bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A general computational framework for Lagrangian hydrodynamic scheme. I: Unification of staggered‐grid and cell‐centered methods
Authors: Xu Xihua
Published: May 2024

This paper focuses on a general computational framework to unify both Lagrangian staggered‐grid hydrodynamic (SGH) and cell‐centered hydrodynamic (CCH) methods. One challenge is that artificial viscosity has contained empirical parameters in the SGH method for seven decades. To address this challenge, a new relationship between pressure and velocity is constructed using specific volume as a medium. Another challenge is that entropy is increasing in isentropic flows for the CCH method. To overcome this second challenge, the forces acting on a target cell are split into linear and quadratic terms in the CCH method. The numerical results of the two methods are almost identical. The scheme is more general than both existing SGH and CCH methods.
Diversity of Structures and Bonding in Alkali Metal Ureaphosphanes
Authors: Crabbe Michelle H. , Kennedy Alan R. , Weetman Catherine E. , Mulvey Robert E.
Published: May 2024

While organoelement compounds of lithium, sodium and potassium have been much studied for decades and consequently have found forests of applications, those of the heavier alkali metals, rubidium and caesium would barely manage to fill a tree. However, recently the literature has seen some little growth spurts with these metals, hinting at a possible fertile future in areas such as homogeneous catalysis provided more work is put into their fundamental development. Here we report the synthesis and crystal structures of lithium, rubidium and caesium derivatives of the ureaphosphane Ph2PCH2CH2NHC(=O)NHPh, chosen because it offers O, N, P, and π‐coordination sites. Though one may expect such alkali metal compounds to be essentially similar, the caesium complex has novel features where Cs+ engages in a side‐on coordination to the C=O bond and in a weak bond to the P centre, both of which are absent in the Rb structure. Less surprisingly, the lithium derivative is tetrameric in contrast to the infinite networks of the rubidium and caesium structures. All alkali metal derivatives were made with deprotonating the ureaphosphane by a suitable base, including the sodium and potassium complexes though these two complexes could not be obtained in a crystalline form.
The influence of injection pressure and exhaust gas recirculation on a VCR engine fueled by microalgae biodiesel
Authors: Galande S. D. , Pangavhane D. R. , Deshmukh K. B.
Published: May 2024

Biodiesel has been chosen as a decent alternative to diesel in the context of establishing environmentally pleasant conditions and saving petroleum‐based resources for future generations. It is well‐established that biodiesel‐powered diesel engines may achieve outcomes equivalent to those of diesel engines. The current investigation was conducted to study the effect of injection pressure (190, 210, and 230 bar) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) (5%, 10%, and 15%) on a single‐cylinder variable compression ratio (VCR) diesel engine running using a B20 (20% MB + 80% PD) blend of microalgae biodiesel (MABD). This experiment was conducted in two stages. During the first stage of experimentation, the efficiency and emission characteristics of a diesel engine with a B20 blend of MABD at various fuel injection pressures and fresh air were investigated. During the second phase, fresh air was mixed with 5%, 10%, and 15% exhaust gases, and the experiment was conducted. It was discovered that increasing injection pressure to 230 bar provided considerable improvements. Brake thermal efficiency increased by 2.35%, brake‐specific fuel consumption decreased by 3.57% and pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon, and smoke were reduced by more than 50% compared to conventional diesel. These reductions were similarly significant (over 22%) as compared to the B20 blend at lower injection pressure (210 bar). However, there was a slight trade‐off: nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions increased partially (3.14%), while exhaust gas temperature (EGT) increased by 1.72% at a higher pressure. The study then investigated the influence of EGR (5%, 10%, and 15%) at various injection pressures. The optimal value seems to be 10% EGR at 230 bar injection pressure. This combination substantially reduced NOx emissions (by over 41% compared to the normal B20 blend) and EGT (by more than 8%), while having no notable effect on other performance or emission variables. Overall, the results show that employing a B20 MABD blend with high injection pressure (230 bar) and moderate EGR (10%) improves engine performance while reducing hazardous emissions.
Numerical study of the parameters of a fractional derivative blood flow model in the context of superdiffusive heat transfer
Authors: Ndjawa Yomi P. A. , Bansi Kamdem C. D. , Nguepjouo Tchoungang F. , Mohamadou A.
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the impact of temperature on the fractionalization of magnetic nanoparticles in blood, coupled with vibratory motion influenced by rotation. The distribution systems exhibit heightened diffusivity, explored numerically through the finite difference method and the algorithm. The temperature distribution robustly responds to elevated fractional parameters, indicating a critical threshold. The study achieves a comprehensive understanding of temperature and velocity evolution in different tube zones. In comparison, single‐walled carbon nanotubes surpass multiple‐walled carbon nanotubes in distributions, while CuO nanoparticles demonstrate larger distributions at an average fractional‐order parameter of . In the observed growth region at and exhibit noteworthy temperature distributions, highlighting the fractional derivative's impact in highly diffusive models with nanoparticles. It is also noted that in this region, the temperature distribution tends to decrease for all the parameters and values examined, particularly at a low Reynolds number (). However, the introduction of nanoparticles accelerates the processes and distributions across the various observed zones. Furthermore, the accelerated behavior of each nanoparticle can be moderated based on its sphericity. By encompassing all facets of fractional order for controlled rotations, the study sheds light on the role of magnetized nanoparticles in blood dynamics, emphasizing the significance of a critical zone where certain physicochemical properties are disrupted, potentially leading to cellular disorders, and the fluidodynamic effects of vortex flow. This perspective is pivotal for addressing tissue lesions induced by vibrations, as seen in the case of coagulations, and for targeting carcinogenic areas using nanoelements.
Impact of variable viscosity, thermal conductivity, and Soret–Dufour effects on MHD radiative heat transfer in thin reactive liquid films past an unsteady permeable expandable sheet
Authors: Pal Dulal , Saha Prasenjit
Published: May 2024

