bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Nutrient Supplementation in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Shaver Amy L. , Tufuor Theresa A. , Nie Jing , Ekimura Shauna , Marshall Keri , Mitmesser Susan Hazels , Noyes Katia
Published: December 2021

Cancer patients are at risk for malnutrition; the aim of this study was to provide a cost-effectiveness analysis of dietary supplementation in cancer survivors. We estimated prevalence of supplementation, hospitalization rates, quality of life (QOL), cost of care and mortality among cancer survivors. We built a decision analytic model to simulate life-long costs of health care and supplementation and QOL among cancer survivors with and without supplementation. Cost of supplements was derived from national pharmacy databases including single- and multivitamin formularies. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the robustness of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to changes in supplementation costs and duration. The study cohort represented the national cancer survivor population (average age 61 years, 85% white, 52% male, and 94% insured). Hospitalization rates for supplement users and non-users were 12% and 21%, respectively. The cost of hospitalization was $4030. Supplementation was associated with an additional 0.48 QALYs (10.26 vs. 9.78) at the incremental cost of $2094 ($236,933 vs. $234,839) over the remaining lifetime of survivors (on average 13 years). Adequate nutrition provides a cost-effective strategy to achieving potentially optimum health. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of specific nutrient doses and supplementation on long-term outcomes per cancer type.
RNA Biomarkers as a Response Measure for Survival in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Boerrigter Emmy , Benoist Guillemette E. , van Oort Inge M. , Verhaegh Gerald W. , de Haan Anton F. J. , van Hooij Onno , Groen Levi , Smit Frank , Oving Irma M. , de Mol Pieter , Smilde Tineke J. , Somford Diederik M. , Hamberg Paul , Dezentjé Vincent O. , Mehra Niven , van Erp Nielka P. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: December 2021

Treatment evaluation in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is challenging. There is an urgent need for biomarkers to discriminate short-term survivors from long-term survivors, shortly after treatment initiation. Thereto, the added value of early RNA biomarkers on predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were explored. The RNA biomarkers: KLK3 mRNA, miR-375, miR-3687, and NAALADL2-AS2 were measured in 93 patients with mCRPC, before and 1 month after start of first-line abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide treatment, in two prospective clinical trials. The added value of the biomarkers to standard clinical parameters in predicting PFS and OS was tested by Harell’s C-index. To test whether the biomarkers were independent markers of PFS and OS, multivariate Cox regression was used. The best prediction model for PFS and OS was formed by adding miR-375 and KLK3 (at baseline and 1 month) to standard clinical parameters. Baseline miR-375 and detectable KLK3 after 1 month of therapy were independently related to shorter PFS, which was not observed for OS. In conclusion, the addition of KLK3 and miR-375 (at baseline and 1 month) to standard clinical parameters resulted in the best prediction model for survival assessment.
Developing a Nationwide Infrastructure for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Targeted Oral Anticancer Drugs: The ON-TARGET Study Protocol
Authors: Mc Laughlin Anna M. , Schmulenson Eduard , Teplytska Olga , Zimmermann Sebastian , Opitz Patrick , Groenland Stefanie L. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Steeghs Neeltje , Müller Lothar , Fuxius Stefan , Illerhaus Gerald , Joerger Markus , Mayer Frank , Fuhr Uwe , Holdenrieder Stefan , Hempel Georg , Scherf-Clavel Oliver , Jaehde Ulrich , Kloft Charlotte ,   for the ON-TARGET Study Consortium
Published: December 2021

Exposure-efficacy and/or exposure-toxicity relationships have been identified for up to 80% of oral anticancer drugs (OADs). Usually, OADs are administered at fixed doses despite their high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability resulting in large differences in drug exposure. Consequently, a substantial proportion of patients receive a suboptimal dose. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), i.e., dosing based on measured drug concentrations, may be used to improve treatment outcomes. The prospective, multicenter, non-interventional ON-TARGET study (DRKS00025325) aims to investigate the potential of routine TDM to reduce adverse drug reactions in renal cell carcinoma patients receiving axitinib or cabozantinib. Furthermore, the feasibility of using volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), a minimally invasive and easy to handle blood sampling technique, for sample collection is examined. During routine visits, blood samples are collected and sent to bioanalytical laboratories. Venous and VAMS blood samples are collected in the first study phase to facilitate home-based capillary blood sampling in the second study phase. Within one week, the drug plasma concentrations are measured, interpreted, and reported back to the physician. Patients report their drug intake and toxicity using PRO-CTCAE-based questionnaires in dedicated diaries. Ultimately, the ON-TARGET study aims to develop a nationwide infrastructure for TDM for oral anticancer drugs.
Intraoperative Near-Infrared Fluorescence Guided Surgery Using Indocyanine Green (ICG) for the Resection of Sarcomas May Reduce the Positive Margin Rate: An Extended Case Series
Authors: Brookes Marcus J. , Chan Corey D. , Nicoli Fabio , Crowley Timothy P. , Ghosh Kanishka M. , Beckingsale Thomas , Saleh Daniel , Dildey Petra , Gupta Sanjay , Ragbir Maniram , Rankin Kenneth S.
Published: December 2021

