bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Program Pembinaan Karakter Anak Cacat: Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup Yayasan Bakti Luhur di Kota Malang
Authors: Arvianti Eri Yusnita , Sasmito Cahyo , Yoga Tirta
Published: November 2023

This article aims to describe the Community Service Program (PkM) conducted at Bakti Luhur Foundation in Malang City, with a focus on character development for children with disabilities. Children with disabilities often face challenges in character development due to their physical or mental limitations. In this research, a series of activities and approaches were implemented to help foster the development of positive character traits, enabling them to face daily life confidently and independently. The research findings indicate that through structured and continuous character development programs, children with disabilities were able to develop positive traits such as courage, honesty, cooperation, and discipline. ABSTRAKArtikel ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan program Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PkM) yang dilakukan di Yayasan Bakti Luhur Kota Malang dengan fokus pada pembinaan karakter anak cacat. Anak-anak cacat sering menghadapi tantangan dalam pengembangan karakter karena keterbatasan fisik atau mental yang mereka miliki. Dalam penelitian ini, dilakukan serangkaian kegiatan dan pendekatan untuk membentuk mengembangkan karakter positif sehingga dapat menghadapi kehidupan sehari-hari dengan percaya diri dan mandiri. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa melalui program-program pengembangan karakter yang terstruktur dan berkelanjutan, anak-anak cacat mampu mengembangkan karakter positif seperti keberanian, kejujuran, kerja sama dan disiplin.
A Global Teacher Education Vision for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Chopra Priti
Published: November 2023

This paper invites consideration of the role of global teacher education provision in developing global citizenship and social justice aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 10. It explores how global teacher education resources, with and for social justice, can influence knowledge, skills, attitudes and habits to support and strengthen initiatives for the prevention of gender-based violence. Through an autoethnographic research approach, the paper reflects on the extent to which an inclusive learning design, shared across different country contexts, can contribute to a process of empowered learning for the prevention of gender-based violence. The findings and results of this study suggest that inclusive learning design can enhance the process and practice of creating spaces for developing collaborative awareness and communities of practice to prevent gender-based violence through education.
A New Oxetane of Citrus Microcarpa
Authors: TL Yang , HC Yeh , HT Li , SL Liu , CY Chen
Published: November 2023

A new oxetane, 3-methoxy-2-methyloxetan-3-amine (1) was isolated from the seeds of Citrus microcarpa Bunge (Rutaceae). The structure of the new oxetane was elucidated by chemical and physical evidence.
Frequency spectra of horizontal current velocities on the northeastern shelf of the Black Sea
Authors: Divinsky Boris V. , Kuklev Sergey B.
Published: November 2023

The paper presents a technique for restoring gaps in the original data, which made it possible to study the variability of fluctuations in the currents speed over significant time intervals. Analysis of the reconstructed continuous series of observations showed that high-frequency fluctuations in current speed predominate in the coastal zone, the possible source of which is the submesoscale eddies present here most of the time. On the continental slope, i.e. in the deep-water part of the sea, larger-scale processes dominate, associated with the dynamics of mesoscale eddies, meandering of the main Black Sea current, as well as global (on the scale of the entire sea) wind variability.
Monitoring of pollution of the Black Sea coastal zone
Authors: Chasovnikov Valeriy K. , Ocherednik Oksana A.
Published: November 2023

The results of hydrochemical studies carried out within th framework of the integrated scientific expedition “Black Sea 2022” and devoted to the study of the coastal zone of the sea on the basis of monitoring observations are presented.
The assessment of the content of man-made pollutants in the water and bottom sediments of the coastal zone of the Black Sea in the Gelendzhik region was carried out. Quantitative estimates of the level of pollutants were obtained using the example of Gelendzhik and Blue Bays. A list of parameters whose concentrations exceed the permissible MPC standards in 2022 has been established.
TIKTOK’S SPIRAL OF ANTISEMITISM: A STUDY CASE IN INDONESIA
Authors: Nathanael Garcia Krisnando , Sadjijo Priyono , Saputra Windhi Tia , Sutowo Irpan Ripa’i
Published: November 2023

Abstrak. Dengan perkembangannya yang disruptif sebagai sosial media terbesar di dunia, TikTok memiliki sejumlah ancaman terhadap kehidupan sosial. Memiliki 99 juta pengguna di Indonesia, TikTok memiliki potensi untuk menyebarkan ujaran kebencian dalam platformnya. Dengan sejarah panjang antisemitisme di Indonesia, riset ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi peran TikTok dalam menyebarkan antisemitisme di Indonesia. Untuk melakukan riset, metode penelitian kuantiatif dimanfaatkan dalam riset ini. Berdasarkan data yang diperoleh dari 400 sampel, riset ini menemukan bahwa TikTok memiliki waktu layar lebih dari 60 menit per hari yang dinikmati oleh para penggunanya di Indonesia, selain itu riset ini juga menemukan bahwa pesan politik dan kampanye social dapat berjalan dengan efisien di Indonesia. Riset ini menyimpulkan bahwa meski memiliki penyebaran yang terbatas, TikTok secara tidak langsung telah menyebarkan antisemitisme di Indonesia.

