bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Airport Similar Days Based on K-prototype Cluster and Grey Correlation Analysis
Authors: Zhu Xuhao , Dong Xiangning , Wang Shuce , Zhang Junrui
Published: May 2023

Considering similar air traffic control techniques for the present based on close historical dates is a good approach due to the unpredictability of weather and air traffic, as well as to increase controller efficiency. A K-prototype clustering technique and grey correlation analysis are proposed to discover similar days to address the problem of similar identification. Firstly, the weather and air traffic datasets are used to create a set of features broken down into numerical and categorical attributes. Secondly, the historical data are clustered using the K-prototype clustering, which is then paired with grey correlation analysis to identify days similar to the reference day and examine the traffic management initiatives employed on that day. Finally, the research uses actual weather information and aircraft schedules from Nanjing Lukou International Airport as examples. The outcomes demonstrate that the similar days picked by the model are representative and can serve as a foundation for airport controllers' decision-making.
Research on the Scheme Comparison of Xuzhou Urban Rail Transit Network Based on Network Form
Authors: Chen Pei-wen
Published: May 2023

The traditional urban rail network planning scheme comparison lacks the advantages and disadvantages of different schemes from the perspective of network form. In this paper, from the perspective of network form, a comparison scheme of urban rail transit network planning is proposed. Based on graph theory and complex network theory, this paper proposes quantitative indicators from the aspects of network development level, network form, and structure efficiency, and constructs an index system for comparing rail transit planning schemes. Taking Xuzhou urban rail transit planning network as an example, this paper analyzes the comparison between the two planning schemes and the original planning scheme. The results show that there are some differences among the three schemes in basic indexes and macro characteristic indexes. From the perspective of network form, scheme II is the best, the scheme I is the second, and both are optimized to the previous scheme.
Dynamic Risk Analysis of Intelligent Navigation Process Based on Dynamic Bayesian Network
Authors: Liu Qixin , Bai Xu , Luo Xiaofang , Yang Li , Li Yongzheng , Wang Ke
Published: May 2023

With the rise and development of the concept of autonomous ships, autonomous ships have become a research hotspot in the field of international maritime and transportation. The intelligent navigation system has attracted much attention as a typical function of autonomous ships. During navigation, new risks are inevitable due to the separation from human control, so carrying out a dynamic risk analysis is of great significance. This paper is based on the risk influencing factors and typical risk events during navigation. Then, the Dynamic Bayesian Network model is established by using risk factors and typical risk events, and the risk value of each risk factor is determined. It is substituted into the model to calculate and predict the current and future risk values.
The Development of Solid-state Pulse Generator based on Marx Circuit with Chopping Switch
Authors: Luo Xiaoxiao , Wang Qian , Du Mingming , Long Yingkai , Jiang Xiping
Published: May 2023

A solid-state pulse source is mainly formed by replacing the spark switch in a traditional pulse source with semiconductor switch device. Compared with conventional gas switch devices such as spark switches, semiconductor switch devices have the advantages of high work repetition frequency, long service life, small size, high efficiency, high reliability, easy control, and active shutdown. However, there are still problems, such as the solid-state switch being easily broken down by high voltage, the rising and falling edges of the pulse being slow, and the loss is enormous. In this paper, a solid-state pulse generator based on Marx with a chopping switch circuit is developed, which effectively solves the above problems. The pulse generator comprises DC power, a switching power circuit, a Marx circuit with a chopping switch, a serial port touch screen, and an optical fiber transmission circuit.
Robust actuator based on photothermally responsive hydrogel with fast recovery capability
Authors: Hou Guodong , Zhang Feiyu , Qian Xiaoshi
Published: May 2023

Propulsion by deformation and oscillation is a familiar law of motion in nature. Often, these motions are signaled and driven by constant external conditions, such as the phototropism of plants. Here, we have prepared a soft photosensitive material utilizing ice templates and cryo-polymerization, which combines light absorbers and thermally responsive hydrogels and thus possesses superb photothermal conversion, mechanical deformation, and fast recovery capabilities. The soft actuator based on this material generates a dynamically balanced oscillation with intermittent shadows creating a continuous self-feedback loop, allowing the actuator to operate continuously and durably under constant illumination. Combining the modules of conjugate heat transfer, non-isothermal flow, and fluid-solid coupling, we have gained a deeper understanding of the interaction of the soft actuator with the temperature and flow fields. In the future, the soft actuator can be widely developed and combined with other conventional drive strategies in an attempt to apply in soft robotics, underwater operations, and other fields.
Highly efficient electrocaloric device based on composite materials with excellent heat transfer performance
Authors: Li Qiang , Du Feihong , Han Donglin , Qian XiaoShi
Published: May 2023

