bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technical comment on “Reexamination of 2.5-Ga ‘whiff’ of oxygen interval points to anoxic ocean before GOE”
Authors: Anbar Ariel D. , Buick Roger , Gordon Gwyneth W. , Johnson Aleisha C. , Kendall Brian , Lyons Timothy W. , Ostrander Chadlin M. , Planavsky Noah J. , Reinhard Christopher T. , Stüeken Eva E.
Published: April 2023

Many lines of inorganic geochemical evidence suggest transient “whiffs” of environmental oxygenation before the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). Slotznick
et al.
assert that analyses of paleoredox proxies in the Mount McRae Shale, Western Australia, were misinterpreted and hence that environmental O
2
levels were persistently negligible before the GOE. We find these arguments logically flawed and factually incomplete.
Starvation-induced changes in somatic insulin/IGF-1R signaling drive metabolic programming across generations
Authors: Vogt Merly C. , Hobert Oliver
Published: April 2023

Exposure to adverse nutritional and metabolic environments during critical periods of development can exert long-lasting effects on health outcomes of an individual and its descendants. Although such metabolic programming has been observed in multiple species and in response to distinct nutritional stressors, conclusive insights into signaling pathways and mechanisms responsible for initiating, mediating, and manifesting changes to metabolism and behavior across generations remain scarce. By using a starvation paradigm in
Caenorhabditis elegans
, we show that starvation-induced changes in dauer formation-16/forkhead box transcription factor class O (DAF-16/FoxO) activity, the main downstream target of insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor signaling, are responsible for metabolic programming phenotypes. Tissue-specific depletion of DAF-16/FoxO during distinct developmental time points demonstrates that DAF-16/FoxO acts in somatic tissues, but not directly in the germline, to both initiate and manifest metabolic programming. In conclusion, our study deciphers multifaceted and critical roles of highly conserved insulin/IGF-1 receptor signaling in determining health outcomes and behavior across generations.
You’ve got a fast CAR
Authors: Reyna Ángel Garza , Griffin Gabriel K.
Published: April 2023

TET2 disruption makes CAR-T cells work better, but not without a cost.
Negative pressure therapy in a scenario of distal femur fracture with internal degloving injury
Authors: Thoppanahalli Venkatesh Ravikumar , Galagali Dev Anand , Bhatia Aanchal
Published: April 2023

Internal degloving injuries are commonly seen in the pelvis. Similar lesions in the distal femur are rare. They cause a separation between the subcutaneous layer and deep fascia, which results in blood, lymph, necrosed fat and fluid collection in the space. They result in infection and soft tissue complications. Treatment options include conservative management with compression dressings, percutaneous aspiration, mini-incision drainage and sclerodesis. Here we describe a case of closed internal circumferential degloving injury of the distal thigh with a distal femur fracture treated by an innovative technique involving negative pressure therapy, internal fixation of the fracture and secondary skin grafting.
Obesity paradox in uveal melanoma: high body mass index is associated with low metastatic risk
Authors: Sabazade Shiva , Opalko Adrianna , Herrspiegel Christina , Gill Viktor Torgny , Plastino Flavia , André Helder , Stålhammar Gustav
Published: April 2023

Background

Metabolic factors and obesity may influence the development and progression of cancer. In this study, we examine their association with the risk of developing metastases of uveal melanoma.

Methods

Data on metabolic factors, medications, serum leptin levels, tumour leptin receptor RNA expression and clinical outcomes were examined in three cohorts. HRs for metastasis and cumulative incidences of melanoma-related mortality were calculated, and the levels of tumour leptin receptor expression were compared with prognostic factors includingBAP1mutation, and tumour cell morphology.

Results

Of 581 patients in the main cohort, 116 (20%) were obese and 7 (1 %) had metastatic disease at presentation. In univariate Cox regressions, tumour diameter, diabetes type II and use of insulin were associated with metastases, but patients with obesity had a lower risk. The beneficial prognostic implication of obesity was retained in multivariate regressions. In competing risk analyses, the incidence of melanoma-related mortality was significantly lower for patients with obesity. Serum leptin levels≥median were associated with a reduced risk for metastasis, independent of patient sex and cancer stage in a separate cohort (n=80). Similarly, in a third cohort (n=80), tumours withBAP1mutation and epithelioid cells had higher leptin receptor RNA expression levels, which have a negative correlation with serum leptin levels.

Conclusion

Obesity and elevated serum leptin levels are associated with a lower risk for developing metastases and dying from uveal melanoma.
Effect of dapagliflozin on 24-hour glycemic variables in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving basal insulin supported oral therapy (DBOT): a multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study
Authors: Kudo Akihiro , Machii Noritaka , Ono Toshio , Saito Haruka , Oshiro Yoshito , Takahashi Ryu , Oshiro Koichi , Taneda Yoshinobu , Higa Moritake , Nakachi Ken , Yagi Shusuke , Masuzaki Hiroaki , Sata Masataka , Shimabukuro Michio
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of dapagliflozin on 24-hour glucose variability and diabetes-related biochemical variables in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who had received basal insulin supported oral therapy (BOT).

