bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRCA Mutation Status in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Pivotal Role for Treatment Decision-Making
Authors: Pavese Francesco , Capoluongo Ettore Domenico , Muratore Margherita , Minucci Angelo , Santonocito Concetta , Fuso Paola , Concolino Paola , Di Stasio Enrico , Carbognin Luisa , Tiberi Giordana , Garganese Giorgia , Corrado Giacomo , Di Leone Alba , Generali Daniele , Fragomeni Simona Maria , D’Angelo Tatiana , Franceschini Gianluca , Masetti Riccardo , Fabi Alessandra , Mulè Antonino , Santoro Angela , Belli Paolo , Tortora Giampaolo , Scambia Giovanni , Paris Ida
Published: September 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by earlier recurrence and shorter survival compared with other types of breast cancer. Moreover, approximately 15 to 25% of all TNBC patients harbor germline BRCA (gBRCA) 1/2 mutations, which confer a more aggressive phenotype. However, TNBC seems to be particularly sensitive to chemotherapy, the so-called ‘triple negative paradox’. Therefore, Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is currently considered the preferred approach for early-stage TNBC. BRCA status has also been studied as a predictive biomarker of response to platinum compounds. Although several randomized trials investigated the addition of carboplatin to standard NACT in early-stage TNBC, the role of BRCA status remains unclear. In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated data from 136 consecutive patients with Stage I-III TNBC who received standard NACT with or without the addition of carboplatin, in order to define clinical features and outcomes in BRCA 1/2 mutation carriers and non-carrier controls. Between January 2013 and February 2021, 67 (51.3%) out of 136 patients received a standard anthracyclines/taxane regimen and 69 (50.7%) patients received a platinum-containing chemotherapy regimen. Deleterious germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations were identified in 39 (28.7%) patients. Overall, patients with deleterious gBRCA1/2 mutation have significantly higher pCR rate than non-carrier patients (23 [59%] of 39 vs. 33 [34%] of 97; p = 0.008). The benefit of harboring a gBRCA mutation was confirmed only in the subset of patients who received a platinum-based NACT (17 [65.4%] of 26 vs. 13 [30.2%] of 43; p = 0.005) while no differences were found in the platinum-free subgroup. Patients who achieved pCR after NACT had significantly better EFS (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.9–10.7; p = 0.001) and OS (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.3–8.9; p = 0.01) than patients who did not, regardless of BRCA1/2 mutation status and type of NACT received. Our results based on real-world evidence show that TNBC patients with the gBRCA1/2 mutation who received platinum-based NACT have a higher pCR rate than non-carrier patients, supporting the use of this chemotherapy regimen in this patient population. Long-term follow-up analyses are needed to further define the role of gBRCA mutation status on clinical outcomes in patients with early-TNBC.
Modulation of Fibroblast Activity via Vitamin D3 Is Dependent on Tumor Type—Studies on Mouse Mammary Gland Cancer
Authors: Łabędź Natalia , Stachowicz-Suhs Martyna , Psurski Mateusz , Anisiewicz Artur , Banach Joanna , Piotrowska Aleksandra , Dzięgiel Piotr , Maciejczyk Adam , Matkowski Rafał , Wietrzyk Joanna
Published: September 2022

Vitamin D3 and its analogs are known to modulate the activity of fibroblasts under various disease conditions. However, their impact on cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is yet to be fully investigated. The aim of this study was to characterize CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) from the lung of mice bearing 4T1, 67NR, and E0771 cancers and healthy mice fed vitamin-D3-normal (1000 IU), -deficient (100 IU), and -supplemented (5000 IU) diets. The groups receiving control (1000 IU) and deficient diets (100 IU) were gavaged with calcitriol (+cal). In the 4T1-bearing mice from the 100 IU+cal group, increased NFs activation (increased α-smooth muscle actin, podoplanin, and tenascin C (TNC)) with a decreased blood flow in the tumor was observed, whereas the opposite effect was observed in the 5000 IU and 100 IU groups. CAFs from the 5000 IU group of E0771-bearing mice were activated with increased expression of podoplanin, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, and TNC. In the 100 IU+cal group of E0771-bearing mice, a decreased blood flow was recorded with decreased expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in tumors and increased expression of TNC on CAFs. In the 67NR model, the impact of vitamin D3 on blood flow or CAFs and lung NFs was not observed despite changes in plasma and/or tumor tissue concentrations of osteopontin (OPN), CCL2, transforming growth factor-β, vascular endothelial growth factor, and FGF23. In healthy mice, divergent effects of vitamin D3 supplementation/deficiency were observed, which lead to the creation of various body microenvironments depending on the mouse strain. Tumors developing in such microenvironments themselves modified the microenvironments by producing, for example, higher concentrations of OPN and stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (4T1), which influences the response to vitamin D3 supplementation/deficiency and calcitriol administration.
Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Regulating Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Resistance
Authors: Deng Daiyong , Patel Riya , Chiang Cheng-Yao , Hou Pingping
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic cancer has a notoriously poor prognosis, exhibits persistent drug resistance, and lacks a cure. Unique features of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment exacerbate tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Recent studies emphasize the importance of exploiting cells in the tumor microenvironment to thwart cancers. In this review, we summarize the hallmarks of the multifaceted pancreatic tumor microenvironment, notably pancreatic stellate cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, and neutrophils, in the regulation of chemo-, radio-, immuno-, and targeted therapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. The molecular insight will facilitate the development of novel therapeutics against pancreatic cancer.
Convolutional Neural Network Applications in Fire Debris Classification
Authors: Akmeemana Anuradha , Williams Mary R. , Sigman Michael E.
Published: September 2022

