bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-irradiation Breast Angiosarcoma: All the Possible Treatments and Electrochemotherapy. Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Parisi Simona , Gambardella Claudio , Iovino Francesco , Ruggiero Roberto , Lucido Francesco Saverio , Nesta Giusiana , Tolone Salvatore , Brusciano Luigi , Fisone Francesca , Mongardini Federico maria , Cozzolino Giovanni , Della Corte Carminia Maria , Napolitano Stefania , Orditura Michele , Esposito Rosetta , Docimo Ludovico
Published: December 2023

Breast Angiosarcoma is a rare malignancy, accounting less than 1% of all soft tissue. It comprises primitive and secondary subtypes, such as radiogenic breast angiosarcoma (RAS).
Despite the multimodal treatment, angiosarcomas represent an incurable disease for many patients and represent a cause of substantial deterioration of their quality of life. Surgery represents the cornerstone in the management, but high recurrence rates are reported. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is practicable locoregional treatment in patients with advanced angiosarcoma, in a multimodal therapeutic strategy. ECT palliative benefit includes optimal patient compliance, good local hemostasis control, and local responses. Considering that only 22 cases are described in literature, we reported a rare case of RAS treated with ECT, after a multidisciplinary approach including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). A literature review about the feasibility of ECT in RAS management was also performed.
Compression Softening of Textile Cfrp Reinforced Concrete (Crc): Biaxial Testing of Cracked Crc Panels and Derivation of Constitutive Laws
Authors: Bosbach Sven , Hegger Josef , Classen Martin
Published: December 2023

Due to its insensitivity to corrosion, textile CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer) reinforcement enables the construction of thin-walled concrete structures such as shells, vaults and girder webs with minimal concrete cover. In contrast to tensile and flexural behaviour, strutting and compressive membrane action of cracked thin-walled carbon reinforced concrete (CRC) elements and the interaction of compressive stresses with transverse tensile loading have not yet been investigated. While for steel reinforced concrete components, extensive biaxial testing has shown a significant reduction of concrete compressive strength as a function of the lateral tensile stress (compression softening), the effect of biaxial loading on CRC structures has not been quantified yet. However, a different behaviour is expected due to different bond properties of steel and CFRP in concrete, smaller crack spacings and the tendency of the CFRP reinforced concrete for in-plane splitting. This paper presents an extensive experimental campaign for investigation of the influence of transverse tension and cracking on the compressive strength of CRC with refined measurement techniques. Based on a literature review on compressive softening behaviour and conventional test setups for steel reinforced concrete, a novel test setup was developed. The phenomenology of compression softening in CRC as well as the main factors influencing compressive membrane behaviour are highlighted. Based on the experimental findings a constitutive law for compression softening behaviour of CRC is proposed.
Psychosocial Adjustment Factors Associated with Child-Parent Violence: The Role of Family Communication and Transgressive Attitude in Adolescents
Authors: Romero-Abrio Ana , Musitu-Ochoa Gonzalo , Sánchez-Sosa Juan Carlos , Callejas-Jerónimo Juan Evaristo
Published: December 2023

According to official sources, the numbers of children-to-parent violence (CPV) in the most advanced countries have been on an increasing trend for more than a decade, which generates great social concern. This phenomenon has also aroused enormous interest among researchers, who have identified risk and protective factors related to adolescent CPV in numerous studies. To contribute to a better explanation of CPV, the aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between family communication problems and CPV, through psychosocial adjustment variables -psychological distress and positive attitude toward the transgression of social norms- in schooled adolescents. The sample consisted of 8115 adolescents enrolled in schools in the State of Nuevo León (Mexico) (51.5% boys, 49.5% girls), whose ages ranged from 11 to 16 years (M = 13.34, SD = 1.04). Structural equation modeling was performed using Structural Equation Modeling Software (EQS). The results showed that family communication problems have a direct and signif-icant relationship with CPV. It was also observed that there is an indirect relationship between both variables, through the relationships of psychological distress and positive attitude towards the transgression of social norms. The multigroup analysis performed showed gender differences in some of these relationships. Finally, the results and their implications in the field of family intervention are discussed.
Determination of Nitric Oxide and Its Metabolites in Biological Tissues by Ozone-Based Chemiluminescence Detection: A State of the Art Review
Authors: Li Junjie , LoBue Anthea , Heuser Sophia K. , Cortese-Krott Miriam M.
Published: December 2023

