bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loricrin at the Boundary between Inside and Outside
Authors: Ishitsuka Yosuke , Roop Dennis R.
Published: May 2022

Cornification is a specialized mode of the cell-death program exclusively allowed for terrestrial amniotes. Recent investigations suggest that loricrin (LOR) is an important cornification effector. As the connotation of its name (“lorica” meaning an armor in Latin) suggests, the keratin-associated protein LOR promotes the maturation of the epidermal structure through organizing covalent cross-linkages, endowing the epidermis with the protection against oxidative injuries. By reviewing cornification mechanisms, we seek to classify ichthyosiform dermatoses based on their function, rather than clinical manifestations. We also reviewed recent mechanistic insights into the Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with the cap “n” collar homology-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathway in skin health and diseases, as LOR and NRF2 coordinate the epidermis-intrinsic xenobiotic metabolism. Finally, we refine the theoretical framework of cross-talking between keratinocytes and epidermal resident leukocytes, dissecting an LOR immunomodulatory function.
Remodeling of the Dermal Extracellular Matrix in a Tissue-Engineered Psoriatic Skin Model by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Simard Mélissa , Grenier Alexe , Rioux Geneviève , Tremblay Andréa , Blais Isalie , Flamand Nicolas , Pouliot Roxane
Published: May 2022

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease mainly associated with an epidermal disorder. However, the involvement of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) composition in psoriasis is still poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the expression of ECM components in psoriatic skin substitutes (PS−) compared with healthy skin substitutes (HS−), as well as the effect of an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, namely α-linolenic acid (ALA), on the psoriatic dermal compartment (PSALA+). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the lipidome of PS− contained higher amounts of n-6 derived prostaglandins (PGE2) and lipoxygenase products (9-HODE and 15-HETE). ALA supplementation increased the levels of PGE3, 13-HOTrE, 15-HEPE, and 18-HEPE, and decreased the levels of PGE2, 15-HETE, and 9-HOPE compared with PS−, indicating that ALA modulates the dermal lipidome of psoriatic skin substitutes. Gene expression profiling showed that several genes encoding for different ECM proteins were overexpressed in PS− compared with HS−, namely COL1A1 (4.2-fold), COL1A2 (3-fold), COL3A1 (4.4-fold), COL4A1 (2.3-fold), COL4A2 (6.3-fold), COL5A1 (3.3-fold), COL5A2 (5.2-fold), and COL5A3 (4.6-fold). Moreover, the expression of collagen IV (Col IV), collagen VII (Col VII), and laminin was found to be increased in PS− compared with HS−, and to be restored with ALA (PSALA+) according to immunofluorescence staining, while only the collagen I to collagen III ratio was altered according to dot blot analyses. Linear regression analysis revealed several positive correlations, including Col III with 14-HDHA levels, fibronectin with 12-HETE and 15-HETE levels, the dermo-epidermal junction Col IV with PGF2α, 9-HODE, and 13-HODE levels, and laminin with levels of PGF2α, 9-HODE, 13-HODE, 5-HETE, 12-HETE, and 15-HETE. These results suggest that the ECM plays an underestimated role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and that ALA supplementation can regulate the ECM composition.
Nucleic Acid Aptamers in Nanotechnology
Authors: Sinitsyna Valentina V. , Vetcher Alexandre A.
Published: May 2022

Nucleic Acid (NA) aptamers are oligonucleotides. They are unique due to their secondary and tertiary structure; namely, the secondary structure defines the tertiary one by means of affinity and specificity. Our review is devoted only to DNA and RNA aptamers, since the majority of achievements in this direction were obtained with their application. NA aptamers can be used as macromolecular devices and consist of short single-stranded molecules, which adopt unique three-dimensional structures due to the interaction of complementary parts of the chain and stacking interactions. The review is devoted to the recent nanotechnological advances in NA aptamers application.
Predictors of Acute Kidney Disease Severity in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Hsu Pai-Chin , Liu Chih-Han , Lee Wen-Chin , Wu Chien-Hsing , Lee Chien-Te , Su Chien-Hao , Wang Yu-Chin Lily , Tsai Kai-Fan , Chiou Terry Ting-Yu
Published: May 2022

Acute kidney disease (AKD) forms part of the continuum of acute kidney injury (AKI) and worsens clinical outcomes. Currently, the predictors of AKD severity have yet to be established. We conducted a retrospective investigation involving 310 hospitalized patients with AKI and stratified them based on the AKD stages defined by the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative criteria. Demographic, clinical, hematologic, and biochemical profiles, as well as 30-day outcomes, were compared between subgroups. In the analysis, the use of offending drugs (odds ratio, OR (95% confidence interval, CI), AKD stage 3 vs. non-AKD, 3.132 (1.304–7.526), p = 0.011, AKD stage 2 vs. non-AKD, 2.314 (1.049–5.107), p = 0.038), high AKI severity (OR (95% CI), AKD stage 3 vs. non-AKD, 6.214 (2.658–14.526), p < 0.001), and early dialysis requirement (OR (95% CI), AKD stage 3 vs. non-AKD, 3.366 (1.008–11.242), p = 0.049) were identified as independent predictors of AKD severity. Moreover, a higher AKD severity was associated with higher 30-day mortality and lower dialysis-independent survival rates. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that offending drug use, AKI severity, and early dialysis requirement were independent predictors of AKD severity, and high AKD severity had negative impact on post-AKI outcomes.
Automated Endocardial Border Detection and Left Ventricular Functional Assessment in Echocardiography Using Deep Learning
Authors: Ono Shunzaburo , Komatsu Masaaki , Sakai Akira , Arima Hideki , Ochida Mie , Aoyama Rina , Yasutomi Suguru , Asada Ken , Kaneko Syuzo , Sasano Tetsuo , Hamamoto Ryuji
Published: May 2022

