bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Analysis of the microRNA–mRNA Network Predicts Potential Regulators of Atrial Fibrillation in Humans
Authors: Wang Rong , Bektik Emre , Sakon Phraew , Wang Xiaowei , Huang Shanying , Meng Xiangbin , Chen Mo , Han Wenqiang , Chen Jie , Wang Yanhong , Zhong Jingquan
Published: August 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a form of sustained cardiac arrhythmia and microRNAs (miRs) play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of AF. To identify novel miR–mRNA pairs, we performed RNA-seq from atrial biopsies of persistent AF patients and non-AF patients with normal sinus rhythm (SR). Differentially expressed miRs (11 down and 9 up) and mRNAs (95 up and 82 down) were identified and hierarchically clustered in a heat map. Subsequently, GO, KEGG, and GSEA analyses were run to identify deregulated pathways. Then, miR targets were predicted in the miRDB database, and a regulatory network of negatively correlated miR–mRNA pairs was constructed using Cytoscape. To select potential candidate genes from GSEA analysis, the top-50 enriched genes in GSEA were overlaid with predicted targets of differentially deregulated miRs. Further, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of enriched genes in GSEA was constructed, and subsequently, GO and canonical pathway analyses were run for genes in the PPI network. Our analyses showed that TNF-α, p53, EMT, and SYDECAN1 signaling were among the highly affected pathways in AF samples. SDC-1 (SYNDECAN-1) was the top-enriched gene in p53, EMT, and SYDECAN1 signaling. Consistently, SDC-1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in atrial samples of AF patients. Among negatively correlated miRs, miR-302b-3p was experimentally validated to suppress SDC-1 transcript levels. Overall, our results suggested that the miR-302b-3p/SDC-1 axis may be involved in the pathogenesis of AF.
Effects of Acute Sepsis on Cellular Dynamics and Amyloid Formation in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rotaru-Zavaleanu Alexandra Daniela , Neacșu Alexandru Ionuț , Neacșu Adela-Daria , Pirici Daniel , Osiac Eugen , Cătălin Bogdan , Gheonea Dan Ionuț
Published: August 2022

Our objective was to investigate how sepsis influences cellular dynamics and amyloid formation before and after plaque formation. As such, APP-mice were subjected to a polymicrobial abdominal infection resulting in sepsis at 2 (EarlySepsis) and 4 (LateSepsis) months of age. Behavior was tested before sepsis and at 5 months of age. We could not detect any short-term memory or exploration behavior alterations in APP-mice that were subjected to Early or LateSepsis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a lower area of NeuN+ and Iba1+ signal in the cortex of Late compared with EarlySepsis animals (p = 0.016 and p = 0.01), with an increased astrogliosis in LateSepsis animals compared with WT-Sepsis (p = 0.0028), EarlySepsis (p = 0.0032) and the APP-Sham animals (p = 0.048). LateSepsis animals had larger areas of amyloid compared with both EarlySepsis (p = 0.0018) and APP-Sham animals (p = 0.0024). Regardless of the analyzed markers, we were not able to detect any cellular difference at the hippocampal level between groups. We were able to detect an increased inflammatory response around hippocampal plaques in LateSepsis compared with APP-Sham animals (p = 0.0003) and a decrease of AQP4 signal far from Sma+ vessels. We were able to show experimentally that an acute sepsis event before the onset of plaque formation has a minimal effect; however, it could have a major impact after its onset.
Magnetite Deposition Behavior on Alloy 600 and Alloy 690 Tubes in Simulated PWR Secondary Water
Authors: Jeon Soon-Hyeok , Lee Yong-Beom , Lee Kyung-Hee , Hur Do-Haeng
Published: August 2022

Fouling due to magnetite deposition has been a major concern for steam generator (SG) tubing of pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Alloy 690 SG tubes are now used for new plants or are scheduled to replace old Alloy 600 tubes of operating plants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the magnetite deposition behavior on the two different SG tube materials: Alloy 600 and Alloy 690. Deposition tests were conducted under a sub-cooled nucleate flow boiling condition in simulated secondary water of a PWR at 270 °C. After these tests, we observed that the tube surfaces were covered with deposits composed of porous magnetite particles. We found approximately 30% more magnetite deposits on Alloy 600 than on Alloy 690. The electrostatic repulsive force between the magnetite particles and the Alloy 600 surface was only half of that between the magnetite particles and the Alloy 690 surface, resulting in an increase in the deposit mass.
One-Dimensional CdS/SrTiO3/Carbon Fiber Core–Shell Photocatalysts for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hu Qi , Niu Jiantao , Zhang Ke-Qin , Yao Mu
Published: August 2022

The photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency of a single SrTiO3 photocatalytic catalyst is often low, which is mainly due to the serious combination of electrons and holes produced by photocatalysis as well as the mismatch of the redox capacity and light absorption range. Construction of semiconductor heterojunctions can solve these problems. CdS has a narrow band gap, which can effectively utilize visible light, and it has a band structure matched with that of SrTiO3. Therefore, CdS is considered as an ideal candidate for constructing heterojunctions with SrTiO3. In this paper, bamboo pulp fibers were used as the substrate, and SrTiO3 was coated on the substrate through the solvothermal process. CF/SrTiO3 rich in oxygen vacancies was formed by high temperature carbonization, and heterojunctions were formed by loading CdS on the surface of the CF/SrTiO3 composite material through the hydrothermal method, thus obtaining one-dimensional CF/SrTiO3/CdS core–shell photocatalysts. The structure and photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of the CF/SrTiO3/CdS core–shell photocatalysts were mainly studied. The photocatalytic hydrogen production experiment showed that the hydrogen production rate of the CF/SrTiO3/CdS-2 sample under the optimized process was as high as 577.39 μmol/g·h, which was about 11 times that of the CF/SrTiO3 sample. In this composite photocatalytic material system, the loading of the CdS nanospheres could enhance the visible light absorption capacity of the composite catalyst, promote the rapid separation and high-speed migration of photocarriers, and significantly improve the photocatalytic activity.
Single-Stranded DNA Recognition over Fluorescent Gold-Aryl Nanoparticles
Authors: Parambath Javad B. M. , Kanu Gayathri A. , Abu Odeh Raed O. , Kim Sanghyeon , Han Changseok , Mohamed Ahmed A.
Published: August 2022

Fluorescence labeling of gold-aryl nanoparticles, AuNPs-COOH, was achieved by the covalent derivatization with dansyl chloride (DNS-Cl) reagent (5-naphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride) for potential ssDNA recognition. The fluorescent gold nanoparticles of AuNPs-C6H4-4-COO-dansyl (AuNPs-DNS) of spherical shape and a size of 19.3 ± 8.3 nm were synthesized in a carbonate-bicarbonate buffer (pH = 10.6) at 37 °C. The fluorescence emission at 475 nm was acquired using fluorescence spectroscopy and investigated using time-resolved photoluminescence. The conjugation of ssDNA to AuNPs-DNS using the freeze-thaw and salt-aging methods was confirmed by fluorescence emission quenching, gel electrophoresis separation, and lifetime decrease. Conjugated ssDNA to AuNPs-DNS using the freeze-thaw method was more efficient than the salt-aging method. The purity of ssDNA upon conjugation was measured with optical density, and the obtained A260/A280 ratio was in the range of 1.7–2.0. This research can be applied to other nucleotide recognition and theranostics.
Study of Optical Rectification in Polycrystalline Materials Based on Random Quasi-Phase Matching
Authors: Wang Sijia , Zhong Kai , Qiao Hongzhan , Li Fangjie , Li Jining , Xu Degang , Yao Jianquan
Published: August 2022

Random quasi-phase matching (RQPM) in polycrystalline materials has been considered as an important technique for nonlinear optical frequency conversion, especially in wideband laser generation involving femtosecond lasers. In this paper, optical rectification (OR) based on RQPM in ZnSe ceramics was investigated for the first time, which could convert ultrashort optical pulses to broadband terahertz waves. A theoretical model of RQPM OR was built, with which the effects of material grain size, thickness, pump wavelength and pump pulse duration on terahertz generation, were simulated and discussed. It was found that RQPM OR in ZnSe is indeed effective in terahertz generation but insensitive to the material grain size and pump wavelength RQPM OR is even better than traditional single crystals such as ZnTe in bandwidth and robustness. The results can be a reference to optimize the RQPM OR nonlinear process, and hopefully, this work will promote the application of costless polycrystalline materials in the hot field of terahertz generation.
Long-Term Survival after Linac-Based Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Radiotherapy with a Micro-Multileaf Collimator for Brain Metastasis
Authors: Matsuda Ryosuke , Hasegawa Masatoshi , Tamamoto Tetsuro , Inooka Nobuyoshi , Nikimoto Mei , Ochi Tomoko , Miyasaka Toshiteru , Hontsu Shigeto , Yamaki Kaori , Miura Sachiko , Morimoto Takayuki , Mitsui Takaaki , Furuta Takanori , Yokoyama Shohei , Kotsugi Masashi , Yamada Shuichi , Nakagawa Ichiro , Park Young-Soo , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