ozone-based chemiluminescence detection (CLD) has been widely applied for determining nitric oxide (NO) and its derived species in many different fields, such as environmental monitoring and biomedical research. In humans CLD was applied to determine exhaled NO and NO metabolites in biological samples. The main advantages of CLD are high sensitivity and selectivity for quantitative analysis in a wide dynamic range. Combining CLD with analytical separation techniques like gas or liquid chromatography allows the analytes to be quantified with less disturbance from matrix components or impurities. Sampling techniques like microdialysis and flow injection analysis may be coupled to CLD with the possibility of real-time monitoring of NO. However, details and precautions in experimental practice need to be addressed and clarified to avoid wrongly estimating. Therefore, using CLD as a detection tool requires a deep understanding of sample preparation procedure and chemical reactions used for liberating NO from its derived species. In this review, we discuss the advantages and pitfalls of CLD for determining NO species, the different applications and combinations with other analytical techniques, and provide general practical notes for sample preparation. These guidelines should help other researchers understand CLD data and select the best procedure for detecting NO species.
Amaranthus cruentus L. Seed Oil counteracts UVA - Radiation – induced inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Skin Fibroblasts
Authors: Wolosik Katarzyna , Chalecka Magda , Palka Jerzy , Mitera Blanka , Surazynski Arkadiusz
Published: December 2023

The effect of Amaranthus cruentus L. seed oil (AmO) on collagen biosynthesis and wound healing was studied in cultured human dermal fibroblasts exposed to UVA radiation. It has been found that UVA radiation inhibited collagen biosynthesis, prolidase activity, expression of β1-integrin receptor, phosphorylated ERK1/2 and TGF-β, while increased the expression of p38 kinase. The AmO at 0.05-0.15% counteracted the above effects induced by UVA radiation in fibroblasts. UVA radiation also induced the expression and nuclear translocation of pro-inflammatory NF-κB fac-tor and enhanced the COX-2 expression. AmO effectively suppressed the expression of these pro-inflammatory factors induced by UVA radiation. Expressions of β1 integrin and IGF-I re-ceptors were decreased in the fibroblasts exposed to UVA radiation, while AmO counteracted the effects. Furthermore, AmO stimulated fibroblast’s migration in a wound healing model, thus facilitating the repair process following exposure of fibroblasts to UVA radiation. This data suggest the potential of AmO to counteract UVA-induced skin damage.
Relationship between Clinical Manifestations and Serological Profile in Patients Affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Borrelli Richard , Nicola Stefania , Corradi Federica , Lo Sardo Luca , Badiu Iuliana , Romito Alessandra , Rashidy Nicolò , Quinternetto Anna , Mazzola Marina , Meli Federico , Saracco Elena , Vitali Ilaria , Cosseddu Domenico , Brussino Luisa
Published: December 2023

Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by a variety of both signs and symptoms; it mainly affects women of childbearing age, with an estimated prevalence of 24/100,000 people in Europe and North America.
SLE is often described as an antibodies-driven disease as its clinical manifestations are usually associated with the presence or the absence of specific antibodies.

Objectives
To evaluate clinical manifestations in patients with SLE and to assess the relationship with the presence of specific antibodies by using real-world data.

Methods
A retrospective study was performed; the 2019 EULAR/ACR Classification Criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus were used to classify patients with SLE.
Data concerning serological profiles (which included Antinuclear antibodies – ANA, anti dsDNA, anti-Ro/SS-A, anti-La/SS-B, anti-Sm) were gathered along with medical records of clinical manifestations. Complement levels were also tested for possible clinical correlations.
χ² or Fisher's exact tests were utilized to establish associations between autoantibodies and symptoms. The odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. No correction was made for multiple testing; only a p-value 0.01 ≤ was considered significant.

Results
One-hundred and twenty-seven patients (n=127, mean age 53.43 ±14.02) were enrolled in this study. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were found to be statistically significant for both malar rash and proteinuria; anti-Ro/SSA antibodies showed an association with photosensitivity and pericarditis; furthermore, a strong association was found between anti-Ro antibodies and proteinuria, but only if anti-dsDNA antibodies were present as well. Patients who tested positive for anti-La/SSB antibodies correlated with a threefold increase in the risk of developing pericarditis. Lastly, anti-Smith appeared to be associated with NPSLE as well as an increased risk for both autoimmune haemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions
In our study, many associations confirmed those found in previous studies; however, new relationships between antibodies and clinical manifestations were found thus indicating the need for additional evaluations to assess these correlations further.
Simulation Study of The Dump Trucks' Speed Profile Impact on Open Pit Efficiency
Authors: Rakhmangulov Aleksandr , Artiushin Andrey
Published: December 2023

An algorithm is presented for a micro-model of a mining dump truck movement, which allows determining the optimal speed and acceleration of a vehicle, considering the change of the road grade. The structure of the simulation macro-model of an excavator-and-dump truck complex has been developed. The procedure for integrating a micro-model of a dump truck movement into a simulation model is shown. As a result of a series of experiments with a macro-model, the influence of open pit roads grade on the performance and efficiency of excavator-and-dump truck complexes was established. The necessity of considering in simulation excavator-and-dump truck complexes the speed regulation of dump trucks depending on the change in road grade is shown.
Depletion of Endothelial-Derived 2-AG Reduces Blood-Endothelial Barrier Integrity via Alteration of VE-Cadherin and the Phospho-Proteome
Authors: Levine Aidan A , Liktor-Busa Erika , Balasubramanian Shreya , Palomino Seph M , Burtman Anya M , Couture Sarah A , Lipinski Austin A , Langlais Paul R , Largent-Milnes Tally M
Published: December 2023