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are inspired by the visual cortex of the brain. In this work, CNNs, are applied to classify ground truth samples as positive or negative for ignitable liquid residue (ILR+ and ILR−, respectively). Known ground truth samples included laboratory-generated fire debris samples, neat ignitable liquids (ILs), single-substrate (SUB) burned samples and computationally generated (in silico) training samples. The images were generated from the total ion spectra for both training and test datasets by applying a wavelet transformation. The training set consisted of 50,000 in silico-generated fire debris samples. The probabilities generated from the CNN are used to calculate the likelihood ratios. These likelihood ratios were calibrated using logistic regression and the empirical cross-entropy (ECE) plots were used to investigate the calibration of the probabilities of the presence of ILRs (i.e., probability of belonging to class ILR+). The performance of the model was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic plots (ROC AUC). The ROC AUC for the laboratory-generated fire debris samples and the combined IL and SUB samples was 0.87 and 0.99, respectively. The CNNs trained on in silico data did significantly better predicting the classification of the pure IL (ILR+) and SUB (ILR−) samples. Nonetheless, the classification performance for laboratory-generated samples was sufficient to aid forensic analysts in the classification of casework samples.
Analysis of the Influence of Pre-Pregnancy BMI and Weight Gain during Pregnancy on the Weight of Healthy Children during the First 2 Years of Life: A Prospective Study
Authors: Łoniewska Beata , Michalczyk Kaja , Podsiadło Konrad , Adamek Karolina , Michalczyk Barbara , Tousty Piotr , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Łoniewski Igor
Published: September 2022

Background: Increased pre-pregnancy maternal BMI (pBMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) have been found to increase infants’ birthweight and result in the programming of child weight and impact its later weight gain. Aim: To assess the impact of pBMI and GWG on the weight of children from birth to 2 years of age and over the duration of breastfeeding. Methods: Single Centre observational prospective longitudinal cohort study. Data were collected from medical records, and medical history. The analysis of multiple linear and mixed models was involved. Findings: 20% of females were overweight, while 13% were obese before the pregnancy. An overall model, including gender and smoking, indicated a significant impact of pBMI category on a child’s birth mass (p = 0.01). The GWG category affected a child’s birth weight (p = 0.018, Effect size 0.41). pBMI did not affect the breastfeeding duration. Conclusion: pBMI and GWG correlate with birth weight and weight in neonatal period, however they become insignificant in later childhood. Weight assessment methods among children aged up to two years of age require standardization. Maternal weight before the pregnancy nor the weight gain during the pregnancy do not influence the length of breastfeeding. The biggest limitation was the small sample size and the failure to account for weight gain per trimester of pregnancy. Further research on a larger population should be continued.
Effect of Staining Drinks on the Color Stability of Grit Blasted and Non-Grit Blasted Monolithic Zirconia: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alzahrani Khaled M. , Alhaqbani Meshal M. , Basalem Saeed A. , Alsubaie Faiz , AlRabiah Mohammed , Alzahrani Abdulelah , AlAali Khulud A. , Farooq Imran , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to compare the color stability of different types of zirconia with and without grit blasting (GB) after they were immersed in staining drinks. Two hundred and forty zirconia samples (N = 240) belonging equally to three different types of zirconia (Cercon® xt multilayer, xt extra translucent, and ht high translucent) were used in this study. Forty samples from each zirconia group were roughened with GB, while the other forty remained non-GB (NGB). Eight GB and NGB zirconia samples from each sub-group were immersed in artificial saliva, coffee, protein shake, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and a soft drink. Besides chlorhexidine mouthwash (immersion time: 14 days), the samples were immersed in the liquids for 28 days. A spectrophotometer was utilized to observe the color differences (∆E) at baseline (T0), 7 days post-immersion (T1), 14 days post-immersion (T2), 21 days post-immersion (T3), and 28 days post-immersion (T4). For the multilayer zirconia, the greatest ∆E (8.45 for GB and 5.97 for NGB samples) was observed after immersion in coffee at T4. For the extra translucent zirconia, the greatest ∆E (9.10 for GB and 6.81 for NGB samples) was also observed after immersion into the coffee at T4. For the high translucent zirconia, the greatest ∆E (4.53 for GB and 3.62 for NGB samples) was observed after immersion into the coffee at T4 and T3. Protein shake and soft drink immersion also significantly discolored some zirconia samples. Overall, GB zirconia samples presented with greater ∆E values than their NGB counterparts. It can be concluded that coffee immersion of zirconia samples caused a more significant discoloration (increased ∆E values) than any other liquid. Future clinical studies should be carried out to corroborate the current study’s findings.
Structural Changes during Steel Processing
Authors: Polyakova Marina , Samodurova Marina
Published: September 2022

