bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano Fabricated Electrostatic Cleaning Technique for Dust Control for Solar Power Efficiency on Lunar Surface
Authors: Harrigan Voss , Carter Korey , Gilmore Marcus , Xu Jiajun
Published: September 2023

Solar-generated energy has been growing rapidly over the past several years, especially in the form of solar farms. Solar farms are places where many solar panels are installed on flat, vacant land. Unfortunately for solar energy producers, the same sunny, dry climate that makes a location ideal for solar also makes it more susceptible to generating dust. It does not take long for airborne particulates to hinder solar energy production. Similar challenge is even more severe for outer space environment such as lunar surface. There are some new technologies are being developed to help solve the problem of dust and grime in this industry. This includes solar power cleaning robots and self-cleaning solar panels. However, many cleaning technologies are not fully developed yet and can be expensive. Even as more progress is made, dust prevention will always play an important role in maximizing solar power. Regions prone to dust benefit from mitigating the problem from the start. Once created, dust is challenging and often costly to manage. While there are products designed to extract, collect, and clean dust in various industries, it is risky to rely on only reactive solutions. In this study, the student team proposed and developed an electrostatic cleaning system (ECS) using carbon nanotubes (CNT) integrated with a negatively ionized Thunderon brush (NITB) was developed to mitigate small-sized lunar dust particles with diameters ranging from 0.04 μm to 35 μm, and the mean and median size of 7 μm and 5 μm, respectively. NITB was used manually to remove particles from areas where the ECS failed to mitigate the lunar simulant. The acquired data demonstrated that the developed system removed over 94–98% of the lunar dust particles. This research then serves to rectifies the efficiencies of the proposed approach and test new methods of improving the efficiency compared with other methods.
Thermal-Economic Feasibility of Coal-Fired Power Plant Integrated With Power-to-Heat Thermal Energy Storage System
Authors: Miao Lin , Liu Ming , Zhang Kezhen , Zhao Yongliang , Yan Junjie
Published: September 2023

The new power system with renewable energy as the main body puts forward higher requirements for the operational flexibility of coal-fired power plants (CFPP). In this study, three systems of the CFPP integrated with molten salt thermal storage with power-to-heat heaters are proposed. To evaluate the thermodynamic performance of the integrated thermal energy storage system, simulation and thermodynamic models for a 600MW CFPP were developed. The molten salt thermal storage system (MSTES) was designed, and the maximum discharging power and the discharge duration of the MSTES are 312.2 MW and 2.8 h, respectively. Exergy analysis results show that the exergy loss of electrical heaters in the charging process is up to 44.02%, which is the largest exergy loss part in the power-to-heat-to-power cycle of the integrated system. Compared with the standalone CFPP, using molten salt thermal energy storage to replace part of the boiler heat load or extracting steam from turbines can enhance the system’s thermodynamic performance. The largest equivalent round-trip efficiency (electricity to electricity) of the system is 48.89%. Then, an economic analysis model is developed to explore the power-to-heat thermal energy storage system’s economics. The scheme of heating feed water to live steam is a good integration option with the lowest LCOD of 160.54 USD/MWh.
System Design and Thermodynamic Analysis on a Coal Supercritical Water Gasification Power Generation System Integrated With Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Cycle
Authors: Mu Ruiqi , Liu Ming , Yan Junjie
Published: September 2023

Coal supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is a potential clean coal technology. To enhance the efficiency and reduce carbon emissions of SCWG coal power, a novel coal SCWG power generation system with supercritical CO2 (S-CO2) circulating is proposed in this study. The system achieves autothermal gasification by partial oxidation of coal. Syngas combusts with pure oxygen, and mixes with circulating S-CO2 to form the CO2-dominated mixed working medium for power generation. Turbine exhaust is split into three streams to preheat oxygen, water and S-CO2 in the heat exchanger (HEX), respectively. With an appropriate flow rate of circulating S-CO2, HEX has a good temperature difference matching, which decreases the heat transfer exergy destruction. The system simulation and exergy analysis models are developed. Results show the energy and exergy efficiency of system with benchmark conditions are 50.23% and 49.00%, respectively. Exergy destruction of combustor accounts for 52.61% of the total exergy loss, and that of HEX accounts for 19.30%. Additionally, effects of key parameters are investigated. The optimal water coal ratio (WCR) is 1.7, the optimal gasification pressure is 26 MPa (WCR is 1.7), higher gasification pressure (WCR is 1.8), and higher turbine inlet temperature can improve the system efficiency.
Window and Shading Design for Office Buildings in Humid Subtropical Climate: An Energy Efficient Solution for New and Existing Buildings
Authors: Nazari Sarah , Keshavarz Mirza Mohammadi Payam , Goudarzi Navid
Published: September 2023

