bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of phenylcarbonyl groups in the sidechain: A tool to induce ordered assembly of peptides on surfaces
Authors: Kalita Mrinal , Yadav Khushboo , Archana Archana , Gopakumar Thiruvancheril G. , Vasudev Prema G. , Ramapanicker Ramesh
Published: June 2024

The possibility of introducing various functionalities on peptides with relative ease allows them to be used for molecular applications. However, oligopeptides prepared entirely from proteinogenic amino acids seldom assemble as ordered structures on surfaces. Therefore, sidechain modifications of peptides that can increase the intermolecular interactions without altering the constitution of a given peptide become an attractive route to self‐assembling them on surfaces. We find that replacing phenylalanine residues with unusual amino acids that have phenylcarbonyl sidechains in oligopeptides increases the formation of ordered self‐assembly on a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite surface. Peptides containing the modified amino acids provided extended long‐range ordered assemblies, while the analogous peptides containing phenylalanine residues failed to form long‐range assemblies. X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the bulk structures of these peptides and the analogous peptides containing phenylalanine residues reveal that such modifications do not alter the secondary structure in crystals. It also reveals that the secondary hydrogen bonding interaction through phenylcarbonyl sidechains facilitates extended growth of the peptides on graphite.
Growth Mechanism of N‐Polar GaN on Vicinal N‐Polar AlN Templates in Metal‐Organic Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Miyamoto Minagi , Hanasaku Koki , Kowaki Taketo , Inahara Daisuke , Zazuli Aina Hiyama , Fujii Kai , Kimoto Taisei , Ninoki Ryosuke , Kurai Satoshi , Okada Narihito , Yamada Yoichi
Published: June 2024

In this study, nitrogen‐polar (N‐polar) GaN/Al0.9Ga0.1N/aluminum nitride (AlN) structures are grown on a sapphire substrate with an offcut angle of 2.0° from the m axis using metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy. Low‐growth temperatures of N‐polar GaN result in a shorter Ga‐migration length, and 2D GaN growth is successfully achieved. The growth temperature and V/III ratio dependence are investigated for N‐polar GaN. As a result, high‐quality and flat N‐polar GaN is successfully grown at a low temperature of 650 °C at a high V/III ratio and nonequilibrium conditions. Through X‐ray reciprocal space mapping, N‐polar GaN can be grown coherently on a N‐polar AlN template at low temperatures around 650 °C, relaxing at higher temperatures.
Advancing Neutron Detection: Fabrication, Characterization, and Performance Evaluation of Self‐Powered PIN BGaN/GaN Superlattice‐Based Neutron Detectors
Authors: Srivastava Ashutosh , Mballo Adama , Sundaram Suresh , Ottapilakkal Vishnu , Vuong Phuong , Karrakchou Soufiane , Kumar Mritunjay , Li Xiaohang , Halfaya Yacine , Gautier Simon , Voss Paul L. , Salvestrini Jean Paul , Ougazzaden Abdallah
Published: June 2024

Solid state semiconductor based neutron detectors have the potential to be energy efficient and compact, making them suitable for applications where low power consumption and size constraints are important considerations. Herein, neutron detection devices based on PIN structures consisting of BGaN/GaN superlattice (SL) are demonstrated. These SL structures enable to incorporate significant boron (B) content and achieve good crystalline quality epilayers crucial for better neutron detection. Further, by leveraging the built‐in electric field generated by the PIN structure, these devices can be operated without any applied bias, simplifying overall operation and enabling a more compact size system for detection. Their performance is evaluated by measuring real‐time current response under neutron irradiation (IN) and without it (ID). The neutron induced current density (ΔJ = JN −  JD) is determined, reaching an impressive value of 0.67 pA cm−2 (two times JD) under thermal neutron flux of 1.2 × 104 n cm−2 s−1 without biasing, demonstrating their self‐powered capability. They exhibit a linear response to varying thermal neutron flux levels. Additionally, the detectors successfully detect low thermal neutron fluxes down to 300 n cm−2 s−1, showcasing their potential for diverse applications, including in low neutron environments, screening nuclear warheads, and preventing illegal trafficking of radiological materials.
The role of natural products as PCSK9 modulators: A review
Authors: Khayatan Danial , Zare Kimia , Khanahmadi Maryam , Momtaz Saeideh , Butler Alexandra E. , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Almahmeed Wael , Abdolghaffari Amir Hossein , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: June 2024