It is impossible to overestimate the role of metals and alloys in the development of human civilization [...]
Synthesis and Solid-State X-ray Structure of the Mononuclear Palladium(II) Complex Based on 1,2,3-Triazole Ligand
Authors: Al-Rasheed Hessa H. , Haukka Matti , Soliman Saied M. , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Ali M. , El-Faham Ayman , Barakat Assem
Published: September 2022

Herein, we described the synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of the new [Pd(3)2Cl2] complex with 1,2,3-triazole-based ligand (3). In the unit cell, there are two [Pd(3)2Cl2] molecules, and the asymmetric unit comprised half of this formula due to the presence of an inversion symmetry element at the Pd(II) center. The monoclinic unit cell volume is 1327.85(6) Å3, with crystal parameters of a = 10.7712(2) Å, b = 6.8500(2) Å, and c = 18.2136(6) Å, while β = 98.851(2)°. The structure comprised two trans triazole ligand units coordinated to the Pd(II) ion via one of the N-atoms of the triazole moiety. In addition, the Pd(II) is further coordinated with two trans chloride groups, where each of the trans bonds is equidistant. The crystal structure of the [Pd(3)2Cl2] complex was compared with that for free triazole ligand 3. It was found that the coordinated ligand showed less twist around the C–N bond compared to free triazole ligand 3. The molecular packing of the latter is found controlled by short O…H, N…H, C…N, and C…C interactions in addition to the short Cl…F interhalogen and π–π interactions. H…H (23.5%), Cl…H (14.4%), N…H (14.3%), and O…H (11.2%) are the most dominant contacts. In the [Pd(3)2Cl2] complex, no significant interhalogen or π–π interactions were detected. In this case, Cl…H (31.1%), H…H (16.7%), O…H (11.6%), and F…H (9.7%) are the most dominant contacts.
A Simple and Efficient Way to Directly Synthesize Unsolvated Alkali Metal (M = Na, K) Salts of [CB11H12]−
Authors: Han Hui , Wang Ying-Ying , Yu Xing-Chao , Ma Yan-Na , Chen Xuenian
Published: September 2022

Alkali metal (M = Na, K) salts of the [CB11H12]− anion have attracted increasing attention in many fields such as catalysis and all-solid-state batteries. However, tedious and low-yielding synthetic methods have seriously limited their application in these fields. We developed a facile method for the direct synthesis of the unsolvated potassium and sodium salts of the [CB11H12]− anion in 66% and 68% yields, respectively, by reactions of Na[B11H14] with NaH/NaHMDS (sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide), CF3SiMe3 in THF and K[B11H14] with KH, CF3SiMe3 in DME. This method avoids the exchange of cation and significantly simplifies the reaction setup, thus enabling convenient large-scale synthesis. It is believed that this method will support further application of Na[CB11H12] and K[CB11H12] as solid electrolytes for an all-solid-state battery.
An Update of Amphipoda Checklist for the English Channel
Authors: Dauvin Jean-Claude
Published: September 2022

An updated checklist for 2022 of amphipods from the English Channel (La Manche) is given for eight geographical zones. This revision brings the inventory of 1999 up to date with recent data from the Normano-Breton Gulf and other studies focused on non-indigenous fauna, as well as recent data from benthic and suprabenthic studies, mainly in the eastern part of the English Channel (EC). The total number of species in the entire EC is 269. The number of species is much higher in the western basin (WEC) than it is in the eastern basin (EEC) or in the central part of the EC. The amphipod species listed here are distributed between the eight zones as follows: French WEC: 201 species; English WEC: 194; Normano-Breton Gulf: 224; Bay of Seine: 172; Wight: 97; French EEC: 149; English EEC: 64; and Central EC: 61. Of these species, 180 are present in both basins of the EC, while 78 are present only in the western basin and 11 are present only in the eastern basin. The low number of amphipods (<100) recorded in three of the eight zones is probably due to the lack of observations in these parts of the EC. Among the 269 amphipod species recorded with confidence in the EC, 24 are new to the EC since 1999, 12 are non-indigenous species, and 44 are observed only in one of the eight zones, mainly in the three zones of the western basin of the EC.
Assessing the Temporal and Spatial Variability of Coffee Plantation Using RPA-Based RGB Imaging
Authors: Martello Maurício , Molin José Paulo , Angnes Graciele , Acorsi Matheus Gabriel
Published: September 2022

