bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioecological risk factors associated with Malaria in Pregnancy in an endemic state of India: a retrospective study
Authors: Saroha Poonam , Gupta Sanjeev Kumar , Yadav Chander Prakash , Gill Jasmita , Sahoo Prakash , Singh Himmat , H C Vani , Pati Sanghamitra , Rahi Manju , Sharma Amit
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) has significant adverse effects on both mother and fetus. Pregnant women in regions with unstable malaria transmission are three times more vulnerable to infection. This study analysed malaria prevalence among pregnant women in Odisha, India from 2016 to 2020 and compared it with overall malaria rates. Socioecological factors potentially influencing MiP prevalence were also examined.

Methods

District-wise cases of malaria-positive pregnant women were analysed using a prevalence index named Malaria in Pregnancy rate (MiPr). The association of MiP with multidimensional poverty, forest cover and tribal population was studied. These three socioecological variables were compared with high and low MiPr (MiPr ≥1 or <1) respectively.

Results

A strong positive association was observed between the Annual Parasite Index (API) and the MiPr in 2016 (0.95), 2017 (0.97), 2018 (0.88), 2019 (0.97) and 2020 (0.97). The districts comprising a multidimensionally poor population of 45% or more accounted for 67% of the MiP cases in 2020. The odds of getting MiP (MiPr ≥1) were 82.5 times higher in the districts where the tribal population was ≥50% and 3.39 times higher in the districts where the forest cover was ≥40%. In 2020, two districts with high MiPr, Malkangiri (MiPr=5.61) and Rayagada (MiPr=3.24), were above the threshold for all three variables.

Conclusions

This work highlights an urgent need to increase awareness by the national control programme and the community in vulnerable regions through control and protection measures for pregnant women at higher risk of severe disease.
What can Safety Cases offer for patient safety? A multisite case study
Authors: Liberati Elisa Giulia , Martin Graham P , Lamé Guillaume , Waring Justin , Tarrant Carolyn , Willars Janet , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: September 2023

Background

The Safety Case is a regulatory technique that requires organisations to demonstrate to regulators that they have systematically identified hazards in their systems and reduced risks to being as low as reasonably practicable. It is used in several high-risk sectors, but only in a very limited way in healthcare. We examined the first documented attempt to apply the Safety Case methodology to clinical pathways.

Methods

Data are drawn from a mixed-methods evaluation of the Safer Clinical Systems programme. The development of a Safety Case for a defined clinical pathway was a centrepiece of the programme. We base our analysis on 143 interviews covering all aspects of the programme and on analysis of 13 Safety Cases produced by clinical teams.

Results

The principles behind a proactive, systematic approach to identifying and controlling risk that could be curated in a single document were broadly welcomed by participants, but was not straightforward to deliver. Compiling Safety Cases helped teams to identify safety hazards in clinical pathways, some of which had been previously occluded. However, the work of compiling Safety Cases was demanding of scarce skill and resource. Not all problems identified through proactive methods were tractable to the efforts of front-line staff. Some persistent hazards, originating from institutional and organisational vulnerabilities, appeared also to be out of the scope of control of even the board level of organisations. A particular dilemma for organisational senior leadership was whether to prioritise fixing the risks proactively identified in Safety Cases over other pressing issues, including those that had already resulted in harm.

Conclusions

The Safety Case approach was recognised by those involved in the Safer Clinical Systems programme as having potential value. However, it is also fraught with challenge, highlighting the limitations of efforts to transfer safety management practices to healthcare from other sectors.
Impact of the Syrian conflict and forced displacement on respiratory health: an analysis of primary data from a humanitarian organisation
Authors: Basha Lena , Socarras Alex , Akhter Mohammed Waseem , Hamze Mohamed , Albaik Ahmad , Hussein Imad , Tarakji Ahmad , Hamadeh Mufaddal , Loutfi Randa , Kewara Mazen , Abbara Aula
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite a decade of conflict, there has been little exploration of respiratory health in Syria, notwithstanding the known impacts of conflict on lung health. Our aim is to explore the burden and trends of respiratory consultations in Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) facilities in northwest Syria through an ecological analysis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of routinely collected data relating to respiratory presentations in SAMS’ facilities between March 2017 and June 2020; we compared data by facility type, infectious versus non-infectious aetiologies and age.

Results

Data were available for 5 058 864 consultations, of which 1 228 722 (24%) were respiratory presentations, across 22 hospitals, 22 primary healthcare centres, 3 mobile clinics and 1 polyclinic. The median number of respiratory consultations per month was 30 279 (IQR: 25 792–33 732). Key findings include: 73% of respiratory consultations were for children; respiratory presentations accounted for up to 38% of consultations each month, seasonal variation was evident; respiratory tract infections accounted for 91% of all respiratory presentations. A steep decrease in consultations occurred between the end of 2019 (160 000) and the first quarter of 2020 (90 000), correlating with an escalation of violence in Idlib governorate.

