bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Triglyceride Dysregulation in Optic Nerves Following Indirect Traumatic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Chauhan Muhammad Z. , Chacko Joseph G. , Ghaffarieh Alireza , Moulin Chloe M. , Pelaez Daniel , Uwaydat Sami H. , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this work is to identify mitochondrial optic nerve (ON) lipid alterations associated with sonication-induced traumatic optic neuropathy (TON). Briefly, a mouse model of indirect TON was generated using sound energy concentrated focally at the entrance of the optic canal using a laboratory sonifier (Branson Digital Sonifier 450, Danbury, CT, USA) with a microtip probe. We performed an analysis of a previously generated dataset from high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We analyzed lipids from isolated mitochondria from the ON at 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days post-sonication compared to non-sonicated controls. Lipid abundance alterations in post-sonicated ON mitochondria were evaluated with 1-way ANOVA (FDR-adjusted significant p-value < 0.01), debiased sparse partial correlation (DSPC) network modeling, and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). We find temporal alterations in triglyceride metabolism are observed in ON mitochondria of mice following sonication-induced optic neuropathy with notable depletions of TG(18:1/18:2/18:2), TG(18:1/18:1/18:1), and TG(16:0/16:0/18:1). Depletion of mitochondrial triglycerides may mediate ON damage in indirect traumatic optic neuropathy through loss energy substrates for neuronal metabolism.
Oncolytic Adenovirus, a New Treatment Strategy for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Yang Kaiyi , Feng Shenghui , Luo Zhijun
Published: December 2022

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in males. Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is an effective strategy to inhibit tumour growth at early stages. However, 10~50% of cases are estimated to progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) which currently lacks effective treatments. Clinically, salvage treatment measures, such as endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, are mostly used for advanced prostate cancer, but their clinical outcomes are not ideal. When the existing clinical therapeutic methods can no longer inhibit the development of advanced prostate cancer, human adenovirus (HAdV)-based gene therapy and viral therapy present promising effects. Pre-clinical studies have shown its powerful oncolytic effect, and clinical studies are ongoing to further verify its effect and safety in prostate cancer treatment. Targeting the prostate by HAdV alone or in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy sheds light on patients with castration-resistant and advanced prostate cancer. This review summarizes the advantages of oncolytic virus-mediated cancer therapy, strategies of HAdV modification, and existing preclinical and clinical investigations of HAdV-mediated gene therapy to further evaluate the potential of oncolytic adenovirus in prostate cancer treatment.
Glycosylation Alterations in Cancer Cells, Prognostic Value of Glycan Biomarkers and Their Potential as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Breast Cancer
Authors: Peric Luka , Vukadin Sonja , Petrovic Ana , Kuna Lucija , Puseljic Nora , Sikora Renata , Rozac Karla , Vcev Aleksandar , Smolic Martina
Published: December 2022

Although we are lately witnessing major improvements in breast cancer treatment and patient outcomes, there is still a significant proportion of patients not receiving efficient therapy. More precisely, patients with triple-negative breast cancer or any type of metastatic disease. Currently available prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers are not always applicable and oftentimes lack precision. The science of glycans is a relatively new scientific approach to better characterize malignant transformation and tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the most important information about glycosylation characteristics in breast cancer cells and how different glycoproteins and enzymes involved in glycosylation could serve as more precise biomarkers, as well as new therapeutic targets.
Intrathecal Baclofen for Spasticity: Is There an Effect on Bladder Function? Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Konstantinidis Charalampos , Moumtzi Eleni , Nicolia Archodia , Thomas Charalampos
Published: December 2022

Introduction: traumatic brain injury (TBI) is very often associated with spasticity. Medical interventions may include medications such as baclofen, a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) -receptor agonist of poor lipid solubility. Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) administration is a contemporary treatment option which minimizes adverse effects in contrast with the oral form of the drug. Regarding low urinary tract dysfunction, TBI, as a suprapontine lesion, results in neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Frequency, urgency and urge incontinence are the predominant signs and symptoms of this condition. Our study aims to report the potential changes in bladder function in patients with spasticity, due to TBI, after the implantation of the baclofen pump and the control of spasticity. Material and Methods: We report three cases of TBI whose spasticity responded well to ITB. We evaluated our medical reports regarding bladder function retrospectively, before and after baclofen pump implantation. We compared the data of bladder diaries and urodynamic parameters. Results: Bladder function was improved in all patients. Regarding bladder diaries; the number of incontinence and micturition episodes was decreased and the volume per void was slightly increased. Regarding urodynamic parameters; bladder capacity and reflex volume increased, Pdetmax decreased, PVR was the same and DLPP was slightly decreased. Conclusions: Although the baclofen pump is implanted to treat spasticity, detrusor activity may be also affected. Therefore, patients’ urologic profiles should also be reevaluated after ITB. Further prospective studies are required to investigate the effect of ITB on bladder function in the clinical field and also at the basic science level.
An Improved Chimp-Inspired Optimization Algorithm for Large-Scale Spherical Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Xiang Yifei , Zhou Yongquan , Huang Huajuan , Luo Qifang
Published: December 2022

The vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW) is a classical optimization problem. There have been many related studies in recent years. At present, many studies have generally analyzed this problem on the two-dimensional plane, and few studies have explored it on spherical surfaces. In order to carry out research related to the distribution of goods by unmanned vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, this study carries out research based on the situation of a three-dimensional sphere and proposes a three-dimensional spherical VRPTW model. All of the customer nodes in this problem were mapped to the three-dimensional sphere. The chimp optimization algorithm is an excellent intelligent optimization algorithm proposed recently, which has been successfully applied to solve various practical problems and has achieved good results. The chimp optimization algorithm (ChOA) is characterized by its excellent ability to balance exploration and exploitation in the optimization process so that the algorithm can search the solution space adaptively, which is closely related to its outstanding adaptive factors. However, the performance of the chimp optimization algorithm in solving discrete optimization problems still needs to be improved. Firstly, the convergence speed of the algorithm is fast at first, but it becomes slower and slower as the number of iterations increases. Therefore, this paper introduces the multiple-population strategy, genetic operators, and local search methods into the algorithm to improve its overall exploration ability and convergence speed so that the algorithm can quickly find solutions with higher accuracy. Secondly, the algorithm is not suitable for discrete problems. In conclusion, this paper proposes an improved chimp optimization algorithm (MG-ChOA) and applies it to solve the spherical VRPTW model. Finally, this paper analyzes the performance of this algorithm in a multi-dimensional way by comparing it with many excellent algorithms available at present. The experimental result shows that the proposed algorithm is effective and superior in solving the discrete problem of spherical VRPTW, and its performance is superior to that of other algorithms.
Study on Air Cabin Ventilation System by Local Structural Optimization during Tunnel Construction
Authors: Yang Shuai , Ren Rui , Wang Ya-Qiong
Published: December 2022

In tunnel construction, the difficulty of ventilation gradually increases with the increase of ventilation distance, which endangers construction safety and delays construction progress. This paper presents an air cabin ventilation system of the tunnel during construction. Theoretical calculations show that the energy consumption of this ventilation system is reduced by 20.7% compared with blowing ventilation, especially since the resistance loss along the air duct is reduced by 47.04%. A 3D numerical model validated with field test data was employed to discuss the air cabin structural parameters on the ventilation efficiency of the axial fan. The results show that the relative pressure on the fan’s end face increases when the air cabin’s length–width ratio is R = 1:2. The fan spacing S = 2–4 m can ensure the larger relative pressure of multiple fans. The significant difference in air demand between the left and right sides causes the disordered airflow. Set a middle diaphragm length of 1.5 D in the air cabin, which can effectively reduce the phenomenon. The middle diaphragm with a radian of 30°effectively reduced the local loss by 59.40%. The proposed ventilation system shortens the ventilation distance and has the advantages of low energy consumption and resistance loss. It improves the construction environment and is a valuable means of ventilation design for tunnel construction.
Optimization of the Injection and Physical Properties of Sulfoaluminate Cement via the In Situ Polymerization of Acrylamide
Authors: Zhang Haibo , Zhang Xiaotian , Guo Zhiying , Chai Hucheng
Published: December 2022

Deep coal mining requires grouting to reinforce the coal rock walls. The conventional polymer-modified cement-based grouting materials have improved toughness but poor fluidity. The purpose of this paper was to improve the injectability of grout. The preconditions were that the physical properties of the stones are not obviously damaged and the mechanical properties are optimized. The acrylamide monomer was incorporated into the sulfoaluminate cement-based grouting material system. The effects of the in situ polymerization modification of the acrylamide on the paste properties and stone body strength were investigated. The results showed that the acrylamide mixed with the sulfoaluminate cement could increase the fluidity of the grouting material, prolong the paste setting time, and improve the flexural strength of the stone body. Compared with the blank group, the 500 mL efflux time of the 1006 mud viscometer in the 35% AM (acrylamide) dosing group decreased from 51 s to 41 s, the initial setting time increased from 15 min to 98 min, and the flexural strength at three days increased by 202.8%. The compressive stress–strain of the stone body gradually changed from brittle to ductile damage as the acrylamide dosing increased. Based on the microscopic analysis, a composite structure model of the inorganic skeleton of the flexible polyacrylamide network of toughened AFt (ettringite) was built in this paper. A mechanical study of the compressive stress–strain characteristics of the stone body was performed. It was concluded that the acrylamide in situ polymerization-modified sulfoaluminate cement-based grouting material is suitable for coal rock wall grouting reinforcement.
The Emerging Burden of Genetic Instability and Mutation in Melanoma: Role of Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Mahumud Rashidul Alam , Shahjalal Md.
Published: December 2022