Kata kunci: TikTok, Indonesia, antisemitisme

 

Abstract. With its disruptive development as the biggest social media worldwide, TikTok poses numerous threats to the society. With more than 99 million users in Indonesia, TikTok has potential to propagate hate speech on its platform. Having rich history of antisemitism in Indonesia, researcher seek to identify whether TikTok propagate antisemitism in Indonesia. In order to conduct the research, the qualitative methods are utilized. Analyzing data from 400 samples, it is found that TikTok is having a more than 60 minutes per day of screen time and enjoyed by most of their users in Indonesia and it is indicated that TikTok able to convey political messages/social campaign efficiently in Indonesia. This research concludes that TikTok does propagate antisemitism in Indonesia, despite its sprawling are limited.

Keywords: TikTok, Indonesia, antisemitism
Making Sacred Space
Authors: Lucia Amanda
Published: November 2023

This article presents data gleaned from ethnographic research in transformative events, with particular attention to those that incorporate yoga practice as an important educational site for the inscription and dissemination of “spiritual” values and as a pivotal site for testimonials of spiritual “transformation.” It draws from nearly a decade of research and practice in yoga environments in a wide variety of transformative events, including Bhakti and Shakti Fests (held in the high desert of Joshua Tree in Southern California), Wanderlust yoga festivals (global festivals in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and multiple regions of the United States), Lightning in a Bottle (held in central California), and Burning Man (held in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada). This research focuses particularly on the innovative ways that practitioners materialize and ritualize sacred spaces that represent their eclectic and personalized spiritual understandings and beliefs. In their imagined transition from institutional religion to transformational spirituality, yogic practitioners seek to develop alternative forms of devotional materiality that reflect and express their new metaphysical values. In creating sacred space in festivals—through building altars and spaces for spiritual and yogic practices (including the ubiquitous yoga mat)—practitioners use material culture agentively to re-enchant what many believe to be a disenchanted world. These efforts to re-enchant the self and its surroundings can be understood as an impulse to create counter-modernities that challenge the current order of things by simultaneously returning to ancient wisdom and envisioning new futures.
Leaving Traces
Authors: Pike Sarah
Published: November 2023

Transformative events are described by participants as ephemeral, appearing in and then disappearing from particular landscapes. What were cities teeming with costumed participants, art, and music seem to become “empty” deserts and meadows once again. Most transformative events have some version of the rule “Leave No Trace,” yet they leave many kinds of traces, material and immaterial, intentional and unintentional. What matter stays on-site, altering the land and what comes back to the other “home” that is lived in the rest of the year, altering participants’ lives away from event spaces? This article will focus on material traces, generally unintentional, left by some events in the western United States, including Burning Man (Nevada), Symbiosis/Oregon Eclipse/Global Eclipse (California, Oregon, Patagonia), Beloved (Oregon), and Lucidity (California). What is left behind includes impacts on the land and nonhuman species at event sites, the carbon footprints of events, the trash, ash, and other detritus that remains behind. Traces that are carried away and taken home to participants’ other homes away from event sites include material aspects—dust, mud, ash, sun exposure—absorbed by the bodies of participants. This article explores ways in which we might account for and understand the ongoing material effects of transformation on event participants’ bodies and on event sites. It focuses on continuities as well as discontinuities between transformative events and the “default world” or “mundania,” and the various tensions between heterotopia and home. The article draws on ideas of “porosity” to explore lasting—not ephemeral—material transformations of event participants, human and nonhuman.
“Partying with a Purpose” at Malawi’s Lake of Stars Festival
Authors: Kachipande Sitingawawo
Published: November 2023

Founded in 2003, the Lake of Stars Festival (LOS) has grown to become the largest annual beach party in Malawi, and one of the largest on the African continent. The festival has received acclaim from media outlets for not only organizing an enthralling party, but also being sensitive to the destination’s people and culture. Modeled after other large festivals such as Glastonbury and Live Aid, the festival invites attendees to the beaches of Lake Malawi to party—but with culture, development, and aid in mind. This article examines the “party with a purpose” model by analyzing the case of LOS through the perspective of political economy scholarship. It pays particular attention to the raced, classed, and gendered power dynamics within the global tourism industry and the aid-based development sector. While analyzing the ways LOS benefits Malawi and allows Malawians space to be active agents, the article also focuses on the ways LOS contributes to the inequalities in the global tourism sector. It concludes that LOS benefits Malawi by advancing mass tourism, cultural awareness, and tourism development, and allowing Malawians an opportunity to be active agents within the constraints of the tourism industry. However, the festival simultaneously reproduces and reinforces global inequality due to its development and aid goals as well as the structure of global tourism, development, and international aid industries.
From Stag Party Tourism to Alcohol Cultures
Authors: Boirot Alix , Thurnell-Read Thomas
Published: November 2023

