bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A directional active noise control algorithm based on all-pass/minimum phase decomposition
Authors: Wang Yiming , Liu Yangfan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose the design of a directional active noise control (ANC) system, which can suppress the noise coming from one specific direction without affecting the noise coming from other directions. The proposed directional ANC system integrates the sound extraction feature of a beamforming system with the active noise canceling feature of an ANC system. Instead of using the signals collected by the reference microphones as the reference signals directly, the directional ANC system uses the signal filtered by carefully designed minimum phase beamforming filters as the new reference signal, in which the noise signal coming from the look-direction of the beamformer is enhanced and at the same time noise signals coming from other directions are suppressed. Usually, the filtered signal of a beamforming system cannot be used as the reference signal of an ANC system because the delays introduced by the beamforming process degrade the performance of the ANC system. To resolve the problem, a spectral factorization technique is introduced and used to extract the minimum phase component of the beamforming filters which decreases the required delays of the beamforming system.
Automotive audio system evaluation over headphones based on the biaural vehicle impulse responses of different listening positions: A case study of a specific audio system
Authors: Pei Yukun , Li You , Ripollés Pablo
Published: November 2022

In recent years, car manufacturers have consistently upgraded the audio systems of their vehicles, with audio aficionados adding further modifications to them. The acoustics of the vehicle cabin and the sound effects of the audio systems have become one of the most important topics of the Research and Development Departments of manufacturers. For example, the selected vehicle in this experiment has implemented different spatial audio algorithms in its models to achieve a better listening experience. By capitalizing on impulse responses, binaural audio technology provides the opportunity and the flexibility to virtually generate the sound effects of a particular space without the requirement of physically being in that space. We used binaural technology and the vehicle to develop a standardized procedure for the evaluation of car audio systems. A perceptual listening test was integrated into this study to verify the procedure and to further evaluate this specific audio system.
Generalized polynomial chaos based surrogate models for acoustics and vibrations
Authors: Wixom Andrew S.
Published: November 2022

This work explores generalized polynomial chaos (GPC) surrogate models and their effectiveness for general acoustics and vibration applications. GPC is primarily known as an uncertainty quantification (UQ) technique and in that context the underlying polynomial-based model has been shown to be effective in mapping input probability distributions to the corresponding output probability distributions. In this study, GPC surrogate models – including those generated by both quadrature and regression methods – are evaluated for their effectiveness in non-UQ focused analyses. As points of comparison, Krylov subspace and other more traditional reduced order modeling techniques are demonstrated and compared to GPC models so that the differences may be better understood. Example problems with several different levels of complexity are used to show how the computational burden as well as the overall effectiveness of the method changes as the number of input variables that must be considered grows.
Managing challenges in congenital CMV: current thinking
Authors: Jones Christine E , Bailey Heather , Bamford Alasdair , Calvert Anna , Dorey Robert B , Drysdale Simon B , Khalil Asma , Heath Paul T , Lyall Hermione , Ralph Kate Monica Isabel , Sapuan Shari , Vandrevala Tushna , Walter Simone , Whittaker Elizabeth , Wood Sharon
Published: November 2022

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital infection, affecting around 1 in 200 infants in high-income settings. It can have life-long consequences for up to one in four children, including sensorineural hearing loss and neurodisability. Despite the frequency of congenital CMV and the severity for some children, it is a little-known condition by pregnant women, families and healthcare providers. Timely diagnosis of CMV infection in pregnancy is important to facilitate consideration of treatment with valaciclovir, which may reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus or reduce the severity of the outcomes for infected infants. Recognition of features of congenital CMV is important for neonatologists, paediatricians and audiologists to prompt testing for congenital CMV within the first 21 days of life. Early diagnosis gives the opportunity for valganciclovir treatment, where appropriate, to improve outcomes for affected infants. Further research is urgently needed to inform decisions about antenatal and neonatal screening, long-term outcomes for asymptomatic and symptomatic infants, predictors of these outcomes and optimal treatment for women and infants.
Post-COVID mRNA vaccine myocarditis in children: report of two cases
Authors: Shamekh Ahmed , Powell Colin , Ashabani Abdusamea , Abdelgadir Ibtihal Siddiq
Published: November 2022

The SARS-COV-2 pandemic led to the development of several vaccinations to contain the disease. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 (BNT162b2) vaccine was recommended on May 2021 for use in children above 12 years and older. The vaccine is safe, well tolerated and highly effective. Initial reports showed no serious adverse events; however, cases of myocarditis in young healthy male adolescents have been reported. We report two cases of myocarditis/perimyocarditis who presented with short history of chest pain following administration of the second dose of the MRN COVID-19 vaccine.
Economic evaluation of integrated services for non-communicable diseases and HIV: costs and client outcomes in rural Malawi
Authors: Wroe Emily B , Mailosi Bright , Price Natalie , Kachimanga Chiyembekezo , Shah Adarsh , Kalanga Noel , Dunbar Elizabeth L , Nazimera Lawrence , Gizaw Mahlet , Boudreaux Chantelle , Dullie Luckson , Neba Liberty , McBain Ryan K
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the costs and client outcomes associated with integrating screening and treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) into HIV services in a rural and remote part in southeastern Africa.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Primary and secondary level health facilities in Neno District, Malawi.