A variety of mechanisms and drugs have been shown to attenuate cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset and/or progression. Recent researchers have identified a potential role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in modulating lipid metabolism and reducing plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. PCSK9 is the central protein in the metabolism of LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C) owing to its major function in LDL receptor (LDLR) degradation. Due to the close correlation of cardiovascular disease with lipid levels, many in vivo and in vitro investigations are currently underway studying the physiological role of PCSK9. Furthermore, many studies are actively investigating the mechanisms of various compounds that influence lipid associated‐disorders and their associated cardiovascular diseases. PCSK9 inhibitors have been shown to have significant impact in the prevention of emerging cardiovascular diseases. Natural products can effectively be used as PCSK9 inhibitors to control lipid levels through various mechanisms. In this review, we evaluate the role of phytochemicals and natural products in the regulation of PCSK9, and their ability to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, we describe their mechanisms of action, which have not to date been delineated.
Design, Synthesis, In vitro and In silico Alpha Glucosidase and Lipoxygenase Inhibition Studies of Copper(II) Oxamide Complexes
Authors: Malik Naseema Perveen , Ashiq Uzma , Jamal Rifat Ara , Gul Sana , Lateef Mehreen
Published: June 2024

Metal complexes have pivotal applications in catalysis, photochemistry, and biological systems. Due to their unique chemical properties, metal complexes occupy a coveted place in the field of drug design. The present study includes the synthesis of symmetrical oxamides (O1–O11) and their copper complexes (C1–C11) that have potential to inhibit α‐glucosidase and lipoxygenase enzymes. To elucidate the structures of these compounds, spectroscopic investigations including mass spectrometry, 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, UV‐Visible spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy were adapted along with CHN elemental analysis. The spectroscopic investigations suggested that the synthesized complexes to be square planar with metal to ligand ratio 1 : 2. All compounds were scanned for potential inhibitory studies against α‐glucosidase and lipoxygenase enzyme. Their structure activity relationships (SAR) were also established. It was found that all synthesized compounds are strong inhibitors of α‐glucosidase when compared to standard 1‐deoxynojirimycin. It was noteworthy that presence of substituent played a significant role for the enhancing potential inhibitory skills of the compounds. The results obtained were also compared with molecular docking studies. A similar inhibition trend was observed between experimental inhibitory activity and docking energies. The current work presents a special class of Cu(II) coordination complexes from the perspective of their biological as well as structural features.
Gauge symmetries and conserved currents in AdS/BCFT
Authors: Suzuki Kenta
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we study massless/massive vector and p-form field perturbations in AdS spacetime with an end-of-the-world brane. By imposing Υ(1) preserving Neumann boundary condition on the end-of-the-world brane, we study their spectrum and discuss their implications for dual BCFT operators. When the perturbation is massless, the dual BCFT operator is a conserved current and we show that such an operator indeed satisfies the Υ(1) preserving conformal boundary condition. On the other hand, when the perturbation is massive, in general there exists non-vanishing perpendicular components of the dual BCFT operator, even in the massless limit. We explain this difference between massless and massive perturbations from the point of view of the bulk gauge symmetry, or equivalently from different structure of equations of motion. We also find several brane-tension-independent modes in massless perturbations, and these are understood as boundary-condition-independent modes from the dual BCFT point of view.
Perioperative Hyper-coagulation and Thrombosis: Cost Analysis After Congenital Heart Surgery
Authors: Dutta Puja , Nathan Meena , Emani Sitaram M. , Emani Sirisha , Ibla Juan C.
Published: June 2024

Thrombosis, a major adverse event of congenital heart surgery, has been associated with poor outcomes. We hypothesized that in CHD patients undergoing cardiac surgery, increased perioperative use of pro-coagulant products may be associated with postoperative thrombosis in the setting of hyperfibrinogenemia, leading to greater hospital and blood product costs. Single-center retrospective study. Data from Boston Children’s Hospital’s electronic health record database was used in this study. All patients undergoing congenital heart surgery between 2015 and 2018 with postoperative fibrinogen levels above 400 mg/dl were reviewed. Of 334 patients with high plasma fibrinogen levels, 28 (8.4%) developed postoperative thrombosis (median age: one year, 59% male). In our cohort, 25 (7%) demonstrated evidence of baseline hypercoagulability by one or more panel test results. Thrombosis was associated with greater hospital and blood product costs, longer ventilation times, and longer hospital and ICU length of stays. Preoperative hypercoagulable state (odds ratio: 2.58, 95% CI [1.07, 9.99], p = 0.002), postoperative red blood cell transfusion (odds ratio: 1.007, 95% CI [1.000, 1.015], p = 0.04), and single ventricle physiology (univariate odds ratio: 2.94, 95% CI [1.09, 7.89], p = 0.03) were predictors of postoperative thrombosis. Preoperative hypercoagulable state and intraoperative platelet transfusion were predictors of hospital cost. Thrombosis was associated with worse in-hospital outcomes and higher costs. Preoperative hypercoagulable state and postoperative red blood cell transfusion were significant predictors of thrombosis. Risk prediction models that can guide thrombosis prevention are needed to improve outcomes of patients undergoing congenital heart surgery.
An evaluation of a novel method for the MRI-based assessment of Caton-Deschamps index in the Knee
Authors: Palmowski Yannick , Jung Tobias , Hellwig Sarah , Oehme Stephan , Fahy Stephen , Bartek Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The radiographical assessment of patella height has historically been performed using X-Ray. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method for the assessment of patella height using MRI and to assess the correlation with the X-Ray based assessment.

