bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fetal spina bifida associates with dysregulation in nutrient‐sensitive placental gene networks: Findings from a matched case–control study
Authors: White Marina , Arif‐Pardy Jayden , Van Mieghem Tim , Connor Kristin L.
Published: January 2024

To improve outcomes in fetuses with spina bifida (SB), better understanding is needed of the molecular drivers of SB and its comorbidities. Pregnant people carrying a fetus with isolated SB (cases; n = 12) or a fetus with no congenital anomalies (controls; n = 21) were recruited at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Clinical data and placental samples were collected. Placental transcriptome was sequenced (Clariom D microarray) and a nutrient‐focused gene expression analysis pipeline was applied to determine whether fetal SB associates with placental dysfunction. Of the 391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cases, 11% (n = 42) had at least one nutrient cofactor, including B vitamins (n = 7 genes), iron/heme (n = 6), and zinc (n = 11). Cases had dysregulation in genes not previously known to associate with SB, and in placental genes that have known links to SB but have not been previously identified in the placenta. Cases also had downregulated nutrient transport and upregulated branching angiogenesis and immune/inflammatory processes. Five nutrient‐dependent transcription regulators, collectively predicted to target 46% of DEGs in cases, were identified and were most commonly dependent on B vitamins (n = 3) and zinc (n = 2). Placental gene expression changes were most acute in cases with poor growth. Placentae from fetuses with SB have dysregulation in several gene networks, including those that are sensitive to multiple micronutrients beyond the well‐known folic acid. An improved understanding of placental phenotype in fetuses with SB may help identify novel mechanisms associated with comorbidities in fetuses with SB, and reveal new targets to improve fetal outcomes in this population.
Neutrophil degranulation, endothelial and metabolic dysfunction in unvaccinated long COVID patients
Authors: Di Ciaula Agostino , Liberale Luca , Portincasa Piero , Khalil Mohamad , Galerati Ilaria , Farella Ilaria , Noto Antonino , JohnBritto Stephy , Moriero Margherita , Michelauz Cristina , Frè Federica , Olivero Chiara , Bertolotto Maria , Montecucco Fabrizio , Carbone Federico , Bonfrate Leonilde
Published: January 2024

Background

Long COVID symptoms are widely diffused and have a poorly understood pathophysiology, with possible involvement of inflammatory cytokines.

Materials and Methods

A prospective follow‐up study involved 385 unvaccinated patients, started 1 month after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and continued for up to 12 months. We compared circulating biomarkers of neutrophil degranulation, endothelial and metabolic dysfunction in subjects with long COVID symptoms and in asymptomatic post‐COVID controls.

Results

The highest occurrence of symptoms (71%) was after 3 months from the infection, decreasing to 62.3% and 29.4% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Compared to controls, long COVID patients had increased levels of the neutrophilic degranulation indices MMP‐8 and MPO, of endothelial dysfunction indices L‐selectin and P‐selectin. Among indices of metabolic dysfunction, leptin levels were higher in long COVID patients than in controls.

Conclusion

In unvaccinated patients, symptoms may persist up to 1 year after acute COVID infection, with increased indices of neutrophil degranulation, endothelial and metabolic dysfunction. The clinical implications of specific inflammatory biomarkers require further attention, especially in individuals with fatigue and long COVID‐linked cognitive dysfunctions.
Broadband and rural development: Impacts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Broadband Initiatives Program on saving and creating jobs
Authors: Rupasingha Anil , Pender John , Williams Ryan
Published: January 2024

This study analyzed the impact of the USDA's Broadband Initiatives Program on employment and business survival. While average employment declined in both program and non‐program areas, the decline was less severe in program areas, suggesting a positive impact. This impact was primarily observed in metro counties, the service sector, and employer establishments. Businesses in program areas were also less likely to fail than those outside the program areas, with variation across location, business type, and industry.
Extracellular vesicles from keratinocytes and other skin‐related cells in psoriasis: A review
Authors: Qi Fei , Jin Hongzhong
Published: January 2024

Psoriasis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition involving abnormal proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, together with substantial infiltration of immune cells. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are released spontaneously into the extracellular space by virtually all cell types, play a crucial role in cell‐to‐cell communication by delivering bioactive cargos such as mRNA nucleic acids and proteins to recipient cells. Numerous studies have highlighted the significant contributions of EVs to both the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis. This review provides a concise overview of skin‐derived EVs and their involvement in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Effects of operating room nursing intervention on wound infection in patients undergoing ovarian cysts surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Jian‐Hua , Huang Wen , Zhu Ying‐Ju , Duan Hong‐Wei
Published: January 2024

