bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antisense Therapy for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Buthelezi Lwanda Abonga , Pillay Shandre , Ntuli Noxolo Nokukhanya , Gcanga Lorna , Guler Reto
Published: August 2023

Infectious diseases, particularly Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pose a significant global health challenge, with 1.6 million reported deaths in 2021, making it the most fatal disease caused by a single infectious agent. The rise of drug-resistant infectious diseases adds to the urgency of finding effective and safe intervention therapies. Antisense therapy uses antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that are short, chemically modified, single-stranded deoxyribonucleotide molecules complementary to their mRNA target. Due to their designed target specificity and inhibition of a disease-causing gene at the mRNA level, antisense therapy has gained interest as a potential therapeutic approach. This type of therapy is currently utilized in numerous diseases, such as cancer and genetic disorders. Currently, there are limited but steadily increasing studies available that report on the use of ASOs as treatment for infectious diseases. This review explores the sustainability of FDA-approved and preclinically tested ASOs as a treatment for infectious diseases and the adaptability of ASOs for chemical modifications resulting in reduced side effects with improved drug delivery; thus, highlighting the potential therapeutic uses of ASOs for treating infectious diseases.
Genetic and Pharmacological YAP Activation Induces Proliferation and Improves Survival in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Bui Thuy Anh , Stafford Nicholas , Oceandy Delvac
Published: August 2023

Cardiomyocyte loss following myocardial infarction cannot be addressed with current clinical therapies. Cell therapy with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) is a potential approach to replace cardiomyocyte loss. However, engraftment rates in pre-clinical studies have been low, highlighting a need to refine current iPSC-CM technology. In this study, we demonstrated that inducing Yes-associated protein (YAP) by genetic and pharmacological approaches resulted in increased iPSC-CM proliferation and reduced apoptosis in response to oxidative stress. Interestingly, iPSC-CM maturation was differently affected by each strategy, with genetic activation of YAP resulting in a more immature cardiomyocyte-like phenotype not witnessed upon pharmacological YAP activation. Overall, we conclude that YAP activation in iPSC-CMs enhances cell survival and proliferative capacity. Therefore, strategies targeting YAP, or its upstream regulator the Hippo signalling pathway, could potentially be used to improve the efficacy of iPSC-CM technology for use as a future regenerative therapy in myocardial infarction.
Mitochondria in the Spotlight: C. elegans as a Model Organism to Evaluate Xenobiotic-Induced Dysfunction
Authors: Martins Airton C. , Virgolini Miriam B. , Ávila Daiana Silva , Scharf Pablo , Li Jung , Tinkov Alexey A. , Skalny Anatoly V. , Bowman Aaron B. , Rocha João B. T. , Aschner Michael
Published: August 2023

Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular respiration, ATP production, and the regulation of various cellular processes. Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been directly linked to pathophysiological conditions, making them a significant target of interest in toxicological research. In recent years, there has been a growing need to understand the intricate effects of xenobiotics on human health, necessitating the use of effective scientific research tools. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a nonpathogenic nematode, has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating toxic mechanisms and mitochondrial dysfunction. With remarkable genetic homology to mammals, C. elegans has been used in studies to elucidate the impact of contaminants and drugs on mitochondrial function. This review focuses on the effects of several toxic metals and metalloids, drugs of abuse and pesticides on mitochondria, highlighting the utility of C. elegans as a model organism to investigate mitochondrial dysfunction induced by xenobiotics. Mitochondrial structure, function, and dynamics are discussed, emphasizing their essential role in cellular viability and the regulation of processes such as autophagy, apoptosis, and calcium homeostasis. Additionally, specific toxins and toxicants, such as arsenic, cadmium, and manganese are examined in the context of their impact on mitochondrial function and the utility of C. elegans in elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utilization of C. elegans as an experimental model providing a promising platform for investigating the intricate relationships between xenobiotics and mitochondrial dysfunction. This knowledge could contribute to the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of contaminants and drugs of abuse, ultimately enhancing our understanding of these complex processes and promoting human health.
Calcium-Activated Big-Conductance (BK) Potassium Channels Traffic through Nuclear Envelopes into Kinocilia in Ray Electrosensory Cells
Authors: Chen Abby L. , Wu Ting-Hsuan , Shi Lingfang , Clusin William T. , Kao Peter N.
Published: August 2023

Electroreception through ampullae of Lorenzini in the little skate, Leucoraja erinacea, involves functional coupling between voltage-activated calcium channels (CaV1.3, cacna1d) and calcium-activated big-conductance potassium (BK) channels (BK, kcnma1). Whole-mount confocal microscopy was used to characterize the pleiotropic expression of BK and CaV1.3 in intact ampullae. BK and CaV1.3 are co-expressed in electrosensory cell plasma membranes, nuclear envelopes and kinocilia. Nuclear localization sequences (NLS) were predicted in BK and CaV1.3 by bioinformatic sequence analyses. The BK NLS is bipartite, occurs at an alternative splice site for the mammalian STREX exon and contains sequence targets for post-translational phosphorylation. Nuclear localization of skate BK channels was characterized in heterologously transfected HEK293 cells. Double-point mutations in the bipartite NLS (KR to AA or SVLS to AVLA) independently attenuated BK channel nuclear localization. These findings support the concept that BK partitioning between the electrosensory cell plasma membrane, nucleus and kinocilium may be regulated through a newly identified bipartite NLS.
Microstructure and Wear Resistance of High-Chromium Cast Iron with Multicomponent Carbide Coating via Laser Cladding
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Junfa , Ge Yiyuan , Zhuang Minghui , Ma Zheng
Published: August 2023