Materials and methods

159 patients who had both lateral radiographs and MRI images were included. Parameters measured included traditional radiographical CDI, MRI-based CDI, and TT-TG distance. On the basis of the TT-TG, the patients were divided into 2 groups. Two different methods were used to assess CDI using MRI: using a single slice image, and an alternative technique using two different cross-sectional images. The correlation of the two measurement methods was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was determined from the measurements of the two investigators.

Results

The average TT-TG distance was 11.6 mm (± 4.6). In patients with a TT-TG < 15 mm, both measurement methods showed comparable correlation with measurements on X-Ray. In patients with a TT-TG of > 15 the the new cross-sectional imaging method showed higher correlation with traditional X-Ray assessment compared to CDI assessment using the traditional single slice method (r = 0.594, p < 0.001 vs. r = 0.302, p = 0.055).

Conclusions

The assessment of CDI on MRI using a cross-sectional imaging method has a better correlation with traditional X-Ray assessment of CDI than single-slice assessment. This is particularly true in patients with elevated TT-TG and as such should be preferentially used in the assessment of Patellar height in this cohort.
A causal relationship between hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis, but not hyperthyroidism: evidence from the mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Mingyi , Su Yani , Xu Ke , Wen Pengfei , Guo Jianbin , Yang Zhi , Liu Lin , Xu Peng
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the genetic level causal association among hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We utilized the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data for exposure (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) and outcome (RA) from the IEU OpenGWAS database. We used two different sets of data (test cohort and validation cohort) for causal assessment of exposure and outcome. To establish a causal relationship between these conditions, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Subsequently, we evaluated the MR analysis results for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and outliers, aiming to assess the validity and reliability of the findings. Moreover, we conducted additional analyses to examine the robustness of the MR results, including a “Leave one out” analysis and the MR robust adjusted profile score (MR-RAPS) method, ensuring the robustness and adherence to normal distribution assumptions.

Results

The findings from the test cohort indicated that hyperthyroidism did not exhibit a genetic causal association with RA (P = 0.702, odds ratio [OR] 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.021 [0.918–1.135]). Conversely, hypothyroidism displayed a positive genetic causal relationship with RA (P < 0.001, OR 95% CI = 1.239 [1.140–1.347]). The analysis results of the validation cohort are consistent with those of the test cohort. Notably, our MR analysis results demonstrated no evidence of heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or outliers. Furthermore, our MR analysis results remained unaffected by any single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and exhibited a normal distribution.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that hypothyroidism was positively correlated with RA, while hyperthyroidism was not causally correlated with RA. Hypothyroidism may as a risk factor of RA should be paid attention to in clinical work. Future studies are needed to further confirm this finding.
Blockchain technology and Social Life Cycle Assessment: synergies and implications
Authors: D’Eusanio Manuela , Petti Luigia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) allows for quantifying the social aspects related to the life cycle of a product and/or organization through an integrated and holistic approach. While there have been methodological and implementation advancements over the last years, there are still several critical issues, such as concern about the quality and availability of the data used in the assessment process. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the main peculiarities of Blockchain Technology and how it could be useful for S-LCA applications.

Method

The characteristics of Blockchain Technology were investigated in order to understand how and whether can be a synergistic support in the implementation of S-LCA. In order to do this, the main challenges and gaps of S-LCA methodology are identified. Therefore, a literature analysis was performed to identify the characteristics of Blockchain Technology within the context of SCM, how these peculiarities already support the life cycle thinking (LCT) tools, and whether these synergies can support also S-LCA studies.

Results and discussion

Blockchain is considered a revolutionary tool for supporting supply chain management due to its distributed data recording and assets tracking platform, which enhances transparency and provides real-time information. The traceability offered by Blockchain can be a valuable resource for conducting LCT studies, enabling improved data differentiation and origin identification as well as the identification of technology and inputs involved in analyzed product systems. Additionally, modeling a Blockchain to incorporate social data can aid in identifying locations, and the correlated social issues, where potential social risks occur by monitoring them over time. Consequently, a set of social indicators directly linked to social data should be defined for each supply chain evaluated.

Conclusions

The use of Blockchain Technology within S-LCA methodology approach will help organizations toward stronger supply chain management practices by tracing sustainable information related to products. Consequently, it can provide more transparent, reliable, and verifiable information to consumers on the product’s life cycle. From a methodological perspective, Blockchain Technology can serve to collect social data along the supply chain, thereby contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the life cycle of the product. By doing so, it is possible to identify social and socio-economic risks throughout the supply chain and monitor them over time in order to be used as potential internal benchmarks. Further developments will be needed to define the integration of Blockchain Technology within the framework of S-LCA and more broadly in social organizational LCA.
Kontrollierte Politisierung: Bürgerdialoge im Rahmen der Entwicklung der ersten Nationalen Sicherheitsstrategie in Deutschland
Authors: Opitz Christian , Pfeifer Hanna , Geis Anna
Published: June 2024

