bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rendering the European Neutron Research Landscape
Authors: Velichko Evgenii , Abele Hartmut , Barlow David J. , Benedetto Antonio , Deledda Stefano , Eijck Lambert van , Fernandez-Diaz Maria Teresa , Janoschek Marc , Karlsson Maths , Lefmann Kim , Malikova Natalie , Marques Maria P. M. , Mergia Konstantina , Pieper Jörg , Rønnow  , Šaroun Jan , Schneidewind Astrid , Schreiber Frank , Temst Kristiaan , Wolff Max , Zając Wojciech , Zanatta Marco
Published: March 2024

Neutrons, owing to their unique properties, serve as indispensable probes for investigating the structure and dynamics of materials across various length scales. The scientific community utilizing neutron research infrastructures encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, making it challenging to quantify its scientific and societal impact. To address this challenge, we apply Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques to analyze the scientific output of the European neutron science community. Leveraging open-source software toolkits, our method allows for the quantitative assessment of community evolution and research focus. Our analysis reveals consistent growth in the neutron community despite a reduction in sources, underscoring the enduring significance of neutron methods in scientific research. Furthermore, an increase in unique authors and an even distribution of publications across diverse scientific topics highlight the community's interdisciplinary nature and collaborative spirit. Beyond neutron scattering, our methodology holds promise for a broad range of scientific communities reliant on Large Research Infrastructures (LRIs), offering opportunities for collaboration, optimization of experimental approaches, and informed decision-making by governmental and funding bodies.
Repeatability analysis of cardiac function parameters in gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Huang Yunxia , Wan Qichang , Yang Shijian , Wang Zhongling , Ye Ruxian , Xu Miaoyu , Zhou Hui , Chen Rongjun , Guan Xiuhong , Li Guangming , Wang Ziyan
Published: March 2024

Background: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a non-invasive method used to detect myocardial ischemia, which helps assess left ventricular function when used in conjunction with electrocardiogram gating. While quantitative analysis software greatly improves diagnostic precision in cardiology, it can still be affected by variations in operator technique.
Purpose: To assess the reproducibility of cardiac function parameters in gated SPECT MPI.
Methods: Two nuclear medicine doctors with over 3 years of experience in SPECT/CT image reading independently utilized 4DM software to measure left ventricular function parameters with the ROI delineation method recommended by the manufacturer. Initial measurements were conducted, followed by a re-measurement after one week. Measurement results obtained by the same physician during both sessions were categorized as ‘within-investigator’ consistency, while those acquired by different physicians were designated as ‘between-investigators’ consistency.
Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were employed to evaluate consistency. Furthermore, Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to examine the agreement in discrepancies among different indicators. Simultaneously, the least significant changes (LSCs) and reproducibility of gated SPECT MPI were calculated and measured.
Results: The intra-observer ICC values of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and summed stress score (SSS)/summed rest score (SRS) were 0.973-0.978, 0.995-0.997, 0.983-0.988, and 0.976-0.991, respectively. The inter-observer ICC values were 0.954-0.973, 0.990-0.997, 0.973-0.991, and 0.976-0.992, respectively. Gated SPECT MPI measured by Observer 1 and Observer 2 showed very high consistency in measuring LVEF, EDV, ESV, and SSS/SRS. The results of reproducibility assessment showed that the root-mean-square standard deviation (SDRMS) of LVEF, EDV, ESV, and SSS/SRS were 1.86-2.20%, 1.16-1.27%, 0.94-1.17%, and 0.56-0.92%, respectively. The corresponding LSCs were 5.15-6.10%, 3.22-3.53%, 2.62-3.16%, and 1.54-2.54%, respectively.
Conclusions: The region of interest (ROI) delineation method recommended by the device manufacturer was adopted and employed uniformly in the medical team to benefit from the repeatability measurement of cardiac function parameters in gated SPECT MPI. In addition, basic tests such as LSCs and reproducibility can be included in the quality assurance plan, which can be conducted regularly. Consequently, every medical department can establish its control framework through these fundamental experiments.
The Impact of Exosomes Derived from B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia as a Growth Factor on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Amirpour Mozhgan , Kuhestani Hoda , Kheyrandish Setare , Hajipirloo Laya Khodayi , Khaffafpour Zahra , Allahbakhshian-Farsani Mehdi
Published: March 2024