Endocardial border detection is a key step in assessing left ventricular systolic function in echocardiography. However, this process is still not sufficiently accurate, and manual retracing is often required, causing time-consuming and intra-/inter-observer variability in clinical practice. To address these clinical issues, more accurate and normalized automatic endocardial border detection would be valuable. Here, we develop a deep learning-based method for automated endocardial border detection and left ventricular functional assessment in two-dimensional echocardiographic videos. First, segmentation of the left ventricular cavity was performed in the six representative projections for a cardiac cycle. We employed four segmentation methods: U-Net, UNet++, UNet3+, and Deep Residual U-Net. UNet++ and UNet3+ showed a sufficiently high performance in the mean value of intersection over union and Dice coefficient. The accuracy of the four segmentation methods was then evaluated by calculating the mean value for the estimation error of the echocardiographic indexes. UNet++ was superior to the other segmentation methods, with the acceptable mean estimation error of the left ventricular ejection fraction of 10.8%, global longitudinal strain of 8.5%, and global circumferential strain of 5.8%, respectively. Our method using UNet++ demonstrated the best performance. This method may potentially support examiners and improve the workflow in echocardiography.
Bone Remodeling Process Based on Hydrostatic and Deviatoric Strain Mechano-Sensing
Authors: Branecka Natalia , Yildizdag Mustafa Erden , Ciallella Alessandro , Giorgio Ivan
Published: May 2022

A macroscopic continuum model intended to provide predictions for the remodeling process occurring in bone tissue is proposed. Specifically, we consider a formulation in which two characteristic stiffnesses, namely the bulk and shear moduli, evolve independently to adapt the hydrostatic and deviatoric response of the bone tissue to environmental changes. The formulation is deliberately simplified, aiming at constituting a preliminary step toward a more comprehensive modeling approach. The evolutive process for describing the functional adaptation of the two stiffnesses is proposed based on an energetic argument. Numerical experiments reveal that it is possible to model the bone remodeling process with a different evolution for more than one material parameter, as usually done. Moreover, the results motivate further investigations into the subject.
A Freeze-Dried Cranberry Powder Consistently Enhances SCFA Production and Lowers Abundance of Opportunistic Pathogens In Vitro
Authors: Khoo Christina , Duysburgh Cindy , Marzorati Massimo , Van den Abbeele Pieter , Zhang Derek
Published: May 2022

The American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, contains fibers and (poly)phenols that could exert health-promoting effects through modulation of gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate how a freeze-dried whole cranberry powder (FCP) modulated metabolite production and microbial composition using both a 48-h incubation strategy and a long-term human gut simulator study with the M-SHIME (Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem). FCP was repeatedly administered over three weeks. The studies included five and three study subjects, respectively. In both models, FCP significantly increased levels of health-related short-chain fatty acids (SCFA: acetate, propionate and butyrate), while decreased levels of branched-chain fatty acids (markers of proteolytic fermentation). Interestingly, FCP consistently increased luminal Bacteroidetes abundances in the proximal colon of the M-SHIME (+17.5 ± 9.3%) at the expense of Proteobacteria (−10.2 ± 1.5%). At family level, this was due to the stimulation of Bacteroidaceae and Prevotellaceae and a decrease of Pseudomonodaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Despite of interpersonal differences, FCP also increased the abundance of families of known butyrate producers. Overall, FCP displayed an interesting prebiotic potential in vitro given its selective utilization by host microorganisms and potential health-related effects on inhibition of pathogens and selective stimulation of beneficial metabolites.
Neurological Pupil Index for the Early Prediction of Outcome in Severe Acute Brain Injury Patients
Authors: Romagnosi Federico , Bernini Adriano , Bongiovanni Filippo , Iaquaniello Carolina , Miroz John-Paul , Citerio Giuseppe , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Oddo Mauro
Published: May 2022

In this study, we examined the early value of automated quantitative pupillary examination, using the Neurological Pupil index (NPi), to predict the long-term outcome of acute brain injured (ABI) patients. We performed a single-centre retrospective study (October 2016–March 2019) in ABI patients who underwent NPi measurement during the first 3 days following brain insult. We examined the performance of NPi—alone or in combination with other baseline demographic (age) and radiologic (CT midline shift) predictors—to prognosticate unfavourable 6-month outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 1–3). A total of 145 severely brain-injured subjects (65 traumatic brain injury, TBI; 80 non-TBI) were studied. At each time point tested, NPi <3 was highly predictive of unfavourable outcome, with highest specificity (100% (90–100)) at day 3 (sensitivity 24% (15–35), negative predictive value 36% (34–39)). The addition of NPi, from day 1 following ABI to age and cerebral CT scan, provided the best prognostic performance (AUROC curve 0.85 vs. 0.78 without NPi, p = 0.008; DeLong test) for 6-month neurological outcome prediction. NPi, assessed at the early post-injury phase, has a superior ability to predict unfavourable long-term neurological outcomes in severely brain-injured patients. The added prognostic value of NPi was most significant when complemented with baseline demographic and radiologic information.
Vibration Test and Control of Factory a Building under Excitation of Multiple Vibrating Screens
Authors: Yu Jianxin , Li Zhenzhen , Zhang Zhenhua , Zhao Wusheng , Niu Zhiwei , Cheng Jingji
Published: May 2022

