bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Affordable Acoustic Measurement Campaign for Early Prototyping Applied to Electric Ducted Fan Units
Authors: Schoder Stefan , Schmidt Jakob , Fürlinger Andreas , Roppert Klaus , Maurerlehner Paul
Published: March 2023

New innovative green concepts in electrified vertical take-off and landing vehicles currently emerge as a revolution to urban mobility going into the third dimension (vertically). The high population density of cities makes the market share highly attractive while posing an extraordinary challenge for community acceptance due to the increasing and possibly noisier commuter traffic. In addition to passenger transport, package deliveries to customers by drones may enter the market. The new challenges associated with this increasing transportation need in urban, rural and populated areas pose challenges for established companies and startups to deliver low-noise emission products. The article's objective is to revisit the benefits and drawbacks of an affordable acoustic measurement campaign focused on early prototyping. In the very early phase of product development, often considerably limited resources are available. With this in mind, the article discusses the sound power results using the enveloping surface method in a typically available low-reflection room with a reflecting floor according to DIN EN ISO 3744:2011-02. The method is applied to a subsonic electric ducted fan (EDF) unit of a 1:2 scaled electrified vertical take-off and landing vehicle. The results show that considerable information at low costs can be gained for the early prototyping stage, despite this easy-to-use, easy-to-realize, and not fine-tuned measurement setup. Furthermore, the limitations and improvements to a possible experimental setup are presented to discuss a potentially more ideal measurement environment. Measurements at discrete operating points and transient measurements across the total operating range were conducted to provide complete information on the EDF's acoustic behavior. The rotor-self noise and the rotor-stator interaction were identified as primary tonal sound sources, along with the highest broadband noise sources located on the rotor. Based on engineering experience, a first acoustic improvement treatment is also quantified with a sound power level reduction of 4dB(A). In conclusion, the presented method is a beneficial first measurement campaign to quantify the acoustic properties of an electric ducted fan unit at minimal resources in a reasonable time of several weeks when starting from scratch.
A Series of New Formulas To Approximate the Sine and Cosine Functions
Authors: Azim Mashrur , Akter Akhi Asma , Kamrujjaman Md
Published: March 2023

We approximate the trigonometric function sine and cosine on the interval . This analysis provides two formulas to approximate sine and cosine. At first, we try to derive the formula which involves a square root, and then we derive another formula that does not require any use of a square root. Nevertheless, after deriving the procedure which requires no square root, we further try to increase its accuracy and then derive another formula that approximates trigonometric functions more accurately on the interval [0, pi/2]. So, this analysis provides mainly two types of procedures. One uses square roots, whereas the other does not. We also focus on ensuring the accuracy of these trigonometric functions in the interval [0,pi/2]. This accuracy analysis is portrayed using the graph. This graph shows the difference between the values generated by the functions defined here and the actual value of these functions. So, these graphs also indicate the error of these functions on that interval. Finally, we compare our approximation with the approximation formula of the 7th-century Indian Mathematician Bhaskara I.
The Emerging Roles of the Cephalic Neural Crest in Brain Development and Developmental Encephalopathies
Authors: Bruet Emmanuel , Amarante-Silva Diego , Gorojankina Tatiana , Creuzet Sophie
Published: March 2023

The neural crest, a unique cell population originating from the primitive neural field, has a multi-systemic and structural contribution to vertebrate development. At the cephalic level, the neural crest generates most of the skeletal tissues encasing the developing forebrain and provides the prosencephalon with functional vasculature and meninges. Over the last decade, we have demonstrated that the cephalic neural crest (CNC) exerts an autonomous and prominent control on forebrain and sense organs development. The present paper reviews the primary mechanisms by which CNC can orchestrate vertebrate encephalization. Demonstrating the role of the CNC as an exogenous source of patterning for the forebrain provides a novel conceptual framework with profound implications for understanding neurodevelopment. From a biomedical standpoint, these data suggest that the spectrum of neurocristopathies is broader than expected and that some neurological disorders may stem from CNC dysfunctions.
Chronic Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension: Difficulties in Assessment of Prognosis and Potential Solutions
Authors: Mareyeva V. A. , Klimenko A. A. , Shostak N. A.
Published: March 2023

Pulmonary  hypertension  and  right  heart dysfunction often  complicate  the course  of chronic  heart failure.  At the same  time,  the addition  of these pathological conditions  significantly increases the frequency  of hospitalizations and worsens survival prognosis. That is why the assessment  of the unfavorable outcome’s risk in the group of such patients is extremely important. This problem draws an interest for a more detailed study, considering the fact that the most convenient,  accessible and minimally invasive prognosis marker has still being searched for nowadays. In this review article, which is based on the analysis of literature over the past 20 years dedicated to the problem of pulmonary hypertension  and chronic heart failure, right ventricular-arterial  coupling, has been considered  as a relatively new parameter  and as an example  of one of these prognostic markers.  This parameter  can be assessed  by echocardiography  examination and  our article describes  several  options  of calculating it, including  one of the most  popular  and valuable ratio of tricuspidal anular plane systolic excursion to the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (TAPSE/sPAP).
A Case of Successful Medical Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia in a Patient With Ischemic Heart Disease and Heart Failure
Authors: Ryngach E. A. , Tatarinova A. A. , Zhabina E. S. , Zhdanova O. N. , Treshkur T. V.
Published: March 2023