Conclusion

This study presents the largest quantitative analysis of respiratory data collected during the Syrian conflict. It supports the need for improved measures to aid the prevention, diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions during conflict as well as further research to explore the impact of conflict on respiratory health.
Treatment and prognosis of colorectal cancer with synchronous peritoneal metastases: 11-year single institute experience
Authors: Qin Xiusen , Yang Zifeng , Li Yang , Luo Jian , Wang Hui , Wang Huaiming
Published: September 2023

Background

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) with synchronous peritoneal metastases (SPM) is controversial, and its prognosis remains poor. Here, we analysed the association between treatment strategies and the outcomes of patients with colorectal SPM and devised a nomogram to improve their prognosis prediction.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed patients with colorectal SPM treated at The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from June 2007 to June 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests was used to compare the overall survival (OS) among patients undergoing different therapeutic regimens. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify the prognostic factors. After variable selection, a nomogram was developed to predict the OS of patients with colorectal SPM.

Results

A total of 371 patients with colorectal SPM were eligible for this study. The median OS of all patients was 15.0 months (95% CI, 13.1 to 16.9), with a 3-year and 5-year OS rate of 23.7% and 16.9%, respectively. Patients who underwent complete cytoreductive surgery (CC0–1) had a better median OS of 49 months (p<0.001). Cox multivariate analysis showed that age >65 years; cancer antigen 125 level >35 U/mL; peritoneal carcinomatosis index >16 scores; and undergoing cytoreductive surgery, chemotherapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS. The c-index of the prognostic nomogram was 0.747 (95% CI, 0.474 to 1.020).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that patients with colorectal SPM who receive comprehensive treatment might achieve better prognoses. The prognostic nomogram demonstrated good predictive performance for patients with colorectal SPM.
ATM inhibition augments type I interferon response and antitumor T-cell immunity when combined with radiation therapy in murine tumor models
Authors: Jin Won Jong , Zangl Luke M , Hyun Meredith , Massoud Elian , Schroeder Kaleb , Alexandridis Roxana A , Morris Zachary S
Published: September 2023

Background

Radiation therapy (RT) elicits DNA double-strand breaks, resulting in tumor cytotoxicity and a type I interferon (IFN) response via stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation. We investigated whether combining RT with an ataxia-telangiectasia mutated inhibitor promoted these effects and amplified tumor immunity.

Methods

Mice-bearing syngeneic flank tumors (MOC2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or B78 melanoma) were treated with tumor-directed RT and oral administration of AZD0156. Specific immune cell depletion, type 1 interferon receptor 1 knock-out mice (IFNAR1-KO), and STING-deficient tumor cells were used to investigate tumor-immune crosstalk following RT and AZD0156 treatment.

Results

Combining RT and AZD0156 reduced tumor growth compared with RT or AZD0156 alone in mice bearing MOC2 or B78 tumors. Low-dose AZD0156 (1–100 nM) alone did not affect tumor cell proliferation but suppressed tumor cell clonogenicity in combination with RT. Low-dose AZD0156 with RT synergistically increased IFN-β, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor cells. In contrast to wild-type mice, IFNAR1-KO mice showed reduced CD8+T cell tumor infiltration and poor survival following RT+AZD0156 treatment. CD8+T cell depletion reduced antitumor response during RT+AZD0156 treatment. STING-deficient MOC2 (MOC2-STING+/–) or B78 (B78-STING–/–) tumors eliminated the effects of RT+AZD0156 on the expression of IFN-β, MHC-I, and PD-L1, and reduced CD8+T cell infiltration and migration. Additional anti-PD-L1 therapy promoted antitumor response by elevation of tumor-MHC-I and lymphocyte activation.

Conclusions

Combined radiation and AZD0156 increase STING-dependent antitumor response. Tumor-derived cell-autonomous IFN-β amplification drives both MHC-I and PD-L1 induction at the tumor cell surface, which is required by anti-PD-L1 therapy to promote antitumor immune response following RT and AZD0156 combination therapy.
Impacts of shrub removal on snow and near-surface thermal conditions in permafrost terrain adjacent to the Dempster Highway, NT, Canada
Authors: Cameron Emily A. , Lantz Trevor C. , Kokelj Steven V.
Published: September 2023

