bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Guidelines for Battery Energy Storage System Deployment: Regulatory Framework, Incentives, and Market Planning
Authors: Filho Roberto Dias , Monteiro Amanda C. M. , Costa Tatiane , Vasconcelos Andrea , Rode Ana Clara , Marinho Manoel
Published: October 2023

This research addresses strategic recommendations regarding the applications of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the context of the deregulated electricity market. The main emphasis is on regulatory dimensions, incentive mechanisms, and the provision of marketable storage services. The study’s findings demonstrate that battery energy storage systems (BESS) have distinct characteristics that challenge their conventional classification as a load or generator within power systems. The study additionally emphasizes the insights, lessons learned, and good practices gained from early adopter countries in implementing energy storage systems (ESS). These insights include the importance of establishing a precise definition of ESS, promoting collaborative engagement with relevant stakeholders, and developing a series of incentive strategies. The results show that nations that pioneered BESS’s application in their electricity matrices have effectively promoted storage services in deregulated markets, employing storage assets for various purposes such as peak reduction, frequency regulation, renewable energy support, and energy arbitrage applications. These applications underline the potential of BESS to increase grid stability and minimize exposure to risk and volatility in the revenues of storage agents in deregulated markets.
An Experimental Investigation on the Size Distribution of Snow Particles during Artificial Snow Making
Authors: Zhao Wei , Li Zheng , Zhang Hua , Su Mingxu , Liu Zhenzhen , Chen Pengju , Han Yaqian
Published: October 2023

For artificial snowfall, snow particle size can have a direct impact on snow quality. The operating conditions of the snow-makers and environmental factors will influence the atomization and crystallization processes of artificial snow making, which consequently affect snow particle size. This paper investigates the size distribution of snow particles during artificial snow making under different operating conditions and environmental parameters. For this purpose, an environmental chamber is designed and structured. The laser scattering method was used to measure the size distribution of snow under different parameters in the room. The results show that the distribution of snow crystal particle size aligns closely with the Rosin–Rammler (R-R) distribution. The higher the height of the snowfall, the longer the snow crystals grow and the larger the snow crystal particle size. It has been found that a higher air pressure favors atomization, while the opposite is true for water pressure, which results in a higher air–water pressure ratio, producing smaller snow particle sizes. Additionally, an ambient temperature in the range of −5 °C to −15 °C contributes to the snow crystal form transforming from plates to columns and then back to plates; the snow particle size first decreases and then increases. Snow crystal particles at −10 °C have the smallest size. Outdoor snow-makers should be operated at the highest possible air–water pressure ratio and snow height, and at a suitable ambient temperature.
Study on the Pitch Angle Effect on the Power Coefficient and Blade Fatigue Load of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Hao Wenxing , Abdi Abdulshakur , Wang Guobiao , Wu Fuzhong
Published: October 2023

For vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), the increase of the incoming wind speed higher than the rated value will make the tip speed ratio (TSR) lower and lower, resulting in the blade fatigue load becoming more and more severe and the power coefficient weakening gradually. This paper explores whether varying the pitch with the TSR decrease is necessary for improving the power coefficient and reducing the fatigue load. Specifically, the pitch angle effect on the power coefficient and fatigue load of a VAWT at different TSRs was studied by the computational fluid dynamics method. The results show that the optimal pitch angle in terms of the power coefficient varies with the TSR, which means that varying the pitch with the TSR decrease can improve the power coefficient. Meanwhile, the principle to guide the pitch variation is to avoid flow separation in the downwind zone and minimize the angles of attack (AoAs) in the upwind zone. At the lowest TSR of 1.7 in the present work, varying the pitch from the optimal one in terms of the power coefficient reduced the blade normal force amplitude significantly, which is mainly attributed to avoiding the vortex–blade encounter and minimizing the AoAs in the downwind zone. The vortex–blade encounter at the lowest TSR is an important phenomenon related to the variation of the blade torque and blade normal force and will weaken and disappear with the pitch angle increase.
State-of-Charge Estimation of Nickel–Cadmium Batteries Based on Dynamic Modeling of Electrical Characteristics and Adaptive Untrace Kalman Filtering
Authors: Meng Meng , He Yiguo , Zhang Yin , Liao Haitao , Dai Chaohua
Published: October 2023

