bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Thermodynamic Efficiency of the Belarusian Energy System. Part 2
Authors: Romaniuk V. N. , Bobich A. A. , Ryzhova T. V. , Bubyr T. V. , Yanchuk V. V. , Yatsukhna Y. S.
Published: April 2023

The energy system is a structure that is among the most complex artificial objects, the successful functioning and development of which is absolutely necessary to ensure the livelihoods of a modern state. In this regard, its continuous monitoring with obtaining reliable and objective performance indicators is undoubtedly in demand. Traditional key energy indicators (specific consumption of conventional fuel for electricity generation and heat release) do not give a complete picture of the operation of the power system for such complex structures and in some cases are calculated incorrectly. The present paper proposes to add a well-known, but practically unused exergetic efficiency coefficient to the range of traditional characteristics. Its application expands the monitoring capabilities and increases the objectivity of the evaluation. For the first time, the analysis of various periods (annual, heating and inter-heating) was carried out on the example of thermal power plants (CHP) of the Unified Energy System of Belarus. The relative power generation of the CHP before the commissioning of the Belarusian NPP was estimated at ≈45 %, and after commissioning it decreased to ≈39 %. More than half of the annual consumption of thermal energy in Belarus is accounted for by heat-generating sources, while thermal power plants provide up to 88 % of heat output. The installed electric capacity utilization factor, the extraction factor and the average annual specific generation of electricity on thermal consumption for each CHP separately have been determined. The results are presented graphically, which makes the content more informative and facilitates the perception. Solutions have been proposed to improve the efficiency of the CHP.
Analysis of Hydrogen Use in Gas Turbine Plants
Authors: Sednin V. A. , Sednin A. V. , Matsyavin A. A.
Published: April 2023

Improvement of the efficiency of modern power systems requires the development of storage technologies, optimization of operation modes, and increased flexibility. Currently, various technical solutions are used for electricity storage. The results of a literary review with an analysis of existing energy storage systems are presented, their advantages and disadvantages are considered. One of the promising solutions is the use of hydrogen as an energy storage medium. The creation of corresponding energy complexes makes it possible to obtain hydrogen by electrolysis of water, and then use it to cover peak loads. Various schemes with hydrogen-fired gas turbines with a pressure up to 35 MPa and a temperature of 1500–1700 °C were considered. The new scheme of power plant with hydrogen-fired gas turbines was synthesized, which includes a power block, hydrogen generation blocks and hydrogen and oxygen preparation unit for burning. An atmospheric electrolyzer was considered as a hydrogen and oxygen generator. For the proposed scheme, parametric optimization was performed, where the storage efficiency factor has been used as a criterion. The influence of inlet temperature in the combustion chamber, the compression rate of hydrogen and oxygen, as well as the specific energy costs of the electrolyzer were analyzed. The results of the numerical experiment were approximated in the form of polynomial dependencies, and can be used in further research on the economic efficiency of proposed power plant.
Analysis of the Energy Complex Member of the EАEU Countries and the Formation of Groups-Technologies of its Digitalization
Authors: Rusetskaya M. I. , Mancerova T. F. , Korsak E. P.
Published: April 2023

Due to the increasing internationalization of the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), it is planned to create a common energy market and an electric energy market. To ensure the reliable functioning of the energy systems of individual states of the Union and their common energy market, it is necessary to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs at each stage of production, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity by optimizing processes in the industry through the introduction of digital technologies. The purpose of this work is to analyze the electric power complexes of the EAEU member states and to consider groups of digitalization technologies of industries in the context of the electric power industry, to form an algorithm for creating a classification of digitalization technologies of the electric power industry and on the basis of the latter to create the classification itself. The article provides an overview of the dynamics of the main economic indicators of the Union countries and the main indicators of their electric power industries, examines the structure of electricity production, energy portfolio, average electricity prices, total electricity consumption by sector. The import-export potential and the level of electricity losses in the networks have been analyzed. The interpretation of digital technologies of the electric power complex in the context of existing groups-digitalization technologies was made, the components of the interconnection of digital technologies were identified; the classification of the above components by production stages has been developed. Recommendations on the further use of the classification for the formation of an indicative system for assessing the level of digitalization of the electric power complex are put forward. It is concluded that digitalization of the electric power system on the technical side increases the energy security of the state and the competitiveness of the energy system on the world market, and on the economic side it helps to reduce costs at all stages of the entire technological cycle.
Inductive Type Impedance of Mo/n-Si Barrier Structures Irradiated with Alpha Particles
Authors: Poklonski N. A. , Kovalev A. I. , Usenko K. V. , Ermakova E. A. , Gorbachuk N. I. , Lastovski S. B.
Published: April 2023

In silicon microelectronics, flat metal spirals are formed to create an integrated inductance. However, the maximum specific inductance of such spirals at low frequencies is limited to a value of the order of tens of microhenries per square centimeter. Gyrators, devices based on operational amplifiers with approximately the same specific inductance as spirals, are also used. Despite the fact that such solutions have been introduced into the production of integrated circuits, the task of searching for new elements with high values of specific inductance is relevant. An alternative to coils and gyrators can be the effect of negative differential capacitance (i.e., inductive type impedance), which is observed in barrier structures based on silicon.