The pathogenetic mechanisms of arrhythmias, including  high-grade ventricular  arrhythmias (including non-sustained ventricular  tachycardia),  in patients with coronary  heart disease may be different. Therefore, the characteristics  of ventricular arrhythmias must be considered  based on the totality of data, taking  into account all the available features. The importance  of a personalized approach  to the management of a patient with coronary  heart disease who had extensive myocardial  infarction 18.5 years ago,  followed  by mammary  coronary  artery bypass  grafting, aneurysmectomy and the development of heart failure with a low ejection fraction, in whom ventricular arrhythmias occurred against the background of a stable course of coronary disease , but after emotional stress, is reflected in this work. An extended examination, as well as a detailed study of the nature of ventricular arrhythmias, made it possible  to determine  the main provoking factor and select an individualized pathogenetic treatment with a good  antiarrhythmic result that persists for several years of observation.  Conducting mental tests and psychological questioning can be recommended for patients with coronary  heart disease  and  chronic  heart failure as an additional  examination to assess  the contribution  of the psycho-emotional factor  to arrhythmogenesis after excluding the ischemic and sympathetic  nature of ventricular ectopia. It is incorrect to consider that all ventricular arrhythmias  in patients with coronary heart disease are ischemic in nature, and in some clinical situations this statement is even erroneous.
Learning to learn: pathway to practice
Authors:   University of Sheffield, Pattacini Laurence , Beard Hannah ,   University of Sheffield
Published: March 2023

University students need to adapt to the changing demand of professional practices. This concern has informed the development of graduate attributes and pedagogical concepts – such as long-term learning – which inform the curriculum. This paper draws on two research exercises conducted in collaboration with both students and alumni in the field of design, to provide a better understanding of the students' awareness of the transferable skills embedded in their university courses and to determine how relevant these skills might be in professional practice. The students’ and alumni’s voice is key to this research project and exemplified through specific quotes. Critically reflecting on the students’ and alumni’s comments about their journey from student to practitioner enables us to discuss the key skills and capabilities identified, in order to nurture resilience to changes in the workplace and proficiency in ‘learning to learn’: practical knowledge, collaboration, communication and adaptability.
Phase Behavior of Hexane/Water/Bitumen Systems with Applications to Solvent-Aided Thermal Recovery Processes of Bitumen
Authors: Nwokoye Chukwuemeka , Nath Devjyoti , Abdi Mahmoud , Hassanzadeh Hassan
Published: March 2023

In this work, we studied the phase equilibrium of the normal-hexane, water, and Mackay River bitumen ternary system at operating conditions applicable to the solvent-assisted thermal recovery process. The viscosities of the hydrocarbon-rich (oleic) and water-rich (aqueous) phases were measured at three temperatures 200, 205, and 210 °C and a pressure of 2.5 MPa. The concentration of solvent (n-C6) in the hexane/water (steam) mixture was maintained at 1 mol.% (6.85 vol.%). The proportion of bitumen in the bitumen/solvent mixture was chosen to achieve a hexane concentration of 70 mol.% (37.45 vol. %), near the maximum solubility of hexane in bitumen at test conditions. The results reveal the formation of a vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium (VLLE) at the studied conditions. The dilution effect of hexane on viscosity reduction was found to be dominant over the temperature effect at the test conditions (T > 200 °C). The findings also indicate that solvent content of the vapor phase decreases with temperature. Trace amount of solvent (~ 100 ppm) was found in the aqueous phase. The results improve our understanding of the complex phase behavior associated with solvent-aided recovery processes.
A Review-Dissolution and Mineralization Storage of CO2 Geological Storage in Saline Aquifers
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Xiangzeng , Chen Yiming , Liang Quansheng , Zeng Fanhua
Published: March 2023

Saline aquifer has become the preferred storage location of carbon capture, and storage (CCS) technology because of its wide distribution, large storage capacity and high safety factor. According to IPCC statistics, the storage capacity of saline aquifers worldwide is 400 – 10000 Gt, which is dozens of times that of oil and gas reservoirs and hundreds of times that of coal seams. Therefore, the carbon storage in saline aquifer has the most potential for CO2 storage.

