bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HAPLN3 p.T34A contributes to incomplete penetrance of moyamoya disease in Chinese carrying RNF213 p.R4810K
Authors: Xu Jun , Zou Zhengxing , Liu Wanyang , Zhang Qian , Shen Juan , Hao Fangbin , Chen Gan , Yu Dan , Li Yunzhu , Zhang Zhengshan , Qin Yuchen , Yang Rimiao , Wang Yue , Duan Lian
Published: September 2024

Background and purpose

The penetrance of the RNF213 p.R4810K, a founder mutation of moyamoya disease (MMD), is estimated to be only 1/150–1/300. However, the factors affecting its penetrance remain unclear. Therefore, our study aims to identify modifier genes associated with the incomplete penetrance of this founder mutation.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 36 participants, including 22 MMD patients and 14 non‐MMD controls with RNF213 p.R4810K mutation. Fisher's exact test was used to assess the presence of genetic variants that differed significantly between MMD patients and non‐MMD controls. In order to exclude false‐positive results, another 55 carriers were included to perform Fisher's exact test for the selected sites in the WES discovery stage. Subsequently, human brain microvascular endothelial cells were transfected with wild‐type and mutant HAPLN3 for tube formation assays and western blotting to explore the impact of candidate genes on angiogenesis.

Results

Analysis of variants from WES data revealed a total of 12 non‐synonymous variants. Through bioinformatics analysis, the focus was on the HAPLN3 p.T34A variant with a significant p value of 0.00731 in Fisher's exact test. Validation through Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of this variant in the WES data. In vitro experiments revealed that silencing HAPLN3 and transfecting HAPLN3 p.T34A significantly enhanced tube formation and increased the relative protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in endothelial cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that HAPLN3 may function as a modifier gene of RNF213 p.R4810K, promoting the development of MMD and contributing to the incomplete penetrance of MMD founder mutations.
Hypoxemia during rapid eye movement sleep mediates memory impairment in older adults at risk for dementia via CA1 hippocampal volume loss
Authors: Lam Aaron , D’Rozario Angela L. , Palmer Jake R. , McKinnon Andrew C. , Dalton Marshall A. , Espinosa Nicole , Mowszowski Loren , Phillips Craig L. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Naismith Sharon L.
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with increased dementia risk. Nocturnal hypoxemia, which can be more severe during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, may be a key mechanism. This study examines how REM hypoxemia affects memory and explores whether hippocampal vulnerability to hypoxemia mediates this effect in older adults at risk for dementia.

Methods

Older adults aged ≥50 years (N = 338) with subjective or mild cognitive impairment (i.e., objective impairment) underwent neuropsychological, mood, and medical assessment, magnetic resonance imaging scanning (n = 135), and overnight polysomnography. Verbal learning and memory were assessed with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. REM sleep hypoxemia was measured using the Oxygen Desaturation Index‐3% (REM‐ODI). Hippocampal subfield (CA1, CA3, subiculum, and dentate gyrus) volumes were derived from T1 and high‐resolution hippocampus T2 scans. We determined whether the relationship between REM‐ODI and learning and memory was mediated by hippocampal subfield volume. Analyses were repeated in non‐REM sleep to determine whether the effects were REM‐specific.

Results

Although there was not a direct effect of REM‐ODI on verbal learning (p > 0.05) or memory (p > 0.05), mediation analyses showed a significant indirect effect of high REM‐ODI on poorer verbal learning (β = −0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.238 to −0.005) and memory (β = −0.100, 95% CI = −0.255 to −0.005), which was mediated by CA1 volume. These associations were absent in non‐REM sleep (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Hypoxemia during REM sleep may impair memory in people at risk for dementia by reducing CA1 hippocampal volume. Research is needed to explore whether interventions targeting REM sleep hypoxemia are protective against memory decline.
Functional properties of conventionally sintered Al2O3–CaTiO3 composite
Authors: Randhari July , Senapati Sukant K. , Mallik Prafulla K.
Published: September 2024

Despite the favourable biomaterial properties of alumina ceramics in the last two decades, it revealed weak bioactivity in vitro and in vivo studies that limit the monolithic alumina ceramics for biomedical applications. CaTiO3 is a piezoelectric ceramic and has been reported as a high dielectric constant and a good substrate for apatite growth. This paper highlights the beneficial effect of adding CaTiO3 to alumina and encourages the development of electrically active biomaterial for bone replacement. In this regard, the alumina–calcium titanate (Al2O3–CaTiO3) composite was synthesized by sol–gel techniques. The densification of uniaxial pressed calcined sol–gel powders was sintered in a conventional furnace at a temperature of 1400°C for 2 hour. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used to determine the phases and morphology of powders and sintered composite. The impedance analyzer was used to investigate the dielectric and electrical properties of the sintered composite. As a result, the phases of Al2O3 and CaTiO3 were retained and confirmed by XRD and SEM analysis. Impedance analysis indicates the decreasing trend of the dielectric constant and AC conductivity of the sintered sample with the function of frequency and temperatures. Finally, it can be concluded that the Al2O3–CaTiO3 composite could be potentially used as a functional biomaterial.
“A Circle of Positivity”: Adolescents' Perspectives on Meaningful Leisure Time and Good Health in Relation to School Performance
Authors: Persson Osowski Christine , Eriksson Camilla , Karvonen Sara , Bälter Katarina
Published: September 2024