In order to reduce the excessive vibration responses of a reinforced concrete frame structure induced by several vibrating screens working simultaneously, field vibration monitoring and some vibration reduction measures are carried out. The results of field vibration monitoring show that the maximum vertical vibration of the structure exceeds 106% of the limitation of building vibration. The results of the structural response analysis show that the excessive structural vibration is attributed to the resonance, as the frequency of the vibrating screens coincides with vertical natural frequency of the floors of the factory structure. Based on this fact, three vibration control measures, including damping, active vibration isolation of vibrating screens and structural vibration absorption, are proposed to mitigate the excessive vibration. In order to analyze the vibration control performance of the proposed schemes, the finite element dynamic model of the factory building structure is established, and the model is verified by the results of vibration and mode tests. Then, the damping system, vibration isolation system and vibration absorption system are set up in the models, and the vibration control performance of the three schemes are investigated. The results show that the measures, including vibration isolation and absorption, can reduce the vibration by more than 80%. Combined with the demand for a short construction period, the active vibration isolation of vibrating screens is finally selected. After the implementation of the scheme, the field monitoring data show that the structural vibration response is consistent with the finite element result and obviously weakened to meet the limitation. This study can provide a reference for the vibration control design for similar screening factory buildings.
Structural Performance of GFRP Bars Based High-Strength RC Columns: An Application of Advanced Decision-Making Mechanism for Experimental Profile Data
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Kashif , Shah Syyed Adnan Raheel , Azab Marc , Shah Ibrahim , Chauhan Muhammad Khalid Sharif , Iqbal Fahad
Published: May 2022

Several past studies have shown the use of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars to alleviate the reinforced steel rusting issue in different concrete structures. However, the practise of GFRP bars in concrete columns has not yet achieved a sufficient confidence level due to the lack of a theoretical model found in the literature. The objective of the current study is to introduce a novel prediction model for the axial capability of concrete columns made with bars of GFRP. For this purpose, two different approaches, such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) modelling, are used on a collected dataset of 266 concrete column specimens made with GFRP bars from previous literature works. Eight parameters were used to predict the axial performance of GFRP-based RC columns. The proposed DEA and ANNs predictions demonstrated a good correlation with the testing dataset, having R2 values of 0.811 and 0.836, respectively. A comparative analysis of the DEA and ANNs models is undertaken, and it was found that the suggested models are capable of accurately forecasting the structural response of GFRP-made RC column structures. Then, a comprehensive parametric analysis of 266 GFRP-based columns was performed to study the effect of different materials and their geometrical shape.
Critical Factors Influencing Early Contract Termination in Public Design–Build Projects in Developing and Emerging Economies
Authors: Riveros Claudia , Ruiz Angie L. , Mesa Harrison A. , Guevara Jose A.
Published: May 2022

Public projects continually face multiple difficulties for their satisfactory completion. One of the most complex challenges is early contract termination (ECT), which delays social goods delivery and exhausts public resources. This study aimed to determine the root causes of the critical factors that lead to ECT in public building projects. We studied 20 kindergarten construction projects in Chile through a multi-case study. It addressed a pattern-matching analysis of symptoms associated with risks of design–build (DB) contracts and a five whys analysis to determine the root causes of the symptoms identified in the units of analysis. The results show that ECT projects’ most common symptoms are labor force shortage, materials shortage, and non-payment claims. In addition, the root-cause analysis exposed that the main causes of ECT’s symptoms were deficiencies in the bidding evaluation process, which led to an inadequate selection of the general contractor, lack of experience of the owner, and regulatory limitations of the legal framework for public projects. The construction projects faced ECT and cost and time overruns associated with poor risk management due to the owner’s and general contractor’s lack of experience in DB contracts.
Dynamics of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lee Yong Jae , Woo Ha Young , Kim Yoo-Na , Park Junsik , Nam Eun Ji , Kim Sang Wun , Kim Sunghoon , Kim Young Tae , Park Eunhyang , Joung Je-Gun , Lee Jung-Yun
Published: May 2022