Background
The incidence of various types of cancers, including leukemia, is on the rise and many challenges in both drug resistance and complications related to chemotherapy appeared. Recently, the development and application of extracellular vesicles (EV) such as exosomes in the management of cancers, especially leukemia, holds great significance.
Aim
In this article, we extracted exosomes from NALM6 cells and assessed their regulatory effects on proliferation and apoptosis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Method
We first verified the exosomes using various techniques, including flow cytometry, transient electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and BCA protein assay. Then MTT analysis and flowcytometry (apoptosis and cell cycle assay) besides gene expressions were employed to determine the state of MSC proliferations.
Result
The results indicated that exosome-specific pan markers like CD9, CD63, and CD81 were present. Through DLS, we found out that the mean size of the exosomes was 89.68 nm. The protein content was determined to be 956.292 µg/ml. Analysis of MTT, flow cytometry (cell cycle and apoptosis assay), and RT-qPCR showed that in the dose of 50 µg/ml the proliferation of MSCs was increased significantly (p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion
All these data showed that exosomes use several signaling pathways to increase the MSCs’ proliferation and drug resistance, ultimately leading to high mortalities and morbidities of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Is it worth trying? A cross-sectional study on the implementation of point-of-care ultrasound in Hungarian primary care
Authors: Kiss-Kovács Róbert , Morvai-Illés Blanka , Varga Albert , Ágoston Gergely
Published: March 2024

Background
Although the number of point-of-care ultrasound devices available in Hungarian primary care practices are increasing due to government funding, their use in day-to-day patient care is limited and unregulated. Our study aimed to evaluate the attitudes and needs of general practitioners (GPs) and patients in Hungary regarding the introduction of bedside ultrasonography in primary care practices.
Methods
As a part of a cross-sectional study, an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to GPs and patients on a social media platform. Data collection was carried out from August 2023 to October 2023. Chi-square test was used to determine the associations between patient groups and categorical variables.
Results
The survey was completed by 415 GPs (mean age 53.8 ± 11.1 years, 54.9% female, mean 19.5 ± 11.9 years of practice) and 693 patients (mean age 45.5 ± 12.3 years, 95.2% female). There was a statistically significant increase in interest in PoCUS among young and middle-aged GPs (age 28–59; p = 0.02). In addition, this population of GPs was also more likely to undertake training in PoCUS than their older colleagues (p < 0.0001). A significant inverse correlation was found between the duration of practice and training willingness (p = 0.0011). Even with the government's financial support, only 8.2% of GPs currently use PoCUS in a daily basis, and 59.5% of GPs are unfamiliar with the indications and the ways of using it. Patients would even pay to have the examination done in a primary care setting, even though only 45.9% of patients would pay a GP who is not certified in PoCUS, but the willingness to pay increased to 99.4% for those with formal training (p = 0.024).
Conclusion
Our findings indicate a significant interest in adapting PoCUS in primary care from both GPs and patients. Based on the fact that a significant proportion of Hungarian GPs are unaware of PoCUS and its indications, it is particularly important to develop educational frameworks, and practical guidelines for the effective incorporation of PoCUS in Hungary.
Survivability and Life Support in Sealed Mini-Ecosystems with Simulated Planetary Soils
Authors: Sato Tsubasa , Abe Ko , Koseki Jun , Seto Mayumi , Yokoyama Jun , Akashi Tomohiro , Terada Masahiro , Kadowaki Kohmei , Yoshida Satoshi , Yamashiki Yosuke Alexandre , Shimamura Teppei
Published: March 2024

Establishing a sustainable life-support system for space exploration is challenging due to the vast distances, costs, and differing environments from Earth. Using insights from the Biosphere 2 experiment, we introduced the "Ecosphere" and "Biosealed" systems in custom containers to replicate Earth's ecosystems, suggesting feasible space migration through transplanting Earth-like biomes.
Over four years, we gained deeper insights into these enclosed ecosystems. Moisture deficiency was a major obstacle to plant growth, which we addressed by incorporating a groundwater layer in the containers. We underscored the critical role of microorganisms in building and sustaining these ecosystems. However, temperature spikes from sunlight threatened stability. Our experiments confirmed fruit flies' survival on plant-produced oxygen and photosynthetic bacteria. Interactions between plants, microbes, and simulated space soils were examined. Detailed analysis unveiled diverse microbes shaping both confined and simulated space environments. Major findings include the symbiotic relationship of plants with cyanobacteria, the potential of LED lighting in sun-limited missions, and challenges with ethylene gas and moisture. Microbial integration in rough soils holds promise for seed germination, but understanding their role in space soils is crucial.
Our research offers a comprehensive foundation for future space life-support systems and underlines potential concerns about microbes affecting human health.
Evaluation of the dental clinics’ function based on the checklist dental services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Parviz Nastaran , Momeni Zahra , Mirshamsi Hamid , Elyasifard Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
The risk of transmitting COVID-19 during dental procedures is one of the main concerns in dentistry. Given the rapid spread of the disease, the most effective way to prevent infection is to break the chain of disease transmission. The Alborz University of Medical Sciences developed and published a checklist of 46 items during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the principles of infection control in centers providing dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the checklist prepared by Alborz University of Medical Sciences in Karaj, Iran.
Method
In this cross-sectional study, the number of 76 active dental clinics in the Alborz province was evaluated. The review began in June 2020 and the checklist was completed by the Alborz University of Medical Sciences team for each clinic while either the clinic manager or the clinic’s infection control team was present. Then, the adherence to the protocol was evaluated.
Results
Based on achieving at least 50% of the checklist score, clinics were divided into two groups: adherents and non-adherents. Out of a total of 76 clinics, 66 clinics (86/8%) followed the protocol. The highest level of adherence was related to principle number 12 (employees' restrooms are separate from patients') by a frequency of 81.6%. The lowest level was related to principle number 18 (the suspected or infected COVID-19 patients' triage and referral chart is visible to the reception personnel, and the triage is performed according to the protocol) by a frequency of 32.9%.
Conclusion
The results showed that most clinics followed the COVID-19 Dental Services protocol relatively well. Given the high rate of COVID-19 transmission, especially in its mutated strains, increasing the adherence level of dental clinics can be a valuable step toward reducing the transmission cycle of this disease. More frequent reviews of clinics, as well as referring non-relevant clinics to legal institutions could potentially help to reduce COVID-19 transmission, potentially.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Paclitaxel-induced Peripheral Neuropathy by Reducing CCL2-mediated Macrophage Infiltration in Sensory Ganglia and Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Xu Ruoyao , Chen Muyan , Zheng Kaige , Nie Huimin , Yin Chengyu , Liu Boyu , Tai Yan , Du Junying , Wang Jie , Fang Jianqiao , Liu Boyi
Published: March 2024