The biophysical parameters of coffee plants can provide important information to guide crop management. An alternative to traditional methods of sparse hand measurements to obtain this type of information can be the 3D modeling of the coffee canopy using aerial images from RGB cameras attached to remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). This study aimed to explore the use of RGB aerial images to obtain 3D information of coffee crops, deriving plant height and volume information together with yield data during three growing seasons in a commercial production area of 10.24 ha, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Seven data acquisition campaigns were conducted during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The flights were made at 70 m above ground level, with lateral and longitudinal overlaps of 75% and 80%, respectively. The images were processed, obtaining canopy surface models (CSMs) derived into plant height and volume data for each campaign. The results showed that it is possible to extract the plant height of coffee plants with an R2 of 0.86 and an RMSE of 0.4 m. It was possible to monitor the temporal variability of coffee plant height and volume based on aerial images and correlate this information with yield data. The results of the modeling analysis demonstrated the possibility of using these variables to help understand the spatial variability of coffee yield within the field.
Infrared-Visible Image Fusion Based on Semantic Guidance and Visual Perception
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Teng Zhijie , Liu Yingqi , Lu Jun , Bai Lianfa , Han Jing
Published: September 2022

Infrared-visible fusion has great potential in night-vision enhancement for intelligent vehicles. The fusion performance depends on fusion rules that balance target saliency and visual perception. However, most existing methods do not have explicit and effective rules, which leads to the poor contrast and saliency of the target. In this paper, we propose the SGVPGAN, an adversarial framework for high-quality infrared-visible image fusion, which consists of an infrared-visible image fusion network based on Adversarial Semantic Guidance (ASG) and Adversarial Visual Perception (AVP) modules. Specifically, the ASG module transfers the semantics of the target and background to the fusion process for target highlighting. The AVP module analyzes the visual features from the global structure and local details of the visible and fusion images and then guides the fusion network to adaptively generate a weight map of signal completion so that the resulting fusion images possess a natural and visible appearance. We construct a joint distribution function between the fusion images and the corresponding semantics and use the discriminator to improve the fusion performance in terms of natural appearance and target saliency. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed ASG and AVP modules can effectively guide the image-fusion process by selectively preserving the details in visible images and the salient information of targets in infrared images. The SGVPGAN exhibits significant improvements over other fusion methods.
Analytical and Numerical Treatment of Continuous Ageing in the Voter Model
Authors: Baron Joseph W. , Peralta Antonio F. , Galla Tobias , Toral Raúl
Published: September 2022

The conventional voter model is modified so that an agent’s switching rate depends on the ‘age’ of the agent—that is, the time since the agent last switched opinion. In contrast to previous work, age is continuous in the present model. We show how the resulting individual-based system with non-Markovian dynamics and concentration-dependent rates can be handled both computationally and analytically. The thinning algorithm of Lewis and Shedler can be modified in order to provide an efficient simulation method. Analytically, we demonstrate how the asymptotic approach to an absorbing state (consensus) can be deduced. We discuss three special cases of the age-dependent switching rate: one in which the concentration of voters can be approximated by a fractional differential equation, another for which the approach to consensus is exponential in time, and a third case in which the system reaches a frozen state instead of consensus. Finally, we include the effects of a spontaneous change of opinion, i.e., we study a noisy voter model with continuous ageing. We demonstrate that this can give rise to a continuous transition between coexistence and consensus phases. We also show how the stationary probability distribution can be approximated, despite the fact that the system cannot be described by a conventional master equation.
Design and Embedded Implementation of Secure Image Encryption Scheme Using DWT and 2D-LASM
Authors: Wen Heping , Chen Zefeng , Zheng Jiehong , Huang Yiming , Li Shuwei , Ma Linchao , Lin Yiting , Liu Zhen , Li Rui , Liu Linhao , Lin Wenxing , Yang Jieyi , Zhang Chongfu , Yang Huaide
Published: September 2022

In order to further improve the information effectiveness of digital image transmission, an image-encryption algorithm based on 2D-Logistic-adjusted-Sine map (2D-LASM) and Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is proposed. First, a dynamic key with plaintext correlation is generated using Message-Digest Algorithm 5 (MD5), and 2D-LASM chaos is generated based on the key to obtain a chaotic pseudo-random sequence. Secondly, we perform DWT on the plaintext image to map the image from the time domain to the frequency domain and decompose the low-frequency (LF) coefficient and high-frequency (HF) coefficient. Then, the chaotic sequence is used to encrypt the LF coefficient with the structure of “confusion-permutation”. We perform the permutation operation on HF coefficient, and we reconstruct the image of the processed LF coefficient and HF coefficient to obtain the frequency-domain ciphertext image. Finally, the ciphertext is dynamically diffused using the chaotic sequence to obtain the final ciphertext. Theoretical analysis and simulation experiments show that the algorithm has a large key space and can effectively resist various attacks. Compared with the spatial-domain algorithms, this algorithm has great advantages in terms of computational complexity, security performance, and encryption efficiency. At the same time, it provides better concealment of the encrypted image while ensuring the encryption efficiency compared to existing frequency-domain methods. The successful implementation on the embedded device in the optical network environment verifies the experimental feasibility of this algorithm in the new network application.
Complex Dynamics of a Cournot Quantum Duopoly Game with Memory and Heterogeneous Players
Authors: Garcia-Perez Luis , Grau-Climent Juan , Alonso-Sanz Ramon , Losada Juan C.
Published: September 2022