Im Zuge der Erarbeitung der ersten Nationalen Sicherheitsstrategie Deutschlands führte das federführende Auswärtige Amt eine quantitativ und qualitativ beispiellose Beteiligungsserie durch. Im Sommer 2022 bot das Ministerium hierzu verschiedene Dialog- und Beteiligungsformate quer durch die Republik an, bei denen sich zufällig ausgewählte Bürger*innen mit ihren Meinungen einbringen und Empfehlungen ausarbeiten konnten. Diese innovative Öffnung des Strategieprozesses wurde jedoch von bestimmten Kontrolltechniken begrenzt, die das Auswärtige Amt zugunsten einer besseren Steuerbarkeit und Risikovermeidung anwendete. In diesem Beitrag argumentieren wir daher, dass die Beteiligung rund um die Nationale Sicherheitsstrategie als eine kontrollierte Politisierung verstanden werden kann. Demnach politisiert die Exekutive gezielt manche Aspekte, während zugleich andere intentional entpolitisiert werden. Offen bleibt allerdings, wie kontrollierbar eine Top-down-Politisierung angesichts unintendierter Folgeeffekte sein kann.
Condition monitoring of grinding wheels: Potential of internal control signals
Authors: Denkena B. , Klemme H. , Stoppel D.
Published: June 2024

Monitoring of grinding wheel wear is a crucial task to ensure adequate quality of the manufactured workpiece. While external sensors, such as acoustic emission sensors, are commonly used for this task, the use of internal control signals has been neglected. Consequently, the extent to which degree these signals can be utilized to monitor the grinding process remains uncertain. Therefore, this work focuses on monitoring grinding wheel wear based on internal control signals in the case of surface grinding of 100Cr6. It is shown, that the novel approach can estimate tool life volume with a R² value of 0.98. The results are compared to models using force measurements of a dynamometer as well as sensor fusion approaches relying on both signal sources. Despite its low resolution in the frequency domain, drive signals can be used for grinding wheel wear monitoring. Nevertheless, dynamometer measurements enable more accurate estimations with a R² value of 0.99. The differences have to be considered when scheduling the grinding wheels redressing based on the estimated tool life volume.
Male Fertility in Spondyloarthritis: from Clinical Issues to Cytokines Milieu. A Narrative Review
Authors: Scriffignano Silvia , Perrotta Fabio Massimo , Lubrano Ennio
Published: June 2024

Purposeof Review

Male fertility is an emergent issue that should be considered in clinical practice, when dealing with chronic inflammatory diseases in young men. As it is known, the chronic inflammation is the main pathophysiologic mechanism in some rheumatological conditions such as spondyloarthritis (SpA), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). Therefore, it is paramount to be aware if these diseases could impair male fertility, both due to the inflammation or to the treatments needed: we reviewed the literature on the most relevant and recent evidence on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA.

Recent Findings

Rheumatological inflammatory diseases (included SpA, AS and PsA) could impair the family planning in man life, especially when diagnosed at young age. Moreover, focusing on sperm quality, it seems that a link between sperm quality impairment and a higher disease activity exist.

Focusing on therapies, Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibitors showed a safety profile on human male fertility in clinical studies. Recently, a prospective study and two double-blind placebo-controlled trials assessed the impact of methotrexate and Filgotinib on semen parameters, respectively, showing a safety profile of these drugs on human semen quality. However, there are no clinical data on the impact of Interleukin (IL)17 inhibitors(i), IL12-23i and IL23i.

Concerning male fertility in SpA, AS and PsA, an unmet clinical need is still present and new studies are needed to understand the association between these diseases and male fertility, and the implication of the therapies used for these diseases. This narrative review provides an overview of the available data on male fertility in patients affected by SpA, AS and PsA.
Predicting Cognitive Functioning for Patients with a High-Grade Glioma: Evaluating Different Representations of Tumor Location in a Common Space
Authors: Boelders S. M. , De Baene W. , Postma E. , Gehring K. , Ong L. L.
Published: June 2024

Cognitive functioning is increasingly considered when making treatment decisions for patients with a brain tumor in view of a personalized onco-functional balance. Ideally, one can predict cognitive functioning of individual patients to make treatment decisions considering this balance. To make accurate predictions, an informative representation of tumor location is pivotal, yet comparisons of representations are lacking. Therefore, this study compares brain atlases and principal component analysis (PCA) to represent voxel-wise tumor location. Pre-operative cognitive functioning was predicted for 246 patients with a high-grade glioma across eight cognitive tests while using different representations of voxel-wise tumor location as predictors. Voxel-wise tumor location was represented using 13 different frequently-used population average atlases, 13 randomly generated atlases, and 13 representations based on PCA. ElasticNet predictions were compared between representations and against a model solely using tumor volume. Preoperative cognitive functioning could only partly be predicted from tumor location. Performances of different representations were largely similar. Population average atlases did not result in better predictions compared to random atlases. PCA-based representation did not clearly outperform other representations, although summary metrics indicated that PCA-based representations performed somewhat better in our sample. Representations with more regions or components resulted in less accurate predictions. Population average atlases possibly cannot distinguish between functionally distinct areas when applied to patients with a glioma. This stresses the need to develop and validate methods for individual parcellations in the presence of lesions. Future studies may test if the observed small advantage of PCA-based representations generalizes to other data.
“The Jim Crow Army Must Have a Scapegoat”: Justice, Cowardice, and the Court Martial of Lieutenant Leon Gilbert (Korea, 1950)
Authors: Dixon Chris , Johnson Jessica
Published: June 2024

