bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employing Siamese Networks as Quantitative Biomarker for Assessing the Effect of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy on Pediatric Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Moreno Escobar Jesús Jaime , Morales Matamoros Oswaldo , Aguilar del Villar Erika Yolanda , Quintana Espinosa Hugo , Chanona Hernández Liliana
Published: July 2024

This study explores the potential of using a Siamese Network as a biomarker for assessing the effectiveness of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT) in children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy (SCP). The problem statement revolves around the need for objective measures to evaluate the impact of DAT on patients with SCP, considering the subjective nature of traditional assessment methods. The methodology involves training a Siamese network, a type of neural network designed to compare similarities between inputs, using data collected from SCP patients undergoing DAT sessions. The study employed Event-Related Potential (ERP) and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyses to examine cerebral activity and brain rhythms, proposing the use of SNN to compare electroencephalographic (EEG) signals of children with cerebral palsy before and after Dolphin-Assisted Therapy. Testing on samples from four children yielded a high average similarity index of 0.9150, indicating consistent similarity metrics before and after therapy. The network is trained to learn patterns and similarities between pre- and post-therapy evaluations, in order to identify biomarkers indicative of therapy effectiveness. Notably, the Siamese Network’s architecture ensures that comparisons are made within the same feature space, allowing for more accurate assessments. The results of the study demonstrate promising findings, indicating different patterns in the output of the Siamese Network that correlate with improvements in symptoms of SCP post-DAT. Confirming these observations will require large, longitudinal studies but such findings would suggest that the Siamese Network could have utility as a biomarker in monitoring treatment responses for children with SCP who undergo DAT and offer them more objective as well as quantifiable manners of assessing therapeutic interventions. Great discrepancies in neuronal voltage perturbations, 7.9825 dB on average at the specific samples compared to the whole dataset (6.2838 dB), imply a noted deviation from resting activity. These findings indicate that Dolphin-Assisted Therapy activates particular brain regions specifically during the intervention.
Temporal Relationship between HbA1c and Depressive Symptom Trajectories in a Longitudinal Cohort Study: The Mediating Role of Healthy Lifestyles
Authors: Zeng Na , Li Chao , Mei Huan , Wu Shuilin , Liu Chang , Wang Xiaokun , Bao Yanping
Published: July 2024

This study analyzed China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data to explore the HbA1c–depression link, including depressive trajectories, while considering the mitigating impact of healthy lifestyles. Cross-lagged panel models and group-based trajectory modeling were performed to investigate the temporal relationship between HbA1c levels and depressive symptoms, as well as the depressive trajectories. Structural equation models were used to assess the mediating effects of healthy lifestyles. The mean age of the participants was 57.66 ± 9.04 years, with 53.68% being female. Analyzing 8826 participants across three waves, we observed a significant prediction of subsequent depressive symptoms by the preceding HbA1c levels (β = 0.296; p < 0.001). Four distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms were distinguished: stable low, stable moderate, increasing, and stable high. Elevated HbA1c levels were associated with a higher risk of developing stable high (OR 1.12 and 95% CI 1.02–1.23), increasing (OR 1.21 and 95% CI 1.11–1.32), and stable moderate depressive symptoms (OR 1.07 and 95% CI 1.01–1.13). Engaging in two healthy life behaviors reduced stable high and increasing depressive pattern risks by 32% and 30%, respectively. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle lessened 7.2% of the impact of high HbA1c levels on the subsequent depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the potential benefits of incorporating adequate sleep and light physical activities, which might reduce the adverse impact of elevated HbA1c levels on depressive symptoms.
Modeling and Laboratory Investigation of Tack Coats as Bituminous Pavement Interlayer
Authors: Steffanoni Alessandro , Di Tommaso Michel , Gallo Vito Giovanni , Macaluso Giuseppe , Rizzato Carmine , Ketabdari Misagh , Toraldo Emanuele
Published: July 2024

The adhesive properties of tack coats between asphalt pavement layers are crucial for the pavement’s structural behavior. This study first involved numerical analyses to compare stress patterns, deformations, and displacements in the pavement structure under various geometric and mechanical conditions. A rational calculation method based on the theory of elastic multilayer systems was used to quantify the impact of layer properties such as thickness, stiffness modulus, and Poisson’s ratio on interlayer bonding. Three bonding conditions—Full Friction, Partial Bonding, and Full Debonding—were analyzed to understand the tack coat’s effect between the top two layers. The second phase involved characterizing the mechanical behavior of the interface through shear strength tests (Leutner shear test) on both laboratory-prepared specimens and samples from a 10-year-old highway. Specimens were prepared using a Roller Compactor and tested under different interface conditions: hot-on-hot (H/H), residual bitumen 200 g/m2 (RB 200), and residual bitumen 400 g/m2 (RB 400). The tests examined the bonding effects in terms of tangential force and shear displacement at failure, as well as the impact of vehicular traffic on rutting and fatigue failure. Finally, this study investigated the long-term aging effects of the binder on interlayer bonding and sought to correlate the results of numerical calculations with those of the laboratory tests.
Evaluation of Carbon Neutrality Capacity of Regional Construction Industry Based on the Entropy Weight TOPSIS Model
Authors: Shen Zizhen , Min Hong , Wang Lianbo , Zhang Yongcheng
Published: July 2024