Background: Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a common side effect accompanying paclitaxel chemotherapy, resulting in sensory abnormality and neuropathic pain. Conventional medications lack effectiveness on PIPN. Clinical trials identified beneficial effects of acupuncture on PIPN among patients receiving chemotherapy. Here we explored the mechanisms underlying how acupuncture might alleviate PIPN.
Methods: A mouse model of PIPN was established by repeated paclitaxel application. Electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at ST36 and BL60 acupoints of model mice. Immunostaining, flow cytometry, behavioral assay, in vivoimaging were utilized.
Results: EA ameliorated mechanical and cold pain hypersensitivities, reduced sensory neuron damage and improved loss in intra-epidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) in model mice. Macrophage infiltration was observed in DRG and sciatic nerve of model mice, which was reduced by EA. EA affected M1-like pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration in DRG, whereas it did not affect M2-like macrophages. DRG neurons released chemoattractant CCL2 that recruited macrophages via CCR2 to DRG. EA reduced CCL2 overproduction by DRG neurons and reduced macrophage infiltration. Blocking CCR2 mimicked EA’s anti-allodynic effect, whereas exogenously applying CCL2 reversed ameliorating effect of EA on macrophage infiltration and abolished EA’s anti-allodynia on model mice. EA ameliorated other signs of PIPN, including sensory neuron damage, sciatic nerve morphology impairment and IENFs loss. In mice inoculated with breast cancer cells, EA didn’t affect paclitaxel-induced antitumor effect.
Conclusions: These findings suggest EA alleviates PIPN by reducing pro-inflammatory macrophage infiltration in sensory ganglia and sciatic nerve. Our study supports acupuncture to be used as a non-pharmacological therapy for PIPN.
Pre-treatment Contrast-enhanced Cone Beam Breast CT Imaging Features Combining with Clinicopathological Characteristics to Predict the Response of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Preliminary Feasibility Study
Authors: Wang Yafei , Ma Yue , Wang Fang , Liu Aidi , Zhao Mengran , Bian Keyi , Zhu Yueqiang , Yin Lu , Ye Zhaoxiang
Published: March 2024