Windows and their control elements, such as shadings, are the most critical building components impacting energy consumption and occupant comfort. This study investigates the impact of shading design for an office building on improving building energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The selected is in Atlanta, Georgia, zone Cfa category in the Köppen climate classification. A fixed shading system is chosen for this study. The variable louver shading configurations are slat angle, depth, and the number of slats. 225 models are studied and then the Preto Frontier optimization is used to select the top 10 models. The objectives are reducing the energy-use-intensity (EUI) and thermal discomfort hours while improving the user’s visual comfort. The results showed that 1-slat configurations resulted in the best outcomes. It is also shown that the downward rotation is a better solution for office buildings in Atlanta. These results can be served as inputs for studying urban microclimate and smart city planning.
Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae (Acariformes: Prostigmata) parasitising doves of the genus Turtur (Columbiformes: Columbidae)
Authors: Szymański Paweł , Niśkiewicz Małgorzata , Budka Michał , Zampa Lia , Osiejuk Tomasz S. , Skoracki Maciej
Published: September 2023

Mites belonging to the Syringophilidae family are a cosmopolitan and taxonomically diverse group of obligate and permanent parasites. These mites inhabit and reproduce within the hollow quills (calamus) of the wing, tail, and contour feathers. This study presents the first field observations of quill mites parasitising doves of the Turtur genus distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 145 host individuals from all five Turtur species (i.e., T. abyssinicus, T. afer, T. brehmeri, T. chalcospilos, and T. tympanistria) were examined during ornithological surveys conducted in Ghana, Uganda, Mozambique, and Nigeria. All examined bird species were found to be parasitised by a single oligoxenous syringophilid species, Meitingsunes tympanistria Skoracki & Dabert. Previously, this mite species had only been recorded from T. chalcospilos and T. tympanistria and from Tanzania and Togo; thus, the remaining dove species and countries of origin represent new host and locality records for this quill mite species. In our study, 20 individuals (13.8%) of the Turtur genus were infested by quill mites, with prevalence ranging from 8.8% to 24.2%. Mites were found to inhabit only the quills of wing coverts. No relationship was observed between the host body condition of two analysed host species (T. tympanistria and T. chalcospilos) and infestation by M. tympanistria. The fact that M. tympanistria exploits all representatives of the genus Turtur suggests that this mite species invaded these birds before their radiation, dating back approximately 15 Mya (Middle Miocene).
Monthly infestation characteristics of ticks in dogs in Turkish Thrace: Possible urbanization trends in some sylvatic tick species
Authors: Uruc Berkan , Talay Sengul , Sakaci Zafer , Sirin Deniz , Kar Sirri
Published: September 2023

In recent decades, significant increases and/or drastic changes have been recorded in the prevalence, intensity, and distribution of ticks worldwide, which are known to be fueled by the climate change. However, there are many intertwined drivers affecting ticks, the degree of their influence of which is contingent and difficult to determine, and it is known that elucidating the factors is crucial to understand the current tick ecology and predicting the future trend. This study was carried out to determine monthly dynamics of tick infestation in owned and stray dogs under the influence of hot dry summer sub-type of the Mediterranean climate in Thrace region, European part of Turkey. During the survey performed in 2017 on monthly basis, 1605 different dogs from ten different localities in Thrace were examined for ticks. Infestation was determined in 137 (8.54%) dogs. The highest monthly prevalence (34.03%) was recorded in May. In total, 1033 ticks (1008 adults, 25 nymphs) belonging to the following species have been identified with different monthly and total prevalence and intensity: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Haemaphysalis parva, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes acuminatus, and Ixodes kaiseri. The results indicated that degradation and destruction of natural habitats under the influence of human effect seem likely to cause/facilitate/accelerate the entering some wild animal species, and therefore their ticks, to the urbanized environments via afforested woodlands and gardens in the periurbans, and dogs in such areas seem to play a supportive role in the maintenance of some tick species, including those with primarily sylvatic cycle, such as I. acuminatus and I. kaiseri.
First investigation on oribatid fauna (Acari, Oribatida) of Yangchun agricultural area in China, with description of a new species of the genus Unguizetes (Mochlozetidae)
Authors: Qi Pengyue , Liu Dong
Published: September 2023

In this study, the investigation on oribatid fauna of agricultural region is carried out for the first time in Yangchun City, Guangdong Province, southeast China. A list of identified taxa, including 19 species from 18 genera and 15 families, is presented. Of these, one species, Dolicheremaeus variolobatus Hammer, 1981, is recorded in China for the first time. 13 species are newly recorded in Guangdong Province. A new species, Unguizetes yangchunensis sp. nov., is described. In addition, an updated key to all known species of Unguizetes is provided.
Impact of DnaK on protein expression and deamidation modification in
Cronobacter sakazakii
: insights from proteomic analysis
Authors: Lu Ping , Xue Juan , Chen Xi , Ji Xuemeng
Published: September 2023