Melanoma is a severe skin cancer affecting thousands of people and a growing public health concern worldwide. The potential hallmarks of melanoma are genetic instability and mutation (GIAM), which are driving mechanisms for phenotypic variation and adaptation in melanoma. In metastatic melanoma, DNA repair-associated genes are frequently expressed at higher levels than in primary cancers, suggesting melanoma cells rely on genetic stability to spread distantly. The tumour microenvironment is affected by genomic instability and melanoma mutation (GIMM), which plays significant roles in developing GIMM and their contributions to the overall disease burden. The GIAM is the crucial vulnerability of cancer cells, determining their sensitivity to harmful treatments, including radiation and many chemotherapeutics. The high incidence of melanoma is typically associated with genetic modifications, and several clinical and genetic interventions have been critical in easing the burden.
Factors to Consider for the Correct Use of γH2AX in the Evaluation of DNA Double-Strand Breaks Damage Caused by Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Valente Davide , Gentileschi Maria Pia , Guerrisi Antonino , Bruzzaniti Vicente , Morrone Aldo , Soddu Silvia , Verdina Alessandra
Published: December 2022

People exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes is constantly increasing. Since the use of IR involves a risk of harmful effects, such as the DNA DSB induction, an accurate determination of this induced DNA damage and a correct evaluation of the risk–benefit ratio in the clinical field are of key relevance. γH2AX (the phosphorylated form of the histone variant H2AX) is a very early marker of DSBs that can be induced both in physiological conditions, such as in the absence of specific external agents, and by external factors such as smoking, heat, background environmental radiation, and drugs. All these internal and external conditions result in a basal level of γH2AX which must be considered for the correct assessment of the DSBs after IR exposure. In this review we analyze the most common conditions that induce H2AX phosphorylation, including specific exogenous stimuli, cellular states, basic environmental factors, and lifestyles. Moreover, we discuss the most widely used methods for γH2AX determination and describe the principal applications of γH2AX scoring, paying particular attention to clinical studies. This knowledge will help us optimize the use of available methods in order to discern the specific γH2AX following IR-induced DSBs from the basal level of γH2AX in the cells.
Deciphering the Role of p53 and TAp73 in Neuroblastoma: From Pathogenesis to Treatment
Authors: Almeida Joana , Mota Inês , Skoda Jan , Sousa Emília , Cidade Honorina , Saraiva Lucília
Published: December 2022

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonic cancer that develops from neural crest stem cells, being one of the most common malignancies in children. The clinical manifestation of this disease is highly variable, ranging from spontaneous regression to increased aggressiveness, which makes it a major therapeutic challenge in pediatric oncology. The p53 family proteins p53 and TAp73 play a key role in protecting cells against genomic instability and malignant transformation. However, in NB, their activities are commonly inhibited by interacting proteins such as murine double minute (MDM)2 and MDMX, mutant p53, ΔNp73, Itch, and Aurora kinase A. The interplay between the p53/TAp73 pathway and N-MYC, a known biomarker of poor prognosis and drug resistance in NB, also proves to be decisive in the pathogenesis of this tumor. More recently, a strong crosstalk between microRNAs (miRNAs) and p53/TAp73 has been established, which has been the focused of great attention because of its potential for developing new therapeutic strategies. Collectively, this review provides an updated overview about the critical role of the p53/TAp73 pathway in the pathogenesis of NB, highlighting encouraging clues for the advance of alternative NB targeted therapies.
Fusion-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis and Post-Synthesis Modification of Mesoporous Hydroxy Sodalite Zeolite Prepared from Waste Coal Fly Ash for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Shabani Juvet Malonda , Ameh Alechine E. , Oyekola Oluwaseun , Babajide Omotola O. , Petrik Leslie
Published: December 2022

Increases in biodiesel prices remains a challenge, mainly due to the high cost of conventional oil feedstocks used during biodiesel production and the challenges associated with using homogeneous catalysts in the process. This study investigated the conversion of waste-derived black soldier fly (BSF) maggot oil feedstock over hydroxy sodalite (HS) zeolite synthesized from waste coal fly ash (CFA) in biodiesel production. The zeolite product prepared after fusion of CFA followed by hydrothermal synthesis (F-HS) resulted in a highly crystalline, mesoporous F-HS zeolite with a considerable surface area of 45 m2/g. The impact of post-synthesis modification of the parent HS catalyst (F-HS) by ion exchange with an alkali source (KOH) on its performance in biodiesel production was investigated. The parent F-HS zeolite catalyst resulted in a high biodiesel yield of 84.10%, with a good quality of 65% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content and fuel characteristics compliant with standard biodiesel specifications. After ion exchange, the modified HS zeolite catalyst (K/F-HS) decreased in crystallinity, mesoporosity and total surface area. The K/F-HS catalyst resulted in sub-standard biodiesel of 51.50% FAME content. Hence, contrary to various studies, the ion exchange modified zeolite was unfavorable as a catalyst for biodiesel production. Interestingly, the F-HS zeolite derived from waste CFA showed a favorable performance as a heterogeneous catalyst compared to the conventional sodium hydroxide (NaOH) homogeneous catalyst. The zeolite catalyst resulted in a more profitable process using BSF maggot oil and was economically comparable with NaOH for every kilogram of biodiesel produced. Furthermore, this study showed the potential to address the overall biodiesel production cost challenge via the development of waste-derived catalysts and BSF maggot oil as low-cost feedstock alternatives.
Effect of B4C/Gr on Hardness and Wear Behavior of Al2618 Based Hybrid Composites through Taguchi and Artificial Neural Network Analysis
Authors: Ballupete Nagaraju Sharath , Kodigarahalli Somashekara Madhu , Puttegowda Madhu , Manjulaiah Hareesha , Kini Chandrakant R. , Channarayapattana Venkataramaiah Venkatesh
Published: December 2022