Background
To explore the association between pre-treatment contrast-enhanced cone beam breast CT (CE-CBBCT) imaging features and pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and to develop a predictive nomogram combining with clinicopathological characteristics.
Methods
A total of 183 female patients with stage II or III breast cancer underwent CE-CBBCT before NAC followed by surgery between August 2020 and September 2023 were enrolled, whose CE-CBBCT images and clinicopathological records were reviewed. All patients were randomly divided into the development cohort (n = 128) and the validation cohort (n = 55) at a ratio of 7:3. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the independent factors associated with pCR in the development cohort. A nomogram was developed based on the combined model, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were used to evaluate and validate the predictive ability of the nomogram in the two cohorts.
Results
Univariate analysis showed that margin of mass (p = 0.018), distribution (p = 0.046) and morphology (p = 0.014) of calcifications, adjacent vessel sign (AVS, p = 0.001), molecular subtypes (p = 0.000), proportion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs, p = 0.000), and CA125 (p = 0.018) were all associated with pCR. In multivariate analyses, linear or segmental distribution of calcifications (odds ratio, OR = 6.06), AVS-positivity (OR = 0.11), HER2 enriched (OR = 10.34), TILs (OR = 1.06), and CA125 (OR = 0.93) were independent factors in the combined model. The predictive ability of the combined model (area under curve, AUC = 0.886) was superior to the clinicopathological model (AUC = 0.804; p = 0.014) and CE-CBBCT imaging model (AUC = 0.812; p = 0.047). The nomogram based on the combined model showed good discrimination (AUC: 0.886 vs. 0.820; p = 0.333) and calibration abilities (p value: 0.997 vs. 0.147) in the development and the validation cohort.
Conclusion
A nomogram based on pre-treatment CE-CBBCT features combining with clinicopathological characteristics is feasible and reliable for the prediction of pCR, which could contribute to the realization of clinical individualized therapy.
A in vitro study comparing Digital Periapical Radiography and Cone Beam Computed Tomography for detecting root resorption in primary molars: a pediatric dentistry perspective
Authors: Seára Juliana Nicolau , Dotto Maria Eduarda Paz , Corrêa Leticia Ruhland , Corrêa Marcio , de Freitas Sérgio F Torres , Cardoso Mariane , Bolan Michele
Published: March 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was compare the accuracy of digital periapical radiography (DPR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in detecting root resorption in primary molars.Materials and Methods The sample was composed of 43 upper and lower primary molars, with and without root resorption. The teeth were placed in a dry human skull to obtain images using both digital radiography and tomography. A calibrated examiner interpreted the radiographic images initially and examined the tomographic images after seven days to identify the presence of root resorption. The examiner repeated the procedure two weeks after the initial assessment. The intra-examiner agreement was estimated using the Kappa test. A Kappa value of 0.84 was obtained for the radiographic and tomographic assessments.Results A statistically significant difference was found between CBCT and DPR in relation to the distal root of lower teeth (p = 0.03) and the palatal root of upper teeth (p = 0.05). The sensibility and specificity values for CBCT were 73.8% and 70.5%, respectively, and for DPR were 52.1% and 65.5%.Conclusion This study showed that CBCT radiographic technique demonstrated higher accuracy, sensitivity and specificity compared to DPR for detecting root resorption in primary molars.Clinical Relevance: The CBCT radiographic technique has shown superior accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity when compared to DPR in detecting root resorption in primary molars, highlighting it the potential of CBCT as a more dependable diagnostic tool for identifying such pathologies emphasizing its clinical significance in pediatric dentistry.
Quantitative analysis of rockburst risk based on the inversion of source parameters and determination of regional stress for micro-earthquakes
Authors: Chen Dong , Wang En-yuan , Jia Hai-shan
Published: March 2024

In order to achieve quantitative analysis of rockburst risk in coal mine, multi source monitoring information of micro-earthquakes needs to be deeply mined. In accordance with the microseismic data collected from the 1366 workface of the Hengda Coal Mine, precise source location, source parameters inversion, and regional stress determination of the workface are carried out. The accurate location technology is proposed, the evolution law of the source parameters are determined, and the regions of stress concentration are determined based on the seismic wave CT technology. Based on this, the reasonable and effective measures of stress relief are put forward. The results show that: (1) The precise source location of micro-earthquakes in the workface is determined based on the combined location method of simplex and double difference; (2) Based on the exact source location, microseismic source parameters such as energy, stress drop, apparent stress, and mean slip are retrieved, and to determine the source properties of a microseismic event, such as energy size and stress state, the evolution laws of the source parameters are analyzed; (3) Based on the seismic wave CT, the stress distribution in different regions was determined, and the regions of stress concentration were defined; (4) According to the microseismic frequency, energy and stress distribution, the dangerous area of the workface is accurately judged, and the reasonable and effective measures of stress relief are proposed for the prevention of rock bursts. Based on the in-depth analysis of multi-source monitoring information of micro-earthquakes in 1366 workface of Hengda Coal Mine, the risk of rockburst was effectively and quantitatively assessed and the safety of coal mine operation process is ensured.
Study on the effects of rapamycin and the mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor OSI-027 on the metabolism of colon cancer cells based on UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics
Authors: Fan Kai , Wang Yueyuan , Bian Jiangyujing , Sun Yewen , Dou Jiaqi , Pan Jie , Yu Yunli
Published: March 2024

The dual inhibitor of mTORC1/2, OSI-027, shows promising potential compared to the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. However, their metabolic impacts on colon cancer cells remain unexplored. We conducted a comparative analysis of the anti-proliferative effects of rapamycin and the novel OSI-027 in colon cancer cells HCT-116, evaluating their metabolic influences through ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Our results demonstrate that OSI-027 more effectively inhibits colon cancer cell proliferation than rapamycin. Additionally, we identified nearly 600 metabolites from the spectra, revealing significant differences in metabolic patterns between cells treated with OSI-027 and rapamycin. Through VIP value screening, we pinpointed crucial metabolites contributing to these distinctions. While both OSI-027 and rapamycin significantly affect amino acid metabolism, OSI-027 appears to be particularly potent in altering glucose metabolism and energy metabolism. These findings address the knowledge gap regarding mTORC1/2 dual inhibitors and lay a foundation for their further development and research.
Designing efficient materials for high-performance of non-fullerene organic solar cells through side-chain engineering on DBT-4F derivatives by non-fused-ring electron acceptors
Authors: Raza Ahmad , Ans Muhammad , Khera Rasheed Ahmad
Published: March 2024