With the increasing demand for intelligence and automation, and the continuous strengthening of safety and efficiency requirements, the disadvantages of traditional “blind use” of nickel–cadmium batteries have become increasingly prominent, and the lack of state-of-charge (SOC) estimation needs to be changed urgently. For this purpose, a dynamic model of nickel–cadmium battery is established, and an SOC estimation method of nickel–cadmium battery based on adaptive untraced Kalman filter is proposed. Firstly, the experimental platform was built, and the open-circuit voltage and polarization characteristics of nickel–cadmium batteries were analyzed. On this basis, an equivalent circuit model is constructed to reflect the characteristics of nickel–cadmium batteries, and the model parameters were identified by the hybrid pulse power characteristic test; Then, based on the dynamic model, the SOC of the nickel–cadmium battery was estimated by combining with the Sage–Husa adaptive untrace Kalman filtering algorithm. Finally, the SOC estimation effect was verified under two operating conditions: Hybrid pulse power characteristic (HPPC) and constant cyclic charging and discharging power. The experimental results show that the proposed estimation method is insensitive to the initial value of SOC, and can still converge to the real value even if there is 30% error in the initial value. The mean absolute error and root mean square deviation of the final SOC estimation results are both less than 1%. The dynamic model and the proposed SOC estimation method provide valuable reference for the operation control, maintenance, and replacement of nickel–cadmium batteries in the use process.
Sizing PV and BESS for Grid-Connected Microgrid Resilience: A Data-Driven Hybrid Optimization Approach
Authors: Murshed Mahtab , Chamana Manohar , Schmitt Konrad Erich Kork , Pol Suhas , Adeyanju Olatunji , Bayne Stephen
Published: October 2023

This article presents a comprehensive data-driven approach on enhancing grid-connected microgrid grid resilience through advanced forecasting and optimization techniques in the context of power outages. Power outages pose significant challenges to modern societies, affecting various sectors such as industries, households, and critical infrastructures. The research combines statistical analysis, machine-learning algorithms, and optimization methods to address this issue to develop a holistic approach for predicting and mitigating power outage events. The proposed methodology involves the use of Monte Carlo simulations in MATLAB for future outage prediction, training a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network for forecasting solar irradiance and load profiles with a dataset spanning from 2009 to 2018, and a hybrid LSTM-Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) model to improve accuracy. Furthermore, the role of battery state of charge (SoC) in enhancing system resilience is explored. The study also assesses the techno-economic advantages of a grid-tied microgrid integrated with solar panels and batteries over conventional grid systems. The proposed methodology and optimization process demonstrate their versatility and applicability to a wide range of microgrid design scenarios comprising solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS), making them a valuable resource for enhancing grid resilience and economic efficiency across diverse settings. The results highlight the potential of the proposed approach in strengthening grid resilience by improving autonomy, reducing downtime by 25%, and fostering sustainable energy utilization by 82%.
Enhancing the Performance and Efficiency of Two-Level Voltage Source Inverters: A Modified Model Predictive Control Approach for Common-Mode Voltage Suppression
Authors: Medekhel Lamine , Hettiri Messaoud , Labiod Chouaib , Srairi Kamel , Benbouzid Mohamed
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a new modified model predictive control is proposed to improve the performance of the model predictive control for two-level voltage source inverters by alleviating computational burden and the disadvantages associated with the conventional model predictive control strategy. The objective of the proposed method is to reduce the number of candidate voltage vectors in each sector, thereby improving the overall performance of the control system, as well as achieving common-mode voltage reduction for two-level voltage source inverters. Two strategies are introduced to achieve this objective. Firstly, an algorithm is developed based on statistical computational processes to pre-define the candidate voltage vectors. This strategy involves ranking and considering the most frequently used voltage vectors. Consequently, by reducing the computational burden, the search space for the optimal voltage vectors is reduced. Furthermore, based on statistical results, a strategy is proposed to divide the sectors into three sectors instead of the six sectors in the conventional method. This approach effectively reduces the number of candidate voltage vectors. The modified model predictive control strategy aims to improve the efficiency of the control system by reducing the computational burden, and suppressing the common-mode voltage. The simulation and experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy under various operational conditions. The results demonstrate that the modified model predictive control approach significantly reduces the computational burden and complexity of the control system while effectively suppressing the common-mode voltage; this contributes to improving the performance of two-level voltage source inverters and enhancing their applicability for connecting the renewable energies to the grid.
Coordination of Root Traits and Rhizosphere Microbial Community in Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Plants under Drought and Rehydration
Authors: Zhang Sihai , Han Xuemei , Zhu Yangchun , Tan Xiangfeng
Published: October 2023

Soil drought and rehydration have an immense impact on plant physiology and productivity, whereas the response of plant–microbe interactions to varied water availability remains largely elusive. In this study, two tea (Camellia sinensis L.) cultivars, Longjing43 and Yingshuang, were subjected to drought followed by rehydration. Soil drought significantly induced the elongation of taproots in the Yingshuang cultivar after two weeks of drought. Moreover, the four-week drought significantly reduced the root dry mass and root nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations in both tea cultivars. Two-week rehydration recovered the root potassium concentration in the two tea cultivars, revealing the rapid response of root potassium levels to water conditions. Drought and rehydration also resulted in shifts in rhizosphere microbial diversity. A four-week drought reduced microbial alpha diversity in Longjing43 but not in the Yingshuang cultivar, and rehydration was effective in restoring alpha diversity in Longjing43. The rhizosphere microbial community tended to recover to the initial stages after rehydration in Longjing43 but not in the other cultivar. In addition, 18 microbial genera were identified as the featured microbial taxa in response to varied water availability, and a rare genus Ignavibacterium was significantly increased in the Longjing43 cultivar by rehydration after a four-week drought. Furthermore, root nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium levels, and dry mass were positively correlated with the microbial alpha diversity, while the taproot length was negatively correlated, suggesting the crucial role of plant–microbe interactions in response to drought and rehydration. Moreover, the root phosphorus concentration and taproot length also had significant effects on microbial beta diversity, further confirming their effects on the community structure of the rhizosphere microbiome. Overall, this study provides insights into the effects of drought on plant–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere of tea plants. These findings are important for harnessing the roles of the tea rhizosphere microbiome under drought.
Climate Strengthens the Positive Effects of Stand Structure on Understory Plant Diversity in Chinese Temperate Forests
Authors: Wang Tao , Dong Lingbo , Liu Zhaogang
Published: October 2023

