bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Hypoxia-Associated Long Non-Coding RNAs in Breast Cancer
Authors: Maldonado Vilma , Melendez-Zajgla Jorge
Published: May 2022

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. In the United States, even with earlier diagnosis and treatment improvements, the decline in mortality has stagnated in recent years. More research is needed to provide better diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic tools for these patients. Long non-coding RNAs are newly described molecules that have extensive roles in breast cancer. Emerging reports have shown that there is a strong link between these RNAs and the hypoxic response of breast cancer cells, which may be an important factor for enhanced tumoral progression. In this review, we summarize the role of hypoxia-associated lncRNAs in the classic cancer hallmarks, describing their effects on the upstream and downstream hypoxia signaling pathway and the use of them as diagnostic and prognostic tools.
High-Entropy Coatings (HEC) for High-Temperature Applications: Materials, Processing, and Properties
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Amer Mohamed , Hayat Qamar , Janik Vit , Zhang Xiang , Moradi Mahmoud , Bai Mingwen
Published: May 2022

High-entropy materials (HEM), including alloys, ceramics, and composites, are a novel class of materials that have gained enormous attention over the past two decades. These multi-component novel materials with unique structures always have exceptionally good mechanical properties and phase stability at all temperatures. Of particular interest for high-temperature applications, e.g., in the aerospace and nuclear sectors, is the new concept of high-entropy coatings (HEC) on low-cost metallic substrates, which has just emerged during the last few years. This exciting new virgin field awaits exploration by materials scientists and surface engineers who are often equipped with high-performance computational modelling tools, high-throughput coating deposition technologies and advanced materials testing/characterisation methods, all of which have greatly shortened the development cycle of a new coating from years to months/days. This review article reflects on research progress in the development and application of HEC focusing on high-temperature applications in the context of materials/composition type, coating process selection and desired functional properties. The importance of alloying addition is highlighted, resulting in suppressing oxidation as well as improving corrosion and diffusion resistance in a variety of coating types deposited via common deposition processes. This review provides an overview of this hot topic, highlighting the research challenges, identifying gaps, and suggesting future research activity for high temperature applications.
Influence of Rust Inhibitors on the Microstructure of a Steel Passive Film in Chloride Concrete
Authors: Guo Qun , Li Xiaozhen , Lin Nan , Liu Junzhe
Published: May 2022

To compare the corrosion inhibition behaviors of rust inhibitors with different mechanisms on steel bars, the rust resistance effect of sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4), sodium chromate (Na2CrO4), benzotriazole (BTA), N-N dimethyl ethanolamine, sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4) + benzotriazole (BTA), and sodium chromate (Na2CrO4) + benzotriazole (BTA) on steel bars in a simulated chloride concrete pore solution was studied. The rust resistance effects of different types of rust inhibitors were assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of different types of rust inhibitors on the film formation characteristics of a passive film on a steel bar surface were expounded. The results show that: When sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4) and benzotriazole (BTA) acted together, the impedance value and the capacitive reactance arc radius were the largest, and the density of the passive film and the inhibition efficiency were the highest. The composition of the passive film was primarily composed of iron compounds, and it also contained oxide and adsorption films that were formed on the steel bar surface by the rust inhibitors. The rust resistance effect was proportional to the compactness of the passive film.
Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases: Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic Response in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chiyaka Edward T. , Chingarande George , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Murewanhema Grant , Madziva Roda , Herrera Helena , Musuka Godfrey
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has exposed the unpreparedness of governments in their capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging infectious diseases. Many healthcare systems have been overburdened and the coordinated efforts in different countries have focused on containment and mitigation, with varying degrees of success. A delay in the detection of and response to infectious diseases can lead to the overburdening of already challenged health systems. Containment strategies, such as social distancing, contact tracing, quarantining of exposed individuals and lockdowns, can help control the spread of the infection in communities. Still, long-term solutions should be sought to counter future outbreaks. In this paper, we focus on Zimbabwe to identify and discuss public health strategies that can result in an effective response to future infectious disease outbreaks. We consider potential solutions to facilitate early detection, control, and mitigation of any similar emerging infectious disease. We argue that sustained financial support in public health infrastructure, both locally and nationally, integrated surveillance response systems, and improved communication and research within and across public and private sectors can be instrumental in limiting the damage caused by future outbreaks.
Microstructural, Mechanical and Wear Properties of Al–1.3%Si Alloy as Compared to Hypo/Hyper–Eutectic Compositions in Al–Si Alloy System
Authors: Mostafa Ahmad , Alshabatat Nabeel
Published: May 2022