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have recently gained popularity as useful models for grouping, clustering, and analysis in a wide range of fields. An ANN is a kind of machine learning (ML) model that has become competitive with traditional regression and statistical models in terms of useability. Lightweight composite materials have been acknowledged to be the suitable materials, and they have been widely implemented in various industrial settings due to their adaptability. In this research exploration, hybrid composite materials using Al2618 reinforced with B4C and Gr were prepared and then evaluated for hardness and wear behavior. Reinforced alloys have a higher (approximately 36%) amount of ceramic phases than unreinforced metals. With each B4C and Gr increase, the wear resistance continued to improve. It was found that microscopic structures and an appearance of homogenous particle distribution were observed with an electron microscope, and they revealed a B4C and Gr mixed insulation surface formed as a mechanically mixed layer, and this served as an effective insulation surface that protected the test sample surface from the steel disc. The ANN and Taguchi results confirm that load contributed more to the wear rate of the composites.
Transfer Hydrogenation of Biomass-Like Phenolic Compounds and 2-PrOH over Ni-Based Catalysts Prepared Using Supercritical Antisolvent Coprecipitation
Authors: Philippov Alexey , Nesterov Nikolay , Martyanov Oleg
Published: December 2022

Transfer hydrogenation (TH) is considered as one of the most promising ways to convert biomass into valuable products. This study aims to demonstrate the performance of high-loaded Ni-based catalysts in the TH of phenolic compounds such as guaiacol and dimethoxybenzenes. The experiments were carried out under supercritical conditions at 250 °C using 2-PrOH as the only hydrogen donor. Ni-SiO2 and NiCu-SiO2 were synthesized using the eco-friendly original method based on supercritical antisolvent coprecipitation. It has been found that guaiacol is rapidly converted into 2-methoxycyclohexanol and cyclohexanol, while the presence of Cu impedes the formation of the latter product. Transformations of dimethoxybenzene position isomers are slower and result in different products. Thus, 1,3-dimethoxybenzene loses oxygen atoms transform into methoxycyclohexane and cyclohexanol, whereas the saturation of the aromatic ring is more typical for other isomers. The Cu addition increases specific catalytic activity in the TH of 1,2-and 1,3-dimethoxybenzene compared to the Cu-free catalyst.
In Situ Growth and UV Photocatalytic Effect of ZnO Nanostructures on a Zn Plate Immersed in Methylene Blue
Authors: Hariharalakshmanan Ranjitha K. , Watanabe Fumiya , Karabacak Tansel
Published: December 2022

Nanostructures of zinc oxide (ZnO) are considered promising photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants in water. This work discusses an in situ growth and UV photocatalytic effect of ZnO nanostructures on a Zn plate immersed in methylene blue (MB) at room temperature. First, the Zn surfaces were pretreated via sandblasting to introduce a micro-scale roughness. Then, the Zn plates were immersed in MB and exposed to UV light, to observe ZnO nanostructure growth and photocatalytic degradation of MB. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were used to characterize the Zn surfaces. We observed the growth of stoichiometric and crystalline ZnO with a nano-leaf morphology and an estimated bandgap of 3.08 eV. The photocatalytic degradation of MB was also observed in the presence of the ZnO nanostructures and UV light. The average percentage degradation was 76% in 4 h, and the degradation rate constant was 0.3535 h−1. The experimental results suggest that room temperature growth of ZnO nanostructures (on Zn surfaces) in organic dye solutions is possible. Furthermore, the nanostructured surface can be used simultaneously for the photocatalytic degradation of the organic dye.
Ursolic Acid Impairs Cellular Lipid Homeostasis and Lysosomal Membrane Integrity in Breast Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Fogde Ditte L. , Xavier Cristina P. R. , Balnytė Kristina , Holland Lya K. K. , Stahl-Meyer Kamilla , Dinant Christoffel , Corcelle-Termeau Elisabeth , Pereira-Wilson Cristina , Maeda Kenji , Jäättelä Marja
Published: December 2022

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, thus the search for new cancer therapies is of utmost importance. Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene with a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects. The latter has been assigned to its ability to promote apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation by poorly defined mechanisms. In this report, we identify lysosomes as the essential targets of the anti-cancer activity of ursolic acid. The treatment of MCF7 breast cancer cells with ursolic acid elevates lysosomal pH, alters the cellular lipid profile, and causes lysosomal membrane permeabilization and leakage of lysosomal enzymes into the cytosol. Lysosomal membrane permeabilization precedes the essential hallmarks of apoptosis placing it as an initial event in the cascade of effects induced by ursolic acid. The disruption of the lysosomal function impairs the autophagic pathway and likely partakes in the mechanism by which ursolic acid kills cancer cells. Furthermore, we find that combining treatment with ursolic acid and cationic amphiphilic drugs can significantly enhance the degree of lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cell death in breast cancer cells.
Parents’ Awareness of Malocclusion and Orthodontic Consultation for Their Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alsaggaf Doaa H. , Alqarni Manal Z. , Barayan Shroouq A. , Assaggaf Abdullah A. , Alansari Reem A.
Published: December 2022