Participants

New adult enrollees in Integrated Chronic Care Clinics (IC3) between July 2016 and June 2017.

Main outcome measures

We quantified the annualised total and per capita economic cost (US$2017) of integrated chronic care, using activity-based costing from a health system perspective. We also measured enrolment, retention and mortality over the same period. Furthermore, we measured clinical outcomes for HIV (viral load), hypertension (controlled blood pressure), diabetes (average blood glucose), asthma (asthma severity) and epilepsy (seizure frequency).

Results

The annualised total cost of providing integrated HIV and NCD care was $2 461 901 to provide care to 9471 enrollees, or $260 per capita. This compared with $2 138 907 for standalone HIV services received by 6541 individuals, or $327 per capita. Over the 12-month period, 1970 new clients were enrolled in IC3, with a retention rate of 80%. Among clients with HIV, 81% achieved an undetectable viral load within their first year of enrolment. Significant improvements were observed among clinical outcomes for clients enrolled with hypertension, asthma and epilepsy (p<0.05, in all instances), but not for diabetes (p>0.05).

Conclusions

IC3 is one of the largest examples of fully integrated HIV and NCD care. Integrating screening and treatment for chronic health conditions into Malawi’s HIV platform appears to be a financially feasible approach associated with several positive clinical outcomes.
Parental experience of an early developmental surveillance programme for autism within Australian general practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Eapen Valsamma , Winata Teresa , Gilbert Melissa , Nair Radhika , Khan Feroza , Lucien Abbie , Islam Raisa , Masi Anne , Lam-Cassettari Christa , Mendoza Diaz Antonio , Dissanayake Cheryl , Karlov Lisa , Descallar Joseph , Eastwood John , Hasan Iqbal , Jalaludin Bin , Kohlhoff Jane , Liaw Siaw-Teng , Lingam Raghu , Ong Natalie , Tam Chun Wah Michael , Woolfenden Susan , Barbaro Josephine
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Implementing support and services early in the life course has been shown to promote positive developmental outcomes for children at high likelihood of developmental conditions including autism. This study examined parents’/caregivers’ experiences and perceptions about a digital developmental surveillance pathway for autism, the autism surveillance pathway (ASP), and usual care, the surveillance as usual (SaU) pathway, in the primary healthcare general practice setting.

Design

This qualitative study involves using a convenience selection process of the full sample of parents/caregivers that participated in the main programme, ‘General Practice Surveillance for Autism’, a cluster-randomised controlled trial study. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded using NVivo V.12 software. An inductive thematic interpretive approach was adopted and data were analysed thematically.

Participants

Twelve parents/caregivers of children with or without a developmental condition/autism (who participated in the main programme) in South Western Sydney and Melbourne were interviewed.

Settings

All interviews were completed over the phone.

Results

There were seven major themes and 20 subthemes that included positive experiences, such as pre-existing patient–doctor relationships and their perceptions on the importance of knowing and accessing early support/services. Barriers or challenges experienced while using the SaU pathway included long waiting periods, poor communication and lack of action plans, complexity associated with navigating the healthcare system and lack of understanding by general practitioners (GPs). Common suggestions for improvement included greater awareness/education for parents/carers and the availability of accessible resources on child development for parents/caregivers.

Conclusion

The findings support the use of digital screening tools for developmental surveillance, including for autism, using opportunistic contacts in the general practice setting.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR (ACTRN12619001200178).
Experts’ views on how to design a tobacco control fund in the UK
Authors: Hilton Shona , Smith Marissa J , Buckton Christina H , Patterson Chris
Published: November 2022

Objective

To explore expert views on the potential value, and approaches to establishing and administering a tobacco control fund in the UK.

Design

Semistructured interviews and follow-up discussion groups.

Subjects

Twenty-four UK and international experts on tobacco control regulation, public health, economics or law from the academic, public, private and third sector.

Methods

Participants considered the relative merit of (1) general excise tax on retail tobacco sales; (2) ring-fenced hypothecation of excise taxes on retail tobacco sales; and (3) a direct levy on tobacco manufacturers. Preliminary synthesis of interview findings was deliberated on in two follow-up discussion groups to identify key considerations for policy design.

Result

Most experts agreed that a ring-fenced tobacco control fund would be a valuable method of raising predictable and reliable funds from tobacco producers either using either companies’ sales volume or market share as a way to establish the proportion they should pay. Experts predominantly recommended that a fund in the UK should be administered by a government body with devolved nation input and with an independent advisory group. They typically indicated that funding should be allocated yearly with a distribution at local, regional and national levels to support smoking prevention and cessation rather than treatment activities with priority given to measures that tackle smoking-related inequalities.

Conclusion

There was overwhelming agreement by experts on the need to establish a tobacco control fund to help meet the proposed government tobacco-free targets to reduce adult smoking prevalence to 5% by 2030 (England) and 2034 (Scotland).
Income and economic productivity loss associated with comorbidity: longitudinal analysis of linked individual-level data for a whole country
Authors: Sigglekow Finn , Wilson Nick , Blakely Tony
Published: November 2022

Objective

To estimate the income loss from having two or more diseases, over and above the independent and separate effects of having a single disease.