Electrocaloric (EC) cooling technology is known for its efficiency and simplicity of the electricity-driving method. However, there still are many challenges and problems, i.e., the poor heat transfer of EC materials (polymers), and the limited electrocaloric temperature change, which result in the limited cooling efficiency and/or cooling power of the EC cooling prototypes. The lack of EC device with high cooling performance poses challenging obstacles for the industrial deployment of the EC cooling technology. In this work, we demonstrated that the fabrication of P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) nanocomposites with BaZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (BZT) particles is an efficient way to improve the heat transfer of EC materials without compromising EC capability. In order to valid the positive effect of developing the EC device rather than provide a pure material study, we developed a solid-fluid coupling EC cooling machine numerically. The introduction of BZT composites allows EC refrigeration devices to exhibit a good COP while maintaining a relatively high total cooling power (>150 W) when the temperature span is 10 K. Therefore, the composites exhibit great potential of ECE for future cooling applications.
Shared Energy Storage Configuration Optimization Method of Regional Energy System Based on Electric and Thermal Demand Response
Authors: Hou Ligang , Tang Xianghua , Wang Dong
Published: May 2023

In the new energy power system, the main applications of energy storage technology include power peak shaving, suppressing the fluctuation of transmission power, improving the stability of power system operation, and improving the power quality. The energy storage device can timely absorb or release power, effectively reduce the transmission network loss of the system, realize peak shaving and valley filling, and obtain economic benefits. Therefore, the significance of energy storage technology is very important. The use of all kinds of energy cannot be separated from the support of energy storage technology, but the traditional energy storage technology fails to optimize the configuration, resulting in low overall energy storage efficiency. Due to the low response degree of the traditional shared energy storage configuration method of the regional energy systems and the waste of resources caused by the large energy consumption of energy storage devices, the shared energy storage configuration optimization method of the regional energy systems based on electric and thermal demand response is researched. The electric heating demand response model is established to store heat and electricity, and the energy is reasonably utilized to meet the electric heating demand response. The distributed photovoltaic regional energy model is established to control the equipment and reduce the active and reactive power loss, and the cloud shared energy storage is used to optimize the configuration and reduce the cost to complete the optimization of the shared energy storage configuration of the regional energy system responding to the electric heating demand. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method has the highest energy storage capacity saving rate, realizes the efficient conversion of energy resources, reduces energy waste, and realizes the effective optimization of shared energy storage configuration in the regional energy systems.
Two-phase switched reluctance motor drive control system design
Authors: Li Guicai , Yang Junlong , Yang Jiahao , Su Zixuan , Ma Siyuan
Published: May 2023

The two-phase switching reluctance motor drive control system uses STM8S003F3 as the control chip to realize the control function. The hardware circuit is mainly composed of switched reluctance motor controller power and relay control circuit based on an asymmetric half-bridge circuit, a drive circuit module based on IR2101S, a rotor detection module based on a photoelectric sensor, current detection and protection circuit based on Hall current sensor, power supply circuit based on the multi-integrated chip. The control system has been significantly improved in safety and reliability.
Optimal Design of Planetary Reducer of Electric Actuator base on NSGA-II
Authors: Long Hu , Zeng Xiangming
Published: May 2023

To solve the problem of equipment installation space shortage in industrial automation sites, a set of hybrid transmission schemes was designed with a two-stage 2K-H(NGW) planetary reducer as the main transmission mechanism combined with a fixed shaft gear train and worm gear and worm mechanism. At the same time, to obtain the design parameters of the electric actuator more quickly and accurately, with the minimum volume and maximum efficiency of the main transmission mechanism as the design objectives, the multi-objective function mathematical model is established under the conditions of meeting the gear matching, displacement coefficient, strength, and overlap degree, and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is used to solve the mathematical model. The research results show that the volume of the main transmission mechanism is reduced by 13.6%, the transmission ratio is increased by 1.54%, but the transmission efficiency is reduced by 3.32% when the strength and life of the gear are equal.
Research on Transformer Partial Discharge Feature Extraction Based on Empirical Wavelet Transform and Multiscale Permutation Entropy
Authors: Feng Tao , Liu Chun-sheng , Xu Ao , Wang Chao-hui , Wang Feng-min , Liu Xin , Su Sen-tao
Published: May 2023

Aiming to extract efficiently the fault features of partial discharge in the process of fault diagnosis of power transformer, a method of combining Empirical Wavelet Transform (EWT) with Multiscale Permutation Entropy (MPE) is advanced to extract fault features of transformers partial discharge. Firstly, four different partial discharge pulse signals are analyzed by EWT method, and the fault signal is decomposed according to different frequency domain characteristics of the signal to obtain the intrinsic mode function (IMF) of the signal. Then, the calculated multi-scale permutation entropy of different IMFs to complete the fault feature extraction. Finally, the multi-scale entropy of the fault semaphore is used as the eigenvector of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) for glitch diagnosis, and the accurate systematization of the partial discharge semaphore of the transformer is realized. semaphore Compared with the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT), Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD), and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) feature extraction way, it shows that the raised EWT-MPE is more valid and accurate in diagnosing and analyzing transformer partial discharge faults, and the accuracy of fault classification 96.43%.
Variable Gate Resistance Drive Circuit Based on di/dt Feedback for IGBT
Authors: Yan Wenyi , Liu Tingzhang , Lv Liangliang , Fan Ruijie
Published: May 2023