The Peel Plateau, NT, Canada, is an area underlain by warm continuous permafrost where changes in soil moisture, snow conditions, and shrub density have increased ground temperatures next to the Dempster Highway. In this study, ground temperatures, snow, and thaw depth were monitored before and after tall shrub removal (2014). A snow survey after tall shrub removal indicated that snow depth decreased by a third and lowered winter ground temperatures when compared with control tall shrub sites. The response of ground temperatures to shrub removal depended on soil type. The site with organic soils had cooler winter temperatures and no apparent change in summer temperatures following shrub removal. At sites with mineral soil, moderate winter ground cooling insufficiently counteracted increases in summer ground heat flux caused by canopy removal. Given the predominance of mineral soil along the Dempster, these observations suggest tall shrub removal is not a viable short-term permafrost management strategy. Additionally, the perpendicular orientation of the Highway to prevailing winter winds stimulates snow drift formation and predisposes the site to warmer permafrost temperatures, altered hydrology, and tall shrub proliferation. Subsequent research should explore the effectiveness of tall shrub removal at sites with colder winter conditions or different snow accumulation patterns.
Strength and suction development of cemented paste backfill with ternary cement blends
Authors: Sagade Aparna , Fall Mamadou , Al-Moselly Zubaida
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the effect of ternary binder containing Portland cement type I (PCI), slag, and limestone (LS) powder in varying proportions on the suction development and the mechanical strength of cemented paste backfill (CPB) was investigated. Mechanical tests, microstructural analyses (thermo-gravimetry analysis (TG/DTG) and mercury intrusion porosimetry), and monitoring (suction, electrical conductivity, and temperature) experiments were conducted on CPB. In the first part of this study, binary binders with two different PCI:slag proportions, 50:50 and 80:20, were examined with no LS, followed by the slag replacement with increasing weight percentages of LS from 0% to 20% by weight of the total binder, with constant cement content. The results indicate that the slow slag hydration kinetics decreased the suction and strength gain rate at a young age in the binary sample with high slag content (50 wt.%); however, its latent hydraulic and pozzolanic properties enhanced the strength gain at a later age, from 28 days. The addition of 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% LS to the ternary binder system improved the early age strength of CPB up to 7 days and 1 day, respectively, compared with the binary control samples, i.e., CPB with slag and without LS. While the addition of up to 10% LS to the ternary binder improved the rate of suction development and increased suction at early ages, beyond 10%, the addition of LS slightly decreased mechanical performance at all ages. Overall, the results obtained reveal that up to 50 wt.% slag with up to 10 wt.% LS with cement could be used as a ternary binder to improve the early age strength and suction development rate of CPB studied without significant loss in compressive strength at advanced ages. The results of this research could be of great benefit to the mining industry through the use of a ternary binder to replace cement, which could improve the overall performance of the CPB system, facilitate a more sustainable CPB design, and improve tailings management practices and overall economics.
Decreased calcification to photosynthesis ratio in coccolithophores under reduced O2 and elevated CO2 environment
Authors: Tong Shanying , Xu Dong , Qiao Hongjin , Ye Naihao
Published: September 2023

We examined the physiological performance in the most cosmopolitan coccolithophorid, Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica, which were treated with 8.3 (ambient O2 (AO)), 4.6 (medium O2 (MO)), and 2.5 (low O2 (LO)) mg L–1 O2 under 400 ppm (ambient CO2 (AC)) and 1000 (high CO2 (HC)) ppm CO2 conditions. Elevated CO2 decreased the specific growth rate of cells cultured under AO and LO conditions in both species, but it increased the rate in the MO-grown E. huxleyi. Regardless of the CO2 levels, diminished O2 concentration inhibited the growth rate in E. huxleyi while accelerating the rate in G. oceanica. LO reduced the particulate organic carbon (POC) production rate compared to the AO treatment in both species. Additionally, the decrease was higher in the HC cultures than in the AC ones. LO also inhibited the production rate of particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) compared to the AO/AC treatment. Due to a higher reduction in the production rate of PIC than POC, the PIC/POC ratio was decreased in the LO treatment compared to the AO/AC treatment. The current study reveals that low O2 can, individually or in combination with high CO2, considerably affect the physiology of marine photoautotrophic organisms.
Development of methods for statistical modeling of air traffic demonstrated through a Winnipeg-area case study
Authors: de Jesus Krings Teresa , Laliberté Jeremy , Borshchova Iryna , Ellis Kristopher
Published: September 2023

The integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) into shared airspace requires a thorough risk analysis. Specific operations risk assessment (SORA) is a widely adopted approach by international civil aviation authorities to guide RPAS operators in evaluating risks associated with their mission. A critical step in the SORA process is analyzing the airspace where the operation will take place, which requires knowledge of the intruder aircraft's flight characteristics as well as the airspace model. This paper proposes a methodology for developing a statistical airspace model using historical aircraft track data collected in the Winnipeg Manitoba Flight Information Region. The developed methods include data cleaning routines, Kalman filters for track smoothing, and Bayesian networks for synthetic track generation, following an approach similar to that employed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Lab. Additionally, the developed methodology allows for the analysis of specific models by altitude or aircraft type. The methods presented were subsequently adjusted for a comprehensive analysis spanning across Canada's diverse airspace. The initial statistical model, derived from Canada-wide data, is currently accessible to the public via the National Research Council's GitHub repository [ https://github.com/nrc-cnrc/Canadian-Airspace-Models ].
Using word embeddings to analyse audience effects and individual differences in parenting Subreddits
Authors: Sepahpour-Fard Melody , Quayle Michael , Schuld Maria , Yasseri Taha
Published: September 2023