In Sweden, approximately a quarter of upper secondary school students leave school early or do not complete their studies with full grades. Structured leisure time activities have been associated with improved health, enhanced school performance, and future college attendance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gain an understanding of how adolescents perceive the prerequisites for and the importance of meaningful leisure time. Qualitative interviews and focus groups with adolescents aged 16–19 were conducted and analyzed using content analysis. The results highlighted the importance of autonomy in leisure time, equal opportunities, and social relationships. Adolescents expressed that an optimal balance between leisure time and school can result in a circle of positivity, leading to better school performance, skills development, and overall well‐being.
Genitourinary malignancies in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Okumi Masayoshi , Inoue Yuta , Miyashita Masatsugu , Ueda Takashi , Fujihara Atsuko , Hongo Fumiya , Ukimua Osamu
Published: September 2024

Advances in immunosuppressive therapy and postoperative management have greatly improved the graft and patient survival rates after kidney transplantation; however, the incidence of post‐transplant malignant tumors is increasing. Post‐renal transplantation malignant tumors are associated with renal failure, immunosuppression, and viral infections. Moreover, the risk of developing cancer is higher in kidney transplant recipients than in the general population, and the tendency to develop cancer is affected by the background and environment of each patient. Recently, cancer after kidney transplantation has become the leading cause of death in Japan. Owing to the aggressive nature and poor prognosis of genitourinary malignancies, it is crucial to understand their epidemiology, risk factors, and best practices in kidney transplant recipients. This review has a special emphasis on the epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment protocols of genitourinary malignancies in kidney transplant recipients to enhance our understanding of the appropriate management strategies. Optimal immunosuppressive therapy and cancer management for these patients remain controversial, but adherence to the general guidelines is recommended.
Effect of the contrast medium meglumine amidotrizoate on renal extraction of para‐amino hippurate after injection into the renal vein
Authors: Tidgren Bo
Published: September 2024

The effect of the contrast medium meglumine amidotrizoate (AngiografinR) on the renal extraction of para‐amino hippurate (EPAH) was studied in 24 patients with suspected or previous renin‐dependent hypertension. A single injection technique for administration of PAH was used and in eight additional patients the relationship between the arterial concentration of PAH and EPAH was studied over a period of 30 min after the injection. No change in EPAH with decreasing arterial concentration of PAH was found.

After injection of 26 g of contrast medium (40 ml) into the renal veins of 18 of the 24 patients, a small (6%) but significant decrease in EPAH was observed. There was no significant difference in the decrease in EPAH between kidneys with increased and normal renal vein plasma renin activity. In the remaining six patients, the contrast medium (20 ml) was injected into one renal vein only, and blood samples were repeatedly drawn from both kidneys over a period of 30 min after injection. A decrease in EPAH was observed in both the injected and contralateral kidney; the decrease lasted for at least 20 min, with a maximum 1 min after injection.

It is concluded that meglumine amidotrizoate injected into the renal vein causes a reduction of EPAH. Therefore, a contrast medium such as meglumine amidotrizoate should be avoided before determining the renal extraction of PAH.
Parasite Abundance‐Occupancy Relationships Across Biogeographic Regions: Joint Effects of Niche Breadth, Host Availability and Climate
Authors: Wells Konstans , Bell Jeffrey A. , Fecchio Alan , Drovetski Serguei , Galen Spencer , Hackett Shannon , Lutz Holly , Skeen Heather R. , Voelker Gary , Wamiti Wanyoike , Weckstein Jason D. , Clark Nicholas J.
Published: September 2024

Aim

Changing biodiversity and environmental conditions may allow multi‐host pathogens to spread among host species and affect prevalence. There are several widely acknowledged theories about mechanisms that may influence variation in pathogen prevalence, including the controversially debated dilution effect and abundance‐occupancy relationship hypotheses. Here, we explore such abundance‐occupancy relationships for unique lineages of three vector‐borne avian blood parasite genera (the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium and the related haemosporidian parasites Parahaemoproteus and Leucocytozoon) across biogeographical regions.

Location

Nearctic‐Neotropical and Palearctic‐Afrotropical regions.

Methods

We compiled a cross‐continental dataset of 17,116 bird individuals surveyed from 46 bird assemblages across the Nearctic‐Neotropical and Palearctic‐Afrotropical regions and explored relationships between local parasite lineage prevalence and host assemblage metrics in a Bayesian random regression framework.

