bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of polyethylene glycol gel-modified gold nanoparticles for targeted tumor therapy and correlation with the physiological environment
Authors: Zhang Rongwu
Published: September 2023

In the field of biomedical research, nanotechnology is a cutting-edge area of study that holds immense promise for the treatment of tumors. In this paper, Sgc8 nucleic acid aptamer-mediated gold nanoparticles of different diameters are used to investigate the treatment methods for leukemia patients. Targeted and polyethylene glycol (PEG) gel functional modifications were employed to achieve the desired binding analysis of both positive and negative human acute lymphatic leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM) and Ramos cells. In addition, the targeting capabilities of Sgc8 nucleic acid aptamer-mediated gold nanoparticles have been tested under physiological conditions, including serum. The results indicate that the addition of PEG gel-modified Sgc8 nucleic acid aptamers significantly reduces the adsorption of nanoparticles to non-specific biomolecules, as compared to the control random sequence. The characterization results using a dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer, UV spectrophotometer, and transmission electron microscope all converge to prove consistent particle size, with gold nanoparticles evenly dispersed without agglomeration. The emergence of new targeted tumor nanomaterials has underscored the ease with which gel functionalization can be realized, along with their exceptional chemical stability, providing a valuable reference for future clinical research.
External validation of the Health Care Homes hospital admission risk stratification tool in the Aboriginal Australian population of the Northern Territory
Authors: Goddard Laura , Field Emma , Moran Judy , Franzon Julie , Zhao Yuejen , Burgess Paul
Published: September 2023

Objective This study aimed to externally validate the Commonwealth’s Health Care Homes (HCH) algorithm for Aboriginal Australians living in the Northern Territory (NT). Methods A retrospective cohort study design using linked primary health care (PHC) and hospital data was used to analyse the performance of the HCH algorithm in predicting the risk of hospitalisation for the NT study population. The study population consisted of Aboriginal Australians residing in the NT who have visited a PHC clinic at one of the 54 NT Government clinics at least once between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017. Predictors of hospitalisation included demographics, patient observations, medications, diagnoses, pathology results and previous hospitalisation. Results There were a total of 3256 (28.5%) emergency attendances or preventable hospitalisations during the study period. The HCH algorithm had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.58 for the NT remote Aboriginal population, compared with 0.66 in the Victorian cohort. A refitted model including ‘previous hospitalisation’ had an AUC of 0.72, demonstrating better discrimination than the HCH algorithm. Calibration was also improved in the refitted model, with an intercept of 0.00 and a slope of 1.00, compared with an intercept of 1.29 and a slope of 0.55 in the HCH algorithm. Conclusion The HCH algorithm performed poorly on the NT cohort compared with the Victorian cohort, due to differences in population demographics and burden of disease. A population-specific hospitalisation risk algorithm is required for the NT.
Emerging health and social policy considerations for safe and quality end-of-life care in Australia – the evidence, gaps and challenges
Authors: Rawlings Deb , Damarell Raechel , Tait Paul , Chakraborty Amal , Dalli Angie , Devery Kim , Tieman Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Recognition of the importance of end-of-life care will enable improvements in the quality of care delivered to patients and their families. Australia is experiencing an increasing number of deaths, (many expected), with an aging population who are living longer, often with multimorbidity. This makes end of life care a priority. The last year of someone’s life takes place in a complex healthcare system, with increasing pressures on care delivery, placing the spotlight on health service providers to ensure that teams and individuals are supported and enabled to provide such care. Two rapid literature reviews identified best practice principles and processes for delivering safe and high-quality end-of-life care in acute care, aged care and community settings. The reviews identified that end-of-life care is experienced within the whole health and social care system, including hospital admissions interspersed with care in the community, outpatient and emergency department visits and potentially admission to a hospice. Much of this last year of life is spent at home, which may be a personal residence, an aged care facility, prison, supported accommodation or even on the streets. Transitions across settings requires seamless care, as well as organisational readiness to deliver safe and culturally appropriate care. This is more important now with end-of-life care subject to quality assurance mechanisms within the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (2nd edn): Comprehensive care. This requires all sectors to work collaboratively when caring for someone at the end of their life in order to see positive changes in care outcomes.
Plasma–liquid interactions: an experiment and simulation study on plasma dynamic behaviors near the gas–liquid interfacial layer
Authors: Yang Qi , Qiao Jun-Jie , Cheng He , Xiong Qing
Published: September 2023