The purpose of the work is to study the low-frequency impedance of Schottky diodes (Mo/n-Si) containing defects induced by α-particles irradiation and determination of the parameters of these defects by methods of low-frequency impedance spectroscopy and DLTS (Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy).

Unpackaged Schottky diodes Mo/n-Si (epitaxial layer of 5.5 μm thickness and resistivity of 1 Ohm∙cm) produced by JSC “Integral” are studied. Inductance measurements were carried out on the as manufactured diodes and on the diodes irradiated with alpha particles (the maximum kinetic energy of an αparticle is 5.147 MeV). The impedance of inductive type of the Schottky diodes at the corresponding DC forward current of 10 µA were measured in the AC frequency range from 20 Hz to 2 MHz. DLTS spectra were used to determine the parameters of radiation-induced defects. It is shown that irradiation of diodes with alpha particles produces three types of radiation-induced defects: A-centers with thermal activation energy of E1 ≈ 190 meV, divacancies with activation energies of E2 ≈ 230 meV and E3 ≈ 410 meV, and Ecenters with activation energy of E4 ≈ 440 meV measured relative to the bottom of c-band of silicon.
Calculation of Parameters of Prism Deflector for Laser Scanner
Authors: Gusarov I. E. , Kalugin A. I. , Alyes M. Yu. , Antonov E. A.
Published: April 2023

The prism deflector which is a multifaceted prism with reflective facets is the most common scanning element that allows to quickly fill a wide scanning area with laser radiation pulses along one coordinate. The parameters of a prismatic deflector are related to the characteristics of the laser radiation of the scanned area parameters and of the deflector position, and are also limited by various factors, such as safety requirements or scanning time. The aim of this work was to analyze the relationship between the external operating conditions of a laser scanning system and the internal design parameters of a prism deflector.

A variant of calculating of laser pulses frequency by the number of spots and their overlap coefficient is considered. A method for calculating of a prism deflector characteristics based on external parameters, such as the angle of incidence of radiation to the facet and the width of the Gaussian beam with dimensions that are safe for а human eye is proposed. Рrismatic deflectors parameters are proposed depending on the number of reflecting facets. Dependence of a deflector size on the angle of radiation incidence to the reflecting face is shown.

When designing a prismatic deflector of a laser scanner used to fill a certain scanning area with the required angular size σ by varying such parameters as the number of faces m and the feed angle α it is possible to achieve optimal deflector characteristics and scanning mode for the task.
Purpose and Justification of Traditional Modes of Heat Treatment of Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Products
Authors: Zelenkovskaya Zh. L. , Kovshar S. N.
Published: April 2023

The paper presents the comparative characteristics of the most common modes of heat and moisture treatment (HMT), their advantages and disadvantages, as well as proposals for optimizing the HMT stages to obtain 

the maximum effect of accelerating concrete hardening through the use of thermal energy. Heat and moisture treatment of concrete is one of the most difficult stages in the technology of prefabricated and monolithic concrete. The basis for the durability of structures, their uninterrupted service during the design period of operation is a properly selected HMT mode, which improves the quality of products and reduces material costs in the form of a reduction in energy costs. Therefore, the still practiced simplified methods for selecting the HMT mode are unacceptable. Only under the condition of strict and scientifically substantiated consideration of a complex of factors influencing the ongoing processes of formation of the structure of cement stone and concrete, and the interaction between them, it is possible to obtain concrete with the required characteristics. Depending on the requirements for the finished material, based on knowledge of the mechanism of heat and mass transfer, rational methods and modes of heat treatment of concrete and reinforced concrete products can be calculated. A variety of HMT modes is due to the desire to reduce the possibility of defects in the concrete structure (for example, modes with a stepped or curvilinear temperature increase, which reduces the temperature gradient across the product section), to reduce energy costs (modes with the exclusion of the isothermal holding stage), etc. In the process of HMT of concrete and reinforced concrete products, a number of chemical and physical transformations of the concrete mixture (concrete) occur, as a result of which various defects in the structure of the material may appear, which worsen its properties (strength, permeability, shrinkage, creep and, in general, durability of concrete). Modern technology for the production of concrete and reinforced concrete products and structures provides for the introduction of various chemical additives,  their effect on the hardening of concrete at elevated temperatures, unfortunately, is not sufficiently reflected in the specialized literature. For example, the duration of the total cycle of concrete HMT when using chemical additives – hardening accelerators can be reduced by reducing the periods of preliminary exposure, temperature rise and the duration of isothermal exposure; and the use of plasticizers, depending on their type and content, can lead to a lengthening of the cycle. It is necessary to have analytical dependencies for calculating HMT modes and a computer model of the concrete hardening process at elevated temperatures.
Forced Quadcopter Control
Authors: Gu Penghao , Leonovets J. A. , Lobaty A. A.
Published: April 2023