The microstructure, mechanical properties, and wear behavior of three Al–Si alloys, namely: Al–1.3%Si, Al–1.5%Si and Al–13.5%Si were investigated. The specimens were examined by using an optical microscope to investigate the microstructural features of pin materials. Microhardness numbers and mechanical behavior parameters were determined by using a microhardness indenter and compression test, respectively. The dry sliding wear test was carried out using a pin-on-disc apparatus by varying the rotational speed (250, 350, and 450 rpm), normal load (5, 10 and 20 N) and test time (5, 10 and 15 min) at a constant sliding diameter of 300 mm. The surface roughness index (Ra) of the worn surfaces was determined by using a profilometer. The microstructure of Al–1.3%Si alloy was described as a fine eutectic colonizing in the FCC-Al phase matrix. Coarse eutectic dendrites surrounding the primary FCC-Al grains were observed in Al–1.5%Si alloy. The microstructure of Al–13.5%Si alloy showed a uniform layered structure of FCC-Al + Diamond Si eutectic. The average microhardness number was directly proportional to the Si concentration. Al–13.5%Si alloy with a high microhardness number (47.16 HV) showed excellent resistance to wear and exhibited a smoother surface at the end-of-wear test. The improved wear resistance in this case could be due to the presence of Diamond-Si hard phase in large quantities compared with other compositions. On the other hand, Al–1.5%Si alloy showed poorer resistance to wear because the mass loss action was dominated by a particle detachment mechanism. The response surfaces of the mass loss vs. speed, normal load and time showed increased mass loss when the three controlled parameters were increased. However, Pareto charts of the main effects of parametric interactions showed that the normal load was the main factor that must be considered when studying the tribological properties of Al–Si alloys.
CAR T Cell Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Successes and Shortcomings
Authors: Todorovic Zeljko , Todorovic Dusan , Markovic Vladimir , Ladjevac Nevena , Zdravkovic Natasa , Djurdjevic Predrag , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Milovanovic Marija , Arsenijevic Aleksandar , Milovanovic Jelena
Published: May 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy achieved remarkable success in B-cell leukemia and lymphoma which led to its incorporation in treatment protocols for these diseases. CAR T cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients showed less success compared to other malignant tumors. In this review, we discuss the published results regarding CAR T cell therapy of CLL, possible mechanisms of failures and expected developments.
Mutation Profiles of Ovarian Seromucinous Borderline Tumors in Japanese Patients
Authors: Sasamori Hiroki , Nakayama Kentaro , Razia Sultana , Yamashita Hitomi , Ishibashi Tomoka , Ishikawa Masako , Sato Seiya , Nakayama Satoru , Otsuki Yoshiro , Fujiwaki Ritsuto , Ishikawa Noriyoshi , Kyo Satoru
Published: May 2022

Ovarian seromucinous tumors (SMBTs) are relatively rare, and their carcinogenesis is largely unknown. In this study, the molecular features of SMBTs in Japan are assessed. DNA was extracted from microdissected paraffin-embedded sections from 23 SMBT cases. Genetic mutations (KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and ERBB2) were evaluated using Sanger sequencing. Immunohistochemistry for p53, ARID1A, and PTEN was also performed as a surrogate for the loss of functional mutations in these tumor suppressor genes. The prevalence of KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, and ERBB2 mutations was 4.3% (1/23), 8.6% (2/23), 8.6% (2/23), and 17.3% (4/23), respectively. Overexpression or loss of p53 expression occurred in 26% (6/23), loss of ARID1A expression in 4.3% (1/23), and none of the cases showed expression of PTEN loss. These findings suggest that KRAS/BRAF/PIK3CA and PTEN mutations are rare carcinogenic events in SMBTs. The high frequency of positive p53 staining and a low frequency of loss of ARID1A staining suggests that SMBT carcinogenesis may be related to the alteration of p53 rather than that of ARID1A. ERBB2 oncogenic mutations may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of Japanese SMBTs.
Anterior Segment-Optical Coherence Tomography Bleb Morphology Comparison in Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery: XEN Gel Stent vs. PreserFlo MicroShunt
Authors: Gambini Gloria , Carlà Matteo Mario , Giannuzzi Federico , Boselli Francesco , Grieco Giulia , Caporossi Tomaso , De Vico Umberto , Savastano Alfonso , Baldascino Antonio , Rizzo Clara , Kilian Raphael , Caporossi Aldo , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the morphology of six-month follow-up blebs created by a subconjunctival glaucoma surgical device (XEN45) to those created by a PreserFlo MicroShunt with a sub-Tenon insertion, utilizing AS-OCT. Methods: A retrospective study of 29 eyes who underwent XEN45 implantation and 29 eyes who underwent PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation. The patients were analyzed at 24 h, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. At each visit, the maturation and morphological alterations of the blebs were observed, as well as connections with the IOP. Results: In both groups, IOP showed significant reduction at all follow ups (p < 0.0001). In XEN group, the most common bleb morphology in the immediate postoperative was the subconjuntival separation type (42%) followed by the uniform type (34%), with a trend inversion at 6 month follow up (51% of uniform type). On the contrary, the most common morphology after PreserFlo was the multiple internal layer (55%), which showed a tendency to reduce over time and was substituted by the microcystic multiform, whose percentage increased over time (17% at day 1 vs. 44% at month 6). Uniform appearance was associated by the posterior episcleral fluid (PEF) lake presence. Both horizontal and vertical diameters significantly increased over time. Conclusion: XEN and PreserFlo implantation resulted in the production of diffuse blebs with different characteristics, which may influence IOP lowering capacity and bleb revisions necessity over time.
Critical Test Result Recall Supporting System (CTR RSS) Improves Follow-Up among Patients in the Community
Authors: Chang Hsu-Tung , Kuo Su-Feng , Chen Shu-Hui , Lin Jen-Shiou , Lin Shu-Hui , Chang Chin-Fu , Twu Chih-Wen , Chen Mei-Chu , Yang Yuan-Ting , Kor Chew-Teng , Lin Ching-Hsiung
Published: May 2022