Results

Most lineages from these three genera infected ≥ 5 host species and exhibited clear phylogenetic or functional host specificity. Lineage prevalence from all three genera increased with host range, but also with higher degrees of specialisation to phylogenetically or functionally related host species. Local avian community features were also found to be important drivers of prevalence. For example, bird species richness was positively correlated with lineage prevalence for Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon, whereas higher relative abundances of the main host species were associated with lower prevalence for Plasmodium and Parahaemoproteus but higher prevalence for Leucocytozoon.

Conclusions

Our results broadly support several of the leading hypotheses about mechanisms that influence pathogen prevalence, including the niche breadth hypothesis in that higher avian host species diversity and broader host range amplify prevalence through increasing ecological opportunities and the trade‐off hypotheses in that specialisation among subsets of available host species may increase prevalence. Furthermore, the three studied avian haemosporidian genera exhibited different abundance‐occupancy relationships across the major global climate gradients and in relation to host availability, emphasising that these relationships do not strictly follow common rules for vector‐borne parasites with different life histories.
Assessment of ventricular electrical heterogeneity in left bundle branch pacing and left ventricular septal pacing by using various electrophysiological methods
Authors: Rijks Jesse H. J. , Heckman Luuk , Westra Sjoerd , Cornelussen Richard , Ghosh Subham , Curila Karol , Smisek Radovan , Grieco Domenico , Bressi Edoardo , Nguyên Uyên Châu , Lumens Joost , van Stipdonk Antonius M.W. , Linz Dominik , Prinzen Frits W. , Luermans Justin G. L. M. , Vernooy Kevin
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) comprises pacing at the left ventricular septum (LVSP) or left bundle branch (LBBP). The aim of the present study was to investigate the differences in ventricular electrical heterogeneity between LVSP, LBBP, right ventricular pacing (RVP) and intrinsic conduction with different dyssynchrony measures using the ECG, vectorcardiograpy, ECG belt, and Ultrahigh frequency (UHF‐)ECG.

Methods

Thirty‐seven patients with a pacemaker indication for bradycardia or cardiac resynchronization therapy underwent LBBAP implantation. ECG, vectorcardiogram, ECG belt and UHF‐ECG signals were recorded during RVP, LVSP and LBBP, and intrinsic activation. QRS duration (QRSd) was measured from the ECG, QRS area was calculated from the vectorcardiogram, LV activation time (LVAT) and standard deviation of activation time (SDAT) from ECG belt and electrical dyssynchrony (e‐DYS16) from UHF‐ECG.

Results

Both LVSP and LBBP significantly reduced ventricular electrical heterogeneity as compared to underlying LBBB and RV pacing in terms of QRS area (p < .001), SDAT (p < .001), LVAT (p < .001) and e‐DYS16 (p < .001). QRSd was only reduced as compared to RV pacing(p < .001). QRS area was similar during LBBP and normal intrinsic conduction, e‐DYS16 was similar during LVSP and normal intrinsic conduction, whereas SDAT was similar for LVSP, LBBP and normal intrinsic conduction. For all these variables there was no significant difference between LVSP and LBBP.

Conclusion

Both LVSP and LBBP resulted in a more synchronous LV activation than LBBB and RVP. Especially LBBP resulted in levels of LV synchrony comparable to normal intrinsic conduction.
Health‐related quality of life in cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma: A post hoc analysis of a phase 3 trial in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome
Authors: Ortiz Romero P. L. , Kim Y. H. , Molloy K. , Quaglino P. , Scarisbrick J. , Thornton S. , Sandilands K. , Dent J. E. , Nixon A. , Williams A. , Shinohara M. M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are common subtypes of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma that primarily affect the skin but may spread to the lymph nodes, viscera and blood. The symptom burden may compromise health‐related quality of life (HRQL). The phase 3 MAVORIC study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01728805) in patients with relapsed/refractory MF/SS reported improved HRQL with mogamulizumab compared with vorinostat.

Objectives

Use baseline (pre‐treatment) data from the MAVORIC study to describe the symptom burden of MF/SS and identify characteristics associated with worse HRQL.

Methods

Data were from 372 adults with stage IB–IVB histologically confirmed relapsed/ refractory MF or SS. Associations between demographic and medical history variables and worse HRQL (Skindex‐29, ItchyQol and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General [FACT‐G]) were determined by regression models.

Results

In the cohort of 372 adults, 70% were white; 42% were female; mean age was 63 (SD 13.0) years. Fifty‐five per cent had MF and 45% had SS; 77% had advanced (stage IIB–IV) disease, involving the skin in all patients and the blood and/or nodes in 66%. HRQL scores showed impairment versus normative means (where available), with the greatest impact on Symptoms and Emotions in the Skindex‐29, Functioning in the ItchyQol, and Functional Wellbeing in the FACT‐G. In regression analysis, worse HRQL across all domains and total score was associated with being female and younger, worse mSWAT score and worse itch for the Skindex‐29 (n = 352), and being female, younger, Black/African American, worse performance status and worse itch for the ItchyQol (n = 369). Associations across domains and total score were not found for the FACT‐G. Associations between domains and demographic/medical history were seen for all instruments.