This study explores the influence of DnaK on intracellular proteins in
Cronobacter sakazakii
, a Gram-negative bacterium known for causing infections, particularly in neonates. Proteomic and post-translational modification analyses were performed, revealing a potential link between DnaK and protein deamidation.
Sources of the Paleoproterozoic Terrigenous Rocks of the Nizhnekhani Graben-Syncline, Western Part of the Aldan Shield, According to the U–Th–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) Geochronological and Nd Isotopic Studies: To the Question of Correlation of the Udokan Complex Deposits
Authors: Kovach V. P. , Adamskaya E. V. , Kotov A. B. , Berezkin B. I. , Timofeev V. F. , Popov N. V. , Plotkina Yu. V. , Skovitina T. M. , Fedoseenko A. M. , Zagornaya N. Yu. , Gorokhovsky B. M.
Published: September 2023

The results of U–Th–Pb (LA-ICP-MS) geochronological studies of detrital zircon and Sm–Nd isotopic studies of metaterrigenous rocks of the Udokan Complex of the Nizhnekhani graben-syncline in the western part of the Aldan Shield are discussed. On the basis of the data obtained, it was found that the accumulation of terrigenous deposits of the Nizhnekhani graben-syncline occurred after 2.65 and up to 1.9 Ga, probably at the Paleoproterozoic stage of the development of the region. The igneous and metamorphic rocks formed at ca. 2.65, 2.71, 2.82–2.86, 2.99, 3.10–3.21, and probably 3.26–3.42 Ga within the Chara–Olekma Geoblock, its junction zone with the West Aldan Megablock, and the Kurulta Block of the Stanovoi suture zone were the sources of detrital material. Metaterrigenous rocks of the Nizhnekhani graben-syncline were formed from crustal sources with the Paleo- and Mesoarchean Nd model ages, while a significant contribution of the Paleoproterozoic juvenile material was established for the metasedimentary rocks of the Kodar–Udokan Trough. Significant differences in the age and Nd isotopic characteristics of sources of terrigenous deposit of the Nizhnekhani graben-syncline and the Kodar–Udokan Trough suggest that they accumulated in isolated basins.
Primary extracranial meningioma of the pelvis discovered on screening pelvic examination
Authors: Carlson Karen , Wegner Lauren
Published: September 2023

Many conditions that affect a woman’s health can be evaluated through the pelvic examination. Early detection and treatment of a range of gynaecologic and non-gynaecological conditions, including unusual pelvic masses, may decrease a woman’s morbidity and mortality. Here, we have a female patient in her early 20s who was found to have a mass on her first screening pelvic examination. Subsequent imaging followed by surgical resection were performed with the final diagnosis of a pelvic meningioma. Routine pelvic examinations in asymptomatic women may be more useful than merely screening for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections. Once detected, the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass may include aetiologies outside of the gynaecological organ system.
Efficacy and optimal dose of acetic acid to treat colonised burns wounds: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Imran Rizwana , Hassouna Tarek , Sur Gurneet , Casey Anna , Homer Victoria , Barton Darren , Brock Kristian , Altarrah Khaled , Moiemen Naiem
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Despite of recent advancement in the burns wound management, burn wound infection (BWI) is still one of the major cause of burns mortality. Patients who survive their burns injury still suffers from BWI related complication like delayed wound healing and poor scarring. BWI has been treated by application of topical antimicrobial agents or systemic antibiotics. Due to the global risk of developing systemic antibiotics resistance, medical research focuses on identifying single topical agent which has effective antimicrobial activity, easily available and cost effective. One such agent is acetic acid (AA). AA has been used as a topical antibacterial agent for the treatment of burns wounds for many years and has shown to have activity against gram-negative organisms includingPseudomonas aeruginosa. So far there has been no consensus on optimal concentration that has effective antimicrobial activity, frequency of application, duration of treatment and most importantly good patient’s tolerability. A randomised control study is required to answer all these questions.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of 0.5% and 2% of AA when applied to colonised burns wounds for 3 days after admittance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Methods and analysis

This is a double-blinded, prospective, randomised, controlled, single-centre trial. Patients will be screened for eligibility in the inpatient area and those who are found to be eligible will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: group 1: 0.5% AA (10 patients); group 2: 2% AA (10 patients); total number: 20 patients.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome: Efficacy will be assessed by measuring the bacterial load from microbiology wound swabs for three consecutive days.

Secondary outcomes: (1) The assessment of antimicrobial activity of AA and the minimum inhibitory concentrations. (2) Patient’s tolerance by assessing Visual Analogue Scale pain score. (3) Time to 95% wound healing of treatment area. (4) Patient’s perceived treatment allocation.