Background: Mounting evidence supports the role of the endocannabinoid system in neurophysiology, includ-ing blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. Recent work has demonstrated that activation of endocannabinoid re-ceptors can mitigate insults to the BBB during neurological disorders, like traumatic brain injury, cortical spreading depression and stroke. As alterations to the BBB are associated with worsening clinical outcomes in these conditions, studies herein sought to examine the impact of endocannabinoid depletion on BBB integrity. Methods: Barrier integrity was investigated in vitro via bEnd.3 cell monolayers to assess endocannabinoid syn-thesis, barrier function, calcium influx, junctional protein expression, and proteome-wide changes. Results: In-hibition of 2-AG synthesis using DAGLα inhibition and siRNA inhibition of DAGLα led to loss of barrier in-tegrity via altered expression of VE-cadherin, which could be partially rescued by exogenous application of 2-AG. Moreover, the deleterious effects of DAGLα inhibition on BBB integrity showed both calcium and PKC (protein kinase C)-dependency. Conclusions: These data indicate that disruption of 2-AG homeostasis in brain endothelial cells, in the absence of insult, is sufficient to disrupt BBB integrity thus supporting the role of the endocannabinoid system in neurovascular disorders.
How to Construct and Deliver an Elevator Pitch: A Recipe for the Research Scientist
Authors: A Caromile Leslie , Jha Ankita , Gardiner Jaye , Dilek Ozlem , Ohi Ryoma , Ligon Lee
Published: December 2023

The task of conveying scientific research to individuals with varying levels of knowledge and understanding can prove to be quite challenging for a research scientist. The difficulty is further compounded when the exchange of information must be conducted within a limited timeframe. Notwithstanding, the 'elevator pitch' is a valuable tool that enables researchers to navigate these potential obstacles. An effective elevator pitch not only facilitates the communication of a researcher's scientific findings but also highlights the individual's skills and the significance of their research. Moreover, a well-crafted elevator pitch is a critical career development tool, serving as a means of networking and paving the way for future communications, scientific collaborations, and funding opportunities. This article examines the value of a scientific elevator pitch and provides step-by-step guidelines for developing and constructing an impactful pitch. Furthermore, we provide resources and an example of a successful elevator pitch delivered by a Fellow from the NIH-funded Accelerating Career Transitions (ACT) program, a professional development program established and managed by the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).
A Dark Energy Paradigm: I. A Solution to the Cosmological Constant Problem to Predict Lepton Masses as Evidence
Authors: Moon Yong-Jae , Koh Wook
Published: December 2023

There are two major proposed forms of dark energy: the cosmological constant and the quintessence scalar field. However, the former has the cosmological constant problem and the latter does not have observational evidence to support the theory. In this paper, we propose a dark energy paradigm to solve the cosmological constant problem and to predict lepton masses as evidence. The dark energy paradigm is a unified dark sector that is based on Planck's dimensional analysis, Lambda CDM, energy conservation, and force equilibrium. We find that dark energy can vary from the cosmological constant to the Planck scale. We find that the predicted values of lepton masses based on the dark energy paradigm agree with the observed values to 1% (or within error ranges).
Phase Diffusion Mitigation in the Truncated Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Authors: Liao Quan , Ma Hongmei , Chen L.Q. , Zhang Weiping , Yuan Chun-Hua
Published: December 2023

The presence of phase diffusion can lead to the loss of the advantages of quantum measurements. Squeezing is considered to be an effective method to reduce the detrimental effect of phase diffusion on the measurement. The Mach-Zehnder (MZ) interferometer has been exploited as a generic tool for precise phase measurement. Describing the reduction in quantum advantage caused by phase diffusion in an MZ interferometer that can be mitigated by squeezing is not easy to handle analytically, because the input state will change from a pure state to a mixed state after experiencing the diffusion noise in the MZ interferometer. We introduce a truncated MZ interferometer that can achieve the same potential phase sensitivity as the conventional MZ interferometer. This scheme can theoretically explain how phase diffusion reduces phase estimation and why squeezing counteracts in the presence of phase diffusion. Using the Gaussian property of the input state and the characteristic of Gaussian operation in the squeezing, the two orthogonal field quantities of the quantum state are squeezed and anti-squeezed to different degrees, and the analytic results are obtained. The truncated MZ interferometer is simpler to build and operate than the conventional MZ interferometer, and also mitigates the phase diffusion noise by the squeezing operation, thus making it useful for applications in precision metrology.
Phase Composition, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Vit-106 Alloy Obtained by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Khmyrov Roman , Korotkov Andrey , Gridnev Mikhail , Podrabinnik Pavel Podrabinnik , Tarasova Tatiana , Gusarov Andrey
Published: December 2023