To overcome the rigid control of the classical drive method which used fixed resistance to drive IGBT, a variable gate resistance drive method was proposed. This method detected the change rate of collector current through the parasitic inductor of the IGBT module, and the closed-loop feedback was used to control this rate of change. All the expressions between voltage overshoot , overcurrent and di/dt were derived. Based on these expressions, the di/dt feedback control was designed. The feedback circuit selected gate resistances with different resistance values to drive IGBT in various stages of the turn-on and off process. According to the simulation analysis, both switching time and loss were reduced ultimately. The current peak and overvoltage were controlled effectively, and the switching performance was improved.
Simulation of Electric Vehicle Regenerative Braking Control Strategy Based on Brake Intention Recognition
Authors: Jia Qiyang , Tang Peng
Published: May 2023

The development of regenerative braking technology for a pure electric vehicle is the key technology to solving the current limited range of the electric vehicle. Accurately identifying the driver’s braking intent is fundamental to controlling the braking system of an electric vehicle.A brake intent recognition controller is designed in this paper, which is based on a lot of driving data and fuzzy principles. In addition, two typical regenerative brake control strategies are compared. The simulation results of Matlab/Simulink and AMESim show that the SOC of the power battery increases obviously at different braking intensities of 30 km/h. Besides, energy recovery is up to 20.5%, and battery energy increases by 6.5 wh.
Single-phase energy-fed AC electronic load based on DQ current decoupling
Authors: Li Zhenhai , He Zhongxi , Jiang Luxian , Zou Jiayun , Tong Youwei
Published: May 2023

The single-phase pulse width modulation (PWM) converter is the main research object to realize single-phase AC electronic load. To achieve high-quality energy feedback, this paper studies the topology of the PWM rectifier, the mathematical model of DQ current decoupling control, SOGI-PLL phase-locked model analysis, and the energy feedback unit with bipolar SPWM inversion to 50 Hz sinusoidal AC. The scheme is simulated and validated by Matlab/Simulink. The simulated characteristic unit can simulate resistive, inductance, and capacitive loads. The energy feedback unit can verify the stability, high efficiency, and practicability of the scheme with 50 Hz sinusoidal AC feedback.
Advanced micro- & nanostructuring for enhanced biocompatibility of stainless steel by multi-beam and beamshaping technology
Authors: Hauschwitz P , Klicova M , Mullerova S , Bicistova R , Prochazka M , Brajer J , Chyla M , Smrž M , Chvojka J , Mocek T
Published: May 2023

Biocompatibility is one of the key issues for implants, especially in the case of stainless steel with medium to low biocompatibility, which may lead to a lack of osseointegration and consequently to implant failure or rejection. To precisely control preferential cell growth sites and, consequently, the biocompatibility of prosthetic devices, two types of surfaces were analyzed, containing periodic nanogrooves laser induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) and square-shaped micropillars. For the fast and efficient production of these surfaces, the unique combination of high energy ultrashort pulsed laser system with multi-beam and beamshaping technology was applied, resulting in increased productivity by 526% for micropillars and 14 570% for LIPSS compared to single beam methods. In vitro analysis revealed that micro and nanostructured surfaces provide a better environment for cell attachment and proliferation compared to untreated ones, showing an increase of up to 496% in the number of cells compared to the reference. Moreover, the combination of LIPSS and micropillars resulted in a precise cell orientation along the periodic microgroove pattern. The combination of these results demonstrates the possibility of mass production of functionalized implants with control over cell organization and growth. Thus, reducing the risk of implant failure due to low biocompatibility.
Preparation and characterization of a biocompatible glucose-sensitive electrospun nanofibers scaffolds containing dexamethasone with enhanced osteogenic properties in vitro high glucose environment
Authors: Jia Yongliang , Liu Junyu , Tan Ziwei , Liu Jiajia , Meng Xiangjie , Luo Dongmei , Fu Xinyu , Hou Ruxia , Li Peiwen , Chen Yurou , Wang Xiangyu
Published: May 2023

Diabetes has made it challenging to repair alveolar bone defects. A successful method for bone repair utilizes a glucose-sensitive osteogenic drug delivery. This study created a new glucose-sensitive nanofiber scaffold with controlled dexamethasone (DEX) release. DEX-loaded polycaprolactone/chitosan nanofibers scaffolds were created using electrospinning. The nanofibers had high porosity (>90%) and proper drug loading efficiency (85.51 ± 1.21%). Then, glucose oxidase (GOD) was immobilized on the obtained scaffolds by a natural biological cross-linking agent, genipin (GnP), after soaking in the mixture solution containing GOD and GnP. The enzyme properties and glucose sensitivity of the nanofibers were investigated. The results showed that GOD was immobilized on the nanofibers and exhibited good enzyme activity and stability. Meanwhile, the nanofibers expanded gradually in response to the increase in glucose concentration, followed by the release of DEX increased. The phenomena indicated that the nanofibers could sense glucose fluctuation and possess favorable glucose sensitivity. In addition, the GnP nanofibers group showed lower cytotoxicity in the biocompatibility test compared with a traditional chemical cross-linking agent. Lastly, the associated osteogenesis evaluation found that the scaffolds effectively promoted MC3T3-E1 cells’ osteogenic differentiation in high-glucose environments. As a result, the glucose-sensitive nanofibers scaffolds offer a viable treatment option for people with diabetes with alveolar bone defects.
Jammed microgel growth medium prepared by flash-solidification of agarose for 3D cell culture and 3D bioprinting
Authors: Sreepadmanabh M , Ganesh Meenakshi , Bhat Ramray , Bhattacharjee Tapomoy
Published: May 2023