Carbon sequestration in saline aquifers includes four trapping mechanisms: short-term geological and hydrodynamic capture and long-term geochemical (solubility and mineral) capture. Moreover, the solubility of CO2 in saline aquifer and the mechanism of mineral capture (salt precipitation) depends on the injected CO2 and the water-rock characteristics of saline aquifer. However, current knowledge on geochemical capture is still at an early stage compared to other capture theories. Recent researches indicate that although temperature, pressure, salinity of formation water and mineral composition of formation rocks are important factors affecting mineral storage, other reservoir parameters, such as reservoir thickness, dip angle, anisotropy, and bedding distribution, may also significantly affect salt precipitation, mineral storage, and geo-chemical storage. In this paper, we would like to present a comprehensive review on the solubility model of CO2 in saline aquifers, the phase permeability change of CO2 and saline aquifers, the mechanism of CO2-water -rock interaction, the dissolution and precipitation model of inorganic salt minerals, and the influencing factors for CO2 sequestration in saline aquifers. We believe that this review lays a foundation for future study of carbon storage technology in saline aquifer.
CO2 Permeability in Shale Gas Reservoirs: Insights from the Montney Formation
Authors: Sanlorenzo Andrea , Bustin Marc , Bustin Amanda , Chalmers Gareth
Published: March 2023

The Montney Formation, in north–eastern British Columbia and western Alberta, is a widely developed, low porosity and permeability shale gas and oil reservoir. Due to existing midstream infrastructure, it is an ideal candidate for CO2 sequestration which can potentially be coupled with CO2 enhanced hydrocarbon recovery (EHR). Extensive petrophysical analyses of representative Montney wells and cores validate that the characteristics of supercritical CO2 are more suitable for sequestration compared to either liquid or gas properties. The producing Montney reservoir has absolute permeabilities to helium in the order of 10−2 to 10−5 millidarcies and porosity ranging from 2.9 to 11.1%. At reservoir pressure and temperature conditions, sequestered carbon dioxide will be in the supercritical state. The measured apparent permeability of representative Montney cores matrix to supercritical CO2 is approximately 3.8×10−4 to 3.4×10−2 mD higher than either gas or liquid CO2 values (apparent supercritical CO2 permeabilities range between 4.0×10−4 and 1.4×10−2 mD). The difference between liquid and gas CO2 permeabilities ranges between 3.2×10−5 and 3.0×10−3 mD. Absolute permeabilities to helium were found to be higher than any of the three CO2 phases. The higher apparent permeability to supercritical CO2 compared to the gas or liquid phase is attributed to the higher molecular kinetic energy and the smaller impact of adsorption compared to gas CO2. Permeability data of gas CO2 show both volumetric and adsorption effects, resulting in a lower apparent permeability compared to both liquid and supercritical CO2. Helium data show the highest permeabilities since helium is a non-adsorbing gas and He molecular diameter is 74 pm smaller than the molecular diameter of CO2. The results of this study show that carbon dioxide in the supercritical state has favourable characteristics for the utilization and sequestration in depleted shale gas and oil plays compared to CO2 in either the liquid or gas phase. The relatively high density of the supercritical state – around 750 kg/m3 – will minimize leakage to adjacent formations. Upon reaching reservoirs’ minimum miscibility pressure, supercritical CO2 interfacial tension will approach zero and thus mixing with the residual liquid hydrocarbons will occur. The CO2 will cause the oil or condensate to swell, reducing the viscosity and thus improving the mobility and production rate of the remaining hydrocarbons in place.
Prevalence of equine strongyles in horses and donkeys in and around bishoftu, oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulaw Asnakew , Bizu Feyisa , Maru Moges
Published: March 2023

Background: Ethiopia has huge equine population estimates about 2.03 million horses, 7.43 million donkeys and 0.4 million mules. Those animals have multipurpose to server in different sectors such as traction power, carting, recreation, festival packing, riding and transportation. However they are faced for number of challenge make them venerable for different factors. The objective of this research was to estimate the prevalence of horses and donkeys strongyle parasite and evaluating associated risk factors in and around bishoftu.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted from February 2022 to July 2022. A total of 364 equine were randomly selected from five different peasant associations on targeting area and examined during the study period. Coprological examination with floatation technique of strongyle eggs detected.
Result: The overall prevalence of strongyle parasites was found 56.6%. Higher prevalence of strongyle parasites recorded in poor body condition 27.2% and less prevalent 6.9% in good body conditions equines. Among the potential risk factors analyzed, body condition score (p=0.00, p<0.05) of the equineswas associated significantly with strongyle infection while sex, species, age and origins were not significantly associated with the risk of infection with strongyle infection (P>0.05). Significantly higher prevalence of strongyle parasite in donkeys (65.2%) than the horses (54.7%).
Conclusions:To conclude finally as the result revealed strongyle parasite found major problem of equine health. Farmers should have to improved housing, welfare awareness, seasonal deworming and feeding management equines.
Binder-free textile PAN-based electrodes for aqueous-based and glycerol-based supercapacitors
Authors: Barbosa Ingrid Ariani Belineli , Marcuzzo Jossano Saldanha , de Faria Rubens Nunes , Consentino Ivana Conte
Published: March 2023