Stand structure, which links function and management, plays a crucial role in regulating forest ecosystems and influencing biodiversity. Nevertheless, knowledge of the effect of climate change on stand structure and plant diversity is still poorly understood on a large scale. To explore the effects of various climate conditions on stand structure–plant diversity, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from 1272 plots across China’s temperate and subtropical forests. Leveraging the structural equation model (SEM), we explored the direct and indirect effects of climate, topography, and tree diversity on understory woody and herbaceous plants with respect to stand structure. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect size of stand structure on understory vegetation diversity under different climatic zones. Our results showed that tree size variation (CV DBH) and stem density (SD) were the key drivers for understory woody plants, while the stand structure complexity index (SSCI) was more important for understory herbaceous diversity. Furthermore, the positive effects of stand structure differed across various climate zones and were enhanced with an increase in the climatic gradient. For instance, the impact of SD on understory woody plants, as well as the influence of the SSCI on the diversity of understory herbaceous vegetation, were both strengthened. These findings raise our awareness of the pressing need to manage stand structure heterogeneity differently across different climate zones, and different management also needs to be implemented among different understory plant types. It becomes evident that distinct forest management measures must be applied under future climate change and forest management practices in order to preserve biodiversity.
Forest Fire Spread Hazard and Landscape Pattern Characteristics in the Mountainous District, Beijing
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Weiwei , Lai Guanghui , Chang Ning , Chen Feng , Bai Ye , Liu Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study established an index system for assessing forest fire spread hazards and conducted a forest fire spread hazard assessment in the mountainous district of Beijing (including Fangshan, Mentougou, Changping, Yanqing, Huairou, Miyun, and Pinggu). The relationship between forested landscape spatial pattern and forest fire spread hazard was explored; this method provided the basis for the establishment of a landscape forest fire security guarantee system. Methods: The forest fire spread hazard assessment index system was constructed from four aspects: forest fuel, meteorological factors, topographic factors, and fire behavior. The weighted comprehensive evaluation method and area-weighted average method were used to calculate the forest fire spread hazard indices at the subcompartment scale and township scale. Moran’s I index was selected as the spatial autocorrelation index to analyze the autocorrelation degree and spatial distribution of the forest fire spread hazard index. Eleven representative landscape pattern indices were selected to analyze the main landscape spatial pattern affecting forest fire spread hazard by correlation analysis and principal component analysis. Results: (1) The areas with high, medium–high, medium-low, and low forest fire spread hazard grades accounted for 39.87%, 33.10%, 11.37%, and 15.66% of the study area, respectively, at the subcompartment scale and for 52.36%, 22.58%, 18.39%, and 6.67% of the study area, respectively, at the township scale. (2) The forest fire spread hazard index results obtained at the subcompartment and township scales in the Mountainous District of Beijing showed a spatial agglomeration distribution law. (3) The forest fire spread hazard was influenced mainly by landscape diversity (SHDI and PRD), landscape aggregation (AI, CONTAG, and PD), and landscape area (TA). Conclusions: The overall forest fire spread hazard in the mountainous district of Beijing showed a gradual increase from plains to mountainous areas. The land types of the high-spread hazard subcompartment mainly included general shrubbery and coniferous forestlands, and the dominant species in the high-spread hazard arbor forest subcompartment were mainly Platycladus orientalis, Pinus tabuliformis, and Quercus mongolica.
Business Intelligence through Machine Learning from Satellite Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Kyriakos Christos , Vavalis Manolis
Published: October 2023

Several cities have been greatly affected by economic crisis, unregulated gentrification, and the pandemic, resulting in increased vacancy rates. Abandoned buildings have various negative implications on their neighborhoods, including an increased chance of fire and crime and a drastic reduction in their monetary value. This paper focuses on the use of satellite data and machine learning to provide insights for businesses and policymakers within Greece and beyond. Our objective is two-fold: to provide a comprehensive literature review on recent results concerning the opportunities offered by satellite images for business intelligence and to design and implement an open-source software system for the detection of abandoned or disused buildings based on nighttime lights and built-up area indices. Our preliminary experimentation provides promising results that can be used for location intelligence and beyond.
Effectiveness of Medilac-S as an Adjuvant to Conventional Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatments: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tremblay Annie , Xu Xiaoyu , Colee James , Tompkins Thomas A. , Binda Sylvie
Published: October 2023