Ethics and dissemination

AceticA trial protocol was approved by the National Research Ethics Service (West Midlands—Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee; 17/WM/0407; IRAS 234132). This article refers to protocol version 5.0 dated 6 July 2020. The analysed results will be presented at national and international conferences related to management of burn patients. The generated articles based on the trial results will be submitted to peer review journals for publication.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN11636684.
Effects of preoperative mildly elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure on the incidence of perioperative adverse events undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy: an observational cohort study protocol
Authors: Fu Yu , Gao Jiameng , Zhang Zhiyuan , Zhang Nan , Yu Jing , Chen Chang , Wen Zongmei
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Echocardiography provides a non-invasive estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and is the first diagnostic test for pulmonary hypertension. Recent studies have demonstrated that PASP of more than 30 mm Hg related to increased mortality and morbidity. However, perioperative risks and management for patients with mildly elevated PASP are not well established. This study aims to explore the association between mildly elevated PASP and perioperative adverse outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This will be a retrospective cohort study conducted at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital in Shanghai, China. Eligible patients are adults (≥18 years) who performed preoperative echocardiography and followed thoracoscopic lobectomy. Our primary objective is to determine the effect of preoperative mildly elevated PASP on the incidence of hypotension during surgery. Whether mildly elevated PASP is related to other perioperative adverse events (including hypoxaemia, myocardial injury, new-onset atrial fibrillation, postoperative pulmonary complications, 30-day readmission and 30-day mortality) will be also analysed. An estimated 2300 patients will be included.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the institutional review board of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (approval No: 2022LY1143). The research findings intend to be published in peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200066679).
Concurrent trajectories of part-time work and sickness absence: a longitudinal cohort study over 11 years among shift working hospital employees
Authors: Ropponen Annina , Ervasti Jenni , Härmä Mikko
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To investigate the concurrent changes in part-time work and sickness absence (SA) in healthcare. Another aim was to investigate the role of age and sex on different concurrent trajectory groups.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Public hospital districts (n=10) and cities (n=11) in Finland.

Participants

Payroll-based objective working hour data of the healthcare sector in Finland for 28 969 employees in 2008–2019 were used. The final sample included those working shifts with 3 consecutive years of data and without baseline (≥14 days) SA.

Primary outcomes

Part-time work (yes or no) and months of SA.

Measures

Group-based trajectory modelling to identify concurrent changes in part-time work, and months of SA while controlling the time-variant amount of night work and multinomial regression models for relative risk (RR) with 95% CIs were used.

Results

Four-group trajectory model was the best solution: group 1 (61.2%) with full-time work and no SA, group 2 (16.9%) with slowly increasing probability of part-time work and low but mildly increasing SA, group 3 (17.6%) with increasing part-time work and no SA, and group 4 (4.3%) with fluctuating, increasing part-time work and highest and increasing levels of SA. Men had a lower (RR 0.49–0.75) and older age groups had a higher likelihood (RRs 1.32–3.79) of belonging to trajectory groups 2–4.

Conclusions

Most of the sample were in the trajectory group with full-time work and no SA. The probability of part-time work increased over time, linked with concurrent low increase or no SA. A minor group of employees had both an increased probability of part-time work and SA. Part-time work and other solutions might merit attention to promote sustainable working life among healthcare employees.
Associations between future health expectations and patient satisfaction after lumbar spine surgery: a longitudinal observational study of 9929 lumbar spine surgery procedures
Authors: Joelson Anders , Szigethy Lilla , Wildeman Peter , Sigmundsson Freyr Gauti , Karlsson Jan
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the associations between general health expectations and patient satisfaction with treatment for the two common spine surgery procedures diskectomy for lumbar disk herniation (LDH) and decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Design

Register study with prospectively collected preoperative and 1-year postoperative data.

Setting

National outcome data from Swespine, the national Swedish spine register.

Participants

A total of 9929 patients, aged between 20 and 85 years, who were self-reported non-smokers, and were operated between 2007 and 2016 for one-level LSS without degenerative spondylolisthesis, or one-level LDH, were identified in the national Swedish spine register (Swespine). We used SF-36 items 11c and 11d to assess future health expectations and present health perceptions. Satisfaction with treatment was assessed using the Swespine satisfaction item.

Interventions

One-level diskectomy for LDH or one-level decompression for LSS.

Primary outcome measures

Satisfaction with treatment.

Results

For LSS, the year 1 satisfaction ratio among patients with negative future health expectations preoperatively was 60% (95% CI 58% to 63%), while it was 75% (95% CI 73% to 76%) for patients with positive future health expectations preoperatively. The corresponding numbers for LDH were 73% (95% CI 71% to 75%) and 84% (95% CI 83% to 85%), respectively.

Conclusions

Patients operated for the common lumbar spine diseases LSS or LDH, with negative future general health expectations, were significantly less satisfied with treatment than patients with positive expectations with regard to future general health. These findings are important for patients, and for the surgeons who counsel them, when surgery is a treatment option for LSS or LDH.
Implementation of a quality management system in a liver transplant programme
Authors: López-Púa Yolanda , Navasa Miquel , Trilla Antoni , Colmenero Jordi , García Raquel , López Eva , Durà Anna , Guash Ana , Ríos José
Published: September 2023

Background

The management of liver transplantation has become a complex process involving different healthcare professionals. Teamwork, standardisation and definition of the best practices are essential for success, patient satisfaction and society’s favourable perception of transplantation programmes.