In 2022 Alix Boirot, a social anthropologist with expertise in masculinities, party tourism, and addiction, conducted a lengthy interview with Thomas Thurnell Read, Senior Lecturer at Loughborough University and an internationally recognized scholar specializing in sociological approaches to alcohol, drinking, and drunkenness. Thurnell Read's influential contributions include editing the book Drinking Dilemmas: Space, Culture and Identity (2015) and his founding role in the British Sociological Association's Alcohol Study Group.
The interview takes both a biographical and thematic approach. It provides the reader with a comprehensive insight into Thurnell Read's academic journey, tracing his research trajectory from stag party tourism to a broader exploration of alcohol culture. An integral aspect of his work is his exploration of masculinities, which has played a pivotal role in shaping his studies of alcohol consumption. His nuanced approach to understanding the complexities of masculinities and alcohol consumption is a notable highlight, contributing significantly to a broader understanding of these multifaceted phenomena, free from moral bias.
The interview also explores the ethical considerations of researching people who are partying and may be under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substances. Thomas shares his insights into navigating these complexities while maintaining objectivity and sensitivity in the research process. The dialogue offers valuable insights into the multiple dimensions of alcohol-related research, highlighting the complexities of sociological approaches to alcohol, the evolving craft beer scene, and the critical role of pubs in fostering social connections in the UK. Their engaging conversation provides a rich source of knowledge for those interested in alcohol culture, gender studies, and the multifaceted dynamics of celebratory practices in modern societies.
Transfestive Horizons
Authors: St John Graham
Published: November 2023

This article identifies conceptual lacunae, connections, and cross-talk in an interdisciplinary field of research targetting a wide distribution of events that possess an intentionally transformational—or “meta-transformational”—remit. While such events—including Burning Man and “transformational festivals”—are embraced by diverse groups as signature contexts for transformations of self, society, and culture, and while research in this field has grown apace across disciplines, there has been little effort to survey, define, or critically evaluate this field of research. The first part of the article defines nomenclature, outlines morphology, describes event models and their prototypes, critically reviews relevant literature, discusses interpretative frameworks, and highlights the complexity of “transformative events,” before focusing on Burning Man as a researched phenomenon. The second part outlines the issue content, before making observations on future research directions. By way of its attention to, and explanation of, novel nomenclature—e.g. “transfestive”—the article serves as an introduction: both to the issue “Event Horizons: Transformational Festivals, Movements, and Cultures,” and to a broad field of research on transformative events.
Beyond Fun and Excess
Authors: Boirot Alix
Published: November 2023

This essay provides a brief introduction to party tourism, that is travel (typically undertaken by people under 30) for the explicit purpose of indulgence in drinking, dancing, and other party behavior. Though the phenomenon (of which the US Spring Break is the most well-known example) has generated strong disapproval since its emergence in the 1950s, I argue that it is important for scholars to not reject the practice as simply vulgar, dangerous, and/or exploitative. Embracing it as the go-to solution to revitalizing or diversifying a city’s assets under the umbrella term of the night-time economy (NTE) is equally problematic. Staying away from both moral panic and festive-touristic enchantment, this essay thus strives to uncover the complexities of party tourism and presents it as an advantageous entry point to a variety of subjects, including the construction of masculinity, the evolution of urban space, the tourist gaze, and more generally, racial, economic and social inequalities.
Where You Are
Authors: Quach Aydin Man Chun , Nguyen Timothy
Published: November 2023

This article uses the author’s auto/ethnographic experience while participating in a shuffle circle to interrogate the stakes at play when a shuffle circle and a community are created at an electronic dance music (EDM) event. Shuffle circles develop as a method of understanding the porosity of community building and as a space in which individuals can learn to feel and sense “the vibe” of others and themselves. Methods of interpreting the energy flow between participants or “the vibe” are discussed and instances in which the energy changes and is redirected are highlighted not as points of weakness in community but as opportunities to strengthen and reimagine “the vibe.”
Design and selection of anti-PD-L1 single-domain antibody and tumor necrosis factor superfamily ligands for an optimal vectorization in an oncolytic virus
Authors: Remy Christelle , Pintado Elodie , Dunlop Marshall , Schön Shirley , Kleinpeter Patricia , Rozanes Homa , Fend Laetitia , Brandely Renée , Geist Michel , Suhner Delphine , Winter Eline , Silvestre Nathalie , Huguet Claire , Fitzgerald Peter , Quéméneur Eric , Marchand Jean-Baptiste
Published: November 2023