The dynamic changes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) triggered by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have not been clearly defined in advanced-stage ovarian cancer. We analyzed the immunologic changes induced by NAC to correlate them with clinical outcomes. We compared the changes in the immune infiltration of high-grade serous carcinoma biopsies before and after NAC via immunohistochemistry (147 paired samples) and whole transcriptome sequencing (35 paired samples). Immunohistochemistry showed significantly increased PD-L1 levels and TIL levels after NAC. Whole transcriptome sequencing revealed that the stromal score, immune score, and cytolytic activity score significantly increased after NAC. An increased tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) level in response to NAC was associated with shorter progression-free survival compared with decreased TIL level after NAC. In tumors with increased TIL levels after NAC, the relative fraction of CD8 T cells and regulatory T cells significantly increased with immunohistochemistry. Post-NAC tumors were enriched in gene sets associated with immune signaling pathways, such as regulatory T cell and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. NAC induced dynamic changes in the TIME that increased TIL levels, but their high abundance did not impart any survival benefit. Our data may provide therapeutic strategies to improve the survival benefit from immunotherapies in ovarian cancer.
Potential Biomarkers of Skin Melanoma Resistance to Targeted Therapy—Present State and Perspectives
Authors: Olbryt Magdalena
Published: May 2022

Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, the number of which is increasing worldwide every year. It is completely curable in its early stage and fatal when spread to distant organs. In addition to new therapeutic strategies, biomarkers are an important element in the successful fight against this cancer. At present, biomarkers are mainly used in diagnostics. Some biological indicators also allow the estimation of the patient’s prognosis. Still, predictive markers are underrepresented in clinics. Currently, the only such indicator is the presence of the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene in cancer cells, which qualifies the patient for therapy with inhibitors of the MAPK pathway. The identification of response markers is particularly important given primary and acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Reliable predictive tests would enable the selection of patients who would have the best chance of benefiting from treatment. Here, up-to-date knowledge about the most promising genetic and non-genetic resistance-related factors is described. These are alterations in MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and RB signaling pathways, e.g., due to mutations in NRAS, RAC1, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, and NF1, but also other changes activating these pathways, such as the overexpression of HGF or EGFR. Most of them are also potential therapeutic targets and this issue is also addressed here.
Highlighting of LaF3 Reactivity with SiO2 and GeO2 at High Temperature
Authors: Fneich Hussein , Vermillac Manuel , Neuville Daniel R. , Blanc Wilfried , Mehdi Ahmad
Published: May 2022

LaF3 is commonly added to oxide glass, in particular to silica, to form oxyfluoride glass. After appropriate thermal treatment at a temperature lower than 800 °C, usually, glass ceramics are obtained. Recently, LaF3 nanoparticles have been used as precursors to obtain amorphous nanoparticles of undefined composition in optical fiber. However, fiber fabrication necessitates temperature much higher (typically up to 2000 °C) than the one required for bulk glass. In this article, we report on the reactivity of fluoride ions in LaF3 with SiO2 and GeO2 (a common dopant used to dope optical fiber) powders at high temperature. TGA, EDX-SEM, XRD and Raman analyses were performed. Above 1000 °C, LaF3 starts to react, preferentially with SiO2, to form SiF4 gaseous species. The remaining lanthanum ions form La2Si2O7 and La2Ge2O7 phases. These results could contribute to improve material development for the fiber optics community.
Luminescent Self-Assembled Monolayer on Gold Nanoparticles: Tuning of Emission According to the Surface Curvature
Authors: Candreva Angela , Di Maio Giuseppe , Parisi Francesco , Scarpelli Francesca , Crispini Alessandra , Godbert Nicolas , Ricciardi Loredana , Nucera Antonello , Rizzuto Carmen , Barberi Riccardo C. , Castriota Marco , La Deda Massimo
Published: May 2022

Until now, the ability to form a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a surface has been investigated according to deposition techniques, which in turn depend on surface-coater interactions. In this paper, we pursued two goals: to form a SAM on a gold nanosurface and to correlate its formation to the nanosurface curvature. To achieve these objectives, gold nanoparticles of different shapes (spheres, rods, and triangles) were functionalized with a luminescent thiolated bipyridine (Bpy-SH), and the SAM formation was studied by investigating the photo-physics of Bpy-SH. We have shown that emission wavelength and excited-state lifetime of Bpy-SH are strongly correlated to the formation of specific aggregates within SAMs, the nature of these aggregates being in close correlation to the shape of the nanoparticles. Micro-Raman spectroscopy investigation was used to test the SERS effect of gold nanoparticles on thiolated bipyridine forming SAMs.
Climate Change Dynamics and Modeling: Future Perspectives
Authors: Magazù Salvatore , Caccamo Maria Teresa
Published: May 2022

This preface to the Special Issue titled “Climate Change Dynamics and Modeling: Future Perspectives” presents eight articles, largely focused on a range of interdisciplinary issues related to climatic changes [...]
Effects of Yucca schidigera Based Feed Additive on In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility, Efficiency of Microbial Production, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Four Dairy Diets
Authors: Anele Uchenna Young , Crumel Xavier , Olagunju Lydia , Compart Devan Paulus
Published: May 2022

