bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Spinal Cord as Organ of Risk: Assessment for Acute and Subacute Neurological Adverse Effects after Microbeam Radiotherapy in a Rodent Model
Authors: Jaekel Felix , Paino Jason , Engels Elette , Klein Mitzi , Barnes Micah , Häusermann Daniel , Hall Christopher , Zheng Gang , Wang Hongxin , Hildebrandt Guido , Lerch Michael , Schültke Elisabeth
Published: April 2023

Microbeam radiotherapy (MRT), a high dose rate radiotherapy technique using spatial dose fractionation at the micrometre range, has shown a high therapeutic efficacy in vivo in different tumour entities, including lung cancer. We have conducted a toxicity study for the spinal cord as organ of risk during irradiation of a target in the thoracic cavity. In young adult rats, the lower thoracic spinal cord was irradiated over a length of 2 cm with an array of quasi-parallel microbeams of 50 µm width, spaced at a centre-to-centre distance of 400 µm, with MRT peak doses up to 800 Gy. No acute or subacute adverse effects were observed within the first week after irradiation up to MRT peak doses of 400 Gy. No significant differences were seen between irradiated animals and non-irradiated controls in motor function and sensitivity, open field test and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). After irradiation with MRT peak doses of 450–800 Gy, dose-dependent neurologic signs occurred. Provided that long-term studies do not reveal significant morbidity due to late toxicity, an MRT dose of 400 Gy can be considered safe for the spinal cord in the tested beam geometry and field size.
Hypoxia Changes Energy Metabolism and Growth Rate in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Nisar Hasan , Sanchidrián González Paulina Mercedes , Brauny Melanie , Labonté Frederik M. , Schmitz Claudia , Roggan Marie Denise , Konda Bikash , Hellweg Christine E.
Published: April 2023

Hypoxia occurs in 80% of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cases, leading to treatment resistance. Hypoxia’s effects on NSCLC energetics are not well-characterized. We evaluated changes in glucose uptake and lactate production in two NSCLC cell lines under hypoxia in conjunction with growth rate and cell cycle phase distribution. The cell lines A549 (p53 wt) and H358 (p53 null) were incubated under hypoxia (0.1% and 1% O2) or normoxia (20% O2). Glucose and lactate concentrations in supernatants were measured using luminescence assays. Growth kinetics were followed over seven days. Cell nuclei were stained with DAPI and nuclear DNA content was determined by flow cytometry to determine cell cycle phase. Gene expression under hypoxia was determined by RNA sequencing. Glucose uptake and lactate production under hypoxia were greater than under normoxia. They were also significantly greater in A549 compared to H358 cells. Faster energy metabolism in A549 cells was associated with a higher growth rate in comparison to H358 cells under both normoxia and hypoxia. In both cell lines, hypoxia significantly slowed down the growth rate compared to proliferation under normoxic conditions. Hypoxia led to redistribution of cells in the different cycle phases: cells in G1 increased and the G2 population decreased. Glucose uptake and lactate production increase under hypoxia in NSCLC cells indicated greater shunting of glucose into glycolysis rather than into oxidative phosphorylation compared to normoxia, making adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production less efficient. This may explain the redistribution of hypoxic cells in the G1 cell cycle phase and the time increase for cell doubling. Energy metabolism changes were more prominent in faster-growing A549 cells compared to slower-growing H358 cells, indicating possible roles for the p53 status and inherent growth rate of different cancer cells. In both cell lines, genes associated with cell motility, locomotion and migration were upregulated under chronic hypoxia, indicating a strong stimulus to escape hypoxic conditions.
Hypoxia and Cancer: From Bench to Bedside
Authors: Wang Lingzhi , Zhou Qingyu
Published: April 2023

This Special Issue of Cancers (two original articles, five reviews), presented by international experts in tumor hypoxia, focuses on the role of hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, in the development and progression of cancer [...]
Exploration of the Gut Microbiome in Thai Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Shows a Specific Bacterial Profile with Depletion of the Ruminococcus Genus as a Putative Biomarker
Authors: Maes Michael , Vasupanrajit Asara , Jirakran Ketsupar , Klomkliew Pavit , Chanchaem Prangwalai , Tunvirachaisakul Chavit , Payungporn Sunchai
Published: April 2023