The problem of analytical synthesis of the control acceleration of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of a multirotor type is being solved in relation to a light quadrocopter with a high flight duration. The optimal control is analytically determined for a given minimized quality functional in the form of the minimum time required to transfer the UAV from 

a given initial to a given final position in space. A mathematical model of the movement of the UAV mass center in a given plane relative to the earth's surface is considered. A feature of the proposed technique is the solution of the problem of maximum speed (forced control) based on the consideration of the laws of kinematics of uniformly accelerated motion of a rigid body. For given characteristics of the maximum allowable speed and control acceleration of the UAV, the moments of switching of the control signal are analytically calculated, which can be implemented in the UAV autopilot. This allows, in contrast to classical methods for solving the problem of forced control, to get rid of the need to solve a two-point boundary value problem and consider additional transversality conditions. The computer simulation of the obtained analytical results in the form of processes of changing the control acceleration, as well as the UAV motion parameters, has shown the efficiency of the proposed technique and the prospects for its use at the initial stage of the synthesis of the UAV control system.
Energy and exergy assessments of a large grid-connected PV installation under desert climatic conditions
Authors: Aoun Nouar
Published: April 2023

An energetic and exergetic analysis of a 20 MW photovoltaic grid-connected plant installed harsh climate was presented. It found that the annual energy produced was 35892.2 MWh, close to the expected theoretical value. The performance ratio and energy efficiency are 71.71% and 10.82%, respectively. The exergy efficiency and thermal exergy were 4.96% and 5.32 MW, respectively. The increase in thermal exergy loss has the highest effect on the decrease in exergy efficiency values. Similarly, solar radiation is the most influential environmental parameter on thermal exergy loss, with a determination coefficient of 80%.This study conducts a performance analysis of a 20 MW grid-connected PV plant in desert climatic conditions. Energetic and exergetic analyses of the PV plant have been performed. The annual average energy efficiency of subsystems 1 and 2 and the PV plant are 10.95%, 10.69% and 10.82%, respectively. The annual monthly average exergy efficiency and thermal exergy were 4.96% and 5.32 MW, respectively. The decrease in exergy efficiency values was matched by an increase in the values of thermal exergy loss, solar radiation, wind speed, and ambient temperature, where the thermal exergy loss has the highest effect. Similarly, solar radiation is the most influential environmental parameter on thermal exergy loss, with a determination coefficient of 80%.
AlphaCluster: Coevolutionary driven residue-residue interaction models enable quantifiable clustering analysis of de novo variants to enhance predictions of pathogenicity
Authors: Obiajulu Joseph , Kuang Ranger , He Lesi , Zhong Guoije , Hagen Jake , Shu Chang , Chung Wendy , Shen Yufeng
Published: April 2023

Missense variants have highly variable effects and effect size, which often makes it challenging to distinguish pathogenic and non-pathogenic variants and subsequently implicate new genes for disease association in studies of de novo and inherited rare variants. Importantly, missense variants can be the sole molecular mechanism for some genetic disorders, and so statistical approaches tailored for the analysis of missense variants are critical. Analysis of the clustering of missense variants is a promising approach which leverages the fact that missense variants in protein domains often have similar effects on function. Here we describe a new clustering analysis approach, AlphaCluster, a statistical method which quantifiably analyzes the spatial clustering of de novo variants by mapping missense residues onto the protein tertiary structure. We show that our approach can quantify the evidence supporting pathogenic missense variants and increase the power to detect clustering when compared to available genomic clustering tools. Using AlphaCluster, we identified genes newly implicated in autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). We also apply AlphaCluster to protein complexes and detect an association between the gamma aminobutyric acid receptor complex (GABA-A 𝛼1𝛽2𝛾2 receptor).
Consenso de expertos colombianos sobre recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento del raquitismo hipofosfatémico ligado al cromosoma X (RHLX)
Authors: Aguilera Juan Guillermo Cárdenas , Orjuela Adriana Medina , Meza Adriana Isabel , Prieto Juan Carlos , Bahamón Ana María Zarante , Mosquera Jimena Adriana Cáceres , Gaviria Natalia Mejía , Gayubo Ana Katherina Serrano , Rodriguez Richard Baquero , Acevedo Kelly Chacón , Tinoco Gustavo Adolfo Guerrero , Rios Alejandro Uribe , Rueda María Fernanda García , Londoño Verónica Abad , Almanza Sergio Alejandro Nossa , Martínez Gustavo Aroca , González Alejandro Román , Cáceres Jorge Alberto Endo , Linares Juan Pablo Llano , Valdes Pablo Florenzano , Curiel Manuel Diaz , Vaisbich María Helena , Zanchetta María Belen , Hernández Norma Elizabeth Guerra , Stefano Eduardo Enrique , Brunetto Oscar
Published: April 2023

