bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of predictive model based on deep learning method for classification of dyslipidemia in Chinese medicine
Authors: Liu Jinlei , Dan Wenchao , Liu Xudong , Zhong Xiaoxue , Chen Cheng , He Qingyong , Wang Jie
Published: April 2023

Backgrounds

Dyslipidemia is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and one of the primary independent modifiable factors of diabetes and stroke. Statins can significantly improve the prognosis of dyslipidemia, but its side effects cannot be ignored. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used in clinical practice for more than 2000 years in China and has certain traits in treating dyslipidemia with little side effect. Previous research has shown that Mutual Obstruction of Phlegm and Stasis (MOPS) is the most common dyslipidemia type classified in TCM. However, how to compose diagnostic factors in TCM into diagnostic rules relies heavily on the doctor's experience, falling short in standardization and objectiveness. This is a limit for TCM to play its advantages of treating dyslipidemia with MOPS.

Methods

In this study, the syndrome diagnosis in TCM was transformed into the prediction and classification problem in artificial intelligence The deep learning method was employed to build the classification prediction models for dyslipidemia. The models were built and trained with a large amount of multi-centered clinical data on MOPS. The optimal model was screened out by evaluating the performance of prediction models through loss, accuracy, precision, recall, confusion matrix, PR and ROC curve (including AUC).

Results

A total of 20 models were constructed through the deep learning method. All of them performed well in the prediction of dyslipidemia with MOPS. The model-11 is the optimal model. The evaluation indicators of model-11 are as follows: The true positive (TP), false positive (FP), true negative (TN) and false negative (FN) are 51, 15, 129, and 9, respectively. The loss is 0.3241, accuracy is 0.8672, precision is 0.7138, recall is 0.8286, and the AUC is 0.9268. After screening through 89 diagnostic factors of TCM, we identified 36 significant diagnosis factors for dyslipidemia with MOPS. The most outstanding diagnostic factors from the importance were dark purple tongue, slippery pulse and slimy fur, etc.

Conclusions

This study successfully developed a well-performing classification prediction model for dyslipidemia with MOPS, transforming the syndrome diagnosis problem in TCM into a prediction and classification problem in artificial intelligence. Patients with dyslipidemia of MOPS can be accurately recognized through limited information from patients. We also screened out significant diagnostic factors for composing diagnostic rules of dyslipidemia with MOPS. The study is an avant-garde attempt at introducing the deep-learning method into the research of TCM, which provides a useful reference for the extension of deep learning method to other diseases and the construction of disease diagnosis model in TCM, contributing to the standardization and objectiveness of TCM diagnosis.
Source contribution of PCBs and OC/EC at a background site in the Yangtze River Estuary: insight from inter-comparison by Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF)
Authors: Lin Tian , Zhou Wanqing , Zhao Shizhen , Li Minqiao , Guo Zhigang
Published: April 2023

Background air samples, including gas-phase components and suspended particulates, were collected over one year (2013-2014) for an investigation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and OC/EC in the Yangtze River Estuary. PCB concentrations exhibited great seasonal variability and ranged between 43 and 720 pg·m−3. They mainly were associated with the gas phase, and levels peaked in the summer time at 327 ± 177 pg·m−3. By contrast, concentrations of particulate PCBs and OC/EC were higher in the cold seasons, which was due to high-temperature combustion emission and frequent haze events. According to the results of a positive matrix factorization, the combustion and non-combustion sources of PCBs accounted for 30% and 70% of total PCBs, respectively. Meanwhile, SOC/OC value was 54.7% ± 20.1%, which suggests gas-to-particle conversion process plays a significant role in contributing to atmospheric particles. To this end, the influence of OC/EC on both combustion and non-combustion PCBs in the long-range atmospheric transport deserves further research.

Graphical Abstract
Traditional and Cosmic Gods in Later Plato and the Early Academy
Authors: Bartninkas Vilius
Published: April 2023

This book sheds new light on Plato's cosmology in relation to Greek religion by examining the contested distinction between the traditional and cosmic gods. A close reading of the later dialogues shows that the two families of gods are routinely deployed to organise and structure Plato's accounts of the origins of the universe and of humanity and its social institutions, and to illuminate the moral and political ideals of philosophical utopias. Vilius Bartninkas argues that the presence of the two kinds of gods creates a dynamic, yet productive, tension in Plato's thinking which is unmistakable and which is not resolved until the works of his students. Thus the book closes by exploring how the cosmological and religious ideas of Plato's later dialogues resurfaced in the Early Academy and how the debates initiated there ultimately led to the collapse of this theological distinction.
The Making Sense of Politics, Media, and Law
Authors: Watt Gary
Published: April 2023

From Trump's 'make America great again' to Johnson's 'build back better', performative politicians use The Making Sense to persuade their public audiences. Law 'makers' do it too: A courtroom trial is a 'truth factory' in which facts are not found but forged. The 'court of popular opinion' is another such factory, though its processes are often flawed and its products faulty. Where courts of law aim to make civil peace, 'trial by Twitter' makes civil strife. Even in 'mainstream' media, journalists make news for public consumption, so that all news is to an extent 'fake news'. In a world of making, how can we separate craft from craftiness? With insights from disciplines including law, politics, rhetoric, media studies, psychology, sociology, marketing, and performance studies, The Making Sense of Politics, Media, and Law offers a constructive way to approach controversies from transgender identity to cancel culture. This title is also available as open access on Cambridge Core.
The Trajectory of Discovery
Authors: Khurana Mark P.
Published: April 2023