This paper explores how individuals’ language use in gender-specific groups (“mothers” and “fathers”) compares to their interactions when referred to as “parents.” Language adaptation based on the audience is well-documented, yet large-scale studies of naturally-occurring audience effects are rare. To address this, we investigate audience and gender effects in the context of parenting, where gender plays a significant role. We focus on interactions within Reddit, particularly in the parenting Subreddits r/Daddit, r/Mommit, and r/Parenting, which cater to distinct audiences. By analyzing user posts using word embeddings, we measure similarities between user-tokens and word-tokens, also considering differences among high and low self-monitors. Results reveal that in mixed-gender contexts, mothers and fathers exhibit similar behavior in discussing a wide range of topics, while fathers emphasize more on educational and family advice. Single-gender Subreddits see more focused discussions. Mothers in r/Mommit discuss medical care, sleep, potty training, and food, distinguishing themselves. In terms of individual differences, we found that, especially on r/Parenting, high self-monitors tend to conform more to the norms of the Subreddit by discussing more of the topics associated with the Subreddit.
A flow of Newtonian fluid through annular region between curved pipes: Analytical study
Authors: Devakar M. , Mayuri S.
Published: September 2023

A steady Newtonian fluid flow through annular region in curved pipes is studied in this paper. The flow takes place due to an axial pressure gradient and it is three-dimensional in nature. The equations governing the flow are highly coupled and nonlinear. The solutions are obtained, analytically, using a regular perturbation method. The effects of curvature ratio [Formula: see text], Reynolds number (Re) and the radius ratio [Formula: see text] on the axial velocity and stream function are presented graphically. It is observed that, along with curvature ratio and Reynolds number, radius ratio highly affects the fluid flow in annular curved pipes.
Novel blue-emitting glass CaO-B2O3-2SiO2: Eu2+, Ce3+ with energy transfer
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Pengcheng , Man Shi-Qing
Published: September 2023

In this paper, CaO-B2O3-2SiO2: Eu[Formula: see text] and CaO-B2O3-2SiO2: Eu[Formula: see text], Ce[Formula: see text] fluorescent glasses have been synthesized by a conventional melt-quenching method. First, under 350[Formula: see text]nm excitation, the CaO-B2O3-2SiO2: Ce[Formula: see text] luminescent glass emits light at about 400[Formula: see text]nm, and the optimum dosage is 0.3[Formula: see text]mol%. Then, under 400[Formula: see text]nm UV excitation, the CaO-B2O3-2SiO2: Eu[Formula: see text] luminescent glasses showed a strong emission with a peak around 460[Formula: see text]nm and a half wavelength of 95[Formula: see text]nm. The results showed that the luminescence of this glass was greatest when the doping amount was 0.3[Formula: see text]mol% and gradually decreased with increase of the doping amount. After calculation and analysis, it was found that this was due to the nonradiative energy transfer between Eu[Formula: see text] ions. The mechanism of energy transfer was dipole–dipole interaction. Finally, Ce[Formula: see text]/Eu[Formula: see text] co-doped luminescent glasses were also successfully prepared with strong emission. The existence of energy transfer was demonstrated by theoretical and practical measurement data. CaO-B2O3-2SiO2: Ce[Formula: see text], Eu[Formula: see text] can be used as blue fluorescent glass for white light illumination.
First-principles study on electronic structure and optical properties of different concentrations of Bi-doped TiO2
Authors: He Ruiqiang , Lin Lin , Chun Ying , Yang Jucai
Published: September 2023

The optical properties of TiO2 are changed while doped with impurity atoms. This paper made a systematical calculation of the bandgap, the density-of-states (DOS), the optical properties for pure TiO2, and Bi-doped anatase TiO2 according to the first-principles plane wave ultrasoft pseudopotential method which is primarily based on the density functional theory (DFT). The calculation results exhibit that the bandgap decreased after doping, and the impurity energy level is produced into the bandgap of Bi-doped TiO2, which makes red-shift for the absorption band edge of Bi-doped TiO2 and the absorption is enhanced more in the visible light range.
Research on Recognition Method of Social Robot Based on T-A-GCNIIT in the Metaverse
Authors: Wang Huaben , Tang Jixueyang
Published: September 2023

Social robots are used in intelligent customer service, intelligent chat, intelligent shopping guides, and more because of emotion recognition studies in cognitive psychology. However, determining the user's purpose quickly and precisely has proved challenging. Domestic researchers proposed the A-GCNII model to address missing feature information; however, it needs a lot of math. This research offers a social robot recognition approach using the T-A-GCNIIT model and cognitive psychology to optimize computing complexity and performance. The T-A-GCNIIT algorithm processes social network data, and the Viola–Jones algorithm improves social robot intelligence to represent social robots in the meta-universe. The model performs well in node classification, link prediction, community discovery, and other tasks, with enhanced accuracy, recall, F1 score value, and other metrics. The model can also better comprehend the user's emotional state using cognitive psychology to better recognize their purpose and propose a fresh notion for enhancing social robots' cognitive psychology.
symbSODA: Configurable and Verifiable Orchestration Automation for Active Malware Deception
Authors: Sajid Md Sajidul Islam , Wei Jinpeng , Al-Shaer Ehab , Duan Qi , Abdeen Basel , Khan Latifur
Published: September 2023

Malware is commonly used by adversaries to compromise and infiltrate cyber systems in order to steal sensitive information or destroy critical assets. Active Cyber Deception (ACD) has emerged as an effective proactive cyber defense against malware to enable misleading adversaries by presenting fake data and engaging them to learn novel attack techniques. However, real-time malware deception is a complex and challenging task because (1) it requires a comprehensive understanding of the malware behaviors at technical and tactical levels in order to create the appropriate deception ploys and resources that can leverage this behavior and mislead malware, and (2) it requires a configurable yet provably valid deception planning to guarantee effective and safe real-time deception orchestration.