Parents’ awareness of malocclusion and the appropriate timing to seek orthodontic consultation for their children has a substantial impact on children’s orthodontic treatment. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate parents’ awareness of malocclusion and orthodontic consultation of their children and the influence of parents’ demographics on their awareness level. An electronic survey collected information about participants’ demographics and awareness about malocclusion and orthodontic consultation of children. A total of 473 parents living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, participated in the study. The average awareness level among parents was moderate (3.09 ± 1.4). Male gender and unemployment were associated with low orthodontic awareness levels relative to moderate awareness (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.8–5.8 and OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1–3.8, respectively). Former or current orthodontic treatment was associated with high awareness levels (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.4–6.5). There is still a need to raise the awareness of Saudi parents about malocclusion and orthodontic consultations for their children. Orthodontic awareness-raising campaigns should be designed to include fathers and parents with low socioeconomic status. The findings of this study also suggest that orthodontists can enhance their patient’s awareness of malocclusion and orthodontic consultation for their children.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of CMT Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Yuan Yuheng , Li Ruifeng , Bi Xiaolin , Gu Jiayang , Jiao Chen
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the mechanical properties, microhardness and metallographic structure of 2205 duplex stainless steel by cold metal transfer (CMT) wire and arc additive manufacturing process are studied. The results show that the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation at break of reciprocating additive along building direction (BD) are 856.73 MPa, 710.5 MPa and 42.35%, respectively. In addition, the same direction motion (SDM) and reciprocating motion (RM) is selected as parameter variables in the experiment, and the finite element model is established by ABAQUS software, and the temperature and residual stress field of the additive forming at different paths are tested and simulated. Firstly, the accuracy of the selected finite element model was verified by comparing the experimental results from the simulation results to the macroscopic morphology of the cross-section of the single-pass additive specimen. The numerical simulation results show that due to the difference of the additive scanning paths, the distribution of the temperature field has a large difference, and with the increase of the deposited layer, the heat accumulation of the SDM additive is larger than that of the RM, so that the end collapses of the SDM additive will occur in the actual additive specimen. By simulating and comparing the equivalent stress distribution of different paths, the equivalent stress distribution of SDM and RM is approximately the same in the vertical direction, and the minimum of equivalent stress appears at the bottom of the deposition layers, about 116.5 MPa, and the maximum of equivalent stress appears at 8 mm from the top, about 348 MPa.
Thin Cartilage Cap May Be Related to the Spontaneous Regression in Pediatric Patients with Osteochondroma
Authors: Adachi Ryohei , Nakamura Tomoki , Asanuma Kunihiro , Hagi Tomohito , Uchiyama Teruya , Sudo Akihiro
Published: December 2022

Background: The spontaneous regression of osteochondromas is rare, and only a few cases have been reported. Furthermore, the precise mechanism underlying spontaneous regression is unknown. This study aimed to examine the radiological findings of osteochondromas that had spontaneous regression and to identify potential indicators of this uncommon phenomenon in skeletally immature patients with osteochondromas. Methods: We included 28 patients (15 males and 13 females) who met the eligibility criteria between 2002 and 2019. The mean age at initial diagnosis was 9.7 years old (2–16 years). The mean follow-up period was 6.4 years (3–16 years). Results: Of the 28 patients, 10 (35.7%) had osteochondroma resolution. The osteochondroma resolved in one patient and regressed in nine. Tumor shrinkage is related to the thickness of the cartilage cap. The thickness of the cartilage cap did not correlate with age. Conclusions: Tumor shrinkage is associated with a thinner cartilage cap on magnetic resonance imaging. The thickness of the cartilage cap may be an important predictor of spontaneous regression in pediatric patients with osteochondroma.
Diversity of Endophytic Fungi in Annual Shoots of Prunus mandshurica (Rosaceae) in the South of Amur Region, Russia
Authors: Nekrasov Eduard V. , Shumilova Lyudmila P. , Gomzhina Maria M. , Aleksandrova Alina V. , Kokaeva Lyudmila Y. , Pavlova Lyudmila M.
Published: December 2022

