bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Challenges of Teaching and Assessing Technical Translation in an Era of Neural Machine Translation
Authors: Tavares Célia , Tallone Laura , Oliveira Luciana , Ribeiro Sandra
Published: May 2023

Teaching translation in higher education has undeniably been impacted by the innovations brought about by machine translation (MT), more particularly neural machine translation (NMT). This influence has become significantly more noticeable in recent years, as NMT technology progresses hand in hand with artificial intelligence. A case study supported by a questionnaire conducted among translation students (bachelor’s and master’s programmes at ISCAP) probed the degree of student satisfaction with CAT tools and revealed that they favour the use of MT in their translation practices, focusing their work on post-editing tasks rather than exploring other translation strategies and complementary resources. Although MT cannot be disregarded in translation programmes, as machine-generated translations make up an increasingly larger amount of a professional translator’s output, the widespread use of MT by students poses new challenges to translators’ training, since it becomes more difficult to assess students’ level of proficiency. Translation teachers must not only adapt their classroom strategies to accommodate these current translation strategies (NMT) but also, as intended by this study, find new, adequate methods of training and assessing students that go beyond regular translation assignments while still ensuring that students acquire the proper translation competence. Thus, as the use of NMT makes it considerably more challenging to assess a student’s level of translation competence, it is necessary to introduce other activities that not only allow students to acquire and develop their translation competence as defined in the EMT (European Masters in Translation) framework but also enable teachers to assess students more objectively. Hence, this article foregrounds a set of activities usually regarded as “indirect tasks” for technical translation courses that hopefully results in the development of student translation skills and competence, as well as provides more insights for teachers on how to more objectively assess students. It is possible, then, to conclude that these activities, such as different types of paraphrasing and error-detection tasks, may have the potential to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving strategies, giving teachers more resources to assess students’ level of translation competence.
Robust Sensor Fault Detection for a Single-Phase Pulse Width Modulation Rectifier
Authors: Ndabarushimana Egone , Ma Lei
Published: May 2023

Maintaining safe and efficient operation in a single-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) rectifier that employs current sensors relies heavily on accurate sensor readings. However, several factors such as environmental conditions, aging, or damage can lead to sensor faults. Therefore, it is imperative to implement robust fault detection methods to ensure reliable system operation. The use of unknown input observer techniques is one such method that involves analyzing the differences between actual and estimated states to detect and identify faults in the system. This paper presents the development of a fault detection method that employs an unknown input observer with high sensitivity to faults and disturbance rejection to achieve robust fault detection. The method involves modeling the system as a state-space model and designing an observer to estimate the system’s state variables based on input and output measurements. The deviations between the actual and estimated states are then analyzed to detect and identify sensor faults, without the need for additional hardware, making it a cost-effective solution. Hardware-in-the-loop tests confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sidewall Modification Process for Trench Silicon Power Devices
Authors: Jin Lei , Tang Zhuorui , Chen Long , Xie Guijiu , Chen Zhanglong , Wei Wei , Fan Jianghua , Gong Xiaoliang , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2023

In this study, trench sidewall modification processes were designed to improve profile uniformity and thereby enhance the electrical performance of silicon power devices in large-scale production. The effects of trench sidewall modification on the morphology, structure and electrical properties were studied. Plasma-induced damage in etching processes was also observed and briefly explained. Straight and smooth sidewall profiles were achieved through adjusting the SF6/CHF3 proportion in a combined etchant gas flow in the main etching procedure. By comparing HRSEM images from different etching protocols, it was evident that an enhanced CHF3 flow formed a proper passivation of the sidewall, eliminating the ion damages that are common in current main etch steps. To address the impurities introduced from the etchant gas and improve the gate oxide uniformity, further steps of depolymerization were applied in a plasma asher chamber, followed by wet clean steps. In the meantime, the plasma-induced charge accumulation effect was reduced by UV curing. Improved trench sidewall profiles and the gate oxide uniformity contributed to a lower leakage current between the gate and source terminals, leading to an overall yield enhancement of device properties in large-scale silicon wafer fabrication.
A Robust Lateral Control Architecture for Off-Road Vehicle Guidance on Deformable Soils
Authors: Vieira David , Vie Antoine , Orjuela Rodolfo , Spisser Matthias , Basset Michel
Published: May 2023

This paper introduces a novel lateral guidance strategy for autonomous ground vehicles operating in deformable environments. The strategy combines a geometric algorithm with a dynamic controller to leverage the advantages of both methods. The geometric algorithm is based on a modified Pure Pursuit method, which calculates the lateral error by considering a dynamic parameter associated with the look-ahead distance. The controller takes model uncertainties and time-variant parameters into account in a grid-based LPV (Linear Parameter Varying) synthesis. To validate the proposed control architecture, a dedicated off-road vehicle simulator that accounted for deformable soils was used. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed lateral guidance strategy were demonstrated by integrating and validating the control architecture on a vehicle prototype. The results indicate that the proposed approach effectively handled complex and uncertain deformable environments. Overall, this study presents a new lateral guidance strategy that enhances the performance and reliability of autonomous ground vehicles in challenging environments.
Modeling of Vehicle-Mounted Flywheel Battery Considering Automobile Suspension and Pulse Road Excitation
Authors: Zhang Weiyu , Yu Juexin
Published: May 2023