Arming oncolytic viruses with transgenes encoding immunomodulators improves their therapeutic efficacy by enhancing and/or sustaining the innate and adaptive anti-tumoral immune responses. We report here the isolation, selection, and vectorization of a blocking anti-human PDL1 single-domain antibody (sdAb) isolated from PDL1-immunized alpacas. Several formats of this sdAb were vectorized into the vaccinia virus (VV) and evaluated for their programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1)/PD1 ligand (PDL1) blocking activity in the culture medium of tumor cells infected in vitro. In those conditions, VV-encoded homodimeric sdAb generated superior PDL1 blocking activity compared to a benchmark virus encoding full-length avelumab. The sdAb was further used to design simple, secreted, and small tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) fusions with the ability to engage their cognate receptors (TNFRSF) only in the presence of PDL1-positive cells. Finally, PDL1-independent alternatives of TNFRSF agonists were also constructed by fusing different variants of surfactant protein-D (SP-D) oligomerization domains with TNFSF ectodomains. An optimal SP-D–CD40L fusion with an SP-D collagen domain reduced by 80% was identified by screening with a transfection/infection method where poxvirus transfer plasmids and vaccinia virus were successively introduced into the same cell. However, once vectorized in VV, this construct had a much lower CD40 agonist activity compared to the SP-D–CD40L construct, which is completely devoid of the collagen domain that was finally selected. This latest result highlights the importance of working with recombinant viruses early in the payload selection process. Altogether, these results bring several complementary solutions to arm oncolytic vectors with powerful immunomodulators to improve their immune-based anti-tumoral activity.
The role of neighborhood inequalities on diabetes prevention care: a mini-review
Authors: Frigerio Francesco , Muzzioli Luca , Pinto Alessandro , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Poggiogalle Eleonora
Published: November 2023

An emerging research niche has focused on the link between social determinants of health and diabetes mellitus, one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in modern society. The aim of the present mini-review is to explore and summarize current findings in this field targeting high-income countries. In the presence of disadvantaged neighborhood factors (including socioeconomic status, food environment, walkability and neighborhood aesthetics), diabetes prevention and care are affected at a multidimensional level. The vast majority of the included studies suggest that, besides individual risk factors, aggregated neighborhood inequalities should be tackled to implement effective evidence-based policies for diabetes mellitus.
Peptidomic analysis of follicular fluid in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Sun Ningyu , Chen Yuanyuan , Lu Lu , Yan Hua , Zhou Jing , Li Kai , Zhang Wuwen , Yuan Lihua , Heng Boon Chin , Zeng Weiwei , Shi Yin , Tong Guoqing , Yin Ping
Published: November 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the differential expression of peptides within the follicular fluid of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients versus normal women by using peptidomics techniques. The underlying mechanisms involved in PCOS pathogenesis will be explored, together with screening and identification of potential functional peptides via bioinformatics analysis.

Materials and methods: A total of 12 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 1 September 2022 to 1 November 2022 were included in this study. The follicular fluid of PCOS patients (n = 6) and normal women (n = 6) were collected. The presence and concentration differences of various peptides were detected by the LC-MS/MS method. GO and KEGG analysis were performed on the precursor proteins of the differentially-expressed peptides, and protein network interaction analysis was carried out to identify functionally-relevant peptides among the various peptides.

Results: A variety of peptides within the follicular fluid of PCOS versus normal patients were detected by peptidomics techniques. Altogether, 843 upregulated peptides and 236 downregulated peptides were detected (absolute fold change ≥2 and p < 0.05). Of these, 718 (718 = 488 + 230) peptides were only detected in the PCOS group, while 205 (205 = 174 + 31) were only detected in the control group. Gene Ontology enrichment and pathway analysis were performed to characterize peptides through their precursor proteins. We identified 18 peptides from 7 precursor proteins associated with PCOS, and 4 peptide sequences were located in the functional domains of their corresponding precursor proteins.

Conclusion: In this study, differences in the follicular development of PCOS versus normal patients were revealed from the polypeptidomics of follicular development, which thus provided new insights for future studies on the pathological mechanisms of PCOS development.
NPS MedicineWise application in supporting medication adherence in chronic heart failure: an acceptability and feasibility pilot study
Authors: Chapman-Goetz Jessica , Packham Nerida , Yu Kitty , Gabb Genevieve , Potts Cassandra , Prosser Adaire , Arstall Margaret A. , Burdeniuk Christine , Chan Alicia , Wilson Teena , Hotham Elizabeth , Suppiah Vijayaprakash
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is an increasing global concern. Despite evidence-based pharmacotherapy, associated morbidity and mortality remain high. This study aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and value of the NPS MedicineWise dose reminder app in a tiered, pharmacist-led intervention to address medication non-adherence in patients with HF.