Background: Sarcomas are rare, aggressive cancers which can occur in any region of the body. Surgery is usually the cornerstone of curative treatment, with negative surgical margins associated with decreased local recurrence and improved overall survival. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a fluorescent dye which accumulates in sarcoma tissue and can be imaged intraoperatively using handheld near-infrared (NIR) cameras, theoretically helping guide the surgeon’s resection margins. Methods: Patients operated on between 20 February 2019 and 20 October 2021 for intermediate to high grade sarcomas at our centres received either conventional surgery, or were administered ICG pre-operatively followed by intra-operative NIR fluorescence guidance during the procedure. Differences between the unexpected positive margin rates were compared. Results: 115 suitable patients were identified, of which 39 received ICG + NIR fluorescence guided surgery, and 76 received conventional surgery. Of the patients given ICG, 37/39 tumours fluoresced, and surgeons felt the procedure was guided by the intra-operative images in 11 cases. Patients receiving ICG had a lower unexpected positive margin rate (5.1% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The use of NIR fluorescence cameras in combination with ICG may reduce the unexpected positive margin rate for high grade sarcomas. A prospective, multi-centre randomised control trial is now needed to validate these results.
Infections of Venetoclax-Based Chemotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Rationale for Proper Antimicrobial Prophylaxis
Authors: Lee Raeseok , Cho Sung-Yeon , Lee Dong-Gun , Choi Hyeah , Park Silvia , Cho Byung-Sik , Kim Yoo-Jin , Kim Hee-Je
Published: December 2021

Although venetoclax (VEN)-based combination chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) results in prolonged and profound neutropenia, data regarding infectious complications and antimicrobial prophylaxis are lacking. We investigated the infectious complications in 122 adult patients with AML under the same standard of care for prevention. The prophylaxis protocol was fluconazole 400 mg/d without antibacterial agents. The incidence of proven or probable invasive fungal infections (IFIs) was 6.6/100 cycles, and 22 patients (18.0%) were diagnosed (median, second cycle; interquartile range, 1–2). All IFIs were caused by Aspergillus and significantly influenced the overall mortality (odds ratio (OR), 2.737; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.051–7.128; p = 0.034). In the multivariate analysis, secondary or therapy-related AML was an independent risk factor for IFIs (OR, 3.859; 95% CI, 1.344–11.048, p = 0.012). A total of 39 bloodstream infection (BSIs) episodes occurred in 35 patients (28.7%), with an incidence of 12.7/100 cycles. High-dose steroid administration within 90 days was associated with the occurrence of BSIs (OR, 7.474; 95% CI; 1.661–3.631, p = 0.008), although BSIs themselves did not have an impact on the outcomes. Our findings suggest evidence for the need for mold-active antifungal agents as antifungal prophylaxis, rather than fluconazole, especially in patients with secondary or therapy-related AML.
The Methyltransferase Smyd1 Mediates LPS-Triggered Up-Regulation of IL-6 in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Shamloul Ahmed , Steinemann Gustav , Roos Kerrin , Liem Celine Huajia , Bernd Jonathan , Braun Thorsten , Zakrzewicz Andreas , Berkholz Janine
Published: December 2021

The lysine methyltransferase Smyd1 with its characteristic catalytic SET-domain is highly enriched in the embryonic heart and skeletal muscles, participating in cardiomyogenesis, sarcomere assembly and chromatin remodeling. Recently, significant Smyd1 levels were discovered in endothelial cells (ECs) that responded to inflammatory cytokines. Based on these biochemical properties, we hypothesized that Smyd1 is involved in inflammation-triggered signaling in ECs and therefore, investigated its role within the LPS-induced signaling cascade. Human endothelial cells (HUVECs and EA.hy926 cells) responded to LPS stimulation with higher intrinsic Smyd1 expression. By transfection with expression vectors containing gene inserts encoding either intact Smyd1, a catalytically inactive Smyd1-mutant or Smyd1-specific siRNAs, we show that Smyd1 contributes to LPS-triggered expression and secretion of IL-6 in EA.hy926 cells. Further molecular analysis revealed this process to be based on two signaling pathways: Smyd1 increased the activity of NF-κB and promoted the trimethylation of lysine-4 of histone-3 (H3K4me3) within the IL-6 promoter, as shown by ChIP-RT-qPCR combined with IL-6-promoter-driven luciferase reporter gene assays. In summary, our experimental analysis revealed that LPS-binding to ECs leads to the up-regulation of Smyd1 expression to transduce the signal for IL-6 up-regulation via activation of the established NF-κB pathway as well as via epigenetic trimethylation of H3K4.
Effect of High Static Magnetic Fields on Biological Activities and Iron Metabolism in MLO-Y4 Osteocyte-like Cells
Authors: Yang Jiancheng , Zhang Gejing , Li Qingmei , Tang Qinghua , Feng Yan , Shang Peng , Zeng Yuhong
Published: December 2021