This article presents symbSODA, a highly configurable and verifiable cyber deception system that analyzes real-world malware using multipath execution to discover API patterns that represent attack techniques/tactics critical for deception, enables users to create their own customized deception ploys based on the malware type and objectives, allows for constructing conflict-free
Deception Playbooks
, and finally automates the deception orchestration to execute the malware inside a deceptive environment. symbSODA extracts Malicious Sub-graphs (MSGs) consisting of WinAPIs from real-world malware and maps them to tactics and techniques using the ATT&CK framework to facilitate the construction of meaningful user-defined deception playbooks.

We conducted a comprehensive evaluation study on symbSODA using 255 recent malware samples. We demonstrated that the accuracy of the end-to-end malware deception is 95% on average, with negligible overhead using various deception goals and strategies. Furthermore, our approach successfully extracted MSGs with a 97% recall, and our MSG-to-MITRE mapping achieved a top-1 accuracy of 88.75%. Our study suggests that symbSODA can serve as a general-purpose
Malware Deception Factory
to automatically produce customized deception playbooks against arbitrary malware behavior.
VOTING IN DAOs
Authors: Dimitri Nicola
Published: September 2023

In recent years the adoption of smart contracts, in blockchain platforms, has increased substantially. One of the main applications of smart contracts are the so called Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO), which originated from an idea envisaged by Buterin, in his Ethereum white paper. Indeed, DAOs are decentralized organizations, where the members implement their decisions using smart contracts. In the article, we introduce a simple framework for a DAO, and then we discuss some governance issues. In particular, we focus on how DAO members could be induced to dedicate sufficient time to voting sessions, for a proper functioning of the organization. Indeed, recent empirical research suggests how the members’ participation rate, to voting activities, has a meaningful positive correlation with to a DAO's performance. More specifically, we formalize the notion of
attention time
and propose a simple model for the so-called Holographic Consensus, a protocol introduced by the DAOStack platform to solve the issue of limited time dedicated to governance, discussing under what conditions DAO members may choose the so-called
boosting
voting procedure.
Phase, Microstructure, and Tensile Strength of Al6351-Graphite-WC Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Ali Shahazad , Murtaza Qasim , Gupta Pallav
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of Al6351-based hybrid metal matrix composites reinforced with Graphite (Gr) and Tungsten carbide (WC) (0.5–0.5, 1.0–1.0, 1.5–1.5, and 2.0–2.0 wt%). The liquid metallurgy (stir casting) route was used to prepare the hybrid composites, the microstructure and material performance were characterized by using SEM, X-ray diffraction, impact, hardness, and tensile testing. According to the findings, incorporating graphite and tungsten carbide into the composite led to enhancements in both microstructure and mechanical properties. The sample reinforced with 1 wt% Gr and 1 wt% TiC carbide demonstrated the highest tensile strength, and hardness. The highest recorded value of Engg. UTS and Rockwell hardness were 199.2 N mm−2 and 76 HRC, respectively. On the other hand, the composite that contained 0.5 wt% graphite and 0.5 wt% tungsten carbide exhibited the best toughness as 28 joules, among all the samples that were produced. The lowest density was observed with 2 wt% Gr and 2 wt% TiC reinforcement as 2.62 g cc−1. A uniform dispersion of reinforcement particles was observed. The findings of this study suggest potential applications of hybrid MMCs reinforced with graphite and tungsten carbide in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Enhancement of Short-Circuit Current Density in Superlattice-Based InGaN/GaN Solar Cells
Authors: Shan Heng-sheng , Song Yi-fan , Li Xiao-ya , Li Cheng-ke , Li Ming-hui , Jiang Hong-tao
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the mechanism of short-circuit current density (JSC) enhancement in InGaN/GaN superlattices(SLs)-structured solar cells (SCs) is investigated theoretically and experimentally, and compared with conventional InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) SCs. Due to the ultrathin structure of the X-ray diffraction SLs, a tunneling model is introduced in Silvaco software. The simulation results show that the trend of the simulation results is consistent with the experimental values. Due to the contribution of the tunneling effect, the JSC of SCs with SLs structure is greatly improved, but the open circuit voltage (VOC) is also reduced due to defects in the growth process of epitaxial wafers with SLs structure. These observations suggest that tunneling effects increase the JSC of the SCs, thus improving the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of SCs. This study provides evidence for the fabrication of highly efficient InGaN SCs.
Dual-Protective Artificial Layer on Lithium Metal Anodes for Improved Electrochemical Performance – an in-Depth Morphological and Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Bela Marlena Maria , Stan Marian Cristian , Winter Martin , Börner Markus
Published: September 2023