This study examines the overall needs of the green construction scheme with ‘carbon neutrality’ as the centre in the Zhejiang provincial green development target area. By aggregating and organising the construction and development data of Zhejiang Province, the entropy weight TOPSIS model is formed according to the statistical modelling for quantitative examination of the data, and the scientific assessment scheme of ‘carbon neutrality’ in the regional construction industry of Zhejiang Province is developed. This study aids in completely exhibiting and dynamically understanding the advancement of the ‘carbon neutral’ capacity of the urban construction industry. The objective is to discover the weak link in the advancement of carbon neutrality in several regional construction industries, which is of great relevance for further examining and forecasting the strategic outlook of carbon neutrality and modifying the planning of carbon neutrality strategy in special regional construction industries.
Role of Oncostatin M in Exercise-Induced Breast Cancer Prevention
Authors: Negrini Kara A. , Lin Dan , Shah Dhruvil , Wu Hongke , Wehrung Katherine M. , Thompson Henry J. , Whitcomb Tiffany , Sturgeon Kathleen M.
Published: July 2024

Moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity decreases the risk of breast cancer. The muscle-derived cytokine (myokine), oncostatin M (OSM), has been shown to decrease breast cancer cell proliferation. We hypothesized that OSM is involved in physical activity-induced breast cancer prevention, and that OSM antibody (Anti-OSM) administration would mitigate the effect of physical activity in a rat model of mammary carcinoma. Female Sprague Dawley rats were injected with 50 mg/kg N-methyl-N-nitrosourea to induce mammary carcinogenesis. During the 20-week study, rats were exercise trained (EX) or remained sedentary (SED). Additional groups were treated with Anti-OSM antibody (SED + Anti-OSM and EX + Anti-OSM) to explore the impact of OSM blockade on tumor latency. Exercise training consisted of treadmill acclimation and progressive increases in session duration, speed, and grade, until reaching 30 min/day, 20 m/min at 15% incline. Experimentally naïve, age-matched, female rats also completed an acute exercise test (AET) with time course blood draws to evaluate OSM plasma concentrations. Relative tumor-free survival time was significantly longer in EX animals (1.36 ± 0.39) compared to SED animals (1.00 ± 0.17; p = 0.009), SED + Anti-OSM animals (0.90 ± 0.23; p = 0.019), and EX + Anti-OSM animals (0.93 ± 0.74; p = 0.004). There were no significant differences in relative tumor latency between SED, SED + Anti-OSM, or EX + Anti-OSM animals. Following the AET, OSM plasma levels trended higher compared to baseline OSM levels (p = 0.080). In conclusion, we observed that exercise-induced delay of mammary tumor development was mitigated through Anti-OSM administration. Thus, future studies of the OSM mechanism are required to lay the groundwork for developing novel chemo-prevention strategies in women who are unable or unwilling to exercise.
Salvage Cryoablation for Recurrent Prostate Cancer Following Radiation—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Lee Harry , Thakker Sameer , Pineault Kevin , Wysock James , Tan Wei Phin
Published: July 2024