Although cells cultured in three-dimensional (3D) platforms are proven to be beneficial for studying cellular behavior in settings similar to their physiological state, due to the ease, convenience, and accessibility, traditional 2D culturing approaches are widely adopted. Jammed microgels are a promising class of biomaterials extensively suited for 3D cell culture, tissue bioengineering, and 3D bioprinting. However, existing protocols for fabricating such microgels either involve complex synthesis steps, long preparation times, or polyelectrolyte hydrogel formulations that sequester ionic elements from the cell growth media. Hence, there is an unmet need for a broadly biocompatible, high-throughput, and easily accessible manufacturing process. We address these demands by introducing a rapid, high-throughput, and remarkably straightforward method to synthesize jammed microgels composed of flash-solidified agarose granules directly prepared in a culture medium of choice. Our jammed growth media are optically transparent, porous, yield stress materials with tunable stiffness and self-healing properties, which makes them ideal for 3D cell culture as well as 3D bioprinting. The charge-neutral and inert nature of agarose make them suitable for culturing various cell types and species, the specific growth media for which do not alter the chemistry of the manufacturing process. Unlike several existing 3D platforms, these microgels are readily compatible with standard techniques such as absorbance-based growth assays, antibiotic selection, RNA extraction, and live cell encapsulation. In effect, we present a versatile, highly accessible, inexpensive, and easily adoptable biomaterial for 3D cell culture and 3D bioprinting. We envision their widespread application not just in routine laboratory settings but also in designing multicellular tissue mimics and dynamic co-culture models of physiological niches.
Decreasing trend of tropical cyclone-induced ocean warming in recent decades
Authors: Shi Ruizi , Zhang Qinya , Xu Fanghua , Zhang Xueyang , Lin Yanluan , Zhang Jishi
Published: May 2023

Tropical cyclones (TCs) can influence climate by pumping heat into the ocean, yet little is known about how the TC-induced ocean heat uptake (OHU) has changed in recent decades. Based on ocean reanalysis, we calculated OHU and found a significant decline of TC-induced OHU from 1982 to 2018. If all the ocean heat gain is balanced by poleward heat transport, approximately 15% of peak ocean heat transport would have been reduced during the study period. The decreasing trend of OHU is consistent with the enhanced ocean stratification, the shallowed mixed layer depth and the reduced cold wake size. The reduction of OHU primarily occurs in the Northwest Pacific, where the shortened TC lifespan contributes as well. Furthermore, the decline of OHU might offset about 28% of the upper ocean warming in the subtropical Northwest Pacific.
Effects of target anisotropy on harmonic measure and mean first-passage time
Authors: Chaigneau Adrien , Grebenkov Denis S
Published: May 2023

We investigate the influence of target anisotropy on two characteristics of diffusion-controlled reactions: harmonic measure density and mean first-passage time. First, we compute the volume-averaged harmonic measure density on prolate and oblate spheroidal targets inside a confining domain in three dimensions. This allows us to investigate the accessibility of the target points to Brownian motion. In particular, we study the effects of confinement and target anisotropy. The limits of a segment and a disk are also discussed. Second, we derive an explicit expression of the mean first-passage time to such targets and analyze the effect of anisotropy. In particular, we illustrate the accuracy of the capacitance approximation for small targets.
Effect of rare–earth (Ce, La) compounds on the microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical corrosion characteristics of electroplated Ni films
Authors: Chen Haixiang , Wang Kun , Wang Zhanshan
Published: May 2023

For optimizing the microstructure and performance of Ni–electroplating film, the soluble rare–Earth (RE) compounds CeCl3or LaCl3were introduced, which were electrodeposited on Cu substrate by direct current (DC) and pulse current (PC) methods, respectively. The surface characteristics of morphology, composition, and phase of obtained different deposits were investigated, and the relationship between the structure and the performance of internal stress, hardness, and electrochemical responses was discussed. The results show that both RE compounds were conducive to eliminating the surface pits by inhibiting the hydrogen evolution reaction, while did not co–deposit into the Ni film. Moreover, the preferred orientation of Ni (111) crystalline plane was altered into Ni (200) by LaCl3, and its combination with PC–electrodeposition further had a better grain refinement effect than CeCl3. Due to the formation of a relatively dense and fine deposit, the PC–electrodeposited Ni/LaCl3film exhibited the highest hardness of 320 HV, lowest tensile stress of 55 MPa, and best electrochemical passivation protection, which effectively improved the comprehensive performance of Ni film and demonstrated a good prospect for industrial applications.
Layer-dependent Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction and field-free topological magnetism in two-dimensional Janus MnSTe
Authors: Ga Yonglong , Yu Dongxing , Wang Liming , Li Peng , Liang Jinghua , Yang Hongxin
Published: May 2023