ISO 9001:2015 certification provides the necessary elements to help implement a quality management system (QMS) to ensure that patient care is performed with the highest guarantees of clinical quality and safety. The aim of this study is to describe the steps, strengths and limitations in the implementation of a QMS in a liver transplant programme (LTP).

Project management method

This included analysing the starting point, setting up a working group, training, defining the scope of certification, preparing documentation, and conducting an internal and external audit, which culminated in the ISO 9001 quality certification award. The scope of QMS includes all the processes of LTP, from referral of candidates to long-term follow-up after transplantation.

Results

The project was structured in seven phases that took place between 2008 and 2011. The implementation of QMS led to the generation of all the necessary documentation to meet the requirements of the standard, including internal and legal requirements related to the transplant activity. The establishment of indicators to measure the effectiveness of processes, risk management and the identification of incidents allows us to implement measures devoted to avoiding the deficiencies and to meet the established objectives.

Conclusion

ISO 9001:2015 certification has contributed to the adaptation of a new quality and safety culture focused on the patient. All activities are protocolised, everything is recorded, measured, and verified, and all steps are taken as planned. Work is carried out in terms of continuous improvement. This has led to less variability in daily clinical practice and a better understanding of work dynamics.
Questioning our presumptions about the presumption of capacity
Authors: Astrachan Isabel Marie , Ruck Keene Alexander , Kim Scott Y H
Published: September 2023

All contemporary frameworks of mental capacity stipulate that we must begin from the presumption that an adult has capacity. This presumption is crucial, as it manifests respect for autonomy and guards against prejudice and paternalism on the part of the evaluator.

Given its ubiquity, we might presume that we all understand the presumption’s meaning and application in the same way. Evidence demonstrates that this is not the case and that this has led to harm in vulnerable persons. There is thus strong reason to question our presumptions about the presumption of capacity.

We distinguish between two main ways of understanding and applying the presumption of capacity, and advocate for the one that we argue mitigates risk of harm. Our proposed interpretation offers many advantages in that it is consonant with actual practice of capacity evaluations, precludes confused and abusive avoidance of needed evaluations, and preserves the respect for autonomy motivating the presumption in the first place.
Water-circulating probes significantly modify lesion length and axon damage in cooled radiofrequency ablations when compared with similar-sized standard radiofrequency probes in rats
Authors: Cobbs Alyssa , Alas Guillermo , Yadav Ruchi , Mayeux Jacques , Eckmann Maxim S , Provenzano David Anthony , English Arthur W , Washington Alencia , Wang Ruoya
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Preclinical research demonstrated water-cooled radiofrequency (CRF) ablations have a significant impact on structural and functional changes compared to standard radiofrequency (SRF) ablations. Clinical procedures utilizing RF to treat chronic pain conditions also show sustained functional outcomes. We hypothesize that the design of the RF probes plays an important role in interventional procedure success, but it remains unclear which specific design features.

Methods

RF ablations were performed in male Lewis rats (n=51) using multiple-sized probes for CRF (17 Ga/2 mm and 17Ga/4 mm) and SRF (22Ga/5 mm, 18Ga/10 mm and 16Ga/10 mm) to evaluate generator energy output, lesion length, axon damage by histology and nerve function analysis via electromyography. To exclude probe design variables beyond size and remain objective, we tested cooled probes with and without water circulation, which resulted in the CRF probe performing like an SRF probe.

Results

Consistent with our previous findings in smaller probes, CRF large probes delivered more energy (p<0.01) and generated multiple zones of thermal damage in sciatic nerves. When the water-circulating feature was turned off, however, energy output (p<0.001) and lesion length (p<0.05) was significantly reduced. CRF probes with the water circulation also featured significantly more axonal disruption, than larger sized SRF probes (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Overall, this data confirms that CRF’s water-circulating technology has a greater impact on energy deposition, lesion length and axon damage compared with SRF ablations. Moreover, results suggest that the structural differences between RF modalities cannot be solely attributed to probe size, and it may shed light on its differences in clinical outcomes.
Environmental impact on critical responses of lightweight cellular concrete subbase flexible pavements
Authors: Oyeyi Abimbola Grace , Al-Bayati Hanaa Khaleel Alwan , Ni Frank Mi-Way , Tighe Susan
Published: September 2023