Methods

This prospective, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial recruited 55 patients with HF between September 2019 and October 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control arms. Intervention participants used the app which prompted medication administration at each dosing interval. Control participants received standard care and remained blinded to the app throughout the study. Treatment non-adherence prompted a tiered, pharmacist-led intervention. Comparison of the Self-Efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale (SEAMS) at baseline and 6-months measured the app's value in supporting medication adherence. Secondary outcome measures included self-reported medication knowledge, health-related quality of life, psychological wellbeing, and signs and symptoms of HF. Data were analysed using standard statistical tests with significance set at α 0.05.

Results

Approximately half of respondents reported managing HF and medications better by using the MedicineWise app (Tier 1). Most respondents expressed satisfaction with the in-app messages (Tier 2) and pharmacists' phone calls (Tier 3). The intervention participants demonstrated a significant improvement in the SEAMS between baseline and 6-months follow-up.

Discussion

It is feasible and potentially of value to use the MedicineWise app with a tiered, pharmacist-led intervention to support medication adherence in patients with HF. Our findings provide clinicians with “real-world” information on the practicality and potential value of using mobile health to support treatment adherence in patients with HF.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Clinical trial registration number: ACTRN12619000289112p (http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12619000289112p.aspx)
Identification of dominant propagation paths based on sub-synchronous oscillation using branch oscillation energy distribution coefficient
Authors: Wei Zhanhong , Sun Xuebo , Chen Wei , Shi Jinhui
Published: November 2023

The large-scale integration of wind power into the power grid can cause a new type of sub-synchronous power oscillation, different from traditional thermal power generation. The oscillation energy will spread extensively in the grid, causing power oscillation and even grid-cascading events. To address this issue, this article proposes a method for quantitatively analyzing the propagation characteristics of oscillation energy based on branch oscillation energy. Firstly, analyzing the oscillation energy shared by different branches in the network based on transient energy function. Next, a method is proposed to identify the dominant propagation path of sub-synchronous oscillation by defining the oscillation energy of branches under the dominant oscillation mode and the oscillation energy distribution coefficient of each branch. The oscillation partition set formed by the dominant propagation path can be used to locate the high-risk oscillation area of the system. Finally, the effectiveness of the method proposed in this paper for studying the wide-area propagation characteristics of sub-synchronous oscillations was verified through time-domain simulation analysis.
Energy and emission performance of enhanced vapor injection air source heat pump system using low global warming potential refrigerants in different climate regions
Authors: Zhang Libiao , Jing Wuhui , Wang Qilong , Zhang Jianing , Yang Peifang
Published: November 2023

In order to meet the space heating requirement of residential buildings in low-temperature areas, the performance of the enhanced vapor injection (EVI) air source heat pump (ASHP) system and single-stage compression heat pump system (BASE) using low global warming potential (GWP) working fluids in low-temperature environment are studied. The thermodynamic and emission characteristic models of air source heat pump are developed and optimized, and further compared with traditional heating solutions when used in five different typical cities throughout the world. The results indicate among the selected working fluids, R152a achieves the highest COP of 3.91 among all of the selected low GWP working fluids. When the ambient temperature is 0°C, the maximum COP of the EVI system is 2.51 when CO2 is adopted, and the corresponding optimal discharge pressure and intermediate pressure are 10.57 MPa and 3.83 MPa, respectively. By exploring the changes of HSPF in five typical cities, the HSPF of the EVI system using CO2 is the most significant, which is 17.13%–26.69% higher than the BASE system. The most significant reduction of LCCP in EVI system using CO2 is 15.34%–26.66% compared with BASE system. For SO2 and NOX, the EVI system using R152a has a better emission reduction effect, which is 3.73%–64.73% and 3.72%–66.04% lower than the other solutions, respectively. This study can provide a theoretical reference for the application of low GWP heat pumps with EVI technology.
Phasor measurement method based on soft synchronized sampling with temporal pulse signal reference
Authors: Zhang Jie , Tang Chao , Liu Chun , Wang Hai , Junfeng Duan , Tang Sihao
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Phasor measurement is crucial for the monitoring and management of power grids. Traditional hardware-based phasor measurement units (PMUs) are effective but often complex and expensive. This paper introduces a software-based phasor measurement method that utilizes soft synchronization with temporal pulse signals from GPS and mobile communication stations, offering a simpler and cost-effective alternative.