Magnetic skyrmions, as topologically protected whirl-like solitons, have been the subject of growing interest in non-volatile spintronic memories and logic devices. Recently, much effort has been devoted to searching for skyrmion host materials in two-dimensional (2D) systems, where intrinsic inversion symmetry breaking and a large Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) are desirable to realize a field-free skyrmion state. Among these systems, 2D magnetic Janus materials have become important candidates for inducing a sizable DMI and chiral spin textures. Herein, we demonstrate that layer-dependent DMI and field-free magnetic skyrmions can exist in multilayer MnSTe. Moreover, strong interlayer exchange coupling and Bethe–Slater curve-like behaviors arising from the Mn–Mn double exchange mechanism are found in bilayer MnSTe. We also uncover that the distribution of DMIs in multilayer MnSTe can be understood as making a significant contribution to the intermediate DMI using the three-site Fert–Lévy model. Our results unveil great potential for designing skyrmion-based spintronic devices in multilayer 2D materials.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of direct blue 71 dye using TiO2-PAA-GO composite in aqueous solution
Authors: Thi Quynh Anh Nguyen , Ngoc Ha Minh , Van Noi Nguyen , Huu Van Nguyen
Published: May 2023

In this work, we successfully synthesized a TiO2-PAA-GO hydrogel photocatalyst (GO: graphene oxide; PAA: poly acrylic acid) using a hydrothermal method. The XRD, FTIR, SEM, and XPS results demonstrated the formation of cross-link bond within the TiO2, GO, and PAA nanocomposite. TiO2 nanomaterials, with a particle size of approximately 5 nm, were uniformly distributed on GO layer, and have a high surface area (156 m2 g−1). We then applied the TiO2-PAA-GO composite to remove direct blue 71 (DB-71) from water, achieving up to 98.16% removal. This success was due to (i) the reduction in bandgap energy, (ii) reduced electron and hole recombination, (iii) increased output of generated electrons, and (iv) high specific surface area. We also investigated the efficiency of DB-71 degradation, considering the initial concentration of DB-71, pH, contact time, catalyst mass, and the role of reactive radicals. After six reaction cycles, over 95% of the DB-71 was removed from the aqueous medium using the TiO2-GO-PAA photocatalyst.
Solamargine enhanced gefitinib antitumor effect via regulating MALAT1/miR-141-3p/Sp1/IGFBP1 signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tang Qing , Zhou Qichun , Li Jing , Yang Xiaobing , Wang Rui , Wang Xi , Xu Mengfei , Han Ling , Wu Wanyin , Wang Sumei
Published: May 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) showed great therapeutic efficacy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, acquired resistance severely limits the clinical application and efficacy of EGFR-TKIs. In the current study, we found that solamargine (SM), a natural alkaloid derived from the fruit of Lycium tomato lobelia, has been found to inhibit the progression of NSCLC and enhance the anticancer effect of EGFR-TKIs. In brief, SM significantly inhibited the cell viability of NSCLC cells and enhanced the anticancer effect of gefitinib (GFTN) and erlotinib (ERL). Mechanistically, SM decreased the expression of MALAT1 and induced miR-141-3p, whereas reduced SP1 protein levels. Interestingly, both MALAT1 and Sp1 have classical and conservative binding sites of miR-141-3p in their 3ʹ-UTR regions. Silence of MALAT1 and overexpression of miR-141-3p both decreased the protein expression of Sp1. Subsequently, promoter activity and protein expression of IGFBP1 were upregulated by SM, which was not observed in cells with SP1 overexpression. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of SM on cell growth was significantly blocked by knockdown of IGFBP1 expression. More importantly, the combination of SM and GFTN synergistically inhibited the progression of lung cancer. Similar results were observed in experiments in vivo. Finally, the clinical relevance of MALAT1, Sp1 and IGFBP1 was further validated using bioinformatics analysis. Taken together, we confirmed that SM significantly enhanced the anticancer effect of EGFR-TKIs by regulating the MALAT1/miR-141-3p/Sp1/IGFBP1 signaling pathway. This study unravels a novel mechanism and suggests a new potential NSCLC-associated therapy.
Successful treatment of field cancerization on the dorsum of the hands with 1% tirbanibulin ointment
Authors: Abril-Pérez Carlos , Mansilla-Polo Miguel , Martin-Torregrosa Daniel , Botella-Estrada Rafael
Published: May 2023