Medical research works in trajectories. Scientists and researchers must choose to pursue certain scientific pathways and omit others, limited by resources, attention, and time. The trajectory of medical progress is therefore characterized by two crucial characteristics: rate and direction. These two components form the foundation for this book - what are the forces that determine the rate and direction of progress in medicine? This book brings together the worlds of scientific policy, economics, sociology, philosophy, and innovation to describe why the world of medical research looks the way it does. The book also addresses fundamental contemporary issues in medicine, how they influence progress, and how we might improve medical research going forward. The contemporary issues discussed include: flawed incentive structures, a concentration of power and resources among few actors and disease groups, the potential distortionary effects of lobbying by different scientific actors, and missing novelty in drug development.
Artistic Freedom in International Law
Authors: Polymenopoulou Eleni
Published: April 2023

The book examines in detail the essence, nature and scope of artistic freedom as a human right. It explains the legal problems associated with the lack of a precise definition of the term 'art' and discusses the emergence of a distinct 'right' to artistic freedom under international law. Drawing on a variety of case-studies primarily from the field of visual arts, but also performance, street art and graffiti, it examines potentially applicable 'defences' for those types of artistic expression that are perceived as inappropriate, ugly, offensive, disturbing, or even obscene and transgressive. The book also offers a view on global controversies such as Charlie Hebdo and the Danish Cartoons, attempting to explain the subtleties of offenses related to religious sensibilities and beliefs. It also examines the legitimacy of restrictions on extremist expressions in the case of arts involving criminal artsm such as child pornography in the case of Loli manga.
Medieval France at War
Authors: France John
Published: April 2023

This book provides an overarching, comprehensive analysis of the French military in the medieval period. The focus is on the armies of the French monarchy and the lands close around them, extending from the Low Countries to Provence. Central themes include recruitment and payment; military organisation; leadership, strategy, and tactics; weapons and arms; chivalry, military culture, and the rise of military professionalism.
Migräne – eine multifaktorielle Erkrankung
Authors: Kubat Heike
Published: April 2023

Was ist zu dem Thema bereits bekannt?

Triggerfaktoren werden für eine Migräneattacke verantwortlich gemacht. Individuelle und situationsabhängige Reaktionen auf Trigger sind unterschiedlich.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Ein adäquater Umgang mit Triggerfaktoren, Prodromal- und Begleitsymptomen ist entscheidend für ein gutes Krankheitsmanagement.

Was sind die Auswirkungen auf die Praxis?

Statt einer Vermeidung von Triggerfaktoren ist das Entwickeln von Copingstrategien sinnvoll. Anstatt Ängste vor einer nächsten Attacke zu erleben, ist das Einschätzen und Erkennen von Vorboten hilfreich.
The Diurnal Cycle of East Pacific Convection, Moisture, and CYGNSS Wind Speed and Fluxes
Authors: Riley Dellaripa Emily M. , Maloney Eric D. , DeMott Charlotte A.
Published: April 2023

The far eastern tropical Pacific is one of the rainiest locations on Earth. This region is characterized by a robust diurnal cycle with precipitation initiating over the Andes mountains in Colombia in the late afternoon and moving offshore overnight while organizing into mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). As the MCSs move westward, they can seed tropical easterly waves that develop into tropical cyclones. Novel measurements of near‐surface wind speeds and latent heat flux (LHFLX) from the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission and ERA5 reanalysis are used to evaluate changes to regional flow patterns, moisture, and LHFLX that favor a strong westward propagating diurnal cycle of precipitation in this region. Days with strongly versus weakly westward propagating diurnal precipitation are compared during the extended boreal summer of the CYGNSS era (May–October 2018–2021). Strongly propagating days have a more moist lower troposphere with stronger vertically integrated moisture flux convergence than days with weakly propagating precipitation. The enhanced low‐level moisture is supported by increased wind‐driven LHFLX from stronger regional flows including the Choco and Caribbean Low‐Level Jets and Panama and Papagayo gap winds. Increased offshore convergence and vorticity also help sustain convection during the days with strongly propagating precipitation. Background variations in the physical environment, as opposed to diurnal variations, seem more important for supporting a robust diurnal cycle of precipitation in the region.
Spring and Sewage Are in the Air Near San Diego
Authors: Vasquez Krystal
Published: April 2023

Sea spray can transport sewage-contaminated waters inland, potentially exposing those living kilometers from the beach.
Data and Tools Integration in the Canadian Open Neuroscience Platform
Authors: Poline Jean-Baptiste , Das Samir , Glatard Tristan , Madjar Cécile , Dickie Erin W. , Lecours Xavier , Beaudry Thomas , Beck Natacha , Behan Brendan , Brown Shawn T. , Bujold David , Beauvais Michael , Caron Bryan , Czech Candice , Dharsee Moyez , Dugré Mathieu , Evans Ken , Gee Tom , Ippoliti Giulia , Kiar Gregory , Knoppers Bartha Maria , Kuehn Tristan , Le Diana , Lo Derek , Mazaheri Mandana , MacFarlane Dave , Muja Naser , O’Brien Emmet A. , O’Callaghan Liam , Paiva Santiago , Park Patrick , Quesnel Darcy , Rabelais Henri , Rioux Pierre , Legault Mélanie , Tremblay-Mercier Jennifer , Rotenberg David , Stone Jessica , Strauss Ted , Zaytseva Ksenia , Zhou Joey , Duchesne Simon , Khan Ali R. , Hill Sean , Evans Alan C.
Published: April 2023