Vit-106 is a promising zirconium-based alloy with high glass-forming ability and belongs to the so-called bulk metallic glasses (BMG). Workpieces with a size of around one centimeter in all three dimensions can be obtained from a BMG alloy by casting. However, further increasing the cast size decreases the cooling rate and thus induces crystallization. Selective laser melting (SLM) is a well-known technique to overcome the size limitations for BMGs because a workpiece is built by the addition of multiple melt portions where the cooling rate is kept above the critical one. Currently, BMG parts obtained by SLM suffer from partial crystallization. The present work studies the influence of SLM process parameters on partial crystallization of Vit-106 by metallography and the influence of the microstructure on mechanical properties by microhardness and wear resistance testing. Submicron crystalline inclusions are observed in an amorphous matrix of Vit-106 alloy obtained by SLM. The size and the concentration of the inclusions can be controlled by varying the laser scanning speed. It is shown that submicron crystalline inclusions formed in the amorphous matrix during SLM can favorably affect microhardness and wear resistance.
Prospects of Intravenous CoenzymeQ10 Administration in Emergency Ischemic Conditions
Authors: Kalenikova Elena Igorevna , Gorodetskaya Evgeniya Aronovna , Povarova Oxana Viktorovna , Medvedev Oleg Stefanovich
Published: December 2023

Coenzyme CoQ10 (CoQ10) is an endogenous lipid-soluble antioxidant that effectively protects lipids, proteins and DNA from oxidation due to its ability to undergo redox transitions between oxidized and reduced forms. Various oxidative stress-associated infectious and somatic diseases have been observed to disrupt the balance of CoQ10 concentration in tissues. As a high molecular weight polar lipophilic compound, CoQ10 exhibits very limited oral bioavailability, which restrains its therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, numerous studies have confirmed the clinical efficacy of CoQ10 therapy through the oral administration of high doses over extended time periods. Experimental studies have demonstrated that in emergency situations, intravenous administration of both oxidized and reduced forms CoQ10 leads to a rapid increase in its concentration in organ tissues, offering protection in ischemic conditions for organ tissues. This suggests that the cardio- and neuroprotective efficacy of intravenously administered CoQ10 forms could present new opportunities in treating acute ischemic conditions. Based on these findings, the review provides reasoning supporting further research and implementation of CoQ10 dosage forms for intravenous administration in emergency situations into clinical practice.
Microwave Field Characteristics of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond for Living Cell Temperature Measurement
Authors: Fan Zhen Xian , Xing Li , Wu Fei Xiang , Feng Xiao Juan , Zhang Jin Tao
Published: December 2023

A typical solid-state quantum sensor can be developed based on negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) centers in diamond. The electron spin state of NV- can be controlled and read at room temperature. Through optical detection magnetic resonance (ODMR) technology, temperature measurement inside living cells can be achieved at the nanoscale. The key to ODMR technology is to apply microwave resonance to manipulate the electron spin state of NV-. Therefore, the microwave field characteristics formed near the NV- have a crucial impact on the sensitivity of ODMR measurement. This article mainly focuses on the temperature situation in cellular applications, and simulates the influence of structural parameters of double open loop resonant (DOLR) microwave antennas and broadband large-area (BLA) microwave antennas on the microwave field’s resonance frequency, quality factor Q, magnetic field strength, uniformity, etc. The parameters are optimized to have sufficient bandwidth, high signal-to-noise ratio, low power loss, and high magnetic field strength in the temperature range of 36 ℃ to 42.5 ℃. Finally, the ODMR spectra are used for effect comparison, and the signal-to-noise ratio and Q values of the ODMR spectra are compared when using different antennas. We have provided an optimization method for the design of microwave antennas and it is concluded that the DOLR microwave antenna is more suitable for living cell temperature measurement in our study.
Discharge Coefficients of Standard Spillways at High Altitudes
Authors: Rendón Víctor , Sánchez-Juny Martí , Estrella Soledad , Sanz-Ramos Marcos , Rucano Percy , Huarca Pulcha Alan
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the experimental campaign conducted near the Condoroma dam at 4075 m a.s.l. in an experimental setup consisting of a series of standard profile spillways with a vertical upstream face of up to five different dimensionless heights (P/Hd). The experimental results indicate that for all P/Hd ratios studied, the discharge coefficients adjusted to the Condoroma altitude are lower than those reported by classical formulations used in conventional spillway design. As a result, a generalized equation is proposed to estimate the discharge coefficient for standard spillways located in dams at similar elevations above sea level.
Hybrid approach for multiscale and multimodal time-resolved diagnosis of ultrafast processes in materials via tailored synchronization of laser and X-ray sources at MHz repetition rates
Authors: Marchenkov Nikita , Mareev Evgenii , Kulikov Anton , Pilyak Fedor , Ibragimov Eduard , Pisarevsky Yury V. , Potemkin Fedor
Published: December 2023