Previous analytical studies have demonstrated that low-density lightweight cellular concrete (LCC) subbase pavements can support up to 20 times more traffic loads than unbound granular subbase pavements while protecting the pavement subgrade from adverse freeze–thaw effects in cold regions. This study examines the possibility of providing better-performing pavements on the field through the construction, instrumentation, and monitoring of flexible pavement sections incorporating three LCC densities (400, 475, and 600 kg/m³) as subbase material compared with unbound granular material in Canada. The effects of daily and seasonal temperatures on pavement critical responses to stress and strains were evaluated. The findings showed that these LCC pavements reduced asphalt concrete tensile strain by over two times compared with unbound granular pavements, and that strain increased with a daily temperature increase. Daily subgrade pressure (stress) change was reduced by up to 68%. The study concluded that longer life pavements could be achieved with LCC subbase thicknesses ≥250 mm.
Model of a metal in a gravitational field
Authors: Shegelski Mark R.A. , Shaw Jerad , Hawse Mitchell
Published: September 2023

We present a simple model of a metal in a gravitational field in order to show some physical features that help in understanding how the metal holds itself up against gravity. The nuclei are held up against gravity by their bound electron(s) as well as the electric field due to all the gravitationally induced electric dipoles at other lattice sites; these dipoles result from the bound electrons sinking, in response to the gravitational field, by a smaller distance than the nuclei. We also consider the conduction electrons to be held up by Fermi pressure. We use the model to estimate the magnitude of the gravitationally induced electric field in a metal and to establish its direction. We work in the low temperature limit.
Role of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in diabetic complications
Authors: Imaralu Omonzejie E. , Aluganti Narasimhulu Chandrakala , Singal Pawan K. , Singla Dinender K.
Published: September 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) complications have remained a major cause of death among patients with diabetes. Hence, there is a need for effective therapeutics against diabetes-induced CVD complications. Since its discovery, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been reported to be involved in the pathology of various CVDs, with studies showing a positive association between plasma levels of PCSK9, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. PCSK9 regulates lipid homeostasis by interacting with low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs) present in hepatocytes and subsequently induces LDLR degradation via receptor-mediated endocytosis, thereby reducing LDL uptake from circulation. In addition, PCSK9 also induces pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and apoptotic cell death in diabetic-CVD. Furthermore, therapies designed to inhibit PCSK9 effectively reduces diabetic dyslipidemia with clinical studies reporting reduced cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes and no significant adverse effect on glycemic controls. In this review, we discuss the role of PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced CVD and the potential mechanisms by which PCSK9 inhibition reduces cardiovascular events in diabetic patients.
Matter accretion onto the magnetically charged Euler–Heisenberg black hole with scalar hair
Authors: Rehman H. , Abbas G. , Zhu Tao , Mustafa G.
Published: September 2023

This paper deals with astrophysical accretion onto the magnetically charged Euler–Heisenberg black holes with scalar hair. We examine the accretion process of a variety of perfect fluids, including polytropic and isothermal fluids of the ultra-stiff, ultra-relativistic, and sub-relativistic forms, when fluid is accreting in the vicinity of the black hole. By using the Hamiltonian dynamical approach, we can find the sonic or critical points numerically for the various types of fluids that are accreting onto the black hole. Furthermore, for several types of fluids, the solution is provided in closed form, expressing phase diagram curves. We compute the mass accretion rate of a magnetically charged Euler–Heisenberg black hole with scalar hair. We observe that the maximum accretion rate is attained for small values of the black hole parameters. We may be able to understand the physical mechanism of accretion onto black holes using the outcomes of this investigation.
Properties of color-flavor locked matter in a quasiparticle model
Authors: Chu Peng-Cheng , Cao Qian , Liu He , Li Xiao-Hua , Ju Min , Wu Xu-Hao , Zhou Ying
Published: September 2023

We investigate the thermodynamical properties of color-flavor locked (CFL) quark matter at zero temperature, finite temperature, and strong magnetic field by using quasiparticle model. We find that considering CFL quark phase can significantly change the equation of state (EOS) as well as the properties of quark matter in quark stars (QSs) at finite temperature or under magnetic field within quasiparticle model. In particular, our results have shown that we can provide the large QSs within CFL quark phase from quasiparticle model by satisfying both the upper limit of $$\Lambda _{1.4}<800$$

Λ

1.4

<
800

for the low-spin priors of 1.4 solar mass pulsars from GW170817 and the new estimates of the mass-radius region from PSR J0740 + 6620, PSR J0030 + 0451, HESS J1731-347, and 4U 1702-429, which cannot be obtained by considering the QSs with SQM within quasiparticle model.
Inverse Spectral Problems for a Special Acyclic Matrix
Authors: Su Qifang
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we consider the reconstruction of matrices whose graph is a star with root at the central vertex from given partial eigen data. Three inverse spectral problems are discussed. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of the problems are studied. Furthermore, the corresponding numerical algorithms are presented. Some numerical examples are also provided to demonstrate the applicability of the results obtained here.
Study of superconductivity of Li-doped Fe (Se0.5Te0.5) polycrystalline bulk samples
Authors: He W. , Bai X. F. , Yang J. H. , Zhang J. , Zhao K. , Liang C. , Cai F. G. , Hu Z. M. , Yang X. S. , Zhao Y.
Published: September 2023

