bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced mitochondrial oxidative metabolism in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with fatty liver in obese young adults
Authors: Shirakawa Ryosuke , Nakajima Takayuki , Yoshimura Aya , Kawahara Yukako , Orito Chieko , Yamane Miwako , Handa Haruka , Takada Shingo , Furihata Takaaki , Fukushima Arata , Ishimori Naoki , Nakagawa Masao , Yokota Isao , Sabe Hisataka , Hashino Satoshi , Kinugawa Shintaro , Yokota Takashi
Published: March 2023

Systemic inflammation underlies the association between obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we investigated functional changes in leukocytes’ mitochondria in obese individuals and their associations with NAFLD. We analyzed 14 obese male Japanese university students whose body mass index was > 30 kg/m2 and 15 healthy age- and sex-matched lean university students as controls. We observed that the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) capacity with complex I + II-linked substrates in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which was measured using a high-resolution respirometry, was significantly higher in the obese group versus the controls. The PBMCs’ mitochondrial complex IV capacity was also higher in the obese subjects. All of the obese subjects had hepatic steatosis defined by a fatty liver index (FLI) score ≥ 60, and there was a positive correlation between their FLI scores and their PBMCs’ mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity. The increased PBMCs’ mitochondrial OXPHOS capacity was associated with insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and higher serum levels of interleukin-6 in the entire series of subjects. Our results suggest that the mitochondrial respiratory capacity is increased in the PBMCs at the early stage of obesity, and the enhanced PBMCs’ mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is associated with hepatic steatosis in obese young adults.
Improved strain engineering of 2D materials by adamantane plasma polymer encapsulation
Authors: Carrascoso Felix , Li Hao , Obrero-Perez Jose M. , Aparicio Francisco J. , Borras Ana , Island Joshua O. , Barranco Angel , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional materials present exceptional crystal elasticity and provide an ideal platform to tune electrical and optical properties through the application of strain. Here we extend recent research on strain engineering in monolayer molybdenum disulfide using an adamantane plasma polymer pinning layer to achieve unprecedented crystal strains of 2.8%. Using micro-reflectance spectroscopy, we report maximum strain gauge factors of −99.5 meV/% and −63.5 meV/% for the A and B exciton of monolayer MoS2, respectively, with a 50 nm adamantane capping layer. These results are corroborated with photoluminescence and Raman measurements on the same samples. Taken together, our results indicate that adamantane polymer is an exceptional capping layer to transfer substrate-induced strain to a 2D layer and achieve higher levels of crystal strain.
Continuous cuffless blood pressure monitoring with a wearable ring bioimpedance device
Authors: Sel Kaan , Osman Deen , Huerta Noah , Edgar Arabella , Pettigrew Roderic I. , Jafari Roozbeh
Published: March 2023

Smart rings provide unique opportunities for continuous physiological measurement. They are easy to wear, provide little burden in comparison to other smart wearables, are suitable for nocturnal settings, and can be sized to provide ideal contact between the sensors and the skin at all times. Continuous measuring of blood pressure (BP) provides essential diagnostic and prognostic value for cardiovascular health management. However, conventional ambulatory BP measurement devices operate using an inflating cuff that is bulky, intrusive, and impractical for frequent or continuous measurements. We introduce ring-shaped bioimpedance sensors leveraging the deep tissue sensing ability of bioimpedance while introducing no sensitivity to skin tones, unlike optical modalities. We integrate unique human finger finite element model with exhaustive experimental data from participants and derive optimum design parameters for electrode placement and sizes that yields highest sensitivity to arterial volumetric changes, with no discrimination against varying skin tones. BP is constructed using machine learning algorithms. The ring sensors are used to estimate arterial BP showing peak correlations of 0.81, and low error (systolic BP: 0.11 ± 5.27 mmHg, diastolic BP: 0.11 ± 3.87 mmHg) for >2000 data points and wide BP ranges (systolic: 89–213 mmHg and diastolic: 42–122 mmHg), highlighting the significant potential use of bioimpedance ring for accurate and continuous estimation of BP.
Hominoid SVA-lncRNA AK057321 targets human-specific SVA retrotransposons in SCN8A and CDK5RAP2 to initiate neuronal maturation
Authors: Nadler Monica J. S. , Chang Weipang , Ozkaynak Ekim , Huo Yuda , Nong Yi , Boillot Morgane , Johnson Mark , Moreno Antonio , Matthew P. Anderson
Published: March 2023

SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons arose and expanded in the genome of hominoid primates concurrent with the slowing of brain maturation. We report genes with intronic SVA transposons are enriched for neurodevelopmental disease and transcribed into long non-coding SVA-lncRNAs. Human-specific SVAs in microcephaly CDK5RAP2 and epilepsy SCN8A gene introns repress their expression via transcription factor ZNF91 to delay neuronal maturation. Deleting the SVA in CDK5RAP2 initiates multi-dimensional and in SCN8A selective sodium current neuronal maturation by upregulating these genes. SVA-lncRNA AK057321 forms RNA:DNA heteroduplexes with the genomic SVAs and upregulates these genes to initiate neuronal maturation. SVA-lncRNA AK057321 also promotes species-specific cortex and cerebellum-enriched expression upregulating human genes with intronic SVAs (e.g., HTT, CHAF1B and KCNJ6) but not mouse orthologs. The diversity of neuronal genes with intronic SVAs suggest this hominoid-specific SVA transposon-based gene regulatory mechanism may act at multiple steps to specialize and achieve neoteny of the human brain.
A birefringent spectral demultiplexer enables fast hyper-spectral imaging of protoporphyrin IX during neurosurgery
Authors: Marois Mikael , Olson Jonathan D. , Wirth Dennis J. , Elliott Jonathan T. , Fan Xiaoyao , Davis Scott C. , Paulsen Keith D. , Roberts David W.
Published: March 2023