High-chromium cast iron (HCCI) coatings with multicomponent carbides were prepared on low-alloy steel substrates using a laser cladding technique in this work. The microstructure and wear resistance of the coatings were characterized via optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and block-on-ring wear testing. Multicomponent carbides (Ti, Nb, Mo, W, V)C with an FCC structure and multicomponent compounds (Nb, Mo, W, V) (B,C) with an FCC structure were found in the microstructures of coatings after multielement doping. In addition, (Cr, Mo, W, V)23C6 compounds could be obtained by heat treatment. These multicomponent compounds were beneficial for obtaining coatings with an excellent hardness (60 HRC) and high wear resistance. This multielement doping method provides an effective modified method for preparing high-wear-resistance laser cladding coatings.
Effect of Three Kinds of Aloe Emodin Microcapsules Prepared by SDBS, OP-10 and TWEEN-80 Emulsifiers on Antibacterial, Optical and Mechanical Properties of Water-Based Coating for MDF
Authors: Zhu Ye , Huang Nan , Yan Xiaoxing
Published: August 2023

To investigate an impact of microcapsules on water-based coatings for a medium density fiberboard (MDF), three types of aloe emodin microcapsules prepared at a 3.0% concentration of SDBS, OP-10 and TWEEN-80 emulsifiers were added to the water-based coatings and applied on a MDF surface. Then, three sets of coatings were tested. Antibacterial properties of three groups of coatings on MDF surface increased with the addition of aloe emodin microcapsule content, and antibacterial properties of the water-based coating against Escherichia coli in the three groups were slightly superior to that of Staphylococcus aureus. The water-based coatings on the MDF surface with SDBS as the emulsifier showed the highest antibacterial rates of 74.1% and 66.0% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The antibacterial rates of 70.0% and 62.8% were achieved for the OP-10 emulsifier group, and 67.0% and 61.9% for the TWEEN-80 emulsifier group, respectively. The aloe emodin microcapsules prepared at a 3.0% concentration of SDBS, OP-10 and TWEEN-80 emulsifiers inhibit bacterial growth and improve the mechanical and optical properties of coatings. It supplies technical references for the utilization of aloe emodin microcapsules to the antibacterial coating on the surface of wooden furniture.
Effect of Microcapsules on Mechanical, Optical, Self-Healing and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption in Waterborne Wood Paint Coatings
Authors: Wu Qilong , Li Wenbo , Yan Xiaoxing
Published: August 2023

A mixture of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbonyl iron powder (Iron(0) pentacarbonyl, CIP) was used as a core material, and a melamine-formaldehyde resin was used as a wall material to prepare CIP/CNTs microcapsules. A core-wall ratio, content of CNTs in the core material, stirring speed, and reaction time were carried out to explore the most significant factor affecting the coverage rate and yield of microcapsules. The most important factor affecting the preparation of CIP/CNTs microcapsules was the content of CNTs in the core material. The optimized CIP/CNTs microcapsules were mixed with shellac microcapsules, and the optimal ratio was explored by analyzing their optical, mechanical, and electromagnetic wave absorption properties in order to prepare coatings with superior performance. The lower the addition amount of CIP/CNTs microcapsules, the lower the effect on the color difference of the coating. The gloss and adhesion of waterborne wood paint coatings decreased with increasing CIP/CNTs microcapsule addition. The hardness, impact resistance and tensile properties of the coatings showed a tendency of increasing and then decreasing with the addition of CIP/CNTs microcapsules. The surface roughness of the coating basically tended to increase with the increase of CIP/CNTs microcapsule content. When the content of added CNTs in the core material was 3.0% and the content of microcapsules was 9.0%, the coating had the highest elongation at break of 12.4% and the highest repair rate of 34.3%, respectively. The mixed shellac microcapsules and CIP/CNTs microcapsules achieved a theoretical minimum reflection loss of −13.52 dB at 16.2 GHz, and the electromagnetic wave absorption band of less than −5 dB was 15.3 GHz–18.0 GHz. The results provide technical references for the preparation of self-healing composite electromagnetic wave absorption coatings on wood substrates.
Scientific Research on a Gold- and Silver-Inlaid Bronze Zun from the Han Dynasty
Authors: Liu Dan , Tian Xiaolong , Zhang Dong , Zhou Xianjing , Li Nana , Zhao Yajun
Published: August 2023