Previous authors tend to consider a certain range of values of the parameters involved in a game, not taking into account other possible values. In this article, a quantum dynamical Cournot duopoly game with memory and heterogeneous players (one of them is boundedly rational and the other one, a naive player) is studied, where the quantum entanglement can be greater than one and the speed of adjustment can be negative. In this context, we analyzed the behavior of the local stability and the profit in those values. Considering the local stability, it is observed that the stability region increases in the model with memory regardless of whether the quantum entanglement is greater than one or whether the speed of adjustment is negative. However, it is also shown that the stability is greater in the negative than in the positive zone of the speed of adjustment and, therefore, it improves the results obtained in previous experiments. This increase of stability enables higher values of speed of adjustment and, as a result of that, the system reaches the stability faster, resulting in a remarkable economic advantage. Regarding the behavior of the profit with these parameters, the principal effect shown is that the application of memory causes a certain delay in the dynamics. Through this article, all these statements are analytically proved and widely supported with several numerical simulations, using different values of the memory factor, the quantum entanglement, and the speed of adjustment of the boundedly rational player.
Numerical Investigation of Tip Leakage Vortex Cavitating Flow in a Waterjet Pump with Emphasis on Flow Characteristics and Energy Features
Authors: Lv Shujian , Wang Xincheng , Cheng Huaiyu , Ji Bin
Published: September 2022

The Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) turbulence model was coupled with a homogeneous cavitation model to analyze the tip-leakage vortex (TLV) cavitating-flow characteristics in a waterjet pump. The numerical results agree well with experimental data. The results show that the vortex evolution in the waterjet pump has three stages, which is similar to that around a hydrofoil, but the vorticity variations in the waterjet pump are more complicated. The relative-vorticity-transport equation was then applied to find the reason for the differences between the vorticity variation observed in the waterjet pump and that around a hydrofoil. The results indicate that the drastic fusion process of the TSV cavity and the TLV cavity in the waterjet pump resulted in the formation of triangular cavitation region near the blade tip that is difficult to reproduce by stationary hydrofoil simulation. This fusion process caused the local variation of fluid volume and further affected the vorticity transport. The entropy-production evaluation method considering the phase transition was then used to analyze the dissipation losses in the complex cavitation region. The results indicate that the drastic fusion process of the TSV cavity and the TLV cavity significantly influenced the entropy production rate distributions and enhanced the disturbance of the flow field. In addition, severe phase transition occurs in the drastic fusion region accompanied by huge phase-transition losses.
Offshore Wind Power Forecasting—A New Hyperparameter Optimisation Algorithm for Deep Learning Models
Authors: Hanifi Shahram , Lotfian Saeid , Zare-Behtash Hossein , Cammarano Andrea
Published: September 2022

The main obstacle against the penetration of wind power into the power grid is its high variability in terms of wind speed fluctuations. Accurate power forecasting, while making maintenance more efficient, leads to the profit maximisation of power traders, whether for a wind turbine or a wind farm. Machine learning (ML) models are recognised as an accurate and fast method of wind power prediction, but their accuracy depends on the selection of the correct hyperparameters. The incorrect choice of hyperparameters will make it impossible to extract the maximum performance of the ML models, which is attributed to the weakness of the forecasting models. This paper uses a novel optimisation algorithm to tune the long short-term memory (LSTM) model for short-term wind power forecasting. The proposed method improves the power prediction accuracy and accelerates the optimisation process. Historical power data of an offshore wind turbine in Scotland is utilised to validate the proposed method and compare its outcome with regular ML models tuned by grid search. The results revealed the significant effect of the optimisation algorithm on the forecasting models’ performance, with improvements of the RMSE of 7.89, 5.9, and 2.65 percent, compared to the persistence and conventional grid search-tuned Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and LSTM models.
Analysis and Case Study of National Economic Evaluation of Expressway Dynamic Wireless Charging
Authors: Li Siqi , Duan Hengjiao , Xia Jinglin , Xiong Lu
Published: September 2022

As the transportation industry develops new forms of energy and electrification, expressway dynamic wireless charging has become an attractive technology that has the potential to completely solve a range of anxieties associated with electric vehicles. The main objective of this paper was to analyze the economic feasibility of dynamic wireless charging projects on highways. First, the roadside cost of dynamic wireless charging was estimated in terms of equipment, construction, and maintenance costs. Then, various indicators of the national economy of expressway dynamic wireless charging were analyzed. Finally, using the GM (1,1) model, a prediction model for evaluating the associated economic benefits is proposed in this study. As a case study, a national economic evaluation of retrofitting a dynamic wireless charging infrastructure on the Guiyang to Xinzhai Expressway was calculated with the following results: the economic internal rate of return (EIRR) is 11.27% to 29.11%, the economic net present value (ENPV) is 321.59 million RMB to 733.51 million RMB, the economic benefit to cost ratio (EBCR) is 1.02 to 1.32, and the payback period is 3.15 years to 6.35 years. All indicators are higher than the benchmark value for the national economic evaluation, and the sensitivity analysis results are also higher than the benchmark. The results of this paper show that the project is economically feasible and has certain economic benefits. From the perspective of economic benefits, it is necessary to provide more effective information for investors and decision-makers to build dynamic wireless charging highway projects.
Analysis of China’s Coal Reduction Path under the Goal of Peak Carbon Emissions and Carbon Neutralization
Authors: Liu Hanbin , Wang Xintong , Chang Siqi
Published: September 2022