Conclusions

The symptoms of advanced MF/SS compromise all HRQL domains. Treatment goals and therapeutic choice should be informed by individual patients' disease burden.
The Experience and Needs of Living With Home Parenteral Nutrition in Adult Patients: A Meta‐Synthesis of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Fu Manyi , Shi Ming , Li Mengjie , He Guijuan
Published: September 2024

Background

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) can improve the nutritional status of patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction. However, some patients face a series of challenges during its implementation, which significantly affect their quality of life.

Aims

To explore the experience and needs of living with home parenteral nutrition in adult patients.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐synthesis.

Methods

A search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and Wipu Database, to explore the real‐life experiences and needs of adult patients receiving HPN. The search covered the period up to March 2024. Qualitative research quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Australian Centre for Evidence‐Based Health Care Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research. Data synthesis was performed using Thomas and Harden's method of thematic and content analysis.

Results

Twelve studies, each offering qualitative data, were analysed, resulting in the identification of four themes: positive experiences of HPN; the interplay of dynamic changes across physical, mental and social levels; self‐adjustment to the new normal; and multidimensional needs of patients receiving HPN.

Conclusions

Patients receiving HPN face multiple challenges physically, psychologically and socially. This paper also reveals the supportive needs of patients in adapting to a new lifestyle with HPN. This indicates that healthcare professionals should provide comprehensive, continuous and dynamic supportive medical services to facilitate patients' reintegration and return to normal social life.

Patient and Public Involvement

As this study constitutes a meta‐synthesis, patient or public contribution is not applicable.

Reporting Approach

Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) reporting guidelines, this meta‐synthesis was conducted.
The quest for a qualitative hedonism
Authors: Dorsey Dale
Published: September 2024

In this paper, I attempt to articulate a version of qualitative hedonism, grounded in the value theory of the British Moralists. I argue that this view is novel, presents substantial advantages over alternative hedonisms (including rival approaches to qualitative hedonism and its quantitative cousin), and can avoid classic challenges to qualitative hedonism that emerged in the post‐Mill era. If I succeed, this is a significant result for substantive value theory, given the dismissiveness with which qualitative hedonism is generally treated in the literature on the good.
Leveraging programmed cell death patterns to predict prognosis and therapeutic sensitivity in OSCC
Authors: Wang An , Zhang Chi , Wang Yuhan , Diao Pengfei , Cheng Jie
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Intricate associations between programmed cell death (PCD) and cancer development and treatment outcomes have been increasingly appreciated. Here, we integrated 12 PCD patterns to construct a novel biomarker, cell death index (CDI), for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) prognostication and therapeutic prediction.

Materials and Methods

Univariate Cox regression, Kaplan–Meier survival, and LASSO analyses were performed to construct the CDI. A nomogram combining CDI and selected clinicopathological parameters was established by multivariate Cox regression. The associations between CDI and immune landscape and therapeutic sensitivity were estimated. Single‐cell RNA‐seq data of OSCC was used to infer CDI genes in selected cell types and determine their expression along cell differentiation trajectory.

Results

Ten selected PCD genes derived a novel prognostic signature for OSCC. The predictive prognostic performance of CDI and nomogram was robust and superior across multiple independent patient cohorts. CDI was negatively associated with tumor‐infiltrating immune cell abundance and immunotherapeutic outcomes. Moreover, scRNA‐seq data reanalysis revealed that GSDMB, IL‐1A, PRKAA2, and SFRP1 from this signature were primarily expressed in cancer cells and involved in cell differentiation.

Conclusions

Our findings established CDI as a novel powerful predictor for prognosis and therapeutic response for OSCC and suggested its potential involvement in cancer cell differentiation.
ANOTHER STRAND IN THE WEB. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN NEA PAPHOS AND THE REGION OF NORTH‐WESTERN CYPRUS BASED ON AN INTEGRATED INVESTIGATION OF THE MIDDLE AND LATE ROMAN COOKING POTTERY
Authors: Nocoń Kamila , Marzec Edyta
Published: September 2024

The focus of this paper is the Middle and Late Roman (third–seventh centuries AD) cooking pottery recovered during the excavations at the Agora in Nea Paphos. Macroscopic investigation suggested that a part of this assemblage was imported from north‐western Cyprus. To verify this assumption, selected samples were analysed with thin section petrography and wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. The results of an integrated macroscopic and laboratory analysis indicated the presence of two typologically distinguishable groups characterized by the same fabric. Comparative studies suggest that they were likely produced in the area of Dhiorios located in north‐western Cyprus. It was also noted that the cooking pottery vessels characterized by the same fabric were being imported to Nea Paphos already in the first century AD. The continuity of the production and exportation of the Dhiorios pottery suggests the economic importance of north‐western Cyprus throughout the entire Roman period.
Nutrient and Water Availability Influence Rice Physiology, Root Architecture and Ionomic Balance via Auxin Signalling
Authors: Manna Mrinalini , Rengasamy Balakrishnan , Sinha Alok Krishna
Published: September 2024