Amidst different types of energy storage systems, electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs), also known as supercapacitors, have received considerable attention as energy storage alternatives due to their advantageous characteristics: high power density, long-life cycle, lightweight, safe operations, and fast charge-discharge rates. This work addresses these EDLC devices and has been divided into two parts. In the former, the synthesis and characterization of activated carbon fiber-felt (ACFF) electrodes from textile PAN fiber have been provided. In the latter, electrochemical characterization of the ACFF electrodes in potassium hydroxide solutions (aqueous-based) and in potassium hydroxide-glycerol hybrid electrolytes (glycerol-based electrolytes) have been investigated. The synthesis of ACFF electrodes via two-step oxidation, carbonization, and physical activation resulted in low-cost and binder-free electrodes containing mostly micropores (maximum pore width of 3 nm) and a specific surface area of 1875 m2 g− 1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques were carried out in a symmetric two-electrode setup at room temperature. The results showed that ACFF-based EDLCs in aqueous-based electrolyte (2 M KOH) exhibited low electrolyte resistance (0.44 ± 0.04 Ω cm2) and high gravimetric capacitance (129 ± 6 F g− 1 at 1 mV s − 1). Although ACFF-based EDLCs in glycerol-based electrolytes exhibited high electrolyte resistance (> 17 ± 2 Ω cm2), they are hybrid green-electrolytes that support a large potential window (< 2.5), which is greater than that of aqueous electrolytes (≈ 1 V). Crude glycerol, the main byproduct in biodiesel production, is non-toxic, relatively safe, and low-cost. The advantages and disadvantages of aqueous and glycerol-based electrolytes have been discussed.
Clinical significance of peripheral TCR repertoire profiling and individualized nomograms in patients with gastrointestinal cancer treated with anti-PD-1 antibody
Authors: Wu Jing , Yu Yiyi , Zhang Shilong , Zhang Pengfei , Yu Shan , Li Wei , Wang Yan , Li Qian , Lu Binbin , Chen Limeng , Luo Chonglin , Peng Haixiang , Liu Tianshu , Cui Yuehong
Published: March 2023

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significant clinical benefit for a subset of patients with gastrointestinal cancers including esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. However, it is difficult to predict which patients will respond to immune therapy or induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This study was initiated to determine if peripheral T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire profiling could predict the clinical efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment, while also predict adverse events.
Methods
Blood samples from 31 patients with GICs were collected before anti-PD-1 antibody treatment initiation. The clinical significance of TCR repertoire profiling from PBMCs was evaluated in all the enrolled patients. A highly predictive nomogram was set up based on peripheral TCR repertoire profiling. The performance of the nomogram was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, concordance index (C-index), and calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to assess its clinical applicability.
Results
Compared to non-responders (PD), the DE50 scores were significantly higher in responders (SD and PR) (P = 0.018). There was a trend that higher DE50 at baseline was associated with the occurrence of adverse events, but it did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.1779). Patients with a high DE50 score showed better progression-free survival (PFS) than those with a low DE50 score (P = 0.0022). The multivariable Cox regression demonstrated that high DE50 and low PLR were significant independent predictors for better PFS when treated with anti-PD-1 antibody. Furthermore, a highly predictive nomogram was set up based on peripheral TCR repertoire profiling. The AUCs of this system at 3-, 6- and 12-month PFS reached 0.825, 0.802, and 0.954, respectively. The nomogram had a C-index of 0.768 (95% CI: 0.879 − 0.658). Meanwhile, the calibration curves also demonstrated the reliability and stability of the model.
Conclusions
High DE50 scores were predictive of a favorable response and longer PFS to anti-PD-1 treatment in GIC patients. The nomogram based on TCR repertoire profiling was a reliable and practical tool, which could provide risk assessment and clinical decision-making for individualized treatment of patients.
Palatal approach for surgical removal of mesioangularly impacted maxillary third molar - a cohort study
Authors: Sun Rui , Sun Yu-Qi , Cai Yu , Zhao Ji-Hong
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the application of palatal approach to perform IMTM extraction, and evaluate its operation successful rate, surgical time, postoperative outcomes, and complications incidence.

Method

Patients, with Class B mesioangularly IMTM in the none-buccal position of the adjacent second molar, were enrolled in this study if the teeth were indicated for extraction. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups according to the surgical approach: buccal approach or palatal approach. The impacted tooth positions, diagnosis, past dental and medical history, and radiographic examination were recorded pre-operatively. During the surgery, the duration time, the surgery detail, and surgical complications were documented.