The energy density of traditional lithium ion batteries (LIB) based on graphite intercalation compounds as negative active material is approaching the theoretical limit and are restricting the increasing demand of high energy battery systems for various mobile and stationary applications.[1] Consequently, the implementation of active materials with high specific energies became prerequisite for future battery technologies. Therein, lithium metal is one of the most promising anode active materials to replace state-of-the-art graphite active materials, due to its high theoretical capacity and low electrode potential.[2]However, poor cycling performance, low Coulombic efficiency, and the uncontrollable Li dendrite growth during lithium electrodeposition/dissolution processes remain as predominant challenges.[3]

Several approaches were proposed to eliminate dendrite formation by implementing a mechanically and electrochemically stable artificial solid electrolyte interphase or artificial protective coatings (aPC) by in-situ or ex-situ surface modifications.[4] These designed aPCs should feature an increased and uniform Li-ion flux, mechanical robustness and/or protection against electrolyte decomposition, during substantial volume changes upon electrodeposition/dissolution. However, aPCs fail to support long term cycling stability in lithium metal batteries since they cannot cover all requirements.[5] Therefore, it is crucial to design and understand dual- and multilayer system that address multiple aforementioned requisites.[6]

In this contribution, a dual-protective artificial layer is constructed on Li metal by physical vapor deposition consisting of an intermetallic LiZn-layer, providing a uniform Li-ion flux, and an inorganic Li3N-layer, which is electron-blocking, thus reveal surface protective properties. In addition to electrochemical characterization, the Li electrodeposition/dissolution behavior was investigated by cryo-FIB/SEM analysis to unravel the mechanism behind the enhanced cycling stability in symmetrical Li||Li cells and cells with a layered oxide-based positive electrode.

[1] R. Schmuch, R. Wagner, G. Hörpel, T. Placke, M. Winter, Nature Energy
2018, 3, 267.

[2] J. Liu, Z. Bao, Y. Cui, E. J. Dufek, J. B. Goodenough, P. Khalifah, Q. Li, B. Y. Liaw, P. Liu, A. Manthiram, Y. S. Meng, V. R. Subramanian, M. F. Toney, V. V. Viswanathan, M. S. Whittingham, J. Xiao, W. Xu, J. Yang, X.-Q. Yang, J.-G. Zhang, Nature Energy
2019, 4, 180.

[3] T. Placke, R. Kloepsch, S. Dühnen, M. Winter, Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry
2017, 21, 1939.

[4] N. Delaporte, Y. Wang, K. Zaghib, Frontiers in Materials
2019, 6.

[5] D. Lin, Y. Liu, Y. Cui, Nature Nanotechnology
2017, 12, 194.

[6] S. Lee, K.-s. Lee, S. Kim, K. Yoon, S. Han, M. H. Lee, Y. Ko, J. H. Noh, W. Kim, K. Kang, Science Advances
2022, 8, 1.
Spatiotemporally quantitative in vivo imaging of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation at cellular-level resolution in mice
Authors: Matsumoto Ayumi , Matsui Isao , Uchinomiya Shohei , Katsuma Yusuke , Yasuda Seiichi , Okushima Hiroki , Imai Atsuhiro , Yamamoto Takeshi , Ojida Akio , Inoue Kazunori , Isaka Yoshitaka
Published: September 2023

Fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) plays a key role in energy homeostasis. Here, the authors established a strategy for visualizing FAO activity in vivo at the cellular-level spatial resolution and seconds-level time resolution in mice. Quantitative analysis revealed spatiotemporal heterogeneity in hepatic FAO dynamics. Our method is widely applicable because it is simple and uses a multiphoton microscope to observe the FAOBlue-injected mice.
Mechanisms of action of incretin receptor based dual- and tri-agonists in pancreatic islets
Authors: Folli Franco , Finzi Giovanna , Manfrini Roberto , Galli Alessandra , Casiraghi Francesca , Centofanti Lucia , Berra Cesare , Fiorina Paolo , Davalli Alberto , La Rosa Stefano , Perego Carla , Higgins Paul B.
Published: September 2023

Simultaneous activation of the incretin G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) via unimolecular dual-receptor agonists (UDRA) has emerged as a new therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes. Recent studies also advocate triple agonism with molecules also capable of binding the glucagon receptor. In this scoping review, we discuss the cellular mechanisms of action (MOA) underlying the actions of these novel and therapeutically important classes of peptide receptor agonists. Clinical efficacy studies of several UDRAs have demonstrated favorable results both as monotherapies and when combined with approved hypoglycemics. Although the additive insulinotropic effects of dual glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor (GIPR) agonism were anticipated based on the known actions of either glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) alone, the additional benefits from GCGR were largely unexpected. Whether additional synergistic or antagonistic interactions among these G-protein receptor signaling pathways arise from simultaneous stimulation is not known. The signaling pathways affected by dual- and tri-agonism require more trenchant investigation before a comprehensive understanding of the cellular MOA. This knowledge will be essential for understanding the chronic efficacy and safety of these treatments.
High-throughput gait acquisition system for freely moving mice
Authors: Molina Leonardo A. , Milla-Cruz Jonathan J. , Ghavasieh Zahra , Kim Linda H. , Cheng Ning , Whelan Patrick J.
Published: September 2023