Methods

We used linked health income data from 2006–2007 to 2015–2016 for 25–64 years, for the entire New Zealand population. Fixed effects OLS regression was used to estimate within-individual income loss for diseases separately, and to estimate if having two or more diseases together resulted in reduced (subadditive) or additional (superadditive) income impacts (relative to adding together the income impacts for each disease when experienced singly).

Results

Of the 169 comorbidity pairs for both sexes, 28 (17%) had a statistically significant superadditive (n=14) or subadditive (n=14) effect of having two diseases. The combined total income gain from deleting all diseases and comorbidities was US$2.269 billion (95% CI US$$2.125 to US$2.389 billion), or a 3.61% (95% CI 3.38% to 3.80%) increase in income. Of this, 8.8% or US$200 million (95% CI US$193 to US$207 million) was attributable to a tendency for comorbidity interactions to increase income loss more than expected for common disease pairings.

Conclusions

This national longitudinal study found that disease is associated with income loss, but most of this impact is due to the distinct and independent impact of separate diseases. Nevertheless, there was a tendency for two or more diseases to disproportionately increase income loss more than the summed impacts of each of these diseases if experienced singly.
Differential involvement of germline pathogenic variants in breast cancer genes between DCIS and low-grade invasive cancers
Authors: Evans D Gareth , Sithambaram Siva , van Veen Elke Maria , Burghel George J , Schlecht Helene , Harkness Elaine F , Byers Helen , Ellingford Jamie M , Gandhi Ashu , Howell Sacha J , Howell Anthony , Forde Claire , Lalloo Fiona , Newman William G , Smith Miriam Jane , Woodward Emma Roisin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To investigate frequency of germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and grade 1 invasive breast cancer (G1BC).

Methods

We undertookBRCA1/2analysis in 311 women with DCIS and 392 with G1BC and extended panel testing (non-BRCA1/2) in 176/311 with DCIS and 156/392 with G1BC. We investigated PV detection by age at diagnosis, Manchester Score (MS), DCIS grade and receptor status.

Results

30/311 (9.6%) with DCIS and 16/392 with G1BC (4.1%) had aBRCA1/2PV (p=0.003), and 24/176-(13.6%) and 7/156-(4.5%), respectively, a non-BRCA1/2PV (p=0.004). Increasing MS was associated with increased likelihood ofBRCA1/2PV in both DCIS and G1BC, although the 10% threshold was not predictive for G1GB. 13/32 (40.6%) DCIS and 0/17 with G1BC <40 years had a non-BRCA1/2 PV (p<0.001). 0/16 DCIS G1 had a PV. For G2 and G3 DCIS, PV rates were 10/98 (BRCA1/2) and 9/90 (non-BRCA1/2), and 8/47 (BRCA1/2) and 8/45 (non-BRCA1/2), respectively. 6/9BRCA1and 3/26BRCA2-associated DCIS were oestrogen receptor negative-(p=0.003). G1BC population testing showed no increased PV rate (OR=1.16, 95% CI 0.28 to 4.80).

Conclusion

DCIS is more likely to be associated with bothBRCA1/2and non-BRCA1/2PVs than G1BC. Extended panel testing ought to be offered in young-onset DCIS where PV detection rates are highest.
Characterization of the Wager shear zone, Nunavut, Canada: Insights from microstructures and geochronology
Authors: Therriault Isabelle , Larson Kyle P. , Steenkamp Holly M. , Apen Francisco E. , Graziani Riccardo , Soret Mathieu , Guilmette Carl , Cottle John M.
Published: November 2022

The Wager shear zone is an ∼450-km long zone of high strain hosted within Proterozoic and Archean rocks of the Rae domain in northwestern Hudson Bay, Nunavut. New field mapping and microstructural analyzes, combined with titanite and apatite geochronology, define the style, kinematics, and timing of Proterozoic ductile deformation. The results indicate that the Wager shear zone accommodated high-temperature deformation between ca. 1.75 and 1.74 Ga with post-kinematic cooling through apatite U–Pb closure (425–530 °C) at ca. 1705 Ma. These new data show that the Wager shear zone was last active later than inferred in previous work, at a time when the western Churchill Province was undergoing lithospheric delamination and exhumation following the terminal collisional events in the western portion of the Trans-Hudson Orogen.
Interindividual communication by bats via echolocation
Authors: Barclay Robert M.R. , Jacobs David S.
Published: November 2022

The majority of over 1400 species of bats produce echolocation calls of diverse designs as a means of obtaining information about their surroundings, including the presence of prey. These calls also have the potential to contain information about the caller that can be used by other bats. We review the evidence for information transfer from echolocating bats to intended or unintended conspecifics and heterospecifics. Analysis of call structure and playback experiments on over 50 species in 11 families demonstrate that information regarding the species, population, sex, age, size, and individual identity of the caller is often contained within the calls, and in some cases can be recognized and used by other individuals. Intentional or unintentional (eavesdropping) communication occurs in feeding and roosting situations, as well as between individuals in social interactions such as in mate choice and between mothers and young. We also assess limitations of the research to date and suggest avenues for future research.
The role of Pryce’s spin and coordinate operators in the theory of massive Dirac fermions
Authors: Cotăescu Ion I.
Published: November 2022

