bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Energy Grid-Connected Dense Data Forecasting Technology Based on Federated Learning
Authors: Yang Huixuan , Su Ming , Li Xin , Zhang Ruizhao , Liu Jinhui
Published: September 2023

Photovoltaic power generation system is one of the main clean energy power generation systems at present, which plays an important role in daily production and life. However, the photovoltaic power generation system is easily affected by various factors, and the output power will be unstable in the practical application process, which will affect the power generation efficiency. In this paper, a prediction method of distributed energy grid-connected dense data based on federated learning is constructed. This method can not only realize the short-term prediction of distributed photovoltaic power generation data, but also ensure that the data can be encrypted and modeled, thus solving the “digital island” problem. The model evaluation shows that the method in this paper performs well in short-term photovoltaic power generation prediction, and it can predict the short-term power generation of different photovoltaic power stations with high prediction accuracy. This method is of great significance to improve the management and scheduling ability and energy utilization rate of distributed photovoltaic power generation systems.
Standby Losses Reduction Method for Flywheels Energy Storage System Based on Hybrid Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation
Authors: Yang Lei , Cai Wei , Guo Qingbo , Gao Zhaopu
Published: September 2023

The flywheel energy storage system (FESS) can operate in three modes: charging, standby, and discharging. The standby mode requires the FESS drive motor to work at high speed under no load and has the longest operating time. Therefore, reducing the standby losses is of great significance for further promoting the application of FESS. In the paper, a novel modulation technique based on hybrid space vector pulse width modulation (HSVPWM) is proposed to reduce the standby losses of the FESS. By the reasonable arrangement of the zero vectors and non-zero vectors, the proposed method can reduce the switching frequency and eliminate the dead time, which reduces the standby losses of the FESS effectively. The modeling, simulation, and analysis verify the effectiveness of this method in reducing the standby loss of the FESS.
Maximum Power Control Method for Two-branch Online Energy Extraction System
Authors: Zhang Ningwei , Liu Zheng
Published: September 2023

Aiming at the problem that the fluctuation of the current on the cable causes the change of the parameters in the magnetic core, that is, the excitation inductance and the excitation resistance change, and the energy extraction system cannot maintain the resonance and the maximum power output, an online power extraction method combining the dual branch topology and the resonance power control is proposed. By controlling the PWM rectifier circuit, the load impedance is changed so that it is always equivalent to the matching impedance of CT. The parallel resonance state is maintained when the transmission line current changes in a wide range, so that more active power flows to the energy-taking branch to achieve the maximum energy-taking power and assure the normal operation of the energy source. The correctness of the proposed method is verified by Maxwell/Simulink software simulation.
Design of High-Efficiency Dual Band Power Amplifier Based on GaN HEMT
Authors: Yin Rongji , Wang Wei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a novel dual-frequency impedance converter is proposed, and a rigorous derivation process is given. Based on this, a 0.61/2.6 GHz dual-frequency and high-efficiency power amplifier is designed. The joint simulation results show that the designed power amplifier achieves a maximum power added efficiency (PAE) of 68.3% at 0.61 GHz and achieves a saturated output of 41.53 dBm; At 2.6 GHz, the saturated output power is 40.8b dBm, and the maximum PAE is 56.3%. The designed dual-frequency power amplifier has good working performance.
The matching of power performance parameters of marine diesel based on orthogonal principal component analysis
Authors: Cai Zheng , Yang Chenxi , Lin Hang , Lin Kaijin , Fan Jinyu , Li Pinfang , Huang Jialiang
Published: September 2023

To solve the problem of combining the operating parameters of marine diesel engines after modification. The 4190ZLC-2 type marine medium-speed engine produced by Jinan Diesel Engine Plant is used as the research object. The AVL_FIRE software is used to construct a dual-fuel combustion chamber model and verify the accuracy of the model. The orthogonal test method was used to simulate the combustion parameter matching the indicated power research objective. The method of principal component analysis was used for screening and comprehensive analysis. The results show that among the principal components affecting the indicated power, the cumulative contribution of the first two principal components reaches 99.90%, which basically contains all the information of the five indicators affecting the indicated power of diesel engine and can reflect the combination of power parameters of dual-fuel diesel engine. The study’s results can provide useful references for matching the influencing parameters of the indicated power.
Fault Diagnosis Method for High Voltage Power Metering System Based on the PCA-ELM Algorithm
Authors: Liang Yanhe , Li Qi , Gong You , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Xinggang
Published: September 2023

The current fault diagnosis of high-voltage power metering systems lacks the processing of information dimensions, which leads to the low correctness of fault diagnosis results. To this end, a fault diagnosis method based on the PCA-ELM algorithm for high-voltage power metering systems is proposed. Eliminate data information noise. Extract fault information features. Based on PCA to reduce the information dimension, the ELM algorithm is used to analyze the fault information characteristics. The fault information characteristics correspond to the fault types to complete the fault diagnosis of the high-voltage power metering system. Comparative experiments are designed for verification. The measurement results show that the accuracy rate of fault diagnosis for this method is 99.89%, and the average accuracy rate of fault type diagnosis is 98.87%, which substantially improves the correct rate of diagnosis results.
Influence of line current limiting reactor on temporary overvoltage of 500 kV transmission line
Authors: Ren Hongtao , Wei Xianguang , Wu Haifeng
Published: September 2023