Follow-up care of patients in the community is an important topic for improving patient outcomes, especially when medical personnel receives a notification of the critical test result (CTR) when the CTR becomes available after patients have been out of hospital; how to recall the patient back to the hospital and follow-up treatment is essential for preventing the healthcare risk of neglecting or delayed intervention with respect to the patient’s CTR. We are concerned that the follow-up of CTR and timely recall of our patients in the community improves and facilitates patient safety. We built the CTR Recall Supporting System (RSS) to follow up and recall our patients in the community. Measures were introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of CTR RSS; the rate of return of patients within 7 days increased from 58.5% to 88.8%, an increase of 30.3%, the patients in the community’s return follow-up interval days decreased from 10.9 days to 6.2 days, reduced by 4.7 days (p < 0.001), and the mortality rate of the patients in the community within 48 h decreased from 8.0% to 1.9%, a decrease of 6.1%, p < 0.001. The implementation of the CTR RSS significantly increases the discharged patient in he community’s CTR return follow-up within 7 days rate, decreases CTR return follow-up interval days, and reduces the CTR mortality rate within 48 h. This effectively improves the effects of CTR on return follow-up visits and provides a prototype system for hospitals that intend to improve this issue.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis after SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: Nicolardi Martina , Urso Daniele , Luceri Silvia , Logroscino Giancarlo , De Blasi Roberto
Published: May 2022

In the last 3 years, COVID-19 pandemic has produced great impacts on global population in terms of health and social costs. Pneumonia represents only one of several pathologies associated to COVID-19 disease. Among these, the cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), constitutes an important cause of stroke. Here, we report a case of CVT diagnosed approximately 2 weeks after first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination, in a patient affected by COVID-19 few months earlier. He presented with headache and severe asthenia. The laboratory tests put in evidence thrombocytopenia and D-dimer elevation. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computed tomography (CT) demonstrated hemorrhagic and ischemic phenomena on the right ventral thalamic nuclei, left thalamus, hippocampal and parahippocampal regions and the splenium of the corpus callosum. The study revealed a poorly opacified vein of Galeno and straight sinus. Heparin administration improved his clinical status; platelets values also arose over time.
Lymph Node Metastases Identified at the Post-Ablation 131I SPECT/CT Scan Is a Prognostic Factor of Intermediate-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Jia Xi , Wang Yuanbo , Yang Lulu , Fan Kun , Tao Runyi , Liu Hui , Yao Xiaobao , Yang Aimin , Zhang Guangjian , Gao Rui
Published: May 2022

The intermediate-risk category of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) comprises heterogeneous patients within a wide range of stages and varied care management. Understanding the risk features of recurrence observed after the initial therapy should be emphasized. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of radioactive iodine-avid lymph nodes observed during the initial treatment of patients with PTC that were considered to be at intermediate risk. Data on patients with intermediate-risk PTC treated from 2012 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Post-therapeutic SPECT/CT (Rx SPECT/CT) was evaluated in the enrolled patients. The clinical, pathologic, and incidence of radioiodine-avid (RAI-avid) lymph node metastasis (mLN) on Rx SPECT/CT were reviewed, and risk factors related to recurrent disease were analyzed. After a median follow-up of 37.26 (30.90, 46.33) months, structural persistent/recurrent disease was detected in 9.81% (36/367) of patients with intermediate-risk tumors. The incidence of recurrence was higher in patients who demonstrated RAI-avid mLN after the initial therapy than in those who did not (p < 0.001). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, RAI-avid mLN appeared to be a robust risk factor for recurrent disease after the initial therapy (HR: 8.967, 95% CI: 3.433–23.421, p = 0.000). RAI-avid mLN is a significant risk factor for recurrent intermediate-risk PTC after the initial treatment.
Assessment of Crystals in the Synovial Fluid of Psoriatic Arthritis Patients in Relation to Disease Activity
Authors: Geneva-Popova Mariela , Popova-Belova Stanislava , Popova Velicka , Stoilov Nikolay
Published: May 2022