Methods: The proposed method synchronizes the local oscillator with Pulse Per Second (PPS) signals from GPS and primary synchronization signals from mobile communication bases. Raw data affected by the local oscillator’s instability are transformed into calibrated data using B-Spline interpolation to emulate an ideal sampling rate. The calibrated data are then subjected to a Recursive Discrete Fourier Transform (RDFT) algorithm for synchronized phasor measurement.

Results: The method’s performance was assessed in compliance with the C37.118.1 standard. Key performance indicators, such as frequency, phase, and Total Vector Error (TVE), were evaluated. The proposed software-based approach demonstrated high accuracy in synchronized phasor measurements.

Discussion: The results confirm that the proposed method can serve as a highly accurate and simpler alternative to conventional hardware-based solutions. Its application promises to advance synchronized phasor measurement practices in power grid monitoring, enhancing reliability and reducing complexity and costs.
Research on the loss characteristics of high-voltage cascaded energy storage systems based on IGCTs
Authors: Chen Yushuo , Qu Lu , Yu Zhanqing , Zhao Biao , Kang Qian , Cui Kangsheng , Zeng Rong
Published: November 2023

High-voltage cascaded energy storage systems have become a major technical direction for the development of large-scale energy storage systems due to the advantages of large unit capacity, high overall efficiency, satisfactory economy, reliable safety, and easy access to grid dispatching. The loss characteristics analysis is the design basis of the water-cooling system of a high-voltage cascaded energy storage system, and its accurate calculation can determine the system’s safe and reliable operation of the system. This paper first introduces the four-quadrant operation principles of a cascaded H-bridge energy storage system, and analyzes the calculation method of the loss of the Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor based power module; On this basis, it studies the loss characteristics of the cascaded energy storage system and analyzes the influence of different modulation strategies and third harmonic injection on the loss characteristics of the energy storage system; Finally, this paper has completed the loss test for the engineering prototype module and compared the test results with theoretical calculation results to verify the accuracy of the loss calculation method of the high-voltage cascaded energy storage system.
Identification of disulfidptosis-related subtypes, characterization of tumor microenvironment infiltration, and development of a prognosis model in breast cancer
Authors: Liang Jiahui , Wang Xin , Yang Jing , Sun Peng , Sun Jingjing , Cheng Shengrong , Liu Jincheng , Ren Zhiyao , Ren Min
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is now the most common type of cancer in women. Disulfidptosis is a new regulation of cell death (RCD). RCD dysregulation is causally linked to cancer. However, the comprehensive relationship between disulfidptosis and BC remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in BC and their relationship with the TME.

Methods

This study obtained 11 disulfidptosis genes (DGs) from previous research by Gan et al. RNA sequencing data of BC were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) databases. First, we examined the effect of DG gene mutations and copy number changes on the overall survival of breast cancer samples. We then used the expression profile data of 11 DGs and survival data for consensus clustering, and BC patients were divided into two clusters. Survival analysis, gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and ss GSEA were used to compare the differences between them. Subsequently, DRGs were identified between the clusters used to perform Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) analyses to construct a prognosis model. Finally, the immune cell infiltration pattern, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity of the two subtypes were analyzed. CCK-8 and a colony assay obtained by knocking down genes and gene sequencing were used to validate the model.

Result

Two DG clusters were identified based on the expression of 11DGs. Then, 225 DRGs were identified between them. RS, composed of six genes, showed a significant relationship with survival, immune cell infiltration, clinical characteristics, immune checkpoints, immunotherapy response, and drug sensitivity. Low-RS shows a better prognosis and higher immunotherapy response than high-RS. A nomogram with perfect stability constructed using signature and clinical characteristics can predict the survival of each patient. CCK-8 and colony assay obtained by knocking down genes have demonstrated that the knockdown of high-risk genes in the RS model significantly inhibited cell proliferation.

Discussion

This study elucidates the potential relationship between disulfidptosis-related genes and breast cancer and provides new guidance for treating breast cancer.
Deficiency of N-linked glycosylation impairs immune function of B7-H6
Authors: Chen Hanqing , Zhang Yang , Shen Yu , Jiang Liang , Zhang Guangbo , Zhang Xueguang , Xu Yang , Fu Fengqing
Published: November 2023