In order to limit the temporary overvoltage, the method of the series current limiting reactor in the line is often used in the power grid to limit the overvoltage. The parameters of current limiting reactance directly affect the level of 50Hz overvoltage. The installation of a current limiting reactor changes the positive and zero sequence impedance parameters of the line, which has an impact on the temporary overvoltage of the line. Installing a current limiting reactor on the 500 kV Line’s overvoltage is studied by using electromagnetic transient calculation software EMTP. The simulation results show that the temporary overvoltage of the 500 kV Line can be reduced by adding a current limiting reactor.
Transmission section limit power calculation based on improved-inspired bat algorithm
Authors: Yu Li , Wu Xiaohua , Cheng Lin , Li Xiaowei
Published: September 2023

The transmission section in the interconnected power grid may expand the blackout accident. It is helpful for the dispatching department to adjust operational mode in time to avoid large area blackout incidents by quickly searching the key transmission section and calculating the limit transmission power of the section. A power flow transfer ratio C is proposed in the paper, which can effectively improve the selection accuracy and speed of the K value. A correction mechanism is proposed to select the K value, which can improve the search efficiency of power transmission section based on the K shortest path algorithm. A calculation model of the ultimate transmission power of transmission sections is constructed. The improved bat-inspired algorithm is proposed to solve the model. The calculation results based on IEEE39 bus test system verify the effectiveness of this method.
A Power Construction Safety Hazard Identification Technology Based on Surveillance Video on Site
Authors: Feng Yangzhou , Ma Yanbin , Zhou Yan , Wang Bin , Zhang Enze
Published: September 2023

There are more and more newly established substations and transmission lines, contributing to subsequent and reliable power supply and socioeconomic development. Violations are prone to occur on construction sites arousing safety hazards. This paper describes a video-based approach to identifying safety risks on site, building typical security hazards and violations feature libraries, and developing a BP neural network algorithm to identify safety risks. That approach can effectively improve the efficiency of on-site safety inspections on power infrastructure sites and contribute to the compliance of power infrastructure operations.
Load Forecasting of Battery Electric Vehicle Charging Station based on GA-Prophet-LSTM
Authors: Wei Yining , Jiang Yan , Song Jiawei , Sheng Zhiqiang , Song Xueying , Meng Zibing
Published: September 2023

Under the general trend of electric vehicles (EV), aiming at the problem of load forecasting accuracy of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), this paper proposes a prediction method combining the Prophet model and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network. First, the Prophet model and LSTM neural network model are constructed independently; second, the optimal weight of each model is determined by a genetic algorithm (GA), and a new prediction model is obtained by combining the above two models; finally, experiments are carried out with the charging load data of EV in the real scene. According to the analysis of experimental results, it can be proved that the GA-Prophet-LSTM model presented here is more accurate compared to any single model.
The multilevel coordinated optimal control method of a photovoltaic distribution network based on an improved FPA algorithm
Authors: Qiu Guihua
Published: September 2023

The control method of the photovoltaic distribution network has problems of low control accuracy and high line loss of the photovoltaic distribution network. Therefore, this paper proposes a multilevel coordinated optimization control method of a photovoltaic distribution network based on an improved FPA algorithm. First, we analyze the FCM algorithm, use the Euclidean distance to calculate the number of clusters, analyze the basic principle of the flower pollination algorithm, build the coordinated optimization control model of the photovoltaic distribution network, calculate the power flow result of the photovoltaic distribution network by improving the FPA algorithm, determine the global pollination behavior according to the flower pollination algorithm, and use the greedy strategy to obtain the optimal candidate solution. At this time, the obtained solution is the multi-level coordinated optimization control result of the photovoltaic distribution network. The experimental results show that this method can effectively improve the multi-level coordination and optimization control effect of the photovoltaic distribution network and reduce the line loss of the photovoltaic distribution network.
Transferring four-dimensional atomic states at one step between separated cavities
Authors: Chen Zihong
Published: September 2023

This paper is concentrated on one-step transferring four-dimensional atomic states between atoms trapped in distant cavities connected by an optical fiber. Compared with the conventional schemes, one-step transferring four-dimensional atomic states means higher efficiency in preparing quantum network. In addition, we also calculate the effects of photon leakage out of cavity and fiber in this quantum process. The result shows the high fidelity can be reached based on the current experimental conditions.
Tracking multiple dynamic objects by a combination of laser ranging and UHF RFID phase information
Authors: Chen Shaonan , Ning Heng , Guo Lin , Sun Feng , Xiao Yufeng , Liu Ran
Published: September 2023