The existing model of magnetic suspension force for flywheel batteries mainly focuses on the internal magnetic field and foundation motions. However, when applied to vehicle-mounted occasions, the accuracy of the model will inevitably be affected by the vehicle vibration system and road conditions. Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of the existing research, a typical road condition (pulse road excitation) is taken as an example in this study to establish a model of magnetic suspension force that comprehensively considers automobile suspension and pulse road excitation. First, on the basis of a static model for magnetic suspension force using the equivalent magnetic circuit method, a magnetic suspension force dynamic model that takes into account the influence of automobile suspension and pulse road excitation is established. The rules of dynamic response under the influence of automobile suspension and pulse road excitation are summarized, and the foundation offset is corrected in the form of main migration points. Therefore, a correction model of magnetic suspension force is established. Finally, performance tests are carried out. The better anti-interference capability of the correction model is proven by the experimental results.
Calibration of GFS Solar Irradiation Forecasts: A Case Study in Romania
Authors: Hategan Sergiu-Mihai , Stefu Nicoleta , Paulescu Marius
Published: May 2023

Models based on Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) are widely used for the day-ahead forecast of solar resources. This study is focused on the calibration of the hourly global solar irradiation forecasts provided by the Global Forecast System (GFS), a model from the NWP class. Since the evaluation of GFS raw forecasts sometimes shows a high degree of uncertainty (the relative error exceeding 100%), a procedure for reducing the errors is needed as a prerequisite for engineering applications. In this study, a deep analysis of the error sources in relation to the state of the atmosphere is reported. Of special note is the use of sky imagery in the identification process. Generally, it has been found that the largest errors are determined by the underestimation of cloud coverage. For calibration, a new ensemble forecast is proposed. It combines two machine learning approaches, Support Vector Regression and Multi-Layer Perceptron. In contrast to a typical calibration, the objective function is constructed based on the absolute error instead of the traditional root mean squared error. In terms of normalized root mean squared error, the calibration roughly reduces the uncertainty in hourly global solar irradiation by 16%. The study was conducted with high-quality ground-measured data from the Solar Platform of the West University of Timisoara, Romania. To ensure high accessibility, all the parameters required to run the proposed calibration procedures are provided.
Evaluation of Voltage-Matched 2T Multi-Junction Modules Based on Monte Carlo Ray Tracing
Authors: Corso Roberto , Leonardi Marco , Milazzo Rachela G. , Scuto Andrea , Privitera Stefania M. S. , Foti Marina , Gerardi Cosimo , Lombardo Salvatore A.
Published: May 2023

As Si single-junction technology is approaching its Shockley–Queisser theoretical limit, relevant efforts are being expended towards the development of multi-junction modules. In this work, we employ an optical model based on Monte Carlo ray tracing to compare four different multi-junction modules in a voltage-matched two-terminal (VM2T) configuration. In particular, we took into consideration the VM2T coupling of crystalline silicon cells with CuInxGa1-xSe2 (CIGS), CdTe, GaAs and perovskite (PVK) solar cells. We optimized the thicknesses of each layer in the top sub-module and determined the performance of VM2T modules in the Shockley–Queisser theoretical limit. We also considered the possibility of using modules in which the top Si surface is flat to determine the performance drop due to the absence of the texturization on the top Si surface. Moreover, we determined the optimal bandgap energy of PVK in a VM2T PVK/Si module as well as the highest efficiency achievable. Lastly, we show that when using state-of-the-art cells, the highest VM2T efficiency achievable for the considered materials is 34.2% under standard test conditions.
The Influence of Cutting Technology on Magnetic Properties of Non-Oriented Electrical Steel—Review State of the Art
Authors: Dems Maria , Gmyrek Zbigniew , Komeza Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

The global drive to reduce energy consumption poses new challenges for designers of electrical machines. Losses in the core are a significant part of losses, especially for machines operating at an increased rotational speed powered by PWM inverters. One of the important problems when calculating core losses is considering the effect of material degradation due to mechanical or laser cutting. To this aim, this paper analyzes and summarizes the knowledge about the sources of material property deterioration and ways of describing this phenomenon. The cited results of material tests indicate the lack of unequivocal relationships allowing us to estimate the degree of material damage and the resulting deterioration of material properties. The main task of this article is to present the state of knowledge on the possibility of taking into account the impact of cutting the core sheets of electric motors on core losses and their impact on the efficiency of the machine. This is a significant problem due to the need to design and manufacture energy-saving electric motors powered with a voltage of 20 to 350 Hz, whose magnetic cores are made of laminates. However, the performed analysis indicates the most important parameters of the cutting process, affecting the degree of material structure destruction. The method of the solution proposed by the authors for core punching and laser cutting, illustrated with a practical example, is also presented.
Numerical Investigation on Combustion and Heating Characteristics of Metal Fiber Burner
Authors: Wang Ri , Qi Bin , Zhou Yixia , A Rong , Dong Sujun
Published: May 2023