The treatment options for prostate cancer typically entail active surveillance, surgery, radiation, or a combination of the above. Disease recurrence remains a concern, with a wide range of recurrence rates having been reported in the literature. In the setting of recurrence, the salvage treatment options include salvage prostatectomy, salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), salvage brachytherapy, and salvage cryoablation. In this review, we analyze the currently available data related to salvage cryoablation for recurrent prostate cancer following radiation.
Molecular Characterization and Xenotransplantation of Pancreatic Cancer Using Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA)
Authors: Antonova Lilia , Paramanthan Piriya , Falls Theresa , Wedge Marie-Eve , Mayer Justin , Sekhon Harman S. , McPherson John , Denroche Robert E. , Gallinger Steven , Bell John Cameron , Ilkow Carolina S. , Chatterjee Avijit
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst prognoses among all malignancies and few available treatment options. Patient-derived xenografts can be used to develop personalized therapy for pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) may provide a powerful alternative to surgery for obtaining sufficient tissue for the establishment of patient-derived xenografts. In this study, EUS-FNA samples were obtained for 30 patients referred to the Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. These samples were used for xenotransplantation in NOD-SCID mice and for genetic analyses. The gene expression of pancreatic-cancer-relevant genes in xenograft tumors was examined by immunohistochemistry. Targeted sequencing of both the patient-derived tumors and xenograft tumors was performed. The xenografts’ susceptibility to oncolytic virus infection was studied by infecting xenograft-derived cells with VSV∆51-GFP. The xenograft take rate was found to be 75.9% for passage 1 and 100% for passage 2. Eighty percent of patient tumor samples were successfully sequenced to a high depth for 42 cancer genes. Xenograft histological characteristics and marker expression were maintained between passages. All tested xenograft samples were susceptible to oncoviral infection. We found that EUS-FNA is an accessible, minimally invasive technique that can be used to acquire adequate pancreatic cancer tissue for the generation of patient-derived xenografts and for genetic sequencing.
Laser Therapy in Heavily Treated Oncological Patients Improves Vaginal Health Parameters
Authors: Di Stanislao Marco , Coada Camelia Alexandra , De Terlizzi Francesca , Di Costanzo Stella , Fiuzzi Enrico , Mezzapesa Francesco , Dondi Giulia , Paoli Damiano , Damiani Gianluca Raffaello , Raspagliesi Francesco , Bogani Giorgio , Ditto Antonino , Morganti Alessio Giuseppe , De Iaco Pierandrea , Perrone Anna Myriam
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and duration of multiple non-ablative intravaginal CO2 laser (V-lase®) cycles in breast cancer patients, gynecological and other pelvic cancers previously subjected to multiple oncological treatments. This prospective study enrolled women under the age of 65 years who reported vaginal symptoms. Data on the Vaginal Health Index (VHI), vaginal length (VL), vaginal pain measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were collected at baseline and before each laser application, and at subsequent follow-up visits. A total of 170 laser applications were performed on 113 women with various types of cancer. Most patients (57.5%) had received radiotherapy-based treatments before receiving laser treatment. Vaginal health parameters and sexual function improved significantly with each laser application. However, a temporary decline in these improvements occurred during the intervals between cycles. Such worsening was reversed with the subsequent cycle in all groups of patients, irrespective of the type of oncological treatments they had undergone. Multiple course vaginal laser therapy showed promising results as a potential treatment for vaginal atrophy in heavily treated gynecological and breast cancer patients, necessitating further research to determine the optimal time interval between cycles to ensure sustained positive effects.
Prognostic Value of the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) Score in Patients Who Underwent Cytoreductive Surgery Combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Bae Myung Il , Jung Hyunjoo , Park Eun Jung , Kwak Young Lan , Song Young
Published: July 2024

The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a novel nutritional index that integrates the serum albumin level, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol level. This retrospective study explores its prognostic significance in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC). We included 436 patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC, categorized into low (0–3) and high (4–12) CONUT score groups, and performed logistic regression analysis to predict one-year mortality and postoperative morbidity. Our findings revealed that high CONUT scores correlate with increased one-year mortality (47.1% vs. 20.3%, p < 0.001) and morbidity (39.2% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.001) compared to low CONUT scores. Multivariable regression analysis confirmed high CONUT scores as independent predictors of one-year mortality (odds ratio: 2.253, 95% CI: 1.014–5.005, p = 0.046) and postoperative morbidity (odds ratio: 2.201, 95% CI: 1.066–4.547, p = 0.033). These results underscore the CONUT score’s effectiveness as an independent marker for evaluating risks associated with CRS-HIPEC, emphasizing its potential to improve risk stratification.
RNA-Independent Regulatory Functions of lncRNA in Complex Disease
Authors: Kafida Michaela , Karela Maria , Giakountis Antonis
Published: July 2024

During the metagenomics era, high-throughput sequencing efforts both in mice and humans indicate that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute a significant fraction of the transcribed genome. During the past decades, the regulatory role of these non-coding transcripts along with their interactions with other molecules have been extensively characterized. However, the study of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), an ncRNA regulatory class with transcript lengths that exceed 200 nucleotides, revealed that certain non-coding transcripts are transcriptional “by-products”, while their loci exert their downstream regulatory functions through RNA-independent mechanisms. Such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, chromatin interactions and complex promoter-enhancer competition schemes that involve the underlying ncRNA locus with or without its nascent transcription, mediating significant or even exclusive roles in the regulation of downstream target genes in mammals. Interestingly, such RNA-independent mechanisms often drive pathological manifestations, including oncogenesis. In this review, we summarize selective examples of lncRNAs that regulate target genes independently of their produced transcripts.
Revisiting Querleu–Morrow Radical Hysterectomy: How to Apply the Anatomy of Parametrium and Pelvic Autonomic Nerves to Cervical Cancer Surgery?
Authors: Kostov Stoyan , Kornovski Yavor , Watrowski Rafał , Yordanov Angel , Slavchev Stanislav , Ivanova Yonka , Yalcin Hakan , Ivanov Ivan , Selcuk Ilker
Published: July 2024