Maes et al. (2008) published the first paper demonstrating that major depressive disorder (MDD) is accompanied by abnormalities in the microbiota–gut–brain axis, as evidenced by elevated serum IgM/IgA to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria, such as Morganella morganii and Klebsiella Pneumoniae. The latter aberrations, which point to increased gut permeability (leaky gut), are linked to activated neuro-immune and oxidative pathways in MDD. To delineate the profile and composition of the gut microbiome in Thai patients with MDD, we examined fecal samples of 32 MDD patients and 37 controls using 16S rDNA sequencing, analyzed α- (Chao1 and Shannon indices) and β-diversity (Bray–Curtis dissimilarity), and conducted linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) analysis. Neither α- nor β-diversity differed significantly between MDD and controls. Rhodospirillaceae, Hungatella, Clostridium bolteae, Hungatella hathewayi, and Clostridium propionicum were significantly enriched in MDD, while Gracillibacteraceae family, Lutispora, and Ruminococcus genus, Ruminococcus callidus, Desulfovibrio piger, Coprococcus comes, and Gemmiger were enriched in controls. Contradictory results have been reported for all these taxa, with the exception of Ruminococcus, which is depleted in six different MDD studies (one study showed increased abundance), many medical disorders that show comorbidities with MDD, and animal MDD models. Our results may suggest a specific profile of compositional gut dysbiosis in Thai MDD patients, with increases in some pathobionts and depletion of some beneficial microbiota. The results suggest that depletion of Ruminococcus may be a more universal biomarker of MDD that may contribute to increased enteral LPS load, LPS translocation, and gut–brain axis abnormalities.
Suspension TRAPping Filter (sTRAP) Sample Preparation for Quantitative Proteomics in the Low µg Input Range Using a Plasmid DNA Micro-Spin Column: Analysis of the Hippocampus from the 5xFAD Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Thanou Evangelia , Koopmans Frank , Pita-Illobre Débora , Klaassen Remco V. , Özer Berna , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Smit August B. , Li Ka Wan
Published: April 2023

Suspension TRAPping filter (sTRAP) is an attractive sample preparation method for proteomics studies. The sTRAP protocol uses 5% SDS that maximizes protein solubilization. Proteins are trapped on a borosilicate glass membrane filter, where SDS is subsequently removed from the filter. After trypsin digestion, peptides are analyzed directly by LC-MS. Here, we demonstrated the use of a low-cost plasmid DNA micro-spin column for the sTRAP sample preparation of a dilution series of a synapse-enriched sample with a range of 10–0.3 µg. With 120 ng tryptic peptides loaded onto the Evosep LC system coupled to timsTOF Pro 2 mass spectrometer, we identified 5700 protein groups with 4% coefficient of variation (CoV). Comparing other sample preparation protocols, such as the in-gel digestion and the commercial Protifi S-TRAP with the plasmid DNA micro-spin column, the last is superior in both protein and peptide identification numbers and CoV. We applied sTRAP for the analysis of the hippocampal proteome from the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease and their wildtype littermates, and revealed 121 up- and 54 down-regulated proteins. Protein changes in the mutant mice point to the alteration of processes related to the immune system and Amyloid aggregation, which correlates well with the known major Alzheimer’s-disease-related pathology. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD041045.
Characterizing Intraindividual Podocyte Morphology In Vitro with Different Innovative Microscopic and Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Kraus Annalena , Rose Victoria , Krüger René , Sarau George , Kling Lasse , Schiffer Mario , Christiansen Silke , Müller-Deile Janina
Published: April 2023

Podocytes are critical components of the glomerular filtration barrier, sitting on the outside of the glomerular basement membrane. Primary and secondary foot processes are characteristic for podocytes, but cell processes that develop in culture were not studied much in the past. Moreover, protocols for diverse visualization methods mostly can only be used for one technique, due to differences in fixation, drying and handling. However, we detected by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis that cells reveal high variability in genes involved in cell type-specific morphology, even within one cell culture dish, highlighting the need for a compatible protocol that allows measuring the same cell with different methods. Here, we developed a new serial and correlative approach by using a combination of a wide variety of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques in the same cell for a better understanding of podocyte morphology. In detail, the protocol allowed for the sequential analysis of identical cells with light microscopy (LM), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Skipping the fixation and drying process, the protocol was also compatible with scanning ion-conductance microscopy (SICM), allowing the determination of podocyte surface topography of nanometer-range in living cells. With the help of nanoGPS Oxyo®, tracking concordant regions of interest of untreated podocytes and podocytes stressed with TGF-β were analyzed with LM, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, AFM and SICM, and revealed significant morphological alterations, including retraction of podocyte process, changes in cell surface morphology and loss of cell-cell contacts, as well as variations in lipid and protein content in TGF-β treated cells. The combination of these consecutive techniques on the same cells provides a comprehensive understanding of podocyte morphology. Additionally, the results can also be used to train automated intelligence networks to predict various outcomes related to podocyte injury in the future.
Evaluation of Blood Tumor Mutation Burden for the Efficacy of Second-Line Atezolizumab Treatment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: BUDDY Trial
Authors: Park Cheol-Kyu , Jun Ha Ra , Oh Hyung-Joo , Lee Ji-Young , Cho Hyun-Ju , Kim Young-Chul , Lee Jeong Eun , Yoon Seong Hoon , Choi Chang Min , Lee Jae Cheol , Lee Sung Yong , Lee Shin Yup , Chun Sung-Min , Oh In-Jae
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of blood-based biomarkers, including blood tumor mutation burden (bTMB), to predict atezolizumab efficacy in relapsed and advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stage IV NSCLC patients who had previously received platinum-doublet chemotherapy were recruited and received 1200 mg of atezolizumab every three weeks. Blood was collected to obtain plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) before the first cycle (C0) and at the fourth cycle (C4). bTMB was measured by CT-ULTRA in patients with cfDNA over 10 ng. The objective response rate (ORR) of the enrolled 100 patients was 10%, and there was no difference in ORR according to bTMB (cutoff: 11.5 muts/Mb) at C0 (high bTMB: 8.1% vs. low bTMB: 11.1%). However, the C4/C0 bTMB ratio was significantly lower in the durable clinical benefit (DCB) patients. The cfDNA concentration at C0, the C4/C0 ratio of the cfDNA concentration, the highest variant allele frequency (hVAF), and the VAF standard deviation (VAFSD) were significantly lower in the DCB patients. In the multivariate analysis, a high cfDNA concentration at C0 (cutoff: 8.6 ng/mL) and a C4/C0 bTMB ratio greater than 1 were significantly associated with progression-free survival. These results suggest that baseline levels and dynamic changes of blood-based biomarkers (bTMB, cfDNA concentration, and VAFSD) could predict atezolizumab efficacy in previously treated NSCLC patients.
Shining the Light on Astrocytic Ensembles
Authors: Delgado Laura , Navarrete Marta
Published: April 2023