Research design and methods

Changes in mean daily blood glucose level before and after 48–72 hours of add-on or no add-on of dapagliflozin (primary end point) and diabetes-related biochemical variables and major safety variables during the 12 weeks (secondary end point) were evaluated in the multicenter, randomized, two-arm, open-label, parallel-group comparison study.

Results

Among 36 participants, 18 were included in the no add-on group and 18 were included in the dapagliflozin add-on group. Age, gender, and body mass index were comparable between the groups. There were no changes in continuous glucose monitoring metrics in the no add-on group. In the dapagliflozin add-on group, mean glucose (183–156 mg/dL, p=0.001), maximum glucose (300–253, p<0.01), and SD glucose (57–45, p<0.05) decreased. Time in range increased (p<0.05), while time above the range decreased in the dapagliflozin add-on group but not in the no add-on group. After 12-week treatment with dapagliflozin add-on, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), as well as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), decreased.

Conclusions

This study showed that the mean daily blood glucose and other daily glucose profiles were amended after 48–72 hours of dapagliflozin add-on in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes who received BOT. The diabetes-related biochemical variables such as HbA1c and urinary 8OHdG were also obtained during the 12 weeks of dapagliflozin add-on without major adverse events. A preferable 24-hour glucose profile in ‘time in ranges’ and an improvement in reactive oxygen species by dapagliflozin warrant us to evaluate these benefits in larger clinical studies.

Trial registration number

UMIN000019457.
How international research consortia can strengthen organisations’ research systems and promote a conducive environment and culture
Authors: Pulford Justin , El Hajj Taghreed , Tancred Tara , Ding Yan , Crossman Susie , Silvester Lorelei , Savio Martina , Bevan Natasha , Tagoe Nadia , Bates Imelda
Published: April 2023

Research systems and cultures have been criticised for their detrimental effect on members’ mental health and well-being. Many international research programmes operate through research consortia that have the resources to make a substantial contribution to improving the research environment in their member organisations. This paper collates real-life examples from several large international consortia-based research programmes about how they strengthened organisations’ research capacity. The consortia primarily involved academic partners from the UK and/or sub-Saharan Africa and covered research topics including health, natural sciences, conservation agriculture and vector control. They were partly or wholly funded by UK agencies including the Wellcome, Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, UK Research and Innovation Fund, and the Medical Research Council and they operated for 2–10 years between 2012 and 2022.

Consortia’s size and ability to access and share resources among their member organisations according to need meant they were uniquely placed to target actions to address weaknesses in member organisations’ research capacity, to widen networks and collaborations, and to build in sustainability of capacity gains. Consortia’s actions covered: (a) individuals’ knowledge and skills; (b) capacity strengthening ethos; (c) organisations’ visibility and prestige; and (d) inclusive and responsive management practices. Evidence about these actions formed the basis of recommendations for funders and leaders of consortium-based programmes about how they could make more effective use of consortia’s resources to enhance organisations’ research systems, environments and cultures.

Key lessons were that training should cover management and research leadership and should be offered beyond consortium members, including to research support staff such as technicians and managers. Consortia often tackle complex problems requiring multidisciplinary inputs, but overcoming disciplinary boundaries—and making everyone feel valued and respected—takes time and skill on the part of consortium leaders. Consortia need clear guidance from funders about their commitment to strengthening research capacity. Without this, consortia leaders may continue to prioritise research outputs over creating and embedding sustainable improvements in their organisations’ research systems.
Clinical features and 1-year outcomes of chronic bronchitis in participants with normal spirometry: results from the ECOPD study in China
Authors: Wu Fan , Zheng Youlan , Zhao Ningning , Peng Jieqi , Deng Zhishan , Yang Huajing , Tian Heshen , Xiao Shan , Wen Xiang , Huang Peiyu , Dai Cuiqiong , Lu Lifei , Zhou Kunning , Wu Xiaohui , Fan Huanhuan , Li Haiqing , Sun Ruiting , Yang Changli , Chen Shengtang , Huang Jianhui , Yu Shuqing , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin
Published: April 2023

Background

Evidence regarding clinical features and outcomes of individuals with non-obstructive chronic bronchitis (NOCB) remains scarce, especially in never-smokers. We aimed to investigate the clinical features and 1-year outcomes of individuals with NOCB in the Chinese population.

Methods

We obtained data on participants in the Early Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Study who had normal spirometry (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ≥0.70). NOCB was defined as chronic cough and sputum production for at least 3 months for two consecutive years or more at baseline in participants with normal spirometry. We assessed the differences in demographics, risk factors, lung function, impulse oscillometry, CT imaging and frequency of acute respiratory events between participants with and without NOCB.