The present study evaluated the effects of a feed additive (synthesized from Yucca schidigera) on some fermentation variables. In the first of two experiments, seven concentrations of the feed additive were evaluated using the in vitro batch culture technique to determine the optimum dose to use in the second experiment. The substrates used were a total mixed ration (TMR) and alfalfa hay. The levels of inclusion were 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/head/d. After this initial evaluation, 2 g/head/d was selected for the second experiment. For the second study, four dietary substrates (two corn silages and two TMR; collected from different dairy farms in the Piedmont, North Carolina, area) were used. Incubation times were 3, 6, and 24 h and treatments were 0 (control) and 2 g/head/d of the feed additive. Inclusion of the feed additive did not affect (p > 0.05) in vitro dry matter disappearance. Additionally, the feed additive had no effect (p > 0.05) on short-chain fatty acid concentrations, microbial mass, and efficiency of microbial production. Methane production was reduced by 22.7% with feed additive inclusion. Similarly, lower (p = 0.013; 18%) carbon dioxide concentration was observed in the feed additive treatment. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfite concentrations were similar (p > 0.05) for both treatments. Inclusion of the feed additive at 2 g/head/d decreased methane and carbon dioxide concentrations in most of the diets. The energy saved by reducing the amount of methane produced was not partitioned into valuable products such as short-chain fatty acids and microbial mass.
The Effectiveness and Tolerability of a Very Low-Volume Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy Compared to Low and High-Volume Polyethylene Glycol-Solutions in the Real-Life Setting
Authors: Bednarska Olga , Nyhlin Nils , Schmidt Peter Thelin , Johansson Gabriele Wurm , Toth Ervin , Lindfors Perjohan
Published: May 2022

Adequate bowel cleansing is essential for high-quality colonoscopy. Recently, a new very low-volume 1 litre (1L) polyethylene glycol (PEG) plus ascorbate solution (ASC) has been introduced. Our aims were to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of this product compared to low-volume 2L PEG-ASC and high-volume 4L PEG solutions, in a real-life setting. In six endoscopy units in Sweden, outpatients undergoing colonoscopy were either prescribed solutions according to local routines, or the very low-volume solution in split dose regimen. Bowel cleansing effectiveness and patient experience was assessed using the Boston Bowel preparation scale (BBPS) and a patient questionnaire. A total of 1098 patients (mean age 58 years, 52% women) were included. All subsegment and the total BBPS scores were significantly greater for 1L PEG-ASC in comparison to other solutions (p < 0.05 for 1L PEG-ASC and 4L PEG for transverse and left colon, otherwise p < 0.001). Nausea was more frequent with 1L PEG-ASC compared to 2L PEG-ASC (p < 0.001) and vomiting were more often reported compared to both other solutions (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 for 2L PEG-ASC and 4L PEG, respectively). Smell, taste, and total experience was better for 1L PEG-ASC compared to 4L PEG (p < 0.001), and similar compared to the 2L PEG-ASC. In conclusion, 1L PEG-ASC leads to better bowel cleansing compared to 2L PEG-ASC or 4L PEG products, with similar or greater patient satisfaction.
Multifocal Electroretinogram Photopic Negative Response: A Reliable Paradigm to Detect Localized Retinal Ganglion Cells’ Impairment in Retrobulbar Optic Neuritis Due to Multiple Sclerosis as a Model of Retinal Neurodegeneration
Authors: Barbano Lucilla , Ziccardi Lucia , Antonelli Giulio , Nicoletti Carolina Gabri , Landi Doriana , Mataluni Giorgia , Falsini Benedetto , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Centonze Diego , Parisi Vincenzo
Published: May 2022

The measure of the full-field photopic negative response (ff-PhNR) of light-adapted full-field electroretinogram (ff-ERG) allows to evaluate the function of the innermost retinal layers (IRL) containing primarily retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and other non-neuronal elements of the entire retina. The aim of this study was to acquire functional information of localized IRL by measuring the PhNR in response to multifocal stimuli (mfPhNR). In this case-control observational and retrospective study, we assessed mfPhNR responses from 25 healthy controls and from 20 patients with multiple sclerosis with previous history of optic neuritis (MS-ON), with full recovery of visual acuity, IRL morphological impairment, and absence of morpho-functional involvement of outer retinal layers (ORL). MfPhNR response amplitude densities (RADs) were measured from concentric rings (R) with increasing foveal eccentricity: 0–5° (R1), 5–10° (R2), 10–15° (R3), 15–20° (R4), and 20–25° (R5) from retinal sectors (superior-temporal (ST), superior-nasal (SN), inferior-nasal (IN), and inferior-temporal (IT)); between 5° and 20° and from retinal sectors (superior (S), temporal (T), inferior (I), and nasal (N)); and within 5° to 10° and within 10° and 20° from the fovea. The mfPhNR RAD values observed in all rings or sectors in MS-ON eyes were significantly reduced (p < 0.01) with respect to control ones. Our results suggest that mfPhNR recordings may detect localized IRL dysfunction in the pathologic condition of selective RGCs neurodegeneration.
Prediction of Target Epidural Blood Patch Treatment Efficacy in Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension Using Follow-Up MRI
Authors: Wang Yu-Wei , Teng Chieh-Lin Jerry , Chai Jyh-Wen , Wu Chih-Cheng , Chen Po-Lin , Chen Hung-Chieh
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Epidural blood patching (EBP) is the mainstay therapy for spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). MRI is used for evaluating spinal CSF leakage. Post-EBP MRI has been. shown to be effective in predicting the efficacy of EBP. However, there are few reports on how post-EBP MRI findings may change with time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between post-EBP MRI findings at different time points and the corresponding effectiveness of EBP. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 63 SIH patients who had received target EBP. All patients received an MRI follow-up within 10 days (post-EBP MRI) and at 3 months after EBP (3-month MRI). A sub-group analysis was performed at different post-EBP MRI time points (0–2, 3–6, and 7–10 days). The relationships between the post-EBP MRI findings and the EBP effectiveness were evaluated. Results: Thirty-five (55.56%) patients were assigned to the EBP-effective group, and 28 (44.44%) were assigned to the EBP non-effective group according to the 3-month MRI. Compared to the EBP non-effective group, the EBP-effective group had significantly lower numbers of spinal CSF leakage in the post-EBP MRI (4.49 vs. 11.71; p = 0.000) and greater numbers of leakage improvement (7.66 vs. 2.96; p = 0.003). For patients who received post-EBP MRI during periods of 0–10, 0–2, 3–6, and 7–10 days, the cutoff values of numbers of spinal CSF leakage for predicting EBP failure were 4, 6, 4, and 5, respectively, with an AUC above 0.77. Conclusion: By using post-EBP MRI, which only takes approximately 20 min, predicting EBP efficacy became possible in SIH patients. This study provides cutoff values of numbers of spinal CSF leakage at different follow-up times to serve as clues of if further EBP is needed, which provides the novelty of the current study.
A Scoping Review about the Characteristics and Success-Failure Rates of Temporary Anchorage Devices in Orthodontics
Authors: Jaramillo-Bedoya Daniel , Villegas-Giraldo Gustavo , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A. , Ramírez-Ossa Diana Milena
Published: May 2022