There are numerous studies that investigate the effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. However, although osteocytes are the most abundant cell type in bone tissue, there are few studies on the biological effects of osteocytes under magnetic fields. Iron is a necessary microelement that is involved in numerous life activities in cells. Studies have shown that high static magnetic fields (HiSMF) can regulate cellular iron metabolism. To illustrate the effect of HiSMF on activities of osteocytes, and whether iron is involved in this process, HiSMF of 16 tesla (T) was used, and the changes in cellular morphology, cytoskeleton, function-related protein expression, secretion of various cytokines, and iron metabolism in osteocytes under HiSMF were studied. In addition, the biological effects of HiSMF combined with iron preparation and iron chelator on osteocytes were also investigated. The results showed that HiSMF promoted cellular viability, decreased apoptosis, increased the fractal dimension of the cytoskeleton, altered the secretion of cytokines, and increased iron levels in osteocytes. Moreover, it was found that the biological effects of osteocytes under HiSMF are attenuated or enhanced by treatment with a certain concentration of iron. These data suggest that HiSMF-regulated cellular iron metabolism may be involved in altering the biological effects of osteocytes under HiSMF exposure.
Cannabidiol Inhibits Tau Aggregation In Vitro
Authors: Alali Soha , Riazi Gholamhossein , Ashrafi-Kooshk Mohammad Reza , Meknatkhah Sogol , Ahmadian Shahin , Hooshyari Ardakani Mohammad , Hosseinkhani Baharak
Published: December 2021

A hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the accumulation of tau protein in the brain. Compelling evidence indicates that the presence of tau aggregates causes irreversible neuronal destruction, eventually leading to synaptic loss. So far, the inhibition of tau aggregation has been recognized as one of the most effective therapeutic strategies. Cannabidiol (CBD), a major component found in Cannabis sativa L., has antioxidant activities as well as numerous neuroprotective features. Therefore, we hypothesize that CBD may serve as a potent substance to hamper tau aggregation in AD. In this study, we aim to investigate the CBD effect on the aggregation of recombinant human tau protein 1N/4R isoform using biochemical methods in vitro and in silico. Using Thioflavin T (ThT) assay, circular dichroism (CD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we demonstrated that CBD can suppress tau fibrils formation. Moreover, by quenching assay, docking, and job’s plot, we further demonstrated that one molecule of CBD interacts with one molecule of tau protein through a spontaneous binding. Experiments performed by quenching assay, docking, and Thioflavin T assay further established that the main forces are hydrogen Van der Waals and some non-negligible hydrophobic forces, affecting the lag phase of tau protein kinetics. Taken together, this study provides new insights about a natural substance, CBD, for tau therapy which may offer new hope for the treatment of AD.
Human Renal Fibroblasts, but Not Renal Epithelial Cells, Induce IL-1β Release during a Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection In Vitro
Authors: Kumawat Ashok Kumar , Paramel Geena Varghese , Demirel Kartheyaene Jayaprakash , Demirel Isak
Published: December 2021

Understanding how uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) modulates the immune response in the kidney is essential to prevent UPEC from reaching the bloodstream and causing urosepsis. The purpose of this study was to elucidate if renal fibroblasts can release IL-1β during a UPEC infection and to investigate the mechanism behind the IL-1β release. We found that the UPEC strain CFT073 induced an increased IL-1β and LDH release from renal fibroblasts, but not from renal epithelial cells. The UPEC-induced IL-1β release was found to be NLRP3, caspase-1, caspase-4, ERK 1/2, cathepsin B and serine protease dependent in renal fibroblasts. We also found that the UPEC virulence factor α-hemolysin was necessary for IL-1β release. Conditioned medium from caspase-1, caspase-4 and NLRP3-deficient renal fibroblasts mediated an increased reactive oxygen species production from neutrophils, but reduced UPEC phagocytosis. Taken together, our study demonstrates that renal fibroblasts, but not renal epithelial cells, release IL-1β during a UPEC infection. This suggest that renal fibroblasts are vital immunoreactive cells and not only structural cells that produce and regulate the extracellular matrix.
Effects of Nb Addition on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Nbx-CoCrFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy Films
Authors: Liang Yu-Hsuan , Li Chia-Lin , Hsueh Chun-Hway
Published: December 2021

In the present work, Nbx-CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy films (HEAFs, 0 to 7.2 at.% Nb) were fabricated by radio frequency (RF) magnetron co-sputtering of CoCrFeMnNi alloy and Nb targets. The effects of Nb addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of HEAFs were systematically investigated. For Nb-free film (0 at.% Nb), the face-centered cubic (FCC) peaks were identified in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The addition of Nb resulted in a broadening of diffraction peaks, a decrease in peak intensity, and the vanishment of high-angle peaks. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicated the formation of nanotwins at low Nb concentrations, and a transition from a single phase FCC solid solution to an amorphous phase was observed with the increasing Nb concentration. The films were strengthened with an increase in Nb concentration. Specifically, the hardness characterized by nanoindentation increased from 6.5 to 8.1 GPa. The compressive yield strength and fracture strength measured from micropillar compression tests were improved from 1.08 GPs and 2.56 GPa to 2.70 GPa and 5.76 GPa, respectively, whereas the fracture strain decreased from >29.4% (no fracture) to 15.8%. Additionally, shear banding was observed in the presence of amorphous phase.
Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumour: A Case with Genetic Linkage to a Child Born over Seventeen Years Prior, Successfully Treated with Surgery and Pembrolizumab
Authors: Pisani David , Calleja-Agius Jean , Di Fiore Riccardo , O’Leary John J. , Beirne James P. , O’Toole Sharon A. , Felix Ana , Said-Huntingford Ian
Published: December 2021