Background: This study examines the relationship between the presence of crystals in the synovial fluid of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and disease activity. Methods: The synovial fluid of 156 PsA patients was analyzed and compared to 50 patients with gonarthrosis (GoA). The Leica DM4500P polarization microscope was used for crystal detection. Results: The presence of crystals was observed in 23.71% of PsA patients and none of the GoA patients, p < 0.001. Monosodium urate crystals (67.58%) and calcium pyrophosphate crystals (21.62%) were prevalent. The presence of crystals in the synovial fluid of PsA patients was associated with high disease activity according to the Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (OR = 18.75, 95%; CI: 7.13 to 49.25) and the Disease Activity for Psoriatic Arthritis (OR = 15.96, 95%; CI: 5.76 to 44.23), with severe disability according to the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (OR = 13.60, 95%; CI: 5.09 to 36.31), and with severe pain on the Visual Analog Scale (OR = 157.25, 95%; CI: 39.50 to 625.94). Conclusion: Our results suggest that synovial fluid examination should be included in the treatment pathway for PsA patients with active disease, to aid in determining whether urate-lowering therapy is required.
Comparison of the Mortality Prediction Value of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) in COVID-19 and Sepsis
Authors: Vassiliou Alice G. , Zacharis Alexandros , Vrettou Charikleia S. , Keskinidou Chrysi , Jahaj Edison , Mastora Zafeiria , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Kotanidou Anastasia
Published: May 2022

In the last years, biomarkers of infection, such as the soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), have been extensively studied as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in the intensive care unit (ICU). In this study, we investigated whether this biomarker can be used in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 septic patients for mortality prediction. Serum suPAR levels were measured in 79 non-COVID-19 critically ill patients upon sepsis (within 6 h), and on admission in 95 COVID-19 patients (66 critical and 29 moderate/severe). The non-COVID-19 septic patients were matched for age, sex, and disease severity, while the site of infection was the respiratory system. On admission, COVID-19 patients presented with higher suPAR levels, compared to non-COVID-19 septic patients (p < 0.01). More importantly, suPAR measured upon sepsis could not differentiate survivors from non-survivors (p > 0.05), as opposed to suPAR measured on admission in COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors (p < 0.0001). By the generated ROC curve, the prognostic value of suPAR in COVID-19 was 0.81, at a cut-off value of 6.3 ng/mL (p < 0.0001). suPAR measured early (within 24 h) after hospital admission seems like a specific and sensitive mortality risk predictor in COVID-19 patients. On the contrary, suPAR measured at sepsis diagnosis in non-COVID-19 critically ill patients, does not seem to be a prognostic factor of mortality.
Bionic Covert Underwater Acoustic Communication Based on Time–Frequency Contour of Bottlenose Dolphin Whistle
Authors: Xie Lei , Zhu Jiahui , Jia Yuqing , Chen Huifang
Published: May 2022

In order to meet the requirements of communication security and concealment, as well as to protect marine life, bionic covert communication has become a hot research topic for underwater acoustic communication (UAC). In this paper, we propose a bionic covert UAC (BC-UAC) method based on the time–frequency contour (TFC) of the bottlenose dolphin whistle, which can overcome the safety problem of traditional low signal–noise ratio (SNR) covert communication and make the detected communication signal be excluded as marine biological noise. In the proposed BC-UAC method, the TFC of the bottlenose dolphin whistle is segmented to improve the transmission rate. Two BC-UAC schemes based on the segmented TFC of the whistle, the BC-UAC scheme using the whistle signal with time-delay (BC-UAC-TD) and the BC-UAC scheme using the whistle signal with frequency-shift (BC-UAC-FS), are addressed. The original whistle signal is used as a synchronization signal. Moreover, the virtual time reversal mirror (VTRM) technique is adopted to equalize the channel for mitigating the multipath effect. The performance of the proposed BC-UAC method, in terms of the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and bit error rate (BER), is evaluated under simulated and measured underwater channels. Numerical results show that the proposed BC-UAC method performs well on covertness and reliability. Furthermore, the covertness of the bionic modulated signal in BC-UAC-TD is better than that of BC-UAC-FS, although the reliability of BC-UAC-FS is better than that of BC-UAC-TD.
Some Recent Advances in Energetic Variational Approaches
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Liu Chun
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we summarize some recent advances related to the energetic variational approach (EnVarA), a general variational framework of building thermodynamically consistent models for complex fluids, by some examples. Particular focus will be placed on how to model systems involving chemo-mechanical couplings and non-isothermal effects.
Barriers and Facilitators to Toddlers’ Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as Perceived by Teachers, Principals and Parents: A Challenge for the Early Childhood Educational Environments
Authors: Vega-Perona Herminia , Bernabé-Villodre María del Mar , García-Ochoa Yolanda Cabrera , Martínez-Bello Vladimir E.
Published: May 2022