Significance of magnetohydrodynamic effect on a viscous (temperature‐dependent) and chemically reactive thin fluid film flow past an unsteady permeable stretchable plate with Soret–Dufour effects, nonlinear thermal radiative, and suction under the action of a convective type of boundary condition is analyzed. The problem consists of nonlinear governing basic equations that are highly nonlinear due to the existence of nonlinear thermal radiative terms in the energy equation. Analytical solutions are challenging to achieve for such types of problems, so a numerical scheme adopts the numerical solution. Computed solutions indicate that decreasing the Dufour number (and simultaneously increasing the Soret number) enhances heat flux, whereas the reverse trend is estimated for the concentration gradient field. The influence of magnetization indicates a decrement in the thin liquid film velocity distribution, whereas an increment is observed in temperature and solutal gradient profiles. Further, an enhancement in thermoradiative values focuses on decreasing the heat flux profiles, whereas a decreasing trend is determined in the solutal gradient by incrementing the Schmidt number. The variations of the velocity field, temperature, and concentration gradients are shown for the unsteady parameter lying in the range [0.8, 1.4]. Similarly, the range of different parameters utilized are [0.0, 1.0], [0.0, 2.0], [0.8, 1.5], [0.5, 2.0], [0.0, 1.0], [0.2, 3.0], [1.0, 2.0], [0.0, 3.0], [0.4, 1.0], and [0.4, 1.0]. The novelty of the present study lies in its analysis of complex fluid dynamics phenomena and their implications for various industrial processes and engineering applications, including coating processes, heat exchangers, microfluidics, and biomedical engineering. The insights gained from the study can contribute to developing more efficient and innovative research in these areas. Further, we have compared the present results with those available in the literature under some special cases and found them to be in excellent agreement.
Synergistic adsorption and catalytic effects of Ti3C2Tx/CoO/MoO3 composite on lithium polysulfides for high‐performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Fan Bin , Chen Weikun , Li Kaining , Wei Qingya , He Qian , Liu Wei , Zhou Bigui , Yuan Jun , Zou Yingping
Published: May 2024

The shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and their sluggish kinetic processes lead to rapid capacity fading and poor cycling stability in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, limiting their commercial viability. This study proposes a functionalized separator with adsorption and synergistic catalysis ability for Li–S batteries. The modified separator comprises Ti3C2Tx sheets, CoO, and MoO3. Experimental and theoretical calculations demonstrate that Ti3C2Tx/CoO/MoO3 composite not only effectively inhibits the shuttle effect of LiPSs, ensuring efficient utilization of active materials, but also enhances reversibility and reaction kinetics among LiPSs. The full exposure of active sites in the Ti3C2Tx/CoO/MoO3 composite and the synergistic action of different catalysts enable efficient capture and conversion of LiPSs molecules at the material surface. Besides, the lithium–sulfur batteries with Ti3C2Tx/CoO/MoO3@PP separator exhibited only a 0.042% capacity decay per cycle at 0.5 C (800 cycles). Moreover, a high areal capacity of 6.85 mAh cm−2 was achieved at high sulfur loading (7.9 mg cm−2) and low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio (10 μL mg−1).
Exposure to Macrolides During Pregnancy and the Risk for Spontaneous Abortions: A Population‐Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hegger Shani , Levy Amalia , Koren Gideon , Lunenfeld Eitan , Daniel Sharon
Published: May 2024

Previous studies evaluating the risk of spontaneous abortions following exposure to macrolides reported controversial results. The goal of the current study was to examine the risk for spontaneous abortions following exposure to macrolides during pregnancy.

We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study by linking three computerized databases: Clalit Health Services drug dispensation database, Soroka Medical Center (SMC) birth database, and SMC hospitalizations database. Multivariate time‐varying Cox regressions were performed and adjusted for suspected confounders and known risk factors for spontaneous abortions. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A secondary analysis was performed to assess the association between exposure to macrolides in terms of the defined daily dose dispensed and spontaneous abortions.

The study cohort included 65,457 pregnancies that ended at Soroka Medical Center between 2004 and 2009, of which 6508 (9.9%) resulted in a spontaneous abortion. A total of 825 (1.26%) pregnancies were exposed to macrolides during the exposure period. Exposure to macrolides was not associated with spontaneous abortions as a group (adjusted HR 1.00 95% CI 0.77‐1.31) or as specific medications. There was no evidence of a dose‐response relationship between exposure to macrolides and spontaneous abortions.