The story of Lieutenant Leon Gilbert—a Black United States Army officer court-martialed during the Korean War—challenged the United States’ self-declared postwar mission to free oppressed peoples across the world, while continuing to subjugate African Americans at home. Although many critics judged Gilbert’s refusal to return to battle as an act of cowardice, others viewed him as a victim, and even a hero. The Gilbert case revealed that although African Americans were ostensibly making progress in the newly desegregated United States military, the fight for racial justice continued to be impeded by white Americans’ perceptions of Black inadequacy. Amidst a war purportedly being fought for principles of democracy and freedom, Gilbert’s court martial highlighted the connection between American racism and United States foreign policy, as Black military personnel became scapegoats for their nation’s military failures. The prosecution and persecution of Gilbert thus exposed the tension between American rhetoric and American racism.
Establishment and validation of a novel CD8+ T cell-associated prognostic signature for predicting clinical outcomes and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma via integrating single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq
Authors: Qu Caihao , Yan Xin , Wei Yujie , Tang Futian , Li Yumin
Published: June 2024

CD8+ T lymphocytes are critical in the immune response against neoplasms, yet the prognostic relevance of CD8+ T cell-associated genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully understood. We sourced single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq data for HCC from the GSE98638 dataset and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) repository. We utilized Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify CD8+ T cell-related genes. A clinical prognostic model for risk stratification was then constructed via Cox-Lasso regression analysis. The Immunophenotypic Score (IPS) was utilized to evaluate the potential of immunotherapeutic interventions in the categorized cohorts. Validation of the expression of CD8+ T cell-associated risk genes was performed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Integrating scRNA-seq with RNA-seq data, we identified five CD8+ T cell-related signature genes: IKBKE, ATP1B3, MSC, ADA, and BATF. Notably, HCC patients in the high-risk group had markedly decreased overall survival. Elevated infiltration levels of CD8+ T cells, B cells, and macrophages were observed in the high-risk group. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the risk score and immune checkpoints (ICPs), including PDCD1, CD274, and CTLA4. Patients within the high-risk group subject to PD1 and CTLA4 blockade exhibited higher IPS levels. Additionally, the expression of the five risk genes was upregulated in HCC cell lines and tissues compared to normal cells and tissues. Our findings establish a prognostic signature based on CD8+ T cells, offering a potent predictive model for clinical outcomes and responsiveness to immunotherapy in HCC patients.
Uncertainty analysis of 137Cs measured by shipborne device for radioactive monitoring
Authors: Tao Siyu , Qin Guoxiu , Wang Xurui , Zhang Xiaohui , Jia Xu , Zhang Yuxuan
Published: June 2024

Uncertainty is a crucial indicator of the performance of monitoring devices. Analyzing and calculating uncertainty is a necessary prerequisite for accurately presenting the results of radioactive monitoring for seawater. This paper evaluates the uncertainty involved in the measurement process of the developed radioactive monitoring device. By measuring the different activity concentrations of 137Cs in seawater samples from around a nuclear power plant, and comparing these measurements with radiochemical analysis results. The results show that the main factors affecting the uncertainty of the device are the uncertainty of the γ count rate of seawater sample, the γ count rate and volume of the standard source, with the uncertainty of the γ count rate of seawater sample being the most significant contributor.
Analysis of Groundwater Time Series With Limited Pumping Information in Unconfined Aquifer: Response Function Based on Lagging Theory
Authors: Lin Ying‐Fan , Tseng Hua‐Ting , Lee Shih‐Yao , Yu Hwa‐Lung
Published: June 2024

Groundwater extraction from aquifers is a common practice for human use, and variations in groundwater levels can provide valuable information on the hydrogeological properties of the aquifer. However, reliable data on pumping rates and distribution are often lacking due to unsupervised groundwater pumping activities. This study presents a new mathematical model for transfer function modeling that depicts the drawdown response caused by pumping in an unconfined aquifer system. To account for the dense and unsupervised pumping events, the uniform pumping approach was used to estimate these effects. To more accurately represent unconfined flow, the model first integrates lagging theory into a response function derived from the Boussinesq equation. The lagging theory accounts for the effects of both inertial force and capillary suction. Furthermore, the model has been used to derive both specific yield and transmissivity along with two lagging parameters simultaneously using only groundwater level information from the Choshui River region in Taiwan. The estimated results suggest that this approach provides reliable estimates of hydrogeological parameters, demonstrating its usefulness for water resource management and water budget evaluation.
On the Duration of Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification
Authors: Li Lei , Li Yi , Tang Youmin
Published: June 2024