Results

NOCB was present in 13.1% (149/1140) of participants with normal spirometry at baseline. Compared with participants without NOCB, those with NOCB had a higher proportion of men and participants with smoke exposure, occupational exposure, family history of respiratory diseases and worse respiratory symptoms (all p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in lung function. Never-smokers with NOCB had higher rates of emphysema than those without NOCB, but airway resistance was similar. Ever-smokers with NOCB had greater airway resistance than those without NOCB, but emphysema rates were similar. During 1-year follow-up, participants with NOCB had a significantly increased risk of acute respiratory events compared with participants who did not have NOCB, after adjustment for confounders (risk ratio 2.10, 95% CI 1.32 to 3.33; p=0.002). These results were robust in never-smokers and ever-smokers.

Conclusions

Never-smokers and ever-smokers with NOCB had more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related risk factors, evidence of airway disease and greater risk of acute respiratory events than those without NOCB. Our findings support expanding the criteria defining pre-COPD to include NOCB.
Inter-relationships among neutrophilic inflammation, air trapping and future exacerbation in COPD: an analysis of ECOPD study
Authors: Yang Huajing , Wen Xiang , Wu Fan , Zheng Youlan , Dai Cuiqiong , Zhao Ningning , Deng Zhishan , Wang Zihui , Peng Jieqi , Xiao Shan , Lu Lifei , Huang Jianhui , Yu Shuqing , Yang Changli , Chen Shengtang , Zhou Yumin , Ran Pixin
Published: April 2023

Background

The inter-relationships among neutrophilic airway inflammation, air trapping and future exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the associations between sputum neutrophil proportions and future exacerbation in COPD and to determine whether these associations are modified by significant air trapping.

Methods

Participants with completed data were included and followed up to the first year in the Early Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease study (n=582). Sputum neutrophil proportions and high-resolution CT-related markers were measured at baseline. Sputum neutrophil proportions were dichotomised based on their median (86.2%) to low and high levels. In addition, subjects were divided into the air trapping or non-air trapping group. Outcomes of interest included COPD exacerbation (separately any, severe and frequent exacerbation, occurring in the first year of follow-up). Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the risk of severe exacerbation and frequent exacerbation with either neutrophilic airway inflammation groups or air trapping groups.

Results

There was no significant difference between high and low levels of sputum neutrophil proportions in the exacerbation in the preceding year. After the first year of follow-up, subjects with high sputum neutrophil proportions had increased risks of severe exacerbation (OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.09 to 2.62, p=0.020). Subjects with high sputum neutrophil proportions and significant air trapping had increased odds of having frequent exacerbation (OR=3.29, 95% CI: 1.30 to 9.37, p=0.017) and having severe exacerbation (OR=2.72, 95% CI: 1.42 to 5.43, p=0.003) when compared with those who had low sputum neutrophil proportions and non-air trapping.

Conclusions

We found that subjects with high sputum neutrophil proportions and significant air trapping are prone to future exacerbation of COPD. It may be a helpful predictor of future exacerbation.
Understanding the risk of transmission of respiratory viral infections in childcare centres: protocol for the DISeases TrANsmission in ChildcarE (DISTANCE) multicentre cohort study
Authors: Shi Chao , Wang Xin , Ye Sheng , Deng Shuyu , Cong Bingbing , Lu Bing , Li You
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Childcare centre is considered a high-risk setting for transmission of respiratory viruses. Further evidence is needed to understand the risk of transmission in childcare centres. To this end, we established the DISeases TrANsmission in ChildcarE (DISTANCE) study to understand the interaction among contact patterns, detection of respiratory viruses from environment samples and transmission of viral infections in childcare centres.

Methods and analysis

The DISTANCE study is a prospective cohort study in multiple childcare centres of Jiangsu Province, China. Study subjects will be childcare attendees and teaching staff of different grades. A range of information will be collected from the study subjects and participating childcare centres, including attendance, contact behaviours (collected by onsite observers), respiratory viral infection (weekly respiratory throat swabs tested by multiplex PCR), presence of respiratory viruses on touch surfaces of childcare centres and weekly follow-up survey on respiratory symptoms and healthcare seeking among subjects tested positive for any respiratory viruses. Detection patterns of respiratory viruses from study subjects and environment samples, contact patterns, and transmission risk will be analysed by developing statistical and mathematical models as appropriate. The study has been initiated in September 2022 in 1 childcare centre in Wuxi City, with a total of 104 children and 12 teaching staff included in the cohort; data collection and follow-up is ongoing. One more childcare centre in Nanjing City (anticipated to include 100 children and 10 teaching staff) will start recruitment in 2023.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethics approval from Nanjing Medical University Ethics Committee (No. 2022-936) and ethics approval from Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention Ethics Committee (No. 2022-011). We plan to disseminate the study findings mainly through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations in academic conferences. Aggregated research data will be shared freely to researchers.
Association between long working hours and physical inactivity in middle-aged and older adults: a Korean longitudinal study (2006–2020)
Authors: Baek Seong-Uk , Lee Won-Tae , Kim Min-Seok , Lim Myeong-Hun , Yoon Jin-Ha , Won Jong-Uk
Published: April 2023

Background

We investigated associations for long working hours in relation to physical inactivity and high-level physical activity among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Our study included 5402 participants and 21 595 observations from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2006–2020). Logistic mixed models were used to estimate ORs and 95% CIs. Physical inactivity was defined as not engaging in any type of physical activity, while high-level physical activity was defined as engaging in ≥150 min per week of physical activity.