In 2008, Querleu and Morrow proposed a novel classification of radical hysterectomy, which was quickly accepted by the professional oncogynecological community. The Querleu and Morrow (Q–M) classification of radical hysterectomy has provided a unique opportunity for uniform surgical and anatomical terminology. The classification offers detailed explanations of anatomical landmarks and resection margins for the three parametria of the uterus. However, there are still some disagreements and misconceptions regarding the terminology and anatomical landmarks of the Q–M classification. This article aims to highlight the surgical anatomy of all radical hysterectomy types within the Q–M classification. It discusses and illustrates the importance of anatomical landmarks for defining resection margins of the Q–M classification and reviews the differences between Q–M and other radical hysterectomy classifications. Additionally, we propose an update of the Q–M classification, which includes the implementation of parauterine lymphovascular tissue, paracervical lymph node dissection, and Selective-Systematic Nerve-Sparing type C2 radical hysterectomy. Type D was modified according to current guidelines for the management of patients with cervical cancer. The detailed explanation of the surgical anatomy of radical hysterectomy and the proposed update may help achieve surgical harmonization and precise standardization among oncogynecologists, which can further facilitate accurate and comparable results of multi-institutional surgical clinical trials.
Tumor Cell Stemness and Stromal Cell Features Contribute to Oral Cancer Outcome Disparity in Black Americans
Authors: Mirshahidi Saied , Yuan Isabella J. , Chen Zhong , Simental Alfred , Lee Steve C. , Andrade Filho Pedro A. , Murry Thomas , Zeng Feng , Duerksen-Hughes Penelope , Wang Charles , Yuan Xiangpeng
Published: July 2024

Black Americans (BAs) with head and neck cancer (HNC) have worse survival outcomes compared to the White patients. While HNC disparities in patient outcomes for BAs have been well recognized, the specific drivers of the inferior outcomes remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the biologic features of patient tumor specimens obtained during the surgical treatment of oral cancers and performed a follow-up study of the patients’ post-surgery recurrences and metastases with the aim to explore whether tumor biologic features could be associated with the poorer outcomes among BA patients compared with White American (WA) patients. We examined the tumor stemness traits and stromal properties as well as the post-surgery recurrence and metastasis of oral cancers among BA and WA patients. It was found that high levels of tumor self-renewal, invasion, tumorigenesis, metastasis, and tumor-promoting stromal characteristics were linked to post-surgery recurrence and metastasis. There were more BA than WA patients demonstrating high stemness traits and strong tumor-promoting stromal features in association with post-surgery tumor recurrences and metastases, although the investigated cases displayed clinically comparable TNM stages and histological grades. These findings demonstrated that the differences in tumor stemness and stromal property among cancers with comparable clinical diagnoses contribute to the outcome disparity in HNCs. More research is needed to understand the genetic and molecular basis of the biologic characteristics underlying the inferior outcomes among BA patients, so that targeting strategies can be developed to reduce HNC disparity.
Comparison between Three Radiomics Models and Clinical Nomograms for Prediction of Lymph Node Involvement in PCa Patients Combining Clinical and Radiomic Features
Authors: Santucci Domiziana , Ragone Raffaele , Vergantino Elva , Vaccarino Federica , Esperto Francesco , Prata Francesco , Scarpa Roberto Mario , Papalia Rocco , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Grasso Francesco Rosario , Faiella Eliodoro
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE: We aim to compare the performance of three different radiomics models (logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM)) and clinical nomograms (Briganti, MSKCC, Yale, and Roach) for predicting lymph node involvement (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study includes 95 patients who underwent mp-MRI and radical prostatectomy for PCa with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Imaging data (intensity in T2, DWI, ADC, and PIRADS), clinical data (age and pre-MRI PSA), histological data (Gleason score, TNM staging, histological type, capsule invasion, seminal vesicle invasion, and neurovascular bundle involvement), and clinical nomograms (Yale, Roach, MSKCC, and Briganti) were collected for each patient. Manual segmentation of the index lesions was performed for each patient using an open-source program (3D SLICER). Radiomic features were extracted for each segmentation using the Pyradiomics library for each sequence (T2, DWI, and ADC). The features were then selected and used to train and test three different radiomics models (LR, RF, and SVM) independently using ChatGPT software (v 4o). The coefficient value of each feature was calculated (significant value for coefficient ≥ ±0.5). The predictive performance of the radiomics models and clinical nomograms was assessed using accuracy and area under the curve (AUC) (significant value for p ≤ 0.05). Thus, the diagnostic accuracy between the radiomics and clinical models were compared. RESULTS: This study identified 343 features per patient (330 radiomics features and 13 clinical features). The most significant features were T2_nodulofirstordervariance and T2_nodulofirstorderkurtosis. The highest predictive performance was achieved by the RF model with DWI (accuracy 86%, AUC 0.89) and ADC (accuracy 89%, AUC 0.67). Clinical nomograms demonstrated satisfactory but lower predictive performance compared to the RF model in the DWI sequences. CONCLUSIONS: Among the prediction models developed using integrated data (radiomics and semantics), RF shows slightly higher diagnostic accuracy in terms of AUC compared to clinical nomograms in PCa lymph node involvement prediction.
Executive Functioning Profiles in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Parent–Child Outcomes
Authors: Pardo-Salamanca Ana , Paoletti Daniela , Pastor-Cerezuela Gemma , De Stasio Simona , Berenguer Carmen
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit more executive function (EF) deficits compared to typically developing (TD) peers. EF deficits are linked to various impairments in daily functioning and increased parental stress. The first aim of the present study is to investigate EFs in children with ASD and ADHD compared to their TD peers. The second aim is to explore profiles of executive functions in children with ASD and ADHD and, finally, to determine the differences of EF profiles in relation to parental stress and children’s functional impairments. Methods: The sample comprised 30 TD children, 47 children with ASD, and 34 children with ADHD, aged 8 to 12 years. Parents completed questionnaires of parenting stress, and children’s social and daily-life functioning. Parents and teachers reported information about children’s EF. Results: The results indicated significantly greater impairment of EFs in the clinical groups compared to the TD group. Moreover, three distinct clusters of functioning were identified based on the severity of reported EF difficulties. The significant findings showed that children with more severe EF profiles were associated with greater daily impairment and higher levels of perceived parental stress. Conclusions: Given the impact of EF deficits on the lives of children with ASD and ADHD and their families, it is crucial that studies like this enhance our understanding and inspire future interventions aimed at improving executive functions in children with ASD and ADHD. Such interventions could help reduce parental stress and improve daily functioning.
Correction: Vecchioni et al. Multi-Locus Phylogenetic Analyses of the Almadablennius Clade Reveals Inconsistencies with the Present Taxonomy of Blenniid Fishes. Diversity 2022, 14, 53
Authors: Vecchioni Luca , Ching Andrew C. , Marrone Federico , Arculeo Marco , Hundt Peter J. , Simons Andrew M.
Published: July 2024