Rapid intensification (RI) of tropical cyclones (TCs) not only plays a crucial role in the development of major TCs but also poses great challenges to operational forecasting. Previous studies predominantly focused on RI over 24‐hr periods, overlooking the potential for extended durations with intermittent moments. Here, we investigate the actual duration of RI and show that, when considering the interruption and intermittent moments, the longest RI can persist for up to 90 hr. Declines and resurgences in maximum potential intensity (MPI) and tropical cyclone heat potential (TCHP) are associated with the interruption of RI process. Given that the error in TC track prediction is much lower compared with that in intensity prediction, such a local minimum in MPI and TCHP could be better forecasted and potentially assist the prediction of RI, ultimately reducing TC‐related hazards.
Graphene photodetectors integrated with silicon and perovskite quantum dots
Authors: Abbas Kashif , Ji Peirui , Ullah Naveed , Shafique Shareen , Zhang Ze , Ameer Muhammad Faizan , Qin Shenghan , Yang Shuming
Published: June 2024

Photodetectors (PDs) play a crucial role in imaging, sensing, communication systems, etc. Graphene (Gr), a leading two-dimensional material, has demonstrated significant potential for photodetection in recent years. However, its relatively weak interaction with light poses challenges for practical applications. The integration of silicon (Si) and perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) has opened new avenues for Gr in the realm of next-generation optoelectronics. This review provides a comprehensive investigation of Gr/Si Schottky junction PDs and Gr/PQD hybrid PDs as well as their heterostructures. The operating principles, design, fabrication, optimization strategies, and typical applications of these devices are studied and summarized. Through these discussions, we aim to illuminate the current challenges and offer insights into future directions in this rapidly evolving field.
Predictive efficacy of the preoperative neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio in lymph node metastasis of cN0 hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Wang Miao-Feng , Cai Jia-Rui , Xia Heng , Chu Xiu-feng
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer, as the most common cancer, has surpassed lung cancer worldwide. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been linked to the onset of cancer and its prognosis in recent studies. However, quite a few studies have shown that there is a link between NLR and lymph node metastases in cN0 hormone receptor-positive (HR(+)) breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between NLR and lymph node metastases in cN0 HR(+) breast cancer patients. From January 2012 to January 2022, 220 patients with cN0 HR(+) invasive breast cancers were enrolled in this study. The relationship between NLR and pathological data was statistically examined. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff of NLR, a chi-squared test was used for the univariate analysis, and logistic analysis was used for the multivariate analysis. The NLR had an optimal cutoff of 2.4 when the Jorden index was at a maximum. Patients with axillary lymph node metastases had a higher NLR (P < 0.05). A Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in cN0 HR(+) breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis among different clinical stages, histological grades, Ki-67 levels, tumor sizes, and NLR levels (P < 0.05). Clinical stage, tumor size, and NLR were found to be independent risk factors for lymph node metastases in multifactorial analysis. In cN0 HR(+) breast cancer, NLR is an independent risk factor for lymph node metastases. An NLR ≥ 2.4 indicates an increased probability of lymph node metastases. An elevated preoperative NLR has a high predictive value for axillary lymph node metastases.
Novel complex fuzzy distance measures with hesitance values and their applications in complex decision-making problems
Authors: Khan Madad , Ullah Safi , Zeeshan Muhammad , Shafqat Ramsha , Kebaili Imen , Bedada Tola Bekene , Anis Saima
Published: June 2024

A complex fuzzy distance measure (CFDMs) plays a significant role in applications involving complex or high-dimensional data where traditional distance measures may not adequately capture the nuances of the data relationships. The significance of CFDMs lies in their ability to handle uncertainty, imprecision, and complexity in various domains. Numerous researchers introduced different concepts of CFDMs, yet these CFDMs fails to convey any information regarding the hesitancy degree associated with an element. The main objective of this paper is to introduce some new distance measures based on complex fuzzy sets, called complex fuzzy hesitance distance measure and complex fuzzy Euclidean Hesitance distance measure, which is the generalization of complex fuzzy normalized Hamming distance measure and complex fuzzy Euclidean distance measure. Some new operations and primay results are discussed in the environment of proposed CFDMs and complex fuzzy operations. Moreover, we discussed the applications of the proposed CFDMs in addressing decision-making problems. We introduced a new decision-making algorithm that integrates CFDMs into decision-making processes, providing a robust methodology for handling real-world complexities. Further, the comparative study of the proposed CFDMs is discussed with some existing CFDMs.
Network pharmacological prediction of the mechanism of action of Shen-Zhu-Lian-Bai Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Zhu Li , Liang Jinghua
Published: June 2024