The bronze Zun was one of the more prevalent high-class wine containers of the Han dynasty, representing the highest level of decoration in bronze at the time. However, little has been reported about its technical characteristics and scientific value. In this paper, the samples were selected for analysis based on scientific analysis, following the principle of “minimal intervention”, and a bronze Zun from the Han dynasty in the Gansu Provincial Museum collection was studied using ultra-deep field microscopy, X-ray flaw detection, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy spectrometry (EDS). The results show that the gold and silver decoration on the bronze is inlaid rather than gilt. Secondly, the body and lid of the vessel are molded in one shot, with the bird-head-shaped and animal-foot-shaped components cast separately and then attached to the lid and body. Thirdly, the corrosion of the bronze Zun is characterized by the copper matrix being corroded first and most severely, followed by the silver and, finally, the gold. The high purity of the gold wire embedded in this bronze Zun, the fine width of gold wire (154–190 μm), and the magnificent decoration show the excellent processing technology level of the precious metal and the high aesthetic level of ancient man during the Han dynasty. The results of the analysis of this bronze Zun can provide an essential reference for research on bronze vessels of the same type, the techniques of gold and silver misalignment, and the development of the history of bronze manufacture and technology during the Han dynasty.
The Effects of High-Energy Composite Surface Layer Modification on the Impact Performance of the H13 Steel Cutter Ring for Shield Tunneling Machine
Authors: Xu Huanbin , Li Yi , Xu Zhilong , Cheng Jun , Chen Xiuyu , Jiang Qingshan , Chen Junying , Zhao Zhenye
Published: August 2023

The service life of the cutter ring of the shield tunneling machine affects the efficiency and cost of its tunneling. However, traditional heat treatment processes cannot simultaneously optimize both impact toughness and surface hardness, often leading to cracks or excessive wear of the cutter ring, greatly reducing their service life. According to the above situation, this paper applies high-energy composite modification treatment to H13 steel samples commonly used for the cutter ring of the hob and analyzes the impact toughness, hardness, microstructure, residual stress, and morphology characteristics of fracture of the samples under different high-energy composite modification processes. The study also investigates the effects of high-energy composite modification processes on the hardness and impact toughness of the samples. The experimental results show that the high-energy composite modification process enables the specimens to have good impact toughness and surface hardness simultaneously. The H13 steel sample has the best performance after carburizing, quenching, and laser shock modification, with a maximum surface hardness of 1017.5HV0.2 and an impact toughness of 15.64 J/cm2. Laser shock modification improves the surface residual compressive stress and hardness of H13 steel samples and also improves their impact toughness.
Geometric Structures for Sialon Ceramic Solid End Mills and Its Performance in High-Speed Milling of Nickel-Based Superalloys
Authors: Xue Kai , Chen Peng , Liu Wenbo , Zou Bin , Li Lei , Chen Wei , Wang Xinfeng , Xu Ziyue
Published: August 2023

Sialon ceramic tool material has become one of the most ideal materials for the high-speed cutting of superalloy materials. However, studies on the geometric structure of sialon ceramic solid end mill is lacking at the present. In this work, the geometric structure of sialon ceramic end mills was designed for difficult-to-machine nickel-based superalloy materials. The cutting force and heat, flank wear and machined surface quality were analyzed to study the effect of the main parameters on tool performance. The results showed that the end mill experienced severe flank wear and chipping, which were the leading cause of its failure during high-speed cutting. The cutting force and temperature decreased gradually with the increase in the helix angle. With the increase in the rake angle, the flank wear and the quality of the machined surface of the specimen first decreased and then increased. With the increase in the relief angle, the cutting temperature of the ceramic end mill gradually decreased, and the cutting force and the machined surface roughness showed an initial decrease and then increased. When the helix angle, rake angle and relief angle were 35°, −15° and 12°, respectively, the sialon ceramic end mill exhibited the best cutting performance and obtained better machined surface quality in the nickel-based superalloys.
Growth and Structure of Rare-Earth Molybdate Crystals Na0.65La4.35Mo3O15.81±δF0.07±ε
Authors: Novikova Nataliya E. , Orlova Ekaterina I. , Antipin Alexander M. , Sorokin Timofei A. , Kvartalov Vladimir B. , Kharitonova Elena P. , Sorokina Nataliya I. , Alekseeva Olga A. , Voronkova Valentina I.
Published: August 2023

Rare-earth sodium- and fluorine-substituted molybdates with the Na0.65La4.35Mo3O15.81±δF0.07±ε composition were synthesized for the first time as single crystals. An accurate X-ray diffraction analysis of three samples at room temperature showed that the obtained crystals are isostructural to undoped cubic compounds of the Ln5Mo3O16+δ family (space group Pn3¯n). Sodium cations partially occupy one of the two lanthanum positions and center the more distorted LaO8 polyhedra, while fluorine anions occupy over-stoichiometric oxygen positions in the vast interstices (cavities) of the structure. The partial substitution of fluorine atoms for oxygen ones affects the transport characteristics of compounds by activating the oxygen atoms in the anionic subsystem due to the effect of supplementary electrostatic repulsion between anions of different types.
Karyotypes of 10 Anuran Species from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Qiheng , Shi Shengchao , Lu Ningning , Shen Cheng , Jiang Jianping
Published: August 2023