Hyperspectral imaging and spectral analysis quantifies fluorophore concentration during fluorescence-guided surgery1–6. However, acquisition of the multiple wavelengths required to implement these methods can be time-consuming and hinder surgical workflow. To this end, a snapshot hyperspectral imaging system capable of acquiring 64 channels of spectral data simultaneously was developed for rapid hyperspectral imaging during neurosurgery. The system uses a birefringent spectral demultiplexer to split incoming light and redirect wavelengths to different sections of a large format microscope sensor. Its configuration achieves high optical throughput, accepts unpolarized input light and exceeds channel count of prior image-replicating imaging spectrometers by 4-fold. Tissue-simulating phantoms consisting of serial dilutions of the fluorescent agent characterize system linearity and sensitivity, and comparisons to performance of a liquid crystal tunable filter based hyperspectral imaging device are favorable. The new instrument showed comparable, if not improved, sensitivity at low fluorophore concentrations; yet, acquired wide-field images at more than 70-fold increase in frame rate. Image data acquired in the operating room during human brain tumor resection confirm these findings. The new device is an important advance in achieving real-time quantitative imaging of fluorophore concentration for guiding surgery.
Release of frustration drives corneal amyloid disaggregation by brain chaperone
Authors: Low Jia Yi Kimberly , Shi Xiangyan , Anandalakshmi Venkatraman , Neo Dawn , Peh Gary Swee Lim , Koh Siew Kwan , Zhou Lei , Abdul Rahim M. K. , Boo Ketti , Lee JiaXuan , Mohanram Harini , Alag Reema , Mu Yuguang , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Pervushin Konstantin
Published: March 2023

TGFBI-related corneal dystrophy (CD) is characterized by the accumulation of insoluble protein deposits in the corneal tissues, eventually leading to progressive corneal opacity. Here we show that ATP-independent amyloid-β chaperone L-PGDS can effectively disaggregate corneal amyloids in surgically excised human cornea of TGFBI-CD patients and release trapped amyloid hallmark proteins. Since the mechanism of amyloid disassembly by ATP-independent chaperones is unknown, we reconstructed atomic models of the amyloids self-assembled from TGFBIp-derived peptides and their complex with L-PGDS using cryo-EM and NMR. We show that L-PGDS specifically recognizes structurally frustrated regions in the amyloids and releases those frustrations. The released free energy increases the chaperone’s binding affinity to amyloids, resulting in local restructuring and breakage of amyloids to protofibrils. Our mechanistic model provides insights into the alternative source of energy utilized by ATP-independent disaggregases and highlights the possibility of using these chaperones as treatment strategies for different types of amyloid-related diseases.
Single-phase BiFeO3 and BiFeO3–Fe2O3 nanocomposite photocatalysts for photodegradation of organic dye pollutants
Authors: Banoth Pravallika , Narsaiah Boya Palajonnala , De Los Santos Valladares Luis , Kargin Jumat , Kollu Pratap
Published: March 2023

Synthesis of BFO–Fe2O3 composites using hollow spherical Fe2O3. The improved photocatalytic performance, stability and magnetic recovery of pure phase BFO after the addition of hollow spherical Fe2O3.
In situ formation of Cu–Sn bimetallic catalysts for CO2 electroreduction to formate with high efficiency
Authors: Dong Xue , Sun Xiaofu , Jia Shuaiqiang , Han Shitao , Yao Ting , Zhou Dawei , Xie Yijun , Xia Wei , Wu Haihong , Han Buxing
Published: March 2023

Cu–Sn bimetallic catalysts have been prepared, and exhibit efficient electrocatalytic activity towards the conversion of CO2 to formate with a faradaic efficiency of 92.9% and a current density of 632 mA cm−2.
Hierarchical cathode constructed by carbon coated Na3.5VMn0.5Cr0.5(PO4)3 nanoparticles on rGO for high-capacity and long-cycle life sodium storage
Authors: Wang Jinhao , Zhao Longzhu , Lu Fengqi
Published: March 2023

A unique hierarchical Na3.5Mn0.5Cr0.5(PO4)3@C/rGO composite exhibits excellent rate capability and long-life cycling performance with a high capacity retention of 81% after 8000 cycles at 20C.
Nucleophilic deposition behavior of metal anodes
Authors: Li Yuqian , Shu Jie , Zhang Liyuan
Published: March 2023

Herein, we combined the reported work and related experiments to identify the metal dissolution/deposition mechanism. Additionally, we try to give the judgment of electrode reactions and material selection for better electrode modification.
Review on supported metal catalysts with partial/porous overlayers for stabilization
Authors: Lu Kun , Kong Xiao , Cai Junmeng , Yu Shirui , Zhang Xingguang
Published: March 2023