We present the Canadian Open Neuroscience Platform (CONP) portal to answer the research community’s need for flexible data sharing resources and provide advanced tools for search and processing infrastructure capacity. This portal differs from previous data sharing projects as it integrates datasets originating from a number of already existing platforms or databases through DataLad, a file level data integrity and access layer. The portal is also an entry point for searching and accessing a large number of standardized and containerized software and links to a computing infrastructure. It leverages community standards to help document and facilitate reuse of both datasets and tools, and already shows a growing community adoption giving access to more than 60 neuroscience datasets and over 70 tools. The CONP portal demonstrates the feasibility and offers a model of a distributed data and tool management system across 17 institutions throughout Canada.
Using machine learning to estimate the incidence rate of intimate partner violence
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Ma Wen , Li Ying , Guo Wei , Wang Senhu , Zhang Wansu , Chen Yunsong
Published: April 2023

It is difficult to accurately estimate the incidence rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) using traditional social survey methods because IPV victims are often reluctant to disclose their experiences, leading to an underestimation of the incidence rate. To address this issue, we applied machine learning algorithms to predict the incidence rate of IPV in China based on data from the Third Wave Survey on the Social Status of Women in China (TWSSSCW 2010). Specifically, we examined five unbalanced sample-processing methods and six machine learning algorithms, choosing the random under-sampling ensemble method and the random forest algorithm to impute the missing data. Analysis of the complete data showed that the incidence rates of physical violence, verbal violence, and cold violence were 7.10%, 13.74%, and 21.35%, respectively, which were higher than the incidence rates in the original dataset (4.05%, 11.21%, and 17.95%, respectively). The robustness of our findings was further confirmed by analysis using different training sets. Overall, this study demonstrates that better tools need to be developed to accurately estimate the incidence rates of IPV. It also serves as a useful guide for future research that imputes missing data using machine learning.
Changes in social behavioral developmental risks in preschool children after the first COVID-19 wave: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kästner Anika , Ernst Vanessa Sophie , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Franze Marco
Published: April 2023

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social-emotional developmental risks (SE-DR) of preschool children is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this prospective longitudinal dynamic cohort study was to assess changes in preschoolers’ SE-DR from before the pandemic to after the first COVID-19 wave. SE-DR were assessed annually with the instrument “Dortmund Developmental Screening for Preschools” (DESK). Longitudinal DESK data from 3- to 4-year-old children who participated both in survey wave (SW) three (DESK-SW3, 2019) and SW four (DESK-SW4, 2020) from August 1 to November 30 were used, respectively. Additionally, data from previous pre-pandemic SW were analyzed to contextualize the observed changes (SW1: 2017; SW2: 2018). A total of N = 786 children were included in the analysis. In the pre-pandemic DESK-SW3, the proportion of children with SE-DR was 18.2%, whereas in DESK-SW4 after the first COVID-19 wave, the proportion decreased to 12.4% (p = 0.001). Thus, the prevalence rate ratio (PRR) was 0.68. Compared to data from previous SW (SW1-SW2: PRR = 0.88; SW2-SW3: PRR = 0.82), this result represents a notable improvement. However, only short-term effects were described, and the study region had one of the highest preschool return rates in Germany. Further studies are needed to examine long-term effects of the pandemic on preschoolers’ SE-DR.
Removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals from petroleum water by modern green nanotechnology methods
Authors: Bouafia Abderrhmane , Meneceur Souhaila , Chami Souheyla , Laouini Salah Eddine , Daoudi Henda , Legmairi Souheila , Mohammed Mohammed Hamdi Ali , Aoun Narimene , Menaa Farid
Published: April 2023

Considered heavy metals, such as As(III), Bi(II), Cd(II), Cr(VI), Mn(II), Mo(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Sb(III), Se(-II), Zn(II), and contaminating chemical compounds (monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as phenolic or polycyclic derivatives) in wastewater (petrochemical industries: oil and gas production plants) are currently a major concern in environmental toxicology due to their toxic effects on aquatic and terrestrial life. In order to maintain biodiversity, hydrosphere ecosystems, and people, it is crucial to remove these heavy metals and polluting chemical compounds from the watery environment. In this study, different Nanoparticles (α-Fe2O3, CuO, and ZnO) were synthesized by green synthesis method using Portulaca oleracea leaf extract and characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometers, FTIR spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) techniques in order to investigate morphology, composition, and crystalline structure of NPs, these were then used as adsorbent for the removal of As(III), Bi(II), Cd(II), Cr(VI), Mn(II), Mo(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Sb(III), Se(-II), and Zn(II) from wastewater, and removal efficiencies of were obtained 100% under optimal conditions.
A SO3H-group anchored covalent organic framework for the synthesis of hydroxy carbamates in a single step utilizing CO2
Authors: Mondal Titu , Seth Jhumur , Sarkar Somnath , Islam Sk Manirul
Published: April 2023

