bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sinoatrial node heterogeneity and fibroblasts increase atrial driving capability in a two-dimensional human computational model
Authors: Ricci Eugenio , Mazhar Fazeelat , Marzolla Moreno , Severi Stefano , Bartolucci Chiara
Published: July 2024

Background: Cardiac pacemaking remains an unsolved matter from many perspectives. Extensive experimental and computational studies have been performed to describe the sinoatrial physiology across different scales, from the molecular to clinical levels. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which a heartbeat is generated inside the sinoatrial node and propagated to the working myocardium is not fully understood at present. This work aims to provide quantitative information about this fascinating phenomenon, especially regarding the contributions of cellular heterogeneity and fibroblasts to sinoatrial node automaticity and atrial driving.

Methods: We developed a bidimensional computational model of the human right atrial tissue, including the sinoatrial node. State-of-the-art knowledge of the anatomical and physiological aspects was adopted during the design of the baseline tissue model. The novelty of this study is the consideration of cellular heterogeneity and fibroblasts inside the sinoatrial node for investigating the manner by which they tune the robustness of stimulus formation and conduction under different conditions (baseline, ionic current blocks, autonomic modulation, and external high-frequency pacing).

Results: The simulations show that both heterogeneity and fibroblasts significantly increase the safety factor for conduction by more than 10% in almost all the conditions tested and shorten the sinus node recovery time after overdrive suppression by up to 60%. In the human model, especially under challenging conditions, the fibroblasts help the heterogeneous myocytes to synchronise their rate (e.g. −82% in σCL under 25 nM of acetylcholine administration) and capture the atrium (with 25% L-type calcium current block). However, the anatomical and gap junctional coupling aspects remain the most important model parameters that allow effective atrial excitations.

Conclusion: Despite the limitations to the proposed model, this work suggests a quantitative explanation to the astonishing overall heterogeneity shown by the sinoatrial node.
Muscle structure predictors of vertical jump performance in elite male volleyball players: a cross-sectional study based on ultrasonography
Authors: Jiang WeiDong , Chen Chao , Xu Yilin
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this investigation is to examine the contribution of key muscle groups in the lower limbs to vertical jumping performance in elite male volleyball players. Specifically, the study focuses on the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and lateral gastrocnemius (LG), as well as exploring differences between attack jump and other vertical jump types.

Methods

To achieve this, we employed B-mode ultrasound to evaluate the anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSA), muscle thickness (MT), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL) of the RF, VL, and LG in the participants. Fifteen elite male volleyball players were recruited as participants for this study. Jump heights were measured for four types of vertical jumps: attack jump (AJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ). We conducted regression analyses to assess whether the previously mentioned muscle structures could predict jump performance.

Results

Our findings reveal that the muscle structure of the RF does not exhibit any significant correlation with the height of any jump. However, VL-ACSA displays a significant and the most potent predictive effect on jump height for all four jump types (AJ: R2 = 0.32, p = 0.001; CMJ: R2 = 0.37, p = 0.005; SJ: R2 = 0.52, p = 0.001; DJ: R2 = 0.25, p = 0.021). Conversely, LG-FL only demonstrates a significant and stronger predictive effect on AJ jump height (R2 = 0.18, p = 0.009). Combining VL-ACSA, LG-FL, and training age through multiple linear regression analysis resulted in a highly significant model for predicting AJ jump height (F = 13.86, R2 = 0.73). Moreover, the model incorporating VL-ACSA and training age is also important for predicting CMJ, SJ, and DJ jump heights (F = 8.41, R2 = 0.51; F = 13.14, R2 = 0.63; F = 5.95, R2 = 0.41; respectively).

Conclusion

The muscle structure indicators in the lower limbs significantly predict jump performance among elite male volleyball players. However, different jump types are influenced by distinct indicators, particularly in the case of AJ, which is associated with LG-FL. This suggests that enhancing LG-FL may positively impact AJ ability, thereby emphasizing the importance of specificity in training. To optimize specialized jump performance in volleyball players, practitioners are advised to assess VL-ACSA and LG-FL and incorporate step-up and eccentric strength training targeting the calf muscles to yield considerable benefits.
Individual risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during Alpha variant in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moniz Marta , Pereira Sofia , Soares Patricia , Aguiar Pedro , Donato Helena , Leite Andreia
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to systematically appraise risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-income countries during the period of predominance of the Alpha variant (January 2020 to April 2021).

Methods

Four electronic databases were used to search observational studies. Literature search, study screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by two authors independently. Meta-analyses were conducted for each risk factor, when appropriate.

