bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secretory Proteomic Responses of Endometrial Epithelial Cells to Trophoblast-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Muhandiram Subhashini , Dissanayake Keerthie , Orro Toomos , Godakumara Kasun , Kodithuwakku Suranga , Fazeli Alireza
Published: July 2023

Synchronized crosstalk between the embryo and endometrium during the periconception period is integral to pregnancy establishment. Increasing evidence suggests that the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs) of both embryonic and endometrial origin is a critical component of embryo–maternal communication during peri-implantation. Here, we investigated whether embryonic signals in the form of EVs can modulate the endometrial epithelial cell secretome. Receptive endometrial analog RL95-2 cells were supplemented with trophoblast analog JAr cell-derived EVs, and the secretory protein changes occurring in the RL95-2 cells were analyzed using mass spectrometry. EVs of non-trophoblastic origin (HEK 293 cells) were used as the control EV source to supplement endometrial cells. Trophoblast cell-derived EVs enriched endometrial epithelial cell secretions with proteins that support embryo development, attachment, or implantation, whereas control EVs were unable to induce the same effect. The present study suggests that embryonic signals in the form of EVs may prime receptive endometrial epithelial cells to enrich their secretory proteome with critical proteomic molecules with functional importance for periconception milieu formation.
TFF3 as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Rogulska Karolina , Wojciechowska-Koszko Iwona , Krasnodębska-Szponder Barbara , Kwiatkowski Paweł , Roszkowska Paulina , Dołęgowska Barbara , Łuczkowska Karolina , Machaliński Bogusław , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta
Published: July 2023

Intestinal trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a protein secreted by many cell types, and its serum and urine levels vary in patients with kidney disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of TFF3 in allogeneic kidney transplant patients included in the one-year follow-up. To analyze the influence of the diagnostic method used, we studied the type of biological material and the time elapsed since renal transplantation on the parameter’s value. The study also aimed to investigate the relationship between TFF3 levels and creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values in the serum and urine of the patients studied. The study used blood and urine samples from adult patients (n = 19) 24–48 h, 6 months, and 12 months after kidney transplantation. We collected one-time blood and urine from healthy subjects (n = 5) without renal disease. We applied immunoenzymatic ELISA and xMap Luminex flow fluorimetry to determine TFF3 in serum and urine. There was a significant difference in TFF3 levels in the serum of patients collected on the first one or two days after kidney transplantation compared to the control group (determined by ELISA and Luminex) and six months and one year after kidney transplantation (ELISA). We observed a correlation between creatinine concentration and urinary TFF3 concentration (ELISA and Luminex) and a negative association between eGFR and urinary (ELISA) and serum (Luminex) TFF3 concentration in patients on the first and second days after kidney transplantation. We noted significant correlations between eGFR and TFF3 levels in the serum and urine of patients determined by the two methods six months and one year after transplantation. In women, we observed that urinary TFF3 concentration increased significantly with increasing creatinine and that with increasing eGFR, urinary TFF3 concentration determined by two methods decreased significantly. In the present study, the choice of diagnostic method for the determination of TFF3 in serum and urine significantly affected the concentration of this biomarker. The values of this parameter determined by ELISA were higher than those assessed using the Luminex assay. Based on the presented results, we can conclude that TFF3 has great potential to monitor renal transplant patients. Determination of this protein in parallel with creatinine and eGFR levels in serum and urine may provide helpful diagnostic information.
Dysbindin Domain-Containing 1 in Prostate Cancer: New Insights into Bioinformatic Validation of Molecular and Immunological Features
Authors: Tram Van Thi Ngoc , Khoa Ta Hoang Dang , Anuraga Gangga , Dung Phan Vu Thuy , Xuan Do Thi Minh , Dey Sanskriti , Wang Chih-Yang , Liu Yen-Nien
Published: July 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers in men, yet its pathogenic pathways remain poorly understood. Transcriptomics and high-throughput sequencing can help uncover cancer diagnostic targets and understand biological circuits. Using prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) datasets of various web-based applications (GEPIA, UALCAN, cBioPortal, SR Plot, hTFtarget, Genome Browser, and MetaCore), we found that upregulated dysbindin domain-containing 1 (DBNDD1) expression in primary prostate tumors was strongly correlated with pathways involving the cell cycle, mitotic in KEGG, WIKI, and REACTOME database, and transcription factor-binding sites with the DBNDD1 gene in prostate samples. DBNDD1 gene expression was influenced by sample type, cancer stage, and promoter methylation levels of different cancers, such as PRAD, liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Regulation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β in bipolar disorder and ATP/ITP/GTP/XTP/TTP/CTP/UTP metabolic pathways was closely correlated with the DBNDD1 gene and its co-expressed genes in PCa. DBNDD1 gene expression was positively associated with immune infiltration of B cells, Myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC), M2 macrophages, andneutrophil, whereas negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells, T follicular helper cells, M1 macrophages, and NK cells in PCa. These findings suggest that DBNDD1 may serve as a viable prognostic marker not only for early-stage PCa but also for immunotherapies.
Time-Course and Tissue-Specific Molecular Responses to Acute Thermal Stress in Japanese Mantis Shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Sha Zhongli , Cheng Jiao
Published: July 2023