Background: X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets is a hereditary disease that generates alterations in bone mineral homeostasis. The morbidity of the condition has been variable in previous decades and even contradictory, probably due to the definition of the case and the diagnostic confirmation. Our propose was to generate evidence-informed recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with suspected or diagnosed XLHR.
Results: After the screening and selection process for 1041 documents, 38 were included to answer the questions raised by the developer group. 97 recommendations about the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with suspected or diagnosed XLHR were approved by the experts consulted through modified Delphi consensus. The quality of the evidence was low.
Conclusions: The recommendations proposed here will allow early and timely diagnosis of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, while optimizing resources for its treatment and follow-up and help clarify the burden of disease and improve health outcomes for this population.
The ratio of monocyte count and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol mediates the association between urinary tungsten and cardiovascular disease: A study from NHANES 2005-2018
Authors: Wu Yudong , Meng Yajie , Yi Weizhuo , Pan Rubing , Liang Yunfeng , Li Yuxuan , Jin Xiaoyu , Sun Xiaoni , Yan Shuangshuang , Mei Lu , Song Jian , Song Shasha , Cheng Jian , Su Hong
Published: April 2023

Tungsten (W) is an emerging contaminant that can damage multiple systems in humans. However, studies of its effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) are limited. The monocyte count to High-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a composite inflammatory index of great concern in recent years, derived from lipid and cell inflammation parameters, that is used to indicate the risk of CVD. This study aimed to investigate the association between urinary W and CVD in the general population and compare the mediating effects of lipids, cell inflammatory parameters, and MHR to find a better target for intervention. We analyzed data from 9137 (≥ 20 years) participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), from 2005 to 2018. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and survey-weighted generalized linear models (SWGLM) were used to assess the relationship between W and CVD. Mediated analyses were used to explore lipids, cell inflammatory parameters, and MHR in the possible mediating pathways between W and CVD. In SWGLM, we found that W enhances the risk of CVD, especially congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary heart disease (CHD), and angina pectoris (AP). Women, higher age groups (≥ 55 years), and those with hypertension were vulnerable to W in the subgroup analysis. Mediation analysis showed that monocyte count (MC), white blood cell count (WBC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and MHR played a mediating role between W and CVD in proportions of 8.49%, 3.70%, 5.18%, and 12.95%, respectively. In conclusion, our study shows that urinary W can increase the risk of CVD, especially for CHF, CHD, and AP. Women, older age groups, and people with hypertension seem to be more vulnerable to W. In addition, MC, WBC, HDL, and MHR mediated the association between W and CVD, especially MHR, which suggests that we should consider it as a priority intervention target in the future.
Finite-element simulation of interfacial resistive switching by Schottky barrier height modulation
Authors: Khot Sagar , Jung Dongmyung , Kwon Yongwoo
Published: April 2023

This study demonstrates a numerical model for interfacial switching memristors based on the Schottky barrier height modulation mechanism. A resistive Schottky contact is formed for an n-type semiconductor and a high work-function metal (e.g., strontium titanate and platinum). The contact resistance is determined by the Schottky barrier height, which is influenced by the concentration of oxygen vacancies serving as space charges. Accordingly, the spatial distribution of vacancies and cell conductance can be controlled by applying a bias voltage. This interfacial switching is advantageous over filamentary switching, owing to the conductance change being more gradual in interfacial switching. In this study, a two-step numerical analysis was performed to model the conductance change in an interfacial switching memristor having a metal-oxide-metal structure of Pt/SrTiO3/Nb-SrTiO3, where Pt and SrTiO3 form a Schottky contact. In the first step, the change in the spatial distribution of vacancies by an applied switching voltage was obtained by solving the drift and diffusion equations for vacancies. In the second step, after setting the Schottky barrier height according to the vacancy concentration near the contact, the cell conductance was obtained by calculating the current value by applying a small read voltage. Consequently, our simulation successfully reproduced the experimental results for the SrTiO3-based memristor. Through this study, our device simulation for interfacial switching was successfully established, and it can be utilized in the computational design of various device architectures.
Comparison of microwave alone and combined with ethanol ablation for different types of benign cystic solid thyroid nodules
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Chaoxue , Jiang Fan , Lan XiaoFeng , Xie Xiang
Published: April 2023