The synchronization of laser and X-ray sources is essential for time-resolved measurements in the study of ultrafast processes, including photo-induced piezo-effect, shock wave generation, and phase transition. On the one hand, the optical diagnostics (by synchronization of two laser sources) provides information about change in vibration frequencies, shock waves dynamics, linear and nonlinear refractive index behavior. On the other hand, the optical pump – X-ray probe diagnostics give opportunity to directly reveal the lattice dynamics. To integrate two approaches into a unified whole one need to create a robust method for synchronization of two systems with different repetition rate up to MHz range. In this paper, we propose a universal approach utilizing a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to achieve precise synchronization between different MHz sources such as various lasers and synchrotron X-ray sources. This synchronization method offers numerous advantages, such as high flexibility, fast response, and low jitter. Experimental results demonstrate successful synchronization of two different MHz systems with a temporal resolution of 250 ps for these systems. This enables ultrafast measurements with sub-nanosecond resolution, facilitating the uncovering of complex dynamics in ultrafast processes.
Распространение вариантов вируса SARS-COV-2, вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), на основе количества их геномов, депонированных в базу данных GISAID за неделю с 9 по 15 декабря 2023 г.
Authors: Дмитриева Людмила , Краснов Ярослав , Чумачкова Елена , Осина Наталья , Зимирова Анастасия , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Караваева Татьяна , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: December 2023

В обзоре представлена информация по циркулирующим в настоящее время вариантам вируса SARS-COV-2 Omicron вызывающих интерес (VOI) и находящихся под наблюдением (VUM), геномные последовательности которых размещены в международной базе данных GISAID за неделю с 9 по 15 декабря 2023 г.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 09.12.2023 г. по 15.12.2023 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: December 2023

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 09.12.2023 г. по 15.12.2023 г.
Team Approach: Bone Health Optimization in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Pasqualini Ignacio , Huffman Nickelas , Keller Sarah F. , McLaughlin John P. , Molloy Robert M. , Deren Matthew E. , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: December 2023

» Bone health optimization (BHO) has become an increasingly important consideration in orthopaedic surgery because deterioration of bone tissue and low bone density are associated with poor outcomes after orthopaedic surgeries.

» Management of patients with compromised bone health requires numerous healthcare professionals including orthopaedic surgeons, primary care physicians, nutritionists, and metabolic bone specialists in endocrinology, rheumatology, or obstetrics and gynecology. Therefore, achieving optimal bone health before orthopaedic surgery necessitates a collaborative and synchronized effort among healthcare professionals.

» Patients with poor bone health are often asymptomatic and may present to the orthopaedic surgeon for reasons other than poor bone health. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize risk factors such as old age, female sex, and low body mass index, which predispose to decreased bone density.

» Workup of suspected poor bone health entails bone density evaluation. For patients without dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan results within the past 2 years, perform DXA scan in all women aged 65 years and older, all men aged 70 years and older, and women younger than 65 years or men younger than 70 years with concurrent risk factors for poor bone health. All women and men presenting with a fracture secondary to low-energy trauma should receive DXA scan and bone health workup; for fractures secondary to high-energy trauma, perform DXA scan and further workup in women aged 65 years and older and men aged 70 years and older.

» Failure to recognize and treat poor bone health can result in poor surgical outcomes including implant failure, periprosthetic infection, and nonunion after fracture fixation. However, collaborative healthcare teams can create personalized care plans involving nutritional supplements, antiresorptive or anabolic treatment, and weight-bearing exercise programs, resulting in BHO before surgery. Ultimately, this coordinated approach can enhance the success rate of surgical interventions, minimize complications, and improve patients' overall quality of life.
Effectiveness of the renewable energy support program implementation (by the example of solar energy)
Authors: Kudryavtseva O. V. , Vasilyev S. V. , Zoryna T. G.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics and prospects of the renewable energy support program implementation and to assess its effectiveness.

Methods: comparison, synthesis, system approach, generalization, statistical and economic analysis.

Results: the authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of system effects from the implementation of renewable energy support programs. The mechanisms of state support of renewable energy generators (further – RES) were studied. These mechanisms are aimed at reducing emissions and costs, creating new jobs, etc., which provides Russia with a unique opportunity to create a full-fledged RES industry. The authors assessed the economic efficiency of renewable energy development in the Wholesale Electricity and Capacity Market (WECM), taking solar energy for analysis. The benefits were analyzed, which are acquired as a result of renewable energy development, including by implementation of the state program of RES projects support and the RES development program for 2013-2024. Economic and non-economic effects arising in the process of RES industry development were analyzed. These are: substitution of fossil fuel consumed in energy production by conventional generation facilities, due to the replacement of conventional generation facilities by RES facilities; reduction of prices in the wholesale electricity market; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; reduction of costs of measures to reduce the negative impact on the environment and health protection; reduction of compulsory levied payments; creation of new jobs. In conclusion, the prospects of RES development in the state nearest to Russia – the Republic of Belarus – were analyzed, which is important for energy cooperation.