The aim of our study was to explore the barriers and facilitators that teachers, principals, and parents face when adapting to COVID-19 pandemic scenario in terms of promoting toddlers’ physical activity (PA). Thirty-four (20 teachers and principals, and 14 parents) semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted from October 2020 to March 2021. The socioecological model has enabled the identification of barriers and facilitators, some of which are related to the pandemic and others which are not. The main results suggest that upon reopening the ECEC institutions, regarding environmental barriers, educators mentioned the impact on the use of space, and parents, the modification of daily activities generated by COVID-19. However, educators also considered that the presence of suitable spaces in the school for practicing PA was a facilitator. At the intra- and interpersonal level, facilitators of PA that were unrelated to the pandemic included, for parents, the predisposition of children to be physically active and their own function as role models, and for educators, the curricular practices themselves. At an environmental level, the risk of danger in the traditional classroom plus bad weather were considered barriers by educators, while parents mentioned difficulties accessing outdoor space and the poor suitability of indoor spaces. Our results suggest the simultaneous analysis of the perceptions of different actors in the educational environments offers a broad vision of the ecological alternatives for offering children opportunities for PA in these difficult times.
Self-Reported Flow in Online Learning Environments for Teacher Education: A Quasi-Experimental Study Using a Counterbalanced Design
Authors: Alvarez Lionel , Carrupt Romaine , Audrin Catherine , Gay Philippe
Published: May 2022

Digitization in teacher education is currently being promoted, but the choice between face-to-face instruction and online learning environments remains challenging. Previous studies have documented ambivalent results regarding personal preference and academic achievement, and experimental investigations into attention comparing learning in these two settings are largely lacking. In this context, the present study adopts a counterbalanced design to compare different dimensions of student experience of flow in face-to-face settings and online learning environments. Two groups of students in teacher-training programs (n = 37) completed an EduFlow questionnaire at the end of the same interactive courses in the two different settings. The results indicate globally lower attention and engagement in the online environment, suggesting that in-person instruction induces better cognitive absorption, greater time transformation, and a stronger autotelic experience. While the findings represent a contribution to the discussion on how to best design online education, more research is needed to identify the specific mechanisms regarding attention and motivation that can impact flow in these two environments.
Play, Problem-Solving, STEM Conceptions, and Efficacy in STEM: An Introduction to the STEM in Early Childhood Education Special Issue
Authors: MacDonald Beth L. , Tofel-Grehl Colby , Searle Kristin A.
Published: May 2022

This Special Issue of Education Sciences focuses on STEM in Early Childhood Education [...]
Fault Diagnosis Method of Smart Meters Based on DBN-CapsNet
Authors: Zhou Juan , Wu Zonghuan , Wang Qiang , Yu Zhonghua
Published: May 2022

Rapid and accurate fault diagnosis of smart meters can greatly improve the operational and maintenance ability of power systems. Focusing on the historical fault data information of smart meters, a fault diagnosis model of smart meters based on an improved capsule network (CapsNet) is proposed. First, we count the sample size of each fault type, and a mixed sampling method combining undersampling and oversampling is used to solve the problem of distribution imbalance of sample size. The one-hot encoding method is adopted to solve the problem of the fault samples containing more discrete and disordered data. Then, the strong adaptive feature extraction capability and nonlinear mapping capability of the deep belief network (DBN) are utilized to improve the single convolution layer feature extraction part of a traditional capsule network; DBN can also address the problem of high data dimensions and sparse data due to one-hot encoding. The important features and key information of the input sample are extracted and used as the input of the primary capsule layer, and the dynamic routing algorithm is used to construct the digital capsule. Finally, the results of experiments show that the improved capsule network model can effectively improve the accuracy of diagnosis and shorten the training time.
The NR-EGA for the EVRP Problem with the Electric Energy Consumption Model
Authors: Zhu Yanfei , Li Chunhui , Lee Kwang Y.
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, in researches on electric vehicle routing problems, in order to improve the delivery efficiency and reduce the routing cost, many important elements are broad discussed such as the customer time window, the routing algorithm, the electric energy consumption, etc. In these, the routing algorithm is the key element to achieve a good solution. Based on this background, the paper investigates the routing algorithm, then adopts the elitist genetic algorithm and proposes an improved neighbor routing initialization method for solving the electric vehicle routing problem. In our method, the electric vehicle energy consumption is used as the main component of the routing system. The neighbor routing initialization enables the routing system to choose the close route from a suitable first customer in the initialization, which makes the routing search faster and find the global optimal route easily. The simulations on the Solomon benchmark data and the Hiland Dairy milk delivery example in Dallas, Texas, USA verifies the good performance of the method.
Study on Engine Performance and Combustion System Optimization of a Poppet-Valve Two-Stroke Diesel Engine
Authors: Li Yaozong , Wu Han , Liu Yanli , Zhang Lu , Qiang Yongping , Liu Wei , Liu Jinlong , Bai Honglin , Hao Caifeng , Li Yang
Published: May 2022