A metal fiber burner is proposed for structural thermal tests for the test model of hypersonic vehicles. In order to guide the design of the burner, we conduct Fluent simulations on a cylindrical metal fiber burner with a properly selected thermal diffusion model, a heat transfer model between the gas and solid phase, a radiation model with a metal porous media, and a gaseous combustion chemistry mechanism. After validating the simulation, the combustion and heating characteristics of the burner were further analyzed. The results show that under the condition of no specimen, when the firing rate increases from 120 kW/m2 to 240 KW/m2, the maximum gas temperature and the downstream gas temperature of the metal fiber increase by 6.21% and 8.55%, respectively, the outer surface temperature of the metal fiber increases by 6.42%, and the stable gas temperature downstream of the metal fiber reaches the maximum value at an equivalence ratio of 1. After the specimen is added, the internal and downstream gas temperatures of the metal fiber are significantly reduced, while the upstream gas and outer surface temperatures of the metal fiber show no significant changes. When the specimen diameter changes from 139mm to 98mm, the gas temperature and fiber surface temperature change is small, while the surface heat flux of the specimen significantly increases from 12.7 KW to 22.7 KW. It can be seen that when designing the test parameters, the surface heat flux of the specimen can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the combustion surface and the specimen.
Optimizing Electric Vehicle Operations for a Smart Environment: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Tarafdar-Hagh Mehrdad , Taghizad-Tavana Kamran , Ghanbari-Ghalehjoughi Mohsen , Nojavan Sayyad , Jafari Parisa , Mohammadpour Shotorbani Amin
Published: May 2023

The transportation sector is one of the main contributors to the emission of greenhouse gases globally, and the electrification of this sector can significantly reduce the emission of pollutants. The widespread connection of electric vehicles (EVs) to the power grid may bring challenges, such as increasing the peak load of the network. Therefore, the optimal use of EVs is necessary to improve the network’s economic, security, and stability indicators. This review article examines the deterministic control model and centralized control model, the types of EV models, and their tabular comparison. Additionally, expressing the communication standards to deal with compatibility challenges in charging stations, the effects of EV integration with the power grid, and various methods such as smart charging, dumb charging, and flexible charging are the main goals of this review article. In addition, since batteries play a crucial role in the electric vehicle industry, this research investigates the oldest type of rechargeable battery to the latest battery technology and the energy management system of these batteries. Finally, the authors have conducted studies on government incentives, the adverse effects of these incentives, and the combination of EVs with renewable energy sources.
Parameter Estimation of a Thermoelectric Generator by Using Salps Search Algorithm
Authors: Sanin-Villa Daniel , Montoya Oscar Danilo , Gil-González Walter , Grisales-Noreña Luis Fernando , Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesus
Published: May 2023

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have the potential to convert waste heat into electrical energy, making them attractive for energy harvesting applications. However, accurately estimating TEG parameters from industrial systems is a complex problem due to the mathematical complex non-linearities and numerous variables involved in the TEG modeling. This paper addresses this research gap by presenting a comparative evaluation of three optimization methods, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Salps Search Algorithm (SSA), and Vortex Search Algorithm (VSA), for TEG parameter estimation. The proposed integrated approach is significant as it overcomes the limitations of existing methods and provides a more accurate and rapid estimation of TEG parameters. The performance of each optimization method is evaluated in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), standard deviation, and processing time. The results indicate that all three methods perform similarly, with average RMSE errors ranging from 0.0019 W to 0.0021 W, and minimum RMSE errors ranging from 0.0017 W to 0.0018 W. However, PSO has a higher standard deviation of the RMSE errors compared to the other two methods. In addition, we present the optimized parameters achieved through the proposed optimization methods, which serve as a reference for future research and enable the comparison of various optimization strategies. The disparities observed in the optimized outcomes underscore the intricacy of the issue and underscore the importance of the integrated approach suggested for precise TEG parameter estimation.
Exploring the Relationship between Crude Oil Prices and Renewable Energy Production: Evidence from the USA
Authors: Sorokin Leonid , Balashova Svetlana , Gomonov Konstantin , Belyaeva Ksenia
Published: May 2023