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) plus ethanol ablation (EA) for different types of benign cystic solid thyroid nodules.Methods A total of 81 patients with 81 benign cystic solid thyroid nodules were enrolled into the study; 39 were divided to the MWA group and 42 to the combined group (MWA combined with EA). Nodule inactivation rate, volume reduction rate (VRR) and surgical complications of all patients were analyzed before and after treatment.Results The mean inactivation rate were 86.49 ± 6.68% and 90.09 ± 5.79% in the microwave and combined groups respectively, and the inactivation rate of nodule decreased as the nodule volume increased. For nodules ≥ 15 ml in volume, the mean inactivation rate of the combined group was higher than that of the microwave group (all P < 0.05). The mean VRR at 12 months postoperatively was 89.58 ± 4.32% in the microwave group and 92.92 ± 3.49% in the combined group, showing statistical significantly different between both arms (P = 0.001). The combined group decreased in volume more significantly than the microwave group for nodules with 20%-50% or 50%-80% cystic proportions or > 15 ml in volume (all P < 0.05). The complication rate was 23.08% and 2.38% respectively.Conclusion MWA combined with EA is more effective than MWA for treating cystic solid thyroid nodules. MWA combined with EA may be the first approach for nodules with > 20% cystic proportions or volume > 15 ml.
Mutation accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 genome in North America, South America, and Oceania: Analysis of over 6.5 million sequences samples from Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data
Authors: Moshiri Khashayar , Mahmanzar Mohammadamin , Mahdavi Bahar , Tokhanbigli Samaneh , Rahimian Karim , Tavakolpour Soheil
Published: April 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged in the world at the end of 2019, which caused a very rapid spread of COVID-19 all over the world. This respiratory illness caused the death of millions of people in different countries as the World Health Organization declared a global emergency. In this geographical evaluation, we extracted whole sequences of over 8 million reported samples from the GISAID database (until the end of January 2022). Extracted samples contain three continents including North America, South America, and Oceania, and compared the sequences to the reference SARS-CoV-2 genome. In total, 41,596, 20,195, and, 6,780 nonsynonymous substitutions were identified for North America, South America, and Oceania, respectively. NSP3 and S genes had the highest number of nonsynonymous mutations. Most of the mutations were seen in all three regions, but some were regional-specific with completely different trends. Although in majority of the cases, with a mutation in one nucleotide, which could potentially result in three different amino acids, we noticed a consistent tendency to specific amino acids in the majority of mutations. Mutations were not distributed equally across the genome, for example in the case of the S gene thirty-one mutations were found for North America, of which 5, 14, and 9 of them fell between 5-26, 139-259, and 452-684 first amino acids, respectively. In conclusion, the SARS-CoV-2 genome is changing with different patterns across the world, mutations are accumulated in specific regions of genes, and some specific amino acids are preferred by the virus, which probably is contributing to virus fitness.
The microbial removal of bisphenols in aquatic microcosms and associated alteration in bacterial community
Authors: Noszczyńska Magdalena , Pacwa-Płociniczak Magdalena , Bondarczuk Kinga , Piotrowska-Seget Zofia
Published: April 2023

The concept of the study resulted from numerous concerns around bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) in aquatic environments. In this study, river water and sediment microcosms highly polluted with bisphenols and bioaugmented with two BPs-removing bacterial strains were constructed. The study aimed to determine the rate of high-concentrated BPA and BPS (BPs) removal from river water and sediment microniches, the effect of water bioaugmentation with bacterial consortium on the removal rates of these pollutants, and the impact of introduced strains and exposure to BPs on the structural and functional composition of the autochthonous bacterial communities. Our findings indicate that the removal activity of autochthonous bacteria was sufficient for effectively BPA elimination and reducing BPS content in the microcosms. The number of introduced bacterial cells decreased continuously until day 40, and on consecutive sampling days, no bioaugmented cells were detected. Sequencing analysis of the total 16S rRNA genes revealed that the community composition in bioaugmented microcosms amended with BPs differed significantly from those treated either with bacteria or BPs. A metagenomic analysis found an increase in the abundance of proteins responsible for xenobiotic removal in BPs-amended microcosms. This study provides new insights into the effects of bioaugmentation with a bacterial consortium on bacterial diversity and BPs removal in aquatic environments.
Vulnerability and Impact Assessment of Land Subsidence using Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) for Chennai, India.
Authors: R Seshanth , Kulkarni Indraneel Krishna , Singh Tarun Pratap
Published: April 2023

In the recent years, India has witnessed a rapid economic growth resulting in unplanned urbanization and a continuous migration of rural population to cities. A coastal megacity like Chennai is vulnerable to hazards such as land subsidence caused by the over exploitation of groundwater and an increasing load on its surface. An important consequence of this can be the heightened vulnerability of a large population to climate change in the form of increased flood inundation and sea level rise. Our study reports the first scientific assessment of land subsidence for the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) area which was conducted using the Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) method. The results of the average displacement velocity ranged between -30.66 to 25 mm/yr. Due to an uplift pattern occurring in some regions, the average subsidence rate calculated was -1.20 mm/yr, with a standard deviation value of 3.58. The results of the time series analysis showed the central business district of the city, zone 10 (Kodambakkam) to be subsiding steadily and consistently, with the rate of subsidence reaching -65 mm/yr in 2019. A strong positive correlation was found between the land subsidence rates and the groundwater levels for GCC based on a Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.81 and a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.66. The study further showed a high degree of spatial overlap between the historical flood inundation data and land subsidence prone areas and also scrutinized the potential impact of the hazard on the railway infrastructure of the city.
Clinical Frailty Scale is useful in predicting return-to-home in patients admitted due to coronavirus disease
Authors: Kawamura Koki , Osawa Aiko , Tanimoto Masanori , Kagaya Hitoshi , Matsuura Toshihiro , Arai Hidenori
Published: April 2023