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumours are rare neoplasms showing differentiation towards the chorion leave-type intermediate cytotrophoblast, with only a handful of cases being reported in the literature. These tumours are slow-growing and are typically confined to the uterus for extended periods of time. While the pathogenesis is unclear, they are thought to arise from a remnant intermediate trophoblast originating from prior normal pregnancies or, less frequently, gestational trophoblastic tumours. A protracted time period between the gestational event and tumour development is typical. This case describes a 49-year-old previously healthy female who presented with a completely asymptomatic uterine mass, discovered incidentally during a routine gynaecological assessment. The pathological analysis of the hysterectomy specimen confirmed an epithelioid trophoblastic tumour, involving the uterus and cervix. This is a rare gynaecological tumour. A comparative short tandem repeat analysis revealed genetic similarities to a previous healthy gestation seventeen years prior. She was successful treated with adjuvant pembrolizumab, with no evidence of disease recurrence to date.
The “Virtual Biopsy” of Cancerous Lesions in 3D: Non-Invasive Differentiation between Melanoma and Other Lesions Using Vibrational Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Silver Frederick H. , Deshmukh Tanmay , Kelkar Nikita , Ritter Kelly , Ryan Nicole , Nadiminti Hari
Published: December 2021

Early detection of skin cancer is of critical importance to provide five year survival rates that approach 99%. By 2050, one out of five Americans by age 70 will develop some form of skin cancer. This will result in a projected rate of 50 million skin biopsies per year given the current rate of escalation. In addition, the ability to differentiate between pigmented lesions and melanomas has proven a diagnostic challenge. While dermoscopy and visual analysis are useful in identifying many skin lesions, additional non-invasive techniques are needed to assist in the analysis of difficult to diagnose skin tumors. To augment dermoscopy data, we have developed 3D maps based on physical biomarker characteristics of benign and cancerous lesions using vibrational optical coherence tomography (VOCT). 3D images based on quantitative physical data involving changes in cellular and fibrous tissue stiffness along with changes in vascular quality are used to map and evaluate different types of cancers. 3D tumor maps constructed using quantitative VOCT data and OCT images have been used to characterize the differences between melanoma and other lesions. These characteristics can be used to plan the excision of difficult lesions where extensive surgery may be needed to remove the entire tumor in one step. In addition, it is now possible to use dermoscopy and VOCT to non-invasively differentiate between different cancerous lesion types using measurements of the resonant frequency of new cellular and vascular peaks. Quantitative VOCT information along with dermoscopic findings can be collected and analyzed remotely using artificial intelligence to improve cancerous tissue diagnosis.
Combining Measures of Signal Complexity and Machine Learning for Time Series Analyis: A Review
Authors: Raubitzek Sebastian , Neubauer Thomas
Published: December 2021

Measures of signal complexity, such as the Hurst exponent, the fractal dimension, and the Spectrum of Lyapunov exponents, are used in time series analysis to give estimates on persistency, anti-persistency, fluctuations and predictability of the data under study. They have proven beneficial when doing time series prediction using machine and deep learning and tell what features may be relevant for predicting time-series and establishing complexity features. Further, the performance of machine learning approaches can be improved, taking into account the complexity of the data under study, e.g., adapting the employed algorithm to the inherent long-term memory of the data. In this article, we provide a review of complexity and entropy measures in combination with machine learning approaches. We give a comprehensive review of relevant publications, suggesting the use of fractal or complexity-measure concepts to improve existing machine or deep learning approaches. Additionally, we evaluate applications of these concepts and examine if they can be helpful in predicting and analyzing time series using machine and deep learning. Finally, we give a list of a total of six ways to combine machine learning and measures of signal complexity as found in the literature.
Intelligent Multi-Vehicle DC/DC Charging Station Powered by a Trolley Bus Catenary Grid
Authors: Weisbach Michéle , Schneider Tobias , Maune Dominik , Fechtner Heiko , Spaeth Utz , Wegener Ralf , Soter Stefan , Schmuelling Benedikt
Published: December 2021