We conducted this study aimed to explore the effect of operating room nursing intervention on wound infection in patients undergoing ovarian cysts surgery. A computer system was used to search PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, from database inception to October 2023, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of operating room nursing intervention to ovarian cyst surgery. Literature that met the requirements was independently screened by two researchers, and data were extracted and assessed for literature quality. RevMan 5.4 software was applied for data analysis. Fifteen RCTs involving 1187 patients were finally included. The analyses revealed that, compared with routine nursing, the implementation of operating room nursing intervention had a significant advantage in reducing the incidence of wound infections (1.17% vs. 5.44%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15–0.58, p = 0.0004) and postoperative complications (6.34% vs. 25.17%, OR: 0.20, 95%CI: 0.13–0.29, p < 0.00001), as well as being able to shorten the operative time (standardised mean difference [SMD]: ‐3.93, 95%CI: −5.67 to −2.20, p < 0.00001), hospital length of stay (SMD: −2.54, 95%CI: −3.19 to −1.89, p < 0.00001) and gastrointestinal recovery time (SMD: −1.61, 95%CI: −2.24 to −0.98, p < 0.00001) in patients undergoing ovarian cysts surgery. This study confirmed by meta‐analysis that the operating room nursing intervention can significantly reduce the incidence of wound infection and complications, shorten the operative time, gastrointestinal recovery time, and hospital length of stay after ovarian cyst surgery.
Use of consecutive transcutaneous oxygen measurement when assessing the need for revascularization and association with the outcomes of ischemic diabetic ulcers
Authors: Sun Hao‐Yi , Wu Yi‐Chun , Sung Li‐Chin , Lin Xin‐Yi , Tsai Feng‐Chou , Lin Yen‐Kuang , Tam Ka‐Wai , Wang Fu‐Yu , Chang Shun‐Cheng
Published: January 2024

This study compared the ankle‐brachial index (ABI) with transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) in assessing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) prevalence in 100 diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients. Patients were categorized into vascular or nonvascular reconstruction groups and underwent both ABI and TcPO2 measurements four times over 6 months. Predictive validity for PVD diagnosis was analysed using the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC). The study found TcPO2 to be a superior predictor of PVD than ABI. Among the DFU patients, 51 with abnormal TcPO2 values underwent vascular reconstruction. Only TcPO2 values showed significant pretreatment differences between the groups and increased post‐reconstruction. These values declined over a 6‐month follow‐up, whereas ABI values rose. For those with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), TcPO2 values saw a sharp decrease within 3 months. Pre‐reconstruction TcPO2 was notably lower in amputation patients versus limb salvage surgery patients. In conclusion, TcPO2 is more effective than ABI for evaluating ischemic limb perfusion and revascularization necessity. It should be prioritized as the primary follow‐up tool, especially for ESRD patients.
Evaluating the efficacy of recombinant human growth factors in scar remodelling for patients with facial soft tissue injuries
Authors: Zhang Baiyu , He Zonghai , Zhao Hui , Gao Hongbin , Zhang Zhiying , Gao Zhenhua , Ke Kunbin
Published: January 2024

Facial soft tissue injuries, often resulting in scarring, pose a challenge in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery due to the need for functional and aesthetic restoration. This study evaluates the efficacy of recombinant human growth factors (rhGFs) in scar remodelling for such injuries. A retrospective evaluation was conducted from January 2020 to January 2023, involving 100 patients with facial soft tissue injuries. Participants were divided equally into a control group, receiving standard cosmetic surgical repair, and an observation group, treated with rhGFs supplemented cosmetic surgery. The study assessed scar characteristics (pigmentation, pliability, vascularity, height), hospital stay duration, tissue healing time, complication rates and patient satisfaction. The observation group demonstrated significant improvements in all scar characteristics, with notably better pigmentation, pliability, vascularity and height compared with the control group. The rhGF treatment also resulted in reduced hospital stay duration and faster tissue healing. Notably, the total complication rate was significantly lower in the observation group (10%) compared with the control group (34%). Additionally, patient satisfaction levels were higher in the observation group, with 98% combined satisfaction compared with 76% in the control group. The application of rhGFs in treating facial soft tissue injuries significantly enhances scar remodelling, expedites healing, reduces complications and improves patient satisfaction. These findings establish rhGFs as a valuable tool in the management of facial soft tissue injuries, highlighting their potential in improving both functional and aesthetic outcomes.
The use of predator tags to explain reversal movement patterns in Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Waters C. , Cotter D. , O'Neill R. , Drumm A. , Cooney J. , Bond N. , Rogan G. , Maoiléidigh N. Ó'
Published: January 2024