Background:
The spread of the novel SARS-CoV-2 infection prolonged, and the highly contagious Omicron variant became the predominant variant by 2022. Many patients admitted to dedicated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards (COVID-19 Treatment Units) develop disuse syndrome while being treated in hospital, and their ability to perform activities of daily living decline, making it difficult for hospitals to discharge such patients. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the degree of frailty and home discharge of patients admitted to a COVID-19 Treatment Unit.
Methods:
The study retrospectively examined the in-patient medical records of 138 patients (82.7±7.6 years) admitted to a COVID-19 Treatment Unit from January to December 2022. The endpoint was whether the patients were able to be discharged from the COVID-19 Treatment Unit directly to home, and were classified into the Home discharge group, compared with the Difficulty in discharge group. The degree of frailty was determined based on Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and the relationship with the endpoint was analysed. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was created and the cut-off value was calculated with the possibility of home discharge set as the state variable and CFS set as the test variable. Logistic regression analysis was conducted with the possibility of home discharge set as the dependent variable and CFS as the independent variable.
Results:
There were 75 patients in the Home discharge group, and 63 patients in the Difficulty in discharge group. As a result of ROC analysis, the CFS cut-off value was 6 or more, with a sensitivity of 70.7% and specificity of 84.1%. The results of logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between possibility of home discharge and CFS even after adjusting for covariates, with an odds ratio of 13.44.
Conclusions:
It was possible to predict with good accuracy whether a patient could be discharged directly to home after treatment based on the evaluation of the degree of frailty in the COVID-19 Treatment Unit. CFS is effective as a screening tool that can easily detect patients who require ongoing hospitalisation even after the acute phase of treatment in the COVID-19 Treatment Unit.
Values of Multiparametric and Biparametric MRI in Diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer: A Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Feng Xiao , Chen Xin , Peng Peng , Zhou He , Hong Yi , Zhu Chunxia , Lu Libing , Xie Siyu , Zhang Sijun , Long Liling
Published: April 2023

Background To investigate the value of semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters (PI-RADS score, T2WI score, ADC, Ktrans, and Kep) based on multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) or biparametric MRI (bpMRI) combined with prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).Methods A total of 561 patients (276 with csPCa; 285 with non-csPCa) with biopsy-confirmed prostate diseases who underwent preoperative mpMRI were included. Prostate volume was measured for calculation of PSAD. Prostate index lesions were scored on a five-point scale on T2WI images (T2WI score) and mpMRI images (PI-RADS score) according to the PI-RADS v2.1 scoring standard. DWI and DCE-MRI images were processed to measure the quantitative parameters of the index lesion, including ADC, Kep, and Ktrans values. The predictors of csPCa were screened by logistics regression analysis. Predictive models of bpMRI and mpMRI were established. ROC curves were used to evaluate the efficacy of parameters and the model in diagnosing csPCa.Results The independent diagnostic accuracy of PSA density, PI-RADS score, T2WI score, ADCrec, Ktrans, and Kep for csPCa were 80.2%, 89.5%, 88.3%, 84.6%, 58.5% and 61.6%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of BP-MRI T2WI score and ADC value combined with PSAD was higher than that of PI-RADS score. The combination of MP‑MRI PI‑RADS score, ADC value with PSAD had the highest diagnostic accuracy.Conclusions PI-RADS score was the most accurate independent diagnostic index. The predictive value of BP-MRI model for csPCa was slightly lower than that of MP-MRI model, but higher than that of PI-RADS score.
Growth of Ultrafine Si embedded SiO 2 Nanowires by Pt catalyst
Authors: Yang Xibao , Lv Hang , Chen Shuanglong , Wang Qiushi , Jiang Linhai
Published: April 2023

Ultrafine Si embedded SiO2 nanowires have been prepared by thermal evaporation using Pt catalyst. The ultrafine Si embedded SiO2 nanowires with a diameter of about 10 nm were grown in-situ on the Si substrate, conforming to a vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism. On account of the existence of the quantum confinement effect, the absorption edge of the ultrafine Si embedded SiO2 nanowires is slightly larger. The photoluminescence result reveals a blue shift in the ultrafine nanowires, which may be due to the macroscopic behavior of the sample becomes more relevant and the typical surface plasmon absorption band appears. The Pt-related light emission characteristics will enable the development of nanowires in the field of optoelectronics.
Clustering predicted structures at the scale of the known protein universe
Authors: Steinegger Martin , Beltrao Pedro , Velankar Sameer , Varadi Mihaly , Wein Tanita , Gilchrist Cameron , Mirdita Milot , Jänes Jürgen , Yeo Jingi , Barrio-Hernandez Inigo
Published: April 2023