Results

From 12,094 studies, 27 were included. The larger sample size was 17,288,532 participants, more women were included, and the age range was 18–117 years old. Meta-analyses identified men [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.23, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.97–1.42], non-white ethnicity (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.39–1.91), household number (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.06–1.10), diabetes (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08–1.37), cancer (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98), cardiovascular diseases (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–1.00), asthma (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75–0.92) and ischemic heart disease (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74–0.91) as associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion

This study indicated several risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies included, more studies are needed to understand the factors that increase the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021244148, PROSPERO registration number, CRD42021244148.
Forgotten joint score associated with prosthesis weight in cementless total hip arthroplasty: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Zeng Huiliang , Li Ping , Feng Wenjun , Jie Ke , Chen Jinlun , Zeng Jianchun , Chen Xicong , Zhou Guanming , Zhang Haitao , Zeng Yirong
Published: July 2024

Background

This prospective study aimed to investigate the influence of weight difference between implanted prosthesis and removed bone in cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) on hip awareness and patient-reported outcomes.

Methods

A total of 48 patients (56 hips) who underwent primary THA were prospectively enrolled. Implanted prosthesis and removed bone were weighed intraoperatively. Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores were obtained before and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Patients were divided into groups A, B, and C according to the percentile of the weight difference.

Results

The mean weight difference of the implanted prosthesis and removed bone was 117.97 ± 47.35 g. A negative correlation was found among the weight differences of the three groups and 1- and 3-month postoperative FJS (correlation coefficients, −0.331 and −0.734, respectively). A positive correlation was found among the weight difference of the three groups and 3-month postoperative WOMAC (correlation coefficient, 0.403). A significant difference in 3-month postoperative FJS and WOMAC scores was found among the three groups. The mean 3-month postoperative FJS (79.00) of group C was significantly lower than that of group A (93.32) (P < 0.05). The mean WOMAC score (15.83) of group A was significantly lower than that of group C (23.67) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The implanted prosthesis is larger than the removed bone in cementless THA. The weight difference is negatively correlated with hip function. The weight difference should be minimized to achieve optimal hip joint awareness.
Walka z demonem, psychiczna cukrzyca, dziecięca bezsilność. Język, autonarracja i przezwyciężanie kryzysów psychicznych
Authors: Osowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2024

The article examines the narratives of public figures about their experience of mental crisis. The goal was to apply narrative analysis to the stories of the subjects’ experiences and roles in relation to the disease. The results of the analysis have shown that in their statements both people make a revolution and transgress social taboos, exposing themselves to criticism from their professional environment, as well as from a multitude of observers, followers, fans. In their narratives, they strive to change the society’s archetypal perceptions of sick people, proving that they can adequately perform a range of professional and social functions. Both seek different ways to bring audiences closer to their experiences, appealing to feelings of alienation, entanglement, and undeserved suff ering. Mental health crisis is a dark force and an invasive element against the narrator’s healthy identity. However, above all, subjects are also bound together by the difficulty of finding a handy language for talking about mental health crisis – a language that is not trapped between medical nomenclature and colloquial expressions perpetuating hurtful stereotypes.
Appropriate Water and Nitrogen Regulation Promotes Soybean Yield Formation and Improves Water–Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Wang Yucai , Li Mao , Zhao Jin
Published: July 2024

To address water scarcity and soil damage in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area of China, a study was conducted on regulating water and nitrogen levels for soybean growth under film drip irrigation over two growing seasons (2020 and 2021). Two irrigation levels were tested: mild deficit (W1, 60–70% of field water capacity, FC) and full irrigation (W2, 70–80% of FC), along with three nitrogen levels: low (N1, 60 kg·ha−1), medium (N2, 120 kg·ha−1), and high (N3, 180 kg·ha−1). The control treatment was no nitrogen with full irrigation (W2N0), totaling seven treatments. Results showed that during both growing seasons, soybean plant height reached its peak at the tympanic ripening stage, while the leaf area index (LAI), net photosynthesis rate (Pn), and transpiration rate (Tr) decreased at the tympanic ripening stage. The highest values for the plant height, LAI, Pn, Tr, yield, and the cost–benefit ratio were observed under the W2N2 treatment, significantly outperforming the W2N0 in all aspects (p < 0.05). Over the two-year period, the plant height and LAI were notably higher by 22.86% and 7.09%, respectively, in the W2N2 treatment compared to the W1N1. Full irrigation under N1 and N2 conditions resulted in an enhanced soybean Pn and Tr. However, under N3 conditions, a deficit-tuned irrigation treatment led to a 15.71% increase in the Pn and a 13.34% increase in the Tr on a two-year average. The W2N2 treatment had the highest yield, with a significant 4.93% increase over the W1N3 treatment on a two-year average. The highest rate of change in yield was observed in W1. The two-year cost–benefit ratio and unilateral water benefit reached their peak values in W2N2 and W1N2, respectively. Water use efficiency (WUE) was lower in N1 but significantly increased by 21.83% on a two-year average in W1N3 compared to W1N2. Additionally, W1 had a 14.21% higher WUE than W2 over two years. N3 had the lowest partial factor productivity of nitrogen, which increased by 17.78% on a two-year average in W2N1 compared to W1N1. All nine indicators related to yield formation and water–nitrogen use efficiency showed a positive correlation (p < 0.05) in this study. The highest composite scores were achieved with the W2N2 treatment in both years using the entropy weight and TOPSIS method. Overall, the W2N2 treatment provides a water and nitrogen combination that enhances soybean water and fertilizer efficiency, making it a promising option for high-yield soybean cultivation with water and nitrogen conservation in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area of China. This study offers valuable insights for achieving efficient soybean production while saving water and reducing nitrogen use.
Review: Nutritional Needs of Honeybees and Legislation on Apiculture By-Products in Animal Nutrition
Authors: Gernt Patrick , Dittes Julia , Vervuert Ingrid , Emmerich Ilka U.
Published: July 2024