Background: this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with long-term survival after linear accelerator (linac)-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRT) with a micro-multileaf collimator for brain metastasis (BM). Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 226 consecutive patients with BM who were treated with linac-based SRS or fSRT with a micro-multileaf collimator between January 2011 and December 2018. Long-term survival (LTS) was defined as survival for more than 2 years after SRS/fSRT. Results: The tumors originated from the lung (n = 189, 83.6%), breast (n = 11, 4.9%), colon (n = 9, 4.0%), stomach (n = 4, 1.8%), kidney (n = 3, 1.3%), esophagus (n = 3, 1.3%), and other regions (n = 7, 3.1%). The median pretreatment Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score was 90 (range: 40–100). The median follow-up time was 13 (range: 0–120) months. Out of the 226 patients, 72 (31.8%) were categorized in the LTS group. The median survival time was 43 months and 13 months in the LTS group and in the entire cohort, respectively. The 3-year, 4-year, and 5-year survival rate in the LTS group was 59.1%, 49.6%, and 40.7%, respectively. Multivariate regression logistic analysis showed that female sex, a pre-treatment KPS score ≥ 80, and the absence of extracranial metastasis were associated with long-term survival. Conclusions: female sex, a favorable pre-treatment KPS score, and the absence of extracranial metastasis were associated with long-term survival in the current cohort of patients with BM.
Risk for Arterial Thromboembolic Events (ATEs) in Patients with Advanced Urinary Tract Cancer (aUTC) Treated with First-Line Chemotherapy: Single-Center, Observational Study
Authors: Bamias Aristotelis , Tzannis Kimon , Zakopoulou Roubini , Sakellakis Minas , Dimitriadis John , Papatheodoridi Alkistis , Rallidis Loukianos , Halvatsiotis Panagiotis , Tsiara Anna , Kaparelou Maria , Kostouros Efthymios , Barbarousi Despina , Koutsoukos Konstantinos , Fragiadis Evangelos , Dellis Athanasios E. , Anastasiou Ioannis , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Pinitas Alexandros , Papatsoris Athanasios , Adamakis Ioannis , Varkarakis Ioannis , Fragoulis Charalampos , Pagoni Stamatina , Matsouka Charis , Skolarikos Andreas , Mitropoulos Dionysios , Doumas Konstantinos , Deliveliotis Charalampos , Constantinides Constantinos , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios
Published: August 2022

Arterial thromboembolism has been associated with cancer or its treatment. Unlike venous thromboembolism, the incidence and risk factors have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the incidence of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs) in an institutional series of advanced urinary tract cancer (aUTC) treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. The ATE definition included peripheral arterial embolism/thrombosis, ischemic stroke and coronary events. A total of 354 aUTC patients were analyzed. Most patients (95.2%) received platinum-based chemotherapy. A total of 12 patients (3.4%) suffered an ATE within a median time of 3.6 months from the start of chemotherapy. The most frequent ATE was ischemic stroke (n = 7). Two ATEs were fatal. The 6-month and 24-month incidence were 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9–4.1) and 3.6% (95% CI: 1.9–6.2), respectively. Perioperative chemotherapy increased the risk for ATE by 5.55-fold. Tumors other than UTC and pure non-transitional cell carcinoma histology were also independent risk factors. No association with the type of chemotherapy was found. Overall, ATEs occur in 4.6% of aUTC patients treated with chemotherapy and represent a clinically relevant manifestation. Perioperative chemotherapy significantly increases the risk for ATE. The role of prophylaxis in high-risk groups should be prospectively studied.
The Atherosclerosis Profile by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) in Symptomatic Patients with Coronary Artery Calcium Score Zero
Authors: Feuchtner Gudrun , Beyer Christoph , Barbieri Fabian , Spitaler Philipp , Dichtl Wolfgang , Friedrich Guy , Widmann Gerlig , Plank Fabian
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Whether it is safe to exclude coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic patients with coronary artery calcium score (CACS 0), is an open debate. To compare coronary CTA including high-risk plaque (HRP) features in symptomatic patients with CACS 0 (2) Methods: 1709 symptomatic patients (age, mean 57.5 ± 16 years, 39.6% females) referred to coronary CTA for clinical indications were included. CACS, coronary stenosis (CADRADS) severity and HRP features (low-attenuation-plaque, spotty calcification, positive remodeling, NRS) were recorded. (3) Results: Of 1709 patients, 665 with CACS 0 were finally included. 562 (84.5%) had no CAD by CTA while 103 of 665 (15.4%) had CAD. Stenosis was minimal <25% in 79, mild <50% in 20, moderate in 1 and severe >70% in 3 patients. The rate of obstructive CAD was low with 4/665 (0.61%). The majority of patients had non-obstructive CAD (<50% stenosis) (99/103; 96.1%). A high proportion of patients with non-obstructive CAD had at least one HRP (52/103; 50.4%) per patient. (4) Conclusions: The rate of obstructive CAD is very low in symptomatic patients with CACS 0, and non-obstructive CAD domineering. CACS 0 does not rule out non-obstructive CAD and misses patients in which primary preventive measures are indicated. More than half of patients with non-obstructive CAD had high-risk plaque, highlighting the importance of quantitative plaque analysis.
Optimizing Public Health Preparedness for Highly Infectious Diseases in Central Vietnam
Authors: Zadran Amanullah , Ho An V. D. , Zadran Layma , Ventura Curiel Irene J. , Pham Tang-Tung , Thuan Duong Thi Bich , Kost Gerald J.
Published: August 2022