In this work, we have synthesized a covalent organic framework, TpPa-SO3H, which has shown high catalytic activity for the synthesis of hydroxy carbamates from aliphatic and aromatic amines and epoxides by fixing CO2, in a single step.
Oxidative dissolution of lithium and manganese from lithium manganospinel (LiMn2O4): towards climate-smart processes for critical metal recycling
Authors: Ward Rhys A. , Kocsis Dávid , Wadhawan Jay D.
Published: April 2023

This work reports the oxidative breakdown of the LiMn2O4structure using alkaline hypochlorite, as a method for recovering both lithium and manganese species.
Electrochemiluminescence imaging of a membrane carcinoembryonic antigen at single tissue sections
Authors: Shi Junwei , Han Dongni , Feng Zengyu , Jiang Dechen , Jiang Depeng
Published: April 2023

Histopathological molecular testing of tissue sections is an essential step in tumor diagnosis; however, the commonly used immunohistochemical methods have problems such as low specificity and the subjective bias of the observer.
HF-Free synthesis of colloidal Cs2ZrF6 and (NH4)2ZrF6 nanocrystals
Authors: Tzanetopoulos Eden , Schwartz Julie , Gamelin Daniel R.
Published: April 2023

Syntheses of colloidal Cs2ZrF6 and (NH4)2ZrF6 nanocrystals have been developed that use NH4F dissolved in a low-boiling-point alcohol as a reactive fluoride source, demonstrating the first A2BF6 nanocrystals prepared without the need to handle HF.
Transition-metal-free C–S bond cleavage and transformation of organosulfur compounds
Authors: Yang Ke , Li Qin , Li Zhengyi , Sun Xiaoqiang
Published: April 2023

This feature article provides a comprehensive review of the major advances in the field of the transition-metal-free C–S bond cleavage of organosulfur compounds.
The role of size in biostability of DNA tetrahedra
Authors: Vilcapoma Javier , Patel Akul , Chandrasekaran Arun Richard , Halvorsen Ken
Published: April 2023

Biostability of different-sized DNA tetrahedra were analyzed against two nucleases and in fetal bovine serum. Results show that DNA nanostructure size can influence nuclease degradation, but suggest a complex relationship that is nuclease specific.
Competing and directing interactions in new phosphoramide/thiophosphoramide structures: energy considerations and evidence for CH⋯HC contacts and aliphatic–aromatic stacking
Authors: Hosseinpoor Saeed , Pourayoubi Mehrdad , Abrishami Mozhgan , Sobati Marjan , Karimi Ahmadabad Fatemeh , Sabbaghi Fahimeh , Nečas Marek , Dušek Michal , Kučeráková Monika , Kaur Manpreet
Published: April 2023

Structural analysis of a set of phosphoramide/thiophosphoramide derivatives by scrutinizing the energy and topological calculations discloses the role of individual interactions in crystal formation.
Radiation synthesis of binary poly(ionic liquid) functionalized silica-based materials for selective adsorption of ReO4− as analogue of TcO4− from simulated radioactive wastewater
Authors: Dong Zhen , Zhang Na , Zhang Manman , Yang Miao , Bao Qiburi , Zhao Long
Published: April 2023

Binary ionic liquid functionalized silica-based adsorbents for the treatment of TcO4− in radioactive wastewater was synthesized and evaluated. The column adsorption capacity of adsorbents increased with increasing hydrophobicity of the ionic liquid.
LC-MS/MS identification and cytotoxic assessment of jaspamide and its congeners from the sponge Jaspis diastra
Authors: Ramanjooloo Avin , Kamel Mahmoud , Adeyemi Samson A. , Ubanako Philemon , Baudot Bertrand , Thakoor Asho D. , Choonara Yahya E. , Bhaw-Luximon Archana
Published: April 2023

Marine sponges represent a valuable source of cyclodepsipeptides with anti-cancer potential.
Simultaneous facilitation of CO2adsorption and proton feeding in Bi/Bi2O3heterostructure nanosheets for enhanced electroreduction of CO2to formate in a wide potential window
Authors: Wang Wenwen , Ruan Guangyu , Wang Xin , Wu Chao , Wang Qinian
Published: April 2023

A Bi/Bi2O3heterostructure improves CO2adsorption and proton feeding. DFT calculations andin situcharacterisation were used for mechanistic investigation.
Correction: Exploiting butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors through a combined 3-D pharmacophore modeling, QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Manoharan Amritha , J Jayalakshmi , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Mahdi Wael A. , Alshehri Sultan , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Pappachen Leena K. , Zachariah Subin Mary , Aneesh T. P. , Mathew Bijo
Published: April 2023

Correction for ‘Exploiting butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors through a combined 3-D pharmacophore modeling, QSAR, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics investigation’ by Sunil Kumar et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 9513–9529, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA00526G.
Extracellular vesicles in carcinoma microenvironment
Authors: Carvalho-Silva Larissa Tinô de , Normando Ana Gabriela C. , Sá Jamile de Oliveira , dos Santos Erison Santana , De Rossi Tatiane , Busso-Lopes Ariane Fidelis , de Oliveira Ana Karina , Paes Leme Adriana F.
Published: April 2023