The acquisition and analysis of walkway data is a time-consuming task. Here, we provide an unmonitored approach for collecting gait metrics that reduces the handling and stress of mice and saves time. A detailed pipeline is outlined that provides for the collection and analysis of data using an integrated suite of tools.
Differential-to-Common-Mode Noise Conversion Suppression on Right-Angle-Bent Differential Transmission Lines Using 3D-Printed Dielectric Materials
Authors: Chung Ook , Yoo Hogeun , Song Suhyoun , Lee Jaehoon
Published: September 2023

A method using 3D-printed dielectric materials is proposed to suppress differential-to-common-mode noise conversion in right-angle-bent differential transmission lines. The permittivity of the 3D-printed dielectric material decreases the phase velocity of the shorter inner line of the differential transmission lines. Decreasing the phase velocity of the inner line enables the transmission line phase difference to approach 180°, suppressing differential-to-common-mode noise conversion. Simulation shows that increasing the length of the dielectric material causes a decrease in the phase velocity of the transmission line, suppressing differential-to-common-mode noise. The measured results agree with the simulation, indicating suppression in Scd21. The eye height of the eye diagram improved by 19.63%, improving the system signal integrity.
Numerical Study on the Influence of Variable Section-Enhanced Mass Transfer Flow Field Design on PEMFC Performance Based on Underrib Convection Flow
Authors: Zhao Fuqiang , Zhao Yue , Zhao Xiaojun , Jia Yankui , Huang Qingxue , Zhang Caizhi , Ma Chunhong
Published: September 2023

The optimal design of variable section is a flow field optimization method that changes the pressure of the reacting gas in the flow channel by setting up a contraction surface in the flow channel, which is effective in improving many aspects of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance. However, there are also problems such as uneven oxygen distribution in some of the flow channels, and the current density and net output power are not significantly improved. To find a balance among gas transfer efficiency, drainage capacity, uniformity of current density distribution, and output performance, this paper investigates the design of a variable cross-section-enhanced mass transfer flow field for PEMFC flow channel contraction by establishing a three-dimensional numerical model, starting from the sidewall width direction and the bottom height direction of the flow channel cross-section dimensions, in order to assess the effects of variable cross-section contraction at the bottom and sidewalls of the flow channel on the cell performance. The polarization curves, mass transfer capacity, current density distribution, and net output power of the variable cross-section contraction flow field are analyzed and compared with the straight flow field. On this basis, the optimum size parameters and operating parameter combinations are determined. Variable cross-sectional contraction flow field improves PEMFC output performance. The contraction of the variable cross-section contraction flow field at the sidewalls effectively improves reactive gas transfer efficiency and drainage capacity, improves current density distribution, and increases the net output power of the PEMFC. In particular, the sidewall contraction flow field has a 9.0% increase in power density, a 6.45% increase in the effective mass transfer coefficient (EMTC), a 6.52% increase in uniformity of current density distribution, and a 6.05% net power increment compared to the straight flow field, respectively. The best output performance, the highest oxygen concentration, and the lowest water concentration are achieved with a combination of parameters: number of sidewall contractions

N
=
6

, length

L

f

=
6
 
mm

, and width

W

f

=
1.2
 
mm

. And a wide range of air stoichiometry ratios are applied when the contraction of the variable cross-section contraction flow field is located at the sidewalls. Increasing the cathode stoichiometry ratio from 10 to 50 increased the cell power density by 25.5% and from 50 to 90 increased the cell power density by 9.5%. The simulation results can provide theoretical basis for the application of variable section flow field design for practical PEMFC.
Upregulated HAVCR2: A Prognostic and Immune-Related Marker in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Xue Lei , Zhao Xueheng , Jia Hanbo , Xie Yu , Wen Yuheng , Liang Yu , Liu Zhizhong , Cao Jian , Bo Hao , Liu Lvjun , Guo Jie
Published: September 2023

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common solid malignant tumor in young men aged 20–34 years. Currently, the diagnosis and differentiation of TGCTs depend on immunohistochemical analysis, and the treatment methods are mainly surgery and chemoradiotherapy. Although immunotherapy has been applied in clinic, the response rate is not high, and also there is a lack of effective biomarkers. In this study, through high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and public data mining, the expression of hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 2 (HAVCR2) was found to be significantly upregulated in TGCT tissue and correlated with poor prognosis. Additionally, the expression level of HAVCR2 was negatively correlated with its DNA methylation but positively correlated with its copy number level. The HAVCR2 expression level was significantly positively correlated with the infiltration of six types of immune cells, including B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and myeloid dendritic cells. Also, the higher its expression level, the higher the immune cell abundance. Tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scoring analysis showed that HAVCR2 was related to the responsiveness to TGCT immunotherapy. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that HAVCR2 was related to the sensitivity of multiple antitumor drugs. This study demonstrated that HAVCR2 has high potential as a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of TGCTs.
Multiple Time-Scales Analysis to Predict the Quasiperiodic Oscillatory Response of a Thin-Walled Beam Subjected to
1
:
1
:
1
Simultaneous Resonance
Authors: Kandil Ali , Hamed Y. S. , Awrejcewicz Jan , Saeed Nasser A.
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a study on the horizontal and vertical deflections of the cross section of a thin-walled rotating beam. These deflections are governed by a system of two ordinary differential equations in order to describe their Cartesian directions. Based on multiple time-scales analysis, truncated asymptotic expansions are assumed to be approximate solutions to the given problem. Furthermore, an extracted autonomous system of differential equations governs the change rate of the amplitudes and phases of the beam deflections. The beam’s rotation speed is adjusted to be in the neighborhood of both of the natural frequencies of the deflections such that the beam is subjected to