Honeybees are some of the smallest farmed animals, and apiculture by-products, e.g., honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and pollen contribute to animal nutrition. For the effective production of these by-products, the optimal development and nutrient supply of the honeybee is required. Beginning with the development of the mouth and anal pores on the second day of embryonic development, the digestive tract differentiates into the mouth and fore-, mid-, and hindgut during the pupal stage. The various glands within the oral cavity are particularly important, secreting enzymes and substances that are crucial for digestion and hive nutrition, e.g., invertase and royal jelly. Honeybees rely on a specialized caste system, with worker bees collecting nectar, pollen, water, and resin for the nutrition of the entire hive. Macronutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, obtained primarily from pollen and nectar, are essential for the growth and development of larvae and the overall health of the colony. Inadequate nutrient intake can lead to detrimental effects on larval development, prompting cannibalism within the hive. Apiculture by-products possess unique nutritional and therapeutic properties, leading to a growing interest in the use of honey, beeswax, propolis, and pollen as a feed additive. In recent years, the use of apicultural by-products in animal nutrition has been primarily limited to in vivo studies, which have demonstrated various positive impacts on the performance of farm animals. Honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and pollen are listed feed stuffs according to Regulation (EC) No. 68/2013. However, for animal nutrition there is not any specific legal definition for these products and no legal requirements regarding their ingredients as given for honey or beeswax in European food law.
Exploring Evolutionary Adaptations and Genomic Advancements to Improve Heat Tolerance in Chickens
Authors: Nawaz Ali Hassan , Setthaya Phatthawin , Feng Chungang
Published: July 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to the poultry industry, especially in hot climates that adversely affect chicken growth, development, and productivity through heat stress. This literature review evaluates the evolutionary background of chickens with the specific genetic characteristics that can help chickens to cope with hot conditions. Both natural selection and human interventions have influenced the genetic characteristics of the breeds used in the current poultry production system. The domestication of chickens from the Red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) has resulted in the development of various breeds with distinct genetic differences. Over the past few years, deliberate breeding for desirable traits (such as meat production and egg quality) in chickens has resulted in the emergence of various economically valuable breeds. However, this selective breeding has also caused a decrease in the genetic diversity of chickens, making them more susceptible to environmental stressors like heat stress. Consequently, the chicken breeds currently in use may possess a limited ability to adapt to challenging conditions, such as extreme heat. This review focuses on evaluating potential genes and pathways responsible for heat tolerance, including heat shock response, antioxidant defense systems, immune function, and cellular homeostasis. This article will also discuss the physiological and behavioral responses of chicken varieties that exhibit genetic resistance to heat, such as the naked neck and dwarf traits in different indigenous chickens. This article intends to review the current genomic findings related to heat tolerance in chickens that used methods such as the genome-wide association study (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, offering valuable insights for the sustainability of poultry in the face of global warming.
Intramedullary Metastases to Conus Medullaris: A Review of the Literature with a Case Illustration
Authors: Kaya Serdar , Lam Fred C. , Stevenson Mary Ann , Motiei-Langroudi Rouzbeh , Kasper Ekkehard M.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Intramedullary metastases to the conus medullaris spinalis (IMCM) pose a rare problem in neurosurgical oncology and are usually encountered as a complicated clinical scenario in the setting of advanced systemic malignancy with poor overall survival. Despite the progress in interdisciplinary oncological care, their management remains complicated. Research Question: We performed a PRISMA-guided literature search to achieve a pooled analysis of all previously reported IMCM cases that contained detailed clinical data on this problem to investigate the currently employed management options and respective outcomes. We obtained a clinical vignette and performed a comprehensive narrative review of IMCM management. Materials and Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE/Google Scholar, Cochrane and Embase databases were systematically searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All relevant publications retrieved were subjected to full-text analysis in detail and pertinent information was extracted. Results: The most common systemic primary tumor site as the origin of IMCM was the lung, followed by the breast. Overall, the pooled median survival was 6 months (range 0.5–36 months). Patients who received both surgery and radiation therapy had the longest overall survival (OS) (mean 9.9 months) and those who received no oncological treatment (neither surgery nor adjuvant therapy) had the shortest OS (mean 3.6 months). In cases where surgical resection was performed as part of the treatment plan for metastases, those with partial tumor resection had a more favorable neurological outcome than patients who underwent aggressive gross total resection. Conclusions: Based on the results of our analysis, we find that diligent microsurgical resection (subtotal or total) followed by radiation therapy appears as an effective and suitable treatment in select patients with IMCM. When surgery is not feasible as part of the treatment algorithm, radiation therapy alone (conventional or radiosurgery) also appears to be a suitable treatment option that confers a benefit to the patient.
Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Cortical Oscillations and Network Dynamics
Authors: Agnihotri Sandeep Kumar , Cai Jiang
Published: July 2024