In conclusion, this population‐based retrospective cohort study did not detect an increased risk for spontaneous abortion following exposure to macrolides during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Identification of DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides derived from buffalo colostrum: Mining through bioinformatics, in silico and in vitro approaches
Authors: Ashok Arpitha , H. S. Aparna
Published: May 2024

Bioactive peptides derived from foods provide physiological health benefits beyond nutrition. This study focused on profiling small peptide inhibitors against two key serine proteases, dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). DPP‐IV is a well‐known protein involved in diverse pathways regulating inflammation, renal, cardiovascular physiology, and glucose homeostasis. POP is yet another key target protein for neurodegenerative disorders. The study evaluated peptide libraries of buffalo colostrum whey and fat globule membrane proteins derived from pepsin and pepsin–pancreatin digestion through in silico web tools and structure‐based analysis by molecular docking and binding free‐energy estimation, followed by in vitro assay for DPP‐IV inhibition for the lead peptides. The bioinformatic study indicated 49 peptides presented motifs with DPP‐IV inhibition while 5 peptides with sequences for POP inhibition. In the molecular docking interactions study, 22 peptides interacted with active site residues of DPP‐IV and 3 peptides with that of POP. The synthesized peptides, SFVSEVPEL and LTFQHNF inhibited DPP‐IV in vitro with an IC50 of 193.5 μM and 1.782 mM, respectively. The study revealed the key residues for inhibition of DPP‐IV and POP thus affirming the DPP‐IV inhibitory potential of milk‐derived peptides.
Can caloric restriction improve outcomes of elective surgeries?
Authors: Caron Jesse Pittard , Ernyey Helen , Rosenthal Martin D.
Published: May 2024

Energy restriction (ER) is a nutrition method to reduce the amount of energy intake while maintaining adequate nutrition. In clinical medicine, applications of ER have been implicated in longevity, mortality, metabolic, immune, and psychological health. However, there are limited studies showing the clinical benefit of ER within the immediate surgical setting. A specific, clinically oriented summary of the potential applications of ER is needed to optimize surgery outcomes for patients. The purpose of this article is to examine how ER can be used for perioperative optimization to improve outcomes for the patient and surgeon. It will also explore how these outcomes can feasibly fit in with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and can be used as a method for nutrition optimization in surgery. Despite evidence of caloric restriction improving outcomes in critically ill surgical patients, there is not enough evidence to conclude that ER, perioperatively across noncritically ill cohorts, improves postoperative morbidity and mortality in elective surgeries. Nevertheless, a contemporary account of how ER techniques may have a significant role in reducing risk factors of adverse surgical outcomes in this cohort, for example, by encouraging preoperative weight loss contributing to decreased operating times, is reviewed.
Foliar applications of a Malvaceae‐derived protein hydrolysate and its fractions differentially modulate yield and functional traits of tomato under optimal and suboptimal nitrogen application
Authors: Cardarelli Mariateresa , Ceccarelli Angela Valentina , El Nakhel Christophe , Rouphael Youssef , Salehi Hajar , Ganugi Paola , Zhang Leilei , Luigi Lucini , Pii Youry , Choi Seunghyun , Kim Hye‐Ji , Colla Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Protein hydrolysates (PHs) can enhance plant nitrogen nutrition and improve the quality of vegetables, depending on their bioactive compounds. A tomato greenhouse experiment was conducted under both optimal (14 mM) and suboptimal (2 mM) nitrogen (N‐NO3) conditions. Tomatoes were treated with a new Malvaceae‐derived PH (MDPH) and its molecular fractions (MDPH1, >10 kDa; MDPH2, 1–10 kDa and MDPH3, <1 kDa).

RESULTS

Under optimal N conditions, the plants increased biomass and fruit yield, and showed a higher photosynthetic pigment content in leaves in comparison with suboptimal N, whereas under N‐limiting conditions, an increase in dry matter, soluble solid content (SSC) and lycopene, a reduction in firmness, and changes in organic acid and phenolic compounds were observed. With 14 mM N‐NO3, MDPH3 stimulated an increase in dry weight and increased yield components and lycopene in the fruit. The MDPH2 fraction also resulted in increased lycopene accumulation in fruit under 14 mM N‐NO3. At a low N level, the PH fractions showed distinct effects compared with the whole MDPH and the control, with an increase in biomass for MDPH1 and MDPH2 and a higher pigment content for MDPH3. Regardless of N availability, all the fractions affected fruit quality by increasing SSC, whereas MDPH2 and MDPH3 modified organic acid content and showed a higher concentration of flavonols, lignans, and stilbenes.

