bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETERMINATION OF SLIP‐FACTOR BETWEEN FRICTION SHIMS AND SHOT‐BLASTED STEEL SURFACES
Authors: Yolaçan Taygun F. , Schäfer Markus
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the results of an experimental testing campaign performed to determine slip‐factor between the faying surfaces of shot‐blasted steel plates and state‐of‐the‐art friction shims. In total five experimental tests were performed as consistent with the provisions of EN1090‐2 Annex G to determine the slip‐factor between the faying surfaces. The results of the experimental test campaign showed that the surface roughness of the steel plates needs to be suitable for the selected type of the friction shims to enrich the slip‐resistance of the bolted‐connections. The test procedure was simulated with a commercial finite‐element analysis software, Abaqus, to compare the empirically determined slip‐factor and the penalty friction formulation of the software. It is shown that the slip‐factor definition of EN1090 – 2 Annex G fits in a very good agreement to the penalty friction formulation of the software to estimate the slip‐resistance of the bolted connections. The differences between the test results and the outputs of the finite element analysis are discussed in detail with a novel representation of non‐linear stick‐slip transition path for the slip‐resistant bolted connections. A further parametric study was performed to understand the impact of the geometric parameters on the slip‐resistance and the load‐slip behaviour of the faying surfaces.
Machine Learning Approaches for Phase Identification Using Process Variables in Batch Processes
Authors: Gärtler Marco , Hollender Martin , Klöpper Benjamin , Maczey Sylvia , Tan Ruomu , Song Chen , Bähner Franz David , Krämer Stefan , Just Gregor , Khaydarov Valentin , Urbas Leon , Gedda Rebecca
Published: April 2023

Specialty and fine chemicals are often manufactured in multipurpose batch production plants. Compared to continuous production, these plants offer increased flexibility at the cost of operational complexity. A recipe defines the sequence and process parameters of different batch phases that are needed to transform raw materials into the desired product. In some plants detailed information about the executed recipe is not always captured by data acquisition systems. Knowledge of these phases is essential for optimizing quality and throughput. State‐of‐the‐art data‐driven machine learning techniques can recognize recurrent patterns in noisy time series data, enabling automatic labeling of batch phases based on widely available sensor data. In this review paper, we provide an overview of several machine learning approaches that can be used in an industrial setting.
„Digitalisierung der Reaktionstechnik“: ein Themenfeld mit vielen Facetten!
Authors: Freund Hannsjörg , Sauer Jörg , Wachsen Olaf
Published: April 2023

No abstract.
Novel design of flow path spacers for reverse electrodialysis cell
Authors: Basu Suddhasatwa , Mahajan Criti
Published: April 2023

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is one of the technologies used to harness ‘Blue Energy’, which is generated from the controlled separation of ions between salt water and fresh water through cation and anion exchange membranes (CEM/AEM) stack with end electrodes. The spacers present in between CEM and AEM allows the flow of salt and fresh water significantly affecting the fouling and concentration polarization in the RED cell. The present work focuses on improvement in flow path design, which may be used in place of mesh spacers in order to reduce pressure drop and enhance shear stress on the surface of the membrane to reduce concentration polarization. A three‐dimensional direct numerical simulation of the Navier–Stokes equation is conducted using Fluent 14.0 to analyze four different flow field designs, including serpentine, criss‐cross, rhombus, diamond, and standard mesh spacers. The simulation predicted closely the experimental data on pressure drop for the mesh spacers available in the literature. The present study points out that the diamond type flow field design, which combines characteristics of mesh spacers and flow field plates, gives lesser pressure drop per unit length with the increase in velocity within the same range of shear stress generated in mesh spacers. In other words, net power density of RED would improve with the use of diamond type spacer flow field with the decrease in concentration polarization loss and pumping power density.
Detection of multiple types of cancer driver mutations using targeted RNA sequencing in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ju Sheng , Cui Zihan , Hong Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaoqing , Mu Weina , Xie Zhuolin , Zeng Xuexia , Su Lin , Lin Xiaojing , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Qi , Song Xiaofeng , You Songxia , Chen Ruixin , Chen Weizhi , Xu Chun , Zhao Jun
Published: April 2023

Background

DNA‐based next‐generation sequencing has been widely used in the selection of target therapies for patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). RNA‐based next‐generation sequencing has been proven to be valuable in detecting fusion and exon‐skipping mutations and is recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for these mutation types.

Methods

The authors developed an RNA‐based hybridization panel targeting actionable driver oncogenes in solid tumors. Experimental and bioinformatics pipelines were optimized for the detection of fusions, single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs), and insertion/deletion (indels). In total, 1253 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples from patients with NSCLC were analyzed by DNA and RNA panel sequencing in parallel to assess the performance of the RNA panel in detecting multiple types of mutations.

Results

In analytical validation, the RNA panel achieved a limit of detection of 1.45–3.15 copies per nanogram for SNVs and 0.21–6.48 copies per nanogram for fusions. In 1253 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded NSCLC samples, the RNA panel identified a total of 124 fusion events and 26 MET exon 14‐skipping events, in which 14 fusions and six MET exon 14‐skipping mutations were missed by DNA panel sequencing. By using the DNA panel as the reference, the positive percent agreement and the positive predictive value of the RNA panel were 98.08% and 98.62%, respectively, for detecting targetable SNVs and 98.15% and 99.38%, respectively, for detecting targetable indels.