Two-stroke engines have higher power density than traditional four-stroke engines, and therefore are suitable for engine downsizing. In this work, a four-stroke single-cylinder diesel engine is modified for two-stroke operation, and the combustion system is designed and optimized using a 3D simulation. Three different combustion chamber profiles and injection spray angles are compared to determine an optimized combustion system. The engine test results show that the two-stroke engine equipped with the newly designed combustion system is able to achieve the same effective power output at a much lower speed than the original four-stroke engine, as well as obtain a better indicated thermal efficiency. This indicates that the poppet-valve two-stroke engine could be an effective technical approach for engine downsizing.
Estimating the Subsurface Thermal Conductivity and Its Uncertainty for Shallow Geothermal Energy Use—A Workflow and Geoportal Based on Publicly Available Data
Authors: Heim Elisa , Laska Marius , Becker Ralf , Klitzsch Norbert
Published: May 2022

Ground-source heat pumps with borehole heat exchangers (BHE) are an efficient and sustainable option to heat and cool buildings. The design and performance of BHEs strongly depend on the thermal conductivity of the subsurface. Thus, the first step in BHE planning is often assisted by a map representing the thermal conductivity of a region created from existing data. Such estimates have high uncertainty, which is rarely quantified. In addition, different methods for estimating thermal conductivity are used, for example, by the German federal states, resulting in incomparable estimates. To enable a consistent thermal conductivity estimation across state or country borders, we present a workflow for automatically estimating the thermal conductivity and its uncertainty up to user-defined BHE lengths. Two methods, which assess the thermal conductivity on different scales, are developed. Both methods are (1) based on subsurface data types which are publicly available as open-web services, and (2) account for thermal conductivity uncertainty by estimating its lowest, mean, and maximum values. The first method uses raster data, e.g., of surface geology and depth to groundwater table, and provides a large-scale estimate of the thermal conductivity, with high uncertainty. The second method improves the estimation for a small, user-defined target area by calculating the thermal conductivity based on the available borehole data in that area. The presented approach’s novelty is a web-based geodata infrastructure that seamlessly connects data provision and calculation processes, with a geoportal as its central user interface. To demonstrate the approach, we use data from the federal state of Hamburg and compare the results of two target areas with the thermal conductivity estimation by the Geological Survey of Hamburg. Depending on the selected region, differences between the two estimates can be considerable (up to 1.2 W m−1 K−1). The differences are primarily due to the selection of the thermal property database and the consideration of wet and dry rock. The results emphasize the importance of considering and communicating uncertainty in geothermal potential estimates.
New Method for Analysis and Design Consideration of Voltage Source Inverters
Authors: Hinov Nikolay
Published: May 2022

This manuscript proposes a new unified approach for the analysis of voltage source inverters that summarizes and unifies the operating modes of a whole class of inverters powered by a voltage source: resonant, aperiodic and voltage source inverters. The study was performed on a full-bridge circuit of a series RLC inverter with reverse diodes, operating in aperiodic mode. Based on the community of processes in the power circuits, the expressions for the current through the load and the voltage of the capacitor in condensed form with their initial phases are determined. These basic ratios are presented in a normalized form according to the control frequency, thus summarizing the operation of the inverters with a control frequency below and above the quasi-resonant. A methodology for designing a voltage source inverter was developed, considered as a special case of a series RLC inverter with inverse diodes when operating in aperiodic mode and super-quasi-resonant frequency. The reliability of the obtained results was verified by comparison with the use of the classical methodology for design and computer simulations. The presented approach is useful from a methodological point of view, as it allows us, with a unified approach and through general mathematical expressions, to describe and study the processes in a significant part of DC/AC converters.
Interaction of Electron Beams and Polarized Radiation in a Two-Beam Free-Electron Laser
Authors: Nam Soon-Kwon , Park Yunseong
Published: May 2022

Recent research has focused on shorter pulses, new spectral ranges, higher photon fluxes, and the production of photons with a variety of polarizations. A time-dependent three-dimensional free-electron laser oscillator code was developed for a two-beam free-electron laser system with an elliptically polarized undulator. Characteristics of the interaction of the electron beams and polarized radiation in the XUV region were studied using this code. The code utilized an optical field using the spectral method in the paraxial approximation by a fast Fourier transformation, a Gaussian modal expansion for the optical field, and Newton–Lorentz force equations for particle tracking. As the emittance was increased, the degrees of polarization of the single-beam system with an elliptically polarized undulator and the two-beam system with a planar undulator were decreased significantly compared to those of a two-beam system with an elliptically polarized undulator in the XUV regions. The radiation intensities, the evolutions of the radiation power for wavelength, and the time in the two-beam system were increased significantly compared to those of a single-beam system. The statistical simulation result for the distribution of the number of shots in the degrees of polarization in the two-beam system was much better than that of the case with the single-beam system.
Impedance Characteristics and Harmonic Analysis of LCL-Type Grid-Connected Converter Cluster
Authors: Zhou Xiaojie , Xu Dezhi , Huang Yourui
Published: May 2022