CONCLUSION

The molecular weight of the peptides modifies the effect of PHs on plant performance, with different behavior depending on the level of N fertilization, confirming the effectiveness of fractioning processes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Corneal thickness and endothelial change after use of ocular hypotensive agents
Authors: Lai Hung‐Yin , Lai Hung‐Chi , Kuo Ming‐Tse , Tsai Yi‐Yu , Lai Ing‐Chou
Published: May 2024

Corneal transplantation can restore visual function when visual impairment is caused by a corneal disease. However, this treatment is associated with the scarcity of cornea donors. The suitability of corneal donation from patients with glaucoma using ocular hypotensive agents (OHAs) is controversial. This study aimed to elucidate changes in corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell density, and corneal endothelial cell hexagonality after OHA use in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 53 glaucoma suspect eyes without OHA use and 106 primary open‐angle glaucoma eyes under OHA use. All participants underwent corneal parameter assessment using SP‐3000P (Topcon Corp., Tokyo, Japan) at the time of diagnosis and the final visit. The OHA dose and timing of use were recorded. The ocular hypotensive agents score (OHAS) was determined based on the number, formula, frequency, and duration of OHA use. Baseline data showed no significant differences between the two groups with and without OHA use. At the final visit, the OHA‐treated group showed significantly lower corneal thickness and corneal endothelial cell density than those of the control group. A weak positive correlation between the OHAS and changes in corneal endothelial cell hexagonality was noted. However, no correlation was observed between the OHAS and changes in corneal thickness or endothelial cell density. In conclusion, patients with glaucoma and using OHAs should undergo the corneal structural properties examinations before donation to ensure the quality of donor cornea.
Revealing potential Rab proteins participate in regulation of secretory autophagy machinery
Authors: Lin Pei‐Wen , Chu Man‐Ling , Liu Yu‐Wen , Chen Yu‐Cing , Shih Yao‐Hsiang , Lan Sheng‐Hui , Wu Shang‐Ying , Kuo I‐Ying , Chang Hong‐Yi , Liu Hsiao‐Sheng , Lee Ying‐Ray
Published: May 2024

Autophagy can be classified as degradative and secretory based on distinct functions. The small GTPase proteins Rab8a and Rab37 are responsible for secretory autophagy‐mediated exocytosis of IL‐1β, insulin, and TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor of 54 metalloproteinase 1). Other Rab family members participating in secretory autophagy are poorly understood. Herein, we identified 26 overlapped Rab proteins in purified autophagosomes of mouse pancreatic β‐cell “Min‐6” and human lung cancer cell “CL1‐5‐Q89L” with high secretory autophagy tendency by LC–MS/MS proteomics analysis. Six Rab proteins (Rab8a, Rab11b, Rab27a, Rab35, Rab37, and Rab7a) were detected in autophagosomes of four cell lines, associating them with autophagy‐related vesicle trafficking. We used CL1‐5‐Q89L cell line model to evaluate the levels of Rab proteins colocalization with autophagy LC3 proteins and presence in purified autophagosomes. We found five Rab proteins (Rab8a, Rab11b, Rab27a, Rab35, and Rab37) are highly expressed in the autophagosome compared to the normal control by immunoblotting under active secretion conditions. However, only Rab8a, Rab35, and Rab37 showing high colocalization with LC3 protein by cofocal microscopy. Despite the discrepancy between the image and immunoblotting analysis, our data sustains the speculation that Rab8a, Rab11b, Rab27a, Rab35, and Rab37 are possibly associated with the secretory autophagy machinery. In contrast, Rab7a shows low colocalization with LC3 puncta and low level in the autophagosome, suggesting it regulates different vesicle trafficking machineries. Our findings open a new direction toward exploring the role of Rab proteins in secretory autophagy‐related cargo exocytosis and identifying the cargoes and effectors regulated by specific Rab proteins.
Investigation of the Position and Angle of the Vocal Fold Projected onto the Thyroid Cartilage
Authors: Matsushima Koji
Published: May 2024

Objective

To perform laryngeal framework surgery for unilateral vocal fold paralysis and obtain favorable voice improvement, it is necessary to accurately determine the vocal fold and arytenoid cartilage positions. Thus, the position and angle of the paralyzed vocal folds and arytenoid cartilage projected onto the affected thyroid plate were measured using computed tomography (CT) before and after surgery.

Methods

Forty‐six male patients with thyroid cartilage ossification observed on preoperative CT and vocal fold paralysis were included. Using Adobe Illustrator®, the thyroid plate on the affected side was reconstructed from the continuous images of the sagittal section of the CT examination during participant's quiet breathing (reconstructed affected thyroid plate [RATP]).

Results

The anterior commissure mean position was slightly cranial to the midpoint of the thyroid cartilage midline. The paralyzed vocal fold angle was not parallel to the baseline. The average unaffected vocal fold angle during vocalization projected onto the affected thyroid plate was 13.83°, which differed significantly from the average paralyzed vocal fold angle before surgery (19.05°). However, no significant difference was observed in comparison with the average angle of the paralyzed vocal fold after arytenoid adduction. The average distance from the inferior notch of the affected side thyroid cartilage to the affected arytenoid cartilage was 16.7 mm.