In this study, the end-capped engineering is carried out on DBT-4F (R) by modifying terminal acceptors to improve optoelectronic and photovoltaic attributes. Seven molecules (AD1-AD7) are modeled using different push-pull acceptors. DFT/B3LYP/6-31G along with its time-dependent approach (TD-DFT) are on a payroll to investigate ground state geometries, absorption maxima (λmax), energy gap (Eg), excitation energy (Ex), internal reorganization energy, light harvesting efficiency (LHE), dielectric constant, open circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF), etc. of OSCs. AD1 displayed the lowest band gap (1.76 eV), highest λmax (876 nm), lowest Ex (1.41 eV), and lowest binding energy (0.21 eV). Among various calculated parameters, all of the sketched molecules demonstrated greater dielectric constant when compared to R. The highest dielectric constant was exhibited by AD3 (56.26). AD5 exhibited maximum LHE (0.9980). Lower reorganization energies demonstrated improved charge mobility. AD5 and AD7 (1.63 and 1.68 eV) have higher values of VOC than R (1.51 eV). All novel molecules having outperforming attributes will be better candidates to enhance the efficacy of OSCs for future use.
Investigating The Correlation Between Prolonged Survival In Patients With Advanced HER2+ Breast Cancer And The Activity Of Regulatory T Cells.
Authors: Degirmenci Mustafa , Diniz Gulden , Kahraman Dudu Solakoğlu , Sahbazlar Mustafa , Koral Lokman , Varol Umut , Uslu Ruchan
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Trastuzumab is commonly utilized in the management of metastatic breast cancer. Our main goal was to examine the extended outcomes of patients experiencing a persistent positive response to trastuzumab treatment.
Methods
Between 1995 and 2012, a total of 98 patients diagnosed with inoperable, locally recurring or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer were retrospectively analyzed at Ege University Hospital and Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. The clinical and pathological characteristics of the patients were assessed, and the associations between response rates, survival, and the immune profiles of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes were statistically evaluated.
Results
The average age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 50.1 ± 10.3 (ranging from 30 to 79) years. The mean follow-up period for all patients was 97.9 ± 53.8 months. Among the patients, complete response was observed in 24.5%, partial response in 61.2%, and stable disease in 8.2% of cases. The average progression-free survival was 50.3 ± 26.9 months (ranging from 1 to 163 months), and the average overall survival was 88.8 ± 59.4 months (ranging from 12 to 272 months). After analyzing all cases, it was found that patients who were younger (p = 0.006), exhibited higher CD3- positivity (p = 0.041), presented with higher FOXP3- positivity (p = 0.025), showed complete or at least partial response to treatment (p = 0.008), and experienced a prolonged response to trastuzumab treatment (p = 0.001) had longer survival.
Conclusions
Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, who initially respond positively to palliative trastuzumab treatment, can achieve long-term tumor remission lasting for several years.
Numerical investigation on Cold-Formed Steel Structural Frame made with lipped channel column and beam elements subjected to Lateral Loading
Authors: Sozharaja S , Baskar Rajaram
Published: March 2024

This paper deals with the structural behaviour of a cold-formed steel (CFS) structural frame subjected to lateral loading. The study involves the investigation of structural behaviour via an experiment programme and numerical investigation conducted on a structural frame using a cold-formed channel section constructed in a steel factory. The structural frame comprised columns, beams, a base plate, and its connection​​​​​​​ The section for the column consisted of a back-to-back channel section positioned and cold-formed. Section used for columns provided with and without lips. The section used for the beam is provided with a single channel section with and without lips. The numerical investigation was conducted using a finite element analysis procedure with the FEA software ANSYS 16.2 workbench. Through these investigations, a parameter study was conducted. Some important influencing factors, such as load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and the load– deflection relationship, were evaluated and discussed. From the result analysis, the structural frame made with a lipped channel section experienced high load carrying capacity and high stiffness compared with the other models considered.
Resonance conditions of electrostatically levitated drops in microgravity
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Yang , Zhong Hongen , He Huan , Yu Jianding , Zhong Qiu , Yang Liping
Published: March 2024

The oscillation of electrostatically levitated droplets is a crucial technique for measuring thermophysical properties at high temperatures. However, notable disparities in resonance conditions have been observed between microgravity and ground experiments. In this study, a finite element method has been developed to investigate the oscillation process of charged droplets excited by an electric field in microgravity. The fluid dynamics is solved coupling with the electric field by using ALE method. It reveals that resonance conditions of electrostatically levitated drops strongly depend on the net surface charge of the droplet. When a drop possesses a substantial amount of net surface charge, it resonates as the excitation frequency approaches droplet’s natural frequency f2. Conversely, for drops with a small amount of net surface charge, the mode-2 oscillation can be excited only when the excitation frequency is half of the mode-2 resonance frequency f2/2. The simulation results demonstrate excellent agreement with experimental observations in microgravity. Understanding resonance dependence on net surface charge not only provides valuable information for improving accuracy in measuring thermophysical properties of electrostatically levitated drops, but also contribute significantly to understanding nonlinear oscillations behavior of charged drops in electrohydrodynamics.
Research on the reuse path of the Third Front Construction Heritage’s stock space in China based on value assessment
Authors: Xu Liquan , Zhang Zhentian , Tan Gngyi , Yuan Lei
Published: March 2024