Heterogeneous catalysts of supported metals are important for both liquid-phase and gas-phase chemical transformations which underpin the petrochemical sector and manufacture of bulk or fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Quantum plasmonic two-dimensional WS2–MoS2 heterojunction
Authors: Ambardar Sharad , Withers Zachary H. , Liu Jiru , Lai Xiaoyi , Albagami Abdullah , Zhukova Alina , Fabris Capelli Pedro , Sahoo Prasana K. , Voronine Dmitri V.
Published: March 2023

Quantum plasmonics enhance photoluminescence in two-dimensional heterostructures.
Unexpected o-aryl tBu group effect on suppression of chain transfer in pyridine–imine Ni(ii) and Pd(ii) catalyzed ethylene (co)polymerization
Authors: Yan Zhengpeng , Zou Wenping , Dai Shengyu
Published: March 2023

The polyethylene and ethylene/MA copolymers yielded by o-tert-butyl Ni(ii) and Pd(ii) complexes have molecular weights over an order of magnitude higher than those with other o-alkyl (Me, Et, iPr) Ni(ii) or Pd(ii) complexes.
Efficient and selective photocatalytic CO2reduction over Ga single atom decorated quantum dots under visible light
Authors: Shi Li , Yan Yingkui , Wang Ye , Bo Tingting , Zhou Wei , Ren Xiaohui , Li Yanshuo
Published: March 2023

Gallium single atoms can serve as effective active sites for improving the activity and selectivity of photocatalytic CO2reduction over CdSe quantum dots.
Upcycling waste expanded polystyrene into UV-excited dual-mode multicolor luminescent electrospun fiber membranes for advanced anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Fan Yunjie , Su Huanyou , Li Pengfei , Lin Mingmin , Liu Dan , Pei Kemei , Cao Xuebo
Published: March 2023

A simple and effective method to upcycle waste EPS to UV-excited dual-mode multicolor luminescent membranes for advanced anti-counterfeiting was developed.
Nanoarchitectonics of carbon molecular sieve membranes with graphene oxide and polyimide for hydrogen purification
Authors: He Wen , Du Jingcheng , Liu Linghao , Sun Qian , Song Ziye , Ma Ji , Cao Dong , Lim Weiwang , Hassan Shabi Ul , Liu Jiangtao
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen is an important energy carrier for the transition to a carbon-neutral society, the CMS membrane exhibited ultrahigh H2/N2 selectivity (117) and H2 permeability, which have bright prospects for hydrogen purification.
Hybrid organic–inorganic nanoparticles with associated functionality for catalytic transformation of biomass substrates
Authors: Coloma Alicia , Velty Alexandra , Díaz Urbano
Published: March 2023

Rational synthesis design in a single synthesis step under soft conditions of organic–inorganic spherical nanoparticles with tunable acidic, basic and amphiphilic properties for the conversion of biomass molecules into platform chemicals.
Multiple responses of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene to mechanical stimulation: emission enhancement, piezochromism and negative linear compressibility
Authors: Fu Zhiyuan , Yang Zhiqiang , Yang Xinyi , Wang Kai , Zou Bo
Published: March 2023

DPH under high pressure exhibits enhanced red-shifted emission, and the structure shows negative linear compressibility. Grinding leads to an emission blue-shift.
Hierarchical porous N/S-doped carbon with machine learning to predict advanced potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Bi Ke , Wang Yue , Zhou Guangyuan
Published: March 2023

PIBs have promising prospects for next-generation energy storage. Machine learning and density functional theory calculations were both used to clarify the relationships between structural parameters and performances.
Activating the paddle-wheel effect towards lower temperature in a new sodium-ion solid electrolyte, Na3.5Si0.5P0.5Se4
Authors: Yang Yu , Xu Zhenming , Guan Chaohong , Ouyang Runxin , Jing Huirong , Zhu Hong
Published: March 2023

Paddle-wheel mechanism dependent fast ion conduction in a new sodium solid electrolyte, Na3.5Si0.5P0.5Se4.
Daphnia-inspired dynamic slippery chemically bonded liquid surface for the active prevention of covalently attached foulant adhesion
Authors: Zhai Huajun , Li Xiangyu , Zhao Shuaiheng , Ji Jiujiang , Liu Yue , Tian Ye , Wei Yen , Liu Na , Feng Lin
Published: March 2023

A novel strategy inspired by Daphnia to fabricate a dynamic slippery chemically bonded liquid surface with both passive and active adhesion-repellency capabilities is proposed.
Ordered arrays of gold nanoparticles crosslinked by dithioacetate linkers for molecular devices
Authors: Asaad Maryana , Vezzoli Andrea , Daaoub Abdalghani , Borowiec Joanna , Pyurbeeva Eugenia , Sadeghi Hatef , Sangtarash Sara , Higgins Simon J. , Mol Jan A.
Published: March 2023

Enhanced electrical conductance of the self-assembled monolayers upon molecular exchange with dithioacetate-terminating molecules.
Influence of Cu insertion on the thermoelectric properties of the quaternary cluster compounds Cu3M2Mo15Se19 (M = In, K) and Cu4In2Mo15Se19
Authors: Gougeon Patrick , Gall Philippe , Misra Shantanu , Léon Adèle , Gendarme Christine , Migot Sylvie , Ghanbaja Jaafar , El Oualid Soufiane , Lenoir Bertrand , Candolfi Christophe
Published: March 2023

Two novel Mo-based cluster compounds Cu3M2Mo15Se19 (M = In, K) show highly-disordered Cu sublattice, giving rise to very low lattice thermal conductivity and interesting thermoelectric performance above 1000 K.
A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists' and Teachers' Perceptions of Collaborative Service Delivery
Authors: Brimo Danielle , Huffman Hannah Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) and teachers' perceptions of collaborative service delivery in a school setting.