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) achieves the identification of objects through electromagnetic waves and has wide applications in many areas. The system reports a list of tags in proximity without any knowledge about distance or bearing of the object. This paper presents an approach to integrate RFID phase and laser range information for the tracking of dynamic objects in an environment. The proposed system determines locations of objects by comparing the velocities estimated from two different systems. In particular, the laser range data is segmented into clusters using DBSCAN (Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise). We compute the radial velocities of these clusters and compare them to the radial velocity estimated from RFID phase difference. The particle filtering is used to fuse the ambiguous phase measurements and to track moving objects with multiple hypothesis. The proposed approach uses the commercial off the shelf RFID devices and does not require the modelling of radio signal propagation. Experiments were conducted with a SCITOS G5 robot to verify the feasibility of the approach. The results showed that our approach can achieve a positioning accuracy of approx. 0.37 meters in a complex environment.
An improved K-Means clustering based on differential evolution
Authors: Liu Suping
Published: September 2023

Randomly selecting the initial cluster center point in the K-means clustering algorithm can lead to the issue of local optima. The paper introduces an enhanced differential evolution algorithm for optimizing K-means clustering. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the improved K-means clustering, based on the proposed differential evolution, over other comparison algorithms. Notably, the optimized version exhibits exceptional performance in clustering Iris, Wine, and Glass datasets. The initial clustering center can improve the clustering accuracy in the later stage. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is more superior.
Effect of stepped Si (001) substrate on Cu thin film growth
Authors: Lablali M , Mes-adi H , Eddiai A , Mazroui M
Published: September 2023

The growth processes of Cu thin film on stepped Si(001) substrate were investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The modified embedded atom method was used to describe the atomic interaction between Cu-Cu, Si-Si, and Si-Cu. In this study, four different Si(001) substrate configurations were examined: (i) flat Si(001) substrate; (ii) stepped Si surface with 3-monoatomic layers step; (iii) Stepped Si surface with 5-monoatomic layers step; (iiii) stepped surface with 7-monoatomic layers. Our aim here is to investigate the effect of stepped substrate on the structure, the surface roughness, and the morphology of deposited Cu thin film. The results show that the Cu film obtained has a crystalline structure based on the radial distribution function. In addition, the morphology of Cu film is not smooth for the different stepped substrates. More precisely, the surface roughness increases when the substrate presents a step and rises with the augmentation of the step height. On the other hand, our results reveal that the penetration of Cu atoms in the simplest case of the flat configuration is limited to the top layer of the substrate. While for the stepped substrate, our findings show that the penetration in the stepped substrate is more important and deeper within the upper terrace compared to the lower terrace. Furthermore, the numerical calculations demonstrate that the step height has no significant effect on the penetration of Cu atoms on the Si(001) stepped substrate. These results are appropriate for the deposition of copper atoms into the stepped substrate of silicon.
Phytic acid pretreatment activate hot-dip galvanized steel to enhance the corrosion resistance of silane film
Authors: Le Yongpeng , Zhang Jingwen , Kong Gang , Li Shuao , Che Chunshan
Published: September 2023

In this work, hot-dip galvanized steel were pretreated with different concentrations of phytic acid(C6H8O24P6,PA) solution to obtain more hydroxyl groups, which act as an activated site on the surface of zinc layer. Then, 3-Glycidoxypropyl methyldiethoxysilane (GPTMS)/tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) hybrid silane film was prepared. The structure and morphology of film were tested by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). The results indicated that phytic acid treatment at a concentration of 5 ml l−1 improved the denseness and uniformity of the silane film while increasing its thickness. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the corrosion impedance of silane films under PA pretreatment was greatly improved. Furthermore, there were less rusts after 120 h salt spray test.
Study on chemical corrosion properties of titanium alloy in 2A14 aluminum melt
Authors: Yang Yilong , Zhang Ya , Liu Xuhe , Zhang Haoming
Published: September 2023

Titanium alloy radiation rods have excellent physical and chemical properties compared to other materials, and are commonly used for ultrasonic casting of 2A14 aluminum alloy. However, titanium alloys are chemically corroded in high-temperature aluminum melts for a long time, making it difficult to precisely regulate the elemental composition during casting. In order to better understand the high-temperature chemical corrosion mechanism of titanium alloy radiation rods, this research looks into the corrosion morphology, weight loss, surface roughness, and reaction layer. The study’s findings suggest that the rate of chemical corrosion of titanium alloy in high-temperature aluminum melt is often inversely correlated with the degree of roughness, with the degree of roughness changing nonlinearly during the corrosion process. Titanium alloy weight loss rates with roughness Ra0.4 μm, Ra7.2 μm, Ra9.5 μm and Ra9.8 μm are 0.16 mg per min, 0.25 mg per min, 0.37 mg per min and 0.29 mg per min, respectively. The corrosion product of the chemical corrosion process is TiAl3, which is granular. Under varying roughness conditions, the solid-liquid interface of Al/Ti emerges reactants after 4 min, and the TiAl3 reaction layer arises after 12 min. Furthermore, the reaction layer with little roughness is flat and compact, whereas the reaction layer with great roughness is loose and contains many faults. At the same time, the growth rate of the reaction layer decreases slightly. And the greater the surface roughness, the greater the TiAl3 reaction layer grows at the titanium alloy matrix.
Influence of Gd content on structural, electronic, thermoelectric, and optical properties of WO3
Authors: Ramay Shahid M , Shahabuddin Mohammed , Alzayed Nasser S
Published: September 2023