The third-front construction, an integral component of socialist urban and rural development during the initial three decades of the new China, has resulted in a significant surplus of unused stock space following four decades of contraction and progress. The exploration of its reuse value in the contemporary era holds immense theoretical and practical significance. By focusing on 113 factories and mines associated with third-front construction in Hubei Western, this study employs qualitative field research and statistical analysis to assess their layout and condition characteristics. The concept of 'smart shrinkage' is employed to summarise the reuse value of the stock space derived from third-front construction. In addition, the intrinsic and extrinsic value of the reuse value assessment system is evaluated through the implementation of the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, network analysis, and cluster analysis. Finally, a proposed pathway for the reuse of the stock space derived from third-front construction is presented. The study revealed several key findings. ① The plants and mines associated with third-front construction in Hubei Western exhibit a signficant concentration in certain areas, while also displaying a dispersed layout on a smaller scale. These establishments rely on regional transportation infrastructure, thereby forming a corridor-like structure. However, due to the implementation of relocation policies, idleness and inefficiency have become prevalent issues. ② The reuse value of the stock space derived from third-front construction exhibits distinct typological characteristics, primarily influenced by its non-urban and non-rural layout. This value can be categorised into three types: heritage, asset, and ecological. ③ The third-front construction plants and mines in Hubei Western comprise 27 heritage reuse types, 30 asset reuse types, and 56 ecological reuse types. Finally, the study proposes several measures to facilitate the transformation and revitalisation of the third-front construction stock space. For instance, the Third Front Construction Heritage group intends to initiate the conversion of property rights for the purpose of reducing transaction costs and promoting the transformation of the Third Front Construction Stock Space Association. Additionally, efforts will be made to restore the natural ecosystem of the Third Front construction area, with the aim of achieving rewilding and other dimensions of the proposed pathway. These findings provide valuable theoretical and methodological support for the sustainable development of the third-front construction area and the revitalisation of its stock space.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Iron and Fe2+ Strongly Associated with The Incidence of Hydrocephalus in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients with Intraventricular Extension
Authors: Wahjoepramono Petra Octavian Perdana , Sasongko Aloysius Bagus , Halim Danny , Wahyudi Kurnia , Adam Achmad , Tsai Yeo Tseng , Wahjoepramono Eka Julianta , July Julius , Achmad Tri Hanggono
Published: March 2024

Background
Hydrocephalus (HCP) is a known complication of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) extension into the ventricles (IVH) and is associated with poorer patient outcomes. The mechanisms in HCP development are not yet clear. Biomarkers in CSF could predict the risk of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus, to improve clinical outcomes in these patients, and could be more reliable than CT-scan evaluation.
Aim
This study aimed to test the reliability of measuring Fe2+, Fe3+, total iron concentration, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein levels as CSF biomarkers to predict the risk of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in ICH + IVH patients. We compared marker reliability with CT-scan mGraeb score to predict hydrocephalus.
Methods
All adult ICH + IVH patients with hydrocephalus admitted to Siloam Hospitals Lippo Village between March 2021 until December 2023 were included in this cohort study. The patient's clinical and radiological characteristics were retrieved, and CSF samples were obtained during EVD placement. Statistical analyses were performed to reveal potential clinical, radiological, and biomarker values as predictors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in ICH + IVH patients.
Results
Thirty-six ICH + IVH + HCP patients, including 16 females (44.4%) and 20 males (55.6%) were included in this study, with mean age of 60.75 years. Seventeen patients (47.2%) were diagnosed with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Logistic regression analyses revealed that increased total Fe (p = 0.048) and Fe2+ (0.045) were significantly associated with the incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Receiver operating curves (ROC) revealed that the AUCs from total iron (0.716), Fe2+ (0.758), Fe3+ (0.651), and HMGB1 (0.722) are higher than the AUC of mGraeb score (0.528).
Conclusion
Based on the results from logistic regression analyses and constructed ROCs, CSF total iron and Fe2+ are reliable prognosticators of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in ICH + IVH + HCP patients. These biomarkers are more sensitive and specific in predicting hydrocephalus compared to mGraeb score.
Fluorine-induced d-band center shift of the Nb site boosts anodic formamide electrosynthesis
Authors: Dong Fan , Mou Shiyong , Liu Siyuan , Dai Weidong , Sun Yanjuan
Published: March 2024