Fe(Se/Te) family compounds are very important among iron-based superconductors. To explore the modification of their physical properties, Li-doped FeSe[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text] polycrystalline samples were prepared by using sintering method with metal Li as the dopant. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering indicated that the lattice parameter c and Raman peaks change systematically with increasing Li content, suggesting Li atoms have entered the lattice. Magnetization and electrical transport measurements showed the type-II superconductor behavior. The upper critical field increased with increasing Li doping concentration, while the coherence length decreased with increasing dopant concentration. Li-doping generally improved the superconductivity, including the uniformity of superconducting contents. The thermally activated flux-flow (TAFF) activation energy also increased with increasing dopant concentration. The critical current densities were measured and the flux pinning mechanism and its change with doping were analyzed.
Implications of Large-NcQCD for theNNInteraction
Authors: Richardson Thomas R. , Schindler Matthias R. , Springer Roxanne P.
Published: September 2023

We present a method for ordering two-nucleon interactions based upon their scaling with the number of QCD colors, Nc, in the limit that Ncbecomes large. Available data in the two-nucleon sector show general agreement with this ordering, indicating that the method may be useful in other contexts where data are less readily available. However, several caveats and potential pitfalls can make the large- Ncordering fragile and/or vulnerable to misinterpretation. We discuss the application of the large- Ncanalysis to two- and three-nucleon interactions, including those originating from weak and BSM (beyond the Standard Model) interactions, as well as two-nucleon external currents. Finally, we discuss some open questions in the field.
Extracellular matrix contribution to disease progression and dysfunction in myopathy
Authors: Long Ashlee M. , Lee GaHyun , Demonbreun Alexis R. , McNally Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2023

Myopathic processes affect skeletal muscle and heart. In the muscular dystrophies, which are a subset of myopathies, muscle cells are gradually replaced by fibrosis and fat, impairing muscle function as well as regeneration and repair. In addition to skeletal muscle, these genetic disorders often also affect the heart, where fibrofatty infiltration progressively accumulates in the myocardium, impairing heart function. Although considerable effort has focused on gene-corrective and gene-replacement approaches to stabilize myofibers and cardiomyocytes, the continual and ongoing deposition of extracellular matrix itself contributes to tissue and organ dysfunction. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling, along with high-resolution imaging and biophysical measurements, have been applied to define extracellular matrix components and their role in contributing to cardiac and skeletal muscle weakness. More recently, decellularization methods have been adapted to an on-slide format to preserve the spatial geography of the extracellular matrix, allowing new insight into matrix remodeling and its direct role in suppressing regeneration in muscle. This review highlights recent literature with focus on the extracellular matrix and molecular mechanisms that contribute to muscle and heart fibrotic disorders. We will also compare how the myopathic matrix differs from healthy matrix, emphasizing how the pathological matrix contributes to disease.
Prognostic Impact of Prephase Treatment Prior to First-Line Treatment in DLBCL: A Population-Based Registry Study
Authors: Levy Anthony , Defossez Gautier , Delwail Vincent , Guidez Stéphanie , Chaubard Sammara , Nunes Gomes Christopher , Cailly Laura , Letailleur Valentin , Machet Antoine , Leleu Xavier , Ingrand Pierre , Systchenko Thomas
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Prephase treatment (PP) is recommended in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) to decrease therapy-related toxicities and to avoid tumour lysis syndrome. Data in the real world are limited, and no study has evaluated the impact on overall survival. We aimed to evaluate overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and grade III-IV toxicities during the first cycle according to PP. Methods and Materials. All DLBCL diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 and aged between 18 and 80 years were identified by the Poitou-Charentes General Cancer Registry (France). PP was defined as any treatment prior to first-line, excluding anthracycline and/or Rituximab. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) to control characteristics at diagnosis, reduce bias, and approximate a randomized trial. Results. Three hundred and forty patients received first-line treatment in 17 hospital centers: 126 (37%) with prephase and 214 (63%) without prephase (NPP). After PSM, 97 patients remained in each group without significant difference in characteristics at diagnosis; matched PP patients had a 2-year OS of 71% (vs. 77%,

P

 = 0.32), a 2-year PFS of 61% (vs. 74%,

P

 = 0.12), and 26% grade III-IV toxicities (vs. 27%,

P

 = 0.75). No tumour lysis syndrome was reported. PP nonsignificantly decreases grade III-IV toxicities for patients with high tumour load (