WO3-based semiconductor materials are optimistic competitors for modern electronic devices because of their outstanding electronic and optical properties. Simulations on pure and Gd-doped WO3 compositions were executed using Tran and Blaha modified Becke–Johnson approximation. Experimentally, thin films of these compositions were prepared using the chemically derived technique. X-ray diffraction spectra of thin films exhibited cubic structure having space group 221-Pm-3m in all compositions. Field emission scanning electron micrographs reveal the uniform growth of thin films with rod-like compact morphology. The density of states spectra for electronic properties demonstrate the main contribution of W-d and O-p for pure WO3 with p-d hybridization while Gd containing composition provides an additional prominent contribution from f-orbital. Band structure shows an indirect transition for WO3 and band gap values were observed as 1.73 eV which decreased with increment of Gd content. A significant change in thermoelectric parameters was observed with an increment of temperature and Gd doping. The maximum value of the refractive index was observed as 3.02 in the visible energy regime and tends to decrease in Gd containing compositions. The experimentally obtained maximum dielectric constant was observed as 7.89 for pure WO3 and decreased to 4.58 for maximum Gd containing composition. Optical parameters like extinction, absorption coefficient, and optical conductivity show a sharp increment in visible energy region which make these compositions favorable for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. The experimentally obtained optical parameters are found in good agreement with simulated results obtained through TB-mBJ approximation.
Exploring the “misfolding problem” by systematic discovery and analysis of functional-but-degraded proteins
Authors: Flagg Matthew P. , Lam Breanna , Lam Darren K. , Le Tiffany M. , Kao Andy , Slaiwa Yousif I. , Hampton Randolph Y.
Published: September 2023

In both health and disease, the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) degrades point mutants that retain partial function but have decreased stability compared with their wild-type counterparts. This class of UPS substrate includes routine translational errors and numerous human disease alleles, such as the most common cause of cystic fibrosis, ΔF508-CFTR. Yet, there is no systematic way to discover novel examples of these “minimally misfolded” substrates. To address that shortcoming, we designed a genetic screen to isolate functional-but-degraded point mutants, and we used the screen to study soluble, monomeric proteins with known structures. These simple parent proteins yielded diverse substrates, allowing us to investigate the structural features, cytotoxicity, and small-molecule regulation of minimal misfolding. Our screen can support numerous lines of inquiry, and it provides broad access to a class of poorly understood but biomedically critical quality-control substrates.
White matter functional gradients and their formation in adolescence
Authors: Zhu Jingwen , Margulies Daniel , Qiu Anqi
Published: September 2023

It is well known that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a widely used tool for studying brain activity. Recent research has shown that fluctuations in fMRI data can reflect functionally meaningful patterns of brain activity within the white matter. We leveraged resting-state fMRI from an adolescent population to characterize large-scale white matter functional gradients and their formation during adolescence. The white matter showed gray-matter-like unimodal-to-transmodal and sensorimotor-to-visual gradients with specific cognitive associations and a unique superficial-to-deep gradient with nonspecific cognitive associations. We propose two mechanisms for their formation in adolescence. One is a “function-molded” mechanism that may mediate the maturation of the transmodal white matter via the transmodal gray matter. The other is a “structure-root” mechanism that may support the mutual mediation roles of the unimodal and transmodal white matter maturation during adolescence. Thus, the spatial layout of the white matter functional gradients is in concert with the gray matter functional organization. The formation of the white matter functional gradients may be driven by brain anatomical wiring and functional needs.
Population pharmacokinetics of a combination of miltefosine and paromomycin in Eastern African children and adults with visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Verrest Luka , Roseboom Ignace C , Wasunna Monique , Mbui Jane , Njenga Simon , Musa Ahmed M , Olobo Joseph , Mohammed Rezika , Ritmeijer Koert , Chu Wan-Yu , Huitema Alwin D R , Solomos Alexandra , Alves Fabiana , Dorlo Thomas P C
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To improve visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treatment in Eastern Africa, 14- and 28-day combination regimens of paromomycin plus allometrically dosed miltefosine were evaluated. As the majority of patients affected by VL are children, adequate paediatric exposure to miltefosine and paromomycin is key to ensuring good treatment response.