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest mountain plateau in the world, which has become a focus area of amphibian biodiversity research and conservation, depending on its large number of endemic and threatened species. Among the 58 families of Anura, only a few species of four families (Megophryidae, Bufonidae, Dicroglossidae, Ranidae) are distributed in QTP. Revealing the genetic diversity of these species is crucial for research on their environmental adaptability and biodiversity conservation. Chromosome rearrangements are a critical source of genetic variation, which is recognized as a driver of speciation, providing the genetic material for differentiation and environmental adaptation of amphibians. Here, we identified the karyotypes of 10 species of the above families from the QTP. The karyotypes of these species were obtained from new sites that were not previously reported. Among them, the karyotypes of D. himalayanus and tetraploid B. zamdaensis were reported for the first time. In particular, the ploidy of B. zamdaensis from Zanda, China, was found to be distinctly different from the ploidy from Spiti River, India. This indicates that they have presented species differentiation and supports the multiple and complicated polyploidization events in the Bufotes toads. Furthermore, the different locations of the secondary constriction between the Weixi and Zhongdian populations of O. xiangchengensis support that there is a karyotypic variation between the two subspecies (O. xiangchengensis xiangchengensis vs. O. xiangchengensis deqinicus). A series of chromosomal variations may have facilitated the rapid evolution of amphibians in the QTP, and our study will provide support for further research on amphibian genetic diversity and biodiversity conservation.
Rare Solid Pancreatic Lesions on Cross-Sectional Imaging
Authors: Veron Sanchez Ana , Santamaria Guinea Nuria , Cayon Somacarrera Silvia , Bennouna Ilias , Pezzullo Martina , Bali Maria
Published: August 2023

Several solid lesions can be found within the pancreas mainly arising from the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic tissue. Among all pancreatic malignancies, the most common subtype is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), to a point that pancreatic cancer and PDAC are used interchangeably. But, in addition to PDAC, and to the other most common and well-known solid lesions, either related to benign conditions, such as pancreatitis, or not so benign, such as pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs), there are solid pancreatic lesions considered rare due to their low incidence. These lesions may originate from a cell line with a differentiation other than exocrine/endocrine, such as from the nerve sheath as for pancreatic schwannoma or from mesenchymal cells as for solitary fibrous tumour. These rare solid pancreatic lesions may show a behaviour that ranges in a benign to highly aggressive malignant spectrum. This review includes cases of an intrapancreatic accessory spleen, pancreatic tuberculosis, solid serous cystadenoma, solid pseudopapillary tumour, pancreatic schwannoma, purely intraductal neuroendocrine tumour, pancreatic fibrous solitary tumour, acinar cell carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclastic-like giant cells, adenosquamous carcinoma, colloid carcinoma of the pancreas, primary leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas, primary and secondary pancreatic lymphoma and metastases within the pancreas. Therefore, it is important to determine the correct diagnosis to ensure optimal patient management. Because of their rarity, their existence is less well known and, when depicted, in most cases incidentally, the correct diagnosis remains challenging. However, there are some typical imaging features present on cross-sectional imaging modalities that, taken into account with the clinical and biological context, contribute substantially to achieve the correct diagnosis.
The Utility of Narrow-Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification in Predicting the Histologies of Diminutive Colorectal Polyps Using I-Scan Optical Enhancement: A Prospective Study
Authors: Kang Yeo Wool , Lee Jong Hoon , Lee Jong Yoon
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of predicting the histology of diminutive colonic polyps (DCPs) (≤5 mm) using i-scan optical enhancement (OE) based on the narrow-band imaging international colorectal endoscopic (NICE) classification. The study compared the diagnostic accuracy between experts who were already familiar with the NICE classification and trainees who were not, both before and after receiving brief training on the NICE classification. (2) Method: This prospective, single-center clinical trial was conducted at the Dong-A University Hospital from March 2020 to August 2020 and involved two groups of participants. The first group comprised two experienced endoscopists who were proficient in using i-scan OE and had received formal training in optical diagnosis and dye-less chromoendoscopy (DLC) techniques. The second group consisted of three endoscopists in the process of training in internal medicine at the Dong-A University Hospital. Each endoscopist examined the polyps and evaluated them using the NICE classification through i-scan OE. The results were not among the participants. Trained endoscopists were divided into pre- and post-training groups. (3) Results: During the study, a total of 259 DCPs were assessed using i-scan OE by the two expert endoscopists. They made real-time histological predictions according to the NICE classification criteria. For the trainee group, before training, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) for predicting histopathological results using i-scan OE were 0.791, 0.775, and 0.818. However, after receiving training, the AUROCs improved to 0.935, 0.949, and 0.963, which were not significantly different from the results achieved by the expert endoscopists. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of i-scan OE, along with the NICE classification, in predicting the histopathological results of DCPs during colonoscopy. In addition, this study suggests that even an endoscopist without experience in DLC can effectively use i-scan OE to improve diagnostic performance with only brief training.
Ultra-High Frequency UltraSound (UHFUS) Assessment of Barrier Function in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis during Dupilumab Treatment
Authors: Dini Valentina , Iannone Michela , Michelucci Alessandra , Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Granieri Giammarco , Salvia Giorgia , Oranges Teresa , Janowska Agata , Morganti Riccardo , Romanelli Marco
Published: August 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by intense itching and inflammatory eczematous lesions. Biological disease-modifying drugs, such as dupilumab are recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe AD, refractory to systemic immunosuppressive therapies. Disease monitoring is performed by clinical scores. Since 1970, however, the use of ultrasound and particularly high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), has identified alterations in dermal echogenicity, called the subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB), that correlates with disease severity and response to treatment. We enrolled 18 patients with moderate-to-severe AD, divided into two groups: twelve patients in the dupilumab treatment (Group A) and six patients in standard treatment, from February 2019 to November 2019. We performed ultra-high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) evaluation of lesional and non-lesional skin, focusing on SLEB average thicknesses measurement, epidermal thickness, and vascular signal in correlation with objective disease scores (EASI, IGA), patient’s reported scores (Sleep Quality NRS and Itch NRS), and TEWL and corneometry at baseline (T0), after 1 month (T1) and 2 months (T2). The SLEB average thickness measurement, vascular signal, and epidermal thickness showed a statistically significant reduction in lesional skin of the biological treatment group and no significant reduction in non-lesional skin in both groups. In the lesional skin of the standard treatment group, only epidermal thickness showed a statistically significant reduction. Our study demonstrates that SLEB measurement, vascular signals, and epidermal thickness could be used as objective parameters in monitoring the AD treatment response, while the presence of SLEB in non-lesional skin could be used as a marker of subclinical inflammation and could predict development of clinical lesions, suggesting a pro-active therapy. Further follow-up and research are needed to clarify the association of SLEB decrease/disappearance with a reduction of flares/prolongment of the disease remission time.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring as a Useful Tool in the Cardiological Assessment of Pancreas Transplant Recipients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Buksińska-Lisik Małgorzata , Kwasiborski Przemysław Jerzy , Ryczek Robert , Lisik Wojciech , Mamcarz Artur
Published: August 2023