Conclusion

By understanding the positional relationship between the thyroid cartilage plate and internal structure from preoperative CT images, more effective surgery can be performed according to individual differences.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 134:4088–4094, 2024
Voice Disorders and Hearing Loss May Be Additive Risk Factors for Depression in a National Cohort
Authors: Rameau Anaïs , Tucker Lauren H. , Denham Michael W. , Kang Yung Jee , Choi Nayeon , Lachs Mark , Rosen Tony Ehren , Stewart Michael , Czaja Sara , Golub Justin S.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Hearing loss (HL) (receptive communication impairment) is a known risk factor for depression. However, dysphonia (expressive communication impairment), has received little study. We study HL, self‐reported voice disorder, and combined impairment as risk factors for depression in a large national cohort.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional epidemiologic study. Data were analyzed from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) cycles 2008–2012 and 2019–2020. KNHANES uniquely contains both audiometry and voice disorder data. HL (yes/no) was defined as ≥25 dB pure tone average. Voice disorder (yes/no) was defined by self‐report. Depression (yes/no) was defined by physician diagnosis. Odds ratios for depression were calculated using multivariable logistic regressions with HL and voice disorder.

Results

8,524 individuals aged 19 to 80 years old had complete data. The mean age was 57.3 years (SD = 13.4) and 64% were women. All regressions were controlled for age and sex. Those with HL, versus those without, had 1.27 times the odds (95% CI = 1.07–1.52, p = 0.007) of depression. Those with self‐reported voice disorder, versus those without, had 1.48 times the odds (1.22–1.78, p < 0.001) of depression. Those with HL and self‐reported voice disorder, versus those with neither, had 1.79 times the odds (1.27–2.48, p < 0.001) of depression.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates independent relationships between HL and depression and self‐reported voice disorder and depression. Combined HL and self‐reported voice disorder had nearly 1.8 times the odds of depression. This is likely due to the grossly additive effect of difficulty with incoming and outgoing communication streams.

Level of Evidence

II Laryngoscope, 134:4060–4065, 2024
A tunable hybrid metasurface design with integrated diffusion and absorption
Authors: Shi Jianing , Zhao Minxin , Zhang Xingwang , Sun Jiwen , Zhu Lin , Li Huangyan , Cao Qunsheng
Published: May 2024

In this letter, a tunable hybrid metasurface (THMS) with electromagnetic switching characteristics based on the field‐programmable logic gate array (FPGA) is developed, which combines the mechanisms of both phase cancellation and absorption. Compared to other hybrid metasurface, the proposed design possesses two major functions of electromagnetic switching and dynamic tuning. By adjusting the bias voltage of the active components controlled by FPGA module, the in‐band tuning and active switching at different frequency bands of 3.63–5.57, 4.86–10.47, and 9.40–12.36 GHz can be obtained. A physical prototype with the size of 350 mm × 370 mm is fabricated and measured for verification, and the measurement shows that the monostatic radar cross section achieves varying degrees of reduction from 1.66 to 12.04 GHz.
A novel analytical approach to vertical dynamic vibration of pipe‐pile groups considering soil‐plug effect
Authors: Meng Kun , Li Xiubing , Cui Chunyi , Zhong Mingchen , Liu Hailong
Published: May 2024

A novel pile‐to‐pile interaction model for pipe piles that considers the soil‐plug effect is established based on the Novak plane‐strain soil model. Subsequently, the pipe‐pile dynamic interaction factor and dynamic impedance of pipe‐pile groups are derived using the superposition method. The accuracy of the proposed analytical solution is confirmed by comparison with experimental results and existing solutions. Finally, numerical results are obtained to study the influence of the soil‐plug height, shear modulus of the soil, pile spacing, and pile outer radius on the pipe‐pile dynamic interaction factor and dynamic impedance of pipe‐pile groups. The results indicate that the effect of the soil‐plug height on the pipe‐pile dynamic interaction factor and dynamic impedance is significant, whereas the shear modulus of the soil plug has virtually no effect. The proposed analytical solution can be applied to determine the optimal values of pile and soil parameters during the dynamic design of pipe‐pile groups.
A shear‐transformation‐zone model for time‐dependent behaviours of clay
Authors: Guo Ning , Li Wenlong , Yang Zhongxuan
Published: May 2024

A shear‐transformation‐zone (STZ) model is proposed for time‐dependent behaviours of clay, in which the viscoplastic deformation is described by the evolution of a temperature‐like state variable. The model is featured by rate‐dependent dilatancy and a unique critical state stress ratio. In its present form, it has nine parameters, most of which can be handily calibrated, and can predict the rate‐dependent undrained shear strength, primary, and secondary creep, as well as stress relaxation for normally consolidated clay under complex stress paths using a single set of parameters. The capabilities of the model have been verified by available experimental results on five different clays.
Use of alpha‐adrenergic antagonists for lower urinary tract symptoms is not associated with worsening cognitive function
Authors: Berto Fernanda Gabrigna , McClure J. Andrew , Campbell Jeffrey , Welk Blayne
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Alpha‐adrenergic antagonists are widely prescribed for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), however there has been a report that their use is associated with dementia. Our objective was to investigate if new users of alpha‐adrenergic antagonists with varying levels of cognitive impairment had an increased risk of cognitive decline compared to non‐users.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study, utilizing data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) data set. After applying relevant exclusion criteria, 916 people who were newly using alpha‐antagonist medications were matched with a propensity score to 916 who were not using these medications. The primary outcome was a clinically relevant cognitive decline measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Dementia Staging Instrument or the mini mental state examination (MMSE). Secondary outcomes included scores from other cognitive assessment tools.