The management of actinic keratoses and field cancerization is a therapeutic challenge. Tirbanibulin 1% ointment is a promising new drug for use on specific parts of the body or in patients who are refractory or reluctant to use other more aggressive treatments.
Validity of chronometric TMS for probing the time-course of word production: a modified replication
Authors: Jodzio Adrian , Piai Vitória , Verhagen Lennart , Cameron Ian , Indefrey Peter
Published: May 2023

In the present study, we used chronometric TMS to probe the time-course of 3 brain regions during a picture naming task. The left inferior frontal gyrus, left posterior middle temporal gyrus, and left posterior superior temporal gyrus were all separately stimulated in 1 of 5 time-windows (225, 300, 375, 450, and 525 ms) from picture onset. We found posterior temporal areas to be causally involved in picture naming in earlier time-windows, whereas all 3 regions appear to be involved in the later time-windows. However, chronometric TMS produces nonspecific effects that may impact behavior, and furthermore, the time-course of any given process is a product of both the involved processing stages along with individual variation in the duration of each stage. We therefore extend previous work in the field by accounting for both individual variations in naming latencies and directly testing for nonspecific effects of TMS. Our findings reveal that both factors influence behavioral outcomes at the group level, underlining the importance of accounting for individual variations in naming latencies, especially for late processing stages closer to articulation, and recognizing the presence of nonspecific effects of TMS. The paper advances key considerations and avenues for future work using chronometric TMS to study overt production.
The role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in control of skin sympathetic nerve activity in humans
Authors: Wong Rebecca , Sesa-Ashton Gianni , Datta Sudipta , McCarthy Brendan , Henderson Luke A , Dawood Tye , Macefield Vaughan G
Published: May 2023

The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is primarily involved in higher order executive functions, with there being evidence of lateralization. Brain imaging studies have revealed its link to the generation of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA), which is elevated in states of emotional arousal or anxiety. However, no studies have directly explored dlPFC influences on SSNA. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (−2 to 2 mA, 0.08 Hz, 100 cycles) was applied between the left or right dlPFC and nasion via surface electrodes. Spontaneous bursts of SSNA were recorded from the common peroneal nerve via a tungsten microelectrode in 21 healthy participants. The modulation index was calculated for each stimulation paradigm by constructing cross-correlation histograms between SSNA and the sinusoidal stimulus. Stimulation of the dlPFC caused significant modulation of SSNA, but there was no significant difference in the median modulation index across sides. Stimulation also caused cyclic modulation of skin blood flow and sweat release. We have shown for the first time that stimulation of the dlPFC causes modulation of SSNA, also reflected in the effector-organ responses. This supports a role for the dlPFC in the control of SSNA, which likely contributes to the ability of emotions to bring about cutaneous vasoconstriction and sweat release.
Altered neural associations with cognitive and emotional functions in cannabis dependence
Authors: Wang Xinying , Zhou Hui , Hu Yuzheng
Published: May 2023

Negative emotional state has been found to correlate with poor cognitive performance in cannabis-dependent (CD) individuals, but not healthy controls (HCs). To examine the neural substrates underlying such unusual emotion–cognition coupling, we analyzed the behavioral and resting state fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project and found opposite brain–behavior associations in the CD and HC groups: (i) although the cognitive performance was positively correlated with the within-network functional connectivity strength and segregation (i.e. clustering coefficient and local efficiency) of the cognitive network in HCs, these correlations were inversed in CDs; (ii) although the cognitive performance was positively correlated with the within-network Granger effective connectivity strength and integration (i.e. characteristic path length) of the cognitive network in CDs, such associations were not significant in HCs. In addition, we also found that the effective connectivity strength within cognition network mediated the behavioral coupling between emotional state and cognitive performance. These results indicate a disorganization of the cognition network in CDs, and may help improve our understanding of substance use disorder.
Neural representation of perceived race mediates the opposite relationship between subcomponents of self-construals and racial outgroup punishment
Authors: Zhou Yuqing , Li Wenxin , Gao Tianyu , Pan Xinyue , Han Shihui
Published: May 2023

Outgroup aggression characterizes intergroup conflicts in human societies. Previous research on relationships between cultural traits and outgroup aggression behavior showed inconsistent results, leaving open questions regarding whether cultural traits predict individual differences in outgroup aggression and related neural underpinnings. We conducted 2 studies to address this issue by collecting self-construal scores, EEG signals in response to Asian and White faces with painful or neutral expressions, and decisions to apply electric shocks to other-race individuals in a context of interracial conflict. We found that interdependent self-construals were well explained by 2 subcomponents, including esteem for group (EG) and relational interdependence (RI), which are related to focus on group collectives and harmonious relationships, respectively. Moreover, EG was positively associated with the decisions to punish racial outgroup targets, whereas RI was negatively related to the decisions. These opposite relationships were mediated by neural representations of perceived race at 120–160 ms after face onset. Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of interdependent self-construal and the key role of neural representations of race in mediating the relationships of different subcomponents of cultural traits with racial outgroup punishment decisions in a context of interracial conflict.
Gene Expression in Cord Blood and Tuberculosis in Early Childhood: A Nested Case-Control Study in a South African Birth Cohort
Authors: Bobak Carly A , Botha Maresa , Workman Lesley , Hill Jane E , Nicol Mark P , Holloway John W , Stein Dan J , Martinez Leonardo , Zar Heather J
Published: May 2023

Background

Transcriptomic profiling of adults with tuberculosis (TB) has become increasingly common, predominantly for diagnostic and risk prediction purposes. However, few studies have evaluated signatures in children, particularly in identifying those at risk for developing TB disease. We investigated the relationship between gene expression obtained from umbilical cord blood and both tuberculin skin test conversion and incident TB disease through the first 5 years of life.