It is shown that the components of Pryce’s spin operator of Dirac’s theory are SU(2) generators of a representation carried by the space of Pauli’s spinors determining the polarization of the plane wave solutions of Dirac’s equation. These operators are conserved via Noether’s theorem such that new conserved polarization operators can be defined for various polarizations. The corresponding one-particle operators of quantum theory are derived showing how these are related to the isometry generators of the massive Dirac fermions of any polarization, including momentum-dependent ones. In this manner, the problem of separating conserved spin and orbital angular momentum operators is solved naturally. Moreover, the operator proposed by Pryce as a mass-center coordinate is studied, showing that after quantization, this becomes in fact the dipole one-particle operator. As an example, the quantities determining the principal one-particle operators are derived for the first time in a momentum-helicity basis.
Searching for tetraquark through weak decays of b-baryons
Authors: Huang Fei , Xing Ye , Xu Ji
Published: November 2022

After the experimental observation of charged and neutral $$Z_c(3900)$$

Z
c

(
3900
)

, it is of prime importance to pursue searches for additional production modes of these exotic states. In this work, we investigate the possibility to study the $$Z_c(3900)$$

Z
c

(
3900
)

through weak decays of b-baryons at the LHCb. Decay amplitudes for various processes have been parametrized in terms of the SU(3) irreducible nonperturbative amplitudes. A number of relations for the partial decay widths are deduced from these results. The decay widths of $$\Lambda _b^0\rightarrow \Lambda ^0 Z_c^0(3900)$$

Λ
b
0

→

Λ
0

Z
c
0

(
3900
)

, $$\Xi _b^- \rightarrow \Sigma ^- Z_{c}^0(3900)$$

Ξ
b
-

→

Σ
-

Z

c

0

(
3900
)

and $$\Xi _b^0 \rightarrow \Lambda ^0 Z_{c}^0(3900)$$

Ξ
b
0

→

Λ
0

Z

c

0

(
3900
)

have also been calculated from which some relevant partial decay widths of b-baryons could be estimated. The results presented in this paper can be tested experimentally at hadron colliders in the future.
Research Progress of Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Dong Li , Shen Zhijie , Chi Hao , Wang Yingjie , Shi Zhaofeng , Fang Hongjun , Yang Yanling , Rong Jingfeng
Published: November 2022

Vascular recanalization is the essential procedure in which severe coronary artery stenosis is diagnosed. However, the blood flow recovery associated with this procedure may cause myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI), which aggravates heart failure. Unfortunately, the mechanism of MIRI has historically been poorly understood. As we now know, calcium overloading, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory responses, and ferroptosis take part in the process of MIRI. Modern medicine has shown through clinical studies its own limited effects in the case of MIRI, whereas Chinese traditional medicine demonstrates a strong vitality. Multiple-target effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and cardio-protection effects, are central to this vitality. In our clinic center, Yixin formula is commonly used in patients with MIRI. This formula contains Astragalus, Ligusticum Wallichii, Salvia, Rhodiola Rosea, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Cyperus Rotundus, and Cassia Twig. Its effects include warming yang energy, activating blood circulation, and eliminating blood stasis. In our previous laboratory studies, we have proved that it can reduce MIRI and oxidative stress injury in rats suffering from ischemia myocardiopathy. It can also inhibit apoptosis and protect myocardium. In this paper, we review the research of Yixin formula and other related herbal medicines in MIRI therapy.
Ginsenoside Rd Inhibited Ferroptosis to Alleviate CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice via cGAS/STING Pathway
Authors: Li Yuangeng , Yu Ping , Fu Wenwen , Wang Shuo , Zhao Wenjun , Ma Yue , Wu Yi , Cui Heming , Yu Xiaofeng , Fu Li , Xu Huali , Sui Dayun
Published: November 2022