Results

Working >40 hours weekly was positively related to physical inactivity (OR (95% CI) 1.48 (1.35 to 1.61)) and negatively related to high-level physical activity (0.72 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.79)). Exposure to long working hours consecutively for ≥3 waves was associated with the highest OR for physical inactivity (1.62 (95% CI 1.42 to 1.85)) and the lowest OR for high-level physical activity (0.71 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.82)). Furthermore, compared with persistent short working hours (≤40 hours → ≤40 hours), long working hours in a previous wave (>40 hours → ≤40 hours) were associated with a higher OR of physical inactivity (1.28 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.49)). Exposure to an increase in working hours (≤40 hours → >40 hours) was also associated with a higher OR of physical inactivity (1.53 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.82)).

Conclusion

We found that having working long hours was associated with a higher risk of physical inactivity and a lower likelihood of high-level physical activity. Moreover, accumulation of long working hours was associated with a higher risk of physical inactivity.
Intraoperative angiography via popliteal artery access for spinal neurovascular lesions: an institutional experience and systematic review
Authors: Muhammad Najib , Sioutas Georgios S , Gajjar Avi , Salem Mohamed M , Kandregula Sandeep , Srinivasan Visish M , Jankowitz Brian T , Burkhardt Jan-Karl
Published: April 2023

Background

Intraoperative DSA is used to confirm complete obliteration of neurovascular pathologies. For spinal neurovascular lesions, femoral access can be challenging given the need to flip the patient after sheath placement. Similarly, radial access can be complicated by arch navigation difficulties. Vascular access via the popliteal artery represents an appealing alternative option; however, data regarding its utility and efficacy in these cases are limited.

Methods

A retrospective series of four consecutive patients between July 2016 and August 2022 who underwent intraoperative spinal DSA via the popliteal artery was analyzed. Additionally, a systematic review was conducted to collect previously reported such cases. Collective patient demographics and operative details are presented to consolidate the available evidence supporting popliteal access.

Results

Four patients met the inclusion criteria from our institution. The systematic review yielded six previously published studies reporting 16 additional transpopliteal access cases. Of the 20 total cases (mean±SD age 60.8±17.2 years), 60% were men. Most treated lesions were dural arteriovenous fistulas (80%) located in the thoracic spine (55%) or cervical spine (25%). The left popliteal artery was most accessed and the highest visualized level was the craniocervical junction. All outcomes were either stable or improving after surgery, and no complications were observed.

Conclusions

We report the safety and feasibility of transpopliteal access for intraoperative DSA in the prone position in four cases in addition to 16 previously reported cases in the literature. Our case series highlights popliteal artery access as an alternative to transfemoral or transradial access in this setting.
Step forward in early recognition of systemic sclerosis: data from the Leiden CCISS cohort
Authors: Liem Sophie I E , Ciaffi Jacopo , van Leeuwen Nina Marijn , Boonstra Maaike , Ahmed Saad , Beaart-van de Voorde Liesbeth J J , Corsel Anja , Dhondai Talitha , Ninaber Maarten K , Geelhoed-Veltman J J Miranda , Heuvers Marlies E , Tushuizen Maarten E , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Kiès Philippine , Schouffoer Anne A , Huizinga Tom W J , Allaart Cornelia F , De Vries-Bouwstra Jeska
Published: April 2023

Background

Since 2009, Dutch patients with a confirmed diagnosis/suspicion of systemic sclerosis (SSc) can be referred to the Leiden Combined Care in Systemic Sclerosis (CCISS) cohort. This study evaluated whether early recognition of SSc has improved over time and whether disease characteristics and survival has changed over time.

Methods

643 SSc patients fulfilling American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2013 SSc criteria were included and categorised into three groups based on cohort-entry year: (1) 2010–2013 (n=229 (36%)), (2) 2014–2017 (n=207 (32%)) and (3) 2018–2021 (n=207 (32%)). Variables including disease duration, interstitial lung disease (ILD), digital ulcers (DU), diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), antitopoisomerase (ATA) and anticentromere (ACA) antibodies, and survival from disease onset were compared between cohort-entry groups, including analyses stratified for sex and autoantibodies.

Results

Over time, duration between onset of disease symptoms and cohort entry decreased in males and females, but was always longer in females than in males.

The proportion of patients presenting with DU decreased, especially in ACA+SSc patients. Almost no ACA+ patients presented with ILD, while in ATA+ patients this proportion was 25% in 2010–2013 and decreased to 19% in 2018–2021. A reduction in patients presenting with clinically meaningful ILD and dcSSc was observed.