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control study in the Drakenstein Child Health Study, a longitudinal, population-based birth cohort in South Africa. We applied transcriptome-wide screens to umbilical cord blood samples from neonates born to a subset of selected mothers (N = 131). Signatures identifying tuberculin conversion and risk of subsequent TB disease were identified from genome-wide analysis of RNA expression.

Results

Gene expression signatures revealed clear differences predictive of tuberculin conversion (n = 26) and TB disease (n = 10); 114 genes were associated with tuberculin conversion and 30 genes were associated with the progression to TB disease among children with early infection. Coexpression network analysis revealed 6 modules associated with risk of TB infection or disease, including a module associated with neutrophil activation in immune response (P < .0001) and defense response to bacterium (P < .0001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest multiple detectable differences in gene expression at birth that were associated with risk of TB infection or disease throughout early childhood. Such measures may provide novel insights into TB pathogenesis and susceptibility.
Ultraprocessed foods and chronic kidney disease—double trouble
Authors: Avesani Carla Maria , Cuppari Lilian , Nerbass Fabiana Baggio , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: May 2023

High energy intake combined with low physical activity generates positive energy balance, which, when maintained, favours obesity, a highly prevalent morbidity linked to development of non-communicable chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among many factors contributing to disproportionately high energy intakes, and thereby to the obesity epidemic, the type and degree of food processing play an important role. Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are industrialized and quite often high-energy-dense products with added sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and food additives formulated to be palatable or hyperpalatable. UPFs can trigger an addictive eating behaviour and is typically characterized by an increase in energy intake. Furthermore, high consumption of UPFs, a hallmark of a Western diet, results in diets with poor quality. A high UPF intake is associated with higher risk for CKD. In addition, UPF consumption by patients with CKD is likely to predispose and/or to exacerbate uraemic metabolic derangements, such as insulin resistance, metabolic acidosis, hypertension, dysbiosis, hyperkalaemia and hyperphosphatemia. Global sales of UPFs per capita increased in all continents in recent decades. This is an important factor responsible for the nutrition transition, with home-made meals being replaced by ready-to-eat products. In this review we discuss the potential risk of UPFs in activating hedonic eating and their main implications for health, especially for kidney health and metabolic complications of CKD. We also present various aspects of consequences of UPFs on planetary health and discuss future directions for research to bring awareness of the harms of UPFs within the CKD scenario.
The impact of in-centre haemodialysis treatment on the everyday life of older adults with end-stage kidney disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Moreels Timothy , Van de Velde Dominique , Van Duyse Stephanie , Vanden Wyngaert Karsten , Leune Tamara , Van Biesen Wim , De Vriendt Patricia
Published: May 2023

Background

Older adults with end-stage kidney disease experience a diminished ability to perform the activities of their daily life. For those living at home, the initiation of in-centre haemodialysis treatment (ICHD) carries a risk of cascading functional decline leading to early nursing home placement and mortality. Research on how older adults adapt to their newly impacted daily life is scarce.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted using a purposeful maximum variation sample of older adult (≥65 years) ICHD patients living at home. Interviews were conducted between October and December 2018. Interview coding followed an inductive and broad-based approach. Thematic analysis was used to group meaning units into common themes and subthemes.

Results

Twenty patients (12 females) were interviewed. Analysis resulted in two main themes and seven subthemes. The first main theme showed the impact of ICHD on everyday roles and functioning through four subthemes: a stepwise decline in daily activities, managing time, role changes and an incomplete retirement. The second main theme showed potential areas of remediation through three subthemes: the social environment, developing new daily activity patterns and meaningful activities and goals.

Conclusions

The older adults experienced a process of adaptation that generally progressed from a phase of initial disruption towards a period of mere survival. Being able to accept a life on dialysis was intricately connected with the ability to perform activities that were personally meaningful. Early and continued support of meaningful activities may prove valuable in breaking or delaying the cycle of functional decline.
Left anterior minithoracotomy as a first-choice approach for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and selective combined procedures
Authors: Babliak Oleksandr , Demianenko Volodymyr , Marchenko Anton , Babliak Dmytro , Melnyk Yevhenii , Stohov Oleksii , Revenko Katerina , Pidgayna Liliya
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to describe the technique for and evaluate the results of the isolated coronary artery bypass grafting or combined grafting procedures with mitral valve repair/replacement and/or left ventricle aneurysm repair performed through a single left anterior minithoracotomy.