Transcranial electrical brain stimulation techniques like transcranial direct current (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current (tACS) have emerged as potential tools for treating neurological diseases by modulating cortical excitability. These techniques deliver small electric currents to the brain non-invasively through electrodes on the scalp. tDCS uses constant direct current which weakly alters the membrane voltage of cortical neurons, while tACS utilizes alternating current to target and enhance cortical oscillations, though the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood more specifically. To elucidate how tACS perturbs endogenous network dynamics, we simulated spiking neuron network models. We identified distinct roles of the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing phases in driving network activity towards and away from the strong nonlinearity provided by pyramidal neurons. Exploring resonance effects, we found matching tACS frequency to the network’s endogenous resonance frequency creates greater entrainment. Based on this, we developed an algorithm to determine the network’s endogenous frequency, phase, and amplitude, then deliver optimized tACS to entrain network oscillations. Together, these computational results provide mechanistic insight into the effects of tACS on network dynamics and could inform future closed-loop tACS systems that dynamically tune stimulation parameters to ongoing brain activity.
In Silico Comparison of Three Different Beam Arrangements for Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy for Postoperative Whole Pelvic Irradiation of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gogineni Emile , Chen Hao , Cruickshank Ian K. , Koempel Andrew , Gogineni Aarush , Li Heng , Deville Curtiland
Published: July 2024

Background and purpose: Proton therapy has been shown to provide dosimetric benefits in comparison with IMRT when treating prostate cancer with whole pelvis radiation; however, the optimal proton beam arrangement has yet to be established. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) beam arrangements when treating the prostate bed and pelvis in the postoperative setting. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three post-prostatectomy patients were planned using three different beam arrangements: two-field (IMPT2B) (opposed laterals), three-field (IMPT3B) (opposed laterals inferiorly matched to a posterior–anterior beam superiorly), and four-field (IMPT4B) (opposed laterals inferiorly matched to two posterior oblique beams superiorly) arrangements. The prescription was 50 Gy radiobiological equivalent (GyE) to the pelvis and 70 GyE to the prostate bed. Comparisons were made using paired two-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: CTV coverages were met for all IMPT plans, with 99% of CTVs receiving ≥ 100% of prescription doses. All organ at risk (OAR) objectives were met with IMPT3B and IMPT4B plans, while several rectum objectives were exceeded by IMPT2B plans. IMPT4B provided the lowest doses to OARs for the majority of analyzed outcomes, with significantly lower doses than IMPT2B +/− IMPT3B for bladder V30–V50 and mean dose; bowel V15–V45 and mean dose; sigmoid maximum dose; rectum V40–V72.1, maximum dose, and mean dose; femoral head V37–40 and maximum dose; bone V40 and mean dose; penile bulb mean dose; and skin maximum dose. Conclusion: This study is the first to compare proton beam arrangements when treating the prostate bed and pelvis. four-field plans provided better sparing of the bladder, bowel, and rectum than 2- and three-field plans. The data presented herein may help inform the future delivery of whole pelvis IMPT for prostate cancer.
Axitinib after Treatment Failure with Sunitinib or Cytokines in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma—Systematic Literature Review of Clinical and Real-World Evidence
Authors: Sharma Anand , Bahl Amit , Frazer Ricky , Godhania Esha , Halfpenny Nicholas , Hartl Kristina , Heldt Dorothea , McGrane John , Şahbaz Gülser Sera , Venugopal Balaji , Ritchie Aimi , Crichton Katherine
Published: July 2024

Background: We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify clinical evidence on treatments in advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) after the failure of prior therapy with cytokines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Herein, we summarise the evidence for axitinib in aRCC after the failure of prior therapy with cytokines or sunitinib. Methods: This SLR was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023492931) and followed the 2020 PRISMA statement and the Cochrane guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted in MEDLINE and Embase as well as for conference proceedings. Study eligibility was defined according to population, intervention, comparator, outcome, and study design. Results: Of 1252 titles/abstracts screened, 266 peer-reviewed publications were reviewed, of which 182 were included. In addition, 28 conference abstracts were eligible. Data on axitinib were reported in 55 publications, of which 16 provided efficacy and/or safety outcomes on axitinib after therapy with sunitinib or cytokines. In these patients, median progression-free and overall survival ranged between 5.5 and 8.7 months and 11.0 and 69.5 months, respectively. Conclusions: Axitinib is commonly used in clinical practice and has a well-characterised safety and efficacy profile in the treatment of patients with aRCC after the failure of prior therapy with sunitinib or cytokines.
The Prognostic Significance of Pontine-White Matter Score in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Li Yongjiang , Mo Yiwen , Chen Mingshi , Zhang Wenbiao , Li Shuangjiang , Zhang Xu
Published: July 2024