Plasma–liquid interaction processes are essential to various plasma applications such as sewage disposal, biomedicine, and synthesis of nanomaterials. However, the near gas–liquid interfacial behavior of plasma property remains inadequately understood, hindering the controllability of the application process. This study combines experimental diagnostics and simulations to investigate the production and transport of plasma-generated reactive species near (∼35 μm) the gas–liquid interfacial layer. The experimental results are used to benchmark densities obtained from a zero-dimensional plasma chemical kinetics simulation, which reveals the time evolutions of plasma-generated active species. A large number of neutral particles (like OH, H2O2) and water cluster ions (like H9O4
+) were produced as a result of the evaporation effect of the cathode solution surface. The estimation of energy flux from the gaseous plasma to liquid surface showed that the hydration process of positive ions plays the key role in the resulted water evaporation at the gas–liquid interfacial layer.
Dispersion formula of a free electron laser with two relativistic electron beams and water-bag distribution function
Authors: Razaghzadeh M , Mahdizadeh N , Haghpeima A , Haghighi B
Published: September 2023

Theoretical work on a free electron laser (FEL) with two relativistic electron beams is presented. Using the kinetic approach, the dispersion formula (DF) of a helical magnetic wiggler pumped FEL is derived. Stability properties are studied by linearizing the governing equations and DF is obtained and solved numerically. For generality, the momentum spread of electron beams with a water-bag distribution function is considered. Bandwidths of two-beam FEL resonances have been shown and effects of momentum spread have been noticed. It is found that momentum spread causes the pick growth rates to decrease.
VUV lasing in diffuse discharges formed by runaway electrons
Authors: Panchenko Alexei N , Tarasenko Victor F , Kozevnikov Vladislav V
Published: September 2023

The parameters of stimulated emission in diffuse discharges formed in a sharply inhomogeneous electric field by runaway electrons in mixtures of rare gases with the addition of H2 and F2 at pressures up to 10 atm are studied. Efficient VUV lasing was obtained at wavelengths from 148 to 193 nm on the transitions of H2, F2 and exciplex ArF* molecules. It was shown that the addition of He buffer gas increases the pulse duration, while Ne addition improves the output energy of the VUV laser on the H2 Lyman band. A laser pulse duration over 10 ns and an output of 0.12 mJ were obtained. The diffuse discharge in mixtures of He with F2 was found to form as a result of successive ionization waves. It was shown that the laser pulse at 157 nm has three peaks, which correspond to the maxima of the diffuse discharge current. Therewith, the first or second peak of the laser radiation has the maximum intensity, depending on the amplitude of the conduction current in the primary ionization wave. A maximal F2* laser electrical efficiency of η
0 = 0.18% and an output of Q
157 = 3.8 mJ were obtained in a He–F2 gas mixture at pressure of 10 atm, which exceeds the efficiency of lasers of this type pumped by transverse volume discharges with UV preionization. Long-pulse operation of the ArF* laser was achieved in a He–Ne–Ar–F2 gas mixture. Lasing at 193 nm continued during two periods of the diffuse discharge current. The total duration of the laser pulse was as long as 40 ns, and the radiation energy at 193 nm was as high as 2 mJ from an active volume of 20 cm3.
Entropy and fractal analysis of brain-related neurophysiological signals in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Averna Alberto , Coelli Stefania , Ferrara Rosanna , Cerutti Sergio , Priori Alberto , Bianchi Anna Maria
Published: September 2023

Brain-related neuronal recordings, such as local field potential, electroencephalogram and magnetoencephalogram, offer the opportunity to study the complexity of the human brain at different spatial and temporal scales. The complex properties of neuronal signals are intrinsically related to the concept of ‘scale-free’ behavior and irregular dynamic, which cannot be fully described through standard linear methods, but can be measured by nonlinear indexes. A remarkable application of these analysis methods on electrophysiological recordings is the deep comprehension of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, that has been shown to be associated to changes in brain activity complexity. In particular, a decrease of global complexity has been associated to Alzheimer’s disease, while a local increase of brain signals complexity characterizes Parkinson’s disease. Despite the recent proliferation of studies using fractal and entropy-based analysis, the application of these techniques is still far from clinical practice, due to the lack of an agreement about their correct estimation and a conclusive and shared interpretation. Along with the aim of helping towards the realization of a multidisciplinary audience to approach nonlinear methods based on the concepts of fractality and irregularity, this survey describes the implementation and proper employment of the mostly known and applied indexes in the context of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Geometrical optics of large deviations of Brownian motion in inhomogeneous media
Authors: Bar Tal , Meerson Baruch
Published: September 2023

Geometrical optics provides an instructive insight into Brownian motion, ‘pushed’ into a large-deviations regime by imposed constraints. Here we extend geometrical optics of Brownian motion by accounting for diffusion inhomogeneity in space. We consider three simple model problems of Brownian motion on the line or in the plane in situations where the diffusivity of the Brownian particle depends on one spatial coordinate. One of our results describes ‘Brownian refraction’: an analog of refraction of light passing through a boundary between two media with different refraction indices.
Comparative Analysis of Friction and Wear Properties of Titanium Alloy Drill Pipe and Steel Drill Pipe
Authors: Wu Jiang , Li Yanjun , Liu Hexing , Shi Taihe , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Zhongshi , Yu Xiaoling , Guo Shujun , Jiang Yingbin , Yang Fugui , Sun Mingjun , Cong Peitao , Yu Hairui
Published: September 2023

