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Urban power systems rely on intricate wire networks, known as the power grid, which form the essential electric infrastructure in cities. While these networks transmit electricity from power plants to consumers, they are vulnerable to faults caused by manufacturing errors and improper installation, posing risks to system integrity. Thus, accurate identification and assessment of these faults are crucial to prevent damage and maintain system reliability. The objective of this research is to present an innovative and efficient methodology for diagnosing complex wire networks through the application of time domain reflectometry (TDR) combined with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) algorithm. This research addresses the imperative need to accurately locate and assess breakage faults within wire networks, emphasizing their role in both power transmission and communication infrastructure. To model the TDR answer of a specific complex wire network, a forward model is established utilizing resistance, inductance, capacitance and conductance (RLCG) parameters and the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Subsequently, the PSO‐LSSVM approach is used to solve the inverse problem of localizing faults in complex wire networks. The experimental results validate the practicality of this approach in real‐world systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complications due to HCMV infection or reactivation remain a challenging clinical problem in immunocompromised patients, mainly due to insufficient or absent T‐cell functionality. Knowledge of viral targets is crucial to improve monitoring of high‐risk patients and optimise antiviral T‐cell therapy. To expand the epitope spectrum, genetically‐engineered dendritic cells (DCs) and fibroblasts were designed to secrete soluble (s)HLA‐A*11:01 and infected with an HCMV mutant lacking immune evasion molecules (US2‐6 + 11). More than 700 HLA‐A*11:01‐restricted epitopes, including more than 50 epitopes derived from a broad range of HCMV open‐reading‐frames (ORFs) were identified by mass spectrometry and screened for HLA‐A*11:01‐binding using established prediction tools. The immunogenicity of the 24 highest scoring new candidates was evaluated in vitro in healthy HLA‐A*11:01+/HCMV+ donors. Thus, four subdominant epitopes and one immunodominant epitope, derived from the anti‐apoptotic protein UL36 and ORFL101C (A11SAL), were identified. Their HLA‐A*11:01 complex stability was verified in vitro. In depth analyses revealed highly proliferative and cytotoxic memory T‐cell responses against A11SAL, with T‐cell responses comparable to the immunodominant HLA‐A*02:01‐restricted HCMVpp65NLV epitope. A11SAL‐specific T cells were also detectable in vivo in immunosuppressed transplant patients and shown to be effective in an in vitro HCMV‐infection model, suggesting their crucial role in inhibiting viral replication and improvement of patient's outcome. The developed in vitro pipeline is the first to utilise genetically‐engineered DCs to identify naturally presented immunodominant HCMV‐derived epitopes. It therefore offers advantages over in silico predictions, is transferable to other HLA alleles, and will significantly expand the repertoire of viral targets to improve therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the numerical solution of a two‐dimensional partial Volterra integro‐differential equation (2D‐PVIDE) is provided by extending the Taylor collocation scheme of one‐dimensional Volterra integral equations. The method is based on the use of Taylor polynomials in two‐dimensional, while the approximate solution is given by using explicit schemes. The method is proved to be high‐order convergent with respect to the maximum norm. Some numerical examples are given to verify the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four different catalysts from drinking water treatment residuals (DWTR) were prepared via impregnation in the iron nitrate, calcined at different temperatures ranged from 200°C to 500°C, and tested for the reactive blue 19 oxidation using the heterogeneous photo‐Fenton, under UVA light source. XRD and XPS results revealed that iron nature was found under a ferric oxide form (Fe3+) similar to the magnetite. Calcination temperature results showed a significant effect on the activity of the catalysts. RB19 and TOC removals were 99% and 79%, respectively, with the best catalyst that calcined at 500°C in optimal conditions as follows: initial pH solution = 3, 10 mM of H2O2 dosage, 0.5 g/L of catalyst loading, reaction temperature 35°C, and IUVA = 3.55 MW/cm2 for 50 mg/L of RB19. The reusability of the catalyst after three cycles showed complete removal of RB19 and 65% TOC removal. Practitioner points: Synthetized heterogeneous photo‐Fenton catalyst from drinking water treatment residuals for the photo Fenton oxidation.The calcination temperatures plays a crucial role in catalyst photocatalytic activity.Degradation of reactive blue 19 with Fe/DWTR‐500 in presence of H2O2.The Fe/DWTR‐500 catalyst exhibited the best photocatalytic activity.Reusability studies of Fe/DWTR‐500 and the kinetics of reactive blue 19 degradation were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In the present paper, a constitutive viscoelastic model for periodic masonry structures is proposed. Using a dynamic homogenization approach of the continuous and discrete‐based model leads to the determination of the anisotropic material properties by assigning the fictitious stress and strains of the homogeneous cell masonry unit. These properties are defined as complex moduli, which consist of real parts representing elastic stiffness and imaginary ones referring to energy dissipations. The advantage of the proposed model is that the damping properties associated to different modes of vibrations can be easily evaluated. Numerical and parametric investigations are conducted that reveal the capabilities of the model to an accurate prediction of the dynamic properties of the masonry walls mainly under both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane vibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pack U‐Cell (PUC) multi‐level inverter is an attractive topology which widely investigated in the past few years for renewable energy conversion systems. This study introduces a modified five‐level packed Unit‐cell converter (MPUC5) for single‐phase double stage grid‐tied photovoltaic (PV) system with unity power factor. The proposed system operates as a single‐phase active power filter able to compensate reactive power generated by non‐linear loads connected to the point