Numerous clinical studies published in the Chinese language support the use of Medilac-S (Bacillus subtilis R0179 and Enterococcus faecium R0026; non-commercial name IBacilluS+) as an adjuvant in various indications, including ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acute gastritis, and Helicobacter pylori therapy. This systematic review with a meta-analysis was conducted to summarize clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of this probiotic formulation as an adjuvant to conventional IBS medications. The systematic literature searches in six international and Chinese databases identified 37 eligible studies, of which 33 reported the efficacy of Medilac-S adjunctive therapy using a standardized categorical scale. These 33 studies were included in the meta-analysis using a random-effect model with a stratification by IBS subtype. Overall, Medilac-S significantly improved the efficacy of conventional IBS treatment (RR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.17–1.25; and p < 0.0001) with an average probability of treatment effectiveness being 21% higher with the probiotic adjuvant, regardless of the subtype. Adverse events, reported in 78% of the trials, were described as mild-to-moderate and self-resolving, with a similar incidence in the probiotic adjuvant (6.2%; n = 1347) and control (5.9%; n = 1331) groups. The results of this meta-analysis strengthen the conclusions that Medilac-S is a safe and effective adjuvant to a variety of conventional treatments in IBS patients.
Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions by Alternative Splicing: Potential New Area for Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Li Ling , Zheng Jinxia , Oltean Sebastian
Published: October 2023

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complicated biological process in which cells with epithelial phenotype are transformed into mesenchymal cells with loss of cell polarity and cell–cell adhesion and gain of the ability to migrate. EMT and the reverse mesenchymal-epithelial transitions (METs) are present during cancer progression and metastasis. Using the dynamic switch between EMT and MET, tumour cells can migrate to neighbouring organs or metastasize in the distance and develop resistance to traditional chemotherapy and targeted drug treatments. Growing evidence shows that reversing or inhibiting EMT may be an advantageous approach for suppressing the migration of tumour cells or distant metastasis. Among different levels of modulation of EMT, alternative splicing (AS) plays an important role. An in-depth understanding of the role of AS and EMT in cancer is not only helpful to better understand the occurrence and regulation of EMT in cancer progression, but also may provide new therapeutic strategies. This review will present and discuss various splice variants and splicing factors that have been shown to play a crucial role in EMT.
Effects of Remimazolam on Intracellular Calcium Dynamics in Myotubes Derived from Patients with Malignant Hyperthermia and Functional Analysis of Type 1 Ryanodine Receptor Gene Variants
Authors: Miyoshi Hirotsugu , Otsuki Sachiko , Mukaida Keiko , Kido Kenshiro , Sumii Ayako , Ikeda Tsuyoshi , Noda Yuko , Yasuda Toshimichi , Narasaki Soshi , Kato Takahiro , Kamiya Satoshi , Horikawa Yousuke T. , Tsutsumi Yasuo M.
Published: October 2023

Remimazolam is a novel general anesthetic and its safety in patients with malignant hyperthermia (MH) is unknown. We used myotubes derived from the skeletal muscle of patients with MH to examine the response to ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) agonist and remimazolam in MH-susceptible patients. Patients underwent muscle biopsy for the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) rate test, a diagnostic tool for MH in Japan. Ten patients had myotubes obtained from skeletal muscle cultures, and the genes associated with malignant hyperthermia in these patients were analyzed. The EC50 of caffeine, cresol, and remimazolam to induce intracellular calcium concentration change were compared between myotubes from CICR-negative genetic test patients and myotubes from other patients. Eight of the ten were CICR-positive, five of whom had RYR1 causative gene mutations or variants. Two patients had CICR-negative genetic tests, and as expected had the highest EC50 (the concentration of a drug that gives a half-maximal response) in response to caffeine, 4CmC and remimazolam. Three patients had a positive CICR but no known variants in RYR1 or CACNA1S (voltage-gated calcium channel subunit alpha1S). Myotubes in these patients had significantly lower EC50s for all agents than myotubes in CICR-negative patients. When myotubes from a patient who was CICR-negative and had no gene variant were used as a control, myotubes from CICR-positive patients were more hyper-responsive than controls to all stimulants used. The EC50 for remimazolam was lowest for myotubes from CICR-positive, RYR1-mutant patients, at 206 µM (corresponding to 123 µg/mL). The concentration was more than 80-times higher than the clinical concentration. RYR1 gene variants in R4645Q and W5020G were shown to be causative gene mutations for MH. Intracellular calcium in myotubes from MH patients are elevated at high concentrations of remimazolam but not at clinically used concentrations of remimazolam. Remimazolam appears to be safe to use in patients with MH.
Small RNA Sequencing Reveals a Distinct MicroRNA Signature between Glucocorticoid Responder and Glucocorticoid Non-Responder Primary Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells after Dexamethasone Treatment
Authors: Kathirvel Kandasamy , Fan Xiaochen , Haribalaganesh Ravinarayanan , Bharanidharan Devarajan , Sharmila Rajendrababu , Krishnadas Ramasamy , Muthukkaruppan Veerappan , Willoughby Colin E. , Senthilkumari Srinivasan
Published: October 2023