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced lipid peroxidation associated with hepatic oxidative stress and cell death is an important mechanism of acute liver injury (ALI). Ginsenoside Rd is considered an active ingredient of ginseng. Evidence suggests that ginsenoside Rd may improve ischaemic stroke, nerve damage, cancer and other diseases involving apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury and autophagy. However, the effects of ginsenoside Rd on CCl4-induced ALI and its underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, 0.25% CCl4 was injected intraperitoneally in mice to establish a CCl4-induced ALI model. In the Rd treatment group, Rd (10, 20[Formula: see text]mg/kg) doses were injected intraperitoneally 1[Formula: see text]h before and 23[Formula: see text]h after CCl4 administration. Ferroptosis inducer imidazole ketone erastin (IKE) was injected intraperitoneally 4[Formula: see text]h before CCl4 administration to explore the mechanism. The blood and liver were collected 24[Formula: see text]h after CCl4 administration to investigate the effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rd on CCl4-induced ALI. Our results showed that ginsenoside Rd inhibited CCl4-induced ALI in mice. Ginsenoside Rd also downregulated CCl4-induced serum and liver iron, 4-hydroxynonenal, and 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine levels. Furthermore, it upregulated glutathione and glutathione peroxidase 4 levels. In addition, ginsenoside Rd downregulated the expression of cGAS and STING. Subsequently, the ferroptosis inducer imidazole ketone erastin significantly reversed the hepatoprotective effect and influence of ginsenoside Rd with regard to the indicators mentioned above. Our study confirmed that ginsenoside Rd ameliorated CCl4-induced ALI in mice, which was related to the reduction of ferroptosis. Simultaneously, the ginsenoside Rd-mediated inhibition of the cGAS/STING pathway contributed to its antiferroptosis effect. In conclusion, our results suggested that ginsenoside Rd inhibited ferroptosis via the cGAS/STING pathway, thereby protecting mice from CCl4-induced ALI. These results suggested ginsenoside Rd may be used as a potential intervention treatment against CCl4-induced ALI.
Radiation effect on MHD three-dimensional stagnation-point flow comprising water-based graphene oxide nanofluid induced by a nonuniform heat source/sink over a horizontal plane surface
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar , Albaqami Munirah D. , Waini Iskandar , Alotabi Reham Ghazi , Pop Ioan
Published: November 2022

This research aims to study the 3D magnetohydrodynamics stagnation-point flow (SPF) over a horizontal plane surface (HPS) carrying water-based graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles caused by an irregular heat source/sink used in heat transfer procedures. In addition, a Tiwari–Das model is used to inspect the dynamics of fluid flow behavior and heat transmission features of the nanoparticles with experiencing the impacts of thermal radiation. The acquired nonlinear set of partial differential equations (PDEs) is transfigured to a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using similarity transformations. The accumulative dimensionless ODEs are then further tackled in MATLAB using the bvp4c solver. Tables and figures are prepared for the execution of several relevant constraints along with nodal/saddle indicative parameter, internal heat source/sink parameter, radiation parameter and nanoparticles volume fraction which divulges and clarify more accurately the posited quantitative data and graphical findings. Also, the velocity profile decelerated in the axial and transverse coordinate axes for a higher value of the nanoparticle volume fraction but the dimensionless temperature distribution is augmented. Additionally, thermal boundary layer thickness and profile of temperature enriches with higher impressions of radiation constraint. However, the internal heat sink factor declines the profiles of temperature while escalating with the superior value of the internal heat source parameter.
Formation of n-type CoSi monosilicide film which can be used in instrumentation
Authors: Bekpulatov I. R. , Imanova G. T. , Kamilov T. S. , Igamov B. D. , Turapov I. Kh.
Published: November 2022

There arises the formation of thin films of cobalt monosilicide (CoSi) deposited into the base surface of SiO2/Si (111) using magnetron ion-plasma sputtering and subsequent thermal annealing. It was found that, in addition to the formation of CoSi silicide, also there are Co and Si atoms that do not form bonds on the surface. Therefore, in this work, we studied the surface morphology and composition of a CoSi silicon target using a scanning electron microscope. The study, silicide CoSi, was chosen as the target and standard SiO2/Si (111) was used as the substrate. The surface morphology and composition of the CoSi silicon film obtained by scanning electron microscopy had been studied. The paper reports on a method, morphology of the surface of a CoSi silicon film obtained using Raman microscopy. The results obtained are based on the fact that they were obtained using a modern magnetron sputterer, a high-vacuum thermal heater and modern devices.
EXPERIMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND TOPSIS OPTIMIZATION OF CUTTING FORCE, SURFACE ROUGHNESS, AND SOUND INTENSITY IN HARD TURNING OF AISI 52100 STEEL
Authors: RAFIGHI MOHAMMAD , ÖZDEMIR MUSTAFA , ŞAHINOĞLU ABIDIN , KUMAR RAMANUJ , DAS SUDHANSU RANJAN
Published: November 2022

In this work, initially, the raw AISI 52100 bearing steel was heat-treated to obtain 40 HRC and 45 HRC workpiece hardness. Further, dry hard turning tests were carried out to study the impact of workpiece hardness ([Formula: see text]), cutting speed ([Formula: see text]), feed ([Formula: see text]), and depth of cut ([Formula: see text]) on cutting force (Fy), surface roughness (Ra), and sound intensity (SI). An economically viable PVD-coated carbide turning tool was implemented for the experiments. The Taguchi L[Formula: see text] (2–3 mixed level) design of experiments was employed to establish the experimental plan in order to save the experimental time, energy, and cost of manufacturing. The results disclosed that the feed has the prevailing consequence on surface roughness with a 96.3% contribution, while it also significantly affects the cutting force with a contribution of 13.8%. The contribution of cutting speed and workpiece hardness on the cutting force was reported as 48.3% and 35.1%, respectively. Higher workpiece hardness required more energy for plastic deformation as a result the cutting force increases with leading hardness. The sound intensity was dominantly influenced by depth of cut (53.3%) and cutting speed (40%). Finally, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was performed to determine the optimum machining parameters. According to the TOPSIS, the optimum level of cutting parameters was predicted as 40 HRC hardness ([Formula: see text]), 150[Formula: see text]m/min cutting speed ([Formula: see text]), 0.15[Formula: see text]mm/rev feed ([Formula: see text]), and 0.1[Formula: see text]mm depth of cut ([Formula: see text]) while the optimal result of Fy, SI, and Ra were noted as 27.66[Formula: see text]N, 70.7[Formula: see text]dB, and 0.86[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m individually.
Modelling and Analysis of Thermal Vibrations of Coated Fiber-Reinforced Composite Cylindrical Thin Shells
Authors: Wang Guangbin , Li Zelin , Lu Pengxu , Dai Zhihan , Zhao Jing , Wu Haihong , Shi Xianjie , Wang Xiangping , Li Hui
Published: November 2022