B7-H6 is a novel immune checkpoint molecule that triggers NK cell cytotoxicity, but the role of N-glycosylation in B7-H6 is poorly understood. We here identified the existence of N-glycosylation of B7-H6 in different cell lines and exogenous expression cells by PNGase F digestion and tunicamycin blockage. Subsequently, we demonstrated that B7-H6 contains 6 functional N-linked glycosylation sites by single site mutation and electrophoresis. Phylogenetical and structural analysis revealed that N43 and N208 glycan are conserved in jawed vertebrates and may thus contribute more to the biological functions. We further demonstrated that N43 and N208 glycosylation are essential for B7-H6 to trigger NK cell activation. Mechanistically, we found that N43 and N208 glycan contributed to the stability and membrane expression of B7-H6 protein. Lack of N208 glycosylation led to membrane B7-H6 shedding, while N43 mutation resulted in impaired B7-H6/NKp30 binding affinity. Together, our findings highlight the significance of N-linked glycosylation in B7-H6 biological functions and suggest potential targets for modulating NK cell-mediated immunity.
18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT parameters predict PD-L1 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Yaqing , Ren Jiazhong
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This prospective study examined whether metabolism parameters obtained using the tracer 18F-AlFNOTA-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-04 (denoted as 18F-FAPI-04) in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can predict programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC).

Patients and methods

The 24 enrolled LA-ESCC patients underwent an 18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT scan. The maximum, mean, peak and standard deviation standard uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak and SUVsd), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion FAP (TLF) expression of the primary tumor were collected. Additionally, we evaluated PD-L1 expression on cancer cells by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods. Patients were divided into negative and positive expressions according to the expression of PD-L1 (CPS < 10 and CPS ≥ 10), and the variables were compared between the two groups.

Results

The SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak and SUVsd were significantly higher in patients with positive expression than in negative expression (all p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified SUVmean (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.882, p = 0.004), SUVsd (AUC = 0.874, p = 0.005), SUVpeak (AUC = 0.840, p = 0.010) and SUVmax (AUC = 0.765, p = 0.045) as significant predictors of the PD-L1 positive expression, with cutoff values of 9.67, 1.90, 9.67 and 13.71, respectively. On univariate logistic regression analysis, SUVmean (p = 0.045), SUVsd (p = 0.024), and SUVpeak (p = 0.031) were significantly correlated with the PD-L1 positive expression. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, SUVsd (p = 0.035) was an optimum predictor factor for PD-L1 positive expression.

Conclusion

18F-FAPI-04 PET/CT parameters, including SUVmean, SUVpeak, and SUVsd, correlated with PD-L1 expression in patients with LA-ESCC, and thus SUVsd was an optimum predictor for PD-L1 positive expression, which could help to explore the existence of immune checkpoints and select ESCC candidates for immunotherapy.
Major immunophenotypic abnormalities in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency of different etiology
Authors: Nowotny Hanna F. , Marchant Seiter Thomas , Ju Jing , Gottschlich Adrian , Schneider Holger , Zopp Stephanie , Vogel Frederick , Tschaidse Lea , Auer Matthias K. , Lottspeich Christian , Kobold Sebastian , Rothenfusser Simon , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Braun Leah , Reisch Nicole
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) suffer from increased risk of infection, adrenal crises and have a higher mortality rate. Such dismal outcomes have been inferred to immune cell dysregulation because of unphysiological cortisol replacement. As the immune landscape of patients with different types of PAI has not been systematically explored, we set out to immunophenotype PAI patients with different causes of glucocorticoid (GC) deficiency.

Methods

This cross-sectional single center study includes 28 patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), 27 after bilateral adrenalectomy due to Cushing’s syndrome (BADx), 21 with Addison’s disease (AD) and 52 healthy controls. All patients with PAI were on a stable GC replacement regimen with a median dose of 25 mg hydrocortisone per day. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from heparinized blood samples. Immune cell subsets were analyzed using multicolor flow cytometry after four-hour stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin. Natural killer (NK-) cell cytotoxicity and clock gene expression were investigated.

Results

The percentage of T helper cell subsets was downregulated in AD patients (Th1 p = 0.0024, Th2 p = 0.0157, Th17 p < 0.0001) compared to controls. Cytotoxic T cell subsets were reduced in AD (Tc1 p = 0.0075, Tc2 p = 0.0154) and CAH patients (Tc1 p = 0.0055, Tc2 p = 0.0012) compared to controls. NKCC was reduced in all subsets of PAI patients, with smallest changes in CAH. Degranulation marker CD107a expression was upregulated in BADx and AD, not in CAH patients compared to controls (BADx p < 0.0001; AD p = 0.0002). In contrast to NK cell activating receptors, NK cell inhibiting receptor CD94 was upregulated in BADx and AD, but not in CAH patients (p < 0.0001). Although modulation in clock gene expression could be confirmed in our patient subgroups, major interindividual-intergroup dissimilarities were not detected.