Having the appropriate tools to identify pancreas recipients most susceptible to coronary artery disease (CAD) is crucial for pretransplant cardiological assessment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between blood pressure (BP) indices provided by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the prevalence of CAD in pancreas transplant candidates with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This prospective cross-sectional study included adult T1D patients referred for pretransplant cardiological assessment in our center. The study population included 86 participants with a median age of 40 (35–46) years. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher 24 h BP (systolic BP/diastolic BP/pulse pressure) (OR  =  1.063, 95% CI 1.023–1.105, p = 0.002/OR = 1.075, 95% CI 1.003–1.153, p = 0.042/OR = 1.091, 95 CI 1.037–1.147, p = 0.001, respectively) and higher daytime BP (systolic BP/diastolic BP/pulse pressure) (OR  =  1.069, 95% CI 1.027–1.113, p = 0.001/OR = 1.077, 95% CI 1.002–1.157, p = 0.043/OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.051–1.172, p = 0.0002, respectively) were independently and significantly associated with the prevalence of CAD. Daytime pulse pressure was the strongest indicator of the prevalence of CAD among all analyzed ABPM parameters. ABPM can be used as a valuable tool to identify pancreas recipients who are most susceptible to CAD. We suggest the inclusion of ABPM in pretransplant cardiac screening in type 1 diabetes patients eligible for pancreas transplantation.
Intracranial Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A Literature Review and a Rare Case Misdiagnosed as Acoustic Neuroma
Authors: Zhou Le , Pan Wanqian , Huang Renjun , Lu Ziwei , You Zhiqun , Li Yonggang
Published: August 2023