In recent years, China has proposed the goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, which will significantly alter its existing coal-based energy mix. Since coal is China’s primary source of energy and the largest contributor to carbon emissions, coal reduction is an important measure toward carbon neutrality. In order to guarantee the stable development of economy and society in the process of coal reduction, the path and cost of coal reduction need to be studied in depth. Based on coal use in China, this paper examines and measures the stages and costs of coal reduction. It also gives a definition for coal reduction costs for the first time, including economic cost, environment and ecology cost, and health cost, as well as proposes a framework for analyzing the “full cost, full process, and full scenario”. We measure the cost in combination with the KAYA formula, and take into account the time value of the cost. Based on the above measurement framework, we calculate the unit coal reduction cost and estimate the coal reduction cost between CNY 454.38 and 827.1 billion.
Overall Efficiency Improvement of a Dual Active Bridge Converter Based on Triple Phase-Shift Control
Authors: Jean-Pierre Garry , Altin Necmi , El Shafei Ahmad , Nasiri Adel
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a control scheme based on an optimal triple phase-shift (TPS) control for dual active bridge (DAB) DC–DC converters to achieve maximum efficiency. This is performed by analyzing, quantifying, and minimizing the total power losses, including the high-frequency transformer (HFT) and primary and secondary power modules of the DAB converter. To analyze the converter, three operating zones were defined according to low, medium, and rated power. To obtain the optimal TPS variables, two optimization techniques were utilized. In local optimization (LO), the offline particle swarm optimization (PSO) method was used, resulting in numerical optimums. This method was used for the low and medium power regions. The Lagrange multiplier (LM) was used for global optimization (GO), resulting in closed-form expressions for rated power. Detailed analyses and experimental results are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Additionally, obtained results are compared with the traditional single phase-shift (SPS) method, the optimized dual phase-shift (DPS) method, and TPS method with RMS current minimization to better highlight the performance of the proposed approach.
Unraveling the Importance of Forest Structure and Composition Driving Soil Microbial and Enzymatic Responses in the Subtropical Forest Soils
Authors: Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Chen Xiaoyong , Shakoor Awais , Rashid Muhammad Haroon U. , Kumar Uttam , Alhomrani Majid , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Ravindran Balasubramani , Yan Wende
Published: September 2022

As the responsive soil properties, soil microbial fractions and enzymatic activities are often recommended for assessing soil environment. Different flora, silvicultural practices, and anthropogenic activities regulate essential ecosystem processes. They could substantially affect biological properties, nutrient budgets, and biogeochemical cycles at local and regional scales. This study examined how different forest compositions influenced by various anthropogenic activities (land use change, over-exploitation, species translocation) affect soil microbial properties and enzymatic activities, as well as the effects of soil chemical properties on these patterns in important sub-tropical forest ecosystems in Southern China. The research was conducted at Lutou forest research station, located in Yueyang, Hunan Province, China. Soil samples were collected at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm depths from natural broadleaved forest (NBF), coniferous monoculture plantations (CPF), and mixed forest stand. CPF stands are directly affected by human interference and frequent harvesting practices, whereas mixed forest and NBF stands are naturally grown forests with minimal human interference. Enzymes continually play a positive role in preserving soil health. The results showed that the interaction effect of forest type and soil depth significantly influenced urease, sucrase, and protease activity (all p < 0.001); however, no clear patterns were observed. Soil microbial carbon (MBC) and soil microbial nitrogen (MBN) were remarkably higher in 0–10 cm in mixed forest and NBF stand compared to CPF stand. For the upper soil layer, soil organic carbon (SOC) was higher in mixed forest, whereas, for the remaining two layers, it was observed to be highest in NBF. Moreover, the microbial quotient (MBC/SOC) was considerably higher in NBF forest in all soil layers than in mixed forest and CPF stand. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (TN) had a strong positive relationship with MBC compared to MBN. Our study contributes toward an enhanced understanding of soil enzymatic responses and microbial soil dynamics’ biological patterns, controls, and activities in different rural forest ecosystems.
Fruit Tree Legume Herb Intercropping Orchard System Is an Effective Method to Promote the Sustainability of Systems in a Karst Rocky Desertification Control Area
Authors: Cheng Hanting , Hu Wen , Zhou Xiaohui , Dong Rongshu , Liu Guodao , Li Qinfen , Zhang Xian
Published: September 2022