Water and soil nutrients are the vital ingredients of crop production, and their efficient uptake is essentially dependent on root development, majorly regulated by auxin. For a water‐loving crop like rice, how water availability regulates nutrient acquisition, additionally, how ambient nutrient level modulates water uptake, and the role of auxin therein is not well studied. While investigating the cross‐talks among these components, we found water to be essential for auxin re‐distribution in roots and shaping the root architecture. We also found that supplementing rice seedlings with moderate concentrations of mineral nutrients facilitated faster water uptake and greater nutrient enrichment in leaves compared to adequate nutrient supplementation. Additionally, moderate nutrient availability favoured greater stomatal density, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration rate and water use efficiency when water was not limiting. Further, auxin supplementation enhanced root formation in rice, while affecting their water uptake ability, photosynthesis and transpiration causing differential mineral‐specific uptake trends. The present study uncovers the existence of an intricate crosstalk among water, nutrients and auxin signalling the knowledge of which will enable optimizing the growth conditions for speed breeding of rice and harnessing the components of auxin signalling to improve water and nutrient use efficiency of rice.
A note on a Halmos problem
Authors: Contino Maximiliano , Gallardo‐Gutiérrez Eva A.
Published: September 2024

We address the existence of non‐trivial closed invariant subspaces of operators on Banach spaces whenever their square have or, more generally, whether there exists a polynomial with such that the lattice of invariant subspaces of is non‐trivial. In the Hilbert space setting, the ‐problem was posed by Halmos in the seventies and in 2007, Foias, Jung, Ko and Pearcy conjectured it could be equivalent to the Invariant Subspace Problem.
Local wakefulness‐like activity of layer 5 cortex under general anaesthesia
Authors: Pardo‐Valencia Jesús , Moreno‐Gomez Miryam , Mercado Noelia , Pro Beatriz , Ammann Claudia , Humanes‐Valera Desire , Foffani Guglielmo
Published: September 2024

Consciousness, defined as being aware of and responsive to one's surroundings, is characteristic of normal waking life and typically is lost during sleep and general anaesthesia. The traditional view of consciousness as a global brain state has evolved toward a more sophisticated interplay between global and local states, with the presence of local sleep in the awake brain and local wakefulness in the sleeping brain. However, this interplay is not clear for general anaesthesia, where loss of consciousness was recently suggested to be associated with a global state of brain‐wide synchrony that selectively involves layer 5 cortical pyramidal neurons across sensory, motor and associative areas. According to this global view, local wakefulness of layer 5 cortex should be incompatible with deep anaesthesia, a hypothesis that deserves to be scrutinised with causal manipulations. Here, we show that unilateral chemogenetic activation of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the sensorimotor cortex of isoflurane‐anaesthetised mice induces a local state transition from slow‐wave activity to tonic firing in the transfected hemisphere. This wakefulness‐like activity dramatically disrupts layer 5 interhemispheric synchrony with mirror‐image locations in the contralateral hemisphere, but does not reduce the level of unconsciousness under deep anaesthesia, nor in the transitions to/from anaesthesia. Global layer 5 synchrony may thus be a sufficient condition for anaesthesia‐induced unconsciousness, but is not a necessary one, at least under isoflurane anaesthesia. Local wakefulness‐like activity of layer 5 cortex can be induced and maintained under deep anaesthesia, encouraging further investigation into the local vs. global aspects of anaesthesia‐induced unconsciousness.

image

Key points

The neural correlates of consciousness have evolved from global brain states to a nuanced interplay between global and local states, evident in terms of local sleep in awake brains and local wakefulness in sleeping brains.

The concept of local wakefulness remains unclear for general anaesthesia, where the loss of consciousness has been recently suggested to involve brain‐wide synchrony of layer 5 cortical neurons.

We found that local wakefulness‐like activity of layer 5 cortical can be chemogenetically induced in anaesthetised mice without affecting the depth of anaesthesia or the transitions to and from unconsciousness.

Global layer 5 synchrony may thus be a sufficient but not necessary feature for the unconsciousness induced by general anaesthesia.