Our primary objectives were (a) to determine the need for and the availability of point-of-care testing (POCT) for infectious diseases and (b) to recommend point-of-care testing strategies and Spatial Care PathsTM (SCPs) that enhance public health preparedness in the regional districts of Thua Thien Hue Province (TTHP), Central Vietnam, where we conducted field surveys. Medical professionals in seven community health centers (CHCs), seven district hospitals (DHs) and one provincial hospital (PH) participated. Survey questions (English and Vietnamese) determined the status of diagnostic testing capabilities for infectious diseases and other acute medical challenges in TTHP. Infectious disease testing was limited: six of seven CHCs (86%) lacked infectious disease tests. One CHC (14%, 1/7) had two forms of diagnostic tests available for the detection of malaria. All CHCs lacked adequate microbiology laboratories. District hospitals had few diagnostic tests for infectious diseases (tuberculosis and syphilis), blood culture (29%, 2/7), and pathogen culture (57%, 4/7) available. The PH had broader diagnostic testing capabilities but lacked preparedness for highly infectious disease threats (e.g., Ebola, MERS-CoV, SARS, Zika, and monkeypox). All sites reported having COVID-19 rapid antigen tests; COVID-19 RT-PCR tests were limited to higher-tier hospitals. We conclude that infectious disease diagnostic testing should be improved and POC tests must be supplied near patients’ homes and in primary care settings for the early detection of infected individuals and the mitigation of the spread of new COVID-19 variants and other highly infectious diseases.
Multi-Class Skin Lesion Classification Using a Lightweight Dynamic Kernel Deep-Learning-Based Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Aldhyani Theyazn H. H. , Verma Amit , Al-Adhaileh Mosleh Hmoud , Koundal Deepika
Published: August 2022

Skin is the primary protective layer of the internal organs of the body. Nowadays, due to increasing pollution and multiple other factors, various types of skin diseases are growing globally. With variable shapes and multiple types, the classification of skin lesions is a challenging task. Motivated by this spreading deformity in society, a lightweight and efficient model is proposed for the highly accurate classification of skin lesions. Dynamic-sized kernels are used in layers to obtain the best results, resulting in very few trainable parameters. Further, both ReLU and leakyReLU activation functions are purposefully used in the proposed model. The model accurately classified all of the classes of the HAM10000 dataset. The model achieved an overall accuracy of 97.85%, which is much better than multiple state-of-the-art heavy models. Further, our work is compared with some popular state-of-the-art and recent existing models.
Point-of-Care Abdominal Ultrasonography (POCUS) on the Way to the Right and Rapid Diagnosis
Authors: Radonjić Tijana , Popović Maja , Zdravković Marija , Jovanović Igor , Popadić Višeslav , Crnokrak Bogdan , Klašnja Slobodan , Mandić Olga , Dukić Marija , Branković Marija
Published: August 2022

Point-of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) is based on target ultrasound that is performed wherever a patient is being treated, and by a non-radiologist directly involved in the patient’s care. It is used either for quick diagnosis or procedural guidance. Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints in emergency departments, and POCUS can help in the differentiation of patients who need additional diagnostic tests or hospital treatment, which eventually reduces the overall costs of health care. POCUS has high sensitivity and specificity in abdominal pathology, it can be helpful in the evaluation of biliary, intestinal, and urinary tract, and it is especially used in trauma. Additionally, the gold standard for abdominal aortic aneurysm detection, follow up and screening is precisely this diagnostic procedure. Unfortunately, the quality of ultrasound examination can be affected by the experience of the physician performing it and the patient’s body weight. There is no doubt that POCUS is being increasingly recognized, but all motivated physicians should be provided with dedicated tutors and enough time for learning. This would certainly help to implement this diagnostic method as a routine in emergency and critical care departments, and significantly shorten the time until definitive diagnosis.
Intra-Abdominal Malignant Melanoma: Challenging Aspects of Epidemiology, Clinical and Paraclinical Diagnosis and Optimal Treatment—A Literature Review
Authors: Ionescu Sinziana , Nicolescu Alin Codrut , Madge Octavia-Luciana , Simion Laurentiu , Marincas Marian , Ceausu Mihai
Published: August 2022

According to European consensus-based interdisciplinary guidelines for melanoma, cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most deadly form of dermatological malignancy, accounting for 90% of the deaths of skin cancer patients. In addition to cutaneous melanoma, mucosal melanoma occurs in four major anatomical sites, including the upper respiratory tract, the conjunctiva, the anorectal region, and the urogenital area. As this cancer type metastasizes, a classification used in the current medical literature is the distinction between secondary lesions and primary malignant melanoma of the abdominal cavity. Given that malignant melanoma is the most common cancer that spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, different imaging modalities compete to diagnose the phenomenon correctly and to measure its extension. Treatment is primarily surgery-based, supported by immunotherapy, and prolongs survival, even when performed at stage IV illness. In the end, special forms of malignant melanoma are discussed, such as melanoma of the genito-urinary tract and amelanotic/achromic melanoma. The importance of this present literature review relies on yielding and grouping consistent and relevant, updated information on the many aspects and challenges that a clinician might encounter during the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with intra-abdominal melanoma.
Automatic Segmentation and Quantitative Assessment of Stroke Lesions on MR Images
Authors: Verma Khushboo , Kumar Satwant , Paydarfar David
Published: August 2022