Methods

Pharmacokinetic data were collected in a multicentre randomized controlled trial in VL patients from Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda. Patients received paromomycin (20 mg/kg/day for 14 days) plus miltefosine (allometric dose for 14 or 28 days). Population pharmacokinetic models were developed. Adequacy of exposure and target attainment of paromomycin and miltefosine were evaluated in children and adults.

Results

Data from 265 patients (59% ≤12 years) were available for this pharmacokinetic analysis. Paromomycin exposure was lower in paediatric patients compared with adults [median (IQR) end-of-treatment AUC0–24h 187 (162–203) and 242 (217–328) µg·h/mL, respectively], but were both within the IQR of end-of-treatment exposure in Kenyan and Sudanese adult patients from a previous study. Cumulative miltefosine end-of-treatment exposure in paediatric patients and adults [AUCD0–28 517 (464–552) and 524 (456–567) µg·day/mL, respectively] and target attainment [time above the in vitro susceptibility value EC90 27 (25–28) and 30 (28–32) days, respectively] were comparable to previously observed values in adults.

Conclusions

Paromomycin and miltefosine exposure in this new combination regimen corresponded to the desirable levels of exposure, supporting the implementation of the shortened 14 day combination regimen. Moreover, the lack of a clear exposure–response and exposure–toxicity relationship indicated adequate exposure within the therapeutic range in the studied population, including paediatric patients.
Recommender Systems and Supplier Competition on Platforms
Authors: Fletcher Amelia , Ormosi Peter L , Savani Rahul
Published: September 2023

Digital platforms can offer a multiplicity of items in one place. This should, in principle, lower end-users’ search costs and improve their decision-making, and thus enhance competition between suppliers using the platform. But end-users struggle with large choice sets. Recommender systems (RSs) can help by predicting end-users’ preferences and suggesting relevant products. However, this process of prediction can generate systemic biases in the recommendations made, including popularity bias, incumbency bias, homogeneity bias, and conformity bias. The nature and extent of these biases will depend on the choice of RS model design, the data feeding into the RS model, and feedback loops between these two elements. We discuss how these systemic biases might be expected to worsen end-user choices and harm competition between suppliers. They can increase concentration, barriers to entry and expansion, market segmentation, and prices while reducing variety and innovation. This can happen even when a platform’s interests are broadly aligned with those of end-users, and the situation may be worsened where these incentives diverge. We outline these important effects at a high level, with the objective to highlight the competition issues arising, including policy implications, and to motivate future research.
Plato’s legacy: alive and well
Authors: Jonas Mark E , Nakazawa Yoshiaki
Published: September 2023

In this essay, we outline the central thesis of our recent book: A Platonic Theory of Moral Education: Cultivating Virtue in Contemporary Democratic Classrooms. We argue that the ethical, epistemological, political, and metaphysical doctrines typically attributed to Plato are not doctrines Plato holds, or at least are not doctrines that he holds in the way he is interpreted to have done. We claim that if we understand Plato’s relationship to these supposed doctrines better, we would discover that Plato’s views are not wildly implausible or ill-suited for contemporary democracies and the schooling they provide for their children. Rather, they are plausible and well-suited to contemporary democratic education. This essay briefly outlines some of our reasons for holding this position.
Methyl viologen-induced changes in the Arabidopsis proteome implicate PATELLIN 4 in oxidative stress responses
Authors: Melicher Pavol , Dvořák Petr , Řehák Jan , Šamajová Olga , Pechan Tibor , Šamaj Jozef , Takáč Tomáš
Published: September 2023

The photosynthesis-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species in chloroplasts can lead to oxidative stress, triggering changes in protein synthesis, degradation, and the assembly/disassembly of protein complexes. Using shot-gun proteomics, we identified methyl viologen-induced changes in protein abundance in wild-type Arabidopsis and oxidative stress-hypersensitive fsd1-1 and fsd1-2 knockout mutants, which are deficient in IRON SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE 1 (FSD1). The levels of proteins that are localized in chloroplasts and the cytoplasm were modified in all lines treated with methyl viologen. Compared with the wild-type, fsd1 mutants showed significant changes in metabolic protein and chloroplast chaperone levels, together with increased ratio of cytoplasmic, peroxisomal, and mitochondrial proteins. Different responses in proteins involved in the disassembly of photosystem II–light harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding proteins were observed. Moreover, the abundance of PATELLIN 4, a phospholipid-binding protein enriched in stomatal lineage, was decreased in response to methyl viologen. Reverse genetic studies using patl4 knockout mutants and a PATELLIN 4 complemented line indicate that PATELLIN 4 affects plant responses to oxidative stress by effects on stomatal closure.
Water maser distributions and their internal motions in the Sagittarius B2 complex
Authors: Sakai Daisuke , Oyama Tomoaki , Nagayama Takumi , Honma Mareki , Kobayashi Hideyuki
Published: September 2023