The thermal vibration characteristics of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) cylindrical thin shells (FRCCTSs) coated with functionally graded porous graphene platelet (FGPGP) are investigated in this work, which is based on a theoretical model constructed by a mixed analytical and finite element method. Firstly, the porosity distributions of the FGPGP coating are assumed to be uniform or nonuniform along thickness direction with four porous forms of coating being taken into account. Next, the displacement field functions along with the axial, circumferential, and transverse directions are assumed on the basis of Love’s first-order approximation theory. Furthermore, this coated thin shell is discretized by the four-node shell element method to calculate the mass and stiffness matrices, with the artificial spring technology being adopted to simulate arbitrary boundary conditions. After the frequency parameters and dynamic responses are successfully solved, the proposed model with and without coating material is roughly validated by comparing with literature results at different boundary conditions without considering the temperature effect. Meanwhile, by utilizing the natural frequencies and vibration responses measured via a thermal vibration experiment bench, the comprehensive verification is performed within a temperature range of 20–200∘C. Finally, parametric studies are undertaken to study the influences of boundary condition, porosity distribution of coating, fiber layup pattern, the predefined thickness ratio, and elastic modulus ratio on the corresponding thermal vibration properties.
Investigation of spin-charge-structure in human heme using the DFT method
Authors: Tasharrofi Hamideh , Asli Maryam Daghighi , Jamaat Parisa Rajabali
Published: November 2022

The enzyme heme oxygenase (HO) plays an essential role in the destruction of heme molecules. Heme oxygenase uses dioxygen to open the specific orientation of the porphyrin ring at the position of the [Formula: see text]-meso carbon. This reaction is called mesohydroxylation, which produces [Formula: see text]-bilirubin, and the [Formula: see text]-bilirubin produced by the second enzyme bilirubin reductase is converted into bilirubin. The destruction of heme is carried out by a special enzymatic process, and the enzymes heme oxygenase and bilirubin reductase are responsible for the enzymatic role of this process. All calculations were done using Gaussian 2003 and Gaussian 2009 on an Asus NW522 computer and with the help of the Gaussian viewer, and Hyperchem software. Calculation and optimization of different configurations of molecules using the quantum computing method from the beginning of B3LYP were performed using the 631G-basis set using the FOPT keyword. The calculation of charge and spin was done based on Mulliken’s charge and spin. The analysis of bonding orbitals (NBO) was done to fully investigate the distribution of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] spins in d orbitals of iron and ring. The molecule is optimized using the quantum calculation method from the beginning, B3LYP with the basis set 6-31G. The results of DFT studies showed that the LUMO-HOMO energy gap values reflect the chemical activity of the molecule. The higher the HOMO-LUMO energy gap, the harder and more stable the molecule is and the less reactive it is. The reduction of the HOMO and LUMO energy gap explains the final charge transfer interaction that occurs inside the molecule due to the ability to accept electrons in the electron acceptor group.
Young death assemblages with limited time-averaging in rocky and
Posidonia oceanica
habitats in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Albano Paolo G. , Hua Quan , Kaufman Darrell S. , Zuschin Martin
Published: November 2022

Death assemblages (DAs) are increasingly recognized as a valuable source to reconstruct past ecological baselines, due to the accumulation of skeletal material of non-contemporaneous cohorts. We here quantify the age and time-averaging of DAs on shallow subtidal (5–25 m) rocky substrates and in meadows of
Posidonia oceanica
in the eastern Mediterranean. We show that such DAs are very young – median ages 9–56 years – with limited time-averaging, one to two orders of magnitude less than on even nearby soft substrates. On rocky substrates, out-of-habitat transport is likely the main cause of loss of older shells. In
Posidonia oceanica
meadows, the root and rhizome system creates a dense structure – the
matte
– that quickly entangles and buries shells and limits the potential for bioturbation. The
matte
is, however, a peculiar feature of
Posidonia oceanica
, and age and time-averaging in meadows of other seagrass species may be different. The young age of DAs in these habitats requires a careful consideration of their appropriateness as baselines. The large difference in DA age between soft substrates, subject to numerous studies, and hard and seagrass substrates, rarely inspected with geochronological techniques, implies that DA dating is important for studies aiming at using DAs as baselines.
Construction Robotics: From Automation to Collaboration
Authors: Parascho Stefana
Published: November 2022