Acoustic telemetry has seen a rapid increase in utility and sophistication in recent years and is now used extensively to assess the behavior and survival rates of many aquatic animals, including the Atlantic salmon. As part of the salmon's complex life cycle, salmon smolts are thought to make a unidirectional migration from fresh water to the sea, which is initiated by changes in their physiology. However, some tag movement patterns do not conform with this and can be difficult to explain, particularly if the tagged fish has been eaten by a predator. This study combines the use of predator tags with machine learning techniques to understand the fate of migrating salmon smolts and thereby improve estimates for migration success. Over 3 years between 2020 and 2022, 217 salmon smolts (including wild and hatchery‐reared ranched fish) were acoustically tagged and released into an embayment on the west coast of Ireland. Some tagged smolts were observed to return from the estuary back into a saline lagoon through which they had already migrated. To distinguish between the movement of a salmon smolt and that of a predator, predator tags were deployed in migrating smolts in 2021 and 2022. The addition of a temperature sensor in 2022 enabled the determination of predator type causing the returning movement. A significant number of predator tags were triggered, and the patterns of movement associated with these triggered tags were then used with two types of machine learning algorithms (hierarchical cluster analysis and random forest) to identify and validate the behavior of smolts tagged without extra sensors. Both models produced the same outputs, grouping smolts tagged with predator tags with smolts tagged without the additional sensors but showing similar movements. A mammalian predator was identified as the cause of most reversal movement, and hatchery‐reared ranched smolts were found to be more likely predated upon by this predator than wild smolts within the lake and the estuary. However, overall migration success estimates were similar for both wild and hatchery‐reared ranched fish. This study highlights the value of predator tags as an essential tool in the overall validation of detection data.
A comprehensive review of the medical and cosmetic applications of exosomes in dermatology
Authors: Yousefian Faraz , Espinoza Liliana , Yadlapati Sujitha , Lorenc Z. Paul , Gold Michael
Published: January 2024

Background

Exosomes are a subset of extracellular vesicles that are released by all cell types and are theorized to play a crucial role in intercellular communication. Ranging from 40 to 160 nm in diameter, exosomes contain a variety of genetic materials including DNA, RNA, mRNA, metabolites, proteins, and lipids depending on their cellular origin.

Aim

Given that intercellular communication is abetted by the exchange of cellular components via exosomes, their applied use can have important implications for disease pathology and exosome‐based therapeutics. We provide a comprehensive review of the current application of exosomes in medical (and skin) diseases and in cutaneous medical aesthetics.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on PubMed reviewing exosomes and their application in medical and aesthetic fields.

Results

While the therapeutic use of exosomes in the treatment of medical and cosmetic dermatological procedures is promising, it is also important to note that most studies implementing exosomes as therapeutic agents have been conducted in preclinical models, thus highlighting the need for additional studies and clinical trials. One more important note in the aesthetic world associated with exosomes is that in the United States, at the time of this writing, exosomes may only be topically applied and not injected into the skin, as is done in many countries worldwide.

Conclusion

There is a need for additional studies and clinical trials to evaluate the safety and therapeutic effect and safety of exosomes in medical and aesthetic fields.
Coping profiles and their association with vicarious post‐traumatic growth among nurses during the three waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kalaitzaki Argyroula , Theodoratou Maria , Tsouvelas George , Tamiolaki Alexandra , Konstantakopoulos George
Published: January 2024

Aims

This study aimed to examine (a) changes in coping strategies and vicarious post‐traumatic growth (VPTG) across three timepoints of the COVID‐19 pandemic among nurses; (b) discrete groups of nurses with unique coping profiles and (c) the association of these coping profiles with VPTG across the timepoints.

Background

Although literature abounds with the negative mental health consequences of the pandemic among healthcare professionals, much less is known about the positive consequences on nurses, the coping strategies that they use, and how these change over time.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional web‐based survey at three timepoints during the pandemic.

Methods

A sample of 429 nurses completed online the Post‐Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE) to measure vicarious post‐traumatic growth (VPTG) and coping strategies, respectively. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study.

Results

Significantly higher VPTG scores were observed during the third timepoint. Different coping strategies were employed across the three timepoints. Nurses responded to the pandemic either with an active, an avoidant or a passive coping profile. Significantly higher VPTG levels were reported by the nurses of the active profile compared to those of the passive profile, whereas the difference between active and avoidant profiles was not significant.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding the preponderance of the nurses with the active coping profile in achieving high VPTG, the avoidant copers had more gains (VPTG) than the passive copers, suggesting that doing something to cope with the stressor—let it be trying to avoid it—was better than doing nothing.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The identification of distinct coping profiles among nurses and their association with VPTG is of particular use to policymakers and practitioners in developing tailored prevention and intervention efforts to help the nurses effectively manage the demands of the pandemic.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution since the study was exclusively conducted by the authors.
Norwegian perspectives on health care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Skorpen Stine , Søndenaa Erik
Published: January 2024

The Norwegian health care system is built on individual rights and the principles of universal access, decentralization, and free choice of provider. Norway has universal health coverage, funded primarily by general taxes and by payroll contributions shared by employers and employees. Local authorities at the municipal level organize and finance primary health care services according to local demand and within national frameworks. Habilitation services are offered both in the primary health care and as a part of the specialist health services. They offer both inpatient and outpatient services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). National guidelines, known as Good health and care services for people with IDD, have recently (2021) been launched after various reports over the years of serious breaches and challenges in the health and care services provided to people with IDD.
Primary school children's conflicted emotions about using their heritage languages in multilingual classroom tasks
Authors: Van Gorp Koen , Verheyen Steven
Published: January 2024