Lesion studies are crucial in establishing brain-behavior relationships, and accurately segmenting the lesion represents the first step in achieving this. Manual lesion segmentation is the gold standard for chronic strokes. However, it is labor-intensive, subject to bias, and limits sample size. Therefore, our objective is to develop an automatic segmentation algorithm for chronic stroke lesions on T1-weighted MR images. Methods: To train our model, we utilized an open-source dataset: ATLAS v2.0 (Anatomical Tracings of Lesions After Stroke). We partitioned the dataset of 655 T1 images with manual segmentation labels into five subsets and performed a 5-fold cross-validation to avoid overfitting of the model. We used a deep neural network (DNN) architecture for model training. Results: To evaluate the model performance, we used three metrics that pertain to diverse aspects of volumetric segmentation, including shape, location, and size. The Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) compares the spatial overlap between manual and machine segmentation. The average DSC was 0.65 (0.61–0.67; 95% bootstrapped CI). Average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) measures contour distances between the two segmentations. ASSD between manual and automatic segmentation was 12 mm. Finally, we compared the total lesion volumes and the Pearson correlation coefficient (ρ) between the manual and automatically segmented lesion volumes, which was 0.97 (p-value < 0.001). Conclusions: We present the first automated segmentation model trained on a large multicentric dataset. This model will enable automated on-demand processing of MRI scans and quantitative chronic stroke lesion assessment.
Improved Information-Theoretic Generalization Bounds for Distributed, Federated, and Iterative Learning
Authors: Barnes Leighton Pate , Dytso Alex , Poor Harold Vincent
Published: August 2022

We consider information-theoretic bounds on the expected generalization error for statistical learning problems in a network setting. In this setting, there are K nodes, each with its own independent dataset, and the models from the K nodes have to be aggregated into a final centralized model. We consider both simple averaging of the models as well as more complicated multi-round algorithms. We give upper bounds on the expected generalization error for a variety of problems, such as those with Bregman divergence or Lipschitz continuous losses, that demonstrate an improved dependence of 1/K on the number of nodes. These “per node” bounds are in terms of the mutual information between the training dataset and the trained weights at each node and are therefore useful in describing the generalization properties inherent to having communication or privacy constraints at each node.
Research on Twin Extreme Learning Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Multi-Scale Weighted Permutation Entropy
Authors: Yuan Xuyi , Fan Yugang , Zhou Chengjiang , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Guanghui
Published: August 2022

Due to the complicated engineering operation of the check valve in a high−pressure diaphragm pump, its vibration signal tends to show non−stationary and non−linear characteristics. These leads to difficulty extracting fault features and, hence, a low accuracy for fault diagnosis. It is difficult to extract fault features accurately and reliably using the traditional MPE method, and the ELM model has a low accuracy rate in fault classification. Multi−scale weighted permutation entropy (MWPE) is based on extracting multi−scale fault features and arrangement pattern features, and due to the combination of extracting a sequence of amplitude features, fault features are significantly enhanced, which overcomes the deficiency of the single−scale permutation entropy characterizing the complexity of vibration signals. It establishes the check valve fault diagnosis model from the twin extreme learning machine (TELM). The TELM fault diagnosis model established, based on MWPE, aims to find a pair of non−parallel classification hyperplanes in the equipment state space to improve the model’s applicability. Experiments show that the proposed method effectively extracts the characteristics of the vibration signal, and the fault diagnosis model effectively identifies the fault state of the check valve with an accuracy rate of 97.222%.
The Inventory and Quantitative Assessment of Geodiversity as Strategic Tools for Promoting Sustainable Geoconservation and Geo-Education in the Peloritani Mountains (Italy)
Authors: Somma Roberta
Published: August 2022

Most methods used for geoheritage inventories do not consider the quantitative assessment of the geodiversity indicators; consequently, it can happen that some geosites are wrongly inventoried as geodiversity sites and vice versa or activities for scientific, educational, and touristic purposes actually should not be planned in geoheritage sites unprovided with requirements. The main aim of the present paper is to raise awareness of the type of geoheritage present in sixteen localities of the Calabria–Peloritani Arc (Messina province; Italy) and suitable for scientific/educational/touristic assets. The main results of the research may be synthesized as follows: (i) identification of several potential geosites of international significance; (ii) exclusion of several geosites from any possible educational and touristic initiatives; (iii) possibility to promote educational initiatives among a broader public in some geosites and geodiversity sites, best addressed to postgraduate geology students in structural geology, tectonics, and stratigraphy, and/or PhD students or young researchers; (iv) planning of a geo route devoted to the geoknowledge transfer on Alpine thrust tectonics and Miocene block rotations involving arc-like structures such as the Calabria–Peloritani Arc and Paleozoic to Meso-Cenozoic stratigraphy.
Industry-Fit AI Usage for Crack Detection in Ground Steel
Authors: Soukup Daniel , Kapeller Christian , Raml Bernhard , Ruisz Johannes
Published: August 2022