Over the past decades, robotics has shown great potential to impact the built environment, from automation to differentiation and efficient construction. However, construction processes are highly complex and require tackling a multitude of problems, from safety and robustness to ease of control and interactivity. For this reason, the field of construction robotics is still evolving, requiring finding solutions for new challenges every day. The present review analyzes the role of robotics in construction and architecture over time and highlights current trends in shifting from pure automation toward collaborative and adaptive processes that have the potential to fully integrate robotics into a rigid and challenging industry, such as construction.
LncRNA NEAT1 accelerates renal fibrosis progression via targeting miR-31 and modulating RhoA/ROCK signal pathway
Authors: Chen Yan , Huang Chong , Duan Zhi-Bin , Chen Yan-Xia , Xu Cheng-Yun
Published: November 2022

Renal fibrosis is the final pathway for chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal failure. Noncoding RNAs have been reported to play a crucial role in renal fibrosis. Here, the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and miR-31 on renal fibrosis and their regulatory mechanism were evaluated. RT-qPCR was used to assess NEAT1, miR-31, and RhoA levels. Western blot was performed to analyze the expression of fibrosis markers, RhoA, rho-related kinase (ROCK1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and luciferase reporter assays verified the interaction between miR-31 and NEAT1 or RhoA. Renal fibrosis and injury were observed by Masson and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expression level of inflammatory cytokines was detected by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to examine the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and RhoA in renal tissues. We showed that NEAT1 was highly expressed, whereas miR-31 was decreased in renal fibrosis. NEAT1 was found to directly bind miR-31 to positively regulate RhoA expression. Furthermore, NEAT1 silencing inhibited renal fibrosis and inflammation and suppressed the RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway. However, knockdown of miR-31 could reverse these effects. NEAT1 silencing or overexpression of miR-31 alleviated renal fibrosis in vivo. In conclusion, NEAT1 accelerates renal fibrosis progression via negative regulation of miR-31 and the activation of RhoA/ROCK1 pathway, thereby upregulating the expression level of CTGF, providing a theoretical basis for treatment and prognostic evaluation of renal fibrosis.
Analytical Solution to the Generalized Complex Duffing Equation
Authors: Salas S Alvaro H. , Altamirano Gilder Cieza , Martínez H Lorenzo J.
Published: November 2022

Future scientific and technological evolution in many areas of applied mathematics and modern physics will necessarily depend on dealing with complex systems. Such systems are complex in both their composition and behavior, namely, dealing with complex dynamical systems using different types of Duffing equations, such as real Duffing equations and complex Duffing equations. In this paper, we derive an analytical solution to a complex Duffing equation. We extend the Krýlov–Bogoliúbov–Mitropólsky method for solving a coupled system of nonlinear oscillators and apply it to solve a generalized form of a complex Duffing equation.
Demographic and Clinical Determinants of Tuberculosis and TB Recurrence: A Double-Edged Retrospective Study from Pakistan
Authors: Mujtaba Mariam Ahmed , Richardson Matthew , Shahzad Hira , Javed Muhammad Ishaq , Raja Ghazala Kaukab , Shaiq Pakeeza Arzoo , Haldar Pranabashis , Saeed Sadia
Published: November 2022

Objective. TB recurrence is the second episode of TB after initial treatment bringing about an additional 7% load in TB burden intensified by 17.7% of multidrug-resistant recurrent cases. It is necessary to curb recurrence so that attempts to deal with active disease can be made more effective. This study aimed to characterize sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with recurrent TB in a high-burden setting. Methodology. A retrospective case-control study was carried out at two hospitals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. TB patients and controls were included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by questionnaire from all subjects. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with TB and TB recurrence respectively. Results. In our study cohort, factors significantly associated with TB were low BMI (OR: 0.961 (CI 0.954–0.968),

p
<
0.001

), female gender (OR: 2.065 (CI 1.922–2.219),

p
<
0.001

), being single/unmarried (OR: 1.214 (CI 1.109–1.328),

p
=
0.003

), middle-income status (OR: 1.935 (CI 1.616–2.323),

p
<
0.001

), smoking (OR: 1.567 (CI 1.435–1.710),

p
<
0.001

), and diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.142 (CI 1.017–1.278),

p
=
0.023

). TB recurrence constituted 11.2% of patients presenting to the hospital. Compared with the first episode of TB, cases with recurrence were more likely to be older (OR: 1.011 (CI 1.004–1.017),

p
<
0.001

), have disease awareness (OR: 1.906 (CI 1.486–2.437),

p
<
0.001

), smear positive (OR: 2.384 (CI 1.650–3.536),

p
<
0.001

), and be drug-resistant (OR: 5.615 (CI 4.265–7.386),

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. In the present study cohort, low BMI, female gender, being single, middle-income status, being unemployed, smoking, and being diabetic came out to be the sociodemographic and clinical risk factors for TB. Further exploring the TB cases increasing age, drug resistance and smear positivity stood out to be the major sociodemographic and clinical factors of TB recurrence despite high disease awareness.
Effect of Cepharanthine on the Stemness of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics
Authors: Liu Bo , Deng Jian-xiong
Published: November 2022