For many children in Flanders, Belgium, the language of instruction is not their first language. Allowing children to use their heritage languages in the classroom has been argued to have functional and socioemotional benefits. In two exploratory studies, we introduced a multilingual task in four classrooms across three linguistically and socially diverse primary schools, where Dutch was the language of instruction, to determine how students experience the opportunity to use their linguistic repertoire in class. The multilingual task was preceded by an assessment of students’ emotional reactions to the languages they speak through the Self‐Assessment Manikin gauging students’ emotional responses (pleasure, arousal, and dominance), and followed by a semistructured interview on students’ language choices. Both studies yielded similar results. Students generally indicated that they felt happy, calm, and in control when speaking their heritage language. Despite these positive assessments, many students refrained from using their heritage language in the multilingual tasks. A qualitative analysis revealed a variety of language‐related reasons leading to linguistic insecurity, language anxiety, and not using the heritage language: perceived language proficiency, language norms, language status, and appropriate contexts for language use. Conversely, we also identified several students who felt proud to showcase their heritage language. While multilingual tasks have the potential to induce positive emotions in students, teachers need to be aware of potential backlash and prepared to navigate the negative emotions surrounding contested language choices.
The association between fear of childbirth and social support through the Internet and Social Networking Services in pregnant women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Seto Natsuki , Tahara‐Sasagawa Emi , Yonezawa Kaori , Hikita Naoko , Usui Yuriko , Haruna Megumi
Published: January 2024

Social support is an important factor in reducing fear of childbirth (FOC). Recently, the Internet and Social Networking Services (SNS) have become new forms of social support. However, it is unclear whether such support can reduce pregnant women's fear. This study aimed to investigate the association between FOC and social support through the Internet and SNS in pregnant women. A cross‐sectional study using a web‐based questionnaire including questions about FOC, social support, the Internet and SNS usage, psychological variables, and sociodemographic variables was conducted. Data from 111 participants were analyzed. A greater number of social support from people who are often seen during pregnancy, and becoming relieved by interaction with others through the Internet and SNS were negatively associated with FOC. This study showed that face‐to‐face social support was associated with lower FOC, while social support through the Internet and SNS was not. Further research is needed on how to use Internet and SNS to reduce FOC in pregnant women.
Predictors of physical inactivity among pregnant women
Authors: Xiang Zhixuan , Sun Ke , Han Rongrong , Chen Lu , Wang Zhong , Gao Lingling
Published: January 2024

It is recommended that pregnant women be physically active to promote maternal and child health. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of physical inactivity and its modifiable predictors in the three trimesters in Chinese pregnant women. Four hundred forty‐four pregnant women completed the Pregnant Physical Activity Questionnaire in the first, second, and third trimesters. The prevalence of physical inactivity reached its highest (66.2%) in the first trimester and lowest (19.4%) in the second trimester. Pregnant women with inadequate physical activity knowledge and low self‐efficacy were at higher risk for physical inactivity. Monitoring physical inactivity could be incorporated into antenatal care and start from the first trimester. Prenatal care professionals should take action to increase pregnant women's physical activity self‐efficacy and knowledge to enhance their physical activity.
Dysphagia associated with esophageal wall thickening in patients with nonspecific high‐resolution manometry findings: Understanding motility beyond the Chicago classification version 4.0
Authors: Choi Jin Young , Jung Kee Wook , Pandolfino John E. , Choi Kyungmin , Park Young Soo , Na Hee Kyong , Ahn Ji Yong , Lee Jeong Hoon , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Song Ho June , Lee Gin Hyug , Jung Hwoon‐yong
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that 50% of patients with normal high‐resolution manometry (HRM) findings or ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) may have abnormal functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) results. However, the specific HRM findings associated with abnormal FLIP results are unknown. Herein, we investigated the relationship between nonspecific manometry findings and abnormal FLIP results.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 684 patients who underwent HRM at a tertiary care center in Seoul, Korea, based on the Chicago Classification version 4.0 protocol.

Key Results

Among the 684 patients, 398 had normal HRM findings or IEM. Of these 398 patients, eight showed esophageal wall thickening on endoscopic ultrasonography or computed tomography; however, no abnormalities were seen during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Among these eight patients, seven showed repetitive simultaneous contractions (RSCs) in at least one of the two positions: 61% (±29%) in 10 swallows in the supine position and 51% (±30%) in five swallows in the upright position. Four patients who underwent FLIP had a significantly decreased esophagogastric junction distensibility index (1.0 ± 0.5 at 60 mL). Two of these patients underwent per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) due to a lack of response to medication. Esophageal muscle biopsy revealed hypertrophic muscle with marginal eosinophil infiltration.