In the published publication [...]
Methodology and Uncertainty Analysis of Methane Flux Measurement for Small Sources Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Xu Degang , Da Hongju , Wang Chen , Tang Zhihe , Luan Hui , Li Jufeng , Zeng Yong
Published: July 2024

The top–down emission rate retrieval algorithm (TERRA) method for calculating the net flux out of a box has been employed by other researchers to assess large sources of methane release. This usually requires a manned aircraft drone with powerful performance to fly over the boundary layer. Few studies have focused on low-altitude box sampling mass balance methods for small sources of methane release, such as at maximum flight altitudes of less than 100 m. The accuracy and sources of uncertainty in such a method still need to be determined as they differ from the conditions of large sources. Nineteen flights were conducted to detect methane emissions from Chinese oil field well sites using a measurement system consisting of a quadcopter and methane, wind speed, wind direction, air pressure, and temperature sensors. The accuracy and uncertainty of the method are discussed. The average absolute relative error of the measurement is 18.5%, with an average uncertainty of 55.75%. The uncertainty is mainly caused by the wind speed and direction, and the background CH4 concentration. The main paths to reduce uncertainty and improve accuracy for low-altitude box sampling include subtracting the background concentration during flux retrieval, enhancing the accuracy of methane measurements, selecting a period of downwind dominant or wind direction change of less than 30 degrees, and ensuring a maximum flight height greater than 50 m with a horizontal distance from the pollution source center of less than 75 m. The results show that TERRA-based low-altitude box sampling is suitable for quantifying methane release rates from small sources.
Optimal Bidding Scheduling of Virtual Power Plants Using a Dual-MILP (Mixed-Integer Linear Programming) Approach under a Real-Time Energy Market
Authors: Yoon Seung-Jin , Ryu Kyung-Sang , Kim Chansoo , Nam Yang-Hyun , Kim Dae-Jin , Kim Byungki
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the energy industry has increased the proportion of renewable energy sources, which are sustainable and carbon-free. However, the increase in renewable energy sources has led to grid instability due to factors such as the intermittent power generation of renewable sources, forecasting inaccuracies, and the lack of metering for small-scale power sources. Various studies have been carried out to address these issues. Among these, research on Virtual Power Plants (VPP) has focused on integrating unmanaged renewable energy sources into a unified system to improve their visibility. This research is now being applied in the energy trading market. However, the purpose of VPP aggregators has been to maximize profits. As a result, they have not considered the impact on distribution networks and have bid all available distributed resources into the energy market. While this approach has increased the visibility of renewables, an additional method is needed to deal with the grid instability caused by the increase in renewables. Consequently, grid operators have tried to address these issues by diversifying the energy market. As regulatory method, they have introduced real-time energy markets, imbalance penalty fees, and limitations on the output of distributed energy resources (DERs), in addition to the existing day-ahead market. In response, this paper proposes an optimal scheduling method for VPP aggregators that adapts to the diversifying energy market and enhances the operational benefits of VPPs by using two Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models. The validity of the proposed model and algorithm is verified through a case study analysis.
Effect of Channel Shape on Heat Transfer and Mechanical Properties of Supercritical CO2 Microchannel Heat Exchanger
Authors: Li Peiyue , Fu Wen , Zhang Kaidi , Li Qiulong , Zhang Yi , Li Yanmo , Wang Zhihua , Hou Xiuhua , Sun Yuwei , Wei Wei
Published: July 2024