This article deals with the major challenge of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in urban areas—installing as many fast charging stations as necessary and using them as efficiently as possible, while considering grid level power limitations. A smart fast charging station with four vehicle access points and an intelligent load management algorithm based on the combined charging system interface is presented. The shortcomings of present implementations of the combined charging system communication protocol are identified and discussed. Practical experiments and simulations of different charging scenarios validate the concept and show that the concept can increase the utilization time and the supplied energy by a factor of 2.4 compared to typical charging station installations.
Vortex Trapping Cavity on Airfoil: High-Order Penalized Vortex Method Numerical Simulation and Water Tunnel Experimental Investigation
Authors: Błoński Dominik , Strzelecka Katarzyna , Kudela Henryk
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a two-dimensional implementation of the high-order penalized vortex in cell method applied to solve the flow past an airfoil with a vortex trapping cavity operating under moderate Reynolds number. The purpose of this article is to investigate the fundamentals of the vortex trapping cavity. The first part of the paper treats with the numerical implementation of the method and high-order schemes incorporated into the algorithm. Poisson, stream-velocity, advection, and diffusion equations were solved. The derivation, finite difference formulation, Lagrangian particle remeshing procedure, and accuracy tests were shown. Flow past complex geometries was possible through the penalization method. A procedure description for preparing geometry data was included. The entire methodology was tested with flow past impulsively started cylinder for three Reynolds numbers: 550, 3000, 9500. Drag coefficient, streamlines, and vorticity contours were checked against results obtained by other authors. Afterwards, simulations and experimental results are presented for a standard airfoil and those equipped with a trapping vortex cavity. Airfoil with an optimized cavity shape was tested under three angles of attack: 3°, 6°, 9°. The Reynolds number is equal to Re = 2 × 104. Apart from performing flow analysis, drag and lift coefficients for different shapes were measured to assess the effect of vortex trapping cavity on aerodynamic performance. Flow patterns were compared against ultraviolet dye visualizations obtained from the water tunnel experiment.
The Role of Energy Return on Energy Invested (EROEI) in Complex Adaptive Systems
Authors: Perissi Ilaria , Lavacchi Alessandro , Bardi Ugo
Published: December 2021

The energy return on energy invested, EROI or EROEI, is the ratio of the energy produced by a system to the energy expended to build, maintain, and finally dismantle the system. It is an important parameter for evaluating the efficiency of energy-producing technologies. In this paper, we examine the concept of EROEI from the general viewpoint of dynamic dissipative systems, providing insights on a wider range of applications. In general, natural resources can be assimilated to energy stocks characterized by a potential that can be exploited by creating intermediate stocks. This transformation is typical of dissipative systems and for the first time, we report that the Lotka–Volterra model, usually confined to the study of the biology of populations, can represent a powerful tool to estimate the EROEI of dissipative systems and, in particular, those systems subjected to depletion. This assessment is important to evaluate the ongoing energy transition since it provides us with a model for the decline of the EROEI in the exploitation of fossil fuels.
Optimization of Operating Conditions for CO2 Methanation Process Using Design of Experiments
Authors: Yeo Chae-Eun , Seo Minhye , Kim Dongju , Jeong Cheonwoo , Shin Hye-Sun , Kim Suhyun
Published: December 2021

In this study, the Taguchi experimental design method using an L16 orthogonal array was attempted in order to investigate the optimal operating conditions for the CO2 methanation process in Ni-based catalysts. The relative influence of the main factors affecting CO2 conversion and CH4 yield was ranked as follows: reactor pressure > space velocity > reaction temperature. The optimal combination of operating conditions was a reactor temperature of 315 °C, a pressure of 19 bar, and a space velocity of 6000 h−1. The effect of the H2/CO2 ratio on CO2 conversion and CH4 yield was further considered under these optimal operating conditions. Moreover, the catalyst was characterized in order to investigate the production of coke through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The amount of coke produced after the reaction for approximately 24 h was ~2 wt.%. Therefore, the desired CH4 yield and long-term operational stability were successfully obtained using the Taguchi design method and catalyst characterization.
Method for Evaluation of the Utility’s and Consumers’ Contribution to the Current and Voltage Distortions at the PCC
Authors: Shklyarskiy Yaroslav , Dobush Iuliia , Jiménez Carrizosa Miguel , Dobush Vasiliy , Skamyin Aleksandr
Published: December 2021

In this article, a method that allows sharing responsibilities for the generation of harmonic currents between the utility and consumers powered by one point of common coupling (PCC) is addressed. For these purposes, mathematical modeling of the power supply system (PSS) with two consumers is carried out in order to introduce new indices using the simplest PSS structure as an example. Two indices are introduced that quantify the consumers’ contribution to the distortion of current and voltage at the PCC and that evaluate harmonic emission from the utility side. Experimental tests are carried out where both linear and nonlinear loads are considered, capacitive loads are taken into account, and harmonic distortions from the utility side are modeled to show the applicability of the indices in a wide range of load types. The experiments confirmed the theoretical results and illustrated that the quantitative assessment of the contributions is unambiguous. It suggests that the proposed criterion could be a reasonable basis for further tax policy on harmonic pollution for each consumer at the PCC and for the utility.
Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer Performances of Ionic Liquid and Ionanofluids with Temperature-Dependent Thermophysical Properties
Authors: Hasečić Amra , Almutairi Jaber Hmoud , Bikić Siniša , Džaferović Ejub
Published: December 2021