This study synthesized the scientific evidence concerning the main characteristics of the Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) used in orthodontics and reported the success-failure rates during treatment. For that means, this scoping review collected articles from previous research. A complementary search was carried out in the databases PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, and EMBASE, focusing on original studies published from 2010 to 2020. We analyzed the main characteristics of the publications. As a result, 103 articles were included. Most of the research was conducted among different groups, who needed TADs principally in the maxilla and an interradicular location between the second premolar and first molar. AbsoAnchor, Dentos Inc., Daegu, Korea, was the most used brand of TADs. The most common characteristics of the devices and biomechanics were a diameter and length of 1.6 mm and 8 mm, a self-drilled system, a closed technique for placement, immediate loading, and forces that ranged between 40 and 800 g. Of the studies, 47.6% showed success rates ≥90%. In conclusion, high success rates were found for TADs, and differences were found according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. The studies showed variability in methodological design, and scientific publications were concentrated in certain countries. We recommend further scientific research on TADs using more standardized designs.
On the Potential of MP-QUIC as Transport Layer Aggregator for Multiple Cellular Networks
Authors: Krämer Zsolt , Németh Felicián , Mihály Attila , Molnár Sándor , Pelle István , Pongrácz Gergely , Scharnitzky Donát
Published: May 2022

Multipath transport protocols have the ability to simultaneously utilize the different paths and thus outperform single-path solutions in terms of achievable goodput, latency, or reliability. In this paper our goal is to examine the potential of connecting a mobile terminal to multiple mobile networks simultaneously in a dynamically changing environment. To achieve this, first we analyze a dataset obtained from an LTE drive test involving two operators. Then we study the performance of MP-QUIC, the multipath extension of QUIC, in a dynamic emulated environment generated from the collected traces. Our results show that MP-QUIC may leverage multiple available channels to provide uninterrupted connectivity, and a better overall goodput even when compared to using only the best available channel for communication. We also compare the MP-QUIC performance with MPTCP, identify challenges with the current protocol implementations to fill in the available aggregate capacity, and give insights on how the achievable throughput could be increased.
A Design Methodology for Wideband Current-Reuse Receiver Front-Ends Aimed at Low-Power Applications
Authors: Abbasi Arash , Nabki Frederic
Published: May 2022

This work gives a design perspective on low-power and wideband RF-to-Baseband current-reuse receivers (CRR). The proposed CRR architecture design shares a single supply and biasing current among both LNTA and baseband circuits to reduce power consumption. The work discusses topology selection and a suitable design procedure of the low noise transconductance amplifier (LNTA), down-conversion passive-mixer, active-inductor (AI) and TIA circuits. Layout considerations are also discussed. The receiver was simulated in 130 nm CMOS technology and occupies an active area of 0.025 mm2. It achieves a wideband input matching of less than −10 dB from 0.8 GHz to 3.4 GHz. A conversion-gain of 39.5 dB, IIP3 of −28 dBm and a double-sideband (DSB) NF of 5.6 dB is simulated at a local-oscillator (LO) frequency of 2.4 GHz and an intermediate frequency (IF) of 10 MHz, while consuming 1.92 mA from a 1.2 V supply.
Take the Right Seat: The Influence of Occupancy Schemes on Performance Indicators of Lighting in Open Plan Offices
Authors: Hammes Sascha , Weninger Johannes , Pfluger Rainer , Pohl Wilfried
Published: May 2022