This study aims to examine the short-term and long-term relationship between WTI oil prices and renewable energy production considering U.S. crude oil production, world oil prices, and other domestic and global factors. We employ several time-series analysis techniques, including the augmented Dickey-Fuller test and the Phillips-Perron test for unit roots; the long-term relationship is examined using fully modified OLS (FMOLS) and Park’s canonical cointegration regression (CCR). We also utilise an error correction model (ECM) to distinguish between short- and long-term effects. It is shown that at a constant level of crude oil production, an increase in energy production from renewable sources is accompanied by an increase in oil prices. Thus, at this stage of development, despite the increased production, renewable energy can be considered as complement to but not a substitute for crude oil. Our empirical estimations allow us to conclude that renewable energy production today is pushing the price of oil up rather than lowering it.
Three-Stage Modeling Framework for Analyzing Islanding Capabilities of Decarbonized Energy Communities
Authors: Capuder Tomislav , Barać Bojana , Kostelac Matija , Krpan Matej
Published: May 2023

Contrary to microgrids (MGs) for which grid code or legislative support are lacking in the majority of cases, energy communities (ECs) are one of the cornerstones of the energy transition backed up by the EU’s regulatory framework. The main difference is that, unlike MGs, ECs grow and develop organically through citizen involvement and investments in the existing low-voltage (LV) distribution networks. They are not planned and built from scratch as closed distribution systems that are independent of distribution system operator plans as assumed in the existing literature. An additional benefit of ECs could be the ability to transition into island mode, contributing to the resilience of power networks. To this end, this paper proposes a three-stage framework for analyzing the islanding capabilities of ECs. The framework is utilized to comprehensively assess and compare the islanding capabilities of ECs whose organic development is based upon three potential energy vectors: electricity, gas, and hydrogen. Detailed dynamic simulations clearly show that only fully electrified ECs inherently have adequate islanding capabilities without the need for curtailment or additional investments.
Leaves and Twigs Image Recognition Based on Deep Learning and Combined Classifier Algorithms
Authors: Sun Xiaobo , Xu Lin , Zhou Yufeng , Shi Yongjun
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the automatic recognition of tree species based on images taken by digital cameras has been widely applied. However, many problems still exist, such as insufficient tree species image acquisition, uneven distribution of image categories, and low recognition accuracy. Tree leaves can be used to differentiate and classify tree species due to their cognitive signatures in color, vein texture, shape contour, and edge serration. Moreover, the way the leaves are arranged on the twigs has strong characteristics. In this study, we first built an image dataset of 21 tree species based on the features of the twigs and leaves. The tree species feature dataset was divided into the training set and test set, with a ratio of 8:2. Feature extraction was performed after training the convolutional neural network (CNN) using the k-fold cross-validation (K-Fold–CV) method, and tree species classification was performed with classifiers. To improve the accuracy of tree species identification, we combined three improved CNN models with three classifiers. Evaluation indicators show that the overall accuracy of the designed composite model was 1.76% to 9.57% higher than other CNN models. Furthermore, in the MixNet XL CNN model, combined with the K-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifier, the highest overall accuracy rate was obtained at 99.86%. In the experiment, the Grad-CAM heatmap was used to analyze the distribution of feature regions that play a key role in classification decisions. Observation of the Grad-CAM heatmap illustrated that the main observation area of SE-ResNet50 was the most accurately positioned, and was mainly concentrated in the interior of small twigs and leaflets. Our research showed that modifying the training method and classification module of the CNN model and combining it with traditional classifiers to form a composite model can effectively improve the accuracy of tree species recognition.
Targeting Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen 4 (SSEA-4) in Triple Negative Breast Cancer by CAR T Cells Results in Unexpected on Target/off Tumor Toxicities in Mice
Authors: Pfeifer Rita , Al Rawashdeh Wa’el , Brauner Janina , Martinez-Osuna Manuel , Lock Dominik , Herbel Christoph , Eckardt Dominik , Assenmacher Mario , Bosio Andreas , Hardt Olaf T. , Johnston Ian C. D.
Published: May 2023

Due to the paucity of targetable antigens, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenging subtype of breast cancer to treat. In this study, we developed and evaluated a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based treatment modality for TNBC by targeting stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA-4), a glycolipid whose overexpression in TNBC has been correlated with metastasis and chemoresistance. To delineate the optimal CAR configuration, a panel of SSEA-4-specific CARs containing alternative extracellular spacer domains was constructed. The different CAR constructs mediated antigen-specific T cell activation characterized by degranulation of T cells, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and killing of SSEA-4-expressing target cells, but the extent of this activation differed depending on the length of the spacer region. Adoptive transfer of the CAR-engineered T cells into mice with subcutaneous TNBC xenografts mediated a limited antitumor effect but induced severe toxicity symptoms in the cohort receiving the most bioactive CAR variant. We found that progenitor cells in the lung and bone marrow express SSEA-4 and are likely co-targeted by the CAR T cells. Thus, this study has revealed serious adverse effects that raise safety concerns for SSEA-4-directed CAR therapies because of the risk of eliminating vital cells with stem cell properties.
miRNA-Guided Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from the Umbilical Cord: Paving the Way for Stem-Cell Based Regeneration and Therapy
Authors: Thomaidou Arsinoe C. , Goulielmaki Maria , Tsintarakis Antonis , Zoumpourlis Panagiotis , Toya Marialena , Christodoulou Ioannis , Zoumpourlis Vassilis
Published: May 2023