This study addresses the output impedance model of the LCL-type grid-connected converter considering the dead-time effects and the digital control delay. The model shows that the digital control delay will affect the accuracy of the output impedance of the grid-connected converter, and the dead-time effects are only equivalent to superimposing a disturbance voltage on the original output impedance model. The derived output impedance model is verified by comparing it with the switching model in the PSIM simulation environment. The harmonic interaction between converter cluster and utility grid is modeled and analyzed based on the output impedance model. A combined harmonic suppression strategy is incorporated into every converter control scheme to suppress the harmonic interaction. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the correctness of harmonic interaction analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed suppression strategy.
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Thao-Linh , Duong Van-An
Published: May 2022

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are produced from physiologically biocompatible lipids. They have been proven to improve solubility, cellular uptake, and stability, reduce enzyme degradation, and prolong the circulation time of various drugs. SLNs have been applied in the oral, parenteral, transdermal, intranasal, ocular, and pulmonary drug delivery of different drugs, with enhanced safety, bioavailability, and overall therapeutic effects. In this entry, the authors summarize the primary features of SLNs, methods to prepare SLNs, and recent applications of SLNs in drug delivery. Owing to their advantages, SLNs are potential drug delivery systems to improve the management of various diseases and will, soon, be available for clinical use.
A Survey on Recent Results on Lyapunov-Type Inequalities for Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Ahmad Bashir , Tariboon Jessada
Published: May 2022

This survey paper is concerned with some of the most recent results on Lyapunov-type inequalities for fractional boundary value problems involving a variety of fractional derivative operators and boundary conditions. Our work deals with Caputo, Riemann-Liouville, ψ-Caputo, ψ-Hilfer, hybrid, Caputo-Fabrizio, Hadamard, Katugampola, Hilfer-Katugampola, p-Laplacian, and proportional fractional derivative operators.
Methodology for Consequence Analysis of Future Mobility Scenarios: The SPROUT Framework
Authors: Xenou Elpida , Ayfantopoulou Georgia , Royo Beatriz , Tori Sara , Mazzarino Marco
Published: May 2022

The various social, political, environmental, and economical mega-trends together with the rapid rise of digitalization are shaping cities worldwide including the way that citizens and products move within the urban environment. New mobility services are popping up which are showing the path toward more on-demand and personalized mobility patterns. The transformation of the urban mobility environment though constitutes a great challenge for policy-makers, as little is known about the impact of these trends on the city’s current mobility environment while the assessment of the future state of a mobility system can be considered a quite complex process taken its multi-parametric and multi-dimensional nature. This paper aims to simplify this process by presenting a coherent multi-actor consequence analysis framework as a tool for assessing future mobility scenarios which was developed in the framework of the H2020 SPROUT. This paper presents in detail the main components of this framework together with the list of key performance indicators used for assessing the performance in terms of sustainability of future mobility scenarios as well as indicative results from its use by the city of Padua.
Genomic Survey and Resources for the Boring Giant Clam Tridacna crocea
Authors: Baeza Juan Antonio , Neo Mei Lin , Huang Danwei
Published: May 2022

The boring giant clam Tridacna crocea is an evolutionary, ecologically, economically, and culturally important reef-dwelling bivalve targeted by a profitable ornamental fishery in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. In this study, we developed genomic resources for T. crocea. Using low-pass (=low-coverage, ~6×) short read sequencing, this study, for the first time, estimated the genome size, unique genome content, and nuclear repetitive elements, including the 45S rRNA DNA operon, in T. crocea. Furthermore, we tested if the mitochondrial genome can be assembled from RNA sequencing data. The haploid genome size estimated using a k-mer strategy was 1.31–1.39 Gbp, which is well within the range reported before for other members of the family Cardiidae. Unique genome content estimates using different k-mers indicated that nearly a third and probably at least 50% of the genome of T. crocea was composed of repetitive elements. A large portion of repetitive sequences could not be assigned to known repeat element families. Taking into consideration only annotated repetitive elements, the most common were classified as Satellite DNA which were more common than Class I-LINE and Class I-LTR Ty3-gypsy retrotransposon elements. The nuclear ribosomal operon in T. crocea was partially assembled into two contigs, one encoding the complete ssrDNA and 5.8S rDNA unit and a second comprising a partial lsrDNA. A nearly complete mitochondrial genome (92%) was assembled from RNA-seq. These newly developed genomic resources are highly relevant for improving our understanding of the biology of T. crocea and for the development of conservation plans and the fisheries management of this iconic reef-dwelling invertebrate.
Regional-Scale Seismic Liquefaction Susceptibility Mapping via an Empirical Approach Validated by Site-Specific Analyses
Authors: Zumpano Veronica , Pisano Luca , Filice Francesco , Ugenti Angelo , de Lucia Daniela , Wasowski Janusz , Santaloia Francesca , Lollino Piernicola
Published: May 2022