The heat transfer performances of ionic liquids [C4mpyrr][NTf2] and ionanofluids with Al2O3 nanoparticles under a laminar flow regime, and with constant heat flux on the tube wall is numerically modeled and analyzed for three values of initial/inlet temperature and for two Reynolds numbers. Heat transfer characteristics were considered by analyzing the temperature distribution along the upper wall, as well as by analyzing the Nusselt number and heat transfer coefficient. The results obtained numerically were validated using Shah’s equation for ionic liquid. Thermophysical properties were temperature-dependent, and obtained by curve-fitting the experimental values of the thermophysical properties. Furthermore, the same set of results was calculated for the ionic liquid and ionanofluids with constant thermophysical properties. It is concluded that the assumption that thermophysical properties are constant has a significant influence on the heat transfer performance parameters of both ionic liquid and ionanofluids, and therefore such assumptions should not be made in research.
Exploring of the Incompatibility of Marine Residual Fuel: A Case Study Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Sultanbekov Radel , Beloglazov Ilia , Islamov Shamil , Ong Muk
Published: December 2021

Providing quality fuel to ships with reduced SOx content is a priority task. Marine residual fuels are one of the main sources of atmospheric pollution during the operation of ships and sea tankers. Hence, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established strict regulations for the sulfur content of marine fuels. One of the possible technological solutions allowing for adherence to the sulfur content limits is use of mixed fuels. However, it carries with it risks of ingredient incompatibilities. This article explores a new approach to the study of active sedimentation of residual and mixed fuels. An assessment of the sedimentation process during mixing, storage, and transportation of marine fuels is made based on estimation three-dimensional diagrams developed by the authors. In an effort to find the optimal solution, studies have been carried out to determine the influence of marine residual fuel compositions on sediment formation via machine learning algorithms. Thus, a model which can be used to predict incompatibilities in fuel compositions as well as sedimentation processes is proposed. The model can be used to determine the sediment content of mixed marine residual fuels with the desired sulfur concentration.
RES Based Islanded DC Microgrid with Enhanced Electrical Network Islanding Detection
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Umair , Alquthami Thamer , Siddique Abubakar , Munir Hafiz Mudassir , Abbas Saqlain , Abbas Zulkarnain
Published: December 2021

An electrical islanding detection method for DC microgrid (MG) is proposed in this paper. Unlikely conventional AC MG system protection has been challenging for the DC MG system. The goal of the proposed scheme is to detect the islanding intelligently within the agent nodes. The proposed islanding detection technique detects the electrical link failure intelligently, and if any electrical link failure occurs, then the proposed technique maintains the MG operation and load sharing. Islanding detection is carried out using an injection signal and utilizes the existing communication network to check network connectivity. After checking the network connectivity, all the nodes maintain the look-up table of the connected network. This research work illustrates that the proposed electrical islanding detection technique is effective in maintaining the DC MG operation in the case of an electrical islanding/link failure scenario. The proposed scheme’s performance is checked through MATLAB/Simulink for the detection of islanding and maintaining the operation.
Prospects and Constraints of Sustainable Marketing Mix Development for Poland’s High-Energy Consumer Goods
Authors: Trojanowski Tomasz Witold , Kazibudzki Pawel Tadeusz
Published: December 2021

The research examined awareness, prospects and constraints of sustainable marketing mix development (SMD) from the perspective of Poland’s high-energy consumer goods (HECG), i.e., confectionery products, as an example of the Polish food industry. A questionnaire survey was designed for this purpose. The purpose of the survey questions was to evaluate selected areas of SMD; thus, a reference value ratio was proposed. An original approach to pairwise comparisons technique was applied to rank the value of each survey to provide an intensity measure for each examined area, i.e., a non-heuristic approach with verifiable accuracy and reliability. It was found that a high level of awareness among respondents exists in relation to SMD. Considering all aspects of constraints intensity for SMD, it could be concluded that SMD for Poland’s HECG is at a quite high level. However, considering all aspects of prospects intensity for SMD, this evaluation supported the conclusion that its level for Poland’s HECG is moderate only. It was also found that prices of sustainable products constitute the highest ranked determinant of SMD. Considering these research findings regarding awareness, limitations and perspectives for the development of a sustainable marketing mix in the enterprises operating in Poland’s HECG sector, it can be concluded that there are many more problems and difficulties in implementing sustainable marketing mix programs than there are prospects for the development of this concept.
Obsolete or Viable? Revision of Lane-Change Manoeuvre Duration Empirical Calculation
Authors: Mikulec Roman , Semela Marek , Bradáč Albert , Tokař Stanislav , Bilík Martin , Křižák Michal , Belák Michal , Kledus Robert , Haring Andrej , Rábek Vlastimil
Published: December 2021

This study presents a calculation of the time required to execute a lane-change manoeuvre. Compared with other (and older) calculation methods, an analysis was conducted to determine which approach could yield the most reliable results. This study aimed to present a universal calculation method for different road surfaces, surface conditions (dry and wet road surface), and vehicle types (i.e., from small vehicles to SUVs). A total of 108 comparable manoeuvres with modern vehicles were used as a basis for statistical analysis. A new mathematical constant was found based on a regression analysis, adjusting one of the older calculation methods (so-called Kovařík equation), providing the best match between real and calculated manoeuvre duration.
Academic Topics Related to Household Energy Consumption Using the Future Sign Detection Technique
Authors: Kim Minkyu , Park Chankook
Published: December 2021