The human body is an abundant source of multipotent cells primed with unique properties that can be exploited in a multitude of applications and interventions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a heterogenous population of undifferentiated cells programmed to self-renew and, depending on their origin, differentiate into distinct lineages. Alongside their proven ability to transmigrate toward inflammation sites, the secretion of various factors that participate in tissue regeneration and their immunoregulatory function render MSCs attractive candidates for use in the cytotherapy of a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, as well as in different aspects of regenerative medicine. In particular, MSCs that can be found in fetal, perinatal, or neonatal tissues possess additional capabilities, including predominant proliferation potential, increased responsiveness to environmental stimuli, and hypoimmunogenicity. Since microRNA (miRNA)-guided gene regulation governs multiple cellular functions, miRNAs are increasingly being studied in the context of driving the differentiation process of MSCs. In the present review, we explore the mechanisms of miRNA-directed differentiation of MSCs, with a special focus on umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), and we identify the most relevant miRNAs and miRNA sets and signatures. Overall, we discuss the potent exploitations of miRNA-driven multi-lineage differentiation and regulation of UCMSCs in regenerative and therapeutic protocols against a range of diseases and/or injuries that will achieve a meaningful clinical impact through maximizing treatment success rates, while lacking severe adverse events.
The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Psilopatis Iason , Vrettou Kleio , Troungos Constantinos , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: May 2023

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the female genital tract in the United States. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptor proteins which regulate gene expression. In order to investigate the role of PPARs in endometrial cancer, we conducted a literature review using the MEDLINE and LIVIVO databases and were able to identify 27 relevant studies published between 2000 and 2023. The PPARα and PPARβ/δ isoforms seemed to be upregulated, whereas PPARγ levels were reported to be significantly lower in endometrial cancer cells. Interestingly, PPAR agonists were found to represent potent anti-cancer therapeutic alternatives. In conclusion, PPARs seem to play a significant role in endometrial cancer.
Entangled Motifs in Membrane Protein Structures
Authors: Salicari Leonardo , Trovato Antonio
Published: May 2023

Entangled motifs are found in one-third of protein domain structures, a reference set that contains mostly globular proteins. Their properties suggest a connection with co-translational folding. Here, we wish to investigate the presence and properties of entangled motifs in membrane protein structures. From existing databases, we build a non-redundant data set of membrane protein domains, annotated with the monotopic/transmembrane and peripheral/integral labels. We evaluate the presence of entangled motifs using the Gaussian entanglement indicator. We find that entangled motifs appear in one-fifth of transmembrane and one-fourth of monotopic proteins. Surprisingly, the main features of the distribution of the values of the entanglement indicator are similar to the reference case of general proteins. The distribution is conserved across different organisms. Differences with respect to the reference set emerge when considering the chirality of entangled motifs. Although the same chirality bias is found for single-winding motifs in both membrane and reference proteins, the bias is reversed, strikingly, for double-winding motifs only in the reference set. We speculate that these observations can be rationalized in terms of the constraints exerted on the nascent chain by the co-translational bio-genesis machinery, which is different for membrane and globular proteins.
Mechanisms of and Potential Medications for Oxidative Stress in Ovarian Granulosa Cells: A Review
Authors: Liu Siheng , Jia Yunbing , Meng Shirui , Luo Yiran , Yang Qi , Pan Zezheng
Published: May 2023

Granulosa cells are essential for follicle initiation and development, and their abnormal function or apoptosis is a crucial factor leading to follicular atresia. A state of oxidative stress occurs when the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the regulation of the antioxidant system is disturbed. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of the abnormal function and apoptosis of granulosa cells. Oxidative stress in granulosa cells causes female reproductive system diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian failure. In recent years, studies have confirmed that the mechanism of oxidative stress in granulosa cells is closely linked to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, FOXO axis, Nrf2 pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and mitophagy. It has been found that drugs such as sulforaphane, Periplaneta americana peptide, and resveratrol can mitigate the functional damage caused by oxidative stress on granulosa cells. This paper reviews some of the mechanisms involved in oxidative stress in granulosa cells and describes the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological treatment of oxidative stress in granulosa cells.
Screening of the Anti-Neurodegenerative Activity of Caffeic Acid after Introduction into Inorganic Metal Delivery Systems to Increase Its Solubility as the Result of a Mechanosynthetic Approach
Authors: Stasiłowicz-Krzemień Anna , Rosiak Natalia , Miklaszewski Andrzej , Cielecka-Piontek Judyta
Published: May 2023