Method:

We created a survey for SLPs and teachers that included demographic questions and questions about the use of collaborative service delivery models, identification of collaborative partners, and perceived barriers to collaboration. Eighty-seven SLPs and 77 teachers responded to the survey from 28 states. We analyzed the data using mixed methods.

Results:

The majority of SLPs reported that they used a combination of collaborative and noncollaborative service delivery models. Teachers also reported that the SLP at their school used collaborative and noncollaborative service delivery models. When asked to report on their collaboration experience generally, teachers rated their experience with collaboration more positively than SLPs. Teachers also were not as likely to identify SLPs as collaborative partners when compared with SLPs who identified teachers as collaborative partners. Finally, teachers and SLPs reported similar barriers to implementing a collaborative service delivery model. However, SLPs identified roles and responsibilities and training on collaboration as barriers to collaboration more than teachers.

Conclusions:

This study compared SLPs' and teachers' perceptions of collaborative service delivery in schools. The similarities and differences between SLPs and teachers can be used to help facilitate change in the use of collaborative service delivery models.
A combined cyclic stabilizing switching law for continuous time positive switched systems
Authors: Zheng Yan , Lin Xuefei , Wang Yaonan
Published: March 2023

Based on a linear copositive Lyapunov function (LF), a combined cyclic stabilizing switching law with one stage being classified into four cases is proposed for continuous time positive switched systems composed of two unstable subsystems. Under the combined cyclic stabilizing switching law, the positive switched system is asymptotically stable and robust against certain class of perturbations. Finally, simulation verifies the effectiveness of the proposed switching law.
A monolithic gallium nitride‐based two‐phase synchronous buck converter with high operating frequency
Authors: Lai Longkun , Jiang Xin , Li Chenhao , Luo Weijun
Published: March 2023

The need for a high‐frequency and high‐efficiency gallium nitride (GaN)‐based buck converter that can be controlled directly by a low swing pulse width‐modulated (PWM) signal, without the need for additional buffers or preamplifiers, poses a significant challenge in the field of power conversion and dynamically power supply applications. To solve this problem, this letter presents a monolithic two‐phase synchronous buck converter, fabricated using a 0.25‐um GaN‐on‐Si process, integrated both the drivers and power stage transistors, without requiring additional buffers or preamplifiers. So, the proposed converter can be directly controlled by a PWM signal with a swing of only 1 V (−0.5 to 0.5 V). At a 100‐MHz switching frequency, the converter achieves a maximum output power of 12 W with a power stage efficiency of 82%. The converter includes two identical half‐bridge Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMICs), and with the frequency multiplication property of multi‐phase topology, the equivalent switching frequency can reach 200 MHz in the open‐loop operating mode. The experimental results show that the converter can track a 40‐MHz bandwidth envelope signal (256 QAM, 6 dB PAPR) with 80.1% efficiency.
Optimization of grounding resistance in multitrain DC subway system based on MOEA/D‐DE
Authors: Liu Na , Du Guifu , He Fei , Li Qiaoyue , Xu Fengchuan , Huang Weiguo , Jiang Xingxing , Zhu Zhongkui
Published: March 2023

Currently, in multitrain DC subway system, abnormal increase of rail potential (RP) and stray current (SC) has seriously threatened the safe operation of the system. Over voltage protection device (OVPD) is generally chosen to control the RP, but its action process may increase the amplitude of SC seriously. Here, the grounding resistance of OVPD is optimized by a proposed multi‐objective decomposition algorithm based on differential evolution (MOEA/D‐DE) to suppress the rise of RP and SC synergistically. Firstly, the simulation model of the DC subway system with multitrain is built, the power flow calculation is conducted, and the dynamic RP and leakage current (LC) at the location of traction substation are obtained. Secondly, the double objective optimization model of maximum RP and LC is established and solved by MOEA/D‐DE. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified based on the data of Guangzhou Metro Line 2. Results show that the SC of the system can be controlled effectively with OVPD grounding mode after optimization, and integrated control of RP and SC can be accomplished.
A validation study of a fixed‐based, medium fidelity driving simulator for human–machine interfaces visual distraction testing
Authors: Large David R. , Pampel Sanna M. , Merriman Siobhan E. , Burnett Gary
Published: March 2023

Studies comparing results captured in a simulator with those on road are important to validate the approach but are scarce in the context of secondary task distraction due to the potential ramifications of diverting attention away from safe driving. The authors compare distraction‐related data from two studies exploring human–machine interfaces (HMI) design: one conducted in a static, medium‐fidelity driving simulator with a vehicle enclosure and immersive visual environment, and one conducted on road. In both, 19 drivers undertook an identical selection of touchscreen, point‐and‐select tasks. The magnitude of visual distraction (defined as off‐road glances directed towards the touchscreen) differed between the road and the simulator, with drivers making more and longer off‐road glances when interacting with the interface on road. However, the ordering of effects in response to changes to the complexity of interface design was the same. For example, the number and duration of off‐road glances increased with increasing number of interface elements, and smaller targets attracted longer off‐road glances, in both the road and simulator studies. The work demonstrates good relative validity for the use of medium‐fidelity driving simulators for HMI‐visual distraction testing, supporting their application in this context, and adds to the literature regarding the visual demand characteristics of in‐vehicle interfaces.
Frequency‐tunable resonant hybrid vibration energy harvester using a piezoelectric cantilever with electret‐based electrostatic coupling
Authors: Feng Yue , Zhou Zilong , Luo Haosun , Wang Ruiguo , Han Yanhui , Xiong Ying
Published: March 2023