During the drilling process of complex structural wells such as horizontal wells, the wear, and tear of the drill pipe can lead to its weakened strength, which is one of the important reasons for the damage accidents of the drill pipe. Titanium alloy drill pipes are widely used in major oil fields as a new type of lightweight drill pipe with high fatigue life. To compare the wear performance of titanium alloy drill pipe with wear-resistant zones and traditional S135 steel drill pipe, this article tested and analyzed the chemical composition, hardness, and metallographic structure of these two drill rod materials and established models for these two materials. In the experiment, the wear morphology and wear rate before and after the experiment were analyzed and compared. Finally, based on the experimental results, an in-depth analysis was conducted on the wear mechanism of the drill pipe, and anti-wear measures were proposed. The results show that the hardness of the two materials decreases from the wear-resistant belt to the inner wall, and the microhardness of the S135 drill pipe is about half of that of titanium alloy drill pipe with wear-resistant belt drill pipe; the wear test shows that the wear loss of the S135 drill pipe is 0.1667 g, the wear rate is 0.042 g/h; through measurement, it was found that the wear loss of titanium alloy drill pipe reached 0.0055 g, and the wear rate is 0.0063 g/h. The wear rate of S135 steel drill pipe under the same conditions is 6.7 times that of titanium alloy drill pipe. Through analysis, it is shown that under the same conditions, titanium alloy wear-resistant belts have excellent wear resistance, which can effectively protect the inner matrix and prevent excessive wear of drill pipes. The research results of this article can provide theoretical references for the on-site use of titanium alloy drill pipe and experimental research on drilling tool wear resistance.
Study on effect of heat-assisted rolling on surface morphology and mechanical properties of titanium alloy
Authors: Ye Renhu , Wang Rui
Published: September 2023

This paper mainly investigated the heating influence on surface rolling strengthening of titanium alloy based on the metal thermal softening effect. Surface morphology and mechanical properties of the samples before and after heat-assisted rolling were measured and analyzed. It was found that the surface smoothness and microhardness of the samples rolled at 80°C, 120°C, and 160°C gradually increased as the heating temperature increased. However, the sample rolled at 25°C still had the optimal surface morphology (Ra0.255), the highest surface microhardness (425 HV) and surface residual stress (-497 MPa) because of the characteristics of metal cold work hardening. But the thickness of the hardened layer is much smaller than that of the one rolled at 160°C. In addition, the finite element simulation of the rolling process was carried out, and the dynamic simulation results verified the experimental conclusions. The highest total energy on the surface of the sample rolled at room temperature also indicated its better surface properties.
Preparation of Freezing and Snowing Phase Change Materials for Roads and Their Thermal Performance Study
Authors: Shangguan Haonan , Chen Renshan , Dong Fuying , Wan Yingying , Hou Changlin
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the phase change materials suitable for anti-icing and snow melting were investigated and optimized and the silica-based phase change materials were prepared by the sol-gel process with n-dodecane as the core material. The effects of core-shell ratio, temperature, and stirring speed on material synthesis were analyzed by DSC, SEM, and FT-IR tests. Finally, the optimal preparation temperature, stirring speed, and core-shell ratio were obtained, the exothermic peak was -14.88 °C, and the enthalpy value was 75.78 J/g. Its lower phase change temperature makes such phase change materials prepared by the sol-gel method more suitable for low-temperature areas of asphalt pavement anti-low temperature, anti-ice, and snow melting.
The Effect of Powder Composition on the Microstructure and Properties of Bronze Oil-bearings
Authors: Zou Liming , Yu Lizhi , Su Zaijun , Li Liejun
Published: September 2023

The effects of different powder compositions on the microstructure and properties of the sintered oil bearings were investigated. Three different types of powder were used for the comparative tests. The research conclusions show that three different types of raw material powders have different pore structures. In the case of mixed powders, the sintered samples have a self-lubricating function that can both store oil and supply oil to the friction surface through capillary pores. When the raw material is a mixed powder in which Cu powder is less than 75 μm, it has the best self-lubricating function and oil retention.
Tuning the Degree of Protonation to Prepare Ultra-light and High Thermal Insulation Mullite Nanofiber Aerogels
Authors: Gao Chao , Liu Yi-Tao
Published: September 2023

Ceramic fiber aerogels play an important role in thermal insulation due to their high specific surface area and porosity. They have great potential in aircraft, the military industry, and metal smelting. Although traditional ceramic fiber has the advantages of high-temperature resistance, its brittleness, tensile resistance, and high production cost, greatly limit the application of ceramic aerogels. Using the sol-gel method and electrostatic spinning technique, we controlled the fibers’ random winding and mechanical properties by controlling the protonation of the spinning fluid. We prepared ultralightweight, flexible, and highly insulated mullite nanofiber aerogels with a volume density as low as 7 mg / cm3, thermal conductivity as low as 27 mW m−1 K−1, excellent thermal stability at 1,300 °C, high thermal insulation and retention of up to 50% of the ceramic fiber after initial compression. This material’s fabrication process and excellent insulation properties propose new opinions on the lightweight and durable insulation materials needed for aerospace and military insulation.
Design of High I
on/I
off Fin-Statistic Induction Transistor Based on Gallium Nitride
Authors: Zheng Ziyang , He Wei , Yang Jiaying , Huang Hao , Peng Fangxi
Published: September 2023