Result

40 teeth were enrolled in our study. All teeth were extracted. The operation time was significantly shorter in the palatal approach group compared to the buccal approach group (13.3 ± 2.8 min vs. 22.3 ± 5.5 min, P༜0.001). The rate of traumatic ulcers of the lips was significantly higher in the buccal approach group than in the palatal approach group (7/20 vs. 0/20, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

It is more efficient to perform surgery with a palatal approach if a Class B mesioangularly IMTM is located in the non-buccal aspect of the adjacent second molar.
Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2000040063
Accelerated degradation of four OP insecticides by malathion tolerant Aspergillus niger M- RU01
Authors: Mohapatra Debasish , Rath Sakti Kanta , Mohapatra Pradipta Kumar
Published: March 2023

Insecticides are widely used in agriculture, horticulture, medicine, and industry, as well as domestically. Increased insecticide application has been attributed to higher agricultural productivity and lower infield and postharvest crop loss in the twentieth century. Malathion is a very commonly used organophosphorus (OP) insecticide applied in over 100 food crops in agriculture and post-harvest storage. Different species of Aspergillus have shown their efficiency to degrade OP chemicals. A malathion tolerant Aspergillus niger MRU01, developed by prolonged malathion exposure, was tested for its efficiency to remove malathion as well as three other commonly used OP insecticides, viz., parathion, chlorpyrifos and dimethoate. The tolerant strain showed growth efficiency as well enhanced production of phosphatases and esterase enzyme as compared to untreated as well as treated wild type (A. niger MTCC16404). The removal of malathion was 29% and 68%, in the wild type and the tolerant strain, respectively during five days. The tolerant strain was also able to remove dimethoate (63%) and chlorpyrifos (54%) with high efficiency while a low rate of removal of parathion (33%) was observed. The strain can be applied in field for bioremediation.
Scandinavian trial of Uncomplicated Aortic Dissection Therapy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rudolf Claudina , Lindberg Beate Rikken , Resch Timothy , Mani Kevin , Björkman Patrick , Laxdal Elín Hanna , Støvring Henrik , Beck Henriette Margrethe , Eriksson Gunnar , Budtz-Lilly Jacob
Published: March 2023

Background: Contemporary management of uncomplicated type B aortic dissections (uTBAD) is based on the acuity and various morphological features. Medical therapy is mandatory, while the risks of early thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are balanced against the potential for rupture, complex surgery, and death. Improved aortic morphology following TEVAR is documented, but evidence for improved overall survival is lacking. The costs and impact on quality-of-life are also needed.
Methods: The trial is a randomized, open label, superiority clinical trial with parallel assignment of subjects at 23 clinical sites in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. Eligibility includes patients aged ≥ 18 with uTBAD of < 4 weeks duration. Recruited subjects will be randomized to either standard medical therapy (SMT) or SMT+TEVAR, where TEVAR must be performed between 2-12 weeks from the onset of symtpoms.
Discussion: This trial will evaluate the primary question of whether early TEVAR improves survival at 5 years among uTBAD patients. Moreover, the costs and the impact on quality-of-life should provide sorely needed data on other factors that play a role in treatment strategy decisions. The common Nordic healthcare model, with inclusion of all aortic centers, provides a favorable setting for carrying out this trial, while the robust healthcare registries ensure data validity.
Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05215587, posted January 31, 2022
The High Cost of Healing and Teaching: A Cross-sectional Survey of Burnout Among Academic Physicians in Nigeria
Authors: Oluwadiya Kehinde Sunday , Olutayo Adeoti Adekunle , Adeoye Oyewole , Omowumi Oluwadiya Ibironke , Olasinde Anthony A , Kadiri Innih A
Published: March 2023

Background: Globally, the medical and teaching professions are two major professions with the highest prevalence of burnout, and academic physicians bestride the two professions. This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among academic physicians working in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria.
Methodology: This was a self-administered online survey. Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and sent to 256 academic physicians in tertiary hospitals across Nigeria using the WhatsApp broadcast feature.
Findings: A total of 150 Academic Physicians responded, of which there were 121 (80.7%) males and 29 (19.3%) females. The prevalence of burnout in our study was 57.7%. Moderate emotional exhaustion was reported by 12.3% (18 respondents), high emotional exhaustion by 18.5% (27 respondents), moderate depersonalization by 4.8% (7 respondents), high depersonalization by 0.7% (1 respondent), moderate personal accomplishment by 10.4% (16 respondents), and high personal accomplishment by 33.1% (51 respondents). Eight variables: religion, geopolitical zone of practice, enjoyment of academic writing, apathy toward teaching, university ownership, number of published peer-reviewed articles, salary, and supplementary income were significantly associated with emotional exhaustion, while the number of weeks spent teaching in a year and teaching hours/week were significantly associated with depersonalization and personal accomplishment, respectively. Age (OR 1.302, CI 1.080-1.570), Teaching hours/week (OR 0.924, CI 0.854-0.999), Salary (OR 0.996, CI 0.993-1.0), and supplementary salary (OR 0.996, CI 0.993-0.999) were found to significantly predict emotional exhaustion.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of burnout among academic physicians in Nigeria highlights the need for further research and implementation of preventive measures
Spatio-Temporal Analysis on Channel Migration of the Jiadhal River Basin Using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Mili Monalisha , Bhuyan Manash Jyoti , Mishra Dinky
Published: March 2023