Conclusions & Inferences

A subset of patients (2%) with normal HRM findings or IEM and RSCs experienced dysphagia associated with poor distensibility of the thickened esophageal wall. FLIP assessment or combined HRM and impedance protocols may help better define these patients who may respond well to POEM.
Comparative outcomes of autologous cultured melanocytes transplantation and non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension transplantation in piebaldism patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Jin Rong , Hong Weisong , Ye Zhubiao , Fu Lifang , Hu Wenting , Xu Aie
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety of autologous cultured melanocytes transplantation (CMT) and non‐cultured epidermal cell suspension transplantation (NCES) in the treatment of piebaldism.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 30 anatomically based lesions from nine piebaldism patients who underwent either CMT (n = 7) or NCES (n = 23) between 2018 and 2020. The extent of repigmentation and colour matching was evaluated in all recipient sites using a digital imaging analysis system. In addition, adverse effects have also been assessed by follow‐up results.

Results

More than 75% repigmentation was achieved in 100% (7/7) and 60.9% (14/23) of the 30 lesions with the CMT and NCES, respectively. There were significant differences between the two methods in terms of repigmentation. The majority of patients had colour mismatches, and there was no discernible difference between the two surgical techniques. Adverse reactions rarely occurred.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that autologous CMT may provide better repigmentation in piebaldism patients than NCES with no significant side effects.
A Study on the Machinability of Environmentally Friendly Turning of Titanium Grade 2 Alloy
Authors: Cagan Suleyman Cinar , Buldum Berat Baris
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on environmentally responsible and sustainable manufacturing, where heat removal is critical. Various cooling and lubrication technologies are employed in manufacturing strategies, and although minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) systems are advantageous, they are not widely adopted in the industry. Recently, cutting fluids reinforced with nanoparticles has gained attention. The study investigates the machinability of Ti gr. 2 alloys with different cutting parameters and lubrication/cooling systems. Cutting fluids are essential in heat removal and irregularity prevention, reducing friction in the cutting zone, lowering cutting forces and vibrations, and improving tribological conditions during machining operations. Cutting forces increase with the cut and feed rate depth, resulting in higher energy consumption. With increasing feed rate, surface quality decreases, but MQL and NMQL (nanoparticle-reinforced MQL) perform better than dry machining. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images indicate that cutting tools in dry environments experience more flank wear, whereas MQL and NMQL result in crater wear. High feed rates in MQL/NMQL environments cause sudden and fractured chip formation, which affects worker safety and health. Ti gr. 2 alloys have potential applications in various industrial components, and the NMQL, MQL, and dry systems used in the study are non-hazardous and environmentally friendly.
Biofuels and E-Fuels Used in a Multi-Fuel-Engine as Solution for Rapid Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Impacts of NRMM Engines
Authors: Thees Matthias , Günthner Michael , Fuhrmeister Jonas
Published: January 2024

In the non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) sector, long operating hours combined with specific high-load operating conditions place high performance requirements on the propulsion system.

The established propulsion systems in the field of NRMM meet these requirements through diesel engines powered by liquid fuels with high energy density — a requirement which cannot be met by current battery electric drive systems. However, in order to reduce fossil CO2 emissions as fast as possible, fuels produced from regenerative sources must be introduced for these purposes, which also have to be compatible with existing vehicle fleets.

These requirements were addressed in the project presented here through the development of a multi-fuel engine concept, which is suitable for the fully flexible use of pure rapeseed oil in any blending ratio with diesel fuel. In addition to the use of rapeseed oil/diesel blends, also the use of rapeseed oil/e-fuel blends (using hydrated vegetable oil – HVO – and oxymethylene ether – OME) has been investigated. For existing vehicles, such concepts could also provide the opportunity of retrofit solutions. The flexible use of vegetable oil, diesel fuel and e-fuels makes the customer independent of current fuel availability. As a prototype, a John Deere 4045 engine was optimized for the use of vegetable oil. In addition to the development of a DPF regeneration concept suitable for vegetable oil, the project focused on the potential for emission reduction and the impact on engine efficiency.
Multi-Fidelity Neural Network Regression for Efficient Training of Energy-Assisted Diesel Engine Control System
Authors: Nejadmalayeri Ari , Narayanan Sai Ranjeet , Yang Suo , Sun Zongxuan , Sapra Harsh Darshan , Hessel Randy , Kokjohn Sage , Kim Kenneth S. , Kweon Chol-Bum M.
Published: January 2024