Current understanding of adaptability to high temperatures is increasingly important as extreme weather events that can trigger immediate physiological stress in organisms have occurred more frequently. Here, we tracked transcriptomic responses of gills, hepatopancreas, and muscle to acute thermal exposure at 30 °C for 0.5, 6, and 12 h in an economically important crustacean, Oratosquilla oratoria, to gain a preliminary understanding of the tissue-specific and dynamic physiological regulation process under acute heat stress. The unique physiological responses of muscle, hepatopancreas, and gills to acute thermal stress were associated with protein degradation, lipid transport, and energy metabolism in O. oratoria, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed transcripts and heat-responsive gene clusters revealed a biphasic protective responsiveness of O. oratoria developed from the early responses of signal transduction, immunity, and cytoskeleton reorganization to the responses dominated by protein turnover and energy metabolism at the mid-late stages under acute heat stress. Noteworthy, trend analysis revealed a consistently upregulated expression pattern of high molecular weight heat shock protein (HSP) family members (HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90) during the entire thermal exposure process, highlighting their importance for maintaining heat resistance in O. oratoria. Documenting the whole process of transcriptional responses at fine temporal resolution will contribute to a far-reaching comprehension of plastic responses to acute heat stress in crustaceans, which is critical in the context of a changing climate.
Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Maya Jessica
Published: July 2023

Millions globally suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The inflammatory symptoms, illness onset, recorded outbreak events, and physiological variations provide strong indications that ME/CFS, at least sometimes, has an infectious origin, possibly resulting in a chronic unidentified viral infection. Meanwhile, studies exposing generalized metabolic disruptions in ME/CFS have stimulated interest in isolated immune cells with an altered metabolic state. As the metabolism dictates the cellular function, dissecting the biomechanics of dysfunctional immune cells in ME/CFS can uncover states such as exhaustion, senescence, or anergy, providing insights into the consequences of these phenotypes in this disease. Despite the similarities that are seen metabolically between ME/CFS and other chronic viral infections that result in an exhausted immune cell state, immune cell exhaustion has not yet been verified in ME/CFS. This review explores the evidence for immunometabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS T cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations, comparing ME/CFS metabolic and functional features to dysfunctional immune cell states, and positing whether anergy, exhaustion, or senescence could be occurring in distinct immune cell populations in ME/CFS, which is consistent with the hypothesis that ME/CFS is a chronic viral disease. This comprehensive review of the ME/CFS immunometabolic literature identifies CD8+ T cell exhaustion as a probable contender, underscores the need for further investigation into the dysfunctional state of CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and explores the functional implications of molecular findings in these immune-cell types. Comprehending the cause and impact of ME/CFS immune cell dysfunction is critical to understanding the physiological mechanisms of ME/CFS, and developing effective treatments to alleviate the burden of this disabling condition.
Nutritional Interventions with Bacillus coagulans Improved Glucose Metabolism and Hyperinsulinemia in Mice with Acute Intermittent Porphyria
Authors: Longo Miriam , Jericó Daniel , Córdoba Karol , Riezu-Boj José , Urtasun Raquel , Solares Isabel , Sampedro Ana , Collantes María , Peñuelas Ivan , Moreno-Aliaga María , Ávila Matías , Di Pierro Elena , Barajas Miguel , Milagro Fermín , Dongiovanni Paola , Fontanellas Antonio
Published: July 2023

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a metabolic disorder caused by mutations in the porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) gene, encoding the third enzyme of the heme synthesis pathway. Although AIP is characterized by low clinical penetrance (~1% of PBGD mutation carriers), patients with clinically stable disease report chronic symptoms and frequently show insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial impact of nutritional interventions on correct carbohydrate dysfunctions in a mouse model of AIP that reproduces insulin resistance and altered glucose metabolism. The addition of spores of Bacillus coagulans in drinking water for 12 weeks modified the gut microbiome composition in AIP mice, ameliorated glucose tolerance and hyperinsulinemia, and stimulated fat disposal in adipose tissue. Lipid breakdown may be mediated by muscles burning energy and heat dissipation by brown adipose tissue, resulting in a loss of fatty tissue and improved lean/fat tissue ratio. Probiotic supplementation also improved muscle glucose uptake, as measured using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) analysis. In conclusion, these data provide a proof of concept that probiotics, as a dietary intervention in AIP, induce relevant changes in intestinal bacteria composition and improve glucose uptake and muscular energy utilization. Probiotics may offer a safe, efficient, and cost-effective option to manage people with insulin resistance associated with AIP.
Comparison between Gibson–Cooke and Macroduct Methods in the Cystic Fibrosis Neonatal Screening Program and in Subjects Who Are Cystic Fibrosis Screen-Positive with an Inconclusive Diagnosis
Authors: Dolce Daniela , Fevola Cristina , Camera Erica , Orioli Tommaso , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Malanima Marco Andrea , Taccetti Giovanni , Terlizzi Vito
Published: July 2023