Background: Limited data exist on the significance of PET imaging and quantitative PET parameters in primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma due to its relative rarity. This study was conducted to investigate the prognostic value of a novel internal standardization indicator, the pontine-white matter (PW) score, in primary CNS lymphoma patients undergoing post-treatment 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MR imaging. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2022, eligible patients with primary CNS lymphoma who underwent post-treatment PET imaging were enrolled. Using the FDG uptake of the pons and white matter as an internal reference, the PW score was graded based on the metabolism of the post-therapeutic lesion for each patient, and its associations with patients’ prognosis were investigated. Results: In total, 41 patients with post-treatment PET/CT and 49 patients with post-treatment PET/MR imaging were enrolled. ROC curve analysis indicated that the PW score possessed robust discriminative ability in distinguishing patients with worse outcomes. Furthermore, a higher PW score was significantly correlated with and identified as an independent prognostic indicator for, worse prognosis in both the PET/CT and PET/MR cohorts. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the PW score was an effective prognostic indicator for identifying post-treatment primary CNS lymphoma patients with worse outcomes.
Discovery of Cell Number-Interstitial Fluid Volume (CIF) Ratio Reveals Secretory Autophagy Pathway to Supply eHsp90α for Wound Healing
Authors: Chang Cheng , Tang Xin , Schönthal Axel H. , Chen Mei , Woodley David T. , Wang Yanzhuang , Liang Chengyu , Li Wei
Published: July 2024

Cell secretion repairs tissue damage and restores homeostasis throughout adult life. The extracellular heat shock protein-90alpha (eHsp90α) has been reported as an exosome cargo and a potential driver of wound healing. However, neither the mechanism of secretion nor the genetic evidence for eHsp90α in wound healing has been substantiated. Herein, we show that tissue injury causes massive deposition of eHsp90α in tissues and secretion of eHsp90α by cells. Sequential centrifugations of conditioned medium from relevant cell lines revealed the relative distributions of eHsp90α in microvesicle, exosome and trypsin-sensitive supernatant fractions to be approximately <2%, <4% and >95%, respectively. Establishing the cell-number-to-interstitial-fluid-volume (CIF) ratio for the microenvironment of human tissues as 1 × 109 cells: 1 mL interstitial fluid enabled us to predict the corresponding tissue concentrations of eHsp90α in these fractions as 3.74 μg/mL, 5.61 μg/mL and 178 μg/mL. Remarkably, the 178 μg/mL eHsp90α matches the previously reported 100–300 μg/mL of recombinant eHsp90α whose topical application promotes maximum wound healing in animal models. More importantly, we demonstrate that two parallel secretory autophagy-regulating gene families, the autophagy-regulating (AR) genes and the Golgi reassembly-stacking protein (GRASP) genes work together to mediate the secretion of the physiological concentration of eHsp90α to promote wound healing. Thus, utilization of the CIF ratio-based extrapolation method may enable investigators to rapidly predict biomarker targets from cell-conditioned-medium data.
Effect of Al-Ti-B-Er on the Microstructure and Properties of Ultrahigh-Strength Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Wang Xiao , Ying Zizhi , Hu En , Ma Juntao , Zhang Xiaoqing , Ma Tengfei , Wang Xiaohong
Published: July 2024

To refine the grain size and improve the mechanical properties of ultrahigh-strength aluminum alloy (Al-10Zn-1.9Mg-1.6Cu-0.12Zr), the Al-Ti-B-Er grain refiner was prepared by the melt reaction method using the aluminum melt and Al + Ti + B precursor. The results exhibit that the Al-Ti-B-Er grain refiner is mainly composed of a block TiAl3 phase, and loose agglomerated nano-sized TiB2 and Al3Er phases. The microstructure of ultrahigh-strength aluminum is significantly affected by the Al-Ti-B-Er refiner, which changes from dendrite to equiaxial grain with increasing Al-Ti-B-Er content, and the size of the eutectic phase is significantly refined. The high-efficiency refinement of Al-Ti-B-Er is due to Er promoting the uniform distribution of TiAl3 particles and the formation of loose agglomerated nano-sized TiB2 particles. The optimal addition content of Al-Ti-B-Er into ultrahigh-strength aluminum alloys is 1 wt%, whose grain size is approximately 40 µm. Additionally, the strength and ductility of ultrahigh-strength aluminum alloys are simultaneously improved by adding 1wt% Al-Ti-B-Er after the T6 treatment, reaching 756 MPa and 20%, respectively. This enhancement in strength and ductility is mainly attributed to grain refinement and the eutectic phase refinement.
Synthesis and Characterization of Carboxymethylcellulose-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles as Contrast Agents for THz Spectroscopy with Applications in Oncology
Authors: Schreiner Oliver Daniel , Samoila Petrisor , Schreiner Thomas Gabriel , Socotar Diana , Ciobanu Romeo Cristian
Published: July 2024