Results

The matched cohorts did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline or follow‐up cognitive scores between those exposed and nonexposed to alpha‐adrenergic antagonists. Clinically significant cognitive decline (as defined by the CDR) occurred in 9.72% of the exposed group and 8.19% of the nonexposed group. There was no observed effect of alpha‐adrenergic antagonists on cognitive decline, as measured with the CDR (odds ratio [OR] 1.34, p = 0.14) or the MMSE (OR 0.98, p = 0.92). Stratified analyses by cognitive status and apolipoprotein E genotype interaction assessment also demonstrated no significant associations.

Conclusion

Alpha‐adrenergic antagonists for LUTS do not appear to increase the risk of cognitive decline, offering reassurance to clinicians and patients.
Quadrilateral surface mesh generation with improved quality by combination of triangles
Authors: Gao Jingchen , Xiao Zhoufang , Xu Chenhao , Shen Shuwei , Xu Gang
Published: May 2024

Quadrilateral mesh is preferred in numerical simulation compared with triangular mesh, but high‐quality and robust quadrilateral mesh generation for complex geometries remains a challenging problem. In this study, an enhanced indirect method by the combination of triangles is proposed for the generation of high‐quality quadrilateral mesh. It takes a triangular mesh as the input, and except that the number of elements needs to be even, the triangular mesh can be generated by the commonly used AFT method or Delaunay method. To ensure the quality of the combined quads, a local‐global triangular remeshing procedure is conducted first, and size gradation and vertex valence are focused in this step. Then, the well‐known Blossom algorithm is used to find the perfect matching triangles for combination. Finally, in order to reduce the number of unnecessary singularities, a connectivity optimization procedure is introduced to replace the irregular elements in local regions with regular elements and thus improve the overall quality of the combined quads. Numerical experiments on meshes in both 2D and 3D cases are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Oxime chemistry in crop protection
Authors: Lamberth Clemens
Published: May 2024

An overview is given on the significance of the oxime moiety in crop protection chemistry. This review focuses on the two most important aspects of agrochemical oximes, which are the occurrence and role of oxime groups in compounds with herbicidal, fungicidal and insecticidal activity, as well as the application of oxime derivatives as intermediates in the synthesis of crop protection agents not bearing any oxime function. Especially noteworthy is the fact, that in the synthesis of agrochemicals, oximes can be cyclized to isooxazoline, isoxazole, oxadiazole, oxazine, pyrrole, isothiazole and imidazole rings. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Crystal Quality and Efficiency Engineering of InGaN‐Based Red Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Rudinsky Mikhail , Bulashevich Kirill
Published: May 2024

This article is aimed at understanding of the complex design of metalorganic chemical vapour deposition ‐grown InGaN‐based red light‐emitting diode (LED) structure. The contribution of different elements of red LED structure to the stress distribution and threading dislocation density (TDD) evolution is theoretically investigated. For this purpose a self‐consistent modeling of the structure growth process is used, taking into account stress‐modulated indium incorporation, mismatch stress relaxation by threading dislocations and V‐pits, and nucleation of new threading dislocations. The simulation results, consisting of composition, stress, and TDD profiles, are then utilized for modeling of device operation, which allows to analyze contribution of different elements to the heterostructure operation.
A back propagation neural network based respiratory motion modelling method
Authors: Jiang Shan , Li Bowen , Yang Zhiyong , Li Yuhua , Zhou Zeyang
Published: May 2024

Background

This study presents the development of a backpropagation neural network‐based respiratory motion modelling method (BP‐RMM) for precisely tracking arbitrary points within lung tissue throughout free respiration, encompassing deep inspiration and expiration phases.

Methods

Internal and external respiratory data from four‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) are processed using various artificial intelligence algorithms. Data augmentation through polynomial interpolation is employed to enhance dataset robustness. A BP neural network is then constructed to comprehensively track lung tissue movement.

Results

The BP‐RMM demonstrates promising accuracy. In cases from the public 4DCT dataset, the average target registration error (TRE) between authentic deep respiration phases and those forecasted by BP‐RMM for 75 marked points is 1.819 mm. Notably, TRE for normal respiration phases is significantly lower, with a minimum error of 0.511 mm.

Conclusions

The proposed method is validated for its high accuracy and robustness, establishing it as a promising tool for surgical navigation within the lung.
Ecological effects of land use and land cover changes on lakes in urban environments
Authors: Krishnan Ganga , Shanthi Priya Radhakrishnan , Senthil Ramalingam
Published: May 2024

Urban lakes confront significant threats due to changes in land use and land cover (LULC) resulting from urbanization and subsequent climate change. This review discusses the intricate effects of the urban heat island phenomenon on lakes, specifically attributed to LULC changes. Utilizing the Scopus and Web of Science databases, this study gathers the most pertinent earlier research in the LULC and water bodies. This study systematically categorizes variables into five distinct groups and scrutinizes the drivers, parameters, tools, and management strategies influencing the LULC dynamics on lakes. A research gap is identified in understanding the conjoined impacts of LULC and urban heat island effects within urban lake environments. The review further investigates diverse ways in which LULC impacts lakes, intersecting with multiple United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), notably SDGs 6, 11, 13, and 15. Consequently, this review serves as a valuable contribution to the understanding of LULC to provide substantial benefits to the urban climate research toward meeting SDGs.
Low‐Symmetry 2D t‐InTe for Polarization‐Sensitive UV‐Vis‐NIR Photodetection
Authors: Zhou Nan , Dang Ziwei , Li Haoran , Sun Zongdong , Deng Shijie , Li Junhao , Li Xiaobo , Bai Xiaoxia , Xie Yong , Li Liang , Zhai Tianyou
Published: May 2024