Prunus mandshurica is a rare species of the Russian Far East; it is cultivated for fruits and as an ornamental tree. The objective was to determine the fungi associated with young shoots of the Manchurian apricot, which is an important biotic factor for plant viability and productivity. Fungi were isolated by incubation of shoot fragments (unsterilized or surface-sterilized) on a growth medium and identified according to their cultural and morphological characteristics. Diaporthe eres and Nothophoma quercina isolates were identified by multilocus phylogenetic analysis (apn2, cal, tef1-α, tub2 for D. eres, and ITS, rpb2, tub2 for N. quercina). In total, 12 species (Alternaria alternata, A. tenuissima, Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, D. eres, Epicoccum nigrum, Fusarium graminearum, F. oxysporum, N. quercina, Sarocladium strictum, and Tripospermum myrti) and one genus (Gliocladium sp.) were found. Alternaria alternata, N. quercina, and D. eres were the most frequent species of the shoots. Alternaria tenuissima and F. oxysporum were also frequent in some collections, while all other species were rare or occasional in occurrence. Molecular analysis of D. eres and N. quercina revealed redundancy of some species within the D. eres species complex and the genus Nothophoma. This is the first report on the fungal inhabitants of asymptomatic shoots of P. mandshurica. Nothophoma quercina was identified in Russia for the first time.
Conventional Ameloblastoma. A Case Report with Microarray and Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Jurado-Castañeda Emiliano , Ramírez-Martínez Carla Monserrat , Alonso-Moctezuma Alejandro , Páramo-Sánchez Jessica Tamara , Rivera-Reza Diana Ivette , Chanes-Cuevas Osmar Alejandro , Ortiz-Solís César Luis , Téliz-Meneses Mario Alberto , Hernández-Ortega Oscar Rohel , Vizzuete-Bolaños Marco Xavier , Olmedo-Bastidas Patricio , Jacinto-Alemán Luis Fernando
Published: December 2022

Ameloblastoma is a rare benign epithelial odontogenic neoplasm, but with great clinical implications, as despite its benignity and slow growth, most cases are locally aggressive with a significant recurrence rate. Histological, cellular, or molecular analyses of its pathogenesis have confirmed the complexity of this neoplasm. We present the case of a 20-year-old patient with a suggestive clinical and radiographic diagnosis of ameloblastoma. An incisional biopsy was obtained confirming the diagnosis of conventional ameloblastoma. Left hemimandibulectomy and plate reconstruction were performed. Histopathological analysis of the surgical specimen confirmed the conventional ameloblastoma with a plexiform pattern and significant areas of cystic degeneration and amyloid-like-like deposits. Additionally, a microarray was carried out with bioinformatic analysis for the enrichment, protein interaction, and determination of eight hub genes (CRP, BCHE, APP, AKT1, AGT, ACTC1, ADAM10, and APOA2) related to their pathogenesis.
Autonomous Landing of an UAV Using H∞ Based Model Predictive Control
Authors: Latif Zohaib , Shahzad Amir , Bhatti Aamer Iqbal , Whidborne James Ferris , Samar Raza
Published: December 2022

Possibly the most critical phase of an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) flight is landing. To reduce the risk due to pilot error, autonomous landing systems can be used. Environmental disturbances such as wind shear can jeopardize safe landing, therefore a well-adjusted and robust control system is required to maintain the performance requirements during landing. The paper proposes a loop-shaping-based Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach for autonomous UAV landings. Instead of conventional MPC plant model augmentation, the input and output weights are designed in the frequency domain to meet the transient and steady-state performance requirements. Then, the H∞ loop shaping design procedure is used to synthesize the state-feedback controller for the shaped plant. This linear state-feedback control law is then used to solve an inverse optimization problem to design the cost function matrices for MPC. The designed MPC inherits the small-signal characteristics of the H∞ controller when constraints are inactive (i.e., perturbation around equilibrium points that keep the system within saturation limits). The H∞ loop shaping synthesis results in an observer plus state feedback structure. This state estimator initializes the MPC problem at each time step. The control law is successfully evaluated in a non-linear simulation environment under moderate and severe wind downburst. It rejects unmeasured disturbances, has good transient performance, provides an excellent stability margin, and enforces input constraints.
A Synthetic Review of UAS-Based Facility Condition Monitoring
Authors: Jeong Kyeongtae , Kwon Jinhyuk , Do Sung Lok , Lee Donghoon , Kim Sungjin
Published: December 2022

Facility inspections are mainly carried out through manual visual inspections. However, it is difficult to determine the extent of damages to facilities, and it depends on the subjective opinion of the manager in charge of the monitoring. Additionally, when inspectors inspect facilities that cannot be safely accessed, such as high-rise buildings, there are high risks of fatal accidents. For this reason, the construction industry conducts research into unmanned aircraft system (UAS)-based facility inspections. These studies have been focusing on developing the technologies or processes for using UAS in facility condition monitoring, ranging from infrastructure systems to commercial buildings. This study conducted extensive and synthetic reviews of the recent studies in UAS-based facility monitoring using a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) method. A total of 32 papers were selected and classified through the types of facilities and the technologies addressed in the studies. This paper analyzes the trends of recent studies by synthesizing the selected papers and consolidates the further directions of UAS applications and studies in facility monitoring domains.
LightMAN: A Lightweight Microchained Fabric for Assurance- and Resilience-Oriented Urban Air Mobility Networks
Authors: Xu Ronghua , Wei Sixiao , Chen Yu , Chen Genshe , Pham Khanh
Published: December 2022