This paper describes a process to obtain magnetite functionalized with carboxymethylcellulose via coprecipitation by means of a preliminary stabilization of magnetite in citric acid. The magnetite assemblies successfully passed in vitro and in vivo tests of bio-compatibility. The measured values for the dielectric loss factor are remarkably high, a prerequisite for the assemblies’ potential use as contrast agents. Broadband THz spectroscopy analysis was performed to identify the most relevant frequency bands (here, 3.2–4 THz) where the signal difference between normal cells and cancer cells is relevant for the particles’ potential use as contrast agents for THz imaging, with applications in oncology.
Digital Transformation and Teaching Innovation in Higher Education: A Case Study
Authors: Paños-Castro Jessica , Korres Oihane , Iriondo Ignasi , Petchamé Josep
Published: July 2024

The digital maturity of universities has been a key element in coping with the forced situation brought about by COVID-19 and in subsequent years. This research paper presents a case study of a private Spanish university that aims to analyze the challenges and opportunities that have arisen after the pandemic in terms of resource management and training for teaching innovation and digitization. The nature of this study is qualitative, in which nine interviews were conducted with managers from different faculties and those responsible for Information and Communication Technologies. After analyzing the data with Atlas.ti, four categories were established (technological resources and devices, challenges, opportunities, and others). The study concludes by discussing the commitment to online training, the popularization of videoconferencing tools for teaching sessions, meetings, or synchronous tutorials, and the acceleration of digital transformation, among others.
Upward Bound Program Supports Success of Low-Income and/or First-Generation College Students at a STEM-Focused HSI
Authors: Hensley Brooklin , Apodaca Theresa , Khandelwal Megha
Published: July 2024

A deeper understanding of low-income and first-generation college student experiences is essential to advancing diversity and equity in higher education. Due to a significant gap in college enrollment and graduation rates for low-income and first-generation college students, specifically after COVID-19, it is important to identify factors affecting their success. The Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program at New Mexico Tech (NMT) supports high school students who are either first-generation college students and/or from low-income families to prepare them with the skills and motivation necessary to complete high school and enter and succeed in a program of postsecondary education. These students face unique challenges during their time at college. To identify the factors that affect the success of these students, we surveyed several of our UBMS program participants who chose to attend NMT after completing high school. All participants said support from UBMS staff was critical when starting college at NMT. Participants also mention building a support system with their fellow UBMS alumni to deal with the struggles that being at STEM-focused institutions brings. This study also resulted in several suggestions for faculty and staff members to improve academic outcomes for all students.
A Comprehensive Review Based on the Game Theory with Energy Management and Trading
Authors: Yarar Nurcan , Yoldas Yeliz , Bahceci Serkan , Onen Ahmet , Jung Jaesung
Published: July 2024

This paper reviews the use of game theory tools to study the operation and design of modern power grids. The contribution of this work is to summarize the literature to highlight the versatile solution capability of game theory by focusing on the interconnected objectives of energy trading and energy management. This review was conducted with a focus on various applications in energy systems, including general energy markets, micro grids (MGs), virtual power plants (VPP), electric vehicles (EVs), and smart homes, and explores how game theory can summarize the solutions for pricing, bidding, demand side management, and resource optimization. A key finding is the suitability of game theory for modeling decentralized energy systems where strategic incentives can lead to outcomes that benefit both individuals and society. It also discusses the limitations, challenges, and potential benefits of game theory in complex power systems. This study provides researchers and policy makers with a comprehensive overview of current research and insights into the potential of game theory to shape the future of energy systems.
Convolutional Neural Network and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-BiLSTM)-Attention-Based Prediction of the Amount of Silica Powder Moving in and out of a Warehouse
Authors: Guo Dudu , Duan Pengbin , Yang Zhen , Zhang Xiaojiang , Su Yinuo
Published: July 2024