Overall 8-year survival for males was 59% (95% CI 40% to 73%) and for females 89% (95% CI 82% to 93%). Eight-year survival showed a trend for improvement over time, and was always worse in males.

Conclusion

We observed a decrease in disease duration in Leiden CCISS cohort at cohort entry, possibly indicating more timely diagnosis of SSc. This could provide opportunities for early interventions. While symptom duration at presentation is longer in females, mortality is consistently higher in males, underlining the urge for sex-specific treatment and follow-up.
A Comprehensive Study on the Interactive Effects of Carbon Crystallinity and Electrochemical Activation for KOH-Modified Soft Carbons and Their High-Voltage Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Tai Chen-Wei , Lu Yi-Ting , Yi Tien-Yu , Liu Yu-Chien , Chen Yan-Shi , Hu Chi-Chang
Published: April 2023

The interactive influences between carbon crystallinity and electrochemical activation (EA) on the capacitive behavior for a series of soft carbons (SCs) modified with KOH have been systematically examined for the high-voltage (≥ 4.0 V) super-capacitors in the conventional liquid electrolyte of 1 M tetraethylammonium tetra-fluoroborate/propylene carbonate (TEABF4/PC). The energy storage behavior of SCs without and with the KOH modification as well as before and after the EA treatment in various potential regions are investigated by galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests. Characterizations including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms are employed to probe possible changes in carbon structure after the KOH and EA treatments. The results show that the specific capacitance of SCs can be significantly promoted by the KOH modification through crystallinity reducing and the EA via the irreversible insertion of either BF4
− or TEA+. The EA process is found to be more effective for KOH-modified SCs with relatively low crystallinity. After the optimization of both positive and negative electrodes, a 4 V full cell with the specific energy of 71.2 and 54.9 Wh kg−1 at the specific power of 0.9 and 6.1 kW kg−1 can be obtained. This 4 V supercapacitor also delivers the superior energy density of 37.7 Wh l−1 at 0.5 kW l−1 and 29.1 Wh l−1 at 3.2 kW l−1. For the stability, the 4 V supercapacitor exhibits about 85% capacitance retention after 10000 GCD cycles. The results have demonstrated the application potential of KOH-modified SCs as promising electrode materials for the high-voltage supercapacitors.
Miniaturization of Reference Electrodes for Solid-State Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hertle Jonas , Walther Felix , Mogwitz Boris , Schröder Steffen , Wu Xiaohan , Richter Felix H. , Janek Jürgen
Published: April 2023

Enabling simple three-electrode (3E) setups for solid-state battery cells is important allowing investigation of individual electrodes to shed more light on interface charge transfer and reactions occurring in solid-state battery cells. Two different 3E setups are compared, and their practical value is evaluated. A miniaturized reference electrode (μ-RE) is developed from lithium-plated gold wires with a tungsten core providing a stable potential. Cells with Li6PS5Cl as solid electrolyte, Li1-xNi0.85Co0.10Mn0.05O2 (NCM851005) as cathode active material and Li4Ti5O12/Li7Ti5O12 (LTO) or In/InLi as anode are investigated. The reference electrode provides a stable potential of 0 V vs Li+/Li, hence allowing the precise measurement of single electrode potentials. The setup leaves the usual cell geometry essentially unchanged and causes only minor additional work during cell assembly, allowing widespread application. Evidence is provided that 3E setups are needed to evaluate the rate capability of active materials correctly and that two-electrode (2E) setups can massively underestimate the rate capability of electrodes. The impedance of full cells is systematically analyzed based on separate anode and cathode impedances.
Unraveling the Effect of Conductive Additives on Li-Ion Diffusion Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy: A Case Study of Graphene vs Carbon Black
Authors: Chi Tengsheng , Wang Xu , Zeng Lingcai , Qin Zhihong , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Zhaoping
Published: April 2023