While neurons have traditionally been considered the primary players in information processing, the role of astrocytes in this mechanism has largely been overlooked due to experimental constraints. In this review, we propose that astrocytic ensembles are active working groups that contribute significantly to animal conduct and suggest that studying the maps of these ensembles in conjunction with neurons is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of behavior. We also discuss available methods for studying astrocytes and argue that these ensembles, complementarily with neurons, code and integrate complex behaviors, potentially specializing in concrete functions.
Atherogenesis in Apoe−/− and Ldlr−/− Mice with a Genetically Resistant Background
Authors: Torikai Hideyuki , Chen Mei-Hua , Jin Li , He Jiang , Angle John F. , Shi Weibin
Published: April 2023

Apoe-deficient (Apoe−/−) and Ldlr-deficient (Ldlr−/−) mice are two common animal models of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. The two models differ in lipid and glucose metabolism and other mechanisms involved in atherogenesis. Here we examined atherosclerotic lesion formation in the two models with an atherosclerosis-resistant C3H/HeJ (C3H) background. 3-month-old C3H-Ldlr−/− and C3H-Apoe−/− mice developed minimal atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root when fed a chow diet. After 12 weeks on a Western diet, C3H-Ldlr−/− mice developed 3-fold larger lesions than C3H-Apoe−/− mice in the aortic root (127,386 ± 13,439 vs. 41,542 ± 5075 μm2/section; p = 0.00028), but neither knockout formed any lesion in the carotid artery. After being ligated near its bifurcation, the common carotid artery developed intimal lesions in both knockouts 4 weeks after ligation, significantly larger in C3H-Ldlr−/− than C3H-Apoe−/− mice (68,721 ± 2706 vs. 47,472 ± 8146 μm2/section; p = 0.028). Compared to C3H-Apoe−/− mice, C3H-Ldlr−/− mice showed a 50% reduction in plasma MCP-1 levels, similar levels of malondialdehyde, an oxidative stress biomarker, on both chow and Western diets, but higher small dense LDL levels on the Western diet. These results suggest a more significant role for small dense LDL than inflammation and oxidative stress in the different susceptibility of the mouse models to atherosclerosis.
Chitosan-Coated Packaging Papers—Strength and Thermal Stability
Authors: Vrabič-Brodnjak Urška , Yavorov Nikolay , Lasheva Veska , Todorova Dimitrina
Published: April 2023

The aging of paper depends on various factors, including environmental conditions, microbiological factors and chemical composition. Chitosan-coated paper is an eco-friendly material that has potential use in various packaging applications due to its mechanical, barrier and antibacterial properties. In this study, the aging stability of chitosan-coated wood-free wrapping paper was evaluated by examining pulp and four paper samples with different quantities of chitosan. Accelerated thermal aging and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis were used to assess the aging stability, while color changes were examined to understand the impact of chitosan coating. The study found that increasing chitosan coating led to improved aging stability due to the improved crosslinking process between chitosan and paper. The coated paper samples displayed a yellowish hue after 72 h of aging, with increased strength and resistance to weight loss. TGA results indicated that the temperature of complete burning of the sample increased with increasing chitosan coating. Additionally, coated paper samples exhibited a more even surface and improved barrier properties. Overall, chitosan-coated paper is a promising material for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging, printing and wrapping applications. This study’s findings have important implications for the development of environmentally-friendly packaging materials that possess desirable mechanical and barrier properties.
Topological Optimization of Interconnection of Multilayer Composite Structures
Authors: Dunchenkin P. V. , Cherekaeva V. A. , Yakovleva T. V. , Krysko A. V.
Published: April 2023

This study focuses on the topological optimization of adhesive overlap joints for structures subjected to longitudinal mechanical loads. The aim is to reduce peak stresses at the joint interface of the elements. Peak stresses in such joints can lead to failure of both the joint and the structure itself. A new approach based on Rational Approximation of Material Properties (RAMP) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) has been proposed to minimize peak stresses in multi-layer composite joints. Using this approach, the Mises peak stresses of the optimal structural joint have been significantly reduced by up to 50% under mechanical loading in the longitudinal direction. The paper includes numerical examples of different types of structural element connections.
Plasma-Pulsed GMAW Hybrid Welding Process of 6061 Aluminum and Zinc-Coated Steel
Authors: Zhang Hongchang , He Wenhu , Zheng Huaibei , Yu Jiang , Zhang Hongtao , Li Yinan , Gao Jianguo , Su Zhaofang
Published: April 2023