1
:
1
:
1

simultaneous resonance. A stability test is conducted according to the first method of Lyapunov in order to determine whether the equilibrium point is asymptotically stable or not. The beam’s deflections turn unstable once its speed is in the neighborhood of its modal natural frequencies. There exists a multistable solution at some values of the beam’s speed depending on the hysteresis manner of the model according to forward or backward sweeping of this speed. Furthermore, a range of centrifugal forces of the rotating hub can make the beam’s deflections exhibit quasiperiodic responses which are confirmed by time response, orbital map, and amplitude spectrum. Eventually, some remarks are recommended for the external excitation frequency in order that the beam stays in the periodic behavior.
Emergency Department Presentations of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Large Cohort of Children
Authors: Nigrovic Lise E. , Kuppermann Nathan , Ghetti Simona , Schunk Jeff E. , Stoner Michael J. , Rewers Arleta , McManemy Julie K. , Quayle Kimberly S. , Trainor Jennifer L. , Tzimenatos Leah , Bennett Jonathan E. , Kwok Maria Y. , Myers Sage R. , Brown Kathleen M. , Casper T. Charles , Olsen Cody S. , Glaser Nicole S. ,   for the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) DKA FLUID Study Group
Published: September 2023

Background. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of childhood diabetes. However, the influence of demographic factors on presentation are not well-defined. Methods. We included children from 12 centers who were <18 years with DKA (glucose > 300 mg/dL, serum pH < 7.25, or serum bicarbonate <15 mEq/L) enrolled in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) Fluid Therapies Under Investigation in DKA (FLUID) Trial. Data were also collected for children who presented to the centers during the enrollment period but were not enrolled due to disease or treatment-related reasons. We compared demographic, clinical, and biochemical findings among children with newly and previously diagnosed diabetes and children in different age groups. Results. Of the 1,679 DKA episodes in 1,553 children, 799 (47.5%) episodes occurred in children with newly diagnosed diabetes and 396 (23.6%) were severe (pH < 7.1). Newly diagnosed children <6 years of age were not more likely to have severe DKA in terms of pH, but had more severe hypocarbia and higher blood urea nitrogen levels, factors previously associated with the risk of cerebral injury. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) (based on family income and maternal education level) were associated with more severe DKA in new onset children, and recurrent DKA in the previously diagnosed children. Conclusions. Greater efforts are needed to identify the children with diabetes early and to prevent recurrent DKA, particularly among children in low-SES groups. Young children with DKA may need more intensive monitoring due to higher risk of cerebral injury.
Improving Surface Properties of PEEK for Dental Applications by Using Piranha Solution
Authors: Alsmael Mohammed A. , Mohammed Al-Khafaji Aseel
Published: September 2023

Background. “Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)” is a biocompatible, high-strength polymer that is well-suited for use in dental applications due to its unique properties. However, achieving good adhesion between PEEK and hydrophilic materials such as dental adhesives or cement can be challenging. Also, this hydrophobicity may affect the use of PEEK as an implant material. Surface treatment or conditioning is often necessary to improve surface properties. The piranha solution is the treatment of choice to be explored for this purpose. Methods. PEEK disks of 10 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness were used in this study. Those samples were divided into five groups (each group has five samples). The first is the control group, in which no acid treatment was used; the second group undergoes sulfuric acid treatment. The remaining three groups were treated with Piranha solution; each group used a different concentration (1 : 3, 1 : 5, and 1 : 7 hydrogen peroxide to sulfuric acid, respectively). The period of treatment was 60 s for all groups. Wettability and surface roughness tests were done for the five groups. In statistical analysis, Shapiro–Wilk test was used to check the assumption of normality and to determine the statistical significance among groups; a one-way analysis of variance was employed. Subsequently, for multiple comparisons, Tukey’s honestly significant difference post hoc test was performed. Results. The Piranha solution treatment groups showed a higher wettability compared to the control group and the group treated with sulfuric acid. Additionally, the Piranha solution treatment with a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (1 : 3) resulted in greater improvement in surface roughness compared to the control group and the lower concentration groups (1 : 5 and 1 : 7), while the sulfuric acid treated group showed the highest surface roughness. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that the piranha solution can be an effective method for improving the surface characteristics of PEEK to be used in different dental applications, especially as a dental implant material, due to the increase in wettability and surface roughness.