We investigated optimal implementation strategies for industrial inspection systems aiming to detect cracks on ground steel billets’ surfaces by combining state-of-the-art AI-based methods and classical computational imaging techniques. In 2D texture images, the interesting patterns of surface irregularities are often surrounded by visual clutter, which is to be ignored, e.g., grinding patterns. Even neural networks struggle to reliably distinguish between actual surface disruptions and irrelevant background patterns. Consequently, the image acquisition procedure already has to be optimised to the specific application. In our case, we use photometric stereo (PS) imaging to generate 3D surface models of steel billets using multiple illumination units. However, we demonstrate that the neural networks, especially in high-speed scenarios, still suffer from recognition deficiencies when using raw photometric stereo camera data, and are unable to generalise to new billets and image acquisition conditions. Only the additional application of adequate state-of-the-art image processing algorithms guarantees the best results in both aspects. The neural networks benefit when appropriate image acquisition methods together with image processing algorithms emphasise relevant surface structures and reduce overall pattern variation. Our proposed combined strategy shows a 9.25% better detection rate on validation data and is 14.7% better on test data, displaying the best generalisation.
Experimental Optimization with the Emphasis on Techno-Economic Analysis of Production and Purification of High Value-Added Bioethanol from Sustainable Corn Stover
Authors: AbdElhafez Sara E. , Taha Tarek , Mansy Ahmed E. , El-Desouky Eman , Abu-Saied Mohamed A. , Eltaher Khloud , Hamdy Ali , El Fawal Gomaa , Gamal Amr , Hashim Aly M. , Elgharbawy Abdallah S. , El-Latif Mona M. Abd , Hamad Hesham , Ali Rehab M.
Published: August 2022

Bioethanol-derived biomass is a green sustainable source of energy that is highly recommended as an efficient alternative to the replacement of fossil fuels. However, this type of bioethanol production is always expensive with very low bioethanol concentration. Therefore, this work aims to represent a facile and green approach for bioethanol production with high concentration and purity as well as reasonable cost from corn stover (CS). The goal of this study is to characterize CS and its treated samples with maleic acid (CSM) using various characterization analyses, such as proximate and ultimate analysis, HHV, TGA, FTIR, SEM, and CHNS. The bioethanol production stages: Pretreatment, enzymatic degradation, fermentation, and finally bioethanol separation and purification via the pervaporation process, which have been investigated and optimized are associated with the economic analysis. The optimum operating condition of the pretreatment process was 2% maleic acid, 1:20 solid-to-liquid ratio at 45 psi, 120 °C, and 1 h of operation in the autoclave. This process contributes to 53 and 45% lignin and hemicellulose removal, 98% cellulose recovery, and a glucose yield of 741 mg/dL. The yeast isolate succeeded in the production of 1230 mg/dL of bioethanol. This isolated yeast strain was close to Pichia nakasei with a similarity of 98%, and its amplified 18S rRNA gene sequence was deposited in GenBank with the accession number MZ675535. Poly (MMA-co-MA) membrane was synthesized, characterized, and its efficiency for increasing the bioethanol concentration was evaluated using the integrated pervaporation technique. The techno-economic analysis is presented in detail to evaluate the process profitability, which achieves a considerable profit for the whole duration of the project without any losses as it reaches a net profit of USD 1 million in 2023, reaching USD 2.1 million in 2047 for a company with a capacity of 32 thousand tons per year. The sequential strategy offers a promising approach for efficient bioethanol production under mild and environmentally friendly conditions that enable its implication industrially.
Active System Management Approach for Flexibility Services to the Greek Transmission and Distribution System
Authors: Sijakovic Nenad , Terzic Aleksandar , Fotis Georgios , Mentis Ioannis , Zafeiropoulou Magda , Maris Theodoros I. , Zoulias Emmanouil , Elias Charalambos , Ristic Vladan , Vita Vasiliki
Published: August 2022

New methods for state estimation are required due to the complexity of the topology of transmission and distribution systems, and the predictability in the management of prosumer dispatch. This paper describes a pilot project in Greece that, in accordance with OneNet’s architecture, addresses the challenges of congestion and balancing management that system operators face due to the high penetration of renewable energy sources. The respective data requirements and the IT/OT environment are described, as well as the interconnections among the various modules and functionalities. Available resources of the grid’s flexibility are identified, and the implementation of an integrated monitoring system based on efficient forecasting of volatile generation and demand is addressed. Congestion management and frequency and voltage control are in the center of interest of the demonstrator where, in close collaboration with system operators, respective network models are being developed.
Trends in the Field of Electromobility—From the Perspective of Market Characteristics and Value-Added Services: Literature Review
Authors: Chinoracky Roman , Stalmasekova Natalia , Corejova Tatiana
Published: August 2022

Electromobility is one form of transport that is suitable for achieving the goals of carbon neutrality. Therefore, if stakeholders want to be informed, the aim of the article is to examine trends in the field of electromobility. Trends are explored using a systematic literature review. The selected areas are specific factors affecting electromobility, which are market characteristics and value-added services. A specific area of inquiry is important for the reason that if businesses providing or dealing with electromobility are successful in the market, it is necessary to analyse their market position or characteristics of the market in which they operate. If it is clear which laws apply in the market, the company can adapt its offer to the trends that affect the given business segment. The same applies to policy makers, new knowledge can be applied in policy making. Data, about the market and services that are offered on the market, provide knowledge to stakeholders that focus their activities on electromobility. Furthermore, this article provides not only information about the current state of affairs, but also further directions research should take to map electromobility from point of view of market characteristics and value-added services.
Fault Detection Method via k-Nearest Neighbor Normalization and Weight Local Outlier Factor for Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler with Multimode Process
Authors: Kim Minseok , Jung Seunghwan , Kim Baekcheon , Kim Jinyong , Kim Eunkyeong , Kim Jonggeun , Kim Sungshin
Published: August 2022