With the emergence of new technologies and policies to transition to clean energy, the household energy consumption sector is also changing. In response to policy, environmental, and technical changes, researchers need to find out what significant issues are related to household energy consumption, and comprehensively analyze which issues are likely to attract attention in the future to contribute to research in the household sector. Based on the abstracts of academic papers published between 2011 and 2020, this study uses probabilistic topic modeling to increase understanding of academic issues in the household energy consumption sector and statistically reviews changes in issues over time. As a result of the analysis, topics related to digitalization and renewable energy, such as microgrid system, smart home, residential solar power generation systems, and non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM), belonging to Strong signals, are being actively studied. Weak Signals, which can attract attention in the future, are included in discussions on coal energy consumption, air pollutant emissions, energy poverty, and energy performance evaluation. The analysis results show that carbon neutrality, such as decarbonization and fossil energy consumption reduction, is expanding to research in the household energy consumption sector.
Epigenetic Immune Remodeling of Mesothelioma Cells: A New Strategy to Improve the Efficacy of Immunotherapy
Authors: Lofiego Maria Fortunata , Cannito Sara , Fazio Carolina , Piazzini Francesca , Cutaia Ornella , Solmonese Laura , Marzani Francesco , Chiarucci Carla , Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Calabrò Luana , Coral Sandra , Maio Michele , Covre Alessia ,   on behalf of the EPigenetic Immune-Oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA) Investigators
Published: December 2021

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy with a severe prognosis, and with a long-standing need for more effective therapeutic approaches. However, treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors is becoming an increasingly effective strategy for MPM patients. In this scenario, epigenetic modifications may negatively regulate the interplay between immune and malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment, thus contributing to the highly immunosuppressive contexture of MPM that may limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Aiming to further improve prospectively the clinical efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches in MPM, we investigated the immunomodulatory potential of different classes of epigenetic drugs (i.e., DNA hypomethylating agent (DHA) guadecitabine, histone deacetylase inhibitors VPA and SAHA, or EZH2 inhibitors EPZ-6438) in epithelioid, biphasic, and sarcomatoid MPM cell lines, by cytofluorimetric and real-time PCR analyses. We also characterized the effects of the DHA, guadecitabine, on the gene expression profiles (GEP) of the investigated MPM cell lines by the nCounter platform. Among investigated drugs, exposure of MPM cells to guadecitabine, either alone or in combination with VPA, SAHA and EPZ-6438 demonstrated to be the main driver of the induction/upregulation of immune molecules functionally crucial in host-tumor interaction (i.e., HLA class I, ICAM-1 and cancer testis antigens) in all three MPM subtypes investigated. Additionally, GEP demonstrated that treatment with guadecitabine led to the activation of genes involved in several immune-related functional classes mainly in the sarcomatoid subtype. Furthermore, among investigated MPM subtypes, DHA-induced CDH1 expression that contributes to restoring the epithelial phenotype was highest in sarcomatoid cells. Altogether, our results contribute to providing the rationale to develop new epigenetically-based immunotherapeutic approaches for MPM patients, potentially tailored to the specific histologic subtypes.
Budget of Plant Litter and Litter Carbon in the Subalpine Forest Streams
Authors: Hou Jianfeng , Li Fei , Wang Zhihui , Li Xuqing , Yang Wanqin
Published: December 2021

Investigations on the budget of plant litter and litter carbon in forest streams can provide a key scientific basis for understanding the biogeochemical linkages of terrestrial–aquatic ecosystems and managing forest catchments. To understand the biogeochemical linkages among mountain forests, riparian vegetation, and aquatic ecosystems, the changes in litter input and output from the subalpine streams with stream characteristics and critical periods were investigated in an ecologically important subalpine coniferous forest catchment in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The annual litter input to the stream was 20.14 g m−2 and ranged from 2.47 to 103.13 g m−2 for 15 streams during the one-year investigation. Simultaneously, the litter carbon input to the stream was 8.61 mg m−2 and ranged from 0.11 to 40.57 mg m−2. Meanwhile, the annual litter output varied from 0.02 to 22.30 g m−2, and the average value was 0.56 g m−2. Correspondingly, the litter carbon output varied from 0.01 to 1.51 mg m−2, and the average value was 0.16 mg m−2. Furthermore, the average ratio of litter carbon input to output was 270.01. The maximum and minimum values were observed in the late growing season and the snowmelt season, respectively. Additionally, seasonal variations in temperature, together with the stream length, dominated the input of litter and litter carbon to the stream, while the precipitation, temperature, water level, and sediment depth largely determined their output. Briefly, the seasonal dynamics of litter and litter carbon were dominated by stream characteristics and precipitation as well as temperature patterns.
Multi-Model Estimation of Forest Canopy Closure by Using Red Edge Bands Based on Sentinel-2 Images
Authors: Hua Yiying , Zhao Xuesheng
Published: December 2021