Scientific novelty: a comprehensive analysis of system effects from the implementation of the program to support the RES industry in the Russian Federation was carried out. The efficiency of the support program implementation was proved by the example of solar energy. The prospects of the program implementation in the Russian economy were shown.

Practical significance: the obtained results and the revealed regularities can be used to make forecasts of renewable energy development taking into account economic and non-economic consequences. They can be used by the authorities to assess the support policy effectiveness of RES generating facilities, as well as to select the most favorable support mechanisms.
Anti-sanction and sanction economic policy of Russia in 2022–2025. Part 1: Analysis and forecast of managing sanctions against Russia
Authors: Manushin D. V.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to study the packages of anti-Russian sanctions, to analyze measures to counteract sanctions, and to formalize the current and future sanctions policy of Great Britain, the USA, and the EU.

Methods: the author uses such techniques of abstract-logical method as analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, analogy, formalization, and forecasting.

Results: based on the analysis of scientific literature, as well as opinions of experts and officials, three main approaches to the assessment of Russia’s sanctions policy were identified: macroeconomic, sectoral and regional. The packages of anti-Russian sanctions and counter-sanctions by Russia in chronological order were assessed. The effectiveness of anti-Russian sanctions in terms of their impact on the Russian economy was assessed. Current trends in the sanctions policy of the UK, the US and the EU were revealed. The following questions were answered: who is the main objective of the sanctions (Russia or the EU); whether China will be drawn into the sanctions war; whether the official objectives of anti-Russian sanctions will be achieved; and whether the strengthening of sanctions will lead to a hot geopolitical conflict. The prerequisites and motives for the EU entry into the sanctions war were determined; the influence of the EU economic problems on the duration of the sanctions war was revealed. Scenarios for the development of the EU relations with Russia were constructed and the terms of the sanctions war unleashed by the United States were predicted.

Scientific novelty: it was determined that the anti-Russian sanctions after their fifth package became in many respects demonstrative. The situational response of the Russian authorities to the sanctions was large-scale, corresponded to the current situation, was carried out thoughtfully and effectively. It was revealed that the focus of the UK and the US sanctions shifted to the EU, as well as the prerequisites of the EU-China conflict. It was found that if the sanctions policy intensity is maintained, the EU economy may significantly degrade in the next 10-15 years.

Practical significance: the given data and conclusions may help in formalization and correction of sanctions and antisanctions economic policy of Russia.
Economic mechanism of ensuring regional energy safety of the Republic of Belarus
Authors: Zoryna T. G. , Panasiuk V. V.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to shape a theoretical model of the economic mechanism ensuring regional energy security.

Methods: general scientific, statistical, systemic, logical, process approaches.

Results: solving the problem of energy security of the state is one of the most important directions of economic policy under the increasing threats to the energy infrastructure of the Republic of Belarus. To achieve the study objective, the authors clarified the concept and identified the main threats to regional energy security. It was found that the indicators used to assess the energy security system today are largely outdated, therefore the authors proposed a system of indicators consisting of 30 indicators and an integral indicator. The authors also proposed a theoretical model of the economic mechanism for ensuring regional energy security, which implies a sequence of actions, indicates deadlines and performers at each stage of implementation. The stages include: monitoring (assessment) of the current state of regional energy security; analysis of risks and threats to regional energy security; determination of the minimum and maximum level of regional energy security; justification of directions for improving regional energy security; formation of action plans to improve regional energy security; implementation of measures to strengthen regional energy security. The risks and threats to regional energy security were analyzed by interviewing representatives of regional energy systems, based on which the main directions for improving the level of regional energy security were determined.

Scientific novelty: based on the existing methodological approaches to the assessment of energy security in the state, the authors developed a new theoretical model of the economic mechanism ensuring regional energy security of the Republic of Belarus. The system of energy security indicators was developed, which differs from the generally accepted one in terms of introducing an additional block of socio-ecological indicators and combining groups of production, financial and informational indicators.

Practical significance: the model application will strengthen the regional energy security of the Republic of Belarus. The measures developed on the basis of the authors’ mechanism to improve energy security should be included in regional sets of measures to implement state five-year programs, financed by local budgets at the level of Belarus regions and Minsk. The methodological provisions for calculating the integral indicator and analyzing the risks and threats to energy security can be used in the development of a new version of the Concept of energy security of the Republic of Belarus.
Legalization of criminal income using DeFi: typical schemes and risk indicators
Authors: Sidorenko E. L.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to increase the effectiveness of countering the use of typical criminal money laundering schemes by identifying the technological and legal vulnerabilities of the DeFi infrastructure: decentralized exchanges, blockchain bridges, decentralized wallets, and privacy-enhanced currencies.