We conducted a multi-epoch very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observation of 22 GHz H2O maser sources, which are associated with the Sagittarius B2 (Sgr B2) complex, one of the most active star-forming regions in the Galactic center. Using the VLBI exploration of radio astrometry (VERA) array, we detected 29, 90, and seven maser features in Sgr B2(North), (Main), and (South), respectively. We also discovered two H2O maser features in Sgr B2 (Mid-North). Moreover, we successfully measured spatial distributions and internal motions of the H2O maser sources in Sgr B2(M). We then discovered that the H2O maser features in Sgr B2(M) are located at the outer edge of H ii regions detected by using the centimeter radio continuum emission, and observationally demonstrated that they have outward motions from the two H ii regions separated by 1′. We obtained an absolute proper motion of (μαcos δ, μδ) = (−2.17 ± 0.03, −2.63 ± 0.06) mas yr−1 and marginally detected a parallax of Sgr B2, which is consistent with other measurements. The absolute proper motion corrected by the internal motions of the H2O maser features implies that the Sgr B2 complex is located at the near side of the Galactic center and is moving toward the positive galactic longitude. We estimate that Sgr B2 is at 160 ± 10 pc in front of Sgr A* by assuming a simple circular orbit of the central molecular zone (CMZ).
Cluster analysis as a clinical and research tool in Behçet's syndrome
Authors: Ilgen Ufuk
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review was to comprehensively summarize recent phenotype research findings in Behçet's syndrome.

Recent findings

Cluster analysis has recently been employed as a phenotype research tool in Behçet's syndrome. Studies reported different clustering patterns caused by biological variation and some degree of artificial heterogeneity. However, some clusters were more consistent than others: 1) oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and skin lesions 2) oral ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, and arthritis 3) oral ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, and uveitis 4) oral ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, and gastrointestinal involvement. A number of loci suggestive of differential risk for individual disease manifestations were proposed. Peripheral blood gene expression profile and plasma proteome exhibited significant differences in patients with different organ involvements and were able to differentiate between disease phenotypes. However, these observations require further validation and functional studies.

Clustering patterns in Behçet's syndrome is highly heterogeneous. Artificial heterogeneity might obscure the true biological variation of disease expression. Preliminary genetic, transcriptomic and proteomic data suggest that different pathogenetic mechanisms may operate in different phenotypes of Behçet's syndrome.
Self-reported Health-related Quality of Life in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Lennon Nancy , Kalisperis Faithe , Church Chris , Niiler Tim , Miller Freeman , Biermann Isabel , Davey Jennifer , Sees Julieanne P. , Shrader M. Wade
Published: September 2023

Background:

Happiness, comfort, and motor function contribute to satisfaction with life for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Evidence-based medical care can improve motor function and physical health of youth with CP. Less is known about medical care and its relationship to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents and young adults with CP. This study aimed to describe HRQOL among adolescents with CP to examine differences between adolescent (self) and parent (proxy) reports of HRQOL and to explore associations of pain, age, and gross motor function with HRQOL.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study including adolescents with CP classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I to V, ages 11 to 20 years, reading ≥ a fourth-grade level, and who completed the self-reported Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). Parents completed the PODCI concurrently or within 12 months and scores were compared. In addition, self-reported scores were compared between age bands, across Gross Motor Function Classification System levels, with typically developing youth (TDY), and between youth with/without pain.

Results:

PODCI scores from 102 adolescents [59 males; 15.0 (SD: 2.6) years old] were examined. Scores from 50 adolescents and parents were matched. Mean self-reported scores were significantly higher than mean parent-reported scores in 4 domains: upper extremity and physical function (P=0.018), sports and physical function (P=0.005), happiness (P=0.023), and global functioning (P=0.018). All domains, except Happiness, were significantly < TDY (P<0.01). The presence of pain was associated with lower scores in all domains (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Examining HRQOL with the PODCI revealed significant limitations in physical function and higher pain in adolescents with CP compared with TDY. Self- and parent-reported PODCI results should be considered separately. Adolescents report higher HRQOL compared with parent proxy. Recognizing and validating the perspectives of youth and their parents presents an opportunity for providers to discuss different points of view with families. Such engagement can help promote self-efficacy in youth with CP as they transition to the responsibility of guiding their own care in adulthood.

Level of Evidence:

III, Retrospective comparative study.
Lead Extraction–Indications, Procedure, and Future Directions
Authors: Khurana Sumit , Das Subrat , Frishman William H. , Aronow Wilbert S. , Frenkel Daniel
Published: September 2023

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation has steadily increased in the United States owing to increased life expectancy, better access to health care, and the adoption of updated guidelines. Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is an invasive technique for the removal of CIED devices, and the most common indications include device infections, lead failures, and venous occlusion. Although in-hospital and procedure-related deaths for patients undergoing TLE are low, the long-term mortality remains high with 10-year survival reported close to 50% after TLE. This is likely demonstrative of the increased burden of comorbidities with aging. There are guidelines provided by various professional societies, including the Heart Rhythm Society, regarding indications for lead extraction and management of these patients. In this paper, we will review the indications for CIED extraction, procedural considerations, and management of these patients based upon the latest guidelines.
Commotio Cordis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Melo Lara , Patail Haris , Sharma Tanya , Frishman William H. , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: September 2023