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) stands as a rare neoplasm, initially documented by Bahadori and Liebow in 1973; however, its biological behavior and underlying pathogenesis continue to elude comprehensive understanding. Throughout the years, this tumor has been designated by various alternative names, including pseudosarcomatoid myofibroblastoma, fibromyxoid transformation, and plasma cell granuloma among others. In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially classified it as a soft tissue tumor and designated it as IMT. While IMT primarily manifests in the lungs, the common clinical symptoms encompass anemia, low-grade fever, limb weakness, and chest pain. The mesentery, omentum, and retroperitoneum are subsequent sites of occurrence with intracranial involvement being exceedingly rare. Due to the absence of specific clinical symptoms and characteristic radiographic features, diagnosing intracranial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IIMT) remains challenging. Successful instances of pharmacological treatment for IIMT indicate that surgery may not be the sole therapeutic recourse, thus underscoring the imperative of an accurate diagnosis and apt treatment selection to improve patient outcomes.
Short- and Long-Term Prediction of the Post-Pubertal Mandibular Length and Y-Axis in Females Utilizing Machine Learning
Authors: Parrish Matthew , O’Connell Ella , Eckert George , Hughes Jay , Badirli Sarkhan , Turkkahraman Hakan
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to create a novel machine learning (ML) algorithm for predicting the post-pubertal mandibular length and Y-axis in females. Cephalometric data from 176 females with Angle Class I occlusion were used to train and test seven ML algorithms. For all ML methods tested, the mean absolute errors (MAEs) for the 2-year prediction ranged from 2.78 to 5.40 mm and 0.88 to 1.48 degrees, respectively. For the 4-year prediction, MAEs of mandibular length and Y-axis ranged from 3.21 to 4.00 mm and 1.19 to 5.12 degrees, respectively. The most predictive factors for post-pubertal mandibular length were mandibular length at previous timepoints, age, sagittal positions of the maxillary and mandibular skeletal bases, mandibular plane angle, and anterior and posterior face heights. The most predictive factors for post-pubertal Y-axis were Y-axis at previous timepoints, mandibular plane angle, and sagittal positions of the maxillary and mandibular skeletal bases. ML methods were identified as capable of predicting mandibular length within 3 mm and Y-axis within 1 degree. Compared to each other, all of the ML algorithms were similarly accurate, with the exception of multilayer perceptron regressor.
An Intelligent Grazing Development Strategy for Unmanned Animal Husbandry in China
Authors: Cao Yuanyang , Chen Tao , Zhang Zichao , Chen Jian
Published: August 2023

Grazing is the most important and lowest cost means of livestock breeding. Because of the sharp contradiction between the grassland ecosystem and livestock, the grassland ecosystem has tended to degrade in past decades in China; therefore, the ecological balance of the grassland has been seriously damaged. The implementation of grazing prohibition, rotational grazing and the development of a large-scale breeding industry have not only ensured the supply of animal husbandry products, but also promoted the restoration of the grassland ecosystem. For the large-scale breeding industry, the animal welfare of livestock cannot be guaranteed due to the narrow and crowded space, thus, the production of the breeding industry usually has lower competitiveness than grazing. Disorderly grazing leads to grassland ecological crises; however, intelligent grazing can not only ensure animal welfare, but also fully improve the competitiveness of livestock husbandry products. Under the development of urbanization, the workforce engaged in grazing and breeding in pastoral areas is gradually lost. Intelligent grazing breeding methods need to be developed and popularized. This paper focuses on intelligent grazing, reviews grass remote sensing and aerial seeding, wearable monitoring equipment of livestock, UAV monitoring and intelligent grazing robots, and summarizes the development of intelligent grazing elements, exploring the new development direction of automatic grazing management with the grazing robot at this stage.
Sleep Spindle-Related EEG Connectivity in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zanus Caterina , Miladinović Aleksandar , De Dea Federica , Skabar Aldo , Stecca Matteo , Ajčević Miloš , Accardo Agostino , Carrozzi Marco
Published: August 2023

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder with known brain abnormalities but no biomarkers to support clinical diagnosis. Recently, EEG analysis methods such as functional connectivity have rekindled interest in using EEG for ADHD diagnosis. Most studies have focused on resting-state EEG, while connectivity during sleep and spindle activity has been underexplored. Here we present the results of a preliminary study exploring spindle-related connectivity as a possible biomarker for ADHD. We compared sensor-space connectivity parameters in eight children with ADHD and nine age/sex-matched healthy controls during sleep, before, during, and after spindle activity in various frequency bands. All connectivity parameters were significantly different between the two groups in the delta and gamma bands, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in the gamma band distinguished ADHD from healthy subjects. Cluster coefficient and path length values in the sigma band were also significantly different between epochs, indicating different spindle-related brain activity in ADHD.
A Stochastically Optimized Two-Echelon Supply Chain Model: An Entropy Approach for Operational Risk Assessment
Authors: Petridis Konstantinos , Dey Prasanta Kumar , Chattopadhyay Amit K. , Boufounou Paraskevi , Toudas Kanellos , Malesios Chrisovalantis
Published: August 2023

Minimizing a company’s operational risk by optimizing the performance of the manufacturing and distribution supply chain is a complex task that involves multiple elements, each with their own supply line constraints. Traditional approaches to optimization often assume determinism as the underlying principle. However, this paper, adopting an entropy approach, emphasizes the significance of subjective and objective uncertainty in achieving optimized decisions by incorporating stochastic fluctuations into the supply chain structure. Stochasticity, representing randomness, quantifies the level of uncertainty or risk involved. In this study, we focus on a processing production plant as a model for a chain of operations and supply chain actions. We consider the stochastically varying production and transportation costs from the site to the plant, as well as from the plant to the customer base. Through stochastic optimization, we demonstrate that the plant producer can benefit from improved financial outcomes by setting higher sale prices while simultaneously lowering optimized production costs. This can be accomplished by selectively choosing producers whose production cost probability density function follows a Pareto distribution. Notably, a lower Pareto exponent yields better supply chain cost optimization predictions. Alternatively, a Gaussian stochastic fluctuation may be proposed as a more suitable choice when trading off optimization and simplicity. Although this may result in slightly less optimal performance, it offers advantages in terms of ease of implementation and computational efficiency.
Multimodal Attention Dynamic Fusion Network for Facial Micro-Expression Recognition
Authors: Yang Hongling , Xie Lun , Pan Hang , Li Chiqin , Wang Zhiliang , Zhong Jialiang
Published: August 2023