Jiadhal is one of the most notorious rivers of Assam, flowing through the northern bank of the river Brahmaputra. The river is mostly known for its frequent bank line shifting andcreating floods, particularly in the Dhemaji district of Assam. Channel migration in the Jiadhal River is a common phenomenon. A spatio-temporal change inthe river has been revealed by the analysis of Landsat TM imagery over 26 years in the GIS environment. In order to examine the temporal channel migration, 59.30 km of the river's total length was divided into 11 parts by taking cross-sections at equal intervals of 6 km. Uneven rainfall patterns, embankment construction, sand mining, and the development of dams, barrages, and roadways all have an impact on the river's hydrological system.It is noteworthy that human activities aggravating the morpho-ecological changes of the river are the main reasons for river channel migration, independent of natural hydrological processes.The riverbed's unevenness and undulation have significantly increased as a result of this. Therefore, the present paper analyses the spatio-temporal variations of channel migration in the lower Jiadhalbasin using geospatial techniques.
Model Transformation based Closed-Form IA Design for Multiple-Cell MIMO Cellular Networks
Authors: Liu Weihua , Song Wenjun , Yu Zeqi , Dun Hui , Xue Huiying
Published: March 2023

To apply the interference alignment (IA) technology to practical communication networks effectively, the low complexity IA design problem still needs to be solved well. In this paper, we study the low complexity closed-form IA design method, for the multiple-cell multiple-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) cellular interference network. To eliminate the complex interference conveniently, the multiple-cell multiple-user cellular network model is transformed into several relatively simple network models. Based on the model transformation of the cellular network, the IA precoding is divided into two parts. Then the two-stage IA design scheme is proposed, which includes the outer IA design and inter one. The former is to eliminate the inter-cell interference, while the latter is to eliminate the inter-user interference. Simulation results show the higher system sum-rate performance and low computational complexity of the proposed IA design scheme.
Machine learning based novel frameworks developments and architectures for secured communication in VANETs for smart transportation
Authors: Chakraborty Rakhi , Kumar Sunil , Awasthi Aishwary , K Suneetha , RASTOGI AJAY , Jethava Gordhan
Published: March 2023

Vehicle ad hoc networks have made intelligent transportation systems that significantly increase road safety as well as management possible. Vehicles can now communicate and share information about the road using this new technology. However, malicious users might inject fake emergency alerts into VANET, making it impossible for nodes to access accurate road information. In vehicular ad hoc networks, assessing credibility of nodes has become a crucial task to ensure reliability as well as trustworthiness of data. Using machine learning methods, this study proposes a novel security technique that improves communication and intruder detection in VANET for smart transportation. Ciphertext-policy game theory encryption analysis for smart transportation is used here to improve the security of the VANET. Fuzzy rule-based encoder perceptron neural networks are utilized in the detection of the VANET intruder. For a variety of network datasets, the experimental analysis is conducted in terms of throughput, QoS, latency, computational cost, and data transmission rate.
Facies analysis and depositional evolution of Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonates in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift of Tarim Basin (NW China)
Authors: Han Jun , Chen Daizhao , Xiao Chongyang , Huang Cheng , Wang Shi , Chen Jingping , Guo Chuan
Published: March 2023

The depositional evolution of the Early to Middle Ordovician carbonate platform in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift (Tarim Basin, NW China) is controversial, leading to difficulty in understanding the distributional pattern of depositional facies and its controls and in petroleum exploration. Integrated with geophysical analyses, detailed sedimentological observations were carried out on the Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate successions of the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift, in order to recognize the depositional facies and sequences and to reveal the carbonate platform evolution. The results show that a carbonate ramp system developed in the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift during the Early-Middle Ordovician. In such a depositional system, twelve types of lithofacies were recognized, which are arranged into two facies belts (or associations), including peritidal to semi-restricted subtidal and open-marine subtidal facies. Based on the spatiotemporal distribution of lithofacies (or facies), seven third-order depositional sequences were recognized in the Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate successions. Individual sequences are composed of a transgressive package in the lower part and a regressive one in the upper part. And the sequence boundaries are commonly characterized by transitional zones without remarkable subaerial exposure features. And the Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate successions were subdivided into three depositional phases during the long-term evolution of the carbonate platform, which were primarily characterized by semi-restricted to open-marine subtidal facies, peritidal through semi-restricted to open-marine subtidal facies, and open-marine subtidal facies, respectively. The correlation of relative sea-level (or accommodation spaces) changes derived from the vertical stacking pattern of facies with the global sea-level curve of Haq and Schutter (2008) and sea-level oscillations of coeval successions worldwide suggests that the eustatic sea-level fluctuation was an overriding factor controlling the development and evolution of carbonate ramp in the study area during the Early-Middle Ordovician. Meanwhile, regional or local tectonic subsidence and other environmental factors (e.g., paleotopography) also exerted an influence on the deposition processes at this time interval.
Treating Nightmares in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Dronabinol: Study Protocol of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study (THC PTSD-trial)
Authors: Roepke Stefan , Schoofs Nikola , Priebe Kathlen , Wülfing Felix , Schmahl Christian , Röhle Robert , Zähringer Jenny , Lotter Tobias , Otte Christian , Koglin Stefanie
Published: March 2023