Commotio cordis is a rare, however, potentially fatal, cardiovascular phenomenon arising from direct chest wall trauma, causing sudden cardiac arrest and potentially death. It is primarily seen in young athletes who participate in contact and organized sports. Though debated, the cause of commotio cordis is believed to involve specific timing of chest impact during ventricular electrical activity leading to severe arrhythmic events. Due to sudden onset, the first step in management is immediate and effective basic life support with automated external defibrillation, followed by advanced cardiac life support. Future considerations should include secondary prevention measures such as protective padding in contact sports. It is paramount that clinicians are vigilant in recognizing potential cases of commotio cordis in the field and provide immediate care. This review consolidates the current understanding of commotio cordis, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early intervention. Future research is warranted, including retrospective and observational studies to identify high-risk patterns or trends associated with the condition.
An Update on Betrixaban, The Challenging Anticoagulant Agent for Extended Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis
Authors: Daryabari Yasaman , Amreek Fnu , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar , Tayebi Pouya
Published: September 2023

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a prevalent yet preventable cause of death, particularly among hospitalized patients. Studies have shown that the risk of VTE remains high for up to 6 months after discharge, highlighting the need for extended thromboprophylaxis as a viable treatment approach. Despite the availability of several anticoagulant drugs such as vitamin K antagonists, heparinoids, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran, none of them has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for long-term thromboprophylaxis. However, an emerging factor Xa inhibitor called betrixaban has shown promising results in Phase II and phase III trials, positioning itself as the first and only US Food and Drug Administration–approved anticoagulant for extended thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized patients after discharge. Betrixaban offers distinct pharmacological characteristics, including a long half-life, low renal excretion, and unique hepatic metabolism, making it an attractive option for various theoretical uses. Numerous articles have been published discussing the safety and efficacy of betrixaban, all of which have emphasized its usefulness and practicality. However, there has been limited discussion regarding its weaknesses and areas of ambiguity. Therefore, this article aimed to explore the challenges faced during the approval process of betrixaban and provide a comprehensive review of the literature on its advantages and disadvantages as a long-term prophylaxis approach for VTE. Furthermore, we aim to identify the ambiguous points that require further investigation in future studies.
The recent outbreak of diphtheria in Nigeria is a public health concern for all
Authors: Oduoye Malik Olatunde , Musa Zainab Mustapha , Tunde Afolayan Mutalib , Nazir Abubakar , Cakwira Hugues , Abdulkareem Lawal , Biamba Chrispin , Akilimali Aymar , Kibukilza Fabrice , Nyakio Olivier
Published: September 2023

The recent outbreak of diphtheria in Nigeria, despite mass vaccination coverage with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine in the country, has posed a public health concern for all Nigerians and the world at large. Recently, sporadic cases of diphtheria in Nigeria have been reported in more than 6 states in the country. Suspected and confirmed individuals with diphtheria in these states have developed severe complications, including the loss of lives as a result of the disease. This has caused panic for the majority of Nigerians and the international communities, as they feared that another epidemic of diphtheria could be on its way. Different factors, such as reduced awareness and campaigns on diphtheria, low socioeconomic status, inadequate income, inaccessibility to vaccination, war and displacement, and ineffective monitoring of the immunization schedule, as well as the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, could explain the recent sporadic outbreaks of diphtheria in Nigeria. This is a wide gap in knowledge about diphtheria in Nigeria that needs to be filled appropriately. As such, we recommend swift public health actions to be taken by the Nigerian government for quick health interventions for diphtheria to mitigate the current outbreak and future spread of the infection in Nigeria.
Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury: From trigger loading to shot firing
Authors: Felli Eric , Felli Emanuele , Muttillo Edoardo M. , Urade Takeshi , Laracca Giovanni G. , Giannelli Valerio , Famularo Simone , Geny Bernard , Ettorre Giuseppe M. , Rombouts Krista , Pinzani Massimo , Diana Michele , Gracia-Sancho Jordi
Published: September 2023

An ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) results from a prolonged ischemic insult followed by the restoration of blood perfusion, being a common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in liver transplantation. At the maximum of the potential damage, IRI is characterized by 2 main phases. The first is the ischemic phase, where the hypoxia and vascular stasis induces cell damage and the accumulation of damage-associated molecular patterns and cytokines. The second is the reperfusion phase, where the local sterile inflammatory response driven by innate immunity leads to a massive cell death and impaired liver functionality. The ischemic time becomes crucial in patients with underlying pathophysiological conditions. It is possible to compare this process to a shooting gun, where the loading trigger is the ischemia period and the firing shot is the reperfusion phase. In this optic, this article aims at reviewing the main ischemic events following the phases of the surgical timeline, considering the consequent reperfusion damage.
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib enhances the efficacy of 90Y-labeled B5209B radioimmunotherapy targeting ROBO1 without increased toxicity in small-cell lung cancer xenograft mice
Authors: Fujiwara Kentaro , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Sudo Hitomi , Sugyo Aya , Hamakubo Takao , Higashi Tatsuya
Published: September 2023