Hybrid vibration energy harvesting technology converts vibration energy into electricity using multiple transduction mechanisms to improve output power. A frequency‐tunable resonant hybrid vibration energy harvester using a piezoelectric cantilever with electret‐based electrostatic coupling is proposed in this article. The electrostatic coupling including electrostatic force coupling and electrical damping coupling is introduced by an electret film placed below the cantilever, where the electrostatic force acting on the cantilever realises a tunable resonant frequency and additional electrical damping boosts power output. A coupling electromechanical model is derived using Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and Kirchhoff's law. By investigating the static and dynamic stability of cantilever, the maximum electret surface potential is defined to prevent the pull‐in phenomenon. The damping of the device is evaluated, and the optimal electret surface potential is determined to obtain the matching of the electrical and mechanical damping for maximum power output. The resonant frequency of hybrid vibration energy harvester can be adjusted in range of 176.1 rad/s by changing the electret surface potential and resistive load. The experimental output power of hybrid vibration energy harvester was 5.2 μW, 27.4 times higher than that of the individual piezoelectric generator. The proposed hybrid vibration energy harvester exhibits a promising potential to power microelectronic devices and wireless sensor network node.
Population recovery and occurrence of the endemic Rhine sculpin (Cottus rhenanus)
Authors: Lemmers Pim , Groen Mark , Crombaghs Ben H.J.M. , Gubbels Rob E.M.B. , de Krom Thomas , van Langevelde Frank , van der Velde Gerard , Leuven Rob S.E.W.
Published: March 2023

The Rhine sculpin (Cottus rhenanus) is a benthic rheophilic fish species that is endemic to tributaries of the rivers Rhine and Meuse in North-western Europe. Little is known about its occurrence and individuals density in relation to habitat characteristics. A core population of C. rhenanus occurs in the River Geul in the Netherlands. Since the late 19th century, this river was heavily polluted by communal and industrial wastewater, causing a strong population decline. As the core population of C. rhenanus is recovering, the status, distribution, and habitat use could be studied to facilitate recovery in other locations. Cottus rhenanus density of individuals significantly increased over the period 2005–2015 and it became one of the most abundant fish species in assemblages. Negative relationships were observed between C. rhenanus densities and a high abundance of boulders (>200 mm), large structures such as woody debris, and water depth. The population increase and recolonization of C. rhenanus coincided with water quality improvement, which suggests that this fish species can be used to assess small streams ecosystem integrity. The recent range expansion of the Ponto-Caspian round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) poses a high risk of negative effects on C. rhenanus populations via food and shelter competition. Further water quality improvement, habitat conservation, and prevention of the spread of invasive gobies could favour C. rhenanus populations within their natural range.
Pain Outcomes Following Endoscopic Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia Based on Vascular Compression Type
Authors: Blue Rachel , Yang Andrew I. , Ajmera Sonia , Spadola Michael , Howard Susanna , Saylany Anissa , Kvint Svetlana , Harber Alexander , Daly Megan , Shekhtman Emily , Nair Anjana , Deshpande Riddhi , Lee John Y.K.
Published: March 2023

Background Arterial compression of the trigeminal nerve at the root entry zone has been the long-attributed cause of compressive trigeminal neuralgia despite numerous studies reporting distal and/or venous compression. The impact of compression type on patient outcomes has not been fully elucidated.

Objective We categorized vascular compression (VC) based on vessel and location of compression to correlate pain outcomes based on compression type.

Methods A retrospective video review of 217 patients undergoing endoscopic microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia categorizing VC into five distinct types, proximal arterial compression (VC1), proximal venous compression (VC2), distal arterial compression (VC3), distal venous compression (VC4), and no VC (VC5). VC type was correlated with postoperative pain outcomes at 1 month (n = 179) and last follow-up (mean = 42.9 mo, n = 134).

Results At 1 month and longest follow-up, respectively, pain was rated as “much improved” or “very much improved” in 89 69% of patients with VC1, 86.6 and 62.5% of patients with VC2, 100 and 87.5% of patients with VC3, 83 and 62.5% of patients with VC4, and 100 and 100% of patients with VC5. Multivariate analysis demonstrated VC4 as a significant negative of predictor pain outcomes at 1 month, but not longest follow-up, and advanced age as a significant positive predictor.