In modern complex industrial processes, mode changes cause unplanned shutdowns, potentially shortening the lifespan of key equipment and incurring significant maintenance costs. To avoid this problem, a method that can detect the fault of equipment operating in various modes is required. Therefore, we propose a novel fault detection method that uses the k-nearest neighbor normalization-based weight local outlier factor (WLOF). The proposed method performs local normalization using neighbors to consider possible mode changes in the normal data and WLOF is used for fault detection. In contrast to statistical methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA), the local outlier factor (LOF) uses the density of neighbors. However, because LOF is significantly affected by the distance between its neighbors, the weight is multiplied proportionally to the distance between each neighbor to improve the fault detection performance of the LOF. The efficiency of the proposed method was evaluated using a multimode numerical case and a circulating fluidized bed boiler. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms conventional PCA, kernel PCA (KPCA), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), and LOF. In particular, the proposed method improved the detection accuracy by 20% compared with conventional methods. Therefore, the proposed method can be applied to a real process operating in multiple modes.
Mathematical Model Derivation and Experimental Verification of Novel Consequent-Pole Adjustable Speed PM Motor
Authors: Hattori Akihisa , Noguchi Toshihiko , Murakami Kazuhiro
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a novel consequent-pole-type PM motor having a structure different from that of conventional consequent-pole-type PM motors. The proposed rotor structure is composed of a magnetic pole pair using a permanent magnet and an image-pole pair using a high permeability core. The windings facing the magnetic pole pair and the image-pole pair are connected in series in the rotor structure, the three-phase synchronous impedance is balanced, and the d-axis inductance is increased. Therefore, compared with the conventional consequent-pole type, the field weakening operation can be performed efficiently with a lower d-axis current. These advantages make it possible to expand the operating range during field weakening. Furthermore, to fix the driving control method of the proposed consequent-pole PM motor, the voltage equation of the proposed motor is derived and verified by analysis and experiment. In addition, the essential characteristics of the proposed motor were compared with that of a standard surface permanent magnet (SPM) motor and a conventional consequent-pole PM motor.
The Influence of the Transformer Core Material on the Characteristics of a Full-Bridge DC-DC Converter
Authors: Górecki Krzysztof , Detka Kalina , Kaczerski Krystian
Published: August 2022

The paper analyzes the influence of the material from which the ferromagnetic core of a transformer is made on the characteristics of a full-bridge converter. Experimental investigations were carried out for three bridge converters containing transformers with ring cores made of various materials: iron powder, ferrite, and nanocrystalline material. The properties of the aforementioned converters were considered in a wide range of changes of input voltage, load resistance, as well as frequency and the duty cycle of the control signal. Based on the obtained measurements results of the relationship between the parameters of the used transformer core and the obtained values of the output voltage, the energy efficiency of the full bridge converter was discussed. The method of transformer modeling in the SPICE program for the analysis of the considered converter in this program was proposed. The correctness of this model was demonstrated for a converter containing a transformer with a powdered iron core.
Age, Growth and Population Structure Analyses of the Berryteuthis magister shevtsovi in the Japan Sea by Statolith Microstructure
Authors: Lu Huajie , Ou Yuzhe , Teng Yurong , Chen Ziyue , Chen Xinjun
Published: August 2022

Berryteuthis magister shevtsovi is a new subspecies in the Japan Sea, and thus, little is known about its fisheries biology, especially age and population structure. Based on the 296 samples collected by the Chinese commercial jigging vessel in December 2018 in the Japan Sea. The age, growth, and population structure of B. magister shevtsovi were studied based on the microstructure of the statolith. The results indicated that the range of mantle length (ML) was 90–148 mm for females and 94–141 mm for males, the body weight (BW) ranged from 49 to 116 g and 38 to 110 g for females and males, and the ages were estimated from 52 to 166 days for females and 51 to 143 days for males, respectively. The hatching date extended from March to October, with a peak from July to September, suggesting the presence of one spawning group (summer–autumn group). The ANCOVA showed that there was no significant sex difference between the ML and BW growth; however, there was a significant difference between the sexes in the relationship between ML–age and BW–age. The relationship between the ML and BW was best described by the power function, the ML–age relationship of females was best described by linear function; the ML–age relationship of males and BW–age relationships of females and males were best described by the exponential function. B. magister shevtsovi is a high-growing squid, and the growth rate seemed to be high at the young life stage and decreased after the subadult stage (60–120 days older). This study provided basic information on the age, growth, and population structure of B. magister shevtsovi.
Estimation of the Permeability of Rock Samples Obtained from the Mercury Intrusion Method Using the New Fractal Method
Authors: Liu Kouqi , Ostadhassan Mehdi
Published: August 2022