A novel plasma-pulsed GMAW hybrid welding (plasma-GMAW-P) process is proposed for joining 6061 aluminum and zinc-coated steel. The results show that the change in welding heat input has little effect on the microstructure of the joint and the composition of the intermetallic compounds (IMCs) but only changes the thickness of the reaction layer (increased from 5 μm to 12 μm). when the plasma arc current is 20 A and the MIG current is 80 A, the welded joint obtained has the highest tensile-shear force. With the optimal process parameters, the weld strength obtained by filling ER4043 welding wire is the highest, accounting for 65% of the tensile-shear force of the base material. The effect of the plasma arc acting on the joint properties is studied through the microstructure and a tensile-shearing test. The action position of the plasma arc plays a significant role in the Al/steel interface, which directly influences the strength of the welded joints. Regardless of the plasma-GMAW-P style used to obtain the joints, Fe-Al IMCs appear at the interface. When the plasma arc is in front of the welding direction and the GMAW-P arc is in the rear, the tensile-shear force reaches the maximum of 3322 N.
Temperature Dependence of the Hyperfine Magnetic Field at Fe Sites in Ba-Doped BiFeO3 Thin Films Studied by Emission Mössbauer Spectroscopy
Authors: Heiniger-Schell Juliana , Bharuth-Ram Krish , Naicker Kimara , Masondo Vusumuzi , Dang Thien Thanh , Escobar Marianela , Díaz-Guerra Carlos , Marschick Georg , Masenda Hilary , Gunnlaugsson Haraldur P. , Qi Bingcui , Unzueta Iraultza , Ólafsson Sveinn , Adhikari Rajdeep , Peters Gerrard , Naidoo Deena , Schaaf Peter , Zyabkin Dmitry , Johnston Karl , Becker Sven , Jakob Gerhard
Published: April 2023

Emission 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (eMS), following the implantation of radioactive 57Mn+ ions, has been used to study the temperature dependence of the hyperfine magnetic field at Fe sites in Ba-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films. 57Mn β decays (t1/2 = 90 s) to the 14.4 keV Mössbauer state of 57Fe, thus allowing online eMS measurements at a selection of sample temperatures during Mn implantation. The eMS measurements were performed on two thin film BFO samples, 88 nm and 300 nm thick, and doped to 15% with Ba ions. The samples were prepared by pulsed laser deposition on SrTiO3 substrates. X-ray diffraction analyses of the samples showed that the films grew in a tetragonal distorted structure. The Mössbauer spectra of the two films, measured at absorber temperatures in the range 301 K–700 K, comprised a central pair of paramagnetic doublets and a magnetic sextet feature in the wings. The magnetic component was resolved into (i) a component attributed to hyperfine interactions at Fe3+ ions located in octahedral sites (Bhf); and (ii) to Fe3+ ions in implantation induced lattice defects, which were characterized by a distribution of the magnetic field BDistr. The hyperfine magnetic field at the Fe probes in the octahedral site has a room temperature value of Bhf = 44.5(9) T. At higher sample temperatures, the Bhf becomes much weaker, with the Fe3+ hyperfine magnetic contribution disappearing above 700 K. Simultaneous analysis of the Ba–BFO eMS spectra shows that the variation of the hyperfine field with temperature follows the Brillouin curve for S = 5/2.
Review on the Corrosion Behaviour of Nickel-Based Alloys in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide under High Temperature and Pressure
Authors: Kang Yiyao , Leng Xuesong , Zhao Lin , Bai Bowen , Wang Xiaoya , Chen Hongsheng
Published: April 2023

Supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) has the advantages of amphoteric liquid and gas, which possesses many unique characteristics, such as good compressibility, high density, high solubility, good fluidity and low viscosity. The Brayton cycle with S-CO2 is considered to have many promising applications, especially for power conversion industries. However, the corrosion and degradation of structural materials hinder the development and application of the Brayton cycle with S-CO2. Nickel-based alloys have the best corrosion resistance in S-CO2 environments compared to austenitic stainless steels and ferritic/martensitic steels. Thus, the present article mainly reviews the corrosion behaviour of nickel-based alloys in S-CO2 under high temperature and pressure. The effect of alloying elements and environment parameters on the corrosion behaviour of different nickel-based alloys are systematically summarized. The conclusion and outlook are given at the end.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Thermal Studies of Polymer-Metal Complexes Derived from Modified Poly Styrene-Alt-(Maleic Anhydride) as a Prospects for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Almehizia Abdulrahman A. , Alkahtani Hamad M. , Al-Omar Mohamed A. , Obaidullah Ahmad J. , Bhat Mashooq A. , Alrasheed Lamees S. , Naglah Ahmed M. , Younes Ayman A. O. , Alsuhaibani Amnah Mohammed , Refat Moamen S. , Adam Abdel Majid A. , El-Sayed Mohamed Y. , Asla Kareem A.
Published: April 2023