Low cetane number fuels increase the probability of misfire in diesel engines. Utilizing an ignition assistant, along with a reliable engine-control system can enhance combustion and mitigate misfire. Such a control system requires significant pressure data for training the controller software. For engines operating with low cetane number fuel over a wide range of conditions, traditional training data collection based on experimental data alone is time-consuming and expensive. Our aim is to build a purely data-driven model for predicting average cylinder pressure, while varying cetane number, main injection timing, and ignition assistant power. The parametric space is filled using sparse experimental data, and numerous URANS (Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) simulation results simultaneously. The experimental data has relatively high-fidelity, but is costly to acquire, while the URANS results have lower fidelity, but are much more cost effective to generate. An existing neural-network-based methodology for multi-fidelity regression of bi-fidelity problems is utilized, where two separate artificial neural networks — one for each level of fidelity — are used. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by predicting the in-cylinder pressure profiles at various operating conditions and engine control parameters, which are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Understanding Diesel-Pilot Assisted Methane Combustion in a Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Sirna Amanda , Hassan Amir , Ristow Hadlich Rodrigo , Loprete Jason , Trelles Juan Pablo , Van Dam Noah , Mack J. Hunter , Assanis Dimitris
Published: January 2024

Developing a sustainable alternative to diesel and gasoline is critical to mitigating climate change effects. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, presents itself as a successor to petroleum-based fuels. Compared to other hydrocarbons, methane (CH4) has the highest hydrogen to carbon ratio which means when combusted in an engine, fewer carbon-based emissions occur. Natural gas currently has an extensive distribution infrastructure. This makes it a realistic intermediary option as a fuel source until the zero carbon alternatives are understood. This work explores combustion of methane in a single cylinder compression ignition (CI) research engine. A small amount of diesel was used to promote ignition of the methane charge. An exploration of equivalence ratios and injection timings was conducted to seek stable operation and maximum brake torque (MBT). Trends of engine performance metrics, a heat release analysis, and an emission characterization are presented in this manuscript. Performance of methane with diesel pilot injection with blend ratios between 47–51% methane by energy content and 88–90% by volume are compared to a baseline single injection diesel case and a split injection (pilot and main) diesel case. The purpose of the diesel pilot in the methane case is to function as a “spark” for the methane, due to methane’s longer ignition delay time. Key findings include that a dual fuel (diesel pilot + methane), dual injection strategy with a pilot injection event 5 degrees before top dead center (bTDC) maintained the most favorable balance between combustion performance and engine-out emissions. The implications of this study will help to better understand optimal strategies for maximizing the usefulness of methane as a primary fuel source in future dual fuel engines.
Hot-Surface Pilot Ignition: A Novel Sustainable Aviation Fuel Agnostic Combustion Strategy
Authors: Sapra Harsh , Hessel Randy , Miganakallu Niranjan , Stafford Jacob , Amezcua Eri , Rothamer David , Kim Kenneth , Kweon C. M. , Kokjohn Sage
Published: January 2024

A novel hot-surface pilot ignition (HSPI) strategy is investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for fuel-agnostic operation with varying cetane number (CN) sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) in high-altitude conditions. HSPI employs a single-plume pilot injector behind a high-temperature ignition assistant (IA) such that a small pilot jet ignites on contact with the hot IA tip surface and then proceeds to ignite the main jets. The CFD simulations combine an energy source, a turbulence-chemistry interaction model, and a surrogate jet-fuel reaction mechanism to capture Ignition Assisted combustion of different CN fuels. The simulation is validated for IA combustion of a CN 30 SAF blend against engine measurements for a pilot-main injection strategy. The simulation is also extensively validated in previous research for different CN fuels, IA temperatures, and single injection events. After validation, the numerical simulation is adopted to investigate the HSPI strategy for fuels with CNs ranging from 15 to 50. Simulation results show that HSPI can effectively ignite all the tested CN fuels and keep the combustion phasing and ignition delays close to constant while SAFs with CNs lower than 30 misfired without HSPI. The simulations also show the potential of HSPI in achieving 99.99% combustion efficiency for difficult-to-ignite SAFs compared to the 95.3% combustion efficiency without HSPI.
Data-Driven Detection and Prediction of Spray Collapse Characteristics for Multi-Component Fuel Mixtures
Authors: Zhao Fengnian , Zhou Ziming , Liu Wensong , Hung David L. S.
Published: January 2024