P

 = 0.82) or elderly patients (

P

 = 0.81). Conclusion. PP treatment does not affect survival nor does it reduce therapy-related toxicities even for patients with high tumour load or elderly patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PP.
Metataxonomic Characterization of Enriched Consortia Derived from Oil Spill-Contaminated Sites in Guimaras, Philippines, Reveals Major Role of Klebsiella sp. in Hydrocarbon Degradation
Authors: Rodriguez Kiara Nicole D. , Santos Russel T. , Nagpala Michael Joseph M. , Opulencia Rina B.
Published: September 2023

Oil spills are major anthropogenic disasters that cause serious harm to marine environments. In the Philippines, traditional methods of rehabilitating oil-polluted areas were proven to be less efficient and cause further damage to the environment. Microbial degradation has poised itself to be a promising alternative to those traditional methods in remediating oil spills. Hence, the present study aimed to enrich and characterize hydrocarbon-degrading microbial consortia from oil-contaminated regions in Guimaras Island for potential use in bioremediation. A total of 75 soil samples were obtained and used as inoculum for the enrichment for hydrocarbon degraders. Afterwards, 32 consortia were recovered and subjected to the 2,6-DCPIP assay for biodegradation ability on four types of hydrocarbons: diesel, xylene, hexane, and hexadecane. The consortia that obtained the highest percent degradation for each of the four hydrocarbons were “B2” (92.34% diesel degraded), “A5” (85.55% hexadecane degraded), “B1” (74.33% hexane degraded), and “B7” (63.38% xylene degraded). Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that the dominant phyla in all consortia are Pseudomonadota (previously Proteobacteria), followed by Bacillota (previously Firmicutes). Overall, the amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) retrieved were mainly from the Gammaproteobacteria class, in which many hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria are found. Predictive functional profiling of the consortium showed the presence of genes involved in the degradation of recalcitrant hydrocarbon pollutants. Fatty acid metabolism, which includes alkB (alkane-1-monooxygenase) and genes for beta oxidation, was inferred to be the most abundant amongst all hydrocarbon degradation pathways. Klebsiella sp. is the predominant ASV in all the sequenced consortia as well as the major contributor of hydrocarbon degradation genes. The findings of the study can serve as groundwork for the development of hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial consortia for the bioremediation of oil spill-affected areas in the Philippines. Likewise, this paper provides a basis for further investigation into the role of Klebsiella sp. in the bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutants.
Smaller and Denser Speech Graphs in Nondemented Patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Ma Jinghong , Zhang Guanyu , Sun Xiaomin , Chan Piu , Ye Zheng
Published: September 2023

The well-established semantic fluency test measures the ability to produce a sequence of spoken words from a particular category within a limited period of time. Like patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) tend to produce fewer correct words than age-matched healthy adults. This study further examined the difference between patients with PSP and PD in their semantic fluency performance using a graph theory-based approach. Twenty-nine patients with PSP Richardson’s syndrome (PSP-RS), thirty-eight patients with PD, and fifty-one healthy controls (HC) were recruited. All participants completed a standard semantic fluency test (animals). Their verbal responses were recorded, transcripted, and transformed into directed speech graphs. The speech graphs of the PSP-RS group showed higher density, shorter diameter, and shorter average shortest path than those of the PD and HC groups. It indicates that the PSP-RS group produced smaller and denser speech graphs than the PD and HC groups. In the PSP-RS group, moreover, the average shortest paths of the speech graphs correlated with the severity of motor symptoms. This study shows the potential of the graph theory-based approach in distinguishing the semantic fluency performance of nondemented patients with PSP-RS and PD.
Long-Term Outcomes of Osteochondral Allograft with Osteogenic Protein-1 Augmentation: A Twelve-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Assid Eric , Renshaw Andrew , Samad Mawadah , Tupler Richard , Jones Deryk
Published: September 2023

Background. Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) can significantly impact functional status and activities of daily living. Weightbearing joints are disproportionately affected due to considerable biomechanical forces in these areas. Various biologic reconstructive procedures such as microfracture, osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS) or allograft transplantation (OCA), and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) are utilized by surgeons to treat OCLs. The integration of osteochondral allografts can restore knee function and maintain the integrity of adjacent joint surfaces. Bone incorporation has been linked to successful outcomes following OCA. Pulse lavage and carbon dioxide have been used to remove marrow elements from the superficial, middle, and deep layers of the allograft; this has been combined with the use of various biologics such as bone marrow aspirate or whole blood to augment donor bone incorporation into the host bone. We present an innovative augmentation approach in OCA transplantation demonstrating excellent incorporation of an osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1) implant (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) to treat a large fresh osteoarticular allograft. Case Presentation. We present a 51-year-old male who received OCA augmented with an OP-1 implant (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) in 2011. Due to subsequent ACL reconstruction for two years and medial meniscal repair four years following OCA transplantation, we were able to arthroscopically evaluate graft status at short- and intermediate-term follow-ups. Positive findings were further verified with radiographic imaging and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Conclusion. OP-1 implants aided in the bone incorporation of a large osteochondral allograft, restoring a high functional level in a demanding sport.