Raw material inventory control is indispensable for ensuring the cost reduction and efficiency of enterprises. Silica powder is an essential raw material for new energy enterprises. The inventory control of silicon powder is of great concern to enterprises, but due to the complexity of the market environment and the inadequacy of information technology, inventory control of silica powder has been ineffective. One of the most significant reasons for this is that existing methods encounter difficulty in effectively extracting the local and long-term characteristics of the data, which leads to significant errors in forecasting and poor accuracy. This study focuses on improving the accuracy of corporate inventory forecasting. We propose an improved CNN-BiLSTM-attention prediction model that uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract the local features from a dataset. The attention mechanism (attention) uses the point multiplication method to weigh the acquired features and the bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network to acquire the long-term features of the dataset. The final output of the model is the predicted value of silica powder and the evaluation metrics. The proposed model is compared with five other models: CNN, LSTM, CNN-LSTM, CNN-BiLSTM, and CNN-LSTM-attention. The experiments show that the improved CNN-BiLSTM-attention prediction model can predict inbound and outbound silica powder very well. The accuracy of the prediction of the inbound test set is higher than that of the other five models by 7.429%, 11.813%, 15.365%, 10.331%, and 5.821%, respectively. The accuracy of the outbound storage prediction is higher than that of the other five models by 14.535%, 15.135%, 1.603%, 7.584%, and 18.784%, respectively.
3D Numerical Modeling to Assess the Energy Performance of Solid–Solid Phase Change Materials in Glazing Systems
Authors: Arasteh Hossein , Maref Wahid , Saber Hamed H.
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the energy efficiency of a novel double-glazing system incorporating solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs), which offer significant advantages over traditional liquid–solid phase change materials. The primary objective of this study is to develop a 3D numerical model using the finite volume method, which will be followed by a parametric study under real climatic boundary conditions. A proposed double-glazing setup featuring a 2 mm layer of SSPCM applied on the inner glass pane within the air gap is modeled and analyzed. The simulations consider various transient temperatures and ranges of the SSPCM to evaluate the energy performance of the system under different weather conditions of Miami, FL during the coldest and hottest days of the year, both in sunny and cloudy conditions. The results demonstrate a notable improvement in energy performance compared to standard double-glazing windows (DGWs), with the most efficient SSPCM configuration exhibiting a phase transition temperature and range of 25 °C and 1 °C, respectively. This configuration achieved energy savings of 24%, 26%, and 23% during summer sunny, winter sunny, and winter cloudy days, respectively, relative to DGWs during cooling and heating degree hours. However, a 3% energy loss was observed during summer cloudy days. Overall, the findings of this study have shown the potential for energy savings by incorporating SSPCM with suitable thermophysical properties into double-glazing systems.
The Economic Efficiencies of Investment in Biogas Plants—A Case Study of a Biogas Plant Using Waste from a Dairy Farm in Poland
Authors: Kusz Dariusz , Kusz Bożena , Wicki Ludwik , Nowakowski Tomasz , Kata Ryszard , Brejta Władysław , Kasprzyk Anna , Barć Marek
Published: July 2024

High investments and low economic efficiency of agricultural biogas plants operating on farms are two of the main barriers to the development of the biogas plant sector. Identification of economic and financial problems related to the operation of such facilities allows for the reduction of entry barriers for private investors, especially farmers. The aim of this research was to analyze the economic efficiency of investing in an agricultural biogas plant operating at a dairy farm. For the analysis, the case study method was applied. The economic efficiency of investment in a biogas plant was assessed using six different cash flow options. The NPV (net present value) and IRR (internal rate of return) methods were applied to assess the economic efficiency of the investment. It was found that the investment project for an agricultural biogas plant with a capacity of 0.499 MW located at a dairy farm required a subsidy of approximately 40–60% of the value of to ensure satisfactory economic efficiency. It has been shown that a particularly important aspect in assessing the economic efficiency of an investment in an agricultural biogas plant is the use of an economic calculation that takes into account the valuation and quantification of all positive external effects of such projects.
A Cloud–Edge Collaborative Multi-Timescale Scheduling Strategy for Peak Regulation and Renewable Energy Integration in Distributed Multi-Energy Systems
Authors: Yin Zhilong , Zhou Zhiyuan , Yu Feng , Gao Pan , Ni Shuo , Li Haohao
Published: July 2024

Incorporating renewable energy sources into the grid poses challenges due to their volatility and uncertainty in optimizing dispatch strategies. In response, this article proposes a cloud–edge collaborative scheduling strategy for distributed multi-energy systems, operating across various time scales. The strategy integrates day-ahead dispatch, intra-day optimization, and real-time adjustments to minimize operational costs, reduce the wastage of renewable energy, and enhance overall system reliability. Furthermore, the cloud–edge collaborative framework helps mitigate scalability challenges. Crucially, the strategy considers the multi-timescale characteristics of two types of energy storage systems (ESSs) and three types of demand response (DR), aimed at optimizing resource allocation efficiently. Comparative simulation results evaluate the strategy, providing insights into the significant impacts of different ESS and DR types on system performance. By offering a comprehensive approach, this strategy aims to address operational complexities. It aims to contribute to the seamless integration of renewable energy into distributed systems, potentially enhancing sustainability and resilience in energy management.
Effect of Planting Ground Treatments Using Artificial Rainfall Slope Simulating Degraded Forestland on Drought Stress Susceptibility of Pinus densiflora
Authors: Lee Kyeongcheol , Song Yeonggeun , Kim Minsu , Choi Wooyoung , Ju Hyoseong , Koo Namin
Published: July 2024