Background

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has a poor prognosis, and Roundabout homolog 1 (ROBO1) is frequently expressed in SCLC. ROBO1-targeted radioimmunotherapy (RIT) previously showed tumor shrinkage, but regrowth with fibroblast infiltration was observed. The fibroblasts would support tumor survival by secreting growth factors and cytokines. Inhibition of fibroblasts offers a candidate strategy for increasing RIT efficacy. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of combination therapy with 90Y-labeled anti-ROBO1 antibody B5209B (90Y-B5209B) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib in SCLC xenograft mice.

Methods

Subcutaneous NCI-H69 SCLC xenograft mice were divided into four groups: saline, nintedanib alone, RIT alone, and a combination of RIT with nintedanib (combination). A single dose of 7.4 MBq of 90Y-B5209B was injected intravenously. Nintedanib was orally administered at a dose of 400 µg five times a week for 4 weeks. Tumor volumes and body weights were measured regularly. Tumor sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson trichrome.

Results

All six tumors in the combination therapy group disappeared, and four tumors showed no regrowth. Although RIT alone induced similar tumor shrinkage, regrowth was observed. Prolonged survival in the combination therapy group was found compared with the other groups. Temporary body weight loss was observed in RIT and combination therapy. There is no difference in fibroblast infiltration between RIT alone and the combination.

Conclusion

Nintedanib significantly enhanced the anti-tumor effects of RIT with the 90Y-B5209B without an increase in toxicity. These findings encourage further research into the potential clinical application of combining RIT with nintedanib.
A comparison of 18F-FDG PET-based radiomics and deep learning in predicting regional lymph node metastasis in patients with resectable lung adenocarcinoma: a cross-scanner and temporal validation study
Authors: Lue Kun-Han , Chen Yu-Hung , Chu Sung-Chao , Chang Bee-Song , Lin Chih-Bin , Chen Yen-Chang , Lin Hsin-Hon , Liu Shu-Hsin
Published: September 2023

Objective

The performance of 18F-FDG PET-based radiomics and deep learning in detecting pathological regional nodal metastasis (pN+) in resectable lung adenocarcinoma varies, and their use across different generations of PET machines has not been thoroughly investigated. We compared handcrafted radiomics and deep learning using different PET scanners to predict pN+ in resectable lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed pretreatment 18F-FDG PET from 148 lung adenocarcinoma patients who underwent curative surgery. Patients were separated into analog (n = 131) and digital (n = 17) PET cohorts. Handcrafted radiomics and a ResNet-50 deep-learning model of the primary tumor were used to predict pN+ status. Models were trained in the analog PET cohort, and the digital PET cohort was used for cross-scanner validation.

Results

In the analog PET cohort, entropy, a handcrafted radiomics, independently predicted pN+. However, the areas under the receiver-operating-characteristic curves (AUCs) and accuracy for entropy were only 0.676 and 62.6%, respectively. The ResNet-50 model demonstrated a better AUC and accuracy of 0.929 and 94.7%, respectively. In the digital PET validation cohort, the ResNet-50 model also demonstrated better AUC (0.871 versus 0.697) and accuracy (88.2% versus 64.7%) than entropy. The ResNet-50 model achieved comparable specificity to visual interpretation but with superior sensitivity (83.3% versus 66.7%) in the digital PET cohort.

Conclusion

Applying deep learning across different generations of PET scanners may be feasible and better predict pN+ than handcrafted radiomics. Deep learning may complement visual interpretation and facilitate tailored therapeutic strategies for resectable lung adenocarcinoma.
Climate and Health
Authors: Tremblay Beth , Hawkins Janice
Published: September 2023

Background:

Because climate change negatively impacts human health, nurses need skills to mitigate climate change and nurse educators need effective educational strategies to teach climate change content in undergraduate nursing programs. To address this need, we embedded an energy efficiency treasure hunt and Climate for Health Ambassador Training into our prelicensure nursing curricula.

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of these educational activities on self-reported knowledge, confidence, and intent to engage in climate action.

Methods:

A quasi-experimental one-group posttest design examined the effectiveness of 2 educational interventions on increasing knowledge, confidence, and intent to engage in climate action. A convenience sample of prelicensure nursing students completed 2 Likert scale surveys (n = 57, n = 60), with additional open-ended questions.

Results:

Participants reported increased awareness, knowledge, and intent to act on personal and professional climate-related issues.

Conclusion:

Our energy efficiency treasure hunt and Climate for Health Ambassador Training were effective educational strategies.