Eight polymer-metal complexes were synthesized from complexation of divalent Mn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II) metal ions with modified polystyrene-alt-(maleic anhydride) (PSMAP and PSMAM) ligands. The structures of these new complexes were characterized using a variety of techniques, including magnetic moment susceptibility, conductance measurements, FT-IR spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All metal-polymer complexes have a non-electrolytic nature based on conductance measurements. The polymer molecule behaves as neutral bidentate NO ligand through O atoms of carbonyl (C=O) and N atoms of amide (O=C-NH). Divalent Mn2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Cu2+ complexes have an octahedral geometry based on their electronic spectra and magnetic values. Based on thermal analysis data, those new complexes are more thermally stable than the ligands. SEM and TEM are manipulated to give the surface structure and the particle size measurements where they give different shapes and sizes of the synthesized complexes.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-Prostatectomy Lymphedema: What’s New?
Authors: Bianchi Lorenzo Maria Giuseppe , Irmici Giovanni , Cè Maurizio , D’Ascoli Elisa , Della Pepa Gianmarco , Di Vita Filippo , Casati Omar , Soresina Massimo , Menozzi Andrea , Khenkina Natallia , Cellina Michaela
Published: April 2023

Lymphedema is a chronic progressive disorder that significantly compromises patients’ quality of life. In Western countries, it often results from cancer treatment, as in the case of post-radical prostatectomy lymphedema, where it can affect up to 20% of patients, with a significant disease burden. Traditionally, diagnosis, assessment of severity, and management of disease have relied on clinical assessment. In this landscape, physical and conservative treatments, including bandages and lymphatic drainage have shown limited results. Recent advances in imaging technology are revolutionizing the approach to this disorder: magnetic resonance imaging has shown satisfactory results in differential diagnosis, quantitative classification of severity, and most appropriate treatment planning. Further innovations in microsurgical techniques, based on the use of indocyanine green to map lymphatic vessels during surgery, have improved the efficacy of secondary LE treatment and led to the development of new surgical approaches. Physiologic surgical interventions, including lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and vascularized lymph node transplant (VLNT), are going to face widespread diffusion. A combined approach to microsurgical treatment provides the best results: LVA is effective in promoting lymphatic drainage, bridging VLNT delayed lymphangiogenic and immunological effects in the lymphatic impairment site. Simultaneous VLNT and LVA are safe and effective for patients with both early and advanced stages of post-prostatectomy LE. A new perspective is now represented by the combination of microsurgical treatments with the positioning of nano fibrillar collagen scaffolds (BioBridgeTM) to favor restoring the lymphatic function, allowing for improved and sustained volume reduction. In this narrative review, we proposed an overview of new strategies for diagnosing and treating post-prostatectomy lymphedema to get the most appropriate and successful patient treatment with an overview of the main artificial intelligence applications in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of lymphedema.
Movement and Genomic Methods Reveal Mechanisms Promoting Connectivity in a Declining Shorebird: The Lesser Yellowlegs
Authors: Christie Katherine , Wilson Robert E. , Johnson James A. , Friis Christian , Harwood Christopher M. , McDuffie Laura A. , Nol Erica , Sonsthagen Sarah A.
Published: April 2023

Integrating tracking technology and molecular approaches provides a comprehensive picture of contemporary and evolutionary mechanisms promoting connectivity. We used mitochondrial DNA and double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing combined with satellite telemetry to investigate the connectivity of geographically disparate breeding populations of a declining boreal shorebird, the lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes). We were able to track 33 individuals on their round-trip migrations to Central and South America and back to the boreal wetlands of North America. Nearly all (93%) adults captured on the breeding grounds returned to within 5 km of the original capture site, with a median dispersal distance of 629 m. While our telemetry data revealed limited breeding dispersal in adults, genetic data uncovered significant interconnectedness across the species’ range. Very little genetic structure was estimated at ddRAD autosomal (ΦST = 0.001), Z-linked (ΦST = 0.001), and mtDNA loci (ΦST = 0.020), and maximum likelihood-based clustering methods placed all individuals in a single cluster regardless of capture location, indicating the species is panmictic. Our data indicate that large-scale juvenile dispersal is the main mechanism maintaining connectivity in this species, resulting in the absence of genomic structure.
Radiation Dose Reduction for Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Using a Virtual Noniodine Algorithm on Photon-Counting Detector Computed-Tomography Phantom Data
Authors: Fink Nicola , Zsarnoczay Emese , Schoepf U. , O’Doherty Jim , Griffith Joseph , Pinos Daniel , Tesche Christian , Ricke Jens , Willemink Martin , Varga-Szemes Akos , Emrich Tilman
Published: April 2023