Anodic oxidative amidation (EOA) strategies offer a sustainable and potentially promising route for amide synthesis. However, the efficiency and activity of catalysts under oxidative conditions are highly dependent on noble metals. Herein, we present our experimental findings and fundamental understanding that fluorine-doped Nb2O5 nanosheet arrays on carbon fiber (F-Nb2O5/CP) serve as an efficient and robust non-noble catalyst for the electrochemical synthesis of formamide from ammonia and methanol under ambient conditions. In 0.5 M KHCO3 solution, this catalyst achieved a high Faradaic efficiency of 52.0%, with an N selectivity of 79.1% at 1.5 V versus Hg/HgO electrode. The catalyst exhibited remarkable stability, maintaining its performance over 120 h. By integrating in-situ spectroscopy studies with density functional theory calculations, we revealed that fluorine doping induces a shift in the d-band center of the Nb site. This shift alters the adsorption behavior of OH- and *NH2 intermediate on the F-Nb2O5 (100) surface, thereby effectively lowering the C-N coupling energy barrier, and boosting the production of formamide.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 19 autoimmune diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yan Le , Zhang Chuyue , Li Mi
Published: March 2024

Background
Observational studies suggest a connection between autoimmune diseases (AD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nevertheless, the causality between AD and ADHD is yet to be determined. Therefore, we're employing a twin-sample analysis on Mendelian randomization, with a view to exploring the causality between ADHD and 19 AD.
Method
We evaluated the total statistics of the latest Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) for ADHD2022 (38691 cases, 186843 controls) and 19 common ADs, including Autoimmune thyroiditis, Type 1 diabetes, Celiac disease, Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, multiple sclerosis, Graves' disease, Sjogren's syndrome, Iridocyclitis, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Psoriasis, Alopecia areata, Vitiligo, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Myasthenia gravis, Systemic sclerosis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Ankylosing spondylitis. These summary statistics originated in publicly assessible, relatively large-scale GWAS meta-analyses conducted to date. The causality between ADHD and 19 ADs using inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median approaches. Cochran's Q statistic was adopted, for the purpose of measuring the heterogeneity of the instrumental variable (IV).
Result
The result indicate that ADHD potentially increases the risk of vitiligo (IVW OR = 2.385, 95%CI, 1.054–5.398, P = 3.69e-02) and suggests an association between ADHD and increased hazard of rheumatoid arthritis (IVW OR = 1.092, 95%CI, 1.009–1.182, P = 2.94e-02). However, no other significant causal relationships were observed in our analyses.
Conclusion
In this research, the causalities between ADHD and 19 ADs were comprehensively assessed. Besides, it was identified genetic evidence suggesting possible causalities between ADHD and vitiligo along with rheumatoid arthritis in European populations.
Plasma biomarkers of amyloid, tau, axonal and neuroinflammation pathologies in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Vrillon Agathe , Bousiges Olivier , Götze Karl , Demuynck Catherine , Muller Candice , Ravier Alix , Schorr Benoit , Philippi Nathalie , Hourregue Claire , Cognat Emmanuel , Dumurgier Julien , Lilamand Matthieu , Cretin Benjamin , Blanc Frederic , Paquet Claire
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND Increasing evidence supports the use of plasma biomarkers of amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation for diagnosis of dementia. However, their performance for positive and differential diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in clinical settings is still uncertain.METHODS We conducted a retrospective biomarker study in two tertiary memory centers, Paris Lariboisière and CM2RR Strasbourg, France, enrolling patients with DLB (n = 104), Alzheimer’s disease (AD, n = 76) and neurological controls (NC, n = 27). Measured biomarkers included plasma Aβ ratio, p-tau181, NfL and GFAP using SIMOA and plasma YKL-40 and sTREM2 using ELISA. DLB patients with available CSF analysis (n = 90) were stratified according to their CSF Aβ profile.RESULTS DLB patients displayed modified plasma Aβ ratio, p-tau181 and GFAP levels compared with NC and modified plasma Aβ ratio, p-tau181, GFAP, NfL and sTREM2 levels compared with AD patients. Plasma p-tau181 best differentiated DLB from AD patients (ROC analysis, area under the curve [AUC] = 0.80) and NC (AUC = 0.78) and combining biomarkers did not improve diagnosis performance. Plasma p-tau181 was the best standalone biomarker to differentiate amyloid-positive from amyloid-negative cases (AUC = 0.75) and was associated with cognitive status. Combining plasma Aβ ratio, p-tau181 and NfL increased performance to identify amyloid copathology (AUC = 0.79). Principal component analysis identified different segregation patterns of biomarkers in the DLB and AD groups.CONCLUSIONS Amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation plasma biomarkers are modified in DLB, albeit with moderate diagnosis performance. Plasma p-tau181 can contribute to identify Aβ copathology in DLB.
An improved YOLO algorithm with multisensing for pedestrian detection
Authors: Gong Lixiong , Wang Yuanyuan , Huang Xiao , Liang Jiale , Fan Yanmiao
Published: March 2024