The proven anti-neurodegenerative properties of caffeic acid in vivo are limited due to its poor solubility, which limits bioavailability. Therefore, caffeic acid delivery systems have been developed to improve caffeic acid solubility. Solid dispersions of caffeic acid and magnesium aluminometasilicate (Neusilin US2—Neu) were prepared using the ball milling and freeze-drying techniques. The solid dispersions of caffeic acid:Neu obtained by ball milling in a 1:1 mass ratio turned out to be the most effective. The identity of the studied system in comparison to the physical mixture was confirmed using the X-Ray Powder Diffractionand Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. For caffeic acid with improved solubility, screening tests were carried out to assess its anti-neurodegenerative effect. The obtained results on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and antioxidant potential provide evidence for improvement of caffeic acid’s anti-neurodegenerative activity. As a result of in silico studies, we estimated which caffeic acid domains were involved in interactions with enzymes showing expression relevant to the neuroprotective activity. Importantly, the confirmed improvement in permeability of the soluble version of caffeic acid through membranes simulating the walls of the gastrointestinal tract and blood-brain barrier further strengthen the credibility of the results of in vivo anti-neurodegenerative screening tests.
Suspension of Anti-VEGF Treatment Does Not Affect Expansion of RPE Atrophy in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Chujo Shinichiro , Matsubara Hisashi , Matsui Yoshitsugu , Sugimoto Masahiko , Kondo Mineo
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To determine whether atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), which meets the criteria for the suspension of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment, is associated with anti-VEGF treatments. Methods: Twelve eyes of 12 patients with nAMD who began anti-VEGF treatment and were followed for 1 year after meeting the criteria for the suspension of anti-VEGF were studied. Six eyes of six patients were placed in the continuation group, and six eyes of six patients were placed in the suspension group. The RPE atrophic area at the time of the last anti-VEGF treatment was set as the baseline size and that at 12 months after the baseline (Month 12) was taken as the final size. A comparison of the expansion rate of RPE atrophy between the two groups was made by the square-root transformed differences. Results: The expansion rate of atrophy was 0.55 (0.43, 0.72) mm/year in the continuation group and 0.33 (0.15, 0.41) mm/year in the suspension group. This difference was not significant. (p = 0.29). Conclusions: Suspension of anti-VEGF treatments in eyes with nAMD does not alter the expansion rate of RPE atrophy.
Inducibility of Multiple Ventricular Tachycardia’s during a Successful Ablation Procedure Is a Marker of Ventricular Tachycardia Recurrence
Authors: Nissan Johnatan , Sabbag Avi , Beinart Roy , Nof Eyal
Published: May 2023

Even after a successful ventricular tachycardia ablation (VTA), some patients have recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) during their follow-up. We assessed the long-term predictors of recurrent VT after having a successful VTA. The patients who underwent a successful VTA (defined as the non-inducibility of any VT at the procedure’s end) in 2014–2021 at our center in Israel were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 111 successful VTAs were evaluated. Out of them, 31 (27.9%) had a recurrent event of VT after the procedure during a median follow-up time of 264 days. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower among patients with recurrent VT events (28.9 ± 12.67 vs. 23.53 ± 12.224, p = 0.048). A high number of induced VTs (>two) during the procedure was found to be a significant predictor of VT recurrence (24.69% vs. 56.67%, 20 vs. 17, p = 0.002). In a multivariate analysis, a lower LVEF (HR, 0.964; p = 0.037) and a high number of induced VTs (HR, 2.15; p = 0.039) were independent predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. The inducibility of more than two VTs during a VTA procedure remains a predictor of VT recurrence even after a successful VT ablation. This group of patients remains at high risk for VT and should be followed up with and treated more vigorously.
Drug Coated Balloon in the Treatment of De Novo Coronary Artery Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zilio Filippo , Verdoia Monica , De Angelis Maria Carmen , Zucchelli Federico , Borghesi Marco , Rognoni Andrea , Bonmassari Roberto
Published: May 2023

Drug coated balloons (DCBs) are currently indicated in guidelines as a first choice option in the management of instant restenosis, whereas their use in de novo lesions is still debated. The concerns raised after the contrasting results of the initial trials with DCBs in de novo lesions have been more recently overcome by a larger amount of data confirming their safety and effectiveness as compared to drug-eluting stents (DES), with potentially greater benefits being achieved, especially in particular anatomical settings, as in very small or large vessels and bifurcations, but also in selected subsets of higher-risk patients, where a ‘leave nothing behind’ strategy could offer a reduction of the inflammatory stimulus and thrombotic risk. The present review aims at providing an overview of current available DCB devices and their indications of use based on the results of data achieved so far.
The Characteristic of Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy in the Pathological Diagnosis of Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Authors: Ohno Shuuhei , Zaizen Yoshiaki , Matama Goushi , Chikasue Tomonori , Tokisawa Saeko , Okamoto Masaki , Tabata Kazuhiro , Tominaga Masaki , Akiba Jun , Fujimoto Kiminori , Fukuoka Junya , Hoshino Tomoaki
Published: May 2023