The emotional changes in facial micro-expressions are combinations of action units. The researchers have revealed that action units can be used as additional auxiliary data to improve facial micro-expression recognition. Most of the researchers attempt to fuse image features and action unit information. However, these works ignore the impact of action units on the facial image feature extraction process. Therefore, this paper proposes a local detail feature enhancement model based on a multimodal dynamic attention fusion network (MADFN) method for micro-expression recognition. This method uses a masked autoencoder based on learnable class tokens to remove local areas with low emotional expression ability in micro-expression images. Then, we utilize the action unit dynamic fusion module to fuse action unit representation to improve the potential representation ability of image features. The state-of-the-art performance of our proposed model is evaluated and verified on SMIC, CASME II, SAMM, and their combined 3DB-Combined datasets. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model achieved competitive performance with accuracy rates of 81.71%, 82.11%, and 77.21% on SMIC, CASME II, and SAMM datasets, respectively, that show the MADFN model can help to improve the discrimination of facial image emotional features.
Enhanced Power Factor Correction and Torque Ripple Mitigation for DC–DC Converter Based BLDC Drive
Authors: Krishnan Geethu , Sitbon Moshe , Vellayikot Shijoh
Published: August 2023

A novel approach to the design of power factor correction (PFC) and torque ripple minimization in a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor drive with a new pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is demonstrated. The drive was designed to have a better power factor (PF) and less torque ripple. On the other hand, the modified Zeta converter is used to enhance the power factor of the proposed system. The modified Zeta converter is operated in discontinuous inductor current mode (DICM) by using a voltage follower technique, which only needs a voltage sensor for power factor correction (PFC) operation and DC-link voltage control. The output voltage of the VSI is determined by switching patterns generated by the PWM-ON-PWM switching strategy, and it reduces the torque ripples. The proposed drive is developed and simulated in a MATLAB/Simulink environment. The power factor of 0.9999 is produced by the PFC modified zeta converter topology and the PWM-ON-PWM scheme reduce the torque ripple in the commutation region by 34.2% as compared with the PWM-ON scheme. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the suggested control method.
A Review of Capacitive Power Transfer Technology for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Zhang Jiantao , Yao Shunyu , Pan Liangyi , Liu Ying , Zhu Chunbo
Published: August 2023

Electric Vehicle (EV) wireless power transfer technology is an excellent solution to propel EVs forward. The existing wireless power transfer technology for EVs based on Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) technology has the drawbacks of large size, high weight, and high eddy current loss, limiting the further application of this technology. Capacitive Power Transfer (CPT) technology, with its advantages of low cost and light weight, has attracted widespread focus in recent years and has great potential in the field of EV wireless power transfer. This paper begins with the principle of CPT, introduces the potential and development history of CPT technology in the field of EV wireless power transfer, and then reviews the coupling mechanism and resonance compensation network of the CPT system to satisfy the requirements of EV wireless power transfer, including the coupling mechanism of EV static power transfer and dynamic power transfer, and the high-performance resonance compensation network to the requirements of EV wireless power transfer. Finally, this paper reviews the existing problems of CPT technology in the field of EV wireless power transfer and summarizes its future development directions.
Deep Reinforcement Learning for Risk and Disaster Management in Energy-Efficient Marine Ranching
Authors: Song Gelian , Xia Meijuan , Zhang Dahai
Published: August 2023

The marine ranching industry in China is transitioning from traditional farming to a digital and intelligent model. The use of new technologies, algorithms, and models in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) is a key focus to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of marine ranch operations, particularly in risk and disaster management. This study proposes a methodology for applying deep reinforcement learning to decision making in this domain. The approach involves creating an environmental model based on decision objects and scenarios, determining the number of decision makers, and selecting a single or multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithm to optimize decision making in response to randomly generated disasters. Three core innovations are presented: the development of a disaster simulator for marine ranching scenarios, the application of reinforcement learning algorithms to address risk and disaster management problems in marine ranching. Future research could focus on further refining the methodology by integrating different data sources and sensors and evaluating the social and economic impacts of AI-driven marine ranching. Overall, this study provides a foundation for further research in this area, which is expected to play an increasingly important role in global food production, environmental sustainability, and energy efficiency.
Economic and Ecological Impacts on the Integration of Biomass-Based SNG and FT Diesel in the Austrian Energy System
Authors: Hammerschmid Martin , Bartik Alexander , Benedikt Florian , Veress Marton , Pratschner Simon , Müller Stefan , Hofbauer Hermann
Published: August 2023