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known to regulate several physiological processes and are the mainstay in the management of inflammatory eye diseases. The long-term use of GC causes raised intraocular pressure (IOP) or ocular hypertension (OHT) in about 30–50% of the susceptible individuals depending on the route of administration, and can lead to steroid-induced secondary glaucoma. The present study aims to understand the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in differential glucocorticoid (GC) responsiveness in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells using small RNA sequencing. The human organ-cultured anterior segment (HOCAS) model was used to identify whether donor eyes were from GC-responders (GC-R; n = 4) or GC-non-responders (GC-NR; n = 4) following treatment with either 100 nM dexamethasone (DEX) or ethanol (ETH) for 7 days. The total RNA was extracted from cultured HTM cells with known GC responsiveness, and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIRs) were compared among the following five groups: Group #1: ETH vs. DEX-treated GC-R; #2: ETH vs. DEX-treated GC-NR; #3: overlapping DEGs between Group #1 and #2; #4: Unique DEMIRs of GC-R; #5: Unique DEMIRs of GC-NR; and validated by RT-qPCR. There were 13 and 21 DEMIRs identified in Group #1 and Group #2, respectively. Seven miRNAs were common miRNAs dysregulated in both GC-R and GC-NR (Group #3). This analysis allowed the identification of DEMIRs that were unique to GC-R (6 miRNAs) and GC-NR (14 miRNAs) HTM cells, respectively. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis identified enriched pathways and biological processes associated with differential GC responsiveness in HTM cells. This is the first study to reveal a unique miRNA signature between GC-R and GC-NR HTM cells, which raises the possibility of developing new molecular targets for the management of steroid-OHT/glaucoma.
Securing the Network: A Red and Blue Cybersecurity Competition Case Study
Authors: Chindrus Cristian , Caruntu Constantin-Florin
Published: October 2023

In today’s dynamic and evolving digital landscape, safeguarding network infrastructure against cyber threats has become a paramount concern for organizations worldwide. This paper presents a novel and practical approach to enhancing cybersecurity readiness. The competition, designed as a simulated cyber battleground, involves a Red Team emulating attackers and a Blue Team defending against their orchestrated assaults. Over two days, multiple teams engage in strategic maneuvers to breach and fortify digital defenses. The core objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of the Red and Blue cybersecurity competition in fostering real-world incident response capabilities and honing the skills of cybersecurity practitioners. This paper delves into the competition’s structural framework, including the intricate network architecture and the roles of the participating teams. This study gauges the competition’s impact on enhancing teamwork and incident response strategies by analyzing participant performance data and outcomes. The findings underscore the significance of immersive training experiences in cultivating proactive cybersecurity mindsets. Participants not only showcase heightened proficiency in countering cyber threats but also develop a profound understanding of attacker methodologies. Furthermore, the competition fosters an environment of continuous learning and knowledge exchange, propelling participants toward heightened cyber resilience.
Influence of Water Contamination, Iron Particles, and Energy Input on the NVH Behavior of Wet Clutches
Authors: Wirkner Johannes , Baese Mirjam , Lebel Astrid , Pflaum Hermann , Voelkel Katharina , Pointner-Gabriel Lukas , Besser Charlotte , Schneider Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: October 2023

The driving comfort and safety of the automotive powertrain are significantly related to the performance, lifetime, and functionality of the lubricant. The presented study focuses on investigating the performance loss of the lubricant due to water contamination resulting from environmental influences and iron particles originating from the wear of different machine elements. The main purpose is to determine critical factors that contribute to the degradation of the lubricant, and increase the tendency to NVH behavior, leading to adverse comfort losses to the respective user. Therefore, this performance loss is evaluated by test rig-based analysis of the friction behavior of wet clutches. Due to physical adsorption, a significant impact of water and iron contamination on the degradation of the lubricant is found, while the influence of the energy input is secondary.
Molecular and Metabolic Phenotyping of Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Biomarker Discovery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Anh Nguyen Hoang , Long Nguyen Phuoc , Min Young Jin , Ki Yujin , Kim Sun Jo , Jung Cheol Woon , Park Seongoh , Kwon Sung Won , Lee Seul Ji
Published: October 2023

Identifying and translating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) biomarkers from bench to bedside using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and lipidomics is hampered by inconsistent findings. Here, we investigated HCC at systemic and metabolism-centric multiomics levels by conducting a meta-analysis of quantitative evidence from 68 cohorts. Blood transcript biomarkers linked to the HCC metabolic phenotype were externally validated and prioritized. In the studies under investigation, about 600 metabolites were reported as putative HCC-associated biomarkers; 39, 20, and 10 metabolites and 52, 12, and 12 lipids were reported in three or more studies in HCC vs. Control, HCC vs. liver cirrhosis (LC), and LC vs. Control groups, respectively. Amino acids, fatty acids (increased 18:1), bile acids, and lysophosphatidylcholine were the most frequently reported biomarkers in HCC. BAX and RAC1 showed a good correlation and were associated with poor prognosis. Our study proposes robust HCC biomarkers across diverse cohorts using a data-driven knowledge-based approach that is versatile and affordable for studying other diseases.
In Situ Study of the Magnetic Field Gradient Produced by a Miniature Bi-Planar Coil for Chip-Scale Atomic Devices
Authors: Chen Yao , Wang Jiyang , Zhang Ning , Wang Jing , Ma Yintao , Yu Mingzhi , Wang Yanbin , Zhao Libo , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: October 2023