Karst rocky desertification control through the conversion of cropland to economic forest is vital for vegetation recovery and the alleviation of distinct contradiction between ecological conservation and economic development. To evaluate the sustainability of orchard systems from the perspectives of ecosystem and economic services, we employed emergy analysis for the comprehensive and quantitative assessment of two orchard system types: (1) mango monoculture (MM) and macadamia monoculture (NM) and (2) mango Vicia angustifolia intercropping (MVI) and macadamia Desmodium intortum intercropping (NDI). In the past, these areas were converted from a maize field (MF) in the southwest karst area of China. Our results showed that, compared to the MF, the total emergy input in monoculture orchards (NM and NM) decreased by 8.99% and 35.25%, and the economic profit (EP) increased by 20,406.57 and 114,406.32 RMB·ha−1, respectively. However, the non-renewable environmental input (energy loss of soil, SOM reduction, and irrigation water) still accounted for 43.25% and 62.01% in the total emergy input. After conversion to orchard legume herb intercropping (MVI and NDI), purchased resource inputs accounted for 86.36% and 68.20% of the total emergy input. Orchard legume herb intercropping further increased the EP, while improving ecosystem services and providing the capability for groundwater recharge, soil conservation, and soil carbon sequestration. The intercropping orchards were relatively sustainable from the view of economic and ecosystem services (EISD > 3.18), due to lower environmental loading ratios (ELR < 1.15), higher emergy yield ratio (EYR > 0.89), and economic output/input ratio (O/I ratio > 2.41). The integrated pest management simulations indicated that, compared to intercropping systems, the renewable percent (R%) and emergy sustainability index (ESI) of the scenario simulations (MVI-O and NDI-O) increased by 17.61% and 10.51%, respectively. These results suggest that integrated pest management is an effective method to improve the short-term sustainability of the orchard system. Therefore, the management of intercropped legume herb within an orchard system is an effective way to achieve sustainable development.
The Lonely Life of a Champion Tree, Aesculus glabra
Authors: Ashley Mary V. , Chong Jer Pin , Luers James , Backs Janet R.
Published: September 2022

Seedlings derived from two Ohio buckeyes (Aesculus glabra Willd.) trees, the National Champion growing in Illinois, USA, and the Ohio State Champion were sampled. The National Champion grows at the northern limits of the species’ native range. The Ohio State Champion grows in Huron County, Ohio, well within the eastern range of the species. We also sampled 40 adult trees growing in Ohio and Illinois. All trees were genotyped at six microsatellite loci. We found that 42 of the 44 sampled seedlings (95%) from the National Champion tree, collected over two seasons, exhibited only maternal alleles at all six microsatellite loci, indicating they were produced by self-fertilization. In contrast, all seedlings from the Ohio state champion tree (N = 48) exhibited non-maternal alleles, indicating they were produced by outcrossing. Our results suggest that when outcross pollen is not available, A. glabra will self-fertilize, but does so rarely or never when outcross pollen is available. Seed germination and early survival were similar for progeny of both champions, but seedlings from the National Champion show lower growth rates and higher mortality during a spring frost, possibly due to inbreeding depression. There was little evidence for genetic structure between trees sampled in Ohio and Illinois.
Effects of Poplar Shelterbelt Plantations on Soil Aggregate Distribution and Organic Carbon in Northeastern China
Authors: Wu Yan , Wang Qiong , Wang Huimei , Wang Wenjie , Zhong Zhaoliang , Di Guili
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to determine the distribution, stability, and soil organic carbon (SOC) of aggregates, and the contribution of soil aggregate proportion, stability index, and aggregate-associated SOC to the total SOC. Three hundred and sixty soil samples were gathered from shelterbelts and neighboring farmlands in five layers of 1 m profiles in Songnen Plain, northeastern China. The shelterbelt plantations were found to increase by 69.5% and 103.8% in >2 mm and 0.25–2 mm soil aggregates, respectively, and their R0.25, mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) were enhanced by 96.3%, 33.2%, and 40.0%, respectively, compared to those of farmlands in soil layers at 0–20 cm depth (p < 0.05). The total SOC content increased by 13.3% at 0–20 cm soil depth, and the SOC content and stock in >2 mm aggregates increased by 21.5% and 18.7% in the 20–40 cm layer (p < 0.05), respectively. The SOC content and stock in total soil had a significantly positive relationship with the proportion of >2 mm soil aggregates and a negative relationship with the value of fractal dimension (D). The enhancement in the SOC of the total soil was dependent on the increase in aggregate-associated SOC, with larger-particle aggregates having a greater contribution. Based on the study results, afforestation improved soil stability and the structure of soil aggregates, and SOC accumulation in the total soil was not only governed by SOC concentration and stock within the aggregate size class, but also the proportion of >2 mm soil aggregates and the value of the fractal dimension.
New Amorphous Hydrogels with Proliferative Properties as Potential Tools in Wound Healing
Authors: Preda Petruta , Enciu Ana-Maria , Adiaconita Bianca , Mihalache Iuliana , Craciun Gabriel , Boldeiu Adina , Aricov Ludmila , Romanitan Cosmin , Stan Diana , Marculescu Catalin , Tanase Cristiana , Avram Marioara
Published: September 2022