Regional-scale analyses of susceptibility to liquefaction are seldom performed in data-scarce areas. However, in spite of data limitations, such efforts can still provide useful information in case of populated, seismically active regions. The present work focuses on susceptibility zonation for soil liquefaction that might occur due to ground shaking in the Foggia Province, a data-scarce, seismically active area of about 7000 km2 located in southern Italy. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach is used to obtain the susceptibility to liquefaction map of the whole area, while a geological and geotechnical database including 531 boreholes from 84 localities is used for cross-validation. The data are processed by means of a simplified quantitative method to determine liquefaction potential and assess whether a specific area is prone to liquefaction or not. Our results, along with an AUC − ROC = 0.89 test value, indicate that there are widespread areas of medium to high and very high susceptibility, and that the most susceptible zones are localized along the Adriatic Sea coastline and watercourses. The final susceptibility to liquefaction map represents a step forward towards the assessment of secondary seismic hazard in the study area, thus supporting the regional and local administrations responsible for land-use planning and risk mitigation.
Effect of Diet and Exercise-Induced Weight Loss among Metabolically Healthy and Metabolically Unhealthy Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Yang Qin , Wang Kun , Tian Qianqian , Zhang Jian , Qi Linyu , Chen Tao
Published: May 2022

Objective: To study the effect of diet- and exercise-based lifestyle intervention on weight loss (WL) and cardiovascular risk among metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) children and adolescents. Methods: The sample included 282 obese individuals (54% males, age (±SD) 12.9 (±2.3) years) who completed a 3- to 4-week WL camp program between 2017 and 2019. MUO was defined according to the consensus-based definition of pediatric MHO in 2018. Results: The intervention exhibited significantly benefits in improving body weight, body mass index, body fat ratio, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate (RHR), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol levels in both MHO and MUO groups (for all comparisons, p < 0.01). However, the beneficial high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (HDL-C) level (both p < 0.01) decreased evidently in both groups after intervention. In addition, percent changes in SBP (p < 0.001), DBP (p < 0.001), RHR (p = 0.025), fasting blood glucose (p = 0.011), and TG (p < 0.001) were more profound in MUO group than that in MHO group. Conclusion: Metabolical health is a mutable and transient state during childhood. Although both groups gained comparable WL benefits from diet- and exercise-based lifestyle intervention, the MUO group may benefit more than the MHO group. Strategies aiming at lowering blood pressure and preventing the decrease of HDL-C level should be considered for the precise treatment of childhood obesity in clinical practice, with the goal of improving metabolically healthy state.
Chemosensitization of U-87 MG Glioblastoma Cells by Neobavaisoflavone towards Doxorubicin and Etoposide
Authors: Maszczyk Mateusz , Banach Klaudia , Karkoszka Marta , Rzepka Zuzanna , Rok Jakub , Beberok Artur , Wrześniok Dorota
Published: May 2022

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common type of glioma, which is distinguished by high mortality. Due to the rapid progression of the tumor and drug resistance, the treatment is often ineffective. The development of novel therapies in a big part concerns the application of anti-cancer agents already used in clinical practice, unfortunately often with limited effects. This could be overcome through the use of compounds that possess chemosensitizing properties. In our previous work, it has been shown that neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) enhances the in vitro activity of doxorubicin in GB cells. The aim of this study was a further investigation of the possible chemosensitizing effects of this isoflavone. The experimental panel involving image cytometry techniques, such as count assay, examination of mitochondrial membrane potential, Annexin V assay, and cell cycle analysis, was performed in human glioblastoma U-87 MG cells and normal human astrocytes (NHA) treated with NBIF, doxorubicin, etoposide, and their mixes with NBIF. NBIF in co-treatment with etoposide or doxorubicin caused an increase in the population of apoptotic cells and prompted alterations in the cell cycle. NBIF enhances the pro-apoptotic activity of etoposide and doxorubicin in U-87 MG cells, which could be a sign of the chemosensitizing properties of the isoflavone.
Spinal Cord Injury and Loss of Cortical Inhibition
Authors: Benedetti Bruno , Weidenhammer Annika , Reisinger Maximilian , Couillard-Despres Sebastien
Published: May 2022

After spinal cord injury (SCI), the destruction of spinal parenchyma causes permanent deficits in motor functions, which correlates with the severity and location of the lesion. Despite being disconnected from their targets, most cortical motor neurons survive the acute phase of SCI, and these neurons can therefore be a resource for functional recovery, provided that they are properly reconnected and retuned to a physiological state. However, inappropriate re-integration of cortical neurons or aberrant activity of corticospinal networks may worsen the long-term outcomes of SCI. In this review, we revisit recent studies addressing the relation between cortical disinhibition and functional recovery after SCI. Evidence suggests that cortical disinhibition can be either beneficial or detrimental in a context-dependent manner. A careful examination of clinical data helps to resolve apparent paradoxes and explain the heterogeneity of treatment outcomes. Additionally, evidence gained from SCI animal models indicates probable mechanisms mediating cortical disinhibition. Understanding the mechanisms and dynamics of cortical disinhibition is a prerequisite to improve current interventions through targeted pharmacological and/or rehabilitative interventions following SCI.