Methods: general scientific (analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, theoretical modeling, legal interpretation) and special methods of scientific cognition (structural-functional, constructive, situational, innovative, target-oriented, program-target, and risk-oriented).

Results: the main trends in the development of money laundering using decentralized finance were outlined; the determinative significance of DeFi technological characteristics in the genesis of money laundering was revealed; the main types of money laundering using decentralized finance were identified; the schemes of committing crimes were studied and the criminogenic potential of DeFi infrastructure (decentralized exchanges, blockchain bridges, mixers, privacy-enhanced tokens, etc.) was assessed.

Scientific novelty: it is proposed to consider money laundering using DeFi as a special type of digital financial crime. The article proposes the author’s typology of money laundering, substantiates the idea that the matrix of traditional financial regulation and AML standards cannot be applied to decentralized finance. It is argued that prevention of money laundering using decentralized finance should be carried out in close connection with the identification of risk indicators and the development of effective control measures at the points of entry of criminal incomes to centralized exchanges.

Practical significance: the analysis of typical mechanisms of money laundering using DeFi allows a systematic approach to the organization of early crime prevention and can potentially become the basis to develop recommendations for financial intelligence and monitoring services.
Stereotactic Radiation therapy in early and locally advanced inoperable renal cell carcinoma: treatment outcomes, patterns of failure and risk factors
Authors: Pareek Vibhay , Zhang Shen , Ong Aldrich T
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Renal cell carcinomas are the most common kidney neoplasms and though they are radioresistant, ablative radiation therapy has shown a good response rate in terms of tumor eradication and a high local control rate in both primary and metastatic stages. Apart from the various other interventions available, stereotactic body radiation therapy has shown significant progress in the management of both early and metastatic renal cell cancers. There is a plethora of literature, especially in terms of retrospective studies focusing on the clinical outcomes of the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy. In the systematic review, we aim to report the clinical outcomes and identify any high-risk factors for recurrences posttreatment in both early and metastatic renal cell cancer. Methodology: We aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data in the last 10 years and hematological regress in and transparent manner to identify patterns of failure and high-risk factors for recurrence. The protocol has been prepared following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA–P) 2015 guidelines and the protocol has been registered with the international prospective registry of systematic reviews (CRD42022380543).
Expeditious detection and segmentation of bone mass variation in DEXA images using the hybrid GLCM-AlexNet approach
Authors: Amiya Gautam , Murugan Pallikonda Rajasekaran , Ramaraj Kottaimalai , Govindaraj Vishnuvarthanan , Vasudevan Muneeswaran , M Thirumurugan , Zhang Yu-Dong , S Sheik Abdullah , Thiyagarajan Arunprasath
Published: December 2023

Osteoporosis (OP) is an osteometabolic disorder characterized by a lesser bone mineral density (BMD) and the disruption of bone tissue micro - architecture, resulting in a greater bone fragility and higher likelihoods of fractures. OP emerges once the bone mass declines faster than the body's capacity to replenish it, leading to a significant reduction in the strength of bone. OP impacts each and every bone throughout the body and provides no clinical signs until a fracture happens. Aging leads to the reduction in BMD, and the rate of percentage of fractures rises over time, usually causing mortality and morbidity. Numerous BMD evaluation methods are available, and they are used in a variety of settings by considering the location of the fracture. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA/DXA) is recognized as the gold standard for predicting the fracture, since it is the most advanced, technologically affirmed, and also has excellent performance. According to the findings, most researchers do not endeavour the identification and the segmentation of low bone masses from DEXA images. Medical image segmentation supports in analyzing and visualizing the bone's low bone mass. The envisaged hybrid approach, that integrates GLCM for feature extraction and AlexNet for a low bone mass variation classification, provides segmented images that assist in categorizing bone health as normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis. The developed algorithm's performance metrics, including Dice Co-efficient, Sensitivity, and Specificity, were 92.35%, 90.26%, and 92.42%, respectively. The Orthopedicians ascertained the efficacy of the outcomes rendered by the proposed algorithm.
Raising the bar: What determines the ambition level of corporate climate targets?
Authors: Privato Clara , Johnson Matthew Phillip , Busch Timo
Published: December 2023

Since the launch of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), we have witnessed a steady increase in the number of companies committing to climate targets for large-scale reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While recent studies present various methodologies for establishing climate targets (e.g., sectoral decarbonization approach, near-term, long-term, net zero), we still don’t understand the explanatory factors that determine how ambitious companies are in target setting. In this paper, a two-stage qualitative study is conducted with a sample of 22 international companies from five countries. First, these companies’ publicly disclosed climate targets are evaluated according to five target ambition criteria. Secondly, various explanatory factors for target setting are explored to see how present they are in specific levels of ambition. The findings indicate that within companies with highly ambitious climate targets, certain salient factors are highly present, including leadership engagement, continual management support, employee involvement, participation in climate initiatives, and stakeholder collaboration. Conversely, none of these key factors are highly present in companies with less ambitious climate targets. Rather, these companies strongly identify the initiating factors of market-related pressures and non-market stakeholder influence as being the driving forces behind their target setting. This paper contributes to the literature on corporate responses to climate change by expanding our understanding of explanatory factors for different corporate climate target ambition levels.
Models of Ignition Delay of Diesel Fuel Surrogates
Authors: Nunes Paulo Gustavo Krejci , Gallo Waldyr Luiz Ribeiro
Published: December 2023