Trees in degraded forest areas are generally exposed to water stress due to harsh environmental conditions, threatening their survival. This study simulated the environmental conditions of a degraded forest area by constructing an artificial rainfall slope and observing the physiological responses of Pinus densiflora to control, mulching, and waterbag treatments. P. densiflora exhibited distinct isohydric plant characteristics of reducing net photosynthetic rate and stomatal transpiration rate through regulating stomatal conductance in response to decreased soil moisture, particularly in the control and waterbag treatments. Additionally, the trees increased photochemical quenching, such as Y(NPQ), to dissipate excess energy as heat and minimize damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. However, these adaptive mechanisms have temporal limitations, necessitating appropriate measures. Under extreme drought stress (DS45), mulching treatment showed 4.5 times and 2.2 times higher in PIabs and SFIabs than in the control, and after the recovery period (R30), waterbag and mulching treatment showed similar levels, while PIabs and SFIabs in the control were only 45% and 75% of those in the mulching and waterbag treatments, respectively. Specifically, mulching extended the physiological mechanisms supporting survival by more than a week, making it the most effective method for enhancing the planting ground in degraded forest areas. Although the waterbag treatment was less effective than mulching treatment, it still significantly contributed to forming better growth conditions compared to the control. These findings highlight the potential for mulching and waterbag treatments to enhance forest restoration efforts, suggesting future research and application could lead to more resilient reforested areas capable of withstanding climate change-induced drought conditions.
Tourism Crisis Events Affecting Intention towards Forest-Based Health Tourism: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Xiao Chan , Deeprasert Jirawan , Jiang Songyu
Published: July 2024

Since the beginning of the 21st century, various tourism crisis events have negatively impacted the global tourism industry. This study proposes a research model grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response theory to explore how external stimuli influence individuals and help identify factors influencing elderly individuals’ willingness to participate in forest-based health tourism during and after tourism crisis events, considering the global aging trend. From 20 December 2023 to 15 January 2024, we collected 429 valid questionnaires from Chinese older adult participants engaged in forest-based health tourism in Guizhou Province. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and bootstrapping techniques were employed to analyze data. The results indicate that tourism crisis events, primarily in the form of geological disasters, are significant antecedent variables influencing the willingness of Chinese older adults to engage in forest-based health tourism. Furthermore, destination image and perceived value serve as individual mediators and function as chained mediators. The results enhance our understanding of the complex relationship between tourism crisis events and the willingness of older Chinese adults to travel while also revealing deeper underlying mechanisms.
The Anti-Methanogenic Activity of Lovastatin in Batch Cultures Using Rumen Inoculum from Sheep, Goats, and Cows
Authors: Ábrego-García Amaury , Medina-Mendoza Gustavo Gerardo , Miranda-Romero Luis Alberto
Published: July 2024

Enteric methanogenesis in ruminants is identified as one of the primary anthropogenic sources of total atmospheric methane. Recent evidence suggests that rumen methanogenesis is significantly suppressed by lovastatin. Nevertheless, it has not been reported whether the methane reduction by lovastatin depends on ruminant livestock type, nor has fiber degradability been examined. The current research aimed to analyze the in vitro effect of lovastatin on the major fermentation end-products, gas production (GP) kinetics, and fiber degradation of a forage-based diet using rumen inoculum from sheep, goats, and cows. The experiment was conducted as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (dose of lovastatin: 0, 80, and 160 mg/L and three inoculum sources) in a completely randomized design. The results suggested that lovastatin did not affect the GP kinetics parameters. The anti-methanogenic properties of lovastatin were variable depending on dose and inoculum source. Lovastatin demonstrated a superior methane-lowering effect in sheep rumen inoculum compared with goat and cow inocula. The total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production was unaffected by lovastatin, but changes in acetate and valerate proportions were registered. Remarkably, lovastatin decreased the NH3-N concentration with goat and sheep inocula and the in vitro neutral fiber detergent (NDF) degradation for all inoculum sources.
Workplace Health Promotion in Italian University Employees: Effects on Body Composition and Mediterranean Diet Adherence
Authors: Moroni Alessia , Micheletti Cremasco Margherita , Gilli Giorgio , Degan Raffaella
Published: July 2024

As Workplace Health Promotion is spreading among several working environments, the university context seems to be one of the best to apply primary prevention activities. Working in this direction, the University of Torino led the Wellness@Work for UniTo Project (W@W), with the aim of promoting employees’ health. Internal university professionals assessed body composition and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), giving on-target advice for improving lifestyle. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the W@W Project after a 4-month intervention period. This project was addressed to university employees, who could participate on a voluntary basis. Researchers assessed (T1) socio-demographic information and collected anthropometric variables. Body composition was evaluated through Classic and Specific Bioelectrical impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA). Adherence to the MD was assessed through the Medi-Lite questionnaire. After the assessments, participants were given 5-min counselling from internal professionals. After about 4 months, participants were supposed to undergo same assessments (T2). Overall, 479 workers joined the project, and of those, 246 came back for the T2 assessment. Globally, either anthropometric, body composition, or MD variables improved significantly after 4 months, both for male and female samples, suggesting how an easy-to-apply WHP intervention could help to improve workers’ health.