Conclusion The degree of clinical improvement in all types of VC was excellent, but at longest follow-up VC type was not a significant predictor out outcome. However distal venous compression was significantly associated with worse outcomes at 1 month.
Embryology and Clinical Development of the Human Olfactory System
Authors: Sarnat Harvey B. , Flores-Sarnat Laura
Published: March 2023

The olfactory system is unique as a special sensory system in its developmental neuroanatomy and function. Neonatal olfactory reflexes can be detected in the fetus from 30 weeks gestation and can be tested in term and preterm neonates and older children. Most efferent axons from the olfactory bulb terminate in the anterior olfactory nucleus within the olfactory tract, with secondary projections to the amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex (parahippocampal gyrus), with tertiary projections also to the insula and other cortical regions. The olfactory bulb and tract incorporate an intrinsic thalamic equivalent. The olfactory bulb may be primary in generating olfactory auras in some cases of temporal lobe epilepsy. Developmental malformations may involve the olfactory bulb and tract, isolated or as part of complex cerebral malformations and genetic syndromes. Primary neural tumors may arise in the olfactory bulb or nerve. Impaired olfaction occurs in neonatal hypoxic/ischemic and some metabolic encephalopathies. Loss of sense of smell are early symptoms in some neurodegenerative diseases and in some viral respiratory diseases including coronavirus disease 2019. Testing cranial nerve I is easy and reliable at all ages, and is recommended in selected neonates with suspected brain malformations or encephalopathy.
Relationship between Initial Lactate Level with Mortality in Children with Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Comparison with the PRISM-3 Score
Authors: Başargan Göksu , Argun Mustafa , Samsa Hasan
Published: March 2023

Objective Sepsis and septic shock are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in intensive care units. Our study aimed to compare the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM-3) score, which is used for predicting mortality risk among critically ill patients in pediatric intensive care units, with laboratory parameters, particularly lactate parameters.

Methods This study included 38 patients aged 1 month to 18 years who were managed for sepsis and septic shock in a pediatric intensive care unit. Lactate, D-dimer, troponin T, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide levels were measured at the 0th and 24th hours. The patients were divided into survivors and nonsurvivors and those with septic shock and those without.

Results There were a total of 38 patients with a median age of 12 months, of whom 17 (44.7%) were males and 21 (55.3%) were females. Six (15.8%) patients died within 7 days after the diagnosis. Nonsurvivors had significantly higher median values of PRISM-3 (p = 0.002), C-reactive protein (p = 0.046), and partial arterial carbon dioxide pressure (p = 0.041). PRISM-3 showed a good discriminatory power (area under the curve [AUROC] = 0.878; p < 0.0001) and baseline lactate level showed a moderate level of discriminatory power (AUROC = 0.734 p = 0.0254) for early mortality within 7 days.

Conclusion PRISM-3 and baseline lactate predict early mortality in children with sepsis and septic shock. We suggest that adding lactate, which is not included in the PRISM-3 score, to the score may increase the score's predictive ability for mortality. We believe, however, that randomized, controlled, multicenter studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to test this hypothesis.
Effect of Horizontal Resolution of Printer on Trueness of 3D-Printed Provisional Crown: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Hai Pham Nhu , Son Tong Minh , Anh Nguyen Viet , Ngoc Vo Truong Nhu , Tra Nguyen Thu
Published: March 2023

Objectives Provisional crowns play an integral role in prosthodontic therapy and need to be fabricated with high accuracy to ensure good marginal fit and proper contour. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of 3D printer's horizontal pixel resolution on trueness of the intaglio surface, external surface, and marginal area and the actual marginal adaptation of the interim crowns.

Materials and Methods A gypsum reference model of mandible with a prepared right first molar was scanned with a dental laboratory scanner (AutoScan-DS-MIX, Shining 3D) and a digital provisional crown was design using the computer-aided design (CAD) software (Exocad). The provisional crown was manufactured by two printers with different horizontal resolutions (Sonic Mini 4K Printer and Sonic Mini 8K Printer). The printed crowns were scanned using the aforementioned scanner. The trueness of the external surface, internal surface, and marginal area of the provisional crowns was evaluated by comparing the scanned data with the reference CAD design data using a 3D inspection software (Geomagic Control X, 3D systems). The trueness of the crown manufactured by two printers was compared by a two-sided test (α = 0.05). Finally, the marginal adaptation of the provisional crowns was evaluated on the printed removable dies and compared.

Results The results revealed that there was a significant difference in the trueness of the marginal area and the marginal adaptation (p < 0.05).

Conclusions It can be concluded that the trueness of provisional crown marginal area and the marginal adaptation was affected by the horizontal resolution of the 3D printer.
Emerging methods to model cardiac ion channel and myocyte electrophysiology
Authors: Moreno Jonathan D. , Silva Jonathan R.
Published: March 2023

In the field of cardiac electrophysiology, modeling has played a central role for many decades. However, even though the effort is well-established, it has recently seen a rapid and sustained evolution in the complexity and predictive power of the models being created. In particular, new approaches to modeling have allowed the tracking of parallel and interconnected processes that span from the nanometers and femtoseconds that determine ion channel gating to the centimeters and minutes needed to describe an arrhythmia. The connection between scales has brought unprecedented insight into cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and drug therapies. This review focuses on the generation of these models from first principles, generation of detailed models to describe ion channel kinetics, algorithms to create and numerically solve kinetic models, and new approaches toward data gathering that parameterize these models. While we focus on application of these models for cardiac arrhythmia, these concepts are widely applicable to model the physiology and pathophysiology of any excitable cell.
α-, β-phenomena for the supersonic flow around an impulsively started circular cylinder
Authors: Tang Yi-Wei , Huang Wen-Feng , Yang Qiang , Wang Bo-Fu
Published: March 2023