Cancer is a significant cause of death, precluding increasing life expectancy worldwide. That is a multifactorial disease initiated by intrinsic or extrinsic factors that induce cell differentiation into cancer cells. However, cancer development, progression, and metastasis are not controlled only by cancer cells. The entire environment around these cells, named tumor microenvironment (TME), influences tumor development and spread. The tumor microenvironment is formed by cancer cells and heterogenous nonmalignant cells integrated with a complex extracellular matrix. The main cellular components of the TME are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), T lymphocytes, B cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), dendritic cells (DC), natural killer (NK) cells, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), Stem Cells, Endothelial Cells and their soluble secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) that modulate cancer cells to establish and disseminate. This review provides a recent insight into the role of EVs secreted from different populations of the TME associated with the initiation and progression of carcinoma.
Investigating the spatio-temporal pattern of PM2.5 concentrations in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Hasnain Ahmad , Sheng Yehua , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Bhatti Uzair Aslam , Zha Yong
Published: April 2023

PM2.5 is a typical air pollutant which has harmful health effects worldwide, particularly in the developing countries such as China due to significant air pollution. The objectives of this study were to investigate the spatio-temporal pattern of PM2.5 concentration in Jiangsu Province, China. The data were collected from 72 monitoring stations between 2018-21 and the HYSPLIT model was used to study the transport pathways of air masses. According to the obtained results, the concentration of PM2.5 was obvious during the study duration. The results show that the concentration of PM2.5 was constantly decreased from 2018 to 2021, while the level of PM2.5 was higher in winter and lower in summer in Jiangsu. The backward trajectory analysis revealed that the trajectories were originated from the Siberia, Russia and passed thorough Mongolia and northwestern parts of China then reached at the study spot. These air masses played a significant role in aerosol pathway and affect the air quality of Jiangsu.
Preparation and selection of a eutectic phase change material for cooling the PV module under Thailand climatic conditions
Authors: Velmurugan Karthikeyan , Wongwuttanasatian Tanakorn
Published: April 2023

Several studies have found that incorporating an appropriate melting temperature (Tmelt) of Phase Change Material (PCM) behind the PV module enhances the cooling effect. In this study, PCM is selected for hybrid cooling for summer and winter using six years of meteorological data obtained from NASA. Considering the hybrid cooling method, winter season Tamb is selected to optimize the Tmelt as the selected PCM must reach the latent heat property in an early sunshine. It is found that during winter, 70 % of the period, Tamb lies around 28 °C whereas the Tmelt of PCM should be in the range of 31-34 °C according to the modified optimization method. In total, twelve combinations of eutectic mixtures are prepared using Lauric Acid (LA), Myristic Acid (MA) and Stearic Acid (SA), and their thermophysical properties are analysed using a differential scanning calorimeter. Only seven eutectic mixtures attain the 31-34 °C Tmelt among that LA:MA (70:30) and LA:SA (70:30) show excellent latent heat of fusion of 194 J/g and 190 J/g, respectively. Furthermore, it is recommended that LA:MA (70:30) and LA:SA (70:30) are suitable for Thailand’s climatic conditions for PV module cooling.
Spatial distribution of Honduran electricity demand
Authors: Munguía Gabriela , Villatoro Héctor
Published: April 2023

As energy demand rises and fossil fuel reserves become scarcer, energy planning grows to be necessary to every country including Honduras. The mapping of electricity consumption in Honduras through data visualization tools as Tableau, proposed in this paper, is a significant step toward the goal of creating instruments that increase energy planning. This instrument provides relevant information of the electricity demand behaviour: it was discovered that only 18 municipalities from the total of 259 municipalities studied consumed 80% of the electrical resource. It was also found the close-fitting relationship between Human Development Index (HDI) and Electricity Consumption per capita concluding that electrical consumption has great impact in the development of municipalities in Honduras and for this reason is necessary to change the actual context in which this resource is distributed unequally in the national territory.
Industrial manufacture and on site application of plaster boards for ceilings with plaster mixes and polyurethane rigid foam waste
Authors: Junco Carlos , Rodríguez Ángel , Arroyo Raquel , Rodrigo Alba
Published: April 2023

The European LIFE Project, Repolyuse – “REcovery of POLYurethane for reUSE in eco-efficient materials” seeks to solve the environmental challenge of resource scarcity and waste management in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. The material is a prefabricated gypsum mortar in the form of a removable roofing plate to which residues of rigid polyurethane foam have been added. That system reduces the weight of the plates about 30%. The investigation has consisted of the final design of the mixtures of plaster mortar with residues of rigid polyurethane foam, mineral fibers, additives and water to achieve the adequate industrial manufacturing system of “Plaster mortar plates lightened with polyurethane foam waste” to put in roofs detachable. In the industry’s own production chain, the plasticity, moulding and drying of the plates can be similar to the process of the standard plates. The final result of the plates shows that the Flexural strength, Flatness, Angular deviation, Thermal conductivity, Superficial hardness, Reaction to the fire and Resistance to humidity have been similar to the results obtained in the laboratory. In the end, the plates were placed in two buildings in Spain. Consequently these results have enough been to achieve the CE marking
Treatment of long ureteric strictures with a free peritoneal graft: long-term results
Authors: Trenti Emanuela , Palermo Salvatore , D'Elia Carolina , Comploj Evi , Ladurner Christian , Gamper Christoph , Pycha Stefan , Palermo Margherita , Pycha Armin
Published: April 2023

Ziel der Studie Beschreibung einer neuen Technik zur Rekonstruktion von komplexen Ureterstrikturen unter Verwendung eines freien Peritoneallappens.