Background. Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has poor survival prognosis and few clinical treatment options. We urgently need to explore new therapeutic drugs in clinical practice. Cepharanthine (CEP) has been shown to have anticancer effects in several tumors, but the mechanism of CEP in treating LUSC has not been reported. Methods. SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, and GeneCards were used to identify targets of CEP and LUSC. Further topological analysis was used to obtain hub genes via Cytoscape. Molecular docking was carried out to verify the combination of CEP with hub targets. Based on bioinformatics, we first analyzed the expression and survival of hub targets in LUSC and further analyzed the correlation between hub targets and cancer stemness, immune cell infiltration, and tumor mutation burden (TMB). Results. A total of 41 targets were identified. Further topological analysis identified 6 hub genes: AURKA, CCNA2, CCNE1, CDK1, CHEK1, and PLK1. Molecular docking analysis showed that CEP had stable binding to all these 6 target proteins. In‐depth bioinformatics analysis of these 6 targets showed that high expression of these targets were positively correlated with cancer stemness index and negatively correlated with tumor infiltrating immune cells. In immune subtype analysis, the expressions of these targets were significantly decreased in inflammatory tumors. In addition, we also found that the expressions of these targets were positively correlated with TMB. Conclusion. Based on multidisciplinary analysis, we preliminarily identified potential targets of CEP for LUSC treatment and suggested that CEP may play a role in regulating LUSC stemness.
NUSAP1 and PCLAF (KIA0101) Downregulation by Neoadjuvant Therapy is Associated with Better Therapeutic Outcomes and Survival in Breast Cancer
Authors: Magallanes-Garza Gerardo I. , Santuario-Facio Sandra K. , Lira-Albarrán Saúl , Varela-Varela Arlina F. , Cardona-Huerta Servando , Ruiz-Flores Pablo , Haro-Santa-Cruz Jorge , Perez-Paramo Yadira X. , Gomez-Macias Gabriela Sofia , Davila-Gonzalez Daniel , Valero-Gomez Javier , Borrego-Soto Gissela , Rojas-Martinez Augusto , Ortiz-Lopez Rocio
Published: November 2022

Purpose. To evaluate whether changes in genomic expression that occur beginning with breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and through to tumor resection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) reveal biomarkers that can help predict therapeutic response and survival. Materials and Methods. We determined gene expression profiles based on microarrays in tumor samples from 39 BC patients who showed pathologic complete response (pCR) or therapeutic failure (non-pCR) after NCT (cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin/epirubicin). Based on unsupervised clustering of gene expression, together with functional enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes, we selected NUSAP1, PCLAF, MME, and DST. We evaluated the NCT response and the expression of these four genes in BC histologic subtypes. In addition, we study the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Finally, we analyze the correlation between NUSAP1 and PCLAF against disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results. A signature of 43 differentially expressed genes discriminated pCR from non-pCR patients (|fold change >2|, false discovery rate <0.05) only in biopsies taken after surgery. Patients achieving pCR showed downregulation of NUSAP1 and PCLAF in tumor tissues and increased DFS and OS, while overexpression of these genes correlated with poor therapeutic response and OS. These genes are involved in the regulation of mitotic division. Conclusions. The downregulation of NUSAP1 and PCLAF after NCT is associated with the tumor response to chemotherapy and patient survival.
Nuclear Power Sustainability Path for China from the Perspective of Operations
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Shengzhi , Pan Weiwei , Wan Tian , Dong Chenhui
Published: November 2022

Nuclear power, as a low-carbon, stable, and efficient energy, plays an important role in replacing fossil fuels in the development of a globally sustainable energy system. However, nuclear power has deviated from the path to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The path of sustainable nuclear power for China was proposed based on an analysis of the development of global nuclear power and the situation in China, using advanced operation concepts and intelligent collaboration technology to change the labor-centered operation mode. It serves as a model for other countries with a labor-centered nuclear power operation mode and an aging society seeking to achieve carbon neutrality through the use of nuclear power around the world.
Suicidal Ideation and Its Associated Factors in Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nakhostin-Ansari Amin , Akhlaghi Mitra , Etesam Farnaz , Sadeghian Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2022

Objectives. This study is aimed at comparing the prevalence of suicidal ideation among Iranian medical, dental, and pharmacy students and determining the demographic and basic characteristics and mental and psychological issues associated with suicidal ideation in these students. Methods. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the 2020-2021 academic year on medical, dental, and pharmacy students studying at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). The questionnaire consisted of six sections: Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), UCLA loneliness scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS), and a questionnaire that was designed to evaluate students’ family history, current psychological status, and basic and demographic characteristics. Results. In total, 419 students participated in our study, with 133 (31.7%) being medical students, 85 (20.3%) being pharmacy students, and 201 (48%) being dental students. In our study, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was 32%. Family history of psychological issues (OR=2.186, P =0.012), current or past smoking (OR=2.155,P=0.01), parents not living together (OR=2.512,P=0.046), and satisfaction with the current field (OR=0.51,P<0.001) were all independently associated with the presence of suicidal ideation. Also, higher scores in BHS (OR=1.167,P<0.001), PSS (OR=1.081,P=0.001), and UCLA loneliness scale (OR=1.057,P<0.001) were independently associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation. Conclusion. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among Iranian medical, dental, and pharmacy students is relatively high and has increased during recent years, which needs emergent action.