Background
Distressing nightmares are a core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and contribute to psychiatric comorbidity, impaired physical health and decreased social functioning. No specific pharmacological treatment for PTSD-related nightmares is yet approved. Preliminary clinical data indicate that cannabinoid agonists can improve nightmares and overall PTSD symptoms in patients with PTSD. The primary objective of the study is to examine the efficacy of oral dronabinol (BX-1) versus placebo in reducing nightmares in patients with PTSD. The secondary objectives of the study are to examine the efficacy of oral BX-1 in reducing other PTSD symptoms.
Methods
The study is designed as a multi-centric, double-blind, randomized (1:1), placebo-controlled, parallel group interventional trial. Eligible patients will be randomized to BX-1 or placebo, receiving a once-daily oral dose before bedtime for 10 weeks. Primary efficacy endpoint is the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-IV) B2 score for the last week, measuring frequency and intensity of nightmares. Secondary efficacy endpoints are other disorder-specific symptoms in patients with PTSD. Further, tolerability and safety of dronabinol will be assessed.
Discussion
This randomized controlled trial will provide evidence whether treating patients with PTSD and nightmares with dronabinol is safe and efficacious.
Trial registration
NCT04448808, EudraCT 2019-002211-25
Exosomal circTGFBR2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via enhancing ATG5 mediated protective autophagy.
Authors: Wang Xin , Dong Fenglin , Wang Yingqiao , Wei Honglong , Li Tao , Li Jie
Published: March 2023

Exosomes contribute substantially to the communication between tumor cells and normal cells. Benefiting from the stable structure, circular RNAs (circRNAs) are believed to serve an important function in exosome-mediated intercellular communication. Here, we focused on circRNAs enriched in starvation-stressed hepatocytic exosomes and further investigated their function and mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Differentially expressed circRNAs in exosomes were identified by RNA sequencing, and circTGFBR2 was identified and chosen for further study. The molecular mechanism of circTGFBR2 in HCC was demonstrated by RNA pulldown, RIP, dual-luciferase reporter assays, rescue experiments and tumor xenograft assay both in vitro and vivo. We confirmed exosomes with enriched circTGFBR2 led to an upregulated resistance of HCC cells to starvation stress. Mechanistically, circTGFBR2 delivered into HCC cells via exosomes serves as a competing endogenous RNA by binding miR-205-5p to facilitate ATG5 expression and enhance autophagy in HCC cells, resulting in resistance to starvation. Thus, we revealed that circTGFBR2 is a novel tumor promoter circRNA in hepatocytic exosomes and promotes HCC progression by enhancing ATG5–mediated protective autophagy via the circTGFBR2/miR-205-5p/ATG5 axis, which may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Comparison of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block with fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in hip fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Miao Yuxin , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Zongxiao , Zhang Xiaoxu , Niu Zejun
Published: March 2023

Background The purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different anesthesia techniques, PENG block and fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), in managing pain and minimizing side effects for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Due to increasing numbers of patients with comorbidities, anesthesia for hip fractures has become a significant challenge. Methods From the initiation of the study until April 26, 2022, a comprehensive search was conducted across several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFang Data, to identify relevant studies. The focus of the search was randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the clinical efficacy of PENG block and FICB in hip fracture surgery. To ensure the validity of the study, two independent reviewers applied the standards of the Cochrane systematic review to evaluate and index all the papers. In case of heterogeneity between studies, a random-effects model was utilized, and a fixed-effects model was employed otherwise. Results According to the combined data, PENG block can decrease 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption (P༜0.05), but its 48-hour postoperative opioid consumption is not significantly different from control group (CI [-12.27, 2.79], P = 0.22). There are also no differences in side effects (CI [0.13,4.57], P = 0.76) and dynamic or static pain scores (P༞0.05) . Conclusions The results of the meta-analysis indicate that PENG blocks are effective in reducing opioid consumption for 24 hours post-hip fracture surgery. This implies that PENG blocks may be a promising alternative for reducing pain and minimizing the risk of substance abuse in patients. However, to establish this with certainty, more research with larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-up in the form of prospective randomized controlled trials is necessary.
Skimmianine attenuates liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by regulating PI3K-AKT signaling pathway-mediated inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress
Authors: Huo Chenglong , Wang Bing , Zhang Xuewen , Sun ZhenGang
Published: March 2023

Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common injury after liver transplantation and hepatectomy. Skimmianine (Ski) has antibacterial, antiviral pharmacological effects. However, it is not clear whether Ski has a protective effect against liver I/R injury. In the present study, we established mouse liver I/R model and AML12 cell hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) model pretreated with different concentrations of Ski. Serum transaminase levels, necrotic liver area, cell viability, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and apoptosis-related levels were measured to assess the protective effect of Ski against liver I/R injury. Western blotting was used to detect apoptosis-related proteins and PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins. Mice and cells were also treated with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 to assess changes in indicators of liver injury. The results showed that Ski significantly reduced transaminase levels, liver necrosis area, oxidative stress and apoptosis levels in mice with I/R. Ski also inhibited cell injury and apoptosis after H/R. Ski also activated phosphorylation of PI3K-AKT pathway-related proteins after liver I/R and cell H/R. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 could well reverse the alleviation of I/R injury caused by Ski. These results confirm that Ski exerts a protective effect against liver I/R injury through activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway.
A multi-reservoir extruder for time-resolved serial protein crystallography and compound screening at X-ray free-electron lasers
Authors: Wranik Maximilian , Kepa Michal , Beale Emma , James Daniel , Bertrand Quentin , Weinert Tobias , Furrer Antonia , Glover Hannah , Gashi Dardan , Carrillo Melissa , Kondo Yasushi , Stipp Robin , Khusainov Georgii , Nass Karol , Ozerov Dmitry , Cirelli Claudio , Johnson Philip , Dworkowski Florian , Beale John , Stubbs Scott , Zamofing Thierry , Schneider Marco , Krauskopf Kristina , Gao Li , Thorn-Seshold Oliver , Bostedt Christoph , Bacellar Camila , Steinmetz Michel , Milne Christopher , Standfuss Jörg
Published: March 2023

Serial crystallography at X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) permits the determination of radiation-damage free static as well as time-resolved protein structures at room temperature. Efficient sample delivery is a key factor for such experiments. Here, we describe a multi-reservoir, high viscosity extruder as a step towards automation of sample delivery at XFELs. Compared to a standard single extruder, sample exchange time was halved and the workload of users was greatly reduced. In-built temperature control of samples facilitated optimal extrusion and offered a path forward for the observation of temperature-dependent structural changes. After commissioning the device with lysozyme crystals, we collected time-resolved data using crystals of a membrane-bound, light-driven sodium pump. Static data were also collected from the soluble protein tubulin that was soaked with a series of small molecule drugs. Using these data, we identified low occupancy (as little as 30%) ligands using a minimal amount of data from a serial crystallography experiment, a result that could be exploited for structure-based drug design.
Texture evolution and tensile anisotropy of TC17 alloy β forging pancake
Authors: Deng Yuting , Li Siqing , Wang Xu
Published: March 2023

The crystallographic orientations of grain boundary α phase and matrix β phase are two main factors determining the mechanical properties of β forging TC17 alloy. Microstructure and texture evolution of three height reduction pancakes were mainly investigated in this present work by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) combined with Schmid factor analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results revealed that all pancakes of three height reduction exhibited similar < 001>//forging direction(FD) fiber texture component of β matrix phase whose intensity significantly increased with the increase of height reduction from 20–50%. While the height reduction was up to 70%, intensity basically remained unchanged, but a new texture component (< 011>//FD) was formed possibly due to dynamic recrystallization. The recrystallized grains representing the undeformed or slightly deformed grains affect the texture component of β matrix. Tensile properties of β forging TC17 alloy demonstrated relatively obvious anisotropy. The angle of 45° between forging direction and longitudinal direction indicated the highest strength and lowest ductility, while the longitudinal direction showed higher strength than forging direction. The orientation diversity of grain boundary α phase increased with the increase of height reduction. The specific crystallographic features of grain boundary α phase caused by forging texture affect effective slip length. In addition, their Schmid factor varied significantly with loading direction, possibly leading to tensile anisotropy.
Analysis of Widefield Choroidal Thickness Maps of Healthy Eyes using Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Hirano Masatoshi , Muraoka Yuki , Kogo Takahiro , Ishikura Masaharu , Nishigori Naomi , Ueda-Arakawa Naoko , Miyata Manabu , Hata Masayuki , Takahashi Ayako , Miyake Masahiro , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: March 2023

We aimed to obtain widefield (WF) swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) data and examine the features of choroidal thickness maps of healthy eyes. The posterior pole choroidal thickness was examined for 127 eyes using enhanced-depth imaging (EDI) of SS-OCT with a viewing angle of 20 (vertical) × 23 (horizontal) mm, and choroidal thickness maps were generated. For SS-OCT image analysis, we developed a grid with inner and outer rings, each divided into superotemporal, inferotemporal, superonasal, and inferonasal quadrants, respectively, making up a total of nine subfields including the central 3-mm ring. The posterior pole choroidal thicknesses were significantly lesser at the periphery than in the central area, in the inferior field than in the superior field, and in the nasal field than in the temporal field (p < 0.001 for all). We also evaluated the effects of age and axial length (AL) on the WF choroidal thickness. Choroidal thicknesses in all subfields were negatively associated with advanced age (p < 0.05). Choroidal thicknesses in the central subfield and the inferonasal inner and outer subfields were negatively associated with AL (p = 0.042, 0.034, and 0.022, respectively). These findings provide insights into the two-dimensional characteristics of the choroidal thickness and their associations with age and AL.