Work processes and sociological structures can differ significantly between organizations. These organizational aspects determine user behavior, which in turn exerts considerable influence on the key performance indicators of artificial lighting systems. Accordingly, the use of generalized assumptions about user behavior in the building design phase can lead to large discrepancies between design and operation. In the following work, the possible influences of different occupancy schemes, an essential aspect of user behavior and shaped by the organization, on energy demand and workplace-related daylight dose are evaluated. For this purpose, calculations are made based on real measurement data of an open-plan office with zoned lighting. Multi-level calculation models are used to determine improved user distributions in the room to ensure optimization according to the desired target criteria. The results show that occupancy schemes have a significant impact on energy demand, contributing significantly to overall building performance, but only slightly to workplace-related light exposure rates in terms of total daily light dose. A correlated influence on the target criteria could not be demonstrated, but given the minor influence on daily light dose, the optimization of planning and operation can be focused on energy efficiency.
A 3D Transient CFD Simulation of a Multi-Tubular Reactor for Power to Gas Applications
Authors: Soto Victor , Ulloa Claudia , Garcia Ximena
Published: May 2022

A 3D stationary CFD study was conducted in our previous work, resulting in a novel reactor design methodology oriented to upgrading biogas through CO2 methanation. To enhance our design methodology incorporating relevant power to gas operational conditions, a novel transient 3D CFD modelling methodology is employed to simulate the effect of relevant dynamic disruptions on the behaviour of a tubular fixed bed reactor for biogas upgrading. Unlike 1D/2D models, this contribution implements a full 3D shell cooled methanation reactor considering real-world operational conditions. The reactor’s behaviour was analysed considering the hot-spot temperature and the outlet CH4 mole fraction as the main performance parameters. The reactor start-up and shutdown times were estimated at 330 s and 130 s, respectively. As expected, inlet feed and temperature disruptions prompted “wrong-way” behaviours. A 30 s H2 feed interruption gave rise to a transient low-temperature hot spot, which dissipated after 60 s H2 feed was resumed. A 20 K rise in the inlet temperature (523–543 K) triggered a transient low-temperature hot spot (879 to 850 K). On the contrary, a 20 K inlet temperature drop resulted in a transient high-temperature hot spot (879 to 923 K), which exposed the catalyst to its maximum operational temperature. The maximum idle time, which allowed for a warm start of the reactor, was estimated at three hours in the absence of heat sources. No significant impacts were found on the product gas quality (% CH4) under the considered disruptions. Unlike typical 1D/2D simulation works, a 3D model allowed to identify the relevant design issues like the impact of hot-spot displacement on the reactor cooling efficiency.
Data-Driven, Web-Based Parameter Identification for a Reduced-Order Model of the Chilean Power System
Authors: Quiroz Juan , Gonzalez Luis , Chavez Hector , Segundo Felix
Published: May 2022

The current need for power-system control-room operational tools to increase real-time situational awareness has led to various proposals on data analytics algorithms to obtain operational information from SCADA and PMU power system networks. Most of the proposals are implemented in simulation, with reduced practical significance for system operators. This work proposes a web-based simple algorithm to identify the dynamic parameters of a reduced-order model of power system frequency dynamics that is implemented with industrial hardware on a PMU network in the Chilean power system. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed tool, the algorithm is implemented in a web page with real-time monitoring of the frequency of the Chilean power system, so that utilities and academic institutions with access to PMU measurements can apply the proposed concepts regardless of the topology of the monitored system.
Nonlinear Hydraulic Vibration Modeling and Dynamic Analysis of Hydro-Turbine Generator Unit with Multiple Faults
Authors: Zhuang Keyun , Huang Shehua , Fu Xiangqian , Chen Li
Published: May 2022

Hydraulic vibration is a critical factor affecting the stability and health of the hydro-turbine generator unit (HGU). This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the HGU occurring from the hydraulic vibration. First, using the turbulence flow model, the lift and drag coefficients of the asymmetric airfoil blades are calculated at different Reynolds numbers and angles of attack. Based on the lift and drag coefficients of the asymmetric airfoil blade, a novel nonlinear mathematical model of asymmetric hydraulic forces is proposed for the asymmetric airfoil blade. Then, combining mechanic and electric asymmetric excitations, a coupled nonlinear mathematical model of the HGU is built using Lagrange equations. Moreover, the correctness of this model is verified. Finally, dynamic behaviors of the HGU changing with attack angle, deviation of the outlet blade angle, outlet guide vane angle, and Reynolds number are analyzed by bifurcation diagrams. It is found that increasing the Reynolds number can enhance the hydraulic vibration, which can lead to more complex nonlinear bifurcation and chaotic motions. In addition, some interesting physical phenomena of HGU under critical ranges and values are obtained. More importantly, these results could give theoretical guidance in the designing and stability research of hydropower units.
Concept for Biomass and Organic Waste Refinery Plants Based on the Locally Available Organic Materials in Rural Areas of Poland
Authors: Butlewski Krystian
Published: May 2022