Background: On the basis of the hypothesis that virtual noniodine (VNI)-based coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) is feasible at reduced radiation doses, this study assesses the impact of radiation dose reduction on the accuracy of this VNI algorithm on a photon-counting detector (PCD)-CT. Methods: In a systematic in vitro setting, a phantom for CACS simulating three chest sizes was scanned on a clinical PCD-CT. The standard radiation dose was chosen at volumetric CT dose indices (CTDIVol) of 1.5, 3.3, 7.0 mGy for small, medium-sized, and large phantoms, and was gradually reduced by adjusting the tube current resulting in 100, 75, 50, and 25%, respectively. VNI images were reconstructed at 55 keV, quantum iterative reconstruction (QIR)1, and at 60 keV/QIR4, and evaluated regarding image quality (image noise (IN), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)), and CACS. All VNI results were compared to true noncontrast (TNC)-based CACS at 70 keV and standard radiation dose (reference). Results: INTNC was significantly higher than INVNI, and INVNI at 55 keV/QIR1 higher than at 60 keV/QIR4 (100% dose: 16.7 ± 1.9 vs. 12.8 ± 1.7 vs. 7.7 ± 0.9; p < 0.001 for every radiation dose). CNRTNC was higher than CNRVNI, but it was better to use 60 keV/QIR4 (p < 0.001). CACSVNI showed strong correlation and agreement at every radiation dose (p < 0.001, r > 0.9, intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9). The coefficients of the variation in root-mean squared error were less than 10% and thus clinically nonrelevant for the CACSVNI of every radiation dose. Conclusion: This phantom study suggests that CACSVNI is feasible on PCD-CT, even at reduced radiation dose while maintaining image quality and CACS accuracy.
A Novel Two-Gene Expression-Based Prognostic Score in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Shivarov Velizar , Blazhev Georgi , Yordanov Angel
Published: April 2023

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer type with an increasing incidence worldwide. We aimed to develop a rational gene expression-based prognostic score in MPM using publicly available datasets. Methods: We developed and validated a two-gene prognostic score (2-PS) using three independent publicly available gene expression datasets. The 2-PS was built using the Robust Likelihood-Based Survival Modeling with Microarray Data method. Results: We narrowed down the model building to the analysis of 179 genes, which have been shown previously to be of importance to MPM development. Our statistical approach showed that a model including two genes (GOLT1B and MAD2L1) was the best predictor for overall survival (OS) (p < 0.0001). The binary score based on the median of the continuous score stratified the patients into low and high score groups and also showed statistical significance in uni- and multivariate models. The 2-PS was validated using two independent transcriptomic datasets. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis using training and validation datasets showed that high score patients had distinct gene expression profiles. Our 2-PS also showed a correlation with the estimated infiltration by some immune cell fractions such as CD8+ T cells and M1/2 macrophages. Finally, 2-PS correlated with sensitivity or resistance to some commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs. Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate good performance of only two-gene expression-based prognostic scores in MPM. Our initial approach for features selection allowed for an increased likelihood for the predictive value of the developed score, which we were also able to demonstrate.
Employing a Force and Motion Learning Progression to Investigate the Relationship between Task Characteristics and Students’ Conceptions at Different Levels of Sophistication
Authors: Just Anna Monika , Vorholzer Andreas , von Aufschnaiter Claudia
Published: April 2023

Research has demonstrated that when learning mechanics, students’ conceptions (SCs) improve gradually (1) and are often activated depending on problem features (2). The aim of this study is to combine these two research lines to investigate how different task characteristics affect the activation of SCs at different levels of sophistication. Data were collected from N = 356 students using a paper–pencil test in which conceptual and contextual task characteristics (CCTCs) are varied systematically across ordered multiple-choice items. Answer options were constructed according to the four levels of a force and motion learning progression. Results, obtained using quantitative methods (e.g., Rasch analysis and regression), demonstrate that the effects of CCTCs may differ at different levels of SCs. For the direction of problem, for example, activating the correct conception, assuming force proportional to acceleration, seems to be easier in tasks asking for the resulting motion. However, activating more appropriate conceptions regarding lower levels, e.g., assuming force proportional to velocity, compared to a rather undifferentiated understanding of force and motion, seems to be easier in tasks asking for the forces. Results of our study can be used for choosing tasks with specific CCTCs to support conceptual change along specific steps of a learning path.
An Effective Design Scheme of Single- and Dual-Band Power Dividers for Frequency-Dependent Port Terminations
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Assaad Maher , Chaudhary Muhammad Akmal , Hashmi Mohammad
Published: April 2023

Flexible design schemes for single- and dual-band power dividers terminated in arbitrary port impedances are proposed in this paper. The proposed architecture provides the inherent impedance transformation to real, complex, and frequency-dependent complex impedances at the input and output port terminations. Furthermore, the proposed design is supported by flexible design procedures with independent design variables to enhance rapid prototyping in microstrip technology. It is demonstrated that the presence of independent design variables enhances the design flexibility for varied ranges of frequency and impedance transformation ratios. Two different prototypes, one each demonstrating single- and dual-band performances, are developed to validate the performance of the reported designs with real and frequency-dependent complex port impedances. The prototypes exhibit excellent agreements between the simulated and measured results. The single-band impedance transforming power divider (ITPD) possesses a low-amplitude imbalance of 0.5 dB, a phase imbalance of less than ±0.5∘, and an isolation of −26 dB at the design frequency of 5.8 GHz. The dual-band prototype also exhibits a low-amplitude imbalance of 0.5 dB and a phase imbalance of less than ±0.5∘ at both the design frequencies of 1 GHz and 2.6 GHz. The isolation is also better than −30 dB at both design frequencies. It is thus shown that the overall performance advances the state of the art in the design schemes of ITPDs.
Model of Smart Locating Application for Small Businesses
Authors: Shlyakhetko Olena , Syerov Yuriy , Gregus Michal
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a solution for small businesses to gather statistics on the presence of their customers in and around their institutions, using Bluetooth technology. The solution includes a model of a mobile system based on Bluetooth technology that can provide information about the detectable devices’ relative position to create statistics on users’ presence in a specific timeframe. The research conducted shows that Bluetooth technology can be efficiently used to log the user’s relative position. This paper proposes a two-component system, which includes a mobile application and a cloud-based database with a simple online query interface. The prototype was implemented for the Android operating system and confirms the feasibility of the proposed solution. The developed prototype application was designed as a foundation for further commercial development. The proposed solution provides small businesses with an accessible way of collecting data on the presence of people without having to buy specialized equipment.
A Patch Information Supplement Transformer for Person Re-Identification
Authors: Zhu Li , Jiang Chenglong , Wu Minghu
Published: April 2023