The study aims to present new constants of ignition delay based on the Arrhenius model for two diesel fuel surrogates formulated from four components (n-Hexadecane, Heptamethylnonane, Decahydro-naphthalene, and 1-Methyl-naphthalene) as a function of temperature and pressure. When the combustion occurs in two stages, we detail the ignition delay of each stage, and it's first stage fraction are presented. Surrogate fuels showed 35 and 45 cetane numbers and 48 and 35 threshold soot index, respectively. The main application of these models relates to stochastic combustion models. The main differential of this study refers to its description of two stage combustion, if it occurs.
Inflammation Impacts Androgen Receptor Signaling in Basal Prostate Stem Cells Through Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Ratliff Timothy , Cooper Paula , Yang Jiang , Wang Hsing-Hui , Broman Meaghan , Awdalkreem Gada , Cresswell Gregory , Wang Liang , Goossens Emery , Atallah-Lanman Nadia , Doerge Rebecca , Zheng Faye , Cheng Liang , Crist Scott , Braun Robert , Jerde Travis
Published: December 2023

The majority of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) exhibit chronic prostate inflammation and the extent of inflammation correlates with the severity of symptoms. How inflammation contributes to prostate enlargement and/or BPH symptoms and the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. We established a unique mouse model Prostate Ovalbumin Expressing Transgenic 3 (POET3) that mimics chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in men to study the role of inflammation in prostate hyperplasia. After the injection of ovalbumin peptide-specific T cells, POET3 prostates exhibited an influx of inflammatory cells and an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines that led to epithelial and stromal hyperplasia. We have previously demonstrated with the POET3 model that inflammation expands the basal prostate stem cell (bPSC) population and promotes bPSC differentiation in organoid cultures. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the impact of inflammation on bPSC. We found that AR activity was enhanced in inflamed bPSC and was essential for bPSC differentiation in organoid cultures. Most importantly, we identified, for the first time, interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) as a key regulator of AR in basal stem cells. IL-1RA was one of the top genes upregulated by inflammation and inhibition of IL-1RA abrogated the enhanced AR nuclear accumulation and activity in organoids derived from inflamed bPSC. The mirroring effects of IL-1RA recombinant protein and IL-1α neutralizing antibody suggest that IL-1RA may function by antagonizing IL-1α inhibition of AR expression. Furthermore, we established a lineage tracing model to follow bPSC during inflammation and under castrate conditions. We found that inflammation induced bPSC proliferation and differentiation into luminal cells even under castrate conditions, indicating that AR activation driven by inflammation in bPSC is sufficient for their proliferation and differentiation under androgen-deprived conditions. However, proliferation of the differentiated bPSC in the luminal layer significantly diminished with castration, suggesting inflammation may not maintain AR activity in stromal cells, as stromal cells deprived of androgen after castration could no longer provide paracrine growth factors essential for luminal proliferation. Taken together, we have discovered novel mechanisms through which inflammation modulates AR signaling in bPSC and induces bPSC luminal differentiation that contributes to prostate hyperplasia.
A chloroplast localized Ca2+-permeable channel regulates grain calcium accumulation in rice
Authors: Huang Xin-Yuan , Liu Huan , Lu Cun , Liu Xiang-Qian , Zhuo Chen-Jin , Luo Rong-Jian , Huang Qiu-Tang , Tang Zhong , Zhao Chun-Qing , Guerinot Mary Lou , Salt David , Zhao Fang-Jie
Published: December 2023

Calcium (Ca) is an essential mineral nutrient and plays a crucial signaling role in all living organisms. Increasing Ca content in staple foods such as rice is vital for improving Ca nutrition of humans. Here we map a quantitative trait locus that controls Ca concentration in rice grains and identify the causal gene as GCSC1, which encodes a chloroplast vesicle localized homo-oligomeric protein. GCSC1 exhibits Ca2+ transport activity and functions as a Ca2+-permeable channel to mediate the efflux of Ca2+ from the chloroplast to the cytosol. Knockout of GCSC1 results in increased chloroplast Ca concentration, lower stomatal conductance in leaves and enhanced Ca allocation to grains. Natural variation in grain Ca concentration is attributed to the variable expression of GCSC1 resulting from its promoter sequence variation. Our study identifies a new type of chloroplast Ca2+-permeable channel that mediates chloroplast Ca2+ efflux and provides a way to biofortify Ca in rice to benefit human nutrition.