The sweat test (ST) is the current diagnostic gold standard for cystic fibrosis (CF). Many CF centres have switched from the Gibson–Cooke method to the Macroduct system-based method. We used these methods simultaneously to compare CF screening outcomes. STs using both methods were performed simultaneously between March and December 2022 at CF Centre in Florence. We included newborns who underwent newborn bloodspot screening (NBS), newborns undergoing transfusion immediately after birth, and children with CF screen-positive, inconclusive diagnosis (CFSPID). We assessed 72 subjects (median age 4.4 months; range 0–76.7): 30 (41.7%) NBS-positive, 18 (25.0%) newborns who underwent transfusion, and 24 (33.3%) children with CFSPID. No significant differences were found between valid sample numbers, by patient ages and groups (p = 0.10) and between chloride concentrations (p = 0.13), except for sweat chloride (SC) measured by the Gibson–Cooke and Macroduct methods in CFSPID group (29.0, IQR: 20.0–48.0 and 22.5, IQR: 15.5–30.8, respectively; p = 0.01). The Macroduct and Gibson–Cooke methods showed substantial agreement with the SC values, except for CFSPID, whose result may depend on the method of sweat collection. In case of invalid values with Macroduct, the test should be repeated with Gibson–Cooke method.
Increased Phenoloxidase Activity Constitutes the Main Defense Strategy of Trichoplusia ni Larvae against Fungal Entomopathogenic Infections
Authors: Duffield Kristin R. , Rosales Alayna M. , Muturi Ephantus J. , Behle Robert W. , Ramirez José L.
Published: July 2023

The cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni is an important agricultural pest worldwide and is frequently used as a model organism for assessing entomopathogenic fungi virulence, though few studies have measured the host response repertoire to fungal biocontrol agents. Here, we quantified the immune response of T. ni larvae following exposure to two entomopathogenic fungal species: Beauveria bassiana and Cordyceps javanica. Results from our study demonstrate that T. ni larvae exposed to fungal entomopathogens had higher total phenoloxidase activity compared to controls, indicating that the melanization cascade is one of the main immune components driving defense against fungal infection and contrasting observations from other insect–fungi interaction studies. We also observed differences in host response depending on the species of entomopathogenic fungi, with significantly higher induction observed during infections with B. bassiana than with C. javanica. Larvae exposed to B. bassiana had an increased expression of genes involved in prophenoloxidase response and the Imd, JNK, and Jak/STAT immune signaling pathways. Our results indicate a notable absence of Toll pathway-related responses, further contrasting results to other insect–fungi pathosystems. Important differences were also observed in the induction of antimicrobial effectors, with B. bassiana infections eliciting three antimicrobial effectors (lysozyme, gloverin, and cecropin), while C. javanica only induced cecropin expression. These results provide insight into the host response strategies employed by T. ni for protection against entomopathogenic fungi and increase our understanding of insect–fungal entomopathogen interactions, aiding in the design of more effective microbial control strategies for this important agricultural pest.
Changes in the Cath Lab in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Congenital Heart Disease: A 12-Year Experience in a Single Referral Center with the Establishment of a Dedicated Working Group
Authors: Gagliardi Maria Giulia , Formigari Roberto , Perrone Marco Alfonso , Pomiato Elettra , Fanisio Francesca , Panebianco Mario , Barracano Rosaria , Guccione Paolo , Palmieri Rosalinda , Raponi Massimiliano , Galletti Lorenzo
Published: July 2023

Background: Adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are a growing population needing ongoing care. The aim of this study was to investigate if a dedicated ACHD team impacted the timing and indication of invasive cardiology procedures in these patients at our hospital. Methods: Our retrospective single-center study enrolled adult patients with moderate or complex congenital heart disease and with at least one cardiac catheterization between January 2010 and December 2021. According to the period, procedures were labeled as group A (2010 to 2015) or group B (2016 to 2021) and further divided into diagnostic (DCC) and interventional cardiac catheterizations (ICC). Results: 594 patients were eligible for the study. Both DCC (p < 0.05) and ICC increased between groups A and B (p < 0.05). In group B: Fontan patients accounted for the majority of DCC (p < 0.001), while DCC decreased in arterial switch repair (p < 0.001). In Fontan patients, conduit stenting was prevalent (p < 0.001), while fenestration closures dropped (p < 0.01). In patients with tetralogy of Fallot and native outflow tract, percutaneous pulmonary valve implantations (PPVI) increased, with a concurrent reduction in pulmonary valve replacements (p < 0.001 vs. surgical series). In right ventricular conduits, ICC increased (p < 0.01), mainly due to PPVI. Among Mustard/Senning patients, baffle stenting increased from Group A to Group B (p < 0.001). In patients with pulmonary atresia and biventricular repair, ICC often increased for pulmonary artery stenting. Conclusions: A dedicated working group could improve ACHD patients’ indications for interventional procedures, leading to tailored treatment, better risk stratification and optimizing time until heart transplantation.
Neurodynamic Techniques in the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zaheer Sheikh Azka , Ahmed Zubair
Published: July 2023