The vortex dynamics of a supersonic flow past an impulsively started circular cylinder are studied numerically. A well-developed high-order finite difference method is adopted to solve the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations. In particular, Ma = 1.1 and Re = 2.2 × 104 are selected to report the vortex evolution process. The results confirm that the α-, β-, sub-α-, and sub-β-phenomena observed in incompressible flow in the separated region do exist in the supersonic regime. In addition, the influence of Mach number and Reynolds number on the vortex is also studied, and the vortex changes are compared at Ma = 1.1, 1.7 and Re = 1 × 104, 2 × 104, 2.5 × 104, 3 × 104, 5 × 104, and 1 × 105.
Translating explicatures between Arabic and English
Authors: Jarrah Marwan , Al-Jarrah Rasheed
Published: March 2023

This article explores which areas of explicature identification (i.e., disambiguation, reference resolution, saturation, free enrichment, and ad hoc concept constructions) were more attended to in Arabic-English translation. Twenty translators were asked to render from one language into another 50 sentences whose logical form could be enriched by explicatures. Translators were found to attend more to the effects of disambiguation and reference resolution. A demarcation line was drawn between explicatures that called for completing overt logical forms (disambiguation and reference resolution) and those that prompted calculating pragmatic competence and meta-linguistic knowledge (saturation, free enrichment, and ad hoc concept constructions). Using relevance theory as a framework of analysis, we propose that completing overt logical forms is more rewarding and less costly for translators than computing pragmatic competence and meta-linguistic knowledge. The figures corroborated this assumption, which showed that explicature observance was positively correlated with educational attainment and years of experience.
Teachers’ codeswitching in L2 Chinese classes
Authors: Li Fang , Yiakoumetti Androula
Published: March 2023

The study deals with the sociolinguistic phenomenon of codeswitching as manifested in community-based
ethnic-language classes. More specifically, it focuses on teachers’ codeswitching from students’ second language (Mandarin
Chinese) to students’ first language (English). The empirical study was conducted at one Chinese community school in the United
Kingdom to investigate the instances in which teachers switch to students’ first language and to explore teachers’ introspection
regarding their codeswitching behavior. Twelve types of codeswitching were identified and categorized in accordance with functions
recorded in other studies. Discrepancies between teachers’ beliefs on the choice of language medium and their actual practices
were found. Teachers were not always aware of their codeswitching and they generally held positive attitudes towards their
conscious codeswitching and negative attitudes towards subconscious codeswitching. Conscious switches were used mainly for
pedagogical, interpersonal, and interactive purposes. A sense of guilt was found to be associated with their unconscious
codeswitching. This study suggests that raising teachers’ awareness of the potential usefulness of codeswitching within
ethnic-language education is paramount.
The construction of Chinese pedagogical grammar system
Authors: Li Nini
Published: March 2023

This paper explores two sets of criteria used to construct pedagogical grammar systems both in English and Chinese. Larsen-Freeman (2001, 2014) built a three-dimensional grammar framework to guide English teachers in constructing an approach to teaching grammar. The three dimensions are grammatical structures (morphosyntactic form), meaning (semantics; it can be lexical or grammatical) and appropriate use in context (pragmatics). Feng and Shi (2011, 2015) proposed a new model of teaching and learning Chinese called Trinitarian Grammar, consisting of three parts: the structure of sentences, the function of the structure and the contexts of the structure and the function used in Mandarin Chinese. This paper, however, suggests a four-dimensional framework for Chinese pedagogical grammar: grammatical structure, meaning (including lexical and grammatical meaning), pragmatic function and a sequence of typical contexts starting with an “optimal understanding model (OUM)”.
Ritual and modern “politeness” in the Romanian Principalities during the Phanariot period
Authors: Constantinescu Mihaela-Viorica
Published: March 2023

The paper focusses on ritual “politeness” in the eighteenth- and early-nineteenth century Romanian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia from a historical sociopragmatic perspective. The analysis of ceremonial literature and memoirs aims to highlight the instrumental role that the performance of conventional gestures and the use of conventional formulae have in presenting the self/other image. The period under consideration attests to the prominence of the Ottoman cultural model in the Romanian Principalities; nevertheless, the conduct prompted by Western and Central European culture was also rapidly emerging in these borderlands at the same time. When Romanian participants shift their behaviour in intercultural interactions according to the Eastern or Western norms, the choices they make have profound implications (political, social, and cultural).
Creole and power
Authors: Westphal Michael , Wilson Guyanne
Published: March 2023

The paper presents a Critical Discourse Analysis of Jamaican and Trinidadian legal-cross examinations, using data from the International Corpus of English. Although English is the dominant language of the courtroom, the analysis shows that Creole is used by both attorneys and witnesses. In contrast to previous associations of Creole with powerlessness and Standard English with power, attorneys make use of both varieties to exert their authority in the courtroom. Hence, the value of specific linguistic resources and who can use them for which purpose depends on the speakers’ social and institutional positionality. On a methodological level, the paper demonstrates that the International Corpus of English provides valuable data for critical qualitative analyses of language variation in New Englishes.
Question intonation patterns in Nigerian English
Authors: Oyebola Folajimi , Melles Warsa
Published: March 2023