The miniaturization of quantum sensors is a popular trend for the development of quantum technology. One of the key components of these sensors is a coil which is used for spin modulation and manipulation. The bi-planar coils have the advantage of producing three-dimensional magnetic fields with only two planes of current confinement, whereas the traditional Helmholtz coils require three-dimensional current distribution. Thus, the bi-planar coils are compatible with the current micro-fabrication process and are quite suitable for the compact design of the chip-scale atomic devices that require stable or modulated magnetic fields. This paper presents a design of a miniature bi-planar coil. Both the magnetic fields produced by the coils and their inhomogeneities were designed theoretically. The magnetic field gradient is a crucial parameter for the coils, especially for generating magnetic fields in very small areas. We used a NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) method based on the relaxation of 131Xe nuclear spins to measure the magnetic field gradient in situ. This is the first time that the field inhomogeneities of the field of such small bi-planar coils have been measured. Our results indicate that the designed gradient caused error is 0.08 for the By and the Bx coils, and the measured gradient caused error using the nuclear spin relaxation method is 0.09±0.02, suggesting that our method is suitable for measuring gradients. Due to the poor sensitivity of our magnetometer under a large Bz bias field, we could not measure the Bz magnetic field gradient. Our method also helps to improve the gradients of the miniature bi-planar coil design, which is critical for chip-scale atomic devices.
Analytical Gas Sensing in the Terahertz Spectral Range
Authors: Abina Andreja , Puc Uroš , Jazbinšek Mojca , Zidanšek Aleksander
Published: October 2023

Exploiting the terahertz (THz) part of the electromagnetic spectrum is attracting attention in various scientific and applied disciplines worldwide. THz technology has also revealed its potential as an effective tool for gas analysis in astronomy, biomedicine and chemical analysis. Recently, it has also become important in environmental applications for monitoring hazardous and toxic gases in the atmosphere. This paper gives an overview of THz gas detection analytical methods for environmental and biomedical applications, starting with a brief introduction to THz technology and an explanation of the interaction of THz radiation with gaseous species and the atmosphere. The review focuses on several gaseous species and groups of air pollutants that have been or can be analysed by THz spectrometry. The review concludes that different but complementary THz detection methods allow unique detection, identification and quantification of gaseous and particulate air pollutants with high selectivity, specificity and sensitivity. THz detection methods also allow further technological improvements and open new application possibilities.
Investigation of Machining Characteristics in Electrical Discharge Machining Using a Slotted Electrode with Internal Flushing
Authors: Gao Minghao , Liu Ming , Han Jianqing , Zhang Qinhe
Published: October 2023

In die-sinking electrical discharge machining (EDM), it is challenging to implement internal flushing, mainly because it is easy to produce residual material columns on the workpiece cavity’s bottom surface, affecting the processing quality and efficiency. In order to solve this problem, the internal flushing slotted electrode EDM technology was proposed. The slotted electrode was designed, and its preparation method was described. The influence of pulse width, pulse interval, and flushing pressure on the performance of the internal flushing slotted electrode EDM was studied using single-factor experiments. The experimental results indicate that, with the increase in pulse width, the material removal rate (MRR) increases first and then decreases, while the electrode wear rate (EWR) and the relative electrode wear rate (REWR) decrease gradually; with the increase in pulse interval, the MRR decreases, while the EWR and the REWR increase gradually; with the increase in flushing pressure, the MRR increases first and then decreases, while the EWR and the REWR increase gradually. When the slotted electrode is used for continuous internal flushing EDM, the appropriate pulse width, flushing pressure, and smaller pulse interval can improve the MRR and reduce the EWR and the REWR.
Fabrication and Characterization of a Flexible Thin-Film-Based Array of Microelectrodes for Corneal Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Hernández-Sebastián Natiely , Carpio-Verdín Víctor Manuel , Ambriz-Vargas Fabián , Morales-Morales Francisco , Benítez-Lara Alfredo , Buenrostro-Jáuregui Mario Humberto , Bojorges-Valdez Erik , Barrientos-García Bernardino
Published: October 2023