Although pedestrian detection techniques are improving, this task is still challenging due to the problems of target occlusion, small targets, and complex pedestrian backgrounds in images of different scenes. As a result, the You Only Look Once (YOLO) algorithm exhibits lower detection accuracy. In this paper, the use of multiple dilated convolutions to sample feature images is proposed avoid the information loss incurred repeated sampling, to improve the feature extraction and target detection performance of the algorithm. In addition, a lightweight shuffle-based efficient channel attention (SECA) mechanism is introduced to conduct grouping in the channel dimension and perform parallel processing for each subfeature map channel. A new branch is introduced to enrich the channel feature information for multiscale feature representation. Finally, a distance intersection over union-based nonmaximum suppression (DIoU-NMS) method is introduced to minimize the occurrence of missed targets due to occlusion by taking the prediction box and ground truth box centroid locations information into account without increasing the computational cost over that of normal NMS. Our method is extensively evaluated on several challenging pedestrian detection datasets, achieving 87.73%, 34.7%, 93.96% and 95.23% mean average precision (mAP) values on PASCAL VOC 2012, MS COCO, Caltech Pedestrian and INRIA Person, which are respectively. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids associated with delayed biological aging: NHANES 2005–2010
Authors: Jin Shuo , Zhao Xuan , Hu Lina
Published: March 2024

Background
Research has shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, telomere shortening delay and other functions, which can delay biological aging. Phenotypic age (PhenoAge), as a new indicator to assess the level of aging, plays a certain predictive role in the occurrence and development of diseases. The objective of our research was to investigate the association between dietary PUFAs intake and PhenoAge.
Methods
The data for our research was sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), covering the years 2005 to 2010. Multivariate linear regression was employed to examine the potential associations. Furthermore, subgroup analyses were used to explore this correlation in different populations. Sensitivity analysis has demonstrated the stability of our conclusion.
Results
Our study included 13326 individuals in total. The mean age was 50.09 years. The median level of PUFAs consumption was 17.07 g/ day. We observed the negative associations between PUFAs intake and PhenoAge after adjusting all covariates (β= -0.03; 95% confidence interval, -0.05 to -0.01). Besides, we categorized PUFAs intake into quartiles and found the existence of a linear relationship after adjusting all covariates (p for trend: 0.002). Subgroup analysis has demonstrated that this negative relationship remains stable across different population groups. The sensitivity analysis also confirms the stability of our conclusion.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our research indicate a negative association between PUFAs intake and PhenoAge. This association demonstrates a linear pattern, which means dietary PUFAs intake was associated with delayed biological aging.
Modelling global freight decarbonisation pathways
Authors: Martinez Luis Miguel G. , Pritchard John P.
Published: March 2024

This paper addresses the urgent need to decarbonise the global freight sector. Using the ITF PASTA modelling framework, it projects freight activity and emissions to 2050 under two policy scenarios of differing climate ambitions. Results reveal that without significant efforts and higher ambitions, global freight transport will not meet climate goals. Regional analyses underscore the importance of international cooperation. The study also discusses challenges in achieving efficiency gains and modal shifts and emphasises the vital role of demand management in successful decarbonisation efforts.
Mild to severe controlled hypotension with nicardipine can maintain intraoperative microcirculatory cerebral blood flow and oxygenation in pigs
Authors: Zuo Dukun , Yang Guiying , Li Yang , Yuan Yaozong , Deng Qiangting , Long Zonghong , Peng Taotao , Li Hong
Published: March 2024

Background
There have been many studies on global cerebral perfusion level, but less attention has been paid to its effect on cerebral microcirculatory perfusion. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nicardipine-induced hypotension on microcirculatory cerebral blood flow and oxygenation in pigs.
Methods
Six healthy female Landrace pigs, aged 4–6 months, weighing 22-25kg were included in this study. Nicardipine was used for controlled hypotension (20%, 30%, 50% lower than baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP), corresponding to mild, moderate and severe hypotension, respectively) under sevoflurane anesthesia. Oxygen to see(O2C), a monitoring instrument, was used to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2). rCBF, rSO2, HR, SpO2 were recorded under different MAP.
Results
rCBF was moderately correlated with rSO2(r = 0.671), while MAP was highly correlated with both rCBF and rSO2(r = 0.800 and 0.860, respectively) during hypotension. Both rCBF and rSO2 decreased significantly(P < 0.001) from baseline during mild hypotension, with an average decrease of 6.3% and 2.2%, respectively. During moderate hypotension, rCBF decreased by an average of 11.8% (P < 0.001), while rSO2 fell by an average of 6.5% (P < 0.001). During severe hypotension, the average decrease of rCBF was 19.5%(P < 0.001), while rSO2 decreased by an average of 15.7%(P < 0.001). When MAP recovered after drug withdrawal, both rCBF and rSO2 did not restore, which decreased by 2.7% and 4.3% from baseline, respectively.
Conclusions
The effect of nicardipine on cerebral microcirculation perfusion is limited during mild to severe hypotension. However, for patients with cerebrovascular diseases, there is a high risk of cerebral ischemia and hypoxia during severe hypotension.