As an indispensable part of the electrodes in lithium-ion batteries, conductive additives play an important role not only in electron transport, but in the electrode structure as they form carbon-binder domains (CBD) that are located in the voids among active materials. The latter is expected to have a significant effect on Li-ion diffusion in the electrode, but has been paid little attention to in previous research. Accordingly, two typical types of conductive additives with distinct structures, including carbon black and graphene, are employed in LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM 811) electrodes to investigate this important issue in this work by quantitative analysis of Li-ion diffusion resistance (Rion) and charge transfer resistance (Rct) by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) using a symmetric cell configuration combined with the transmission line model (TLM). The EIS results confirm that addition of graphene is more effective to enhance Li-ion diffusion compared with carbon black. Meanwhile, for constructing better CBD, graphene and carbon black are equally crucial, and the combination of both is necessary to achieve the best rate performance, as Li-ion diffusion, electronic conductivity, and charge transfer process which is affected by the electroactive surface area in the electrode should be taken into consideration at the same time.
Design and Investigation of a Single Gate Heterostructure Junctionless Tunnel FET for the Gas Detection
Authors: Panda Shwetapadma , Mishra Guru Prasad , Dash Sidhartha
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a single gate junctionless heterostructure TFET gas sensor (SiGe-SG-JLTFET) is presented, and its effectiveness is examined. The high-k gate dielectric (HfO2) and low bandgap alloy prove to be a great combination to boost the drain current. The leakage current is controlled by the presence of a silicon body in the channel and drain. We have considered a Palladium metal with a suitable work-function in the gate catalyst for better sensitivity purposes. The sensor modulates the flat band voltage and Capacitance-Voltage characteristics with the adsorption of gas atoms at the Palladium/HfO2 and Palladium surfaces. Consequently, the ON-state current is affected, which is treated as a sensing measure. The gas sensor’s electrostatic analysis is investigated in terms of I-V characteristics, current components, band energy for both ON- and leakage conditions, maximum electric field, BTBT rate, and carrier concentrations. Similarly, the sensitivity analysis consists of drain current sensitivity (SID), current ratio sensitivity (Sratio), and average SS sensitivity (SSS). The investigation has been carried out with the change in gas pressure in terms of work-function, temperature (0K), and interface trap charges (ITC) using a TCAD device simulator. The proposed gas sensor exhibits a (SID)max of 2.41 × 106 and Sratio of 3.89 × 104 with higher pressure concentration at room temperature respectively.
A CNTFET Based Bit-Line Powered Stable SRAM Design for Low Power Applications
Authors: Sachdeva Ashish , Gupta Lipika , Sharma Kulbhushan , Elangovan M.
Published: April 2023

Higher charge mobility, gate control, and better electrostatics are the key reasons that make carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) a better candidate to become the successor of conventional CMOS transistors. However, the increased charge mobility also enhances the leakage power. This work uses CNTFET for designing a low-power eight-transistor static random access memory (8T SRAM) cell. The leakage power of the proposed cell is reduced by 2.21×compared to conventional 6T SRAM at 0.3V with similar CNTFET parameters. The read and write power delay product of the proposed design is improved by 1.02×and 1.85×, respectively. Moreover, the read/ write/ hold static noise margin of the proposed cell is also enhanced by 1.98×/ 0.99×/ 1.01×, respectively, compared to the conventional 6T design. The proposed cell is also compared with three already proposed CNTFET based 8T SRAM designs. Cadence Virtuoso simulation tool and Stanford University 32 nm CNTFET verilog-A model file are used to achieve simulation results.
Identification of Hub Biomarkers and Immune and Inflammation Pathways Contributing to Kawasaki Disease Progression with RT-qPCR Verification
Authors: Ba Hongjun , Zhang Lili , Peng Huimin , He Xiufang , Lin Yuese , Li Xuandi , Li Shujuan , Zhu Ling , Qin Youzhen , Zhang Xing , Wang Yao
Published: April 2023

Background. Kawasaki disease (KD) is characterized by a disordered inflammation response of unknown etiology. Immune cells are closely associated with its onset, although the immune-related genes’ expression and possibly involved immune regulatory mechanisms are little known. This study aims to identify KD-implicated significant immune- and inflammation-related biomarkers and pathways and their association with immune cell infiltration. Patients and Methods. Gene microarray data were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differential expression analysis, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to find KD hub markers. GSEA was used to assess the infiltration by 28 immune cell types and their connections to essential gene markers. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to examine hub markers’ diagnostic effectiveness. Finally, hub genes’ expressions were validated in Chinese KD patients by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results. One hundred and fifty-one unique genes were found. Among 10 coexpression modules at WGCNA, one hub module exhibited the strongest association with KD. Thirty-six overlapping genes were identified. Six hub genes were potential biomarkers according to LASSO analysis. Immune infiltration revealed connections among activated and effector memory CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, activated dendritic cells, and macrophages. The six hub genes’ diagnostic value was shown by ROC curve analysis. Hub genes were enriched in immunological and inflammatory pathways. RT-qPCR verification results of FCGR1B (

P
<
0.001

), GPR84 (

P
<
0.001

), KREMEN1 (

P
<
0.001

), LRG1 (

P
<
0.001

), and TDRD9 (

P
<
0.001

) upregulated expression in Chinese KD patients are consistent with our database analysis. Conclusion. Neutrophils, macrophages, and activated dendritic cells are strongly linked to KD pathophysiology. Through immune-related signaling pathways, hub genes such as FCGR1B, GPR84, KREMEN1, LRG1, and TDRD9 may be implicated in KD advancement.
An Evaluation Method of Crack Variation on Structural Performance of Concrete Dams with Fusion Entropy Based on Observation and Simulation
Authors: Qin Xiangnan , Gu Hao , Yuan Dongyang , Guo Jinjun , Chen Xudong , Xu Bo , Wu Bangbin
Published: April 2023