This study investigates the intonation patterns in wh-questions and yes/no-questions used by educated Nigerian speakers of English. It examines the possible influence of gender, ethnicity, and question type on the prosodic marking of questions. Audio recordings taken from the Nigerian component of the International Corpus of English were annotated in Praat using the tones and breaks indices transcription convention. The results show that there are similar intonation patterns among Nigerian speakers. Both wh-questions and yes/no-questions tend to start with a level tone; while wh-questions end mostly with a falling tone, yes/no-questions end either with a falling or a rising tone. The results demonstrate that whereas gender has no significant effect, both ethnicity and question type significantly influence intonation patterns.
Mechanisms associated with material deformation, and microstructural evolution during friction stir welding of pure titanium and Al alloy
Authors: Kar Amlan , Kumar Sachin , Singh Kuldeep
Published: March 2023

Aluminium and titanium are important structural metals; however, their joining is difficult because of different microstructural responses and intermetallic compounds (IMCs). The present work underlines the mechanisms associated with friction stir welding of pure Ti and Al alloy. The results show no visible defect, while multiple particles are consolidated in the stirred zone (SZ). Chemical composition across Al-Ti interfaces is different and dependent on location and particle size. This affirms intensive mechanical mixing and thermal diffusion of Al-Ti substrates and IMCs formation. The UTS and ductility of the Al-Ti joint are ∼73% and 37% higher than Al base metal, respectively. Deformation of Ti in SZ is responsible for phase evolution and joint formation with better joint characteristics.
Effect of Orbital Characteristic of Inclined Third-body on Motion of Secondary-body for a Hierarchical Triple Systems
Authors: Bakhtiari Majid
Published: March 2023

The influence of a third-body’s orbital elements on the second-body’s motion in a hierarchical triple system is a crucial problem in astrophysics. Most prolonged evaluation studies have focused on a distant zero-inclined third-body. This study presents a new perspective on second-body motion equations that addresses a perturbing-body in an elliptic orbit derived with consideration of the axial-tilt (obliquity) of the primary. The proposed model is compared by the dual-averaged method and the N-body problem algorithm. After validation, a generalized three-body model is derived to investigate the effects of the third-body’s orbital elements on secondary-body motion behavior. The proposed model considers short-time oscillations that affect secular evaluation and applies to exoplanets with all the primary and third body eccentricities, inclinations, and mass ratios. It is shown that the obliquity of the primary (or third-body’s inclination) must be considered for precise long-term assessment, even in highly-hierarchical systems.
Manipulator Motion Planning Based on Improved RRT Algorithm
Authors: Song Qisong , Li Shaobo , Pu Ruiqiang
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the problems that the Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (RRT) algorithm has more time-consuming and longer paths in the manipulator motion planning, we propose an improved RRT algorithm based on probabilistic target bias strategy and triangular inequality pruning method. This paper simulates the algorithm from three dynamic environments with different numbers of obstacles. The simulation results show that the proposed improved RRT algorithm can plan a shorter path in less time.
Salient Object Detection based on Background Optimization
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Zhiteng
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the problems of low detection accuracy and blurred object edges in current salient object detection based on background algorithms, a new algorithm based on boundary prior to estimate background is proposed. Firstly, the super-pixel image segmentation algorithm (SLIC) is used to segment the image into super-pixels. According to the theory that the foreground and background are relative, the background is estimated by using the four-edges boundary prior of the image; At the same time, an optimal fusion algorithm is proposed to fuse the prior background and foreground with optimal weights to obtain the final saliency map. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons with 10 classic salient object detection algorithms, the results show that the proposed algorithm can not only detect salient objects of different sizes more accurately, but also effectively suppress background redundant information, preserving the object boundary. Therefore, the accuracy of our algorithm is better than 10 classical algorithms. The algorithm in this paper which serve as pre-processing for computer vision has great promise in the field of intelligent control of machine vision.
Modeling and Simulation of Imperfect Fault Coverage of Airborne Computing Platform
Authors: Sun Dongxu , Niu Wei , Zhu Zhiqiang
Published: March 2023

Ignoring the problem of imperfect fault coverage of fault-tolerant systems will lead to reliability evaluation errors. In order to accurately assess the reliability of the fault-tolerant design of airborne computing platform, the fault-coverage process and failure factors were analyzed, and a discrete event simulation model for the problem of imperfect fault coverage is constructed. In the discrete event simulation model, the fault, detection, isolation and recovery behaviours event are generated by random sampling according to specific distribution, and each discrete event is used to drive the system behaviours and result analysis sequentially along the time axis. Based on the simulation model, reliability analysis of a typical airborne computing platform is completed; the simulation results show that the problem of imperfect fault coverage has a significant impact on the reliability of the computing platform, and the simulation model in this paper is more comprehensive and accurate than the traditional ideal model.
A Multisensor Fusion Scheme and Its Engineering Application
Authors: Shi Yaozu , Li Zhengyu , Hou Xibiao , Wang Yucheng , He Mingsheng , Li Xiaolei , Yang Wanyu
Published: March 2023

Sensor fusion is a key technology in ADAS (FCW, PCW, AEB, ACC, etc.) In this paper, the target-level fusion method is used to realize the recognition of key targets through the algorithms such as estimation of the driving area, screening for effective targets, targets matching, target fusion and target tracking. Simulation test and real vehicle test show that the algorithms can identify key targets steadily and screen out radar jamming targets such as guardrails and viaducts.