Rapid advancements in the fifth generation (5G) communication technology and mobile edge computing (MEC) paradigm have led to the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in urban air mobility (UAM) networks, which provide intelligent services for diversified smart city scenarios. Meanwhile, the widely deployed Internet of drones (IoD) in smart cities has also brought up new concerns regarding performance, security, and privacy. The centralized framework adopted by conventional UAM networks is not adequate to handle high mobility and dynamicity. Moreover, it is necessary to ensure device authentication, data integrity, and privacy preservation in UAM networks. Thanks to its characteristics of decentralization, traceability, and unalterability, blockchain is recognized as a promising technology to enhance security and privacy for UAM networks. In this paper, we introduce LightMAN, a lightweight microchained fabric for data assurance and resilience-oriented UAM networks. LightMAN is tailored for small-scale permissioned UAV networks, in which a microchain acts as a lightweight distributed ledger for security guarantees. Thus, participants are enabled to authenticate drones and verify the genuineness of data that are sent to/from drones without relying on a third-party agency. In addition, a hybrid on-chain and off-chain storage strategy is adopted that not only improves performance (e.g., latency and throughput) but also ensures privacy preservation for sensitive information in UAM networks. A proof-of-concept prototype is implemented and tested on a micro-air–vehicle link (MAVLink) simulator. The experimental evaluation validates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed LightMAN solution.
A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of “What Is Happening in This Class?” (WIHIC) Questionnaire
Authors: Oo Cherry Zin , Khine Myint Swe , San Nang Mo Hline
Published: December 2022

What is Happening In this Class? (WIHIC) is the widely used questionnaire to measure psycho-social aspects of the classroom and explore how these aspects affect student learning and achievement. The purpose of this study is to examine the cumulative estimates of reliability and conduct reliability generalization meta-analysis of Cronbach’s alpha for the WIHIC questionnaire. PRISMA framework is used to identify the papers in three major databases. Assuming a random-effects model, the average internal consistency reliability was 0.85, 95% CI [0.83; 0.87] for total scores and ranged from 0.80 to 0.88 for subscales. There was a substantial heterogeneity among the included articles (I2 = 99.04%, Q (23) = 1481.074, p < 0.001). According to mixed model analysis, school context has a significant effect on the total scale and subscales, including teacher support, involvement, investigation, cooperation, and equity. Overall, the reliability generalization analysis of pooling reliability estimates helps in understanding the psychometric properties of the WIHIC inventory in diverse populations.
Triple-Band Terahertz Chiral Metasurface for Spin-Selective Absorption and Reflection Phase Manipulation
Authors: Zhang Hang , Si Liming , Ma Tianyu , Dong Lin , Niu Rong , Bao Xiue , Sun Houjun , Ding Jun
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a triple-band terahertz chiral metasurface is proposed, which could realize spin-selective absorption (SSA) effect and efficient independent phase manipulation in three distinct frequency bands. Through the simulation of the surface current distribution, we explain the mechanism of the triple-band SSA effect. Furthermore, the introduction of Pancharatnam–Berry phase endows the metasurface with the ability to manipulate the reflection phase at the chiral resonance frequencies, which enabled simultaneous amplitude and phase manipulation of CP waves through different phase coding strategies. To test this concept, two terahertz SSA-coding metasurfaces were designed and simulated, which have the function of four-beam splitting and vortex wave anomalous reflection, respectively. These simple-structured multifunctional devices demonstrate the application prospects of the metasurface in terahertz chiral sensing, imaging, secure communications, etc.
High-Speed Grouping and Decomposition Multiplier for Binary Multiplication
Authors: Padmanabhan Khamalesh Kumar , Seerengasamy Umadevi , Ponraj Abraham Sudharson
Published: December 2022

In the computation systems that are frequently utilized in Digital Signal Processing (DSP)- and Fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based applications, binary multipliers play a crucial role. Multipliers are one of the basic arithmetic components used, and they require more hardware resources and computational time. Due to this, numerous studies have been performed so as to decrease the computational time and hardware requirements. In this research study on reducing the necessary computational time, a high-speed binary multiplier known as the Grouping and Decomposition (GD) multiplieris proposed. The proposed multiplier aims to achieve competency in processing algorithms over existing multiplier architectures through a combination of the parallel grouping of partial products of the same size and the decomposition of each grouped partial-product bit, with the final summation performed using a 5:2 logic adder (5LA). The usage of parallel processing and decomposition logic reduces the number of computation steps and hence achieves a higher speed in multiplication. The front-end and physical design implementation of the proposed GD multiplier have been executed in the 180 nm technology library using the Cadence® Virtuoso and Cadence® Virtuoso Assura tools. From the front-end design of the 8 × 8 proposed GD multiplier, it was observed that the GD multiplier achieves a reduction of approximately 56% in computation time and a reduction of 53% in power–delay product when compared to existing multiplier architectures. A further reduction in the power–delay product is achieved by the physical design implementation of the proposed multiplier due to the internal routing of subsystems with the shortest-path algorithm. The proposed multiplier works better with higher-order multiplication and is suitable for high-end applications.
Online ADMM for Distributed Optimal Power Flow via Lagrangian Duality
Authors: Wang Song , Pu Liangyi , Huang Xiaodong , Yu Yifan , Shi Yawei , Wang Huiwei
Published: December 2022