Proteins are key to all cellular processes and their structure is important in understanding their function and evolution. Sequence-based predictions of protein structures have increased in accuracy with over 214 million predicted structures available in the AlphaFold database (AFDB). However, studying protein structures at this scale requires highly efficient methods. Here, we developed a structural-alignment based clustering algorithm - Foldseek cluster - that can cluster hundreds of millions of structures. Using this method we have clustered all structures in AFDB, identifying 2.27M non-singleton structural clusters, of which 31% lack annotations representing likely novel structures. Clusters without annotation tend to have few representatives covering only 4% of all proteins in the AFDB. Evolutionary analysis suggests that most clusters are ancient in origin but 4% seem species specific, representing lower quality predictions or examples of de-novo gene birth. Additionally, we show how structural comparisons can be used to predict domain families and their relationships, identifying examples of remote homology. Based on these analyses we identify several examples of human immune related proteins with remote homology in prokaryotic species which illustrates the value of this resource for studying protein function and evolution across the tree of life.
Candida Auris Blood Stream Infection- A Descriptive Study from Qatar
Authors: Koleri Junais , Petkar Hawabibi Mahir , Alsoub Hussam , Maslamani Muna Al
Published: April 2023

Background: Candida auris is an emerging yeast pathogen that can cause invasive infections, particularly candidemia in healthcare settings. Candida auris is characterized by resistance to multiple classes of antifungal drugs and high mortality.
Objective: To describe the risk factors, clinical characteristics, antifungal susceptibility pattern and outcomes of Candida auris blood stream infection. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of C. auris fungemia cases in the facilities under Hamad Medical corporation, Qatar from 1/11/2018 to 31/7/2021. Demographic data, risk factors, antibiogram and 30-day outcome are described
Results: We identified 36 patients with C. auris fungemia. Most of the patients were in intensive care unit following severe covid-19 pneumonia and had received steroid and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Most of the cases were central line related. Over 90% of isolates were non-susceptible to fluconazole. Amphotericin B sensitivity was only 15.2 %. Isolates from all patients were sensitive to echinocandins and these were used as first line therapy. Factors associated with high mortality included initial SOFA score of 9 or above and whether source control was attained.
Conclusion: 30-day mortality rate in Candida auris candidemia is 41.6%. Amphotericin B resistance in Qatar is much higher compared to published literature. Echinocandins are the drugs of choice for treatment, retaining almost 100% susceptibility.
A prospective observational study of zinc deficiency symptoms during first-line chemotherapy for gastric and colorectal cancer
Authors: Sakaguchi Chihiro , Nishina Tomohiro , Kono Yoshiyasu , Hino Kaori , Asagi Akinori , ohno Yoshinori , Kajiwara Takeshi , Nadano Seijin , Yamashita Natsumi , Tohyama Mikiko , Hyodo Ichinosuke , Okada Hiroyuki , Otsuka Motoyuki
Published: April 2023

Background Zinc deficiency during long-term courses of chemotherapy and its related symptoms, including skin rash, taste disorder, and oral mucositis, has not been sufficiently investigated.
Methods This prospective observational study enrolled patients with gastric and colorectal cancer who underwent standard first-line chemotherapy. According to the Practice Guideline for Zinc Deficiency, zinc deficiency is defined as a serum level of < 60 μg/dL. Serum zinc levels were measured before and after (1, 3, and 6 months) chemotherapy, and symptoms were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 1.0. Repeated measures were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model.
Results Of the 61 enrolled patients, we analyzed 48 patients who underwent standard first-line chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine plus oxaliplatin. Zinc deficiency was observed in 18 patients (38 %) before chemotherapy. The least-square means of serum zinc levels significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months of chemotherapy in 30 patients without zinc deficiency at the start of chemotherapy (both p < 0.01) but not in 18 patients with zinc deficiency at the start. Changes in serum zinc levels during chemotherapy were negatively correlated with taste changes, rash, and itching (all p < 0.04) in patients without zinc deficiency before treatment initiation.
Conclusions Serum zinc levels decreased during chemotherapy in zinc-non-deficient patients at the start of chemotherapy and were correlated with taste changes, skin rash, and itching. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate whether zinc supplementation can improve these symptoms.
Risk factors and CT findings associated with treatment outcomes in patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A retrospective study
Authors: Tadokoro Yoshiaki , Hasegawa Takumi , Takeda Daisuke , Murakami Aki , Yatagai Nanae , Arimoto Satomi , Iwata Eiji , Saito Izumi , Kusumoto Junya , Akashi Masaya
Published: April 2023