Local wakefulness‐like activity of layer 5 neurons is compatible with general anaesthesia, thus promoting further investigation into the local vs. global aspects of anaesthesia‐induced unconsciousness.
Glyoxalase 1 overexpression improves neurovascular coupling and limits development of mild cognitive impairment in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Berends Eline , Pencheva Margarita G. , van de Waarenburg Marjo P. H. , Scheijen Jean L. J. M. , Hermes Denise J. H. P. , Wouters Kristiaan , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Foulquier Sébastien , Schalkwijk Casper G.
Published: September 2024

Diabetes is associated with cognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Methylglyoxal (MGO), a precursor to advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), is elevated in diabetes and linked to microvascular dysfunction. In this study, overexpression of the MGO‐detoxifying enzyme glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) was used in a mouse model of diabetes to explore whether MGO accumulation in diabetes causes cognitive impairment. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin. Fasting blood glucose, cognitive function, cerebral blood flow, neurovascular coupling (NVC), Glo1 activity, MGO and AGEs were assessed. In diabetes, MGO‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 increased in the cortex, and was decreased in Glo1‐overexpressing mice compared to controls. Visuospatial memory was decreased in diabetes, but not in Glo1/diabetes. NVC response time was slightly increased in diabetes, and normalised in the Glo1‐overexpressing group. No impact of diabetes or Glo1 overexpression on blood–brain barrier integrity or vascular density was observed. Diabetes induced a mild visuospatial memory impairment and slightly reduced NVC response speed and these effects were mitigated by Glo1. This study shows a link between MGO‐related AGE accumulation and cerebrovascular/cognitive functions in diabetes. Modulation of the MGO–Glo1 pathway may be a novel intervention strategy in patients with diabetes who have cerebrovascular complications.

image

Key points

Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of stroke, cognitive decline, depression and Alzheimer's disease, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Methylglyoxal (MGO), a highly reactive by‐product of glycolysis, plays an important role in the development of diabetes‐associated microvascular dysfunction in the periphery and is detoxified by the enzyme glyoxalase 1.

Diabetes reduced visuospatial memory in mice and slowed the neurovascular coupling response speed, which was improved by overexpression of glyoxalase 1.

MGO formation and MGO‐derived advanced glycation endproduct (AGE) accumulation in the brain of diabetic mice are associated with a slight reduction in neurovascular coupling and mild cognitive impairment.

The endogenous formation of MGO, and the accumulation of MGO‐derived AGEs, might be a potential target in reducing the risk of vascular cognitive impairment in people with diabetes.
A Linear Method to Fit Equivalent Circuit Model Parameter Values to HPPC Relaxation Data From Lithium-Ion Cells
Authors: Plett Gregory L.
Published: September 2024

Battery management systems require mathematical models of the battery cells that they monitor and control. Commonly, equivalent circuit models are used. We would like to be able to determine the parameter values of their equations using simple tests and straightforward optimizations. Historically, it has appeared that nonlinear optimization is required to find the state-equation time constants. However, this article shows that the relaxation interval following a current or power pulse provides data that can be used to find these time constants using linear methods. After finding the time constants, the remaining parameter values can also be found via linear regression. Overall, only linear algebra is used to find all of the parameter values of the equivalent circuit model. This yields fast, robust, and simple implementations, and even enables application in an embedded system, such as a battery management system, desiring to retune its model parameter values as its cell ages.
An Approach to Realize Generalized Optimal Motion Primitives Using Physics Informed Neural Networks
Authors: Slightam Jonathon E. , Steyer Andrew J. , Beaver Logan E. , Young Carol C.
Published: September 2024

Autonomous manipulation is a challenging problem in field robotics due to uncertainty in object properties, constraints, and coupling phenomenon with robot control systems. Humans learn motion primitives over time to effectively interact with the environment. We postulate that autonomous manipulation can be enabled by basic sets of motion primitives as well, but do not necessitate mimicking human motion primitives. This work presents an approach to generalized optimal motion primitives using physics-informed neural networks. Our simulated and experimental results demonstrate that optimality is notionally maintained where the mean maximum observed final position percent error was 0.564% and the average mean error for all the trajectories was 1.53%. These results indicate that notional generalization is attained using a physics-informed neural network approach that enables near optimal real-time adaptation of primitive motion profiles.
FPSO Roll Motions Driven by Second-Order Forces and the Impacts on SLWR Riser Design
Authors: Senra Stael F. , Ferreira Marcos Donato A. S. , Oliveira Allan C. , Sena Bernardo D. , Prado Vinicius G. , Pesce Celso Pupo
Published: September 2024

The dynamic behavior of risers is highly influenced by the floating production unit (FPU) motions, associated with environmental loads, caused by waves, current, and wind. Particularly, as well known, under potential flow modeling, wave loads may be represented through power series expansions, with respect to a small parameter ε. First-order wave forces pulsate in the frequency range of the incident wave spectra, whereas second-order wave forces are related to sum or difference frequencies of the same spectra. The so-called second-order difference frequencies forces may then be responsible by resonating motions of the vessel in that range. Significant low-frequency motions due to second-order forces are commonly observed in the horizontal plane, resonating low natural frequencies of moored floating systems characterized by low mooring stiffnesses. Recently, however, this phenomenon was also observed for roll motions in several new floating production storage and offloading (FPSOs) that will operate in the pre-salt of Santos Basin. The phenomenon had already been detected in a deep draft semi-submersible in Campos Basin, but only more recently in FPSOs. The new floating units are characterized by high roll natural periods, above the typical wave period range in the pre-salt region, and the roll response to the second-order difference frequencies forces can be significant. This phenomenon was indeed detected in model tests and confirmed by numerical studies. In fact, this additional FPSO roll behavior occurs in typical periods slightly above 20 s, imposing displacements and accelerations that can directly affect the dynamics of the riser top region. The present paper addresses this phenomenon and its possible impact on steel lazy-wave riser (SLWR) designs.
A Modified Simulated Annealing-Based Method for Hybrid Lattice Support Structure Design in LPBF Additive Manufacturing
Authors: White Lisha , Liang Xuan , Zhang Guanglu , Cagan Jonathan , Zhang Yongjie Jessica
Published: September 2024