Rock permeability, defined as the ability of fluid to flow through the rocks, is one of the most important properties of rock. Many researchers have developed models to predict the permeability of rock from the porosity and pore size based on the mercury intrusion. However, these existing models still have some limitations. In this study, based on data regarding the fractal nature of the mercury intrusion of the rocks, we built a new model to predict the permeability of the rocks. In order to verify the new model, we extracted data regarding different kinds of samples from the literature and estimated the permeability using the new model. The results showed that the model could predict various types of rocks, such as tight sandstone, carbonates, and shale. The comparison of the calculated permeability using the new model is closer to the measured value than the value estimated from the existing models, indicating that the new model is better in predicting the permeability of rock samples.
The Prognostic and Discriminatory Utility of the Clinical Frailty Scale and Modified Frailty Index Compared to Age
Authors: Carter Ben , Keevil Victoria L. , Anand Atul , Osuafor Christopher N. , Goudie Robert J. B. , Preller Jacobus , Lowry Matthew , Clunie Sarah , Shenkin Susan D. , McCarthy Kathryn , Hewitt Jonathan , Quinn Terence J.
Published: August 2022

Background: There is no consensus on the optimal method for the assessment of frailty. We compared the prognostic utility of two approaches (modified Frailty Index [mFI], Clinical Frailty Scale [CFS]) in older adults (≥65 years) hospitalised with COVID-19 versus age. Methods: We used a test and validation cohort that enrolled participants hospitalised with COVID-19 between 27 February and 30 June 2020. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic modelling was undertaken, with 28-day mortality as the primary outcome. Nested models were compared between a base model, age and frailty assessments using likelihood ratio testing (LRT) and an area under the receiver operating curves (AUROC). Results: The primary cohort enrolled 998 participants from 13 centres. The median age was 80 (range:65–101), 453 (45%) were female, and 377 (37.8%) died within 28 days. The sample was replicated in a validation cohort of two additional centres (n = 672) with similar characteristics. In the primary cohort, both mFI and CFS were associated with mortality in the base models. There was improved precision when fitting CFS to the base model +mFI (LRT = 25.87, p < 0.001); however, there was no improvement when fitting mFI to the base model +CFS (LRT = 1.99, p = 0.16). AUROC suggested increased discrimination when fitting CFS compared to age (p = 0.02) and age +mFI (p = 0.03). In contrast, the mFI offered no improved discrimination in any comparison (p > 0.05). Similar findings were seen in the validation cohort. Conclusions: These observations suggest the CFS has superior prognostic value to mFI in predicting mortality following COVID-19. Our data do not support the use of the mFI as a tool to aid clinical decision-making and prognosis.
Polysialic Acid Sustains the Hypoxia-Induced Migration and Undifferentiated State of Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Rosa Paolo , Scibetta Sofia , Pepe Giuseppe , Mangino Giorgio , Capocci Luca , Moons Sam J. , Boltje Thomas J. , Fazi Francesco , Petrozza Vincenzo , Di Pardo Alba , Maglione Vittorio , Calogero Antonella
Published: August 2022

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM, CNS WHO grade 4) is the most aggressive form of glioma and is characterized by extensive hypoxic areas that strongly correlate with tumor malignancy. Hypoxia promotes several processes, including stemness, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and radio- and chemoresistance, that have direct impacts on treatment failure. Thus, there is still an increasing need to identify novel targets to limit GBM relapse. Polysialic acid (PSA) is a carbohydrate composed of a linear polymer of α2,8-linked sialic acids, primarily attached to the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM). It is considered an oncodevelopmental antigen that is re-expressed in various tumors. High levels of PSA-NCAM are associated with high-grade and poorly differentiated tumors. Here, we investigated the effect of PSA inhibition in GBM cells under low oxygen concentrations. Our main results highlight the way in which hypoxia stimulates polysialylation in U87-MG cells and in a GBM primary culture. By lowering PSA levels with the sialic acid analog, F-NANA, we also inhibited GBM cell migration and interfered with their differentiation influenced by the hypoxic microenvironment. Our findings suggest that PSA may represent a possible molecular target for the development of alternative pharmacological strategies to manage a devastating tumor like GBM.
Intrarectal Capsazepine Administration Modulates Colonic Mucosal Health in Mice
Authors: Kumar Vibhu , Kumar Vijay , Devi Kirti , Kumar Ajay , Khan Rehan , Singh Ravindra Pal , Rajarammohan Sivasubramanian , Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran , Chopra Kanwaljit , Bishnoi Mahendra
Published: August 2022

Antagonism of transient receptor potential vanniloid-1 (TRPV1) and desensitization of transient receptor potential ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) nociceptors alleviate inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)-associated chronic pain. However, there is limited literature available about their role in regulating the mucosal layer, its interaction with host physiology, and luminal microbial community. The present study focuses on the effects’ intra rectal administration of capsazepine (modulator of TRPA1/TRPV1 expressing peptidergic sensory neurons) on colonic mucus production and gut health. We performed histological analysis, gut permeability alteration, gene expression changes, metabolite profiling, and gut microbial abundance in the ileum, colon, and cecum content of these animals. Intra rectal administration of capsazepine modulates TRPA1/TRPV1-positive nociceptors (behavioral pain assays) and resulted in damaged mucosal lining, increased gut permeability, and altered transcriptional profile of genes for goblet cell markers, mucus regulation, immune response, and tight junction proteins. The damage to mucosal lining prevented its role in enterosyne (short chain fatty acids) actions. These results suggest that caution must be exercised before employing TRPA1/TRPV1 modulation as a therapeutic option to alleviate pain caused due to IBD.