Material und Methoden Zwischen 2006 und 2021 behandelten wir 11 Patienten mit langen komplexen Harnleiterstrikturen, die in 9 Fällen den mittleren- und in 2 Fällen den proximalen Harnleiter betrafen. Die Länge der Strikturen variierte von 3 bis 12 cm (Mittelwert 7 cm). In drei Fällen handelte es sich um eine retroperitoneale Fibrose nach einem gefäßchirurgischen Eingriff, in zwei Fällen um einen Morbus Ormond, in vier Fällen um eine ausgedehnte Resektion großer Harnleitertumoren, in drei Fällen um wiederholte endoskopische Eingriffe bei Harnsteinen und in einem Fall um eine viermal fehlgeschlagene Pyeloplastik. Der Harnleiter wurde längs gespalten, ein freier Peritoneallappen aus dem nahe gelegenen gesunden Bauchfell entnommen und nach Positionierung eines Harnleiterkatheters als Onlay-Patch mit einer fortlaufenden Naht an der verbleibenden Harnleiterplatte fixiert. Der Ureter wurde zuletzt mit Omentum gedeckt.

Ergebnisse Die Nachbeobachtungszeit reichte von 12 bis 122 (Mittelwert 61,6) Monate. Sieben Patienten waren nach 12, 18, 60, 78, 98, 99 und 122 Monaten (Mittelwert 69,5 Monate) rezidivfrei, ohne Erweiterung des oberen Harntrakts und mit normaler Nierenfunktion. Bei vier Patienten kam es zu einem Rezidiv: Bei einem Patienten wurde das Rezidiv nach 60 Monaten ohne Symptome und mit leichter Hydronephrose festgestellt, ohne dass eine Operation erforderlich war. Bei einem Patienten mit Morbus Ormond trat das Rezidiv 6 Monate nach dem Eingriff symptomlos im distalen Teil des 10 cm langen Omlays auf. Es wurde eine Resektion des stenotischen Segments mit Psoas-Hitch durchgeführt. Bei den beiden anderen Patienten trat 3 und 6 Monate nach dem Eingriff eine Obstruktion unterhalb des rekonstruierten Segments mit Hydronephrose auf, ohne dass die Nierenfunktion beeinträchtigt war. Bei diesen Patienten wurde keine weitere Operation durchgeführt. Die Limitation dieser Studie besteht in der kleinen Studiengröße, die auf die strenge Indikationsstellung zurückzuführen ist.

Schlussfolgerungen Die beschriebene Technik ermöglicht den Erhalt der verbleibenden Gefäßversorgung des Harnleiters und stellt eine praktikable und nützliche Alternative zu Nephrektomie, Ileum-Ureter, Uretero-Uretero-Stomie und Autotransplantation in hochselektierten Fällen dar.
The Dynamic Changes in Skin Thickness of Forehead during Tissue Expansion
Authors: Song Zhen , Zhang Xulong , Xu Yihao , You Jianjun , Wang Huan , Zheng Ruobing , Tian Le , Guo Junsheng , Fan Fei
Published: April 2023

In addition to providing extra flap size, the tissue expansion process also brings changes in flap thickness. This study aims to identify the changes in the forehead flap thickness during the tissue expansion period. Patients undergoing forehead expander embedment from September 2021 to September 2022 were included. The thickness of the forehead skin and subcutaneous tissue were measured with ultrasound before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 months after expansion. Twelve patients were included. The average expansion period was 4.6 months, and the mean expansion volume was 657.1 mL. The thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue in the central forehead changed from 1.09 ± 0.06 to 0.63 ± 0.05 mm and from 2.53 ± 0.25 to 0.71 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. In the left frontotemporal region, skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness changed from 1.03 ± 0.05 to 0.52 ± 0.05 mm and 2.02 ± 0.21 to 0.62 ± 0.08 mm. On the right side, skin and subcutaneous tissue thickness changed from 1.01 ± 0.05 to 0.50 ± 0.04 mm and 2.06 ± 0.21 to 0.50 ± 0.05 mm. This study measured the dynamic changes in the thickness of the forehead flap during expansion. The thickness of the forehead flap decreased the fastest in the first 2 months of expansion, and the changes in skin and subcutaneous thickness slowed down in the third and fourth months and tended to a minimum value. Additionally, the thickness of subcutaneous tissue decreased greater in magnitude than the dermal tissue.
Latex-Infused Porcine Abdominal Model: A Novel Microsurgery Simulator for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Dissection
Authors: Shaffrey Ellen C. , Zeng Weifeng , Nicksic Peter J. , Eftekari Sahand C. , Frank Jennifer M. , Dingle Aaron M. , Poore Samuel O.
Published: April 2023

Background Perforator dissection and flap elevation are routinely performed for microsurgical reconstruction; however, there is a steep learning curve to mastering these technical skills. Though live porcine models have been utilized as a microsurgical training model, there are significant drawbacks that limit their use, including cost, limited ability for repetition, and obstacles associated with animal care. Here we describe the creation of a novel perforator dissection model using latex augmented non-living porcine abdominal walls. We provide anatomic measurements that demonstrate valuable similarities and differences to human anatomy to maximize microsurgical trainee practice.