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the main nerves in the wrist area that causes numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and arm. CTS affects 5% of the general population and results in pain in the wrist due to repetitive use, most commonly affecting women and office workers. Conservative management of CTS includes neurodynamic modulation to promote median nerve gliding during upper limb movements to maintain normal function. However, evidence for the benefits of neurodynamic modulation found disparities, and hence, the effectiveness of neurodynamic modulation remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically review the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to establish the effectiveness of neurodynamic techniques as a non-surgical treatment option for CTS. Using the PRISMA guidelines, two authors searched four electronic databases, and studies were included if they conformed to pre-established eligibility criteria. Primary outcome measures included outcomes from the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire, while secondary outcomes included nerve conduction velocity, pain, and grip strength. Quality assessment was completed using the Cochrane RoB2 form, and a meta-analysis was performed to assess heterogeneity. Twelve RCTs met our inclusion/exclusion criteria with assessments on 1003 participants in the treatment and control arms. High heterogeneity and some risks of bias were observed between studies, but the results of the meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in our primary outcome, the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire-symptom severity scale (mean difference = −1.20, 95% CI [−1.72, −0.67], p < 0.00001) and the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire-functional severity scale (mean difference = −1.06, 95% CI [−1.53, −0.60], p < 0.00001). Secondary outcomes such as sensory and motor conduction velocity increased significantly, while motor latency was significantly reduced, all positively favoring neurodynamic techniques. Pain was also significantly reduced, but grip strength was not significantly different. Our systematic review demonstrates significant benefits of neurodynamic modulation techniques to treat CTS and specifically that it reduces symptom severity, pain, and motor latency, while at the same time improving nerve conduction velocities. Hence, our study demonstrates a clear benefit of neurodynamic techniques to improve recovery CTS.
Persistently High Levels of Coagulation Factor XI as a Risk Factor for Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Spiezia Luca , Forestan Chiara , Campello Elena , Simion Chiara , Simioni Paolo
Published: July 2023

Coagulation factor XI (FXI) promotes fibrin formation and inhibits fibrinolysis. Elevated plasma FXI levels, limited to a single measurement, are associated with a higher thrombotic risk. Our case–control study aimed to identify the effect of persistently increased plasma FXI levels on the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). All patients evaluated between January 2016 and January 2018 for a first episode of proximal DVT of the lower extremity were considered for enrolment. Plasma FXI levels were measured at least 1 month after the discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment (T1). The patients with increased plasma FXI levels (>90th percentile of controls) were tested again 3 months later (T2). Among the 200 enrolled patients (M/F 114/86, age range 26–87 years), 47 patients had increased plasma FXI levels at T1 and16 patients had persistently increased plasma FXI levels at T2. The adjusted odds ratio for DVT was 2.4 (95% CI, 1.3 to 5.5, p < 0.001) for patients with increased FXI levels at T1 and 5.2 (95% CI, 2.3 to 13.2, p < 0.001) for patients with persistently high FXI levels at T2. Elevated FXI levels constitute a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis, and this risk nearly doubled in patients with persistently increased plasma FXI levels. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.
A Multi-Resolution MPS/FEM Coupling Method for Three-Dimensional Fluid–Structure Interaction Analysis
Authors: Zheng Zumei , Zhou Shasha , Chen Jun , Mitsume Naoto , Chen Shunhua
Published: July 2023

This work aims to propose an efficient MPS/FEM coupling method for the simulation of fluid–structure interaction (FSI), where the MPS and FEM are respectively employed to account for fluid flows and structural deformation. The main idea of our method is to develop a multi-scale multi-resolution MPS method for efficient fluid simulations in the context of MPS/FEM coupling. In the developed multi-scale MPS method, the fluid domain is discretized into particles of different resolutions before calculation, where particles close to the interest domain will be discretized into high resolution, while the rest are discretized into low resolution. A large particle interacting with small particles is divided into several small particles virtually, and weight functions are redefined to maintain the simulation stability. A bucket-sort-based algorithm is developed for the fast search of multi-resolution neighboring particles. The capacity of a newly proposed ghost cell boundary model is further enhanced, so as to accurately treat wall boundary problems with particles of different resolutions. On this basis, the multi-resolution MPS method is coupled with the FEM for FSI simulations. Finally, several numerical examples are conducted to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the development method.
Spatial Difference in the Marine Algal Community of Yeongil Bay Inner and Outer Areas on the East Coast of Korea
Authors: Park Se Jeong , Jung Seung Wook , Han Seung Yeop , Choi Chang Geun
Published: July 2023

