Primers Coupled to Routine STR Typing for LT-DNA Analysis
Authors: Qian Xiaoqin , Li Zhimin , Zhou Zhihan , Qian Jinglei , Yao Yining , Shao Chengchen , Tang Qiqun , Xie Jianhui
Published: August 2022

Obtaining a full short tandem repeat (STR) profile from a low template DNA (LT-DNA) still presents a challenge for conventional methods due to significant stochastic effects and polymerase slippage. A novel amplification method with a lower cost and higher accuracy is required to improve the DNA amount. Previous studies suggested that DNA polymerases without bypass activity could not perform processive DNA synthesis beyond abasic sites in vitro and our results showed a lack of bypass activity for Phusion, Pfu and KAPA DNA polymerases in this study. Based on this feature, we developed a novel linear amplification method, termed Linear Aamplification for double-stranded DNA using primers with abasic sites near 3′ end (abLAFD), to limit the replication error. The amplification efficiency was evaluated by qPCR analysis with a result of approximately a 130-fold increase in target DNA. In a LT-DNA analysis, the abLAFD method can be employed as a pre-PCR. Similar to nested PCRs, primer sets used for the abLAFD method were designed as external primers suitable for commercial multiplex STR amplification assays. The practical performance of the abLAFD method was evaluated by coupling it to a routine PP21 STR analysis using 50 pg and 25 pg DNA. Compared to reference profiles, all abLAFD profiles showed significantly recovered alleles, increased average peak height and heterozygote balance with a comparable stutter ratio. Altogether, our results support the theory that the abLAFD method is a promising strategy coupled to STR typing for forensic LT-DNA analysis.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Spot Blotch Resistance in Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Lozano-Ramirez Nerida , Dreisigacker Susanne , Sansaloni Carolina P. , He Xinyao , Sandoval-Islas José Sergio , Pérez-Rodríguez Paulino , Carballo Aquiles Carballo , Diaz Cristian Nava , Kishii Masahiro , Singh Pawan K.
Published: August 2022

Spot blotch (SB) caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem is a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat and many other crops. Synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) offers opportunities to explore new resistance genes for SB for introgression into elite bread wheat. The objectives of our study were to evaluate a collection of 441 SHWs for resistance to SB and to identify potential new genomic regions associated with the disease. The panel exhibited high SB resistance, with 250 accessions showing resistance and 161 showing moderate resistance reactions. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) revealed a total of 41 significant marker–trait associations for resistance to SB, being located on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4D, 5A, 5D, 6D, 7A, and 7D; yet none of them exhibited a major phenotypic effect. In addition, a partial least squares regression was conducted to validate the marker–trait associations, and 15 markers were found to be most important for SB resistance in the panel. To our knowledge, this is the first GWAS to investigate SB resistance in SHW that identified markers and resistant SHW lines to be utilized in wheat breeding.
Genetic Analysis and Status of Brown Bear Sub-Populations in Three National Parks of Greece Functioning as Strongholds for the Species’ Conservation
Authors: Tsalazidou-Founta Tzoulia-Maria , Stasi Evangelia A. , Samara Maria , Mertzanis Yorgos , Papathanassiou Maria , Bagos Pantelis G. , Psaroudas Spyros , Spyrou Vasiliki , Lazarou Yorgos , Tragos Athanasios , Tsaknakis Yannis , Grigoriadou Elpida , Korakis Athanasios , Satra Maria , Billinis Charalambos ,   ARCPROM project
Published: August 2022

In order to optimize the appropriate conservation actions for the brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) population in Greece, we estimated the census (Nc) and effective (Ne) population size as well as the genetic status of brown bear sub-populations in three National Parks (NP): Prespa (MBPNP), Pindos (PINDNP), and Rhodopi (RMNP). The Prespa and Pindos sub-populations are located in western Greece and the Rhodopi population is located in eastern Greece. We extracted DNA from 472 hair samples and amplified through PCR 10 microsatellite loci. In total, 257 of 472 samples (54.5%) were genotyped for 6–10 microsatellite loci. Genetic analysis revealed that the Ne was 35, 118, and 61 individuals in MBPNP, PINDNP, and RMNP, respectively, while high levels of inbreeding were found in Prespa and Rhodopi but not in Pindos. Moreover, analysis of genetic structure showed that the Pindos population is genetically distinct, whereas Prespa and Rhodopi show mutual overlaps. Finally, we found a notable gene flow from Prespa to Rhodopi (10.19%) and from Rhodopi to Prespa (14.96%). Therefore, targeted actions for the conservation of the bears that live in the abovementioned areas must be undertaken, in order to ensure the species’ viability and to preserve the corridors that allow connectivity between the bear sub-populations in Greece.
Phylotranscriptomic and Evolutionary Analyses of the Green Algal Order Chaetophorales (Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Liu Benwen , Chen Yangliang , Zhu Huan , Liu Guoxiang
Published: August 2022

Considering the phylogenetic differences in the taxonomic framework of the Chaetophorales as determined by the use of nuclear molecular markers or chloroplast genes, the current study was the first to use phylotranscriptomic analyses comparing the transcriptomes of 12 Chaetophorales algal species. The results showed that a total of 240,133 gene families and 143 single-copy orthogroups were identified. Based on the single-copy orthogroups, supergene analysis and the coalescent-based approach were adopted to perform phylotranscriptomic analysis of the Chaetophorales. The phylogenetic relationships of most species were consistent with those of phylogenetic analyses based on the chloroplast genome data rather than nuclear molecular markers. The Schizomeriaceae and the Aphanochaetaceae clustered into a well-resolved basal clade in the Chaetophorales by either strategy. Evolutionary analyses of divergence time and substitution rate also revealed that the closest relationships existed between the Schizomeriaceae and Aphanochaetaceae. All species in the Chaetophorales exhibited a large number of expanded and contracted gene families, in particular the common ancestor of the Schizomeriaceae and Aphanochaetaceae. The only terrestrial alga, Fritschiella tuberosa, had the greatest number of expanded gene families, which were associated with increased fatty acid biosynthesis. Phylotranscriptomic and evolutionary analyses all robustly identified the unique taxonomic relationship of Chaetophorales consistent with chloroplast genome data, proving the advantages of high-throughput data in phylogeny.