When designed effectively, support structures play a critical role in quickly dissipating heat and mitigate part distortion without driving up excessive costs within the additive manufacturing metals technique of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). Lattices, composed of individual unit cells strategically arranged to achieve a desired function, are a promising solution as a support structure. Prior research utilizing gradient-based optimizers to design lattice support structures for heat dissipation poses challenges regarding limited design domain exploration and non-differentiable objective functions. Non-gradient-based optimizers are an alternative solution but existing optimizers, such as traditional simulated annealing (SA), are known to be more computationally expensive compared to gradient-based optimizers, rendering it challenging to optimize the heat dissipation of lattice support structures. This paper introduces a modified SA-based method to design lattice structures for LPBF by efficiently optimizing the distribution of a library composed of various types of unit cells, thereby creating hybrid lattice support structures (hLSS). A stage-dependent annealing swapping strategy is created and integrated into the method for efficient design domain exploration. Homogenization approximation and equivalent static loading are also performed in each iteration step to make the design optimization process computationally tractable. Two case studies validate the method by designing hLSS for a cantilever beam and a bracket. The results of these case studies show the method's ability to achieve material cost savings of up to 61% and post-processing cost savings of up to 62% when compared to a solid support domain while satisfying manufacturing constraints.
Acquired Angle Error Correction Based on Variation of an Angle Detection Signal Intensity in Rotary Encoders
Authors: Sato Akihiko , Kakinuma Yasuhiro
Published: September 2024

Rotary encoders are used in various machines to measure the angular position of a rotating axis. Therefore, rotary encoders are required not only to be highly accurate, but also usable in various environments. When using a rotary encoder on a machine, acquired angle errors occur due to the eccentricity between the encoder and the machine, the deformation of the scale, and the shaft runout of the rotation axis. Various methods have been adopted to reduce such angle errors. However, these methods have problems such as the large size and high cost of the encoder, the necessity of additional devices for measuring, and increasing installation labor, so the environment in which they can be implemented is limited. In this study, we have proposed a method to correct the acquired angle errors based on variation of an angle detection signal intensity in the sensor head. This method can correct the errors on the machine without using multiple sensor heads or additional devices. The angle error estimated by this method is compared with that measured by the external equipment of a reference encoder. While the maximum angle error was 28.36″ without correction, the residual error with correction of the acquired error can be reduced to 1.75″ or less. From this result, the proposed method can improve the measurement accuracy of the rotary encoder already installed on the machine. Therefore, this method is an effective means for achieving both high rotational accuracy on machines and ease of correcting an error in rotary encoder machines.
Improving Control of Energy Systems With Reinforcement Learning: Application to a Reversible Pump Turbine
Authors: Tubeuf Carlotta , aus der Schmitten Jakob , Hofmann René , Heitzinger Clemens , Birkelbach Felix
Published: September 2024

Pumped hydro storage power systems are crucial to account for grid instabilities by providing flexibility services. To further increase flexibility, the acceleration of switching between operating modes is necessary. This can be achieved through precise and automated process control with reinforcement learning (RL). Besides the benefits of RL, safety concerns inhibit industrial-scale applications for process control with RL.

We present measures to increase the reliability and stability of RL algorithms to enable applications for the control of energy systems. We demonstrate the viability of our approach by applying it to the control of the pump start-up process of a reversible pump turbine. To train the RL algorithm, we use a simulation model that accurately represents the test rig of a pump turbine located at the laboratory of TU Wien. Our results show that RL is suitable for finding optimal control strategies that can compete with traditional approaches. However, finding the optimal policy still requires a lot of computational effort. Future research will focus on optimizing the RL framework and then transferring the results to the real machine unit at the test facility.
Investigation of Driver Gas Mixtures in a Shock Wave Reformer for Enhanced Hydrogen Pyrolysis
Authors: Madiot Ghislain , Tüchler Stefan , Akbari Pejman , Copeland Colin D.
Published: September 2024

The wave reformer, developed by New Wave Hydrogen, Inc. (NWH2), harnesses shock waves resulting from the pressure exchange between two gases to initiate thermal decomposition reactions in a hydrocarbon gas to generate hydrogen. This article investigates the influence of various operating parameters, including driver gas mixtures and operating pressure on the overall hydrogen conversion within an 8-ports wave reformer. The objective is to start with a peak pressure region and reaction zone away from the end-wall toward the center of the wave reformer, allowing for more time for high-temperature initiation.