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe adverse effect of antiresorptive and/or antiangiogenic agents. The standard treatment for MRONJ is conservative treatment and a surgical approach; however, its application remains controversial. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for poor prognosis and to help determine appropriate management. We retrospectively investigated factors associated with the prognosis of MRONJ in 119 patients. Relevant clinical data were obtained for all the patients. In computed tomography images, osteosclerosis, osteolysis, cortical perforation (buccal or lingual), periosteal reaction, and sequestration were observed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the risk factors for poor prognosis. Multivariate analyses showed statistically significant associations between poor prognosis in patients with MRONJ and conservative treatment alone (hazard ratio [HR] 1.89), osteolysis (HR 4.67), and the absence of sequestration (HR 5.33). These results suggest that conservative treatment alone without clear objectives should be avoided, and osteolytic change could be the criteria for surgical intervention. As the boundary between the lesion and vital bone is indistinct, we recommend extensive surgery in cases which sequestration is unpredictable.
Tumor-suppressive microRNA-152 inhibits the proliferation of Ewing’s sarcoma cells by targeting CDK5R1
Authors: Kawano Masanori , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Itonaga Ichiro , Iwasaki Tatsuya , Kubota Yuta , Tsumura Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

We elucidated the mechanism through which the reduced expression of miR-152 leads to the overexpression of its target cyclin-dependent kinase-5 activator 1 (CDK5R1) in Ewing's sarcoma (ES) cells and the role of this mechanism in the proliferation of ES cells. To explore possible oncogenic factors in ES, we conducted microarray-based investigation and profiled the changes in miRNA expression and their effects on downstream mRNAs in five ES cell lines and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). miR-152 was significantly downregulated, while cyclin-dependent kinase-5 activator 1 (CDK5R1) expression was significantly upregulated in all tested ES cells as compared to hMSCs. The overexpression of CDK5R1 led to the activation of CDK5, enabling the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and persistent overexpression of CCNE. Moreover, miR-152 suppressed cell proliferation via cell cycle retardation, and its upregulation reduced tumor size and CCNE expression in tumor tissues. The overexpression of cyclin E (CCNE) has been detected in ES cells, but the detailed mechanisms have not been previously elucidated. These findings identify the miR152-CDK5R1 signaling axis as a critical mechanism for tumorigenesis that may serve as a new therapeutic target in Ewing’s sarcoma. We believe that our results will aid in the development of effective treatment strategies for patients with ES.
Birth size and the pace of aging in men
Authors: Żelaźniewicz Agnieszka , Nowak-Kornicka Judyta , Pawłowski Bogusław
Published: April 2023

Previous studies showed that intrauterine growth restrictions, resulting in smaller body size at birth, are associated with altered development and the risk of age-related diseases in adult life. Thus, prenatal development may predict aging trajectories in humans. The study aimed to verify if body size at birth is related to biological age in adult men. The study sample consisted of 159 healthy, non-smoking men with a mean age of 35.24 (SD = 3.44) years. Birth weight and length were taken from medical records. The ponderal index at birth was calculated. Biological age was evaluated based on serum levels of s-Klotho, hsCRP, DHEA/S, and oxidative stress markers. Pregnancy age at birth, lifestyle, weight, cortisol, and testosterone levels were controlled. The results showed no relationship between birth size and s-Klotho, DHEA/S level, inflammation, or oxidative stress. Also, men born as small-for-gestational-age (N = 49) and men born as appropriate-for-gestational-age (N = 110) did not differ in terms of biological age markers levels. The results were similar when controlled for pregnancy week at birth, chronological age, BMI, testosterone, or cortisol level. The results suggest that there is no relationship between intrauterine growth and biomarkers of aging in men aged 30–45 years from the affluent population.
Seismic behavior of precast column with energy-dissipating bars and unbonded prestress: Physical and numerical investigations
Authors: Ma Chao , Zheng XiaoBo , Zhu Zhao
Published: April 2023

Study of the strength and failure modes of construction components became increasingly important with the advent of industrialized construction, and has lately encompassed failure modes associated with seismic threats, because of the need to promote survivability of both structures and persons. This study reports seismic behavior of precast segmented columns designed with both unbonded prestressing and energy-dissipating bars. A physical specimen was subjected to a quasi-static cyclic test, permitting evaluation of the damage mode and the behavior of the energy-dissipating mechanism, enabling and verifying a fiber-beam element simulation model; the model is then used to evaluate the effects of design parameter variation on behavior of precast, assembled columns. The test specimen exhibited stable energy dissipation and pinching effect during cyclic loading. Analysis using the fiber-beam element model with varying design parameters showed that high-strength concrete could mitigate the concrete damage and residual deformation after an earthquake, and the concrete strength and the steel bar strength should be matched when enhancing the seismic resilience of precast columns with high-strength steel bars. It was determined that increasing the ratio of unbonded post-tensioned tendon (UPT) – the prestress mechanism here – could greatly improve the residual deformation, while the ratio of energy-dissipating (ED) bars was the key factor in enhancing the energy-dissipating capacity of the precast columns. A suitable ratio of UPT and ED bars is key to ensuring stable energy dissipation and low residual drifts. The increased axial load ratio and prestress level were available to restrain the joint opening and improving the bearing capacity of the precast columns; however, excessive axial load or prestressing force would result in rapid degeneration of the carrying capacity and in larger residual displacements.