Extracting fine-grained features from person images has proven crucial in person re-identification (re-ID). Although the research of convolutional neural networks (CNN) has been very successful in person re-ID, due to the small receptive field and downsampling operation, the existing CNNs cannot solve the problem of information loss. The multi-head attention modules in transformer can solve the above problems well. However, since dicing operations destroy the spatial correlation between patches, transformer still loses some local features. in this paper, we propose the scheme of the patch information supplement transformer (PIT) to extract fine-grained features in the dicing stage. Patch pyramid network (PPN) is introduced to solve the problem of local information loss. This is accomplished by dividing the image into different scales through the dicing operation and adding them together from top to bottom according to the pyramid structure. In addition, we insert a learnable identity information-embedding module (IDE) to reduce the feature bias of clothing and camera perspective. Experiments verify the superiority and effectiveness of PIT compared to state-of-the-art methods.
Framework for Quantifying Energy Impacts of Rehabilitation of Derelict Buildings: Assessment in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Lima Pedro , Baptista Patrícia , Gomes Ricardo
Published: April 2023

Cities are currently responsible for an important part of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, justifying the need to develop measures to help them become more sustainable. One of those measures can be to address under-utilized assets in cities, such as derelict buildings with high potential for rehabilitation, and the establishment of new residence hubs within cities. Consequently, this work establishes a novel framework for evaluating the impact of rehabilitating these buildings in an urban area in Lisbon, considering the energy consumption associated with the usage of the dwelling as well as the impact on mobility, since it was considered that these buildings will be occupied by people who currently work nearby but live in the outskirts of Lisbon, favouring an urban planning of proximity between home and work. To this extent, a methodology was developed for selecting the buildings to be analysed and the commuting movements to be replaced. Then, buildings were simulated in an urban building energy modelling (UBEM) tool, considering three rehabilitation scenarios, and the required primary energy, CO2 emissions, and costs were calculated. Regarding mobility, three new scenarios were compared with the current scenario. The results obtained confirm the high potential savings from the rehabilitation of derelict buildings and in the best-case scenario—corresponding to the rehabilitation considering envelope insulation, the installation of efficient windows, and the adoption of a heat pump together with a mobility standard targeting 15 min cities—reductions of 76% in primary energy and 84% in CO2 emissions were achieved.
Influence of Sustainable Strategic Management on Methane Projects as Exemplified by the Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A. Mining Company
Authors: Strojny Jacek , Witkowski Krzysztof , Wąs Sebastian
Published: April 2023

This article presents research conducted in one of the largest mining companies in the EU—Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A. It relates to how the implementation of sustainable strategic management has affected methane projects. In the study, a literature analysis was first conducted, establishing the existence and significance of the research gap. Then, a group of experts from JSW S.A., during moderated workshops, prepared a multidimensional model describing the structure of the implementation of sustainable strategic management. The model was constructed and verified using the AHP method. As a result of the study, it was found that the implementation of sustainable strategic management resulted in a change of the company’s strategic priorities. Significant professionalization of management in the course of these projects was also observed. The most important and beneficial element of the implementation was the adoption of strategic goals related to the production of their very own energy based on methane emitted by mines. Other noteworthy elements of the change concern the introduction of continuous business case assurance during projects and the standardization of the project phase model.
Application of a Bidirectional DC/DC Converter to Control the Power Distribution in the Battery–Ultracapacitor System
Authors: Chmielewski Adrian , Piórkowski Piotr , Bogdziński Krzysztof , Możaryn Jakub
Published: April 2023