The electric stimulation (ES) of the cornea is a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of degenerative visual diseases. Currently, ES is delivered by placing a mono-element electrode on the surface of the cornea that uniformly stimulates the eye along the electrode site. It has been reported that a certain degree of correlation exists between the location of the stimulated retinal area and the position of the electrode. Therefore, in this study, we present the development of a sectioned surface electrode for selective electric stimulation of the human cornea. The proposed device consists of 16 independent microelectrodes, a reference electrode, and 18 contact pads. The microelectrodes have a size of 200 µm × 200 µm, are arranged in a 4 × 4 matrix, and cover a total stimulation area of 16 mm2. The proposed fabrication process, based on surface micromachining technology and flexible electronics, uses only three materials: polyimide, aluminum, and titanium, which allow us to obtain a simplified, ergonomic, and reproducible fabrication process. The fabricated prototype was validated to laboratory level by electrical and electrochemical tests, showing a relatively high electrical conductivity and average impedance from 712 kΩ to 1.4 MΩ at the clinically relevant frequency range (from 11 Hz to 30 Hz). Additionally, the biocompatibility of the electrode prototype was demonstrated by performing in vivo tests and by analyzing the polyimide films using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The resulting electrode prototype is robust, mechanically flexible, and biocompatible, with a high potential to be used for selective ES of the cornea.
Electrodeposition of Polyaniline on Tantalum: Redox Behavior, Morphology and Capacitive Properties
Authors: Gkili Chrysanthi , Deligiannakis Konstantinos , Lappa Eirini , Papoulia Chrysanthi , Sazou Dimitra
Published: October 2023

Polyaniline (PANI) is among the most widely studied conducting polymers due to its potential technological applications in various fields. Recently, PANI-based hybrid materials have played an important role in the development of energy storage and conversion systems. The aim of the present work is the investigation of the simultaneous electrochemical growth of PANI and Ta2O5 on the Ta substrate and the characterization of the morphology, redox behavior and pseudocapacitive properties of the resulting micro- or nanostructured composite thin films. A well-adherent conductive Ta2O5-PANI composite film was first formed using cyclic voltammetry on Ta that facilitates the on-top electrodeposition of single PANI via an autocatalytic mechanism. The electrochemical characterization of the Ta|Ta2O5-PANI|PANI electrodes reveals unique redox properties of PANI not shown previously upon using PANI electrodeposition on Ta. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the morphology of the electrodeposited films comprises nano- or microspheres that may develop into nano- or microrods when the polymerization proceeds. Preliminary evaluation of the capacitive properties of the Ta|Ta2O5-PANI|PANI electrode shows adequately high specific capacitance values as high as 1130 F g−1 (at 9.2 mA cm−2), depending on the electrochemical parameters, as well as adequate stability (~80% retention after 100 cycles), indicating their potential application as energy storage devices.
Untargeted Metabolomics of Meat Digests: Its Potential to Differentiate Pork Depending on the Feeding Regimen
Authors: Cirlini Martina , Righetti Laura , Del Vecchio Lorenzo , Tonni Elena , Lucini Luigi , Dall’Asta Chiara , Galaverna Gianni
Published: October 2023

Meat quality seems to be influenced by the dietary regimes applied for animal feeding. Several research studies are aimed at improving meat quality, preserving it from oxidative processes, by the incorporation of antioxidant components in animal feeding. The main part of these studies evaluates meat quality, determining different parameters directly on meat, while few research studies take into account what may happen after meat ingestion. To address this topic, in this study, an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion protocol was applied to two different pork muscles, longissimus dorsi and rectus femoris, obtained from pigs fed with different diets. In detail, two groups of 12 animals each were subjected to either a conventional diet or a supplemented diet with extruded linseeds as a source of omega-3 fatty acids and plant extracts as a source of phenolics antioxidant compounds. The digested meat was subjected to an untargeted metabolomics approach. Several metabolites deriving from lipid and protein digestion were detected. Our untargeted approach allowed for discriminating the two different meat cuts, based on their metabolomic profiles. Nonetheless, multivariate statistics allowed clearly discriminating between samples obtained from different animal diets. In particular, the inclusion of linseeds and polyphenols in the animal diet led to a decrease in metabolites generated from oxidative degradation reactions, in comparison to the conventional diet group. In the latter, fatty acyls, fatty aldehydes and oxylipins, as well as cholesterol and vitamin D3 precursors and derivatives, could be highlighted.
Efficient Fluoride Wastewater Treatment Using Eco-Friendly Synthesized AlOOH
Authors: Kim Wan-Tae , Lee Joo-Won , An Hong-Eun , Cho So-Hye , Jeong Sohee
Published: October 2023