of common coupling, feeds the non‐linear load by the generated PV power, and injects the extra power into the grid. The MPUC5 inverter has a special topology with two DC‐link capacitors and six switches. One DC‐link of the inverter is connected to the PV arrays through DC/DC Cùk converter to draw the maximum power. Therefore, finite‐control‐set model predictive control (FCS‐MPC) for such configuration appears as a promising alternative for this inverter to work properly. Where the proposed FCS‐MPC algorithm is designed to ensure a high grid current quality, taking into consideration the issue of the capacitor voltages balancing and the switching frequency minimisation. Both simulation results and experimental validation through real‐time hardware in the loop system prove the validity and feasibility of the proposed control scheme, regarding PV power management and quality enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim the present research is to develop a new approach for the localisation of faults in wiring networks based on adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and time domain reflectometry (TDR). In this approach a forward model has been developed and validated with measurements in order to generate a TDR response of any wiring network then the inverse problem is solved using ANFIS. The developed approach has been tested using a complex configuration that is YY‐shaped network. The results show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A few investigations have raised the question of a possible relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and floppy eyelid syndrome (FES). FES is an easily inverted floppy eyelid with papillary conjunctivis, and is a subset of the general pathology, lax eyelid syndrome. The aim of the current study is to determine whether OSAS severity is associated with FES. One hundred and 27 consecutive subjects (aged 25-75 years) referred to the Strasbourg University Sleep Clinic with suspicion of OSAS were included. All patients underwent overnight ambulatory respiratory polygraphy, comprehensive ophthalmological examination and completed standard sleep questionnaires. OSAS severity was defined based on the patient's obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). As expected, age, body mass index (BMI) and the proportion of males increased with OSAS severity. FES was observed in 15.8% of the subjects without OSAS, 25.8% of the total OSAS population and the frequency was significantly increased (40%) in patients with severe OSAS (AHI > 30 h−1). A significant correlation between OSAS severity and FES was found after adjustment for age, sex and BMI, using a principal component analysis (PCA). The multivariate analysis included clinical, polygraphic and comorbidity data and was followed by logistic regressions for the main components extracted from the PCA. In summary, our findings show an association between OSAS severity and FES and suggest that severe OSAS might be an independent risk factor for FES. These two disorders may share common biological determinants, such as tissue elasticity. Finally, clinicians should be aware of this association so that underlying OSAS or FES can be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY In this work, the coplanar stripline (CPS) and its discontinuities: open-end, short-end, gaps and resonator have been modeled. New integral equations for the electrical field components are formulated, in the spectral domain, using an exact dyadic Green's function, applied to the CPS structure. The use of this form of Green's function allows the consideration of the effects of the dielectric losses, the surface wave excitation and the space wave radiation on the propagation characteristics of the CPS and its discontinuities. The resulting integral equation has been solved using the two-dimensional Galerkin's technique. The resolution of the resulting matrix equation gives the scattering parameters of the studied structures. The obtained results are commented and compared with those of other approaches and measurements. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stereology applied on histological sections is the‘gold standard’ for obtaining quantitative information on cancellous bone structure. Recent advances in micro computed tomography (µCT) have made it possible to acquire three-dimensional (3D) data non-destructively. However, before the 3D methods can be used as a substitute for the current‘gold standard’ they have to be verified against the existing standard. The aim of this study was to compare bone structural measures obtained from 3DµCT data sets with those obtained by stereology performed on conventional histological sections using human tibial bone biopsies. Furthermore, this study forms the first step in introducing the proximal tibia as a potential bone examination location by peripheral quantitative CT and CT. Twenty-nine trabecular bone biopsies were obtained from autopsy material at the medial side of the proximal tibial metaphysis. The biopsies were embedded in methylmetacrylate beforeµCT scanning in a ScancoµCT 40 scanner at a resolution of 20 × 20 × 20 µm3, and the 3D data sets were analysed with a computer program. AfterµCT scanning, 16 sections were cut from the central 2 mm of each biopsy and analysed with a computerized method. Trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and connectivity density (CD) were estimated in both modalities, whereas trabecular bone pattern factor (TBPf) was estimated on the histological sections only. Trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), number (Tb.N) and separation (Tb.Sp), and structure model index (SMI) were estimated with theµCT method only. Excellent correlations were found between the two techniques for BV/TV (r = 0.95) and CD (r = 0.95). Additionally, an excellent relationship (r = 0.95) was ascertained between TBPf and SMI. The study revealed high correlations between measures of bone structure obtained from conventional 2D sections and 3DµCT data. This indicates that 3DµCT data sets can be used as a substitute for conventional histological sections for bone structural evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: A water-soluble extract of dry-cured ham was fractionated by gel filtration chromatography. Collected fractions (below 1200 Da) were sensory-analyzed and subjected to amino acid analysis with and without previous acid hydrolysis, in order to determine the amino acid and peptide distribution. Those fractions with the highest peptide amount were further separated by reverse-phase and cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography in order to isolate the peptides and sequence them. The results demonstrated the presence of small peptides, mainly dipeptides. The combination of these peptides and free amino acids may contribute to the characteristic taste in the savory fractions of dry-cured ham. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although trabecular bone structure has been evaluated, variation with knee compartment and depth from joint surface is not completely understood. Cadaver knees were evaluated with microcomputed tomography analysis for these variations. Objective differences were compared between: medial vs. lateral compartments; femoral vs. tibial bone; and normal vs. arthritic knees. Depth dependent changes in the parameters were observed for the first 6 mm of the cores in normal knees: BV/TV, Tb.N and Conn.D gradually decrease, while Tb.Sp and SMI increase. In the first 6 mm of the normal tibia BV/TV, Tb.N, and Tb.Th are greater than in the femur on both the medial and lateral compartments while Tb.Sp, SMI, and Conn.D are lower. The medial compartment values for BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th and Conn.D are generally greater than for the lateral in both the femur and tibia while Tb.Sp and SMI are lower. In comparison of normal vs. arthritic knees significant differences are observed in the first 6 mm of the medial tibia. With arthritis BV/TV and Tb.Th are lower, while SMI and Tb.Sp are higher. Tb.N and Conn.D show no statistically significant difference. The bone structure variations are, thus, most prominent in the first 6 mm of depth and medial compartment bone is generally more structurally sound than lateral. Severely arthritic bone changes are most prominent in the medial compartment of the tibia and bone structure is less sound in severe arthritis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hypothesis that productive infection of monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells (DCs) by the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is associated with decreased immunostimulatory capacity was tested in this study. DCs were infected with 60-80% efficiency by HCMV strain TB40/E. Infected versus uninfected cells were analysed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and by immunocytochemistry for surface expression of major histo-compatibility complex (MHC) and co-stimulatory molecules as well as cytokine secretion during the 3 d after infection. The immunostimulatory capacity of these cells was measured by mixed leucocyte reaction. Inspite of the fact that HCMV infection of DCs induced an increased release of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and a decreased interleukin 10 (IL-10) production, expression of MHC class I and II, as well as CD40 and CD80 molecules, were downregulated on infected DCs. The mixed leucocyte reaction showed significantly reduced immunostimulatory capacity of infected DC cultures. Simultaneous detection of MHC antigens and virus antigens by double immunofluorescence revealed that downregulation occurred only on infected cells, but not on uninfected bystander cells. These findings demonstrate on a single cell level, together with the marked downregulation of MHC and co-stimulatory molecules in the presence of high TNF-α and low IL-10 levels, a direct inhibitory effect of HCMV on antigen presentation by immature DCs independent of soluble mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of four preparation techniques on canal volume and surface area using three-dimensionally reconstructed root canals in extracted human maxillary molars. In addition, µCT data was used to describe morphometric parameters related to the four preparation techniques. Methodology A micro computed tomography scanner was used to analyse root canals in extracted maxillary molars. Specimens were scanned before and after canals were prepared using Ni–Ti – K-Files, Lightspeed instruments, ProFile .04 and GT rotary instruments. Differences in dentine volume removed, canal straightening, the proportion of unchanged area and canal transportation were calculated using specially developed software. ResultsInstrumentation of canals increased volume and surface area. Prepared canals were significantly more rounded, had greater diameters and were straighter than unprepared canals. However, all instrumentation techniques left 35% or more of the canals’ surface area unchanged. Whilst there were significant differences between the three canal types investigated, very few differences were found with respect to instrument types. ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the µCT system, there were few differences between the four canal instrumentation techniques used. By contrast, a strong impact of variations of canal anatomy was demonstrated. Further studies with 3D-techniques are required to fully understand the biomechanical aspects of root canal preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Peptic ulcer disease remains a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Current treatments often have limitations, sparking interest in alternative therapies from medicinal plants. This review examines the gastroprotective potential of 54 North African medicinal plants against peptic ulcers. An extensive literature search was conducted, focusing on plants with preclinical and clinical evidence of anti‐ulcer efficacy and documented use in North African traditional medicine. The review identified several promising plant species, such as licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), olive (Olea europaea), pomegranate (Punica granatum), Aloe vera, and black seed (Nigella sativa), along with their bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. These compounds exhibit gastroprotective properties through multiple mechanisms, such as enhancing the gastric mucosal barrier, inhibiting acid secretion, displaying antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, promoting ulcer healing, and combating Helicobacter pylori infection. The evidence presented includes in vitro assays, animal models, and some clinical studies. While many of the 53 plants reviewed demonstrated significant anti‐ulcer effects compared to standard drugs, further clinical research is needed to establish efficacy and safety in humans. The synergistic actions of phytochemical mixtures in medicinal plant extracts likely contribute to their therapeutic potential. This review highlights the role these North African medicinal plants may play in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers and identifies promising candidates for further research and development of evidence‐based botanical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]