This study examined the seasonal and spatial changes in the marine algal community structure in the outer and inner areas of the intertidal zone of Yeongil Bay. A seasonal survey was conducted at 13 intertidal sites in Yeongil Bay between August 2021 and July 2022. Algal samples were collected using a destructive approach, and the marine algal community was analyzed based on species composition, biomass, and the important value (IV) index. To confirm the differences between the outer and inner areas, ANOSIM and SIMPER analyses were conducted based on the biomass and IV indices of the marine algal species. The marine algal communities in the outer and inner areas of Yeongil Bay differed because of the high contribution of Ulva spp., as determined using the IV index. Our findings suggest that there was an influx of nutrients into Yeongil Bay from the Hyeongsan River, which had remained in the inner area for an extended period because of the slow current. This allowed Ulva spp., an opportunistic species, to bloom quickly and dominate the marine algal communities in the inner area. These results indicate a difference in the structure of marine algal communities between the outer and inner areas owing to the proliferation of Ulva spp. Therefore, Ulva spp. can be used as a target species to monitor the marine environment of Yeongil Bay.
A Study of Wind Stress Effects on the Vertical Eddy Viscosity Coefficient Using the Ekman Model with Data Assimilation
Authors: Luo Cheng , Gao Guandong , Xu Minjie , Yin Baoshu , Lv Xianqing
Published: July 2023

The vertical eddy viscosity coefficient (VEVC) is an important parameter used in ocean dynamics studies to describe the intensity of mixing in the vertical direction and the process of momentum transport. In this paper, an adjoint assimilation method was used to invert the VEVC, based on the Ekman model, with the measured wind field and current data. The main purpose was to study the effect of changes in the background wind field on VEVC, and thus investigate the role of wind stress in the inversion process. The results indicated that the inverse vertical eddy viscosity coefficient increased slightly at the surface layer, reaching its maximum at around 10–12 m, and then decreased monotonically with depth. The maximum VEVC value corresponds to different depths for different wind speed ranges. Additionally, wind steering could affect the VEVC inversion curve, causing it to deviate from the general trend. The kinetic energy ratio increased with depth, peaked at 18–20 m, and then rapidly decreased to nearly zero beyond 24 m. The impact of wind field strength and steering on VEVC was observed in the kinetic energy ratio curve, which confirms the speculative wind stress effect. This study revealed the characteristics and mechanisms of VEVC in coastal waters under different wind conditions, which could provide a reference for further research on physical oceanography.
Assessing the In Vitro Potential of Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone®) as a Chemotherapeutic Candidate for the Treatment of Cryptococcus neoformans Infection
Authors: Alves Vinicius , Martins Pedro Henrique , Miranda Bruna , de Andrade Iara Bastos , Pereira Luiza , Maeda Christina Takiya , de Sousa Araújo Glauber Ribeiro , Frases Susana
Published: July 2023

Cryptococcosis is a systemic mycosis affecting immunosuppressed individuals, caused by various Cryptococcus species. The current treatment utilizes a combination of antifungal drugs, but issues such as nephrotoxicity, restricted or limited availability in certain countries, and resistance limit their effectiveness. Repurposing approved drugs presents a viable strategy for developing new antifungal options. This study investigates the potential of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®) as a chemotherapy candidate for Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Various techniques are employed to evaluate the effects of glatiramer acetate on the fungus, including microdilution, XTT analysis, electron and light microscopy, and physicochemical measurements. The results demonstrate that glatiramer acetate exhibits antifungal properties, with an IC50 of 0.470 mg/mL and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, it promotes enhanced cell aggregation, facilitates biofilm formation, and increases the secretion of fungal polysaccharides. These findings indicate that glatiramer acetate not only shows an antifungal effect but also modulates the key virulence factor—the polysaccharide capsule. In summary, repurposing glatiramer acetate as a potential chemotherapy option offers new prospects for combating C. neoformans infection. It addresses the limitations associated with current antifungal therapies by providing an alternative treatment approach.
Electronic Payment Behaviors of Consumers under Digital Transformation in Finance—A Case Study of Third-Party Payments
Authors: Lin Lan-Hui , Lin Feng-Chen , Lien Chih-Kang , Yang Tung-Chin , Chuang Yao-Kai , Hsu Yi-Wen
Published: July 2023

In the digital era, new financial technologies and big data are accelerating the development of financial transactions. With the rise of e-commerce transactions, the financial industry has come to recognize that banking as a service can be seamlessly integrated into any scenario, thanks to disruptive innovation driven by electronic and third-party payments. This study aims to examine the consumer acceptance of third-party payment systems offered by electronic payment platforms for e-commerce, as well as their continued usage in the context of digital transformation in finance. This study employed the questionnaire survey method, and it distributed questionnaires to consumers who have used third-party payment systems. A total of 332 valid questionnaires were collected. The results indicate that user acceptance of innovative technologies and various external variables (e.g., the user’s external environment, internal characteristics, and information system quality) were significantly positively correlated with perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioral intention regarding the electronic payment behaviors of consumers. Based on the empirical results, this study proposes important managerial implications for the financial industry and e-commerce platforms in promoting electronic payment innovation.
Addressing Symptom Burden and Palliative Care Needs in Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: DiFiglia Stephanie , Dhingra Lara , Georgiopoulos Anna M. , Papia Katherine , Sullivan Erin , Plachta Amy , Boccio Courtney , Portenoy Russell , Basile Melissa
Published: July 2023