At present, the power system has the characteristics of mutual independence but interconnection, and the interconnection between the various subsystems brings certain challenges to the distributed computing of the power grid. In addition, a substantial amount of naturally uncertain renewable resources are incorporated into the power system, which will impose volatile dynamics on the grid. In this paper, an alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) is proposed for the power system with real-time renewables to tackle the online optimal power flow (OPF) problem. Due to the adoption of the Lagrangian duality, the proposed distributed ADMM scheme utilizes consensus ADMM to solve the dual OPF problem, which only discloses boundary coupling via the Lagrangian multiplier and further reduces the amount of information communication. Given the natural uncertainty of distributed energy resources (DER), the algorithm avoids the double-loop implementation or the uncertainty of traditional distributed methods of using the boundary information as equality constraints caused by dynamic DER. It is thus capable of providing a provable performance guarantee and is inherently developed to cope with the dynamic OPF problem with renewables in an online fashion. Taking the IEEE 30-bus system as a test feeder, the simulation results verify the efficiency and robustness of the proposed algorithms in solving both the static and dynamic OPF problems; in addition, the online method can effectively avoid the violent fluctuations of the conventional generator output copying with renewables rapid variation in comparison with the offline algorithms.
Underwater Wireless Charging System of Unmanned Surface Vehicles with High Power, Large Misalignment Tolerance and Light Weight: Analysis, Design and Optimization
Authors: Niu Songyan , Zhao Qingyu , Chen Haibiao , Yu Hang , Niu Shuangxia , Jian Linni
Published: December 2022

Wireless charging systems (WCSs) are considered very appropriate to recharge underwater surface vehicles (USVs) due to their safe, flexible, and cost-effective characteristics. The small depth of immersion of USVs allows a WCS operated at an mm-level distance using a dock. Resultant tight coupling between the transmitter and receiver is conducive to high power, yet faces a challenge to alleviating misalignment sensitivity. In addition, considering USVs’ endurance, the weight of a WCS should be strictly limited. In this paper, a 6.0 kW underwater WCS is analyzed, designed, and optimized, which achieves a good balance of power capacity, misalignment tolerance, and onboard weight. A multi-receiving-coil structure is employed, which is crucial to large misalignment tolerance. On this basis, two types of coils adapting the hull shape of USV, viz., curved and quasi-curved coils, are devised and compared in case the hydrodynamic performance of USV is degraded. Finally, the weight of receiver is effectively reduced using bar-shaped ferrite without sacrificing the power capacity of WCSs. The results indicate a merely 8.73% drop in coupling coefficient with misalignment ranging from 0 to 100 mm. Moreover, ferrite use is reduced by 40.48 kg compared to a ferrite sheet, which accounts for 50.28% weight of the receiver.
Experimental Investigations of Diesel Engine Performance Using Blends of Distilled Waste Cooking Oil Biodiesel with Diesel and Economic Feasibility of the Distilled Biodiesel
Authors: Mahmood Tariq , Hassan Shahid , Sheikh Abdullah , Raheem Abdul , Hameed Ahad
Published: December 2022

This paper elaborates on the production of distilled biodiesel of standard EN14214 from waste cooking oil (WCO). Its economic viability is assessed and experimental investigations of a single-cylinder, four-stroke engine using a mixture of distilled biodiesel and diesel of Euro 5 standard are described. The physical and chemical characteristics of biodiesel produced from waste cooking oil were determined. Fuel samples prepared with different percentages of biodiesel and diesel were used to run the engine. We observed the effects of increasing the percentage of biodiesel in the mixture on brake power, brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, and the exhaust emission from the engine. The emission species included O2, CO, CO2, NOx, and SO2. Improved engine performance and reduced emissions from the engine were noticed with blended fuels with 10% and 20% distilled WCO biodiesel mixed with 90% and 80% mineral diesel by volume, respectively. The results of this study indicate that the distilled biodiesel blends with mineral diesel can be used as an alternative fuel to run diesel engines without changing the engine design, thereby providing an alternative energy resource with reduced costs for power generation by using engine fuel. An economic assessment and sensitivity analysis were used to determine the feasibility of distilled WCO biodiesel as an alternative fuel to diesel.
Analysis of the Use of the PV Installation in the Power Supply of the Water Pumping Station
Authors: Średziński Przemysław , Świętochowska Martyna , Świętochowski Kamil , Gwoździej-Mazur Joanna
Published: December 2022

Delivering water to consumers uses a lot of electricity. In the era of limited fossil fuel resources, we are increasingly looking at the possibilities of using renewable energy sources to power residential buildings or industries. The research aimed to analyze the potential of producing electricity from photovoltaic panels, ensuring electricity supplies for pumping water, and reducing costs. The tests were carried out using the existing photovoltaic (PV) installation with a capacity of 12.3 kW connected to the installation monitoring the production of electricity and monitoring the water-pumping station (WPS). An analysis of the daily electricity production from the PV installation, an analysis of the settlement unit’s demand for water, and an analysis of the costs of pumping water, including the unit cost of pumping 1 m3 of water, were carried out. Studies have shown the possibility of reducing water-pumping costs by more than 77.8% after a PV installation. The tested installation provided 100% of the electricity necessary for WPS for 167 days a year.