Polarization‐sensitive photodetection grounded on low‐symmetry 2D materials has immense potential in improving detection accuracy, realizing intelligent detection, and enabling multidimensional visual perception, which has promising application prospects in bio‐identification, optical communications, near‐infrared imaging, radar, military, and security. However, the majority of the reported polarized photodetection are limited by UV–vis response range and low anisotropic photoresponsivity factor, limiting the achievement of high‐performance anisotropic photodetection. Herein, 2D t‐InTe crystal is introduced into anisotropic systems and developed to realize broadband‐response and high‐anisotropy‐ratio polarized photodetection. Stemming from its narrow band gap and intrinsic low‐symmetry lattice characteristic, 2D t‐InTe‐based photodetector exhibits a UV–vis–NIR broadband photoresponse and significant photoresponsivity anisotropy behavior, with an exceptional in‐plane anisotropic factor of 1.81@808 nm laser, surpassing the performance of most reported 2D counterparts. This work expounds the anisotropic structure‐activity relationship of 2D t‐InTe crystal, and identifies 2D t‐InTe as a prospective candidate for high‐performance polarization‐sensitive optoelectronics, laying the foundation for future multifunctional device applications.
Deeply Discharged, Quiescently Stable, and Long‐Life Zn Anode by Spontaneous SEI Formation
Authors: Yu Jin , Yi Zhehan , Yan Xiao , Chen Rui , Tan Shandong , Li Pinxiang , Zhang Tao , Zhang Hang , Liang Ji , Hou Feng
Published: May 2024

Zn ion batteries (ZIBs) are a promising candidate in safe and low‐cost large‐scale energy storage applications. However, significantly deteriorated cycling stability of Zn anode in high depth of charge or after long‐term quiescence impedes the practical application of ZIBs. Aiming at the above issue, a spontaneous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation of Zn4(OH)6SO4·xH2O (ZHS) on Zn powder is achieved in pure ZnSO4 electrolyte by facile and rational interface design. The stable and ultrathin ZHS SEI plays a crucial part in insulating water molecules and conducting Zn2+ ions, intrinsically suppressing the severe hydrogen evolution and dendrite formation on the Zn powder anode. The ZHS‐Zn anode delivers a stable cycling at a high DOD of 50% for over 500 h, as well as a lifespan of over 200 h after 40‐days of resting at a DOD of 25%. Benefiting from the high utilization of Zn anode, the energy density of the Zn‐MnxV2O5 full cell is up to 118 Wh Kg−1. This facile method can fabricate the ZHS‐Zn anode as long as 1 m, revealing its feasibility in large‐scale production and commercialization.
Construction of an Axial Charge Transfer Channel Between Single‐Atom Fe Sites and Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Supports for Boosting Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Cheng Jiahao , Zhang Zheng , Shao Jibin , Wang Tang , Li Rui , Zhang Wang
Published: May 2024

The introduction of axial‐coordinated heteroatoms in Fe─N─C single‐atom catalysts enables the significant enhancement of their oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance. However, the interaction relationship between the axial‐coordinated heteroatoms and their carbon supports is still unclear. In this work, a gas phase surface treatment method is proposed to prepare a series of X─Fe─N─C (X = O, P, and S) single‐atom catalysts with axial X‐coordination on graphitic‐N‐rich carbon supports. Synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectra and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate the formation of an axial charge transfer channel between the graphitic‐N‐rich carbon supports and single‐atom Fe sites by axial O atoms in O─Fe─N─C. As a result, the O─Fe─N─C exhibits excellent ORR performance with a half‐wave potential of 0.905 V versus RHE and a high specific capacity of 884 mAh g−1 for zinc–air battery, which is superior to other X─Fe─N─C catalysts without axial charge transfer and the commercial Pt/C catalyst. This work not only demonstrates a general synthesis strategy for the preparation of single‐atom catalysts with axial‐coordinated heteroatoms, but also presents insights into the interaction between single‐atom active sites and doped carbon supports.
Micro‐Supercapacitors for Self‐Powered Biosensors
Authors: Adeel Muhammad , Lee Hong Seok , Asif Kanwal , Smith Sabrina , Kurt Hasan , Rizzolio Flavio , Daniele Salvatore , Güder Firat
Published: May 2024