Among people with cystic fibrosis (CF), illness burden is multifaceted, and symptoms may fluctuate in intensity across a lifespan. Caregivers of people with CF may also experience distressing symptoms. Recent developments in CF care, including the availability of highly effective modulator therapies (HEMTs) and new palliative care guidelines promoting palliative care screening may help alleviate symptoms. The objective of this review was to present a narrative view of the recent literature on symptom burden in CF, new screening approaches informed by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) palliative care guidelines, and early data from studies examining the impact of HEMTs on CF symptom burden. A review of the relevant literature was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed. Included articles covered approaches to burden assessment in CF and other chronic illnesses, epidemiology of CF symptom burden, the impact of HEMTs on symptom burden, and the CFF palliative care guidelines. A primary palliative care model implementing the CFF guidelines was also described. Results of this review show that while recent developments in CF care have led to a reduction in physical symptoms, mental health symptoms remain prevalent. Ongoing screening and triage can ensure that physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, social needs, practical problems, and communication concerns are addressed by care teams.
Gypsum-Based Humidity-Control Material: Preparation, Performance and Its Impact on Building Energy Consumption
Authors: Li Xi , Ran Maoyu
Published: July 2023

This paper introduces a new type of gypsum-based humidity-control material. The material combines gypsum–silica gel humidity-control material with 20% sepiolite powder activated by calcium chloride. Both experimental and simulation studies were conducted to assess its humidity-control performance. The experimental results indicate that gypsum-based humidity-control material has the property of absorbing moisture in high-humidity environments and releasing moisture in low-humidity environments. Moreover, both environmental temperature and relative humidity (RH) have an impact on the material’s humidity-control performance. At a relative humidity of 97.4%, the maximum equilibrium moisture content of the material is 0.225 g/g, which is 1.4 times that of the gypsum–silica gel humidity-control material and 4.5 times that of pure gypsum material. The simulation results indicate that gypsum-based humidity-control material effectively mitigates indoor relative humidity fluctuations and maintains indoor air relative humidity within a narrow range. Furthermore, the material has the potential to reduce building energy consumption. This is especially evident under climate conditions with large temperature and relative humidity differences between day and night, such as in Beijing, Paris, and Atlanta. The maximum potential energy-saving rate in Beijing can reach up to 19.31%.
Corrosion Resistance of Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum-Magnesium Coatings in Atmosphere on the Territory of Russia
Authors: Panchenko Yulia M. , Marshakov Andrey I. , Igonin Timofey N. , Nenasheva Tatyana A. , Nikolaeva Ludmila A. , Ivanenko Artem A.
Published: July 2023

Zinc-coated carbon steel is commonly used in the construction of buildings, infrastructure objects such as roads and bridges, automotive production, etc. Coatings based on zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloys that may have better corrosion resistance than zinc have been developed. The coatings made of the new alloys have been available on the market for a shorter period of time than conventional zinc coatings. This paper presents data on the corrosion resistance of zinc and zinc-aluminum-magnesium coatings on carbon steel obtained by tests in four locations in Russia with marine and non-marine atmospheres. Four one-year exposures at the beginning of each season and two-year tests were performed. It is shown that the corrosion resistance of the coatings depends significantly on the beginning of the exposure. The categories of atmosphere corrosivity in relation to the coatings were determined at each location. Based on the dose–response function (DRF) for zinc developed for the territory of Russia, DRFs for the coatings were obtained. A match between the categories of atmosphere corrosivity determined by the first-year corrosion losses and estimated from the values of corrosion losses calculated using the DRF is shown. Based on the data of two-year tests, the variation in the corrosion rate over time is obtained. The corrosion rates of the coatings in the territory of Russia are compared to the corrosion rates of coatings observed in various locations around the world. An approximate estimate of the service life of the coatings at the test sites is given.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-Si Alloys Produced by Rapid Solidification and Hot Extrusion
Authors: Noga Piotr , Skrzekut Tomasz , Wędrychowicz Maciej
Published: July 2023