The production of sustainable, biomass-based synthetic natural gas (SNG) and Fischer–Tropsch (FT) diesel can contribute significantly to climate neutrality. This work aims to determine the commercial-scale production costs and CO2 footprint of biomass-based SNG and FT diesel to find suitable integration scenarios for both products in the Austrian energy system. Based on the simulation results, either 65 MW SNG and 14.2 MW district heat, or 36.6 MW FT diesel, 17.6 MW FT naphtha, and 22.8 MW district heat can be produced from 100 MW biomass. The production costs with taxes for wood-based SNG are 70–91 EUR /MWh and for FT diesel they are 1.31–1.89 EUR /L, depending on whether pre-crisis or crisis times are considered, which are in the range of fossil market prices. The CO2 footprint of both products is 90% lower than that of their fossil counterparts. Finally, suitable integration scenarios for SNG and FT diesel in the Austrian energy system were determined. For SNG, use within the energy sector for covering electricity peak loads or use in the industry sector for providing high-temperature heat were identified as the most promising scenarios. In the case of FT diesel, its use in the heavy-duty traffic sector seems most suitable.
Experimental Study on Microscopic Water Flooding Mechanism of High-Porosity, High-Permeability, Medium-High-Viscosity Oil Reservoir
Authors: Li Yang , Jia Pin , Li Ming , Feng Haoran , Peng Cong , Cheng Linsong
Published: August 2023

After the development of high-porosity, high-permeability, medium-high-viscosity oil reservoirs enters the high-water-cut stage, the remaining oil is highly dispersed on the microscopic scale, which leads to a change in the oil-water-flow law. If the enrichment and mobilization laws of the microscopic remaining oil cannot be truly and objectively described, it will ultimately affect the production of oil fields. At present, few studies have directly revealed the microscopic water flooding mechanism of high-porosity, high-permeability, medium-high-viscosity oil reservoirs and the main controlling factors affecting the formation of remaining oil. Starting with micro-physical simulation, this study explores the water flooding mechanism on the microscale, the type of remaining oil and its evolution law, and analyzes the main controlling factors of different types of remaining oil so as to propose effective adjustment and development plans for different types of remaining oil. It is found that this type of reservoir has a serious jet filtration phenomenon in the early stages of water flooding and is accompanied by the penetration of injected water, detouring flow, pore wall pressing flow, the stripping effect, and the blocking effect of the rock skeleton. The remaining oil is divided into five types: contiguous flake shape, porous shape, membrane shape, striped shape, and drip shape. Among them, the transformation of flake-shape and porous-shape remaining oil is greatly affected by the viscosity of crude oil. The decrease effect of crude oil viscosity on contiguous residual oil was as high as 33.7%, and the contiguous residual oil was mainly transformed into porous residual oil. The development of membrane-shape, striped-shape, and drip-shape remaining oil is more affected by water injection intensity. The decrease in water injection intensity on membrane residual oil was as high as 33.3%, and the membrane residual oil shifted to striped and drip residual oil. This paper classifies remaining oil on the microscopic scale and clarifies the microscopic water flooding mechanism, microscopic remaining oil evolution rules, and the main controlling factors of different types of remaining oil in high-porosity, high-permeability, medium-high-viscosity oil reservoirs.
AC Grid–DC Microgrid Coupling with High-Performance Three-Phase Single-Stage Bidirectional Converters
Authors: Farag Ahmed Y. , Younis Tarek , Biadene Davide , Mattavelli Paolo
Published: August 2023

This paper discusses bidirectional step-down topologies that enable the interface of the 400V unipolar DC microgrid with the European low-voltage three-phase AC grid. The study compares three single-stage non-isolated topologies, namely, the seven-switch buck converter, Swiss converter, and Y-converter, based on semiconductor stresses and losses, magnetic component sizes and losses, and heat sink sizes. The analysis is conducted for a 10kW converter designed for small commercial or residential use. The results indicate that the Y-converter has superior overall performance compared to the other topologies, making it a potentially better candidate for this application. A 10kW prototype of the Y-converter is constructed. It is demonstrated to have a peak efficiency of 99.26% and an efficiency of 97.47% at the rated output power.
Review of HVAC Systems History and Future Applications
Authors: Mckoy DeQuante Rashon , Tesiero Raymond Charles , Acquaah Yaa Takyiwaa , Gokaraju Balakrishna
Published: August 2023

Today, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems have become an integral part of modern buildings and are designed to provide comfortable indoor environments while conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions. With advancement in technology, HVAC systems have a variety of sensors that are used to detect the occupants within a controlled environment. Advancements in computer control systems and the use of smart technology have made HVAC systems even more sophisticated, allowing for approximate temperature control and energy management. This paper will review the historical development of technology and the current state of HVAC systems. With the proper data, development of artificial intelligence models can, in theory, improve the overall optimization and reduce energy consumption This paper will provide a review of HVAC history and the key concepts around the usefulness of using AI from previous research conducted in this field of study.