The article presents the use of the Texas Instruments LM5170EVM-BIDIR bidirectional DC/DC converter to control power distribution in a hybrid energy storage system based on a battery–ultracapacitor system. The paper describes typical topologies of connecting a battery with an ultracapacitor. The results of tests for calibration and identification of converter parameters are presented. The main innovation of the solution presented in this paper is the appropriate selection of the nominal voltage of the ultracapacitor so that the converter can be operated only in the constant current mode, in a cascade connection, excluding the low-efficiency constant voltage mode. This article demonstrated that such control allows for high efficiency and reduction of losses in the DC/DC converter, which is necessary in the case of mobile solutions. The amount of losses was determined depending on the control voltage in the operation modes of the converter: in the Step Up mode by increasing the voltage from 12 V to 24 V, from 12 V to 36 V, and from 12 V to 48 V and in the Step Down mode by decreasing the voltage from 48 V to 12 V, from 36 V to 12 V, and from 24 V to 12 V. For a calibrated converter in a semi-active topology, bench tests were carried out in a cycle with pulsating load. The tests were carried out using LiFePO4 cells with a voltage of 12 V and Maxwell ultracapacitors with a package voltage of 48 V. Power distribution in the range of 10% to 90% was achieved using the myRIO platform, which controlled the operation of the DC/DC converter based on an external current profile.
Analysis of the Efficiency of Traction Drive Control Systems of Electric Locomotives with Asynchronous Traction Motors
Authors: Goolak Sergey , Liubarskyi Borys , Riabov Ievgen , Lukoševičius Vaidas , Keršys Artūras , Kilikevičius Sigitas
Published: April 2023

An analysis of the operating conditions of the traction drives of an electric rolling stock with asynchronous traction motors was conducted. In the process of operation, the electric traction drive with both direct torque control and vector control was found to possibly experience unstable modes, both in terms of power supply and load. The models of electric locomotive traction drives with asynchronous electric motors with either vector or direct torque control were adapted to account for the possible presence of the aforementioned operational factors. As a result of the modeling, the starting characteristics of the electric traction drives with different control systems were obtained both in the absence and in the presence of power supply and load disturbances. The following cases were investigated for the drive with vector and direct torque control in the absence of power supply and torque disturbances: drive output at the rated speed of rotation of the electric motor shaft; 10% reduction in the rated speed; 10% increase in the rated speed. The comparison of the results obtained has demonstrated that, at lower than nominal frequencies, the electric traction drive with direct torque control has higher accuracy in its regulation of the rotational speed and torque, lower power consumption from the power supply, lower torque overshooting, but a higher level of torque pulsations than the electric traction drive with vector control. Meanwhile, at higher than nominal frequencies, the vector control has higher accuracy in its regulation of the speed, lower torque overshooting, shorter duration of transient processes, and lower torque pulsations than the direct torque control. Moreover, as a result of the investigations, the traction drive with direct torque control has been found to be more resistant to power supply and load disturbances. The results of this work are applicable to the investigation of the influence of electric traction drive control methods on the energy efficiency of the traction drive of an electric locomotive with an alternating current (AC).
The Relevance of Lithium Salt Solvate Crystals in Superconcentrated Electrolytes in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Klorman Jake A. , Lau Kah Chun
Published: April 2023

Based on the unique ubiquity of similar solvate structures found in solvate crystals and superconcentrated electrolytes, we performed a systematic study of four reported solvate crystals which consist of different lithium salts (i.e., LiMPSA, LiTFSI, LiDFOB, and LiBOB) solvated by acetonitrile (MeCN) based on first principles calculations. Based on the calculations, these solvate crystals are predicted to be electronic insulators and are expected to be similar to their insulating liquid counterpart (e.g., 4 M superconcentrated LiTFSI-MeCN electrolyte), which has been confirmed to be a promising electrolyte in lithium batteries. Although the MeCN molecule is highly unstable during the reduction process, it is found that the salt-MeCN solvate molecules (e.g., LiTFSI-(MeCN)2, LiDFOB-(MeCN)2) and their charged counterparts (anions and cations) are both thermodynamically and electrochemically stable, which can be confirmed by Raman vibrational modes through the unique characteristic variation in C≡N bond stretching of MeCN molecules. Therefore, in addition to the development of new solvents or lithium salts, we suggest it is possible to utilize the formation of superconcentrated electrolytes with improved electrochemical stability based on existing known compounds to facilitate the development of novel electrolyte design in advanced lithium batteries.
Investigation of Degradation of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review of Aging Factors, Impacts, and Future Directions toward Sustainable Energy Management
Authors: Rahman Tuhibur , Mansur Ahmed , Hossain Lipu Molla , Rahman Md. , Ashique Ratil , Houran Mohamad , Elavarasan Rajvikram , Hossain Eklas
Published: April 2023

The degradation of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is caused by a number of factors that have an impact on their effectiveness, performance, and lifetime. One of the reasons contributing to the decline in solar PV performance is the aging issue. This study comprehensively examines the effects and difficulties associated with aging and degradation in solar PV applications. In light of this, this article examines and analyzes many aging factors, including temperature, humidity, dust, discoloration, cracks, and delamination. Additionally, the effects of aging factors on solar PV performance, including the lifetime, efficiency, material degradation, overheating, and mismatching, are critically investigated. Furthermore, the main drawbacks, issues, and challenges associated with solar PV aging are addressed to identify any unfulfilled research needs. Finally, this paper provides new directions for future research, best practices, and recommendations to overcome aging issues and achieve the sustainable management and operation of solar energy systems. For PV engineers, manufacturers, and industrialists, this review’s critical analysis, evaluation, and future research directions will be useful in paving the way for conducting additional research and development on aging issues to increase the lifespan and efficiency of solar PV.