The paper presents the results of tests of rapid solidification (RS) aluminum alloys with the addition of silicon (5%, 11%, and 20%). Casting by melt-spinning on the surface of an intensively cooled copper cylinder allowed to obtain a metallic material in the form of flakes, which were then consolidated in the process of pressing and direct extrusion. The effect of refinement on structural components after rapid solidification was determined. Rapidly solidified AlSi materials are characterized by a comparable size of Si particles, regardless of the silicon content, and the shape of these particles is close to spheroidal. Not only Si particles are fragmented, but also the Al-Si-Fe phase, which also changed its shape from irregular with sharp edges to regular and spherical. The melt-spinning process resulted in a fine-grained structure compared to materials obtained by gravity-casting and extrusion. The influence of the high-temperature compression test on the mechanical properties of rapidly solidified materials was analyzed, and the results were compared with those of gravity-cast materials. An increase in strength properties was found in the case of the AlSi5 RS alloy by 20%, in the case of AlSi11RS by 25%, and in the case of the alloy containing 20% Si by as much as 86% (tensile test). On the basis of the homogeneity of the particle distribution determined by the SEM method, it was found that rapid solidification is an effective method of increasing the strength properties and improving the plastic properties of Al-Si alloys.
Study of the Influence of the Irradiation Flux Density on the Formation of a Defect Structure in AlN in the Case of the Effect of Overlapping of the Heavy Ion Motion Trajectories in the Near-Surface Layer
Authors: Bikhert Yeugeniy V. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Popov Anatoli I. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: July 2023

The aim of this paper is to test the previously stated hypothesis and several experimental facts about the effect of the ion flux or ion beam current under irradiation with heavy ions on the radiation damage formation in the ceramic near-surface layer and their concentration. The hypothesis is that, when considering the possibilities of using ion irradiation (usually with heavy ions) for radiation damage simulation at a given depth, comparable to neutron irradiation, it is necessary to consider the rate factor for the set of atomic displacements and their accumulation. Using the methods of X-ray diffraction analysis, Raman and UV–Vis spectroscopy, alongside photoluminescence, the mechanisms of defect formation in the damaged layer were studied by varying the current of the Xe23+ ion beam with an energy of 230 MeV. As a result of the experimental data obtained, it was found that, with the ion beam current elevation upon the irradiation of nitride ceramics (AlN) with heavy Xe23+ ions, structural changes have a pronounced dependence on the damage accumulation rate. At the same time, the variation of the ion beam current affects the main mechanisms of defect formation in the near-surface layer. It has been found that at high values of flux ions, the dominant mechanism in damage to the surface layer is the mechanism of the formation of vacancy defects associated with the replacement of nitrogen atoms by oxygen atoms, as well as the formation of ON–VAl complexes.
Effect of Convective Cooling on the Temperature in a Friction System with Functionally Graded Strip
Authors: Yevtushenko Aleksander , Kuciej Michał , Topczewska Katarzyna , Zamojski Przemysław
Published: July 2023

An exact solution of the boundary-value problem of heat conduction was obtained with consideration of heat generation due to friction and convective cooling for the strip/semi-space system. Analytical solutions to this problem are known for the case with both friction elements made of homogeneous materials or a composite layer with a micro-periodic structure. However, in this study, the strip is made of a two-component functionally gradient material (FGM). In addition, the exact, asymptotic solutions were also determined at small and large values of the Fourier number. By means of Duhamel’s theorem, it was shown that the developed solution for a constant friction power allows to obtain appropriate solutions with a changing time profile of this value during heating. Numerical analysis in dimensionless form was carried out for the FGM (ZrO2—Ti-6Al-4V) strip in combination with the cast iron semi-space. The influence of the convective cooling intensity (Biot number) on the temperature field in the considered friction system was investigated. The developed mathematical model allows for a quick estimation of the maximum temperature of systems, in which one of the elements (FGM strip) is heated on the friction surface and cooled by convection on the free surface.
Demagnetization Parameters Evaluation of Magnetic Shields Based on Anhysteretic Magnetization Curve
Authors: Yang Jianzhi , Shi Minxia , Zhang Xu , Ma Yuzheng , Liu Yijin , Yuan Shuai , Han Bangcheng
Published: July 2023

To achieve the nearly zero-field environment, demagnetization is an indispensable step for magnetic shields composed of high-permeability material, which adjusts the magnetization of the material to establish magnetic equilibrium with the environmental field and improve the shielding performance. The ideal demagnetization can make the high-permeability material on the anhysteretic magnetization curve to have a higher permeability than on the initial magnetization curve. However, inappropriate parameters of degaussing field cause the magnetization state to deviate from the anhysteretic magnetization curve. Therefore, this article proposes a new assessment criterion to analyze and evaluate the parameters of degaussing field based on the difference between the final magnetization state after demagnetization and theoretical anhysteretic state of the shielding material. By this way, the magnetization states after demagnetizations with different initial amplitude, frequency, period number and envelope attenuation function are calculated based on the dynamic Jiles–Atherton (J–A) model, and their magnetization curves under these demagnetization conditions are also measured and compared, respectively. The lower frequency, appropriate amplitude, sufficient period number and logarithmic envelope attenuation function can make the magnetization state after demagnetization closer to the ideal value, which is also consistent with the static magnetic-shielding performance of a booth-type magnetically shielded room (MSR) under different demagnetization condition.
Repeated Collision of a Planar Robotic Arm with a Surface Using Generalized Active Forces
Authors: Akhan Ahmet Faruk , Zhao Jing , Tarnita Daniela , Marghitu Dan B.
Published: July 2023