Fluoride ion is essential for health in small amounts, but excessive intake can be toxic. Meeting safety regulations for managing fluoride ion emissions from industrial facilities with both cost-effective and eco-friendly approaches is challenging. This study presents a solution through a chemical-free process, producing a boehmite (AlOOH) adsorbent on aluminum sheets. Utilizing cost-effective Al foil and DI water, rather than typical precursors, yields a substantial cost advantage. The optimized AlOOH adsorbent demonstrated a high fluoride ion removal rate of 91.0% in simulated wastewater with fluoride ion concentrations below 20 ppm and displayed a similar performance in industrial wastewater. Furthermore, the AlOOH adsorbent exhibited excellent reusability through a simple regeneration process and maintained stable performance across a wide pH range of 4 to 11, demonstrating its capability to adsorb fluoride ions under diverse conditions. The efficiency of the AlOOH adsorbent was validated by a high fluoride ion removal efficiency of 90.9% in a semi-batch mode flow cell, highlighting its potential applicability in engineered water treatment systems. Overall, the AlOOH adsorbent developed in this study offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable solution for effectively removing fluoride ion from surface waters and industrial wastewaters.
Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) Prevents Cognitive and Motor Damage in Rats with Hyperammonemia
Authors: Ocaña-Sánchez Marcos F. , Soto-Ojeda Gabriel A. , Cocotle-Ronzón Yolanda , Soria-Fregozo Cesar , Sánchez-Medina Alberto , García-Rodríguez Rosa V. , Rodríguez-Landa Juan F. , Corro-Méndez Erick J. , Hernández-Lozano Minerva
Published: October 2023

Hyperammonemia is characterized by the excessive accumulation of ammonia in the body as a result of the loss of liver detoxification, leading to the development of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). These metabolic alterations carry cognitive and motor deficits and cause neuronal damage, with no effective treatment at present. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of two subacute oral administrations of flaxseed oil (0.26 and 0.52 mL/kg) on short- and long-term memory, visuospatial memory, locomotor activity, motor coordination, and the neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via tests on Wistar rats with hyperammonemia. The goal was to identify its role in the regulation of cerebral edema, without liver damage causing cerebral failure. In contrast with an ammonium-rich diet, flaxseed oil and normal foods did not cause cognitive impairment or motor alterations, as evidenced in the short-term and visuospatial memory tests. Furthermore, the flaxseed oil treatment maintained a regular neuronal morphology of the prefrontal cortex, which represents a neuroprotective effect. We conclude that the oral administration of flaxseed oil prevents cognitive and motor impairments as well as neuronal alterations in rats with hyperammonemia, which supports the potential use of this oil to ameliorate the changes that occur in hepatic encephalopathy.
Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Academic Performance among Adolescent Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hassan Ahmed A. , Elbashir Mustafa I. , Al-Nafeesah Abdullah , AlEed Ashwaq , Adam Ishag
Published: October 2023

The level of association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and students’ academic performance has not yet been established. The current study aimed to investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and academic performance among schoolchildren in Sudan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among schoolchildren during the 2021/2022 academic year from four randomly selected schools in Almatamah, River Nile State, northern Sudan. Sociodemographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were performed in accordance with standard procedures. Academic performance was obtained from school records. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured, and regression (multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic) analyses were performed. A total of 241 participants were enrolled in this study, of whom 129 (53.5%) were female. The mean standard deviation (SD) of the participants’ ages was 15 ± 1.6 years. In multiple linear regression tests, being female, age, employment, and serum 25(OH)D level were positively associated with academic performance. The average overall academic score was 33.74%. Of the 241 participants, 95 (39.4%) and 149 (61.6%) had good and poor academic performances, respectively. In multivariable logistic regressions, age and 25(OH)D level were inversely associated with poor academic performance and vitamin D deficiency was associated with poor performance. The current study revealed a positive association between 25(OH)D levels and adolescents’ academic performance. Effective interventional programs are needed to maintain sufficient vitamin D levels during childhood and adolescence and, as a consequence, to improve academic performance.
Reply to Mazela et al. Comment on “Jankiewicz et al. The Effect of Goat-Milk-Based Infant Formulas on Growth and Safety Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023, 15, 2110”
Authors: Jankiewicz Mateusz , van der Zee Lucie , Szajewska Hania
Published: October 2023

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The Influence of Lifestyle on High-Density Lipoprotein Concentration among Mexican Emerging Adults
Authors: Luna-Castillo Karla Paulina , López-Quintero Andres , Carrera-Quintanar Lucrecia , Llamas-Covarrubias Iris Monserrat , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Márquez-Sandoval Fabiola
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have highlighted the role of lifestyle on HDL-C concentrations in adults. To our knowledge, the health and nutritional status of emerging adults have been understudied. The present study aimed to explore the most important lifestyle factors, including micronutrient intake adequacy and the percentage of energy from food processing, according to HDL-C concentrations in emerging adults. In this context, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 261 Mexican emerging adults who were apparently healthy. Lifestyle factors were collected through a structured survey and the prevalence of micronutrient intake inadequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirement cut-point method. The percentage of energy from ultra-processed foods was assessed using the NOVA system. HDL-C was determined using the enzymatic colorimetric method. Statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS. The results revealed that lifestyle factors do not differ according to HDL-C status. The participants showed a poor nutritional diet that was energy-dense and micronutrient-inadequate. Nearly half of their energy came from processed and ultra-processed foods. Most participants did not meet the recommendations for key nutrients (ϖ3 fatty acids and phytosterols) that promote a healthy lipid status. In conclusion, regardless of their HDL-C levels, emerging adults exhibited lifestyle-related risk factors. The persistence of these findings over time could contribute to the development of metabolic disorders in the future. It is crucial to increase understanding and to develop effective nutritional interventions during this critical phase of life.