The main intention of the work is to consider the role of the gas composition of the driver gas (energy input) on the pyrolysis of methane using shock-wave heating. This study provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of the effects of driver gas properties on the flow rate, velocity, temperature, and pressure distribution within the wave reformer. Utilizing a Quasi-2D (Q2D) model, simulations yield valuable insights into how these parameters impact the performance of the technology.

Key findings include the critical role of driven outlet back pressure in driving mass flow within the cycle and its subsequent influence on maximum temperature. Most interestingly, the choice of driver gases was found to profoundly influence the temperature and density fields and plays a significant role in the mass flow ratio of the two gases.

This research enhances our understanding of wave reformer technology and its sensitivity to various operational parameters. The insights gained are instrumental in optimizing wave reformer performance for efficient hydrogen conversion.
Optimal Operation of a District Heating System Using a PV-Assisted CO2 Heat Pump and Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Soleimani Shima , Liaqat Kashif , Temming Jörg , Kösters Heiner , Schaefer Laura
Published: September 2024

This work examines a combined-component, fifth-generation district heating system (DHS) with an emphasis on CO2 emission reduction and greater adaptability to diverse heat sources. There are two primary contributions resulting from this analysis. First, a mathematical framework is created to simulate a combined photovoltaic (PV)-assisted CO2 heat pump (HP) with thermal energy storage (TES) to provide domestic hot water (DHW) for a district of 13 houses. Subsequently, this paper applies a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization approach to operating the system, employing a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The multi-objective optimization is performed to find the optimal trade-off between maximizing the coefficient of performance (COP) of the system and maximizing system self-sufficiency from a locally installed solar-PV system. Optimization is performed over 72 hours in the Fall, using Miami as a case study. The optimal time-resolved charging profiles and HP output water temperature as decision variables are extracted from the Pareto frontier. The results of the Pareto front show that when the system’s self-sufficiency goes up from 71% to 81%, the COP decreases slightly from 4.55 to 4.36. This means a 14% increase in self-sufficiency leads to a small 4.3% decrease in COP.
Renewable Energy Option in the Sudan
Authors: Ibrahim Nagwa
Published: September 2024

Energy is now considered the primary driving force behind the growth of key economic sectors, particularly energy-intensive industrial sectors. Sudan’s abundant sunshine, averaging 3,000 hours annually, makes it an ideal location for solar power generation. Sudan has a unique chance to diversify its energy mix and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels due to these resources. Sudan has a significant potential for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. 65% of its population lives in rural areas. 22.22% of the rural population have electricity access. The residential sector consumes 40% of electricity, of which 70% is generated by hydropower, with five major dams in Sudan contributing significantly to this output. Following the 2011 separation of South Sudan from Sudan, the country faced challenges in providing sustainable energy to meet the growing needs of the domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Sudan’s electricity sector is facing a crisis, with 60% of the population without power and millions experiencing continuous power cuts due to limited available capacity. The research explores Sudan’s renewable energy policies and potential for sustainable energy supply, highlighting the country’s potential for maximizing renewable energy production through solar and wind resources. This study aims to provide a realistic assessment of the feasibility of renewable energy development in Sudan.in this research to find out if renewable energy option in the Sudan, I use a questionnaire Includes 458 samples drawn from various societal sectors 88.8% of the sample agreed when asked if it is essential to produce electricity from renewable energy sources rather than petroleum derivatives.
Wind and Solar Renewable Energy System Estimation With Batteries Using the Monte Carlo Sampling Approach
Authors: Manoharan Yogesh , Headley Alexander John
Published: September 2024

The factors involved in the declining costs of electricity produced from renewable energy are government regulations, policy obligations, and incentives and the goal to reduce the carbon footprint in the energy sector. Therefore, installing renewables can be considered an advantage in the energy industry, but determining the proper sizes for large-scale renewable energy can be challenging due to their inherent intermittency and generation uncertainty in the face of climate change. These concerns can be mitigated by installing energy storage systems (ESSs) of a suitable size. Therefore, to avoid oversizing of renewable plus ESSs an optimization program is needed. To make the optimization program estimations reliable the impact of the uncertainties associated with wind speed and solar irradiance must assessed, studied, and integrated into the algorithm. These uncertainties influence energy generation and the system size estimation. Here we present the Monte Carlo method to quantify the effect of uncertainty on system sizing. The proposed algorithm is shown through a case study of a utility near Oklahoma City, which has significant renewable energy potential. Using the probability distributions from the 15-year data from atmospheric radiometric measurements (ARM) of solar and wind in 15-minute time intervals 1000 possible scenarios of year to year are generated by the Monte Carlo sampling method. These scenarios are used in the optimization program for least-cost system sizing for 10 years.

This proposed optimization framework is applicable to estimate the system sizes for residential and utilities that are interested in minimizing the electricity cost with renewable energy and BESS.