Methods Six latex-infused porcine abdomens were dissected based on the deep cranial epigastric artery (DCEA). Dissection was centered over the abdominal wall mid-segment between the second and fourth nipple line. Dissection steps included exposure of lateral and medial row perforators, incision of anterior rectus sheath with perforator dissection, and dissection of DCEA pedicle. DCEA pedicle and perforator measurements were compared with deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) data in the literature.

Results An average of seven perforators were consistently identified within each flap. Assembly of the model was performed quickly and allowed for two training sessions per specimen. Porcine abdominal walls demonstrate similar DCEA pedicle (2.6 ± 0.21 mm) and perforator (1.0 ± 0.18 mm) size compared with a human's DIEA (2.7 ± 0.27 mm, 1.1 ± 0.85 mm).

Conclusion The latex-infused porcine abdominal model is a novel, realistic simulation for perforator dissection practice for microsurgical trainees. Impact on resident comfort and confidence within a microsurgical training course is forthcoming.
Megahertz repetition rate-based lock-in detection scheme for rapid data acquisition in terahertz time domain spectroscopy
Authors: Balgos M. H. , Hayazawa N. , Tani M. , Tanaka T.
Published: April 2023

We report a fast pump modulation scheme in a terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system by utilizing the intensity modulation from the megahertz repetition rate of the pump pulse for lock-in detection. In conventional THz-TDS, the modulation required for the high signal-to-noise ratio lock-in detection is achieved through the use of an optical chopper or an AC bias. Here, we propose the use of an electro-optic modulator (EOM), operated as a pulse picker, to vary the repetition rate of the pump pulse, relative to the probe pulse, allowing us to directly use the megahertz laser repetition rate as the reference modulation frequency for lock-in detection. Our proposed scheme is applicable to all types of pulsed THz emitters, including those that cannot be electronically biased. Since the maximum allowable modulation frequency is limited only by the laser repetition rate and/or by the bandwidth of the EOM, megahertz modulation rates, and, consequently, rapid data acquisition times, become possible. Using our technique, we were able to detect an oscillating signal with frequencies up to 10 kHz, using ∼1 µs integration time per point, ∼100× faster than previously reported values for THz-TDS systems.
Deep-learning-aided extraction of optical constants in scanning near-field optical microscopy
Authors: Zhao Y. , Chen X. , Yao Z. , Liu M. K. , Fogler M. M.
Published: April 2023

Scanning near-field optical microscopy is one of the most effective techniques for spectroscopy of nanoscale systems. However, inferring optical constants from the measured near-field signal can be challenging because of a complicated and highly nonlinear interaction between the scanned probe and the sample. Conventional fitting methods applied to this problem often suffer from the lack of convergence or require human intervention. Here, we develop an alternative approach where the optical parameter extraction is automated by a deep learning network. The network provides an initial estimate that is subsequently refined by a traditional fitting algorithm. We show that this method demonstrates superior accuracy, stability against noise, and computational speed when applied to simulated near-field spectra.
Stability of ferroelectric phase and structural characteristics in oriented PbTiO3 ceramic coating formed by aerosol deposition method
Authors: Wu Lin , Kim Sangwook , Moriyoshi Chikako , Suzuki Muneyasu , Shinoda Kentaro , Aoyagi Rintaro , Akedo Jun , Kuroiwa Yoshihiro
Published: April 2023

Temperature-dependent structural variations of ceramic coatings of lead titanate PbTiO3 (PT) formed at room temperature (RT) via aerosol deposition (AD) have been investigated to evaluate the stability of the ferroelectric phase. Synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction experiments in the as-deposited state showed a polycrystalline film oriented preferentially along the c-axis of the perovskite-type ferroelectric tetragonal structure on the quartz glass substrate. The c-axis orientation may be attributed to the anisotropic structural characteristics of the crystal with a layered structure composed of a two-dimensional (2D) covalent bonding network in the ferroelectric phase at RT. The 2D interfaces of the ceramic particles in the aerosol, which are chemically activated by collision with the substrate, are most likely to recombine during the AD process and form a dense and hard coating at RT. When the PT film was heated to the paraelectric phase with a cubic structure at 1000 K, the c-axis orientation observed in the as-deposited state disappeared upon cooling owing to the degree of freedom in selecting the polar axis associated with the cubic-tetragonal phase transition. The spontaneous lattice distortion of the AD film at RT was smaller than that of the bulk ceramic. However, the phase transition temperature (TC) was approximately 100 K higher only during the first heating process from the c-oriented as-deposited state. The AD method stabilizes the ferroelectric phase up to a higher temperature, although the spontaneous polarization is suppressed. The ferroelectric ceramic materials synthesized mainly via particle collisions are assumed to have low ferroelectricity but high TC.
Skin-friction drag reduction by axial oscillations of the inner cylinder in turbulent Taylor–Couette flows
Authors: Khawar Obaidullah , Baig M. F. , Sanghi Sanjeev
Published: April 2023