METHODS

Perioperative data of all patients who required isolated or combined coronary grafting from July 2017 to December 2021 were observed. The focus was on 560 patients who underwent isolated or combined multivessel coronary bypass using the “Total Coronary Revascularization via left Anterior Thoracotomy” technique. The main perioperative outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

A left anterior minithoracotomy was used in 521 (97.7%) out of 533 patients who required isolated multivessel surgical coronary revascularization and in 39 (32.5%) out of 120 patients who required combined procedures. In 39 patients, multivessel grafting was combined with 25 mitral valve and 22 left ventricular procedures. Mitral valve repair was performed through the aneurysm (n = 8) or through the interatrial septum (n = 17). Perioperative outcomes in isolated and combined groups were next: aortic cross-clamp time—71.9 (SD: 19.9) and 120 (SD: 25.8) min; cardiopulmonary bypass time—145.7 (SD: 33.5) and 216 (SD: 45.8) min; total operating time—269 (SD: 51.8) and 324 (SD: 52.1) min; intensive care unit stay—2 (2–2) and 2 (2–2) days; total hospital stay—6 (5–7) and 6 (5–7) days; and total 30-day mortality was 0.54 and 0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A left anterior minithoracotomy can be effectively used as a first-choice approach to perform isolated multivessel coronary grafting and can be combined with mitral valve and/or left ventricular repair. Experience with isolated coronary grafting through an anterior minithoracotomy is required to achieve the satisfactory results in combined procedures.
Surgical and transcatheter left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Khawaja Tasveer , Majmundar Monil , Zuzek Zachary , Arora Shilpkumar , Attizzani Guilherme F , Filby Steven J , Abu-Omar Yasir , Shishehbor Mehdi H , Mackall Judith A , Ukaigwe Anene
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased stroke risk in comparison to those with non-valvular AF not affected by HCM.

Objectives

To investigate the role of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with HCM and AF.

Methods and results

We identified patients with HCM and AF using the National Readmission Dataset. Patients were stratified based on LAAC status. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, TIA, and all-cause mortality. The primary safety outcome was a composite of major bleeding and pericardial complications. Patients were matched using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Cox-proportional hazard regression was applied to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) on matched cohorts. We identified 71 980 patients with HCM and AF. 1351 (1.9%) patients underwent LAAC. Two hundred and eighty-seven (21.2%) underwent transcatheter LAAC. LAAC was associated with a lower risk of the primary efficacy outcome (2.5% vs. 5.4%, HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17–0.88; P = 0.024), the primary safety outcome (2.9% vs. 6.8%, HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.66, P = 0.001), and reduced major bleeding. The LAAC group trended towards a lower risk of ischaemic stroke and all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Surgical and transcatheter LAAC was associated with a lower risk of haemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding.
The conundrum of bacteria-specific antibiotics
Authors: Datta Santanu
Published: May 2023

There is a continual debate on the pros and cons of broad-spectrum versus pathogen-specific antibiotics. The unmet need for a solution for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has put this argument into sharper focus. A shortage of clinically differentiated antibiotics in late-stage clinical development coupled with the global unmet need in the face of the AMR onslaught has exacerbated the treatment options of drug-resistant bacterial infections. An added dimension to this problem is the current understanding of dysbiosis caused by antibiotics, often leading to negative fallout in immunocompromised patients. We attempt to deconstruct the nuances of this debate from an antibiotics discovery and a clinical standpoint.
Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the nation’s public health information systems infrastructure: synthesis of discussions from the 2022 ACMI Symposium
Authors: Acharya Jessica C , Staes Catherine , Allen Katie S , Hartsell Joel , Cullen Theresa A , Lenert Leslie , Rucker Donald W , Lehmann Harold P , Dixon Brian E
Published: May 2023

Objective

The annual American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI) symposium focused discussion on the national public health information systems (PHIS) infrastructure to support public health goals. The objective of this article is to present the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities (SWOT) identified by public health and informatics leaders in attendance.

Materials and Methods

The Symposium provided a venue for experts in biomedical informatics and public health to brainstorm, identify, and discuss top PHIS challenges. Two conceptual frameworks, SWOT and the Informatics Stack, guided discussion and were used to organize factors and themes identified through a qualitative approach.

Results

A total of 57 unique factors related to the current PHIS were identified, including 9 strengths, 22 weaknesses, 14 opportunities, and 14 threats, which were consolidated into 22 themes according to the Stack. Most themes (68%) clustered at the top of the Stack. Three overarching opportunities were especially prominent: (1) addressing the needs for sustainable funding, (2) leveraging existing infrastructure and processes for information exchange and system development that meets public health goals, and (3) preparing the public health workforce to benefit from available resources.

Discussion

The PHIS is unarguably overdue for a strategically designed, technology-enabled, information infrastructure for delivering day-to-day essential public health services and to respond effectively to public health emergencies.

Conclusion

Most of the themes identified concerned context, people, and processes rather than technical elements. We recommend that public health leadership consider the possible actions and leverage informatics expertise as we collectively prepare for the future.