The heat exchanger plays a key role in the S-CO2 power cycle of power generation systems based on waste heat and has a large impact on their cost control and compactness. In this paper, we take the channel shape of a microchannel heat exchanger as the research object and combine orthogonal tests and numerical simulation, taking the microchannel cross-section length/short-axis ratio, volume ratio and filling rate as independent variables, to numerically study multi-channel thermal–fluid–solid coupling and explore the effects of different microchannel cross-section length/short-axis ratios, volume ratios and filling rates on the thermal hydraulic and mechanical properties of the heat exchanger. The results show that a change in the channel volume ratio has a greater impact on the thermal hydraulic performance of the heat exchanger and that its heat transfer performance is only marginally affected by a change in the channel filling rate. Additionally, when other geometric parameters are kept to a certain level, the closer the shape of the channel is to a circle, the better its mechanical properties are. Within the range of permissible designs, a change in the channel volume ratio does not have an obvious impact on the mechanical properties of the microchannels, while the channel filling rate has the most significant impact. The most significant effect of the channel filling rate on the mechanical properties occurs through the channel volume ratio.
Primary Frequency Control with an Air Handling Unit
Authors: Karhula Niko , Sierla Seppo , Ihasalo Heikki , Ketomäki Jaakko , Huotari Matti , Vyatkin Valeriy
Published: July 2024

The green energy transition threatens stability of the power grid due to associated reduction in grid synchronous inertia. Primary frequency control (PFC) can compensate for the challenge; however, sufficient procurement of primary frequency capacity could depend on more extensive employment of demand-side loads for PFC. Ventilation fans in particular present a promising class of such loads because of ubiquity of variable-frequency drives and relatively slow thermal and ventilation dynamics of indoor spaces. This research proposes a novel method for PFC by an air handling unit: the open loop control is shown to have favorable dynamic characteristics, and its impact on indoor climate is shown to be tolerable. This study suggests that the largely unused primary frequency capacity of ventilation fans could be exploited to provide primary frequency response for low inertia power grids.
Exploiting Lubricant Formulation to Reduce Particle Emissions from Gas Powered Engines
Authors: Guido Chiara , Napolitano Pierpaolo , Di Domenico Davide , Di Maio Dario , Beatrice Carlo , Griffaton Bruno , Obrecht Nicolas
Published: July 2024

The present paper illustrates the results of an experimental study aimed at evaluating the effect of lubricant oil features on the emissive behaviour of a heavy duty spark ignition engine fuelled with methane. The activity was performed within a research project between CNR-STEMS and TotalEnergies in which oils with different formulations were characterized, focusing on their potentiality in particle emission reduction. Considering the ultralow particle emission level in the exhaust of gas engines, a specific testing procedure was designed to guarantee highly reliable and accurate results. In particular, the engine was operated under transient conditions, along the World Harmonized Transient Cycle in cold- and hot-start conditions. The results of the test campaign clearly highlight that the lubricant formulation is a key technology for the control of particles, revealing this as an important aspect in view of the upcoming severe regulation limits on particle emissions. The experimental findings show the capability of reformulated oils to drop down the total particle number to 60–70% with respect to a baseline standard oil. The interest in the present study also lies in providing information extendable to more sustainable fuels, like hydrogen or biomethane, nowadays of great interest as alternative energy sources.
Changes in Water Utilization Characteristics of Trees in Forests across a Successional Gradient in Southern China
Authors: Gao Deqiang , Xu Qing , Zuo Haijun , Xu Wenbin , Diao Ke , Zhang Beibei
Published: July 2024

Elucidating the water utilization strategy of trees during forest succession is a prerequisite for predicting the direction of forest succession. However, the water utilization characteristics of trees in forests across a successional gradient remain unclear. Here, we utilized the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes combined with the Bayesian mixed model (MixSIAR) to analyze the water utilization of dominant trees (Pinus massoniana, Castanea henryi, and Schima superba) in forests along a successional gradient in the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve of China. Furthermore, we determined the primary factor affecting the water utilization of various trees based on variation partitioning analysis and a random forest model. Our results illustrated that in the early-successional forest, the water utilization ratios from shallow soil layers by P. massoniana were significantly lower than that in the mid-successional forest (51.3%–61.7% vs. 75.3%–81.4%), while its water utilization ratios from deep soil layers exhibited the opposite pattern (26.1%–30.1% vs. 9.0%–15.0%). Similarly, the ratios of water utilization from shallow soil layers by C. henryi (18.9%–29.5% vs. 32.4%–45.9%) and S. superba (10.0%–25.7% vs. 29.2%–66.4%) in the mid-successional forest were relatively lower than in the late-successional forest, whereas their water utilization ratios from deep soil layers showed the contrary tendency. Moreover, our results demonstrated that the diverse water utilization of each tree in different successional forests was mainly attributed to their distinct plant properties. Our findings highlight the increased percentage of water utilization of trees from shallow soil layers with forest succession, providing new insights for predicting the direction of forest succession under changing environments.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Industrial and Laboratory Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains after Sequential Stresses
Authors: Costa Ane Catarine Tosi , Schneper Lisa , Russo Mariano , Fernandes A. Alberto R. , Broach James R. , Fernandes Patricia M. B.
Published: July 2024