The periodic impact of a planar two-arm robot is investigated in this study. Lagrange’s equations of motion are developed, and the symbolic expression of the generalized active forces are used for the control torques. The actuator torques derived with generalized active forces are compared with PD and PID controllers. The robot collides with a rebound on a rough surface. Different nonlinear functions describe the three stages of the impact: elastic compression, elasto-plastic compression, and elastic restitution. A Coulomb model describes the friction force and the sliding velocity at the impact point. At the end of the impact period, the kinetic energy of the non-impacting link is increasing, and the total kinetic energy of the robot decreases. The motion of the robot with generalized active forces controllers is periodic. The important implication of this study is the generalized forces controller and the impact with friction for the periodic robot.
On the Application of Neural Networks Trained with FEM Data for the Identification of Stiffness Parameters of Improved Mechanical Beam Joints
Authors: Badea Francisco , Perez JesusAngel , Ozenli Fikret Can , Olazagoitia José Luis
Published: July 2023

Even though beam-type elements are widely adopted in the industry due to their low computational cost and potential time savings when modeling, they present a significant shortcoming given by their own formulation, which makes them incapable of accounting for local joint topology, which has a notable influence on the behavior of these structures. In this scenario, solutions that can mitigate this drawback while still providing improved results with simple models are of special interest. Many research works have focused on joint-specific approaches, as reflected in the literature. This paper introduces a novel generally improved beam model. This model uniquely features 4 nodes, 12 elastic elements, and 1 beam, contrasting starkly with the conventional beam elements that consist of merely 2 nodes and 1 element. This innovative model enhances the adaptability of modeled structures at the joint level. Crucially, it necessitates a methodology for the precise estimation of the elastic elements at the joint level. This article explores the capabilities of artificial neural networks for predicting the stiffness values derived from the calculated displacements at specific points within a complete structure. This research provides a complete analysis of the proposed methodology showing the significant limitations encountered for ANN when predicting finite element methodology (FEM)-derived values. The results and findings obtained in the article serve as a valuable reference paving the way for future studies involving finite element models and artificial neural networks.
Optimization of a Two-Echelon Supply Chain Considering Consumer Low-Carbon Preference
Authors: Shi Ying , Li Xin
Published: July 2023

This paper considers a fresh food supply chain with a supplier who takes responsibility for the cold chain and a retailer who needs to reprocess the fresh food. Carbon emissions will be produced in the processes of production, transportation, processing, etc. We consider the four-stage game, obtain the function expressions of optimal market prices with respect to carbon emission reduction level (CERL), analyze the best responses of the supplier and the retailer regarding their CERLs, and obtain the 25 optimal CERLs under competitive equilibrium. In 24 of the 25 equilibrium cases, the supplier or the retailer either do nothing to reduce carbon emissions, or make the most effort to reduce carbon emissions. Excluding these special cases, we focused on a non-trivial case where the increasing consumer preferences for low-carbon products will encourage the supplier and the retailer to reduce carbon emissions. Interestingly, we find that when the consumer preference for low-carbon products is low, the retailer’s and supplier’s equilibrium carbon reduction levels are low, so that the potential market size is small such that the competition for two kinds of customers is fierce. Then, an increase in the sale cost will reduce the retail price. However, when the consumer preference for low-carbon products is high, the potential market size is large such that the competition is not fierce. Then, an increase in the sale cost will advance the retail price.
Economic Power Dispatch of a Grid-Tied Photovoltaic-Based Energy Management System: Co-Optimization Approach
Authors: Adenuga Olukorede Tijani , Krishnamurthy Senthil
Published: July 2023

The requirement for the integration of power plants due to the cyclical rise in electrical energy consumption is due to the fluctuating load demand experienced with the current grid systems. This integration necessitates effectively allocating loads to the power plants for a minimum grid-tied transmission line cost, while meeting the network constraints. In this paper, we formulate an optimization problem of minimizing the total operational cost of all committed plants transmitted to the grid, while also meeting the network constraints and ensuring economic power dispatch (EPD) and energy management system co-optimization. The developed particle swarm optimization (PSO) method resolves the optimization problem using a piecewise quadratic function to describe the operational cost of the generation units, and the B coefficient approach is employed to estimate the transmission losses. Intelligent adjustments are made to the acceleration coefficients, and a brand-new algorithm is suggested for distributing the initial power values to the generation units. The developed economic power dispatch strategy successfully demonstrated an imperative cost reduction, with a connected load of 850 MW, 1263 MW, and 2630 MW of power demand, contrasted with previous PSO application cost values percentage, maximum yearly cost savings of (0.55%, 91.87), (46.55%, 3.78), and (73.86%, 89.10), respectively, and significant environmental benefits. The proposed co-optimization approach can significantly enhance the self-consumption ratio compared to the baseline method.