The importance of developing efficient and environmentally friendly means of biomass conversion into bioenergy, biofuels, and valuable products is currently high in Poland. Accordingly, herein, two new energy and biofuel units are proposed, namely, POLpec and POLbp, which are used as reference sources for comparing energy consumption and biofuel production in other countries or regions in the world. One POLpec equals 4400 PJ (195.1 Mtoe), reflecting the annual primary energy consumption of Poland in 2020. Meanwhile, one POLbp equals 42 PJ (1.0 Mtoe), referring to the annual production of biofuels in Poland in 2020. Additionally, a new import–export coefficient β is proposed in the current study, which indicates the relationship between the import and export of an energy carrier. More specifically, the potential of biomass and organic waste to be converted into energy, biofuels, and valuable products has been analysed for the rural areas of Poland. Results show that the annual biomass and organic waste potential is approximately 245 PJ (5.9 Mtoe). Finally, the concept of a biomass and organic waste refinery plant is proposed based on the locally available organic materials in rural areas. In particular, two models of biomass refinery plants are defined, namely, the Input/Output and Modular models. A four-module model is presented as a concept for building a refinery plant at the Institute of Technology and Life Sciences—National Research Institute in Poznan, Poland. The four modules include anaerobic digestion, gasification, transesterification, and alcoholic fermentation. The primary reason for combining different biomass conversion technologies is to reduce the cost of biomass products, which, currently, are more expensive than those obtained from oil and natural gas.
Can the Relationship between Atmospheric Environmental Quality and Urban Industrial Structure Adjustment Achieve Green and Sustainable Development in China? A Case of Taiyuan City
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zheng Jiayu , Wang Ligang
Published: May 2022

Atmospheric environmental quality affects the high quality and sustainable development of the economy. The optimisation and upgrading of the industrial system are important to improve the operation efficiency of the economy and society. Firstly, this paper constructs the theoretical analysis framework of coupling and coordination between the atmospheric environment system and the industrial system and analyses the internal mechanism of the interaction and coordinated development of the two systems. Then, it puts forward the combination of the coupling coordination model and the VAR model (Vector autoregressive model) and presents the analysis and evaluation method of the relationship between them from the two perspectives of “static” and “dynamic”. Finally, the empirical study is conducted in Taiyuan, a resource-based city in China. The results show that: (1) The two systems in Taiyuan have an obvious interaction and develop in the direction of benign coupling. (2) The impact of the two systems on each other is mainly in the medium and long term and dominated by the role of the atmospheric environment system on the industrial system. This study provides a theoretical framework and evaluation methods for evaluating and analysing the relationship between the urban atmospheric environment system and the industrial system in China, and then provides suggestions for policymaking.
Genetically Optimized Extended Kalman Filter for State of Health Estimation Based on Li-Ion Batteries Parameters
Authors: Rossi Claudio , Falcomer Carlo , Biondani Luca , Pontara Davide
Published: May 2022

The state of health (SOH) is among the most important parameters to be monitored in lithium-ion batteries (LIB) because it is used to know the residual functionality in any condition of aging. The paper focuses on the application of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) for the identification of the parameters of a cell model, which are required for the correct estimation of the SOH of the cell. This article proposes a methodology for tuning the covariance matrices of the EKF by using an optimization process based on genetic algorithms (GA). GAs are able to solve the minimization problems for the non-linear functions, and they are better than other optimization algorithms such as gradient descent to avoid the local minimum. To validate the proposed method, the cell parameters obtained from the EKF are compared with a reference model, in which the parameters have been determined with proven procedures. This comparison is carried out with different cells and in the whole range of the cell’s SOH, with the aim of demonstrating that a single tuning procedure, based on the proposed GA process, is able to guarantee good accuracy in the estimation of the cell parameters at all stages of the cell’s life.
Effects of Biochar on Biointensive Horticultural Crops and Its Economic Viability in the Mediterranean Climate
Authors: González-Pernas Francisco Miguel , Grajera-Antolín Cristina , García-Cámara Olivia , González-Lucas María , Martín María Teresa , González-Egido Sergio , Aguirre Juan Luis
Published: May 2022

The effects of biochar on different horticultural crops (lettuce, tomato, sweet pepper, and radish) were evaluated in the Mediterranean climate. Biochar was produced by pyrolysis of Pinus pinaster wood chips at 550 °C and used at 1 (B1) and 2 (B2) kg/m2 application rates on six 3.5 m2 plots in each treatment, with two control plots (B0). No fertilizer was used. Treatment B1 led to a significant increase (p < 0.01) of 35.4%, 98.1%, 28.4%, and 35.2% in the mean fresh weight of radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, and sweet peppers, respectively. Treatment B2 resulted in an improvement of 70.7% in radishes, 126.1% in lettuce, 38.4% in tomatoes, and 95.0% in sweet peppers (p < 0.01). Significant differences between treatments B1 and B2 were observed in the radish, tomato, and sweet pepper crops but not in lettuce. The profitability of biochar application to these crops was studied by considering a biochar price of 800 EUR/t and applying a CO2 fixation subsidy, assuming the updated February 2022 price (90 EUR/t). In lettuce, tomato, and sweet pepper crops, the investment payback period was approximately one year. Application of biochar generated economic benefit either from the first harvest or in the second year. In radish, this period was longer than two years; however, an increase in the annual frequency of cultivation should be studied to optimize the benefit. The dose that provided the greatest benefit was B1 (for all crops, except for sweet pepper). Biochar considerably improved fruit and vegetable yield under the Mediterranean climate; however, further studies are needed to assess the effects of biochar on soil properties and yield to estimate long-term environmental and economic benefits.