Aiming at the problems of poor current control and high gate leakage current of traditional static induction transistors, we designed a new structure of GaN-based static induction transistor (SIT) using TCAD software. The SIT uses a new type of fin channel and a high-work function gate metal. In addition, this work simulates the electrical properties of different structure SIT and explores the influence of the channel shape on the channel barrier voltage. According to the simulation results, the GaN SIT has the following properties: high breakdown voltage (BV=830V), strong current control capability (switch current ratio I
on/I
off=1×1014), high turn-on current density, and low device conduction loss.
Research on low-velocity impact characteristics of Z-pin reinforced quartz/phenolic laminates
Authors: Li Wenying , Li Yong , Jin Yue
Published: September 2023

The problem of in-plane damage caused by dynamic impact loading of composite laminates can be enhanced by implanting Z-pins. The effect of Z-pin implantation on the impact resistance of composite laminates is investigated experimentally, and the damage process is analyzed by establishing a low-velocity impact finite element model of Z-pin reinforced laminates. The test results show that the maximum impact contact force of Z-pin reinforced laminates can be increased by 8.23%, and the maximum contact force and absorbed energy of Z-pin reinforced samples both increase gradually with the increase of impact energy. The simulation results show that with the increase of impact energy, the expansion of impact damage is hindered by the Z-pin, and it reduces in-plane matrix damage. The expansion path of the interlaminar crack changes when it reaches the Z-pin enhancement area, and the shape of the interlaminar damage changes from circular to elliptical.
Online dynamic self-compensation of roll wear based on electronic temperature control technology
Authors: Chen Qifa , Hai Yang , Bai Yuhang , Xu Zhiqiang
Published: September 2023

Shape control is the core link in the production of sheet steel products, and the shape mainly depends on the control of the original roll profile of the rolling rolls. The wear of the roll is inevitable in the process of strip rolling. The electronic temperature control technology of the roll profile utilizes a heat source to drive flexible adjustment of the roll profile and directionally achieves the preset, adjustment, compensation, and other roll shape control requirements of local rolls. This article establishes an electronic temperature controlled roll model and uses numerical simulation methods to research the wear compensation of electronic temperature controlled rolls. The reliability of the model is verified using an electronic temperature controlled roll experimental platform, providing an online dynamic self-compensation method for roll wear.
Study on Gas-solid Two-phase Flow Field of Ramon Mill Classifier
Authors: Li Xuemei , Zhang Xin , Guo Yihua
Published: September 2023

To reveal the working principle and internal flow field law of the grading machine, the numerical simulation of the gas-solid two-phase flow field was carried out. In this paper, the numerical simulation method based on Fluent is used to obtain the internal velocity distribution and pressure distribution of the grading machine. The flow field of gas-solid two-phase was studied based on the CFD-DEM coupling, and the particle motion trajectory in the grading machine and the particle motion law in the flow field at different times were obtained; The influence of the operating parameters of the internal flow field on the force of particles in the grading machine was analyzed, and combined with the change of particle number, the particle collection efficiency of the grading machine under different operating parameters was further given. It is of guiding significance to adjust the parameters of the grading machine, improve the output and the product quality of the longitudinal mill, and reduce the energy consumption of the longitudinal mill.
High-speed and high-precision control of laser stealth dicing equipment based on interpolation and fitting
Authors: Xu Ziye , Xu Hongmei , Song Qi , Zhang Zhe , Wen Zhidong , Li Man , Hou Yu
Published: September 2023

As an advanced wafer dicing technology, stealth dicing has the advantage of better-cutting quality and faster-cutting speed than traditional blade dicing technology and has a broad application prospect for the future cutting of large and ultra-thin silicon wafers. The stealth dicing equipment involves two processes, i.e., wafer altimetry and follow-through processing in silicon wafer cutting, the altimetry accuracy of which determines the processing precision. In this paper, polynomial fitting, linear interpolation, and cubic spline interpolation are applied to predict the altimetry data at different speeds to achieve high-speed and high-precision altimetry under various speed conditions. The research shows that the prediction accuracy of the three methods is less than 1 μm. The linear interpolation has the highest accuracy during the altimetry speeds of 500 mm/s ~ 1500 mm/s. The polynomial fitting can achieve better prediction results by selecting the best fitting parameter when the altimetry speeds are 1500 mm/s ~ 2500 mm/s. The cubic spline interpolation is more suitable for the processing of data sampled at altimetry speeds between 2500 mm/s and 3000 mm/s.
Study on Hierarchically Buckled Surface Regulation for Stretchable Porous Microarchitectures Fibers
Authors: Han Jing , Xu Bingang , Li Zihua
Published: September 2023

Breath figure technology’s potential for surface modification of fibers to enable new functions in wearables is attractive. However, the development of extensible, multifunctional elastic fibers with hierarchically porous architectures remains a difficulty. We study a new technique for fiber surface modification based on the modified breath figure technique, which includes material selection, interfacial self-assembly, and pre-stretch ratio. The fabricated hierarchically porous elastic fibers exhibit features like finger joint buckled skin and a unique stretchable buckled porous structure. Influential factors such as elastic fiber base diameter, brick polymer solution concentration, and pre-stretch ratio were studied. This study presents a novel design and preparation of functional fiber materials with porous microstructures.
Theoretical Evaluation Methods for Remaining Strength of Seawater Pipelines with Corrosion Defects
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiang , Li Jun , Liu Xiang , Deng Chenxi
Published: September 2023

There are many theoretical evaluation methods for the remaining strength of corroded pipelines. In this paper, we focus on seawater pipelines with corrosion defects, and various theoretical evaluation results under different pipeline parameters and corrosion defect conditions were compared and analyzed by using commonly used theoretical evaluation methods. Meanwhile, the changes in corrosion defect length were studied, and the results of theoretical evaluation methods were compared with those of finite element methods. The use of evaluation methods for the remaining strength of corroded pipelines has certain practical significance.
Simulation Research on Residual Stress of Swage Autofrettage-processed High-Pressure Cylinder
Authors: Sun Lihua , Zhou Rongxuan , Li Guiqin , Li Jianing , Mitrouchev Peter
Published: September 2023

The vital component of the high-pressure pump is the high-pressure cylinder, which undergoes pulsating cyclic loads during operation. This exposure can lead to fatigue cracking and limit the pump’s overall performance. To address this issue, a swage autofrettage treatment method for the high-pressure cylinder is proposed based on the principles of autofrettage technology. The structure parameters of the mandrel are designed to optimize its role in the treatment process. Subsequently, a swage autofrettage simulation model is established, considering the Bauschinger effect to analyze the distribution of residual stress about the mandrel interference percentage. The results demonstrate that the swage autofrettage treatment improves the stress distribution in the high-pressure cylinder, causing the inner wall surface to undergo a circumferential residual compressive stress. Within a specific range, the Bauschinger effect becomes more significant as the mandrel interference percentage increases. This study provides insights for enhancing the durability and performance of high-pressure cylinders while adhering to mechanical engineering standards.
Numerical study on melt pool characteristics of thin-walled parts deposited by laser of IN718 alloy
Authors: Ji Huilong , Ruan Jiangtao , Liu Mingjie , Xiao Xia
Published: September 2023

As an efficient near-net shape-forming technology, LMD has attracted much attention. In this paper, the LMD process of single-pass multi-layer thin-walled parts of the nickel-based alloy is simulated by the finite element method, and the characteristic parameters of the melt pool are studied according to the temperature field. The impact of the process parameters including scan speed, laser power, spot radius as well as deposition thickness on the melt pool volume is discussed, which aims to provide theoretical support for the AM.
The structure and mechanical properties of high-strength aluminum alloys fabricated with wire arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Ma Yue , Wang Tao
Published: September 2023

In this study, optimized wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process parameters were used to fabricate 2319 aluminum alloy samples. The microstructure and mechanical properties of printed samples were carefully studied. The results showed that 2319 aluminum alloy samples manufactured by WAAM had good surface quality, and no metallurgical defects such as cracks or incomplete fusion were found in the samples. The printed 2319 aluminum alloy sample was mainly composed of the matrix phase ɑ (Al) and strengthening phase θ (Al2Cu). It was found that the quantity and distribution of strengthening phases were affected by the heat treatment process. Compared to the T4-state heat treatment, the distribution of the strengthening phase a (Al2Cu) was more uniform and its quantity was significantly increased after the T6-state (530 °C/20 h+170 °C/18 h) heat treatment. As a result, the results showed that its transverse tensile strength was 436.3 MPa and the elongation was 12%. Meanwhile, the longitudinal tensile strength was 376.3 MPa, and the elongation was 8.5%, which was much higher than the performance of casted 2319 aluminum alloy. The fracture surfaces of 2319 samples had small and uniform dimples, which indicated that they belonged to ductile fracture.
Community forestry dominates the recent land greening amid climate change in Nepal
Authors: Gao Shenshen , Wang Lang , Hao Lu , Sun Ge
Published: September 2023

The Himalaya Plateau including Nepal is ‘greening up’ that has important implications to ecosystem services such as water supply, carbon sequestration, and local livelihoods. Understanding the combined causes behind greening is critical for effective policy makings in forest management and climate change adaptation towards achieving sustainable development goals. This national scale study comprehensively examined the natural and anthropogenic drivers of the long-term trend of vegetation dynamics across Nepal by correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. We integrated multiple sources of data including global satellite-based leaf area index (LAI), climate data, landcover data, and forest land management information. Our study reveals a remarkable annual mean LAI increase of 22% (0.009 m2 m−2 yr−1) (p < 0.05) from 1982 to 2020, with an acceleration in the rate of increase to 0.016 m2 m−2 yr−1 (p < 0.05) after 2004. The community forestry (CF) program, forest area changes, and soil moisture availability accounted for 40%, 12%, and 10% of LAI temporal variability, respectively. Our analysis found soil moisture and forest area changes to be the primary drivers of the greening trend before 2004, while CF and forest expansion were the dominant factors thereafter. Additionally, interannual vegetation dynamics were significantly influenced by winter precipitation, incoming solar radiation, and pre-monsoon soil moisture. The projections based on four Earth System Models from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 suggest that Nepal’s greening trend is expected to continue at a rate of 0.009 m2 m−2 yr−1 (p < 0.05) throughout the 21st century. We conclude that forest management program (CF) amid climate change that alters water and energy conditions have enhanced land greening, posing both opportunities and risks to ecosystem services in Nepal. This study provides much needed national-level information for developing forest management policies and designing Nature-based Solutions to respond to climate change and increasing demands for ecosystem services in Nepal.
Towards fully green printed device with environmental perspectives
Authors: Zhuldybina Mariia , Torres Mirko , Nafez Hussein Rahaf , Moulay Ahmed , Breen Carmichael Tricia , Duc Trinh Ngoc , Bois Chloé
Published: September 2023

Printed electronics (PE) is growing rapidly through innovation in several pathways: ink formulation, substrate improvement, printing and drying process optimization. All these developments are combining to enable the production of a new generation of PE devices that reduce e-waste. However, the main question of the recyclability of these devices is critical. This article is focused on (1) the industrial fabrication of recyclable substrates prepared by roll-to-roll printing using flexographic printing units to cover paper with shellac solution and (2) the environmental impact assessment of new development of PE. To investigate the performance of the produced substrate, a battery-less near-field communication antenna was printed with a flatbed screen printing using silver ink. The print quality, electrical resistance and the basic functional characterization of these paper-based antennas were investigated and reported. To validate the functionality of printed devices, a

2.5
×
2.5

 mm2 electronic chip was integrated onto the printed device. In order to predict the future perspectives and development of the PE, environmental challenges of the ink and substrates, during the production and end-of-life phases, are explored and discussed.
Implementation and assessment of an electronic clinical decision support tool to notify clinicians of critical hyperbilirubinemia in preterm neonates less than 35 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Xiao Yi , Palmucc Mandy , Carlin Lance , Lee Catherine , O’Gorman Maurice R G , Nair Srikumar , Yieh Leah , Leung Edward Ki-Yun
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Critical hyperbilirubinemia in preterm neonates, a condition requiring greater attention, is treated with phototherapy or exchange transfusion when bilirubin results exceed gestational age and age-specific medical decision levels (MDLs) to prevent bilirubin-induced neurologic damage. Conventional evaluation involves multiple manual steps and is poised to inconsistencies and delays.

Methods

We designed and implemented an electronic clinical decision support (CDS) tool to identify and alert neonatal intensive care unit clinicians of critical hyperbilirubinemia with a SmartZone alert. We evaluated the performance of our manual evaluation workflow, the accuracy of the electronic CDS tool, and the outcome of the electronic CDS tool to reduce the time to place orders for interventions.

Results

Among the 22 patients who met the criteria to have phototherapy ordered before implementing the electronic CDS tool, 20 (90%) had phototherapy ordered. Fourteen (70%) phototherapy orders were placed less than 24 hours, 4 phototherapy orders were placed 24 to 72 hours, and 2 orders were placed more than 72 hours after bilirubin results exceeded the corresponding MDLs. Among the 15 patients who met the criteria to have phototherapy ordered after implementing the electronic CDS tool, all (100%) received phototherapy orders, with 14 (93%) placed less than 24 hours and 1 order placed less than 48 hours. The electronic CDS tool identified all eligible patients correctly. The proportion of phototherapy ordered less than 24 hours increased from 70% to 93% after the implementation of the electronic CDS tool.

Conclusions

The electronic CDS tool promoted more appropriate and timely intervention orders to manage critical hyperbilirubinemia in preterm neonates.
The CAM lineages of planet Earth
Authors: Gilman Ian S , Smith J Andrew C , Holtum Joseph A M , Sage Rowan F , Silvera Katia , Winter Klaus , Edwards Erika J
Published: September 2023

Background and Scope

The growth of experimental studies of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) in diverse plant clades, coupled with recent advances in molecular systematics, presents an opportunity to re-assess the phylogenetic distribution and diversity of species capable of CAM. It has been more than two decades since the last comprehensive lists of CAM taxa were published, and an updated survey of the occurrence and distribution of CAM taxa is needed to facilitate and guide future CAM research. We aimed to survey the phylogenetic distribution of these taxa, their diverse morphology, physiology and ecology, and the likely number of evolutionary origins of CAM based on currently known lineages.

Results and Conclusions

We found direct evidence (in the form of experimental or field observations of gas exchange, day–night fluctuations in organic acids, carbon isotope ratios and enzymatic activity) for CAM in 370 genera of vascular plants, representing 38 families. Further assumptions about the frequency of CAM species in CAM clades and the distribution of CAM in the Cactaceae and Crassulaceae bring the currently estimated number of CAM-capable species to nearly 7 % of all vascular plants. The phylogenetic distribution of these taxa suggests a minimum of 66 independent origins of CAM in vascular plants, possibly with dozens more. To achieve further insight into CAM origins, there is a need for more extensive and systematic surveys of previously unstudied lineages, particularly in living material to identify low-level CAM activity, and for denser sampling to increase phylogenetic resolution in CAM-evolving clades. This should allow further progress in understanding the functional significance of this pathway by integration with studies on the evolution and genomics of CAM in its many forms.
Cardinality optimization in constraint-based modelling: application to human metabolism
Authors: Fleming Ronan M T , Haraldsdottir Hulda S , Minh Le Hoai , Vuong Phan Tu , Hankemeier Thomas , Thiele Ines
Published: September 2023

Motivation

Several applications in constraint-based modelling can be mathematically formulated as cardinality optimization problems involving the minimization or maximization of the number of nonzeros in a vector. These problems include testing for stoichiometric consistency, testing for flux consistency, testing for thermodynamic flux consistency, computing sparse solutions to flux balance analysis problems and computing the minimum number of constraints to relax to render an infeasible flux balance analysis problem feasible. Such cardinality optimization problems are computationally complex, with no known polynomial time algorithms capable of returning an exact and globally optimal solution.

Results

By approximating the zero-norm with nonconvex continuous functions, we reformulate a set of cardinality optimization problems in constraint-based modelling into a difference of convex functions. We implemented and numerically tested novel algorithms that approximately solve the reformulated problems using a sequence of convex programs. We applied these algorithms to various biochemical networks and demonstrate that our algorithms match or outperform existing related approaches. In particular, we illustrate the efficiency and practical utility of our algorithms for cardinality optimization problems that arise when extracting a model ready for thermodynamic flux balance analysis given a human metabolic reconstruction.

Availability and implementation

Open source scripts to reproduce the results are here https://github.com/opencobra/COBRA.papers/2023_cardOpt with general purpose functions integrated within the COnstraint-Based Reconstruction and Analysis toolbox: https://github.com/opencobra/cobratoolbox.
P-DOR, an easy-to-use pipeline to reconstruct bacterial outbreaks using genomics
Authors: Batisti Biffignandi Gherard , Bellinzona Greta , Petazzoni Greta , Sassera Davide , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Bandi Claudio , Baldanti Fausto , Comandatore Francesco , Gaiarsa Stefano
Published: September 2023

Bacterial Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are a major threat worldwide, which can be counteracted by establishing effective infection control measures, guided by constant surveillance and timely epidemiological investigations. Genomics is crucial in modern epidemiology but lacks standard methods and user-friendly software, accessible to users without a strong bioinformatics proficiency. To overcome these issues we developed P-DOR, a novel tool for rapid bacterial outbreak characterization. P-DOR accepts genome assemblies as input, it automatically selects a background of publicly available genomes using k-mer distances and adds it to the analysis dataset before inferring a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogeny. Epidemiological clusters are identified considering the phylogenetic tree topology and SNP distances. By analyzing the SNP-distance distribution, the user can gauge the correct threshold. Patient metadata can be inputted as well, to provide a spatio-temporal representation of the outbreak. The entire pipeline is fast and scalable and can be also run on low-end computers.

Availability and implementation

P-DOR is implemented in Python3 and R and can be installed using conda environments. It is available from GitHub https://github.com/SteMIDIfactory/P-DOR under the GPL-3.0 license.
Primate coloration and colour vision: a comparative approach
Authors: Macdonald Robert X , Sheard Catherine , Howell Natasha , Caro Tim
Published: September 2023

Primates are remarkably colourful in comparison to other mammals. In particular, several species exhibit red–orange pelage or bright red skin, with the latter thought to signal status in intraspecific dominance interactions or to signal fertility. One potential driver of the interspecific diversity in red coloration is the primate visual system, which, uniquely among eutherian mammals, varies interspecifically and even between conspecifics in the ability to distinguish red and green (trichromatic colour vision). Previous comparative studies, however, have produced conflicting results regarding the proposed link between coloration and visual system. We employed an updated, sex-specific dataset of primate coloration and visual systems to re-examine the relationship between colour vision and red coloration across the entire order. With a few exceptions, increased colour visual ability is not significantly associated with the presence of red skin on the face or anogenital region, nor of red–orange pelage. We discuss possible reasons for the lack of colour–vision associations and suggest that dichromatic colour vision still facilitates effective signalling between conspecifics.
Phenotyping left ventricular systolic dysfunction in asymptomatic individuals for improved risk stratification
Authors: Rauseo Elisa , Abdulkareem Musa , Khan Abbas , Cooper Jackie , Lee Aaron M , Aung Nay , Slabaugh Gregory G , Petersen Steffen E
Published: September 2023

Aims

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LSVD) is a heterogeneous condition with several factors influencing prognosis. Better phenotyping of asymptomatic individuals can inform preventative strategies. This study aims to explore the clinical phenotypes of LVSD in initially asymptomatic subjects and their association with clinical outcomes and cardiovascular abnormalities through multi-dimensional data clustering.

Methods and results

Clustering analysis was performed on 60 clinically available variables from 1563 UK Biobank participants without pre-existing heart failure (HF) and with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment. Risks of developing HF, other cardiovascular events, death, and a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) associated with clusters were investigated. Cardiovascular imaging characteristics, not included in the clustering analysis, were also evaluated. Three distinct clusters were identified, differing considerably in lifestyle habits, cardiovascular risk factors, electrocardiographic parameters, and cardiometabolic profiles. A stepwise increase in risk profile was observed from Cluster 1 to Cluster 3, independent of traditional risk factors and LVEF. Compared with Cluster 1, the lowest risk subset, the risk of MACE ranged from 1.42 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.96; P < 0.05] for Cluster 2 to 1.72 (95% CI: 1.36–2.35; P < 0.001) for Cluster 3. Cluster 3, the highest risk profile, had features of adverse cardiovascular imaging with the greatest LV re-modelling, myocardial dysfunction, and decrease in arterial compliance.

Conclusions

Clustering of clinical variables identified three distinct risk profiles and clinical trajectories of LVSD amongst initially asymptomatic subjects. Improved characterization may facilitate tailored interventions based on the LVSD sub-type and improve clinical outcomes.
Acute severe aortic insufficiency during cardiopulmonary bypass in a bicuspid aortic valve with unrecognized annular displacement and fibrous strands: a case report
Authors: Saito Tetsuya , Kawamura Masashi , Murakami Takashi , Sakaki Masayuki
Published: September 2023

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with displacement of the attachment of the conjoined aortic leaflet and fibrous strands is a rare cardiac malformation. We report a case of BAV that presented as acute massive aortic regurgitation during cardiopulmonary bypass for a planned non-valve–related procedure and was successfully treated by emergency aortic valve replacement.

Case summary

A 70-year-old man with triple vessel coronary disease and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction underwent coronary bypass grafting and graft replacement of the ascending aorta. Acute aortic regurgitation occurred during ventricular fibrillation and after de-clamping of the aortic graft. Intra-operative findings included a fused BAV (right–left cusp fusion), very asymmetrical leaflet (commissure angle of the non-fused leaflet 135°), three aortic sinuses, and conjoined leaflets originating from the myocardium in the inter-ventricular septum. The aortic leaflets were resected and replaced with a prosthetic aortic valve at the attachment site of the conjoined leaflets. Post-operatively, no peri-valvular leaks were observed, and left ventricular function was improved.

Discussion

Intra-operative acute massive aortic regurgitation may be caused by a morphologically abnormal aortic leaflet and root complex in patients with a BAV. The dilated aortic root, asymmetrical leaflet, and abnormal aortic leaflet insertion, with thick septal myocardium of the coronary aortic sinus, might have caused unstable leaflet co-aptation, leading to deformation of the aortic leaflets influenced by the change in myocardial tone and intra-operative change in the sinotubular junction. Familiarity with the classification of congenital BAV, and the anatomy of the normal and abnormal aortic root complex, is important.
Micro-foundations of the Quest for Status: Testing Self-Status Perception and the Multilateral Use of Force
Authors: Masumura Yuji , Tago Atsushi
Published: September 2023

Research on status in international relations has expanded in the last few decades. The key empirical studies suggest that status concern generates an incentive for initiating international conflicts since unilateral military engagement is believed to increase the status of a country. We concur with this argument. However, a further study should be conducted to find whether “multilateral” military engagement can change status perceptions and therefore be related to international politics over status. The test is important since the multilateral use of force is distinct from the unilateral use of force in its theoretical background and its connotation in world politics. In our experiment conducted in Japan, we treat the information on the multilateral use of force, and examine whether variations of the treatment information change people’s self-perception over their country’s international status. The results show that participation in a multilateral use of force increases and an early departure from the multilateral mission out of casualty concerns decreases their country’s self-status perception. Also, we successfully identify that the people who have a high social dominance orientation trait are more susceptible to such information.