Although batteries are a highly popular energy source in biosensors, batteries can be an economic limitation for low‐cost sensing applications and pose significant challenges in miniaturization, biocompatibility, and disposal. To surmount such issues, “self‐powered sensors” gain the spotlight thanks to their energy harvesting from the environment through embedded miniaturized systems. In this review, the recent developments in self‐powered devices are summarized with a specific focus on the integration of supercapacitors with sensors and biosensors. The working principles of microsupercapacitors, fabrication methods, their integration with biosensors, and their ultimate applications (i.e., biomedical monitoring and analytical biomarker detection) are described. Different energy harvesting systems are summarized and their integration with self‐powered sensors or biosensors is highlighted. The limitations and challenges of the existing approaches and the future of supercapacitor‐integrated sensing systems are also critically discussed.
Intelligent privacy‐preserving data management framework for medicine supply chain system
Authors: Hathaliya Jigna J. , Tanwar Sudeep
Published: May 2024

In today's era, the pharmaceutical industry has integrated blockchain to secure the sensitive information of medicines, wherein public and private blockchains are used to preserve the security and privacy of the medicine supply chain data. However, conventional blockchains often limit scalability due to limited storage. Moreover, blockchain has loopholes; for example, it is not able to prove the validity of the data prior to being stored in the blockchain, which leads to fake data being added to the blockchain. As a result, it causes an issue of data provenance. Motivated by this, the proposed framework incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to enhance the efficiency of the medicine supply chain data. The proposed framework integrated machine learning (ML) and blockchain, where ML classifies the valid and invalid data of the medicine supply chain, whereas blockchain stores only valid data and maintains its security and privacy. This identification helps the blockchain to verify medicine supply chain data before adding it to the blockchain. Additionally, we employed an InterPlanetary file system (IPFS) that saves medicine supply chain data and computes its hash to offer decentralized storage. Further, this hash data is stored on a private Hyperledger Fabric blockchain, which requires minimal storage instead of storing an entire large file. This minimal storage optimizes the process of data storage and retrieval in the Hyperledger Fabric blockchain, which enhances the scalability of the proposed framework. Finally, the result of the proposed framework is assessed in two phases: ML and blockchain, wherein the ML model's performance is measured by statistical measures and the blockchain‐based result is assessed using several performance parameters such as throughput is around (618 transactions per second), latency (0.12 s), response time (11 s) and data rate (282 Mbps).
Suzhi Discourse as a Structural Component of Institutionalized Individualism in Post-Maoist China
Authors: Constantin Sandra V.
Published: May 2024

This third chapter sheds light on how the State’s discourse on population “quality” (suzhi) represents a sophisticated means of governance from afar.

Initially emerging in the 1980s, the concept focused on population control. Eugenic slogans promoting “fewer births, better births” reflected a belief that both genetic and environmental factors shape quality. This approach aimed to cultivate a vibrant, competitive youth capable of propelling China onto the global stage.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the discourse gained prominence and underwent a shift. It ultimately encompasses moral, intellectual, psychological, ideological and physical characteristics. Zhang Weiqing’s 2007 speech highlights the Party-State’s push for an ideal of quality that would produce competent workers and citizens.

The concept is infused through various organizations, including TV dramas. The chapter argues that the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television controlling their content shown in, TV series act as powerful vehicles for norm dissemination. They actively participate in the socialization of the population. The chapter examine five TV dramas and how they depict the transition to adulthood through the prism of this discourse.
A Life-Course Perspective on the Individualization Process in Post-collectivist China
Authors: Constantin Sandra V.
Published: May 2024

After an introduction to the life-course perspective, this fourth chapter gives an overview of the research design. It details the reasons behind the choice of the birth-cohorts under study: the “generation of new China” and the “generation of reforms” that encapsulate the profound transformations from Maoist collectivism to Deng Xiaoping’s era of economic reforms.

Furthermore, the chapter reveals how the mixed methods research design was built and it gives insights into the sample composition. The qualitative strand of the research captures variations in the transition to adulthood experienced by 45 individuals born between 1978 and 1993. It unveils lived experiences, challenges, and authentic voices. The quantitative strand reveals the journey to adulthood of 615 young people born between 1980 and 1985, and of 301 people born between 1950 and 1959. The quantitative data are retrospective longitudinal data. They were collected using a life-course matrix (calendar) to provide complete information on individuals’ biographical paths and their temporality.

In the initial phase of the research, qualitative and quantitative data were separately analyzed to address specific dimensions of the research question. The chapter explains that subsequent step involved triangulation, facilitating the integration of insights from both data types.
Luigi Moretti’s Formalised Methods and his Use of Mathematics in the Design Process of Architettura Parametrica’s Swimming Stadiums
Authors: Canestrino Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

The use of mathematical structures as a design tool by Luigi Moretti, the first theorist of Architettura Parametrica, is an unexplored theme even though he repeatedly stressed their importance in his writings. Moretti proposed that bringing design thinking closer to mathematical formalisations could profoundly renew the discipline of architecture. However, he also warns that these formalisations may overwhelm architecture’s values to which a numerical dimension cannot be associated. The reconstruction and discussion of the mathematics behind his swimming stadiums featured in the 1960 Architettura Parametrica exhibition permits us to understand how Moretti intended a design process informed by formalised methods. This paper proposes a novel reading, based on unpublished archival sources and presented with both theoretical and practical approaches, of one the first applications that interweaves formal methods, mathematics, digital tools and scientific thought in architecture.