Flash boiling spray improves the quality of fuel atomization while also increasing the occurrence of spray collapse. The spray collapse phenomenon significantly increases the likelihood of unintended spray-wall impingement, thus reducing combustion stability. Therefore, this study focuses on the spray collapse states under flash boiling conditions and implements machine learning methods to enhance spray analysis including collapse pattern recognition and prediction. In this study, the macroscopic spray cross-patterns of multiple-component fuel mixtures under different fuel temperatures and pressures were first captured by a high-speed planar laser Mie-scattering imaging system. Then, a supervised residual network (ResNet) classification model was applied for spray collapse pattern recognition. The well-trained ResNet model automatically classified the spray collapse patterns into three categories including non-collapse state, transition state, and collapse state with an accuracy of over 99%. This data-driven model provides a novel idea for the identification of spray collapse states. Based on these recognition results, a decision tree classifier (DTC) was built to evaluate the importance of test and fuel parameters that influence the spray collapse behavior. The results indicated that the superheated index modified by the ratio of ambient pressure to bubble point pressure was capable of determining the spray collapse states. With such trained DTC model and the modified superheated index, it is anticipated that the spray collapse states of multi-component fuels could be predicted with high accuracy even under untested conditions.
Experimental Study of the Impact of Ethanol Content on Partially Premixed Combustion With Ethanol-Gasoline Blends
Authors: Gainey Brian , Gandolfo John , Lawler Benjamin
Published: January 2024

As ethanol production increases and the demand for gasoline in spark ignition engines decreases over the next few decades, the use of these fuels in compression ignition systems is expected to increase. This raises the question of how much ethanol-in-gasoline is the right blend for compression ignition. This work experimentally studied E10, E30, E50, E75, and E100 in a split injection partially premixed compression ignition strategy. It was found that, separately, the cool flame reactivity of E10 and the high cooling potential of E75 and E100 enable heat release rate control in partially premixed combustion. However, E30 and E50 did not show the same control authority. E30 performed the worst due to having a small amount of cool flame reactivity and a low cooling potential. It was found that NOx emissions were not significantly impacted by ethanol content, but the smoke emissions were. E100 produced near zero smoke, but all of the ethanol-gasoline blends produced some smoke. When 20% of the fuel was injected during the middle of the compression stroke, E10, E30, E50, and E75 all produced low, but non-zero smoke emissions. When the second injection was moved near top dead center, the smoke emissions of E75 stayed low but the smoke emissions of E10, E30, and E50 all rose to a filter smoke number greater than 0.3. Overall, these results indicate that low- and high-ethanol content gasolines are both viable paths forward for partially premixed combustion systems, but medium-ethanol content gasolines should be avoided.
Performance and Emissions of an SI Engine Fueled With DME-Propane Blends
Authors: Hassan Hafiz Ahmad , Ankobea-Ansah King , Wickman David , De Ojeda William , Hall Carrie
Published: January 2024

Dimethyl Ether (DME) is an alternative fuel that can be produced renewably and has the potential for lower CO and NOx emissions than conventional petroleum-based fuels. Blending DME with another gaseous fuel such as propane, which has a lower knock tendency than gasoline, can allow this fuel to be leveraged on SI engines. In this study, the use of DME-propane blends on a spark ignition (SI) engine was studied via computer simulations in order to understand the impact on engine performance and emissions and to identify the knock limitations of using such fuel blends. A 2L Hyundai SI engine was modeled in GT Power and the model was validated by comparing it with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results. Starting from pure propane, DME was added incrementally until knock was observed in the engine. Results indicate that it is feasible to run propane with DME percentages up to 35% before severe knock impacts were observed. The BTE was higher, but the BSFC also increased for DME-propane blends as compared to gasoline. An increase in NOx emissions was detected along with a significant decrease in CO emissions. CO2 emissions declined for propane as compared to gasoline but increased with the addition of DME.
Evaluation of the Performance and Exhaust Emissions of a 4 Cylinder CI Engine Operating With Dimethyl Ether (DME) and Propane Blends
Authors: Ankobea-Ansah King L. , Hassan Hafiz Ahmad , Wickman David D. , De Ojeda William , Hall Carrie M.
Published: January 2024

In response to stringent emissions regulations and the need for higher efficiency engines, the utilization of DME and propane fuel blends in compression ignition (CI) engines has gained interest in the automotive industry. In this study, a range of DME-propane blends are explored in a CI combustion strategy at high injection pressures. A GT-Power model of a 2.2 L Hyundai CI engine was developed to facilitate evaluation of the impacts of variations of DME and propane blends at a light and medium engine speed-torque-load operating condition; specifically at 1500 rpm, 50 Nm and 2.84 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP); and 2000 rpm, 150 Nm, 8.53 bar BMEP speed-torque-load combination. The GT-Power model was validated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The results indicate that high diesel-like efficiencies can be achieved with a 100% DME mass substitution and up to 50% propane-DME blends could be implemented without a significant penalty on engine performance indicators. Significant brake specific nitrogen oxides (BSNOx) reductions were also observed along with reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) and soot when leveraging these fuel blends.
Simultaneous substrate and ubiquitin modification recognition by bispecific antibodies enables detection of ubiquitinated RIP1 and RIP2
Authors: Goncharov Tatiana , Kőműves László G. , Kist Matthias , Castellanos Erick R. , Witt Axel , Fedorova Anna V. , Izrael-Tomasevic Anita , Yu Kebing , Keir Mary , Matsumoto Marissa L. , Vucic Domagoj
Published: January 2024

Ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification that is crucial for the dynamic regulation of diverse signaling pathways. To enhance our understanding of ubiquitination-mediated signaling, we generated a new class of bispecific antibodies that combine recognition of ubiquitination substrates and specific polyubiquitin linkages. RIP1-K63 and RIP1–linear (Lin) linkage polyubiquitin bispecific antibodies detected linkage-specific ubiquitination of the proinflammatory kinase RIP1 in cells and in tissues and revealed RIP1 ubiquitination by immunofluorescence. Similarly, ubiquitination of the RIP1-related kinase RIP2 with K63 or linear linkages was specifically detected with the RIP2-K63 and RIP2-Lin bispecific antibodies, respectively. Furthermore, using the RIP2-K63 and RIP2-Lin bispecific antibodies, we found prominent K63-linked and linear RIP2 ubiquitination in samples from patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. We also developed a bispecific antibody (K63-Lin) that simultaneously recognizes K63-linked and linear ubiquitination of components of various signaling pathways. Together, these bispecific antibodies represent a new class of reagents with the potential to be developed for the detection of inflammatory biomarkers.
An undergraduate service-learning project to teach immunology concepts while increasing healthcare equity by enhancing access to stem cell donors among underrepresented populations
Authors: Sorisho Stephanie , Matias-Gomez Laura , Baithey Melissa A. , Cechova Vladimira , Madrid Fredrick Kyle , Rholl Drew A.
Published: January 2024

Active learning has been shown to increase STEM student engagement and decrease the achievement gap among underrepresented students. As a parallel to the lack of equity in STEM education, BIPOC patients who require a life-saving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are much less likely—sometimes less than half as likely—than individuals of White-European descent to find a suitable donor when using the National Marrow Donation Program (NMDP). The Be the Match (BtM) Registry has made significant improvements in the likelihood of matching underrepresented patients, but the disparity persists. This activity uses a service-learning project to teach undergraduate students about stem cell donation and to add potential stem cell donors to the BtM Registry. A small data set of pre-/post-surveys from one cohort shows learning gains on the topic of HCT. The approach is flexible and scalable, and students overwhelmingly reported the project as a great use of class time and very rewarding.
Supplemental Material: Evaluating the effectiveness of spatial training for introductory geology students
Authors: Klyce Annie , Ryker Katherine
Published: January 2024

Efficacy-value survey used as a pre- and post-assessment of students’ perspectives.
Supplemental Material: High-Mg andesites and Nb-enriched basalts in the Dulate arc, East Junggar (NW China): Evidence of ocean ridge subduction
Authors: Qin Zhen , Wu Tao , al. et
Published: January 2024

Incompatible elements (K2O, Rb, Th, and La) versus Zr plots of the volcanic rocks of Kaxiweng Formation, in order to distinguish the alteration effects. 
Supplemental Material: Carboniferous bimodal volcanic sequences along the Northeastern Pamir: Evidence for back-arc extension due to northward subduction of the Paleo-Tethys
Authors: Song Zhi-Hao , Zhang Chuan-Lin , et al.
Published: January 2024

Images not shown in the text as well as all geochemical data can be viewed in the supplemental materials.
Supplemental Material: The production of parallel world-class W and Cu metallogenic belts linked to an asymmetric slab window
Authors: Wu Shenghua , et al.
Published: January 2024

Deposit introduction and geochemical data for ore-related granitic rocks.
DFT + U investigation on high pressure properties of monoclinic CuO
Authors: Jaf Zainab N. , Miran Hussein A. , Rahman M. Mahbubur , Amri Amun , Jiang Zhong-Tao
Published: January 2024

This contribution demonstrates density functional theory calculations on the optoelectronic properties of monoclinic CuO under high pressures up to 15 GPa. In this account, the experimentally measured indirect band gap energy value of 1.41 eV has theoretically been predicted by tuning the Hubbard parameter ( U) values for the partial electronic states. The values of the Hubbard parameter correspond to UCu-3 d = 8 eV and UO-2 p = 4.5 eV. The electronic and optical characteristics were examined under applied pressure and the results reveal development in the band gap values with increasing pressure from 1.41 to 2.01 eV. Total and projected density of states for the adopted pressures have been provided and displayed that the major contribution in the valance and conduction bands comes from O-2 p and Cu-3 d electronic states, respectively. The plotted reflectivity data suggest high optical reflectivity magnitudes relatively in the ultraviolet area. The investigated systems under variant pressures manifest rather an excellent absorption coefficient in the ultraviolet area, pushing them to be employed in solar cell technologies. Our analyzed results of the wavelength-dependent electrical conductivity of the investigated materials confirm the absorptivity behavior in the ultraviolet and small part of visible region of electromagnetic waves (EMW). Finally and most importantly, our obtained results of loss functions for the entire surveyed systems reveal a slight energy loss in a range of EMW, including ultraviolet and visible regions.