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise globally. Shen-Zhu-Lian-Bai decoction (SZLBD) can relieve the clinical symptoms of UC. This study aimed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of SZLBD in the treatment of UC. The key treatment targets of SZLBD for UC were obtained based on the online database, and combined with the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, PPI network was constructed and visualized. The GEO database was utilized to validate the expression levels of core targets in UC. Metascape database GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking technology was used to verify the docking of core compounds with key targets. RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expression of key targets in HCoEpiC cells for verification. After screening, 67 targets shared by SZLBD and UC were obtained. It is predicted that IL-6, IL-1B, and AKT1 might be the key targets of SZLBD in the treatment of UC. Quercetin was the main active ingredient. GEO results showed that the expression levels of IL-6, IL-1B and AKT1 were higher in the UC group compared to the control group. GO and KEGG analyses showed that these targets were related to apoptosis and inflammation. The results of molecular docking demonstrated that the AKT1 gene, a key target of quercetin, had the highest affinity of -9.2 kcal/mol. Cell experiments found that quercetin could affect the expression of IL-6, IL-1B, and AKT1. This study preliminarily explored and verified the mechanism of action of SZLBD in the treatment of UC, which provides a theoretical basis for subsequent in vivo mechanism studies.
Temporal variability of sea surface temperature affects marine macrophytes range retractions as well as gradual warming
Authors: Chefaoui Rosa M. , Martínez Brezo D.-C. , Viejo Rosa M.
Published: June 2024

Record mean sea surface temperatures (SST) during the past decades and marine heatwaves have been identified as responsible for severe impacts on marine ecosystems, but the role of changes in the patterns of temporal variability under global warming has been much less studied. We compare descriptors of two time series of SST, encompassing extirpations (i.e. local extinctions) of six cold-temperate macroalgae species at their trailing range edge. We decompose the effects of gradual warming, extreme events and intrinsic variability (e.g. seasonality). We also relate the main factors determining macroalgae range shifts with their life cycles characteristics and thermal tolerance. We found extirpations of macroalgae were related to stretches of coast where autumn SST underwent warming, increased temperature seasonality, and decreased skewness over time. Regardless of the species, the persisting populations shared a common environmental domain, which was clearly differentiated from those experiencing local extinction. However, macroalgae species responded to temperature components in different ways, showing dissimilar resilience. Consideration of multiple thermal manifestations of climate change is needed to better understand local extinctions of habitat-forming species. Our study provides a framework for the incorporation of unused measures of environmental variability while analyzing the distributions of coastal species.
Development of isoniazid electrochemical sensor using nickel ferrite - nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dot nanocomposite as a new electrode modifier
Authors: Ahsani Mohammad Kazem , Ahour Fatemeh , Asghari Elnaz
Published: June 2024

This work reports the synthesis of nickel ferrite decorated nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dot (NF@N, S:GQD) and its use as an electrode modifier. The developed NF@N, S:GQD modified glassy carbon electrode (NF@N, S:GQD/GCE) was applied to assess isoniazid (INZ) concentration based on its oxidation at the surface of the proposed electrode. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used as appropriate electrochemical techniques to study the electrochemical behavior of INZ and determine it. Based on combined evidence from surveys, research, and personal results, it is thought that the combination of nickel ferrite and doped graphene quantum dots can synergistically affect results, leading to increased sensitivity and reduced detection limits. This is probably mainly due to the high electrical conductivity of N, S-GQD structure, the electrocatalytic effect of nickel ferrite, and increased surface area resulting from the nano size of the modifier. The optimum conditions for preparing of the modified electrode and determination of INZ are selected by performing electrochemical experiments. The voltammetric response of the sensor is linear from 0.3 to 40 nM INZ under optimal conditions and the detection limit of the sensor is 0.1 nM. The validity and performance of the prepared sensor were confirmed by determining the amount of INZ in the drug and urine as real samples. The composite of doped nanoparticles and nickel ferrite is an innovative modification material to create electrochemical sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity that can be used in pharmaceutical applications.
Consumption status of functional drinks based on the theory of planned behavior and the stages of change model in female employees
Authors: Toorani Azam , Moodi Mitra , Zeinali Tayebeh , Salmani Fatemeh , Norozi Ensiyeh
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to determine the consumption status of functional drinks based on the theory of planned behavior and the Stages of Change Model. This study was conducted on 536 female employees of Birjand offices in 2022. The data was collected by using the functional food questionnaire and was analyzed using SPSS with significance level of P < 0.05. The largest number of people consume probiotic drinks (buttermilk, kefir, etc.) were in the maintenance stages (31.2%) and who consume milk fortified with vitamin D were in the contemplation stage (37.3%). The mean score of the participants in the subscales of attitude, behavioral control, and subjective norm was 17.69 ± 3.05, 16.83 ± 2.88, 21.73 ± 4.33, respectively. The mean score of the attitude and subjective norm regarding the consumption of all drinks had a significant relation with the stages of change model (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that the most drinks that female employees consumed regularly were probiotic drinks, while they did not intend to use functional juices (pre-contemplation stage). Therefore, it seems that this theory can be used as a framework in designing educational programs in order to increase the consumption of functional foods and improve women's health.
Completion rates and myelosuppression degrees of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy unchanged regardless of delay duration after Omicron infection
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Zhou Juan , Peng Xun , Li Ping , Meng Xue , Hu Man , Zhao Miaoqing , Lin Qinghai , Ru Kun
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate impacts of Omicron infection on cancer patients in China. A retrospective study was conducted, including 347 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy between July 2022 and March 2023. Three groups involved: 108 patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection (non-COVID-19 group), 102 patients beginning treatment 10 days after first SARS-CoV-2 infection (≥ 10 days COVID-19 group), and 137 patients beginning treatment less than 10 days after first SARS-CoV-2 infection (< 10 days COVID-19 group). SAA, hsCRP, ALT, etc., were used to assess COVID-19 infection. Serum levels of SAA, hsCRP and IL-6 were all raised in two COVID-19-infected groups (SAA < 0.01, hsCRP < 0.01, IL-6 < 0.05), but PCT, ALT, LDH and HBDH levels were only elevated in ≥ 10 days COVID-19 group (PCT = 0.0478, ALT = 0.0022, LDH = 0.0313, HBDH = 0.0077). Moreover, moderate and severe infected cases were higher in ≥ 10 days COVID-19 group than < 10 days COVID-19 group (12/102 vs 5/137, p = 0.0211), but no significance in myelosuppression and completion rates among three groups. Omicron infection led to inflammation, liver and cardiovascular injury on cancer patients, but delay duration of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy after infection did not affect the completion rates and myelosuppression of current therapy. Besides, severity of Omicron infection was even worse among cancer patients who received delayed treatment.
The impact of lifetime substance use on psychiatric comorbidities and treatment seeking in patients with alcohol use disorders
Authors: Engelgardt Piotr , Krzyżanowski Maciej , Borkowska-Sztachańska Małgorzata , Wasilewska Agnieszka , Ciucias Michał
Published: June 2024