The study and discovery of bioactive compounds and new formulations as potential tools for promoting the repair of dermoepidermal tissue in wound healing is of continuing interest. We have developed a new formulation of amorphous hydrogel based on sodium alginate (NaAlg); type I collagen, isolated by the authors from silver carp tails (COL); glycerol (Gli); Aloe vera gel powder (AV); and silver nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis with aqueous Cinnamomum verum extract (AgNPs@CIN) and vitamin C, respectively. The gel texture of the amorphous hydrogels was achieved by the addition of Aloe vera, demonstrated by a rheological analysis. The evaluations of the cytotoxicity and cell proliferation capacity of the experimental amorphous hydrogels were performed against human foreskin fibroblast Hs27 cells (CRL-1634-ATCC). The developed gel formulations did not show a cytotoxic effect. The hydrogel variant containing AgNPs@CIN in a concentration of 8 µg Ag/gel formulation and hydrogel variant with vitamin C had proliferative activity. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the hydrogels was evaluated against S. aureus ATCC 6538, Ps. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and E. coli ATCC 25922. The results demonstrated that the gel variant based on AgNPs@CIN in a concentration of 95 µg Ag/gel formulation and the hydrogel based on vitamin C show antibacterial activity. Therefore, the developed hydrogels with AgNPs@CIN and vitamin C could be promising alternatives in wound healing.
Fluorescent Quinoline-Based Supramolecular Gel for Selective and Ratiometric Sensing Zinc Ion with Multi-Modes
Authors: Han Qingqing , Wang Qingqing , Gao Aiping , Ge Xuefei , Wan Rong , Cao Xinhua
Published: September 2022

A gelator 1 containing functional quinoline and Schiff base groups that could form organogels in DMF, DMSO, acetone, ethanol and 1,4-dioxane was designed and synthesized. The self-assembly process of geator 1 was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and water contact angle. Under non-covalent interactions, gelator 1 self-assembled into microbelts and nanofiber structures with different surface wettability. Weak fluorescence was emitted from the solution and gel state of 1. Interestingly, gelator 1 exhibited good selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn2+ in solution and gel states along with its emission enhancement and change. The emission intensity at 423 nm of solution 1 in 1,4-dioxane was slightly enhanced, and a new emission peak appeared at 545 nm along with its intensity sequentially strengthened in the titration process. The obvious ratiometric detection process was presented with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.51 μM. The detection mechanism was revealed by a theoretical calculation and NMR titration experiment, which was that Zn2+ induced the transition from trans- to cis- of molecule 1 and further coordinated with 1. This study will introduce a new method for the construction of functional self-assembly gel sensors for the detection of Zn2+.
Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation System for External Ventricular Drain
Authors: Chiou Shin-Yan , Zhang Zhi-Yue , Liu Hao-Li , Yan Jiun-Lin , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chen Pin-Yuan
Published: September 2022

Augmented reality surgery systems are playing an increasing role in the operating room, but applying such systems to neurosurgery presents particular challenges. In addition to using augmented reality technology to display the position of the surgical target position in 3D in real time, the application must also display the scalpel entry point and scalpel orientation, with accurate superposition on the patient. To improve the intuitiveness, efficiency, and accuracy of extra-ventricular drain surgery, this paper proposes an augmented reality surgical navigation system which accurately superimposes the surgical target position, scalpel entry point, and scalpel direction on a patient’s head and displays this data on a tablet. The accuracy of the optical measurement system (NDI Polaris Vicra) was first independently tested, and then complemented by the design of functions to help the surgeon quickly identify the surgical target position and determine the preferred entry point. A tablet PC was used to display the superimposed images of the surgical target, entry point, and scalpel on top of the patient, allowing for correct scalpel orientation. Digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) results for the patient’s computed tomography were used to create a phantom and its associated AR model. This model was then imported into the application, which was then executed on the tablet. In the preoperative phase, the technician first spent 5–7 min to superimpose the virtual image of the head and the scalpel. The surgeon then took 2 min to identify the intended target position and entry point position on the tablet, which then dynamically displayed the superimposed image of the head, target position, entry point position, and scalpel (including the scalpel tip and scalpel orientation). Multiple experiments were successfully conducted on the phantom, along with six practical trials of clinical neurosurgical EVD. In the 2D-plane-superposition model, the optical measurement system (NDI Polaris Vicra) provided highly accurate visualization (2.01 ± 1.12 mm). In hospital-based clinical trials, the average technician preparation time was 6 min, while the surgeon required an average of 3.5 min to set the target and entry-point positions and accurately overlay the orientation with an NDI surgical stick. In the preparation phase, the average time required for the DICOM-formatted image processing and program import was 120 ± 30 min. The accuracy of the designed augmented reality optical surgical navigation system met clinical requirements, and can provide a visual and intuitive guide for neurosurgeons. The surgeon can use the tablet application to obtain real-time DICOM-formatted images of the patient, change the position of the surgical entry point, and instantly obtain an updated surgical path and surgical angle. The proposed design can be used as the basis for various augmented reality brain surgery navigation systems in the future.