This study proposes a method for evaluating crack variations on structural performance of concrete dams using observational and computational output. The structural performance is represented by the system entropy in concrete dams, and the stress-strain field is established by incorporating observations and simulations for entropy calculations. Considering the characterization ability of the sample points, the weighted entropy sequence is constructed with a selected index system. Thereafter, the weighted fusion entropy is successively separated and analyzed with rescaled range (R/S) analysis, and the Hurst exponent difference and corresponding warning indicators are calculated to quantify the destructiveness of the crack variation. The application of the presented method is elaborated in a concrete arch dam, and the behavior of J01-crack exhibits no significant destructiveness on its structural condition. The analysis results verified the feasibility of the proposed method in destructiveness evaluation of crack behavior on the structural performance of concrete dams.
Effect of Pulsed Feeding of GIFT Strain of Tilapia in Biofloc System Using Inland Saline Water
Authors: Solanki Sonia , Chadha Narinder K. , Sawant Paramita B. , Vungurala Harikrishna , Sudhagar Arun
Published: April 2023

Feed is one of the major inputs in aquaculture system and constitutes 60%–80% of total production costs of tilapia. Inappropriate selection of feed quality and the feeding strategy affects the feed utilization resulting in high food conversion ratio (FCR). A 60 days experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and immuno-physiological responses of GIFT tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) by pulsed feeding under biofloc culture system in inland saline water. For the experiment, feeding pattern in pulsed was followed viz., in situ biofloc with daily feeding (T1), in situ biofloc with alternate day feeding (T2), in situ biofloc with every third day feeding (T3), in situ biofloc with no feeding (T4), and clear water control with daily feeding (C) each in triplicates. Biofloc based treatment receiving daily feeding (T1) resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher average body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to control. T1 and C showed a significantly similar feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Fish maintained in T4 grew the least and survival was lowest (85%). The immunological parameters showed a significant difference (P<0.05) for nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and myeloperoxidase content whereas no significant difference (P>0.05) for lysozyme activity was observed. Higher NBT activity was observed in biofloc based treatments compared to control. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were considerably higher (P<0.05) in biofloc based treatments than control. Among biofloc based treatments the antioxidant activities were lower in T1. The carbohydrate metabolism enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were lower in T1, T2, and T3 compared to control and T4. In conclusion, in-situ biofloc with daily feeding is found to be effective in growth improvement and to elicit immune-physiological responses in GIFT tilapia under pulsed feeding using biofloc based system.
Financing the Three-Tier Supply Chain: Advance Payment vs. Blockchain-Enabled Financing Mode
Authors: Huo Hong , Xue Ning
Published: April 2023

Supply chain finance has shown remarkable results in alleviating the financial constraints of small and medium-sized enterprises. However, most studies have concentrated on the two-tier supply chain while ignoring the financing issues of the deep-tier supply chain. This study introduced the blockchain-enabled financing mode now utilized in the manufacturing industry and constructed a three-tier agricultural supply chain considering the farmer’s financial constraints. The main contributions of this article are (1) presenting the blockchain-enabled financing mode in the three-tier agricultural supply chain and (2) investigating supply chain decision-making in the three-tier supply chain when the tier-2 supplier is financially constrained, comparing advance payment and the blockchain-enabled financing mode. Relevant parameter estimations were realized using the data of the last ten years, and numerical analyses were conducted. The results show that when the farmer’s bank’s financing capability exceeds the acquirer’s, the farmer is motivated to select the blockchain-enabled financing mode. However, a win-win situation among the three-tier supply chain is only achievable when the transmission-fee rate falls within a particular range. In addition, if government agencies wish to promote blockchain technology by subsidizing blockchain-enabled financing, they might support the farmer in obtaining a bank loan at a cheaper interest rate. All members of the supply chain would benefit from this.
Coupled Control of Traffic Signal and Connected Autonomous Vehicles at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Wang Dan , Wu Zhizhou , Ma Guosheng , Gao Zhibo , Yang Zhidan
Published: April 2023

To enhance the traffic operation efficiency at signalized intersections, a model for coupled control of traffic signals and connected autonomous vehicles at isolated signalized intersections is proposed. This model estimates the time that CAVs reach stop lines with real-time information about the speed and position of CAVs. The arrival time is leveraged to optimize traffic signal timing by rolling horizon, with the maximization of phase saturation as the optimization objective. Based on the optimized traffic signal timing, the speed profile of CAVs is optimized by a linear integer programming, with the maximization of speed at the moment of reaching the stop line as the optimization objective. Through the coupled control of travel speed and the traffic signal, CAVs can pass through the intersection safely, efficiently, and smoothly. NetLogo, a multiagent microscopic simulator, is developed to test this strategy, and an intersection in Weihai is taken for verification and analysis lastly. The simulation results demonstrate that, compared with the fixed traffic signal timing control and the model optimizing only speed profile of CAVs, the proposed model can reduce the average number of stops by 47.0% and the queuing time by 41.3%. In addition, the optimization is better during off-peak hours, about 10% higher than the peak hours.
Linear Regression Analysis of Sleep Quality in People with Insomnia in Wuhan City during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jin Hai-Tao , Wang Fei , Zhang Wen , Liu Qi-Lin , Zhang Jing-Lan , Yu Miao , Guo Zhen-Zhen , Pan Wei
Published: April 2023