It is well-recognized that individuals with alcohol-related disorders often use other psychoactive substances; however, systematic research on this topic remains limited. The primary objective was to determine the prevalence of lifetime psychoactive substance use and describe the dependence between concurrent use of alcohol and other drugs on psychiatric comorbidities in the analyzed group. The secondary aim was to try to assess the frequency of seeking psychiatric treatment between individuals declaring the concurrent use of alcohol with other drugs and those declaring the use only alcohol. The study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional analysis based on discharge reports from psychiatric patients admitted to the Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Olsztyn, Poland. 1015 cases were included and analyzed in the study. Data for the study were collected in specially designed monitoring cards from discharge reports including data from psychiatric examinations, especially anamnesis. The percentage of people declaring lifetime use of psychoactive substances was 17.6%. 2.8% of them were diagnosed with substance-related disorders (F11–19 according to ICD-10). The most frequently declared use was cannabis, followed by amphetamine-type substances, benzodiazepines and new psychoactive substances. In the group of people declaring the lifetime use of psychoactive substances, 13.4% were additionally diagnosed with mental disorders. It was, consequently, 8% in the group of people denying the lifetime use of psychoactive substances. People declaring lifetime use of psychoactive substances were significantly more likely to seek psychiatric treatment, i.e. they were admitted significantly more often on an emergency admission than on an elective one, these people were significantly more likely to have undergone psychiatric treatment in the past and were more often hospitalized in our center during the research period. People who concurrently use alcohol with other drugs significantly more often have psychiatric comorbidity than people who deny the use of other drugs. That group also visibly more often seeks psychiatric treatment than patients who deny taking psychoactive substances.
A multi-feature spatial–temporal fusion network for traffic flow prediction
Authors: Yan Jiahe , Li Honghui , Zhang Dalin , Bai Yanhui , Xu Yi , Han Chengshan
Published: June 2024

The traffic flow prediction is the key to alleviate traffic congestion, yet very challenging due to the complex influence factors. Currently, the most of deep learning models are designed to dig out the intricate dependency in continuous standardized sequences, which are dependent to high requirements for data continuity and regularized distribution. However, the data discontinuity and irregular distribution are inevitable in the real-world practical application, then we need find a way to utilize the powerful effect of the multi-feature fusion rather than continuous relation in standardized sequences. To this end, we conduct the prediction based on the multiple traffic features reflecting the complex influence factors. Firstly, we propose the ATFEM, an adaptive traffic features extraction mechanism, which can select important influence factors to construct joint temporal features matrix and global spatial features matrix according to the traffic condition. In this way, the feature’s representation ability can be improved. Secondly, we propose the MFSTN, a multi-feature spatial–temporal fusion network, which include the temporal transformer encoder and graph attention network to obtain the latent representation of spatial–temporal features. Especially, we design the scaled spatial–temporal fusion module, which can automatically learn optimal fusion weights, further adapt to inconsistent spatial–temporal dimensions. Finally, the multi-layer perceptron gets the mapping function between these comprehensive features and traffic flow. This method helps to improve the interpretability of the prediction. Experimental results show that the proposed model outperforms a variety of baselines, and it can accurately predict the traffic flow when the data missing rate is high.