Background: Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) has widely used for the diagnosis of diffuse lung disease. However, it remains unclear whether TBLC is useful for the diagnosis in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Methods: We investigated 18 patients who underwent TBLC and were diagnosed with HP based on pathology or multidisciplinary discussion (MDD). Of the 18 patients, 12 had fibrotic HP (fHP), 2 had non-fibrotic HP (non-fHP) diagnosed with MDD. The remaining 4 patients were diagnosed with fHP by pathology but not by MDD because of clinical features. The radiology and pathology of these cases were compared. Results: All patients with fHP showed radiological findings of inflammation, fibrosis, and airway disease. Conversely, pathology showed fibrosis and inflammation in 11 of 12 cases (92%), but airway disease was significantly less common with 5 cases (42%) (p = 0.014). Non-fHP showed inflammatory cell infiltration mainly in the centrilobule on pathology, which was consistent with radiology. Granulomas were found in 5 patients with HP (36%). In the non-HP group, airway-centered interstitial fibrosis was observed in 3 patients (75%) with pathology. Conclusions: The pathology with TBLC is difficult to evaluate airway disease of HP. We need to understand this characteristic of TBLC to make a MDD diagnosis of HP.
Advances in Cardiovascular Pharmacology in Atherosclerotic-Related Therapeutic Areas: Addressing Patients’ Clinical Needs
Authors: Omari Muntaser , Alkhalil Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Over the last three decades, a significant improvement has been achieved in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [...]
Theoretical Analysis of Rolling Force during Cold Rolling with Roll Crossing and Shifting System
Authors: Aljabri Abdulrahman , Tibar Hasan , Mahmoud Essam R. I. , Almohamadi Hamad , Qu Feijun , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: May 2023

A precise prediction of the rolling force is critical to ensure the quality of the final product, especially in the cold rolling of thin strips. Based on this, a new mathematical model is developed to work out the rolling force when considering the roll crossing angle and work roll shifting values at speed ratios of 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. An iterative method was used to indicate the contact area shape, from which the rolling force was automatically calculated using the Matlab™ code for the cases of work roll cross angles of 0.5° and 1°. Experimental measurements and analysis were carried out to validate the theoretical calculations. The result shows that the theoretical analysis and experimental results are in good agreement, which indicates that the developed theoretical model can predict the rolling force well with a consideration of roll crossing during the cold rolling process.
Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence and a Guideline to Determine Treatment Strategy
Authors: Eoh Kyung Jin , Lee Young Joo , Nam Eun Ji , Jung Hye In , Kim Young Tae
Published: May 2023

In this retrospective study, our aim was to investigate a novel treatment strategy guideline for vaginal cuff dehiscence after hysterectomy based on the mode of operation and time of occurrence in patients who underwent hysterectomy at Severance Hospital between July 2013 and February 2019. We analyzed the characteristics of 53 cases of vaginal cuff dehiscence according to the mode of hysterectomy and time of occurrence. Out of a total of 6530 hysterectomy cases, 53 were identified as vaginal cuff dehiscence (0.81%; 95% confidence interval: 0.4–1.6%). The incidence of dehiscence after minimally invasive hysterectomy was significantly higher in patients with benign diseases, while malignant disease was associated with a higher risk of dehiscence after transabdominal hysterectomy (p = 0.011). The time of occurrence varied significantly based on menopausal status, with dehiscence occurring relatively earlier in pre-menopausal women compared to post-menopausal women (93.1% vs. 33.3%, respectively; p = 0.031). Surgical repair was more frequently required in cases of late-onset vaginal cuff dehiscence (≥8 weeks) compared to those with early-onset dehiscence (95.8% vs. 51.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). Patient-specific factors, such as age, menopausal status, and cause of operation, may influence the timing and severity of vaginal cuff dehiscence and evisceration. Therefore, a guideline may be indicated for the treatment of potentially emergent complications after hysterectomy.
Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures—High Mortality Rate Is a ‘Wake-Up Call’
Authors: Carlson Catherine A.
Published: May 2023

Patients with epilepsy have an elevated mortality rate compared to the general population and now studies are showing a comparable death ratio in patients diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. The latter is a top differential diagnosis for epilepsy and the unexpected mortality rate in these patients underscores the importance of an accurate diagnosis. Experts have called for more studies to elucidate this finding but the explanation is already available, embedded in the existing data. To illustrate, a review of the diagnostic practice in epilepsy monitoring units, of the studies examining mortality in PNES and epilepsy patients, and of the general clinical literature on the two populations was conducted. The analysis reveals that the scalp EEG test result, which distinguishes a psychogenic from an epileptic seizure, is highly fallible; that the clinical profiles of the PNES and epilepsy patient populations are virtually identical; and that both are dying of natural and non-natural causes including sudden unexpected death associated with confirmed or suspected seizure activity. The recent data showing a similar mortality rate simply constitutes more confirmatory evidence that the PNES population consists largely of patients with drug-resistant scalp EEG-negative epileptic seizures. To reduce the morbidity and mortality in these patients, they must be given access to treatments for epilepsy.
RCML: A Novel Algorithm for Regressing Price Movement during Commodity Futures Stress Testing Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Caifeng , Pan Wenfeng , Zhou Hongcheng
Published: May 2023