Conclusions

Parallel DNA and RNA sequencing analyses demonstrated the accuracy and robustness of the RNA sequencing panel in detecting multiple types of clinically actionable mutations. The simplified experimental workflow and low sample consumption will make RNA panel sequencing a potentially effective method in clinical testing.
Loads prediction and consolidation of virtual machines in cloud
Authors: Wu Hao , Chen Yuqi , Zhang Chi , Dong Jiangchao , Wang Yuxin
Published: April 2023

Virtual machine (VM) consolidation is to assign a set of VMs requested by operators to the physical machines (PMs) in the data centers so that certain cost, profit or performance objective is optimized, subject to the PMs resource capacity constraints. It is an important mean to decrease the total power consumption by reducing the number of active physical machines (PM) in a cloud. In this context, most of the existing solutions rely on highly frequent live migration to reduce the number of active physical machines. However, live migration is a high resource consumption and time‐consuming operation, thus, frequent use of live migration not only increases energy consumption but also affects the stability of the physical machine, which in turn affects the services on the virtual machine. Reducing the number of active physical machines while reducing the number of live migrations is a major challenge in the face of massive fluctuating virtual machine loads. In order to solve this problem, in this paper, we present a VM consolidation algorithm for predictable loads (VCPL) to reduce the live migration operations. First, we present a cyclic usage prediction (CUP) method to predict the load in a whole cycle (a day) of a VM. Then, we separate the VMs with stable and cyclic load out from others and consolidate them to PMs by using VCPL to make sure each PM has a stable load. Thus, energy can be reduced by avoiding most of live migration operations, and the stability of the data center can be observably improved. We evaluate our solution through simulations on real‐world workloads, the results show that, 66% of long‐term VMs have stable and cyclic loads and are predictable, by using VCPL, the live migration operations occurring on the PMs which accommodate those VMs can be reduced significantly than other solutions.
How do hotel star ratings affect the relationship between environmental CSR and green word‐of‐mouth?
Authors: Lin Jialing (Catherine) , Zhou Zhimin , Zheng Fucheng , Jiang Xinru , Nguyen Ninh
Published: April 2023

Hotels have increasingly engaged in environmentally responsible initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to environmental concerns and sustainable hospitality and tourism. These initiatives are expected to become even more popular in the context that the COVID‐19 crisis has driven people to further acknowledge the importance of the ecosystem. This study aims to examine how hotels' environmental corporate social responsibility (CSR) affects customers' green word‐of‐mouth (WOM). Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze data from an online survey of 749 Chinese respondents. The findings reveal that hotels' environmental CSR indirectly enhances customers' green WOM intention via green perceived value (i.e., cognitive route) and green hotel pride (i.e., emotional route). Furthermore, the indirect effects of hotels' environmental CSR on customers' green WOM are more substantial for hotels with higher star ratings. These findings offer valuable insights for hoteliers to develop genuine environmentally responsible initiatives that can generate positive customer responses.
The prometastatic relevance of tumor‐infiltrating B lymphocytes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Missale Francesco , Bugatti Mattia , Marchi Filippo , Mandelli Giulio E , Bruni Maria , Palmerini Giulia , Monti Matilde , Bozzola Anna M , Arena Giorgio , Guastini Luca , Boggio Maurizio , Parrinello Giampiero , Peretti Giorgio , Vermi William
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCCs) typically have an excellent prognosis for stage I tumors but a significant risk of locoregional and distant recurrence for intermediate to advanced disease. This study will investigate the clinical relevance of the tumor microenvironment in a large cohort of treatment‐naïve patients affected by stage II–IV LSCC.

Methods

Whole slide‐based digital pathology analysis was applied to measure six immune cell populations identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for CD3, CD8, CD20, CD66b, CD163 and CD38. Survival analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards models and unsupervised hierarchical clustering using the k‐means method. Double IHC staining and in‐situ hybridisation by RNAscope allowed further analysis of a protumoral B cell population.

Results

A cohort of 98 patients was enrolled and analysed. The cluster of immune‐infiltrated LSCCs demonstrated a significantly worse disease‐specific survival rate. We also discovered a new association between high CD20+ B cells and a greater risk of distant recurrence. The phenotypic analysis of infiltrating CD20+ B cells showed a naïve (BCL6−CD27−Mum1−) regulatory phenotype, producing TGFβ but not IL10, according to an active TGFβ pathway, as proved by positive pSMAD2 staining.

Conclusion

The identification of regulatory B cells in the context of LSCC, along with the activation of the TGFβ pathway, could provide the basis for new trials investigating the efficacy of already available molecules targeting the TGFβ pathway in the treatment of LSCC.
Surface textures of detrital pyroxenes in coastal dune sands (western Gulf of Mexico, Mexico): Implications for their preservation and geoenvironmental processes
Authors: Kasper‐Zubillaga Juan J. , Martínez‐Serrano Raymundo Gerardo , Buchs David M. , Mendieta‐Lora Mauricio , Arellano‐Torres Elsa , Álvarez‐Sánchez León Felipe
Published: April 2023

This work investigates how the surface textures and morphology of pyroxene grains evolve during their source‐to‐sink history. This study applies to detrital clinopyroxenes concentrated in coastal dune sands of the Gulf of Mexico which were sourced in the Trans Mexican Volcanic Belt then transported and deposited in environments subject to limited chemical weathering. The composition and morphology of the pyroxenes was characterised using single‐grain geochemical analysis and surface texture imagery with a novel approach based on the compactness property to assess the shape of minerals. This reveals heterