bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constraints on the Hubble constant from supernova Refsdal’s reappearance
Authors: Kelly Patrick L. , Rodney Steven , Treu Tommaso , Oguri Masamune , Chen Wenlei , Zitrin Adi , Birrer Simon , Bonvin Vivien , Dessart Luc , Diego Jose M. , Filippenko Alexei V. , Foley Ryan J. , Gilman Daniel , Hjorth Jens , Jauzac Mathilde , Mandel Kaisey , Millon Martin , Pierel Justin , Sharon Keren , Thorp Stephen , Williams Liliya , Broadhurst Tom , Dressler Alan , Graur Or , Jha Saurabh , McCully Curtis , Postman Marc , Schmidt Kasper Borello , Tucker Brad E. , von der Linden Anja
Published: May 2023

The gravitationally lensed supernova Refsdal appeared in multiple images produced through gravitational lensing by a massive foreground galaxy cluster. After the supernova appeared in 2014, lens models of the galaxy cluster predicted that an additional image of the supernova would appear in 2015, which was subsequently observed. We use the time delays between the images to perform a blinded measurement of the expansion rate of the Universe, quantified by the Hubble constant (
H
0
). Using eight cluster lens models, we infer

H
0

=

64.8

−
4.3

+
4.4

 kilometers per second per megaparsec

. Using the two models most consistent with the observations, we find

H
0

=

66.6

−
3.3

+
4.1

 kilometers per second per megaparsec

. The observations are best reproduced by models that assign dark-matter halos to individual galaxies and the overall cluster.
Fluoropolymer ferroelectrics: Multifunctional platform for polar-structured energy conversion
Authors: Qian Xiaoshi , Chen Xin , Zhu Lei , Zhang Q. M.
Published: May 2023

Ferroelectric materials are currently some of the most widely applied material systems and are constantly generating improved functions with higher efficiencies. Advancements in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)–based polymer ferroelectrics provide flexural, coupling-efficient, and multifunctional material platforms for applications that demand portable, lightweight, wearable, and durable features. We highlight the recent advances in fluoropolymer ferroelectrics, their energetic cross-coupling effects, and emerging technologies, including wearable, highly efficient electromechanical actuators and sensors, electrocaloric refrigeration, and dielectric devices. These developments reveal that the molecular and nanostructure manipulations of the polarization-field interactions, through facile defect biasing, could introduce enhancements in the physical effects that would enable the realization of multisensory and multifunctional wearables for the emerging immersive virtual world and smart systems for a sustainable future.
Cultured Renal Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells Resemble a Stressed/Damaged Kidney While Supporting BK Virus Infection
Authors: An Ping , Sáenz Robles Maria Teresa , Cantalupo Paul G. , Naik Abhijit S. , Sealfon Rachel , Imperiale Michael J. , Pipas James M.
Published: May 2023

Cultured primary human cells provide powerful tools for the study of viral infectious cycles and host virus interactions. In the case of BKV-associated nephropathy, viral replication occurs primarily in the proximal tubule epithelia in the kidney.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Putative Raw Milk-Associated Probiotic Bacterium, Pediococcus acidilactici ISO17
Authors: Makete Goitsemang , Mamphogoro Tshifhiwa Paris
Published: May 2023

Pediococcus acidilactici
is a beneficial lactic acid bacterium frequently studied for its probiotic potential. Here, we present a 2.32-Mb draft genome sequence of strain ISO17, with a G+C content of 42%. The genome was predicted to harbor 4 rRNA genes, 47 tRNA genes, and 2,297 protein-coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Pasteurella multocida Strain Isolated from a Spotted Deer (Axis axis) in India
Authors: Yadav Akanksha , Singh Bhoj Raj , Pawde Abhijit M. , Thomas Prasad , Singh Vidya , Singh Rohit , Singh Shiv Varan , Ravichandran Karthikeyan , Agri Himani , Jayakumar Varsha , Amachawadi Raghavendra G.
Published: May 2023

Here, we report the genome sequence of a
Pasteurella multocida
strain isolated from the heart blood of a spotted deer (Bareilly, India). The 2.44-Mbp genome has 2,227 coding sequences, with a G+C content of 40.7%.
Robust Vaccine-Induced as Well as Hybrid B- and T-Cell Immunity across SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Platforms in People with HIV
Authors: Verburgh Myrthe L. , van Pul Lisa , Grobben Marloes , Boyd Anders , Wit Ferdinand W. N. M. , van Nuenen Ad C. , van Dort Karel A. , Tejjani Khadija , van Rijswijk Jacqueline , Bakker Margreet , van der Hoek Lia , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F. , van der Valk Marc , van Gils Marit J. , Kootstra Neeltje A. , Reiss Peter , Reiss P. , Wit F. W. N. M. , van der Valk M. , Boyd A. , Verburgh M. L. , van der Wulp I. A. J. , Vanbellinghen M. C. , van Eeden C. J. , Schim van der Loeff M. F. , Koole J. C. D. , del Grande L. , Agard I. , Zaheri S. , Hillebregt M. M. J. , Ruijs Y. M. C. , Benschop D. P. , el Berkaoui A. , Boyd A. , Wit F. W. N. M. , Kootstra N. A. , Harskamp-Holwerda A. M. , Maurer I. , Mangas Ruiz M. M. , Boeser-Nunnink B. D. N. , Starozhitskaya O. S. , van der Hoek L. , Bakker M. , van Gils M. J. , Dol L. , Rongen G. , Geerlings S. E. , Goorhuis A. , Hovius J. W. R. , Nellen F. J. B. , Prins J. M. , van der Poll T. , van der Valk M. , Wiersinga W. J. , van Vugt M. , de Bree G. , Lemkes B. A. , Spoorenberg V. , Wit F. W. N. M. , van Eden J. , Pijnappel F. J. J. , Weijsenfeld A. , Smalhout S. , Hylkema-van den Bout I. J. , Bruins C. , Spelbrink M. E. , Postema P. G. , Bisschop P. H. L. T. , Dekker E. , van der Velde N. , Franssen R. , Willemsen J. M. R. , Vogt L. , Portegies P. , Geurtsen G. J. , Visser I. , Schadé A. , Nieuwkerk P. T. , van Steenwijk R. P. , Jonkers R. E. , Majoie C. B. L. M. , Caan M. W. A. , van den Born B. J. H. , Stroes E. S. G. , van Oorspronk S.
Published: May 2023

Some studies have suggested that people with HIV may respond less well to vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. We comprehensively compared B- and T-cell responses to different COVID-19 vaccines in middle-aged persons with well-treated HIV and individuals of the same age without HIV, who were also highly comparable in terms of demographics and lifestyle, including those with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Effect of resistance exercise dose components for tendinopathy management: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Pavlova Anastasia Vladimirovna , Shim Joanna S C , Moss Rachel , Maclean Colin , Brandie David , Mitchell Laura , Greig Leon , Parkinson Eva , Alexander Lyndsay , Tzortziou Brown Victoria , Morrissey Dylan , Cooper Kay , Swinton Paul A
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate potential moderating effects of resistance exercise dose components including intensity, volume and frequency, for the management of common tendinopathies.

Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regressions.

Data sources

Including but not limited to: MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov and ISRCTN Registry.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials investigating resistance exercise as the dominant treatment class, reporting sufficient information regarding ≥2 components of exercise dose.

Results

A total of 110 studies were included in meta-analyses (148 treatment arms (TAs), 3953 participants), reporting on five tendinopathy locations (rotator cuff: 48 TAs; Achilles: 43 TAs; lateral elbow: 29 TAs; patellar: 24 TAs; gluteal: 4 TAs). Meta-regressions provided consistent evidence of greater pooled mean effect sizes for higher intensity therapies comprising additional external resistance compared with body mass only (large effect size domains:βBodyMass: External= 0.50 (95% credible interval (CrI): 0.15 to 0.84; p=0.998); small effect size domains (βBodyMass: External= 0.04 (95% CrI: −0.21 to 0.31; p=0.619)) when combined across tendinopathy locations or analysed separately. Greater pooled mean effect sizes were also identified for the lowest frequency (less than daily) compared with mid (daily) and high frequencies (more than once per day) for both effect size domains when combined or analysed separately (p≥0.976). Evidence for associations between training volume and pooled mean effect sizes was minimal and inconsistent.

Summary/conclusion

Resistance exercise dose is poorly reported within tendinopathy management literature. However, this large meta-analysis identified some consistent patterns indicating greater efficacy on average with therapies prescribing higher intensities (through inclusion of additional loads) and lower frequencies, potentially creating stronger stimuli and facilitating adequate recovery.
Factors associated with viral load non-suppression in people living with HIV on ART in Nigeria: cross-sectional analysis from 2017 to 2021
Authors: Tomescu Silviu , Crompton Thomas , Adebayo Jonathan , Akpan Francis , Dauda Dauda Sulaiman , Allen Zola , Ondura Evans Odhiambo , Wose Kinge Constance , Chasela Charles , Pisa Pedro
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Identify factors (demographic and clinical) associated with a non-suppressed viral load (VL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nigeria.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Sixteen US Agency for International Development supported states in Nigeria.

Participants

585 632 PLHIV on ART.

Primary outcome measures

VL non-suppression (defined as having a VL of at least 1000 HIV RNA copies per mL of plasma). χ2testing and multivariable modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimates were conducted on routinely collected ART programme data.

Results

Sixty-six per cent of the study population were females. The largest age groups were 25–34 and 35–44, accounting for 32.1% and 31.1%, respectively. Males had a 9% greater likelihood (adjusted prevalence ratio, APR=1.09) of being non-suppressed. The age groups below 60+ (APR=0.67) had a higher likelihood of a non-suppressed VL, with the highest in the 0–14 age group (APR=2.38). Clients enrolled at tertiary and secondary level facilities had the greatest likelihood of a non-suppressed VL. Clients who started ART between 2010 and 2015 had the greatest likelihood of viral non-suppression (APR=6.19). A shorter time on ART (<1 year (APR=3.92)) was associated with a higher likelihood of a non-suppressed VL. Clients receiving care at private facilities had a lower likelihood of viral non-suppression in the adjusted model. Clients in the Edo (APR=2.66) and Niger (APR=2.54) states had the greatest likelihood of viral non-suppression.

Conclusions

Targeting males, clients of younger age, those on treatment for less than 3 years, clients at tertiary and secondary health facilities, small and medium facilities, and clients in the Edo, Niger and Borno states for interventions could lead to improvements in VL suppression in Nigeria. The independent factors associated with a non-suppressed VL can guide improvements in ART programme development and VL suppression of PLHIV on ART in Nigeria.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-COVID-19 depression: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Bei , Liu Haijing , Luo Xin , Liu Yuhua , Pan Jin , Yang Meidi , Tian Hangcheng , Hu Chi , Feng Yang , Li Cuiling
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Post-COVID-19 depression (PCD) is a possible sequela of COVID-19. Some doctors have used acupuncture to treat PCD, but no systematic review or meta-analysis has yet evaluated its efficacy and safety for the treatment of PCD. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for PCD.

Methods and analysis

Two reviewers will independently search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline (PubMed), Excerpt Medica Database (EMBASE), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Scientiﬁc Journal Database (VIP) and Wan-Fang Database from inception to 24 January 2023. Study selection, data extraction and assessment of study quality will be independently performed by two reviewers. If a meta-analysis is appropriate, Review Manager V.5.3 will be used for data synthesis; otherwise, a descriptive analysis will be conducted. Data will be synthesised using a ﬁxed-effects or random-effects model, according to the results of a heterogeneity test. The results will be presented as risk ratios with 95% CIs for dichotomous data, and weighted mean differences or standardised mean differences with 95% CIs for continuous data.

Ethics and dissemination

The entire process used for this systematic review does not use private information, so ethical approval is not required. The results of this meta-analysis will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and/or conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022379312.
Feasibility randomised controlled trial of online group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Functional Cognitive Disorder (ACT4FCD)
Authors: Poole Norman , Cope Sarah , Vanzan Serena , Duffus Aimee , Mantovani Nadia , Smith Jared , Barrett Barbara M , Tokley Melanie , Scicluna Martin , Beardmore Sarah , Turner Kati , Edwards Mark , Howard Robert
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Functional cognitive disorder (FCD) is seen increasingly in clinics commissioned to assess cognitive disorders. Patients report frequent cognitive, especially memory, failures. The diagnosis can be made clinically, and unnecessary investigations avoided. While there is some evidence that psychological treatments can be helpful, they are not routinely available. Therefore, we have developed a brief psychological intervention using the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) that can be delivered in groups and online. We are conducting a feasibility study to assess whether the intervention can be delivered within a randomised controlled trial. We aim to study the feasibility of recruitment, willingness to be randomised to intervention or control condition, adherence to the intervention, completion of outcome measures and acceptability of treatment.

Methods and analysis

We aim to recruit 48 participants randomised 50:50 to either the ACT intervention and treatment as usual (TAU), or TAU alone. ACT will be provided to participants in the treatment arm following completion of baseline outcome measures. Completion of these outcome measures will be repeated at 8, 16 and 26 weeks. The measures will assess several domains including psychological flexibility, subjective cognitive symptoms, mood and anxiety, health-related quality of life and functioning, healthcare utilisation, and satisfaction with care and participant-rated improvement. Fifteen participants will be selected for in-depth qualitative interviews about their experiences of living with FCD and of the ACT intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

The study received a favourable opinion from the South East Scotland Research Ethics Committee 02 on 30 September 2022 (REC reference: 22/SS/0059). HRA approval was received on 1 November 2022 (IRAS 313730). The results will be published in full in an open-access journal.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN12939037.
New perspective on exploring the predictive factors of blood pressure reduction during CPAP treatment in people with severe OSA and hypertension: a prospective observational study
Authors: Meng Zili , Chen Ying , Yang Ting , Sun Bo , Luo Chao , Wei Guihong , Xie Xiaochen , Gu Yang , Ding Ning , Zhang Xilong , Xu Jing
Published: May 2023

Background

The predictive factors of blood pressure (BP) response to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are still being explored. We aimed to assess the antihypertensive effect of CPAP considering the obstructive respiratory event-triggered BP surge profiles in 130 subjects with severe OSA and untreated hypertension.

Methods

Nocturnal BP was monitored continuously and synchronised with polysomnography. Event-triggered BP surge profiles were studied: BP surge as the value of event-related systolic BP (SBP) elevation; BP index as the number of BP surge events of ≥10 mm Hg per hour. Patients were then divided into two groups according to the median BP index (high and low BP surge groups) and assigned to 4 weeks of CPAP. Changes in BPs and plasma biomarkers were compared. After the initial evaluation, patients with a better BP response in the high BP surge group were then followed up for the second evaluation at 24 months.

Results

Overall, a modest decrease was observed in both office and asleep BPs at the 4-week follow-up; however, BPs dropped more markedly in patients in the high BP surge group than those in the low BP surge group, in both office SBP (5.3 mm Hg vs 2.2 mm Hg, p=0.003) and diastolic BP (4.0 mm Hg vs 1.2 mm Hg, p<0.001), especially the asleep SBP (9.0 mm Hg vs 2.1 mm Hg, p<0.001). For 30 cases in the high BP surge group, optimal BP control was achieved in 60.0% of patients and BP<140/90 mm Hg reached up to 83.3% after 24 months of CPAP. Linear regression revealed that BP index was significantly associated with BP decrease during CPAP treatment.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that high event-triggered BP surge was a sensitive predictor of BP response to CPAP in patients with severe OSA and untreated hypertension.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier:NCT03246022;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03246022?term=NCT+03246022&draw=2&rank=1.
Distinguishing functional from primary tics: a study of expert video assessments
Authors: Rigas Antigony , Mainka Tina , Pringsheim Tamara , Münchau Alexander , Malaty Irene , Worbe Yulia , Cavanna Andrea E , Lees Andrew John , Lang Anthony E , Martino Davide , Ganos Christos
Published: May 2023

Background

Reliably applied criteria to differentiate functional from primary tics are lacking. In the absence of biological markers, the development of new diagnostic criteria to assist clinicians is predicated on expert judgement and consensus. This study examines the level of diagnostic agreement of experts in tic disorders using video footage and clinical descriptions.

Methods

Using a two-part survey, eight experts in the diagnosis and management of tics were first asked to study 24 case videos of adults with primary tics, functional tics or both and to select a corresponding diagnosis. In the second part of the survey, additional clinical information was provided, and the diagnosis was then reconsidered. Inter-rater agreement was measured using Fleiss’ kappa. In both study parts, the factors which influenced diagnostic decision-making and overall diagnostic confidence were reviewed.

Results

Based on phenomenology alone, the diagnostic agreement among the expert raters was only fair for the pooled diagnoses (κ=0.21) as well as specifically for functional (κ=0.26) and primary tics (κ=0.24). Additional clinical information increased overall diagnostic agreement to moderate (κ=0.51) for both functional (κ=0.6) and primary tics (κ=0.57). The main factors informing diagnosis were tic semiology, age at tic onset, presence of premonitory urges, tic suppressibility, the temporal latency between tic onset and peak severity, precipitants and tic triggers and changes in the overall phenotypic presentation.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that in the absence of clinical information, the diagnostic distinction between primary and functional tics is often difficult, even for expert clinicians.
Determinants and clinical outcomes of patients who refused anticoagulation: findings from the global GARFIELD-AF registry
Authors: Apenteng Patricia , Virdone Saverio , Camm John , Fox Keith A A , Bassand Jean-Pierre , Turpie Alexander G G , Oh Seil , Brodmann Marianne , Cools Frank , Barretto Antonio C P , Nielsen Jørn , Haas Sylvia , Kayani Gloria , Pieper Karen S , Kakkar Ajay K
Published: May 2023

Objective

There is a substantial incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) not receiving anticoagulation. The reasons for not receiving anticoagulation are generally attributed to clinician’s choice, however, a proportion of AF patients refuse anticoagulation. The aim of our study was to investigate factors associated with patient refusal of anticoagulation and the clinical outcomes in these patients.

Methods

Our study population comprised patients in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD-AF) registry with CHA2DS2-VASc≥2. A logistic regression was developed with predictors of patient anticoagulation refusal identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator methodology. Patient demographics, medical and cardiovascular history, lifestyle factors, vital signs (body mass index, pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure), type of AF and care setting at diagnosis were considered as potential predictors. We also investigated 2-year outcomes of non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding and all-cause mortality in patients who refused versus patients who received and patients who did not receive anticoagulation for other reasons.

Results

Out of 43 154 AF patients, who were at high risk of stroke, 13 283 (30.8%) did not receive anticoagulation at baseline. The reason for not receiving anticoagulation was unavailable for 38.7% (5146/13 283); of the patients with a known reason for not receiving anticoagulation, 12.5% (1014/8137) refused anticoagulation. Diagnosis in primary care/general practitioner, Asian ethnicity and presence of vascular disease were strongly associated with a higher risk of patient refusal of anticoagulation. Patient refusal of anticoagulation was associated with a higher risk of non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.16 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.76)) but lower all-cause mortality (aHR 0.59 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.80)) compared with patients who received anticoagulation. The GARFIELD-AF mortality score corroborated this result.

Conclusion

The data suggest patient refusal of anticoagulation is a missed opportunity to prevent AF-related stroke. Further research is required to understand the patient profile and mortality outcome of patients who refuse anticoagulation.
Feasibility study of using bench-scale centrifugation for segregation and consolidation behaviour of oil sands tailings products
Authors: Wong Chee K. , Hu Tianquan , Graham Michael , Wong Ron C.K.
Published: May 2023

Fluid fine tailings (FFT) are a by-product of the process used to extract bitumen from surface-mined oil sands in Alberta, Canada. One of the FFT reclamation techniques involves mixing centrifuged FFT with coarse sand tailings to form non-segregating tailings (NST). While NST provides a means to achieve mine closure and reclamation objectives, the self-weight consolidation of NST takes years to complete in full-scale testing. This paper examines the use of bench-scale centrifugation for physical modelling of the consolidation of NST under centrifuge loading. A series of bench-scale centrifuge tests is conducted on NST specimens reconstituted at different sand–fines ratios (SFRs), along with conventional oedometer and standpipe tests. Micro-computed tomography technique with high resolution is used to quantify the internal structure of the centrifuged specimens, and to infer the segregation and consolidation behaviour of NST specimens under 1-g and centrifuge loading. No segregation is detected in NST specimens under 1-g loading, while segregation occurs in NST specimens with low SFRs under centrifugal loading. Thus, only consolidation behaviour of NST specimens without segregation is investigated and compared to those determined from conventional oedometer tests. Limitations on use of bench-scale centrifuge in physical modelling of consolidation behaviour of oil sands tailings are addressed.
Research status and emerging trends in remediation of contaminated sites: a bibliometric network analysis
Authors: Cui Wenwen , Dong Xiaoqiang , Li Xiaoqiang , Zhang Jieya , Lu Yisi , Yang Fan
Published: May 2023

Site contamination poses a grave danger to the environmental quality and human health, and its remediation has been a focus of worldwide concern over the last few decades. Based on 5068 bibliographic data (2001–2022) acquired from the Web of Science Core Collection, this study employed a scientometric analysis approach to analyze the present state and investigate the trends of contaminated site remediation studies. The results of this study provide an in-depth response to the following: (1) publication characteristics of polluted site restoration studies; (2) basic information on countries, institutions, journals, and disciplines engaged in remediation research in contaminated areas; and (3) a summary of development trends and hotspots in poisoned field cleanup investigations. In summary, this study assessed the results of research on contaminated site remediation. Those unfamiliar with contaminated site remediation could utilize the information in this study to rapidly merge into the field and grasp the forefront of research on this subject. This article can be regarded as a reference for scholars who desire to conduct further research on relevant subjects.
Snow, ponds, trees, and frogs: how environmental processes mediate climate change impacts on four subarctic terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Morison M. , Casson N.J. , Mamet S. , Davenport J. , Livingston T. , Fishback L.A. , White H. , Windsor A.
Published: May 2023

Amplified warming in subarctic regions is having measurable impacts on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem processes. At the boundary of the discontinuous and continuous permafrost zones, and at the northern extent of the boreal forest, the Hudson Bay Lowlands has experienced, and is projected to continue to experience dramatic rates of climate change in the coming decades. In this review, we explore the impacts of climate change on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in the Hudson Bay Lowlands and other environmental processes that mediate these impacts. We surveyed published literature from the region to identify climate indicators associated with impacts on snowpacks, ponds, vegetation, and wood frogs. These climate indicators were calculated using statistically downscaled climate projections, and the potential impacts on ecosystem processes are discussed. While there is a strong trend towards longer and warmer summers, associated changes in the vegetation community mean that snowpacks are not necessarily decreasing, which is important for freshwater ponds dependent on snowmelt recharge. A clear throughline is that the impacts on these ecosystem processes are complex, interconnected, and nonlinear. This review provides a framework for understanding the ways in which climate change has and will affect subarctic regions.
New limit on $$^{94}$$Zr double beta decay to the 1st excited state of $$^{94}$$Mo
Authors: Celi E. , Ješkovský M. , Laubenstein M. , Nagorny S. S. , Nahorna V. V. , Nisi S. , Pagnanini L. , Povinec P. , Wang P.
Published: May 2023

A new study of double beta decay processes in natural Zr isotopes using Zr metal samples and an ultra-low-background high-purity germanium detectors was performed at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso of INFN (Italy). Two data sets were collected with a 736.35 g and a 129.94 g Zr metal over 59.7 days and 37.3 days, respectively, and were used for a detailed analysis. A new limit on the double beta decay of $$^{94}$$

94

Zr to the 1st excited level of $$^{94}$$

94

Mo was set as $$T_{1/2}^{\beta \beta } > 2.1\times 10^{20}~\text {year}$$

T

1
/
2

β
β

>
2.1
×

10
20

year

, which is a factor of three better than the previous result. It is shown that the current radiopurity of Zr metal (tens of Bq/kg), produced via two methods, do not comply with the radiopurity requirements for low-background experiments. Hence, we propose to use a purified ZrCl$$_{4}$$

4

powder in an optimized geometry as a new approach for future experiments with extended sensitivity focused on studies of rare nuclear processes in Zr isotopes.
Localization of abelian gauge fields with Stueckelberg-like geometrical coupling on f(T, B)-thick brane
Authors: Belchior F. M. , Moreira A. R. P. , Maluf R. V. , Almeida C. A. S.
Published: May 2023

In the context of f(T, B) modified teleparallel gravity, we investigate the influence of torsion scalar T and boundary term B on the confinement of both the gauge vector and Kalb–Ramond fields. Both fields require a suitable coupling in five-dimensional braneworld scenarios to yield a normalizable zero mode. We propose a Stueckelberg-like geometrical coupling that non-minimally couples the fields to the torsion scalar and boundary term. To set up our braneworld models, we use the first-order formalism in which two kinds of superpotential are taken: sine-Gordon and $$\phi ^{4}$$

ϕ
4

-deformed. The geometrical coupling is used to produce a localized zero mode. Moreover, we analyze the massive spectrum for both fields and obtain possible resonant massive modes. Furthermore, we do not find tachyonic modes leading to a consistent thick brane.
Towards the theory of how a constitutional supercooling layer appears ahead of the planar crystallization front
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitri V. , Toropova Liubov V.
Published: May 2023

This study, the effect of constitutional supercooling appearing ahead of the crystallization front and leading to the mushy layer origination is considered. An approximate analytical theory determining the time of mushy layer initiation is constructed. Theoretical predictions are in good agreement with numerical simulations carried out in previous studies.
In vitro photoinactivation of S. aureus and E. coli using 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(benzyloxy) phenyl] porphyrin and its metal derivatives conjugated to pristine graphene quantum dots
Authors: Oyim James , Matshitse Refilwe , Malomane Nonkululeko , Openda Yolande Ikala , Nyokong Tebello , Managa Muthumuni
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial resistance is a matter of concern to all biological systems. This work investigates the antimicrobial activity of porphyrins conjugated to pristine graphene quantum dots (pGQDs) through non-covalent linking. A novel In 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[4-(benzyloxy) phenyl] porphyrin (InTBnOPP) was synthesized and fully characterized. The photophysicochemical parameters of H2TBnOPP, ZnTBnOPP, InTBnOPP, and their conjugates were investigated. It was found that pGQDs improved the singlet oxygen quantum yield upon conjugation with the porphyrins. pGQDs-InTBnOPP had a higher singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.80 when compared to all other conjugates. Porphyrins are well-known photosensitizers for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT); this was also confirmed by pGQDs-ZnTBnOPP and pGQDs-InTBnOPP which completely inhibited both S. aureus and E. coli with log reduction values of 9.42 and 8.59 with an irradiated time of 5 and or 10 min, respectively. The porphyrins alone had significant antibacterial activities. In general, the obtained results demonstrate a good response of these nanoconjugates against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria.
A New Segmented Suction Slot Design Based on the Performance of Compressor Cascade
Authors: Li Fengming , Zhao Ganchao , Ye Lu , Yan Dongfeng , Ma Shan
Published: May 2023

To develop an effective suction slot arrangement, computational fluid dynamics simulation software and a high subsonic compressor cascade were used to simulate different suction slots. Based on the effects of various suction slots on the cascade performance under various operating conditions, a novel segmented suction slot structure Seg3 was proposed. The results of the study revealed that in the vicinity of the operating conditions (

incidence
≤
4
°

), a full-blade height suction slot should be installed at least 5% of the chord length downstream of the corner separation point to effectively remove the separation. For small and medium incidences, the best performance was observed for suction slot SS5, which was located at 60% of the chord length downstream of the leading edge. Analyzing the effects of SS5 and Seg3 on the cascade performance revealed that when the incidence was less than 4°, the reductions in the total pressure loss coefficients for ζsuc of SS5 and Seg3 both exceeded 8.2%. When the incidence was 4° or greater, the ζsuc increased slightly for SS5, whereas it decreased for Seg3, and the ζsuc was reduced. For a 3° incidence, for example, Seg3 reduced the ζsuc and passage blockage by 12.74% and 8.41%, respectively, and increased the static pressure rise coefficient by 18.55% from the baseline values. Thus, the segmented suction slot proposed in this paper outperformed conventional full-blade height suction slots.
Human Motion Recognition in Dance Video Images Based on Attitude Estimation
Authors: Li Nian , Boers Shekhar
Published: May 2023

With the deep integration of science and technology and culture, the estimation of human movements in dance video images will become an important application field of computer vision technology, which can be used not only for professional dancers’ movement correction, dance self-help teaching, and other application scenarios but also for athletes’ movement analysis. Therefore, it will greatly promote the implementation of teaching students in accordance with their aptitude by applying information technology to estimate dancers’ movements and postures in real time and obtaining information of classroom dance teaching status in time. In this paper, human motion recognition in dance video images is studied based on an attitude estimation algorithm. When the number of experiments reaches 20, the average value of deep learning algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm is 76.23 and 75.23, respectively, while the average value of attitude estimation algorithm in this paper is 77.95. Therefore, the average results of attitude estimation algorithm in this paper are slightly higher than those of other algorithms.
Shear Wave Elastography for the Assessment of Carotid Plaque Vulnerability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mbroh Joshua , Tünnerhoff Johannes , Poli Khouloud , Bender Benjamin , Schwarz Patricia , Mengel Annerose , Gomez-Exposito Alexandra , Kowarik Markus , Feil Katharina , Wisslicen Marco , Wang Yi , Ernemann Ulrike , Ziemann Ulf , Poli Sven
Published: May 2023

Evidence for the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis and possibly symptomatic nonstenosing carotid artery disease is limited. In contrary to calcified plaques, soft plaques are considered vulnerable and prone to rupture. Shear wave elastography (SWE), a novel ultrasound technique which uses acoustic wave force to propagate shear wave in tissues, can quantify tissue stiffness through the estimation of Young’s modulus (YM) in kPa or shear wave velocity in meter/second. This systematic review is aimed at evaluating the feasibility of SWE in carotid plaque risk stratification in relation to ischemic stroke (PROSPERO registration: CRD42022309709). 18 studies, obtained via search on PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase from inception until November 1, 2022, assessed SWE’s feasibility in carotid plaque risk stratification in humans (13 studies) and phantom models (5 studies). Human studies showed heterogeneity with respect to SWE devices, acquisition settings, and methodology, which consequently reflected in the between-study variability of YM values used for distinguishing vulnerable/symptomatic (27–52 kPa) and stable/asymptomatic (28–115 kPa) carotid plaques. However, within-study assessment of all human studies indicated SWE’s feasibility in carotid plaque risk stratification. Furthermore, four out of five carotid plaque phantom studies showed the potential of SWE to discriminate tissues of different stiffness comparable to the carotid vessel wall, soft and hard plaques, and with good reproducibility. SWE may potentially offer a bedside risk stratification tool for identifying patients with vulnerable carotid plaques, who may benefit from carotid surgery, stenting, or prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients with stable carotid plaques could be spared the risks of potentially harmful treatments and complications. However, available data are not enough to facilitate the immediate clinical application of SWE, and therefore, larger prospective clinical are warranted.
Risk Factors and Spatiotemporal Distribution of Lumpy Skin Disease Occurrence in the Asian Continent during 2012–2022: An Ecological Niche Model
Authors: Li Yuepeng , An Qi , Sun Zhuo , Gao Xiang , Wang Hongbin
Published: May 2023

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging transboundary infectious disease of animals with high morbidity and low mortality rates. The infection occurs in cattle, buffalo, and some closely related wild animals, with cattle and buffalo showing higher susceptibility than other species. The primary mode of disease transmission is the mechanical dispersion of bloodsucking insects. The disease symptoms, including animal fur damage, weight loss, decline in milk production, infertility, and miscarriage, lead to huge economic losses in regions and countries with LSD outbreaks. The present study aimed to analyze the incidence data of LSD in the Asian continent from January 2012 to September 2022, identify spatiotemporal clusters and risk factors of the disease, and establish a maximum entropy ecological niche model to predict high-risk areas for disease outbreaks. The studied variables included bioclimatic factors, land type, and population density. Following the screening process, 12 variables were included in the maximum entropy model. Among them, the variable contribution rates of cattle density, land cover, isothermality, buffalo density, and maximum temperature of the warmest month were 53.8%, 10.9%, 9.2%, 8.9%, and 8%, respectively. Accounting for more than 90% of the total variable contribution rate, these five variables were considered to be the important influencing factors of LSD outbreaks. According to the results, nine spatiotemporal clusters approximately matched the high-risk areas predicted by the model. The Caucasus region of Russia; the Russian border areas of Kazakhstan, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel; and the western regions of Iran, India, and Southeast Asia were predicted to be high-risk areas. Thus, this study provides the spatiotemporal clusters, risk factors, and high-risk areas of LSD outbreaks in the Asian continent, which can help formulate more effective disease prevention and control policies.
Community Micro‐Ambulance Design Based on QFD and TRIZ Theories
Authors: Yu Sen-lin , Cheng Miao , Tian Qian
Published: May 2023

In recent years, with the sharp rise in the number of vehicles in China, traffic congestion is becoming increasingly serious, affecting the rapid passage of ambulances. In addition, it is common that vehicles are generally parked indiscriminately in some old communities, which also hinders ambulances into residential areas and reduces rescue efficiency. Apart from external factors, the root cause is that existing ambulances are too large to easily pass narrow roads. Besides, there are problems such as frequent empty runs and serious homogenization in traditional ambulances. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the design of traditional large ambulances. First, the user needs of different users for ambulances were determined through questionnaires and user interviews; then, the need judgment matrix of ambulances was constructed by using the analytic hierarchy process to rank user needs by weight, so as to determine the direction for new type ambulance design. Through quality function deployment, the user’s demands were transformed into the technical demands of ambulances, and the conflicts were found. Meanwhile, top‐ranked needs were analyzed by using theory of inventive problem solving to seek the corresponding feasible solutions quickly, and innovative design of ambulances was conducted on this basis. However, many designers have not considered the product validation link when using these three methods for innovative design. On the contrary, in this improved ambulance design, the FCE is introduced to score the new design, find the deficiencies, and improve them, thus completing the missing link in the traditional design and forming a complete set of scientific design process. The traditional large ambulance with standard length, width, and height of 5,800 mm, 2,000 mm, and 2,600 mm is modified into a mini‐ambulance with length, width, and height of 3,500 mm, 1,600 mm, and 2,250 mm. Simultaneously, various details are optimized to design a community micro‐ambulance that truly meets the needs of users and enhances user satisfaction. Quantifying and ranking users’ various functional needs for ambulances by using the AHP/QFD/TRIZ theory and providing corresponding feasible solutions have identified the breakthrough direction for the research on innovative design of community ambulances and have also provided references for the design of other products.
Comprehensive Analysis of m7G-Related Genes and Chronic Hepatitis B: Diagnostic Markers, Immune Microenvironment Regulation, Disease Progression
Authors: Zhang Rongzheng , Xia Yan , Dong Jianming , Ju Xiaomei , Zhou Kun , Cao Xinyang , Li Jiaqi , Ru Jiaqiu , Guo Mengrui , Zhang Shuyun
Published: May 2023

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major public health problem in the world. It is the main cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although many important roles of RNA modification in stem cells or tumor diseases have been identified, the role of N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification in the process of chronic HBV infection has not been clearly defined. Therefore, we conducted a systematic analysis on the process of chronic HBV infection. We found that a total of 18 m7G-related genes were altered in chronic HBV infection, and then we screened out CHB potential diagnostic biomarkers using machine learning and random forest methods. RT-qPCR was performed on the samples of healthy people and CHB, which further verified the possibility of being a diagnostic marker. Then, we typed CHB patients based on these 18 genes. We found that the immune microenvironment of different subtypes was different. Among them, patients with subtype-Ⅰ had severe immune response, that is, relatively serious immune cell infiltration, rich immune pathways, relatively many HLA genes, and immune checkpoints. Finally, we conducted an in-depth discussion on our m7G-related genes, and found that m7G gene related to immune cell infiltration may be involved in the disease progression of CHB patients, which was also confirmed in the GSE84044 dataset. In conclusion, m7G-related genes can not only serve as diagnostic markers of CHB, but also participate in the regulation of immune microenvironment and play an important role in the progression of CHB.
A Novel Active Vibration Control Method for Helicopter Fuselages Based on Diffusion Cooperation
Authors: Li Jingliang , Lu Yang
Published: May 2023

Against the background of low-frequency vibration control for a helicopter fuselage in flight, active control of structural response (ACSR) has been employed for vibration control design. With the increase in control positions in the fuselage, more actuators and error sensors are needed to meet the vibration reduction requirements, forming a large-scale multichannel system. This leads to a rapid increase in the computation amount, causing the control performance of the conventional centralized algorithm main processor to become poor under overload operation. To this end, a novel distributed active vibration control algorithm based on the diffusion cooperative strategy was proposed and explored in this research. The diffusion cooperative strategy is widely used in complex wireless sensor network (WSN) systems to efficiently reduce the computation amount during data aggregation. This distributed algorithm utilizes the advantages of the diffusion-cooperative strategy to reduce the computation amount and coupling relationship of the secondary path in a large-scale multichannel system. First, a novel control law was established by introducing the network topology of the diffusion cooperation strategy into the classical filtered-x least mean square (FxLMS) algorithm, forming the diffusion FxLMS (DFxLMS) algorithm. Then, a secondary path trade-off quantization standard based on the complex undirected network connectivity condition was developed. It determined whether a secondary path was discarded or not and formed the topology of a large-scale multichannel system control network. To examine the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed DFxLMS algorithm, a comparative simulation with a scale of 1 × 10 × 10 was carried out for a simplified helicopter fuselage. Numerical results in realistic scenarios showed the ability of the DFxLMS algorithms to achieve good control performance when proper values of these parameters are chosen.
Supplementary Table S3 from A Phase I/II Trial of HER2 Vaccine–Primed Autologous T-Cell Infusions in Patients with Treatment Refractory HER2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

Immunologic parameters pre-treatment between PR+SD and PD patients.
Supplementary Table S1 from A Phase I/II Trial of HER2 Vaccine–Primed Autologous T-Cell Infusions in Patients with Treatment Refractory HER2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

Representativeness of study participants.
Supplementary Table S4 from A Phase II Redifferentiation Trial with Dabrafenib-Trametinib and 131I in Metastatic Radioactive Iodine Refractory BRAF p.V600E-Mutated Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Leboulleux Sophie , Do Cao Christine , Zerdoud Slimane , Attard Marie , Bournaud Claire , Lacroix Ludovic , Benisvy Danielle , Taïeb David , Bardet Stéphane , Terroir-Cassou-Mounat Marie , Anizan Nadège , Bouvier-Morel Emilie , Lamartina Livia , Lion Georges , Betrian Sarah , Sajous Christophe , Schiazza Aurélie , Garcia Marie-Eve , Ciappuccini Renaud , Schlumberger Martin , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Godbert Yann , Borget Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Radiological assessment
Supplementary Figure S2 from A Phase I/II Trial of HER2 Vaccine–Primed Autologous T-Cell Infusions in Patients with Treatment Refractory HER2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

Overall survival in relation to clinical response in individual patient after T cell infusions.