Objective. COVID-19 has evolved into a major global public health event. The number of people reporting insomnia is growing exponentially during the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the relationship between aggravated insomnia and COVID-19-induced psychological impact on the public, lifestyle changes, and anxiety about the future. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, we used the questionnaires from 400 subjects who were obtained from the Department of Encephalopathy of the Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between July 2020 and July 2021. The data collected for the study included demographic characteristics of the participants and psychological scales consisting of the Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the results. Correlation analysis of variables affecting insomnia was performed using Pearson correlation analysis. The degree of influence of the variables on insomnia was determined using linear regression, and a regression equation was derived. Results. A total of 400 insomnia patients participated in the survey. The median age was 45.75 ± 15.04 years. The average score of the Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire was 17.29 ± 6.36, that of SAS was 52.47 ± 10.39, that of SDS was 65.89 ± 8.72, and that of FCV-19S was 16.09 ± 6.81. The scores of FCV-19S, SAS, and SDS were closely related to insomnia, and the influencing degree was in the following order: fear, depression, and anxiety (OR = 1.30, 0.709, and 0.63, respectively). Conclusion. Fear of COVID-19 can be one of the primary contributors to worsening insomnia.
Highly Sensitive Immunosensing of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Based on Gold Nanoparticles Dotted PB@PANI Core-Shell Nanocubes as a Signal Probe
Authors: Feng Dexiang , Chen Lingzhi , Zhang Ke , Zhu Shuangshuang , Ying Meichen , Jiang Peng , Fu Menglan , Wei Yan , Li Lihua
Published: April 2023

Herein, a method was developed for the sensitive monitoring of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by gold nanoparticles dotted prussian blue@polyaniline core-shell nanocubes (Au NPs/PB@PANI). First, a facile low-temperature method was used to prepare the uniform PB@PANI core-shell nanocubes with the assistance of PVP, where PB acted as the electron transfer mediator to provide electrochemical signals, and the PANI with excellent conductivity and desirable chemical stability not only played the role of a protective layer to prevent etching of PB in basic media but also effectively improved electron transfer. Importantly, to further enhance the electrical conductivity and biocompatibility of PB@PANI and to further enhance the electrochemical signal and capture a large amount of Ab2, Au NPs were doped on the surface of PB@PANI to form Au NPs/PB@PANI nanocomposites. Subsequently, benefiting from the advantages of core-shell structure nanoprobes and gold-platinum bimetallic nanoflower (AuPt NF), a sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor for CEA detection was constructed, which provided a wide linear detection range from 1.0 pg·mL−1 to 100.0 ng·mL−1 and a low detection limit of 0.35 pg·mL−1 via DPV (at 3σ). Moreover, it displayed a satisfactory result when the core-shell structure nanoprobe-based immunosensor was applied to determine CEA in real human serum samples.
Application of Wireless Sensor Network Computer Technology in Financial Management System
Authors: Wei Jianhua
Published: April 2023

In the current enterprise competition, the core of the management information system is the financial management information system. Building a more comprehensive and efficient financial management information system can effectively establish a more efficient innovative enterprise and promote the transformation and development of the enterprise. This paper first designs a set of financial management system templates, including general ledger, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Second, according to the characteristics of wireless sensor network technology, this paper proposes a financial management system based on the wireless sensor network and designs a load balancing topology control algorithm (LHTCA algorithm), which balances the energy consumption of network nodes and helps to improve the network life cycle. Finally, the management system is tested and validated. The test results show that the financial management system can realize the electronicization of financial data and paperless vouchers, improve the efficiency of financial work, and promote the sharing and integration of resources.
Microstructure Evolution and Work Hardening Behavior of Hot-Rolled DP780 Ferrite/Bainite Dual-Phase Steel
Authors: Li Zhengtuan , Wu Chunjing , Wan Heli
Published: April 2023

In this article, by optimizing the alloy composition, the DP780 grade hot-rolled duplex steel was obtained by TMCP (thermo-mechanical control process) combined with medium temperature coiling procedure. The microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the experimental steel were analyzed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), room temperature tensile experiment, and low-temperature impact experiment. When the coiling temperature was 540°C, the yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of the experimental steel were 663 MPa, 785 MPa, and 23%, respectively, and the product of the strength and elongation was as high as 18.1 GPa%, which accords with the mechanical properties of the national standard for DP780 dual-phase steel. The experimental steel exhibits significant work hardening effect at higher strain, and can still guarantee a certain work hardening index and good formability. When the coiling temperature was high (570°C), the strength of the experimental steel decreased and the work hardening effect was also weakened due to the coarsening of microstructure. The results of this article provide theoretical guidance for the production of DP780 dual-phase steel by hot rolling.