In remote sensing, red edge bands are important indicators for monitoring vegetation growth. To examine the application potential of red edge bands in forest canopy closure estimation, three types of commonly used models—empirical statistical models (multiple stepwise regression (MSR)), machine learning models (back propagation neural network (BPNN)) and physical models (Li–Strahler geometric-optical (Li–Strahler GO) models)—were constructed and verified based on Sentinel-2 data, DEM data and measured data. In addition, we set up a comparative experiment without red edge bands. The relative error (ER) values of the BPNN model, MSR model, and Li–Strahler GO model with red edge bands were 16.97%, 20.76% and 24.83%, respectively. The validation accuracy measures of these models were higher than those of comparison models. For comparative experiments, the ER values of the MSR, Li–Strahler GO and BPNN models were increased by 13.07%, 4% and 1.22%, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that red edge bands can effectively improve the accuracy of forest canopy closure estimation models to varying degrees. These findings provide a reference for modeling and estimating forest canopy closure using red edge bands based on Sentinel-2 images.
Physical and Chemical Changes in Hydrothermally Modified Wood
Authors: Varnagirytė-Kabašinskienė Iveta , Pukalskienė Milda , Šilinskas Benas , Škėma Mindaugas , Aleinikovas Marius
Published: December 2021

In this study, the simulation of artificial conditions, containing various chemical additives similar to a bog environment, was hypothesised as a relatively short way to develop a more sustainable wood product with better properties. This study aimed to determine how hydrothermal treatment with different iron additives with and without tannic acid, performed at 100 °C for 75 h, changed the mass and density of wood of different tree species (Pinus sylvestris L., Picea abies (L.) H. Karst., Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, Juglans regia L., and Acer platanoides L.); total phenolic compounds in biobased solvents after the hydrothermal processing andiron concentration in different wood layers. We also aimed to determine the wood chemical composition using Fourier-transform infrared technique. The study results showed that the softwood samples were more susceptible to hydrothermal modification than the hardwood samples, indicated by minorly different intensities on infrared spectra. The FTIR results showed bands of hardwood and softwood samples which along with the spectral characterisation of the wood constituents, which can further be utilized for creating a larger FTIR spectral database of wood samples for their identification. The factors with the most significant effect on the hydrothermal modification were tannic acid and inorganic Fe3O2 salt, used as an additive. The results indicated the suitability of inorganic Fe3O2 salt and tannic acid combination applied in this type of modification, because a higher concentration of iron was distributed on the inner and intermediate sublayers of wood samples. The hydrothermal modification approach to anchor tannic acid–Fe macromolecules in wood shown in this study has promising capabilities and may attract interest in the field of wood protection against weathering.
Integrated Analysis of Fatty Acid Metabolism and Transcriptome Involved in Olive Fruit Development to Improve Oil Composition
Authors: Liu Xiaoxia , Guo Liqin , Zhang Jianguo , Xue Li , Luo Ying , Rao Guodong
Published: December 2021

Olea europaea L. is an important oil crop with excellent nutritional properties. In this study, a full-length transcriptome combined with fatty acid composition was used to investigate the molecular mechanism of fatty acid (FA) metabolism of olive fruits at various stages of development (S1–S5). A total of 34 fatty acids (FAs) were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). All transcripts of FA metabolism during olive fruit development were studied, including glycolysis, fatty acid synthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis, and FA degradation. A total of 100 transcripts of 11 gene families, 68 transcripts of 12 gene families, 55 transcripts of 7 gene families, and 28 transcripts of 7 gene families were identified as encoding for enzymes involved in FA metabolism. Furthermore, one of the critical reactions in TAG metabolism is the activation of fatty acyl chains to fatty acyl CoA, which is catalyzed by long-chain acyl CoA synthetases (LACS). Phylogenetic analysis showed that 13 putative LACS-encoding genes clustered into five groups, of which two putative transcripts encoding LACS6/7 may participate in FA degradation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid from synthesis to degradation pathways during olive fruit development to provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of FA metabolism during olive fruit maturation and provide information to improve the synthesis of oil components that are beneficial to human health.
The Seasonal Population Dynamics of Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832) (Hemiptera: Tingidae) and the Relationship between Meteorological Factors and the Diurnal Flight Intensity of the Adults in Romanian Oak Forests
Authors: Bălăcenoiu Flavius , Simon Dieter Carol , Nețoiu Constantin , Toma Dragoș , Petrițan Ion Cătălin
Published: December 2021

To control a forest pest, it is necessary to understand the biotic and/or abiotic factors that can lead to population regulation. Such knowledge is even more critical if the pest is an invasive alien species. This is the case for Corythucha arcuata (Say, 1832), commonly known as the oak lace bug (OLB), an alien insect species that has invaded oak forests on a large scale, both in Romania and other European countries. In this study, we set out to examine the relationship between adults of this species and meteorological factors, such as air temperature and humidity. The study lasted for two years (2019–2020) and was performed on three plots in Romania, in Ilfov, Giurgiu, and Călărași counties. In the first year, the seasonal dynamics of the OLB populations and the meteorological factors potentially influencing those were studied, whilst in the second year, the dynamics of the diurnal activity of the insect population were examined. We found that Corythucha arcuata experienced two population peaks—in July and August—and a diurnal population dynamic that reached a maximum at midday. Data analysis indicated that, for most of the time, the adult activity was influenced by both temperature and humidity. In addition, the population dynamics were not constant over the course of the day, preferring relatively high temperatures and low humidity but not exceeding certain thresholds of thermal discomfort.