Discussion

In patients with different etiologies of PAI, distinct differences in T and NK cell-phenotypes became apparent despite the use of same GC preparation and dose. Our results highlight unsuspected differences in immune cell composition and function in PAI patients of different causes and suggest disease-specific alterations that might necessitate disease-specific treatment.
Electric ducted fan controller and self-balancing system for two-wheeler motorbike
Authors: Horoub Mamon , Alzaydi Ammar , Hanieh Ahmed Abu
Published: November 2023

A new method of achieving self-balancing for two-wheeled vehicles is described in this paper. The structure is characterized by the presence of two electric ducted fans which are designed to blow air in the opposite direction of the fall in order to maintain equilibrium. Due to their ability to move in two degrees of freedom, Electric Ducted Fans motors are able to propel and lower the weight of the two-wheeler while remaining stable. It is described how the Proportional-Integral-Differential arducopter controller works, which employs an Inertial Measurement Unit sensor and a nonlinear complementary filter on particular orthogonal arrangements to determine the lean angles at any specific time, as well as a feedback loop to maintain the system at the required upright 0° lean angle at all times. Following that, the proposed Proportional-Integral-Differential controller is tested on a small-scale model in order to verify the proposed idea of self-balancing using Electric Ducted Fans motors. Mathematical modeling for the small-scale model has been calculated. Then the response of the Proportional-Integral-Differential controller for lean angle against external disturbances is tested theoretically and experimentally. After obtaining positive outcomes on the small-scale model, the concept that has been suggested is evaluated versus a large-scale design (motorbike) by constructing the mechanical and electrical components. The process breaks down into three primary phases: design and fabrication of mechanical parts, design of electrical components, and design of control systems. The innovative aspect of this work is the introduction of a method for achieving self-balancing in two-wheeled vehicles using electric ducted fans.
Influence of stone load on the outcome of same-session flexible ureteroscopy for bilateral upper urinary tract stones: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Tu Wei-Chao , Zhang Xin-Le , Wang Jun , Huang Bao-Xing , Zhang Ding-Guo , Wang Da-Wei
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of same-session flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for the treatment of bilateral upper urinary tract stones and to examine the influence of stone load on the outcome of same-session fURS, stratifying by total diameter of stones (TDS) ≤30 mm vs. >30 mm.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed all cases of same-session fURS performed for bilateral upper urinary tract stones at four institutions between January 2017 and September 2020. All patients were divided into two groups based on TDS, ≤30 mm and >30 mm. Data on patient demographics, stone characteristics, surgical results, and complications were collected and analyzed for differences between the two groups. Stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as patients endoscopically stone-free or with radiological fragments <2 mm of each renal unit.

Results

A total of 121 patients with bilateral upper urinary tract stones underwent same-session fURS, consisting of 73 patients in the TDS ≤ 30 mm group and 48 patients in the TDS > 30 mm group. The mean bilateral stone size was 28.2 ± 12.2 mm (range: 9.1–38.4 mm), with a mean operating time of 97.1 ± 39.6 min (range: 19–220 min). The SFR was 54.5% after the first fURS, and SFR increased to 97.5% after re-fURS for residual stones. The operation time for the TDS > 30 mm group was longer than that of the TDS ≤ 30 mm group (85.1 ± 36.5 vs. 115.4 ± 37.4 min, p < 0.001). The SFR after the first fURS was significantly lower in the TDS > 30 mm group than in the TDS ≤ 30 mm group (25.0% vs. 73.9%, p < 0.001). Although there was no statistically significant difference in overall SFR between the two groups (93.7% vs. 100%, p = 0.060), the rate of re-fURS for residual stones was higher in the TDS > 30 mm group than in the TDS ≤ 30 mm group (75% vs. 26%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay (LOS) (2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 2.3 ± 1.0, p = 0.329) or complication rate (10.9% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.582) between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results suggested that same-session fURS can be effectively performed with a low complication rate. A higher SFR after the first fURS can be achieved in the case of bilateral upper urinary tract stones with TDS ≤ 30 mm, and priority should be given to same-session fURS.
Isolated soft tissue tuberculosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Baolin , Bao Yuxiang , Chen Jun , Zhang Yunpu , Wen Qifu , Wang Kai , Cheng Xiaoming , Lv Junyuan
Published: November 2023

Soft tissue tuberculosis is a rare extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis with limited experience in diagnosis and treatment. Soft tissue tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary infection with atypical clinical symptoms that can be easily misdiagnosed. In this article, we report a case of a female patient with isolated soft tissue tuberculosis who presented with a progressively enlarging subcutaneous mass as the primary symptom, and was suspected of having a subcutaneous lipoma after ultrasonography. A review of the literature revealed that soft tissue tuberculosis is insidious and mainly occurs in muscles and subcutaneous tissues. It was indicated by histopathology and qPCR testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. There is no standard treatment protocol for soft tissue tuberculosis, and a comprehensive regimen of surgical debridement of the lesion combined with chemotherapy can be used following the guidelines for treating extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of patients.