Stress testing, an essential part of the risk management toolkit of financial institutions, refers to the evaluation of a portfolio’s potential risk under an extreme, but plausible, scenario. The most representative method for performing stress testing is historical scenario simulation, which aims to evaluate historical adverse market events on the current portfolios of financial institutions. However, some current commodities were not listed in the commodity futures market at the time of the historical event, causing a lack of the necessary price information to revalue the current positions of these commodities. To avoid over reliance on human hypothesis for these non-existent commodity futures, we propose a novel approach, RCML, to infer reasonable price movements for commodities unlisted in historical events. Unlike the previous methods, based on subjective hypothesis, RCML takes advantage of not only machine learning algorithms, but also multi-view information. Back testing and hypothesis testing are adopted to prove the rationality of RCML results.
Mapping Ecosystem Services Bundles for Spatial Planning with the AHP Technique: A Case Study in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Rovai Massimo , Trinchetti Tommaso , Monacci Francesco , Andreoli Maria
Published: May 2023

Agricultural and forest ecosystems provide multiple ecosystem services (ESs) fundamental to the well-being and quality of life of citizens. However, in the European context, these ecosystems are often threatened by processes of urban development, around cities, or abandonment, in mountainous or remote areas. Faced with the need for solutions oriented towards greater sustainability and resilience of socio-ecological systems, planning should contribute to rebuilding more integrated and mutually beneficial relationships between urban and rural areas, ensuring the effective production of multiple ESs. The regulation and management of ESs are complex and require scientifically sound and widely understandable policies and governance models, based on detailed assessment methods. This paper proposes a method for mapping and bundling the supply of five ESs produced in agricultural and forest areas, based on the processing of open source territorial data through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and tailored for the Tuscany region (Italy). The method integrates the land use and land cover map with other data to obtain a comprehensive ESs assessment, and then uses cluster analysis to identify bundles of ESs. Based on a first trial, the method seems to show high potentialities as a Decision Support System to promote innovative governance models for ES management.
Extracellular Vesicles as a New Therapeutic Entity
Authors: Yi Yong Weon
Published: May 2023

Collectively, extracellular vesicles (EVs) refer to vesicular entities secreted by live cells, including microvesicles, exosomes, and apoptotic bodies [...]
Effects of Hot Arid Environments on the Production Performance, Carcass Traits, and Fatty Acids Composition of Breast Meat in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Al-Abdullatif Abdulaziz , Azzam Mahmoud Mostafa
Published: May 2023

The high environmental temperature is one of the main factors challenging the broiler industry during the hot seasons due to it causing more thermal stress. This study aimed to find the effects of heat stress under hot arid environments on the growth performance, carcass traits, and nutritional composition of breast meat in broiler chickens. A total of 240 broiler chickens were allocated into two groups: (1) a control group (thermoneutral environment (TN); 24 ± 0.17 °C) and (2) a heat stress (HS) group, with 30 replicates in each environment. From d 25 to 35 of age, the broiler chickens in the HS group were exposed to 8 h/day of thermal stress (34 ± 0.71 °C) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, while the actual recorded value of ambient temperature was 31 °C on average with a relative air humidity (RH) between 48 and 49% for 10 consecutive days (d 25–35 of age). The live body weight (BW), weight gain, and feed intake significantly deteriorated (p < 0.05), and the feed conversion ratio tended to deteriorate (p = 0.055) in the HS group. The hot and cold carcass yields increased (p < 0.05), while the relative heart and liver weights decreased (p < 0.05) in the broiler chickens exposed to HS. The breast meat yield tended to decrease (p = 0.057), while wing meat yields increased significantly (p = 0.050) in heat-stressed broiler chickens. The shrinkage of the carcass percentage increased during chilling (p < 0.001) in the HS group. The ultimate pH values; cooking loss; and contents of moisture, crude protein, and fat of breast meat showed no response (p > 0.05) between the TN and HS groups. The heat-stressed broiler chickens presented lower levels of arachidonic acid (C20:4 (n-6)) (p = 0.01) and eicosadienoic acid (C20:2 (n-6)) (p = 0.050) in the breast meat, while the variations in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid were insignificant (p > 0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, our findings confirmed that the hot arid environments could reduce the production performance of broiler chickens and increase carcass shrinkage during chilling, but did not compromise the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and cooking loss in the breast meat.
Annular Erythemas and Purpuras
Authors: Kluger Nicolas
Published: May 2023

Annular dermatoses are a heterogeneous and extremely diverse group of skin diseases, which share in common annular, ring-like patterns with centrifugal spreading. Numerous skin diseases can sometimes display annular lesions, but some specific skin conditions are originally annular. We take the opportunity to review here mainly the causes of primary annular erythemas and their differential diagnoses, but also the rare causes of annular purpuras.