Skin-friction drag reduction by axial oscillations of an inner cylinder is numerically investigated at radius ratio (η = 0.5) using direct numerical simulation. In the present study, at fixed optimal oscillating period, the effect of oscillating amplitude on skin-friction drag reduction is investigated in detail. Furthermore, the effect of Reynolds number (ranging from 1000 to 5000) is also investigated. Our results show that as we keep increasing the oscillating amplitude, the drag reduction first increases and then decreases after a critical threshold dependent on the considered Reynolds number. Crossing the threshold value leads to re-organization of flow into a patchy turbulent state with large presence of small-scale structures. With increasing oscillating amplitude, the near-wall high and low-speed streaks get skewed in the θ–z plane followed by break down of high-speed streaks. Spatial density of the vortical structure decreases till threshold amplitude while the quadrant analysis shows that the movement of high-speed fluid away from walls plays an important role in the attenuation of Reynolds shear stresses.
Effect of H2 addition on the local extinction, flame structure, and flow field hydrodynamics in non-premixed bluff body stabilized flames
Authors: Rajamanickam Kuppuraj , Lefebvre Franck , Gobin Carole , Godard Gilles , Lacour Corine , Lecordier Bertrand , Cessou Armelle , Honoré David
Published: April 2023

We examined the effect of hydrogen (H2) enrichment on the primary fuel methane (CH4) in a canonical non-premixed bluff-body stabilized burner operating under typical central jet-dominated flame mode. In the chosen mode of operation, globally, the flow field and flame feature three important successive spatial zones: the recirculation zone, the neck zone, and the jet-like flame zone. The flame is exposed to a higher stretch rate in the neck zone in such a configuration and eventually undergoes local extinction. Such local extinction and subsequent re-ignition/reconnection of broken flame branches have substantial implications for the hydrodynamic instability of the coaxial annular air shear layer. It is well known that H2 addition increases the flame extinction strain rate (κext) and thus alters the local extinction phenomenon. To understand this, we performed experiments at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, 80%, and 100% hydrogen proportion in the H2-CH4 blend. High repetition rate (5 kHz) Particle Image Velocimetry and OH Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) measurements are simultaneously implemented to gain quantitative insight into the flow field and flame structure. A detailed analysis performed over the instantaneous OH–PLIF datasets reveals the absence of local extinctions in flames with H2 enrichment >30% due to an increased extinction strain rate (κext). Furthermore, it is found that H2 enrichment plays a significant role in the reconnection/re-ignition of the broken flame branches formed during the local extinction. For instance, a high reconnection probability is observed in flames with an H2 addition of ≥20%. Consequently, variations in the mean reaction zone height are witnessed for different H2 enrichment levels. Further analysis of the influence of variation in reaction zone height on flow field hydrodynamics is explored using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT). The results obtained from POD and CWT indicated the suppression of vortex shedding at the annular air shear layer for H2 addition greater than 20% and irregular wrinkling of flame fronts. Thus, they quantified the beneficial effect of H2 addition in turbulent flame stabilization.
Percolation and electrical conduction in random systems of curved linear objects on a plane: Computer simulations along with a mean-field approach
Authors: Tarasevich Yuri Yu. , Eserkepov Andrei V. , Vodolazskaya Irina V.
Published: April 2023

Using computer simulations, we have studied the percolation and the electrical conductance of two-dimensional, random percolating networks of curved, zero-width metallic nanowires. We mimicked the curved nanowires using circular arcs. The percolation threshold decreased as the aspect ratio of the arcs increased. Comparison with published data on the percolation threshold of symmetric quadratic Bézier curves suggests that when the percolation of slightly curved wires is simulated, the particular choice of curve to mimic the shape of real-world wires is of little importance. Considering the electrical properties, we took into account both the nanowire resistance per unit length and the junction (nanowire/nanowire contact) resistance. Using mean-field approximation (MFA), we derived the total electrical conductance of nanowire-based networks as a function of their geometrical and physical parameters. The MFA predictions have been confirmed by our Monte Carlo numerical simulations. For our random homogeneous and isotropic systems of conductive curved wires, the electric conductance decreased as the wire shape changed from a stick to a ring when the wire length remained fixed.
African swine fever virus I73R is a critical virulence-related gene: A potential target for attenuation
Authors: Liu Yingnan , Shen Zhou , Xie Zhenhua , Song Yingying , Li Yao , Liang Rui , Gong Lang , Di Dongdong , Liu Jianqi , Liu Jingyi , Chen Zongyan , Yu Wanqi , Lv Lu , Zhong Qiuping , Liao Xinxin , Tian Chuanwen , Wang Rongrong , Song Qingqing , Wang Heng , Peng Guiqing , Chen Hongjun
Published: April 2023

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large, double-stranded DNA virus that causes a fatal disease in pigs, posing a threat to the global pig industry. Whereas some ASFV proteins have been found to play important roles in ASFV–host interaction, the functional roles of many proteins are still largely unknown. In this study, we identified
I73R
, an early viral gene in the replication cycle of ASFV, as a key virulence factor. Our findings demonstrate that pI73R suppresses the host innate immune response by broadly inhibiting the synthesis of host proteins, including antiviral proteins. Crystallization and structural characterization results suggest that pI73R is a nucleic-acid-binding protein containing a Zα domain. It localizes in the nucleus and inhibits host protein synthesis by suppressing the nuclear export of cellular messenger RNA (mRNAs). While pI73R promotes viral replication, the deletion of the gene showed that it is a nonessential gene for virus replication. In vivo safety and immunogenicity evaluation results demonstrate that the deletion mutant ASFV-GZΔ
I73R
is completely nonpathogenic and provides effective protection to pigs against wild-type ASFV. These results reveal
I73R
as a virulence-related gene critical for ASFV pathogenesis and suggest that it is a potential target for virus attenuation. Accordingly, the deletion mutant ASFV-GZΔ
I73R
can be a potent live-attenuated vaccine candidate.