While the transcriptional responses of yeast cells to a variety of individual stress conditions have been extensively studied, their responses to sequential stress conditions are less well understood. In this study, we present a comparative analysis of the transcriptome of an industrial strain and a laboratory strain exposed to different sequential stresses to establish a common response profile and also to identify genes whose expression is strain-dependent. Both strains induce pathways related to oxidative stress and osmotic stress response including those involved in glycerol synthesis, glutathione metabolism, and NADPH regeneration. Other genes that may also play an important role in this response include the transcription factor ADR1, SYM1, and most of the heat shock proteins. Induction of genes related to autophagy of mitochondria occurred only in the laboratory strain while possible stress tolerance factors, such as additional genes involved in glutathione production and detoxification, were uniformly enhanced only in the industrial strain. The analysis of the stress response to sequential stresses of two different strains allowed more precise identification of the response of yeast to complex environments. Identification of genes uniquely induced in the industrial strain can also be used to develop strategies to optimize various fermentation processes.
Application of the Fractal Brownian Motion to the Athens Stock Exchange
Authors: Leventides John , Melas Evangelos , Poulios Costas , Livada Maria , Poulios Nick C. , Boufounou Paraskevi
Published: July 2024

The Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) is a dynamic financial market with complex interactions and inherent volatility. Traditional models often fall short in capturing the intricate dependencies and long memory effects observed in real-world financial data. In this study, we explore the application of fractional Brownian motion (fBm) to model stock price dynamics within the ASE, specifically utilizing the Athens General Composite (ATG) index. The ATG is considered a key barometer of the overall health of the Greek stock market. Investors and analysts monitor the index to gauge investor sentiment, economic trends, and potential investment opportunities in Greek companies. We find that the Hurst exponent falls outside the range typically associated with fractal Brownian motion. This, combined with the established non-normality of increments, disfavors both geometric Brownian motion and fractal Brownian motion models for the ATG index.
Dynamic Covalent Boronic-Acid-Functionalized Alginate/PVA Hydrogels for pH and Shear-Responsive Drug Delivery
Authors: Oyarzún Yessenia , Ulloa José , Ceballos Matías , Urbano Bruno F.
Published: July 2024

Herein, we investigated hydrogels composed of boronic-acid-functionalized alginate and blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) of different molecular weights to control the release of metoclopramide hydrochloride as a function of pH and shear stress. The functionalization of alginate introduced dynamic covalent bonding and pH-responsive properties that can modulate network connectivity. The study investigated the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels, their drug release profiles, and their responsiveness to changes in pH and shear forces. The results showed that a higher PVA molecular weight and alkaline pH conditions increased hydrogel viscosity and stiffness due to a more stable and interconnected network structure than acidic pH. Metoclopramide release revealed that the hydrogels exhibited pH-responsive drug release behavior. The drug was more readily released under acidic conditions due to the instability of sp2-hybridized boronate ester bonds. The influence of shear forces on the release of metoclopramide was also investigated at shear rates of 1, 10, and 100 s−1, revealing their effect on matrix stiffening. Research shows that AlgBA/PVA hydrogels have unique properties, such as dynamic covalent bonding, that make them sensitive to external mechanical forces. This sensitivity makes them ideal for applications where physiological conditions trigger drug release.
Early-Life Sublethal Exposure to Thiacloprid Alters Adult Honeybee Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Xiasang , Ke Li , Dai Pingli , Ge Yuan , Liu Yong-Jun
Published: July 2024

Thiacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, is known to affect the gut microbiome of honeybees, yet studies often focus on immediate alternations during exposure, overlooking long-term microbiological impacts post-exposure. This study investigates the influences of sublethal thiacloprid administered during the larval developmental stage of honeybees on physiological changes and gut microbiota of adult honeybees. We found that thiacloprid exposure increased mortality and sugar intake in emerged honeybees. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, we analyzed intestinal microbial diversity of honeybees at one and six days post-emergence. Our findings reveal a significant but transient disruption in gut microbiota on day 1, with recovery from dysbiosis by day 6. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating chronic sublethal exposure risks of thiacloprid to protect honeybee health.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Ammonium Transporter (AMT) Genes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Hu Wenhui , Wang Dan , Zhao Shuangshuang , Ji Jiaqi , Yang Jing , Wan Yiqin , Yu Chao
Published: July 2024

Ammonium transporters (AMTs) are vital plasma membrane proteins facilitating NH4+ uptake and transport, crucial for plant growth. The identification of favorable AMT genes is the main goal of improving ammonium-tolerant algas. However, there have been no reports on the systematic identification and expression analysis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) AMT genes. This study comprehensively identified eight CrAMT genes, distributed across eight chromosomes, all containing more than 10 transmembrane structures. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all CrAMTs belonged to the AMT1 subfamily. The conserved motifs and domains of CrAMTs were similar to those of the AMT1 members of OsAMTs and AtAMTs. Notably, the gene fragments of CrAMTs are longer and contain more introns compared to those of AtAMTs and OsAMTs. And the promoter regions of CrAMTs are enriched with cis-elements associated with plant hormones and light response. Under NH4+ treatment, CrAMT1;1 and CrAMT1;3 were significantly upregulated, while CrAMT1;2, CrAMT1;4, and CrAMT1;6 saw a notable decrease. CrAMT1;7 and CrAMT1;8 also experienced a decline, albeit less pronounced. Transgenic algas with overexpressed CrAMT1;7 did not show a significant difference in growth compared to CC-125, while transgenic algas with CrAMT1;7 knockdown exhibited growth inhibition. Transgenic algas with overexpressed or knocked-down CrAMT1;8 displayed reduced growth compared to CC-125, which also resulted in the suppression of other CrAMT genes. None of the transgenic algas showed better growth than CC-125 at high ammonium levels. In summary, our study has unveiled the potential role of CrAMT genes in high-ammonium environments and can serve as a foundational research platform for investigating ammonium-tolerant algal species.
Evaluating Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Simulation-Based Anesthesiology Training among Final-Year Medical Students
Authors: Shbeer Abdullah
Published: July 2024

Simulation-based training (SBT) is increasingly recognized in medical education for enhancing clinical skills and confidence. This study evaluated the impact of SBT on satisfaction and self-confidence among final-year medical students at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. A total of 117 students participated in a cross-sectional study after attending SBT sessions focused on anesthesiology. Data were collected via a questionnaire assessing satisfaction and self-confidence. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed mean satisfaction and self-confidence scores of 3.64 ± 0.79 and 3.70 ± 0.90, respectively, with no significant differences by gender or age. A strong association was noted between the learning experience ratings and both satisfaction and self-confidence (p < 0.001). The highest satisfaction was with the instructor’s teaching style, whereas the lowest was with the motivation provided by teaching materials. For self-confidence, the highest scores related to the instructor’s guidance, while the lowest concerned the application of SBT to critical skills learning. A strong positive correlation was found between satisfaction and self-confidence (R = 0.847, p < 0.001). The study concludes that SBT significantly enhances student satisfaction and self-confidence, emphasizing the importance of learner-centered methods and interactive learning in medical education.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Decision Fatigue Scale among Korean Registered Nurses
Authors: Hur Yujin , Hickman Ronald L.
Published: July 2024

Nurses make decision for patients and the quality of nurses’ decision making can affect patient outcomes. For some reason, nurses are experiencing impaired decision making and it can negatively impact patient care. A valid and reliable instrument to assess decision fatigue may let people know about the concept and guide the development of new policies or interventions for Korean nurses’ decision fatigue. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the decision fatigue scale. The design was a cross-sectional descriptive study and convenience sampling was used to recruit participants. A total of 247 nurses from across South Korea participated in an online survey. The survey consisted of demographic questionnaires, decision fatigue scale, nursing practice environment scale, and compassion fatigue scale. It was validated through confirmatory factor analysis that the Korean version of the decision fatigue scale was a single factor with the same structure as the original scale. The Korean version of the decision fatigue scale showed significant correlations with compassion fatigue, and the scale showed appropriate internal consistency. This study established well enough the psychometric characteristics of the Korean version of decision fatigue.
Potential Targeting Mechanisms for Bone-Directed Therapies
Authors: Celik Betul , Leal Andrés Felipe , Tomatsu Shunji
Published: July 2024

Bone development is characterized by complex regulation mechanisms, including signal transduction and transcription factor-related pathways, glycobiological processes, cellular interactions, transportation mechanisms, and, importantly, chemical formation resulting from hydroxyapatite. Any abnormal regulation in the bone development processes causes skeletal system-related problems. To some extent, the avascularity of cartilage and bone makes drug delivery more challenging than that of soft tissues. Recent studies have implemented many novel bone-targeting approaches to overcome drawbacks. However, none of these strategies fully corrects skeletal dysfunction, particularly in growth plate-related ones. Although direct recombinant enzymes (e.g., Vimizim for Morquio, Cerezyme for Gaucher, Elaprase for Hunter, Mepsevii for Sly diseases) or hormone infusions (estrogen for osteoporosis and osteoarthritis), traditional gene delivery (e.g., direct infusion of viral or non-viral vectors with no modifications on capsid, envelope, or nanoparticles), and cell therapy strategies (healthy bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) partially improve bone lesions, novel delivery methods must be addressed regarding target specificity, less immunogenicity, and duration in circulation. In addition to improvements in bone delivery, potential regulation of bone development mechanisms involving receptor-regulated pathways has also been utilized. Targeted drug delivery using organic and inorganic compounds is a promising approach in mostly preclinical settings and future clinical translation. This review comprehensively summarizes the current bone-targeting strategies based on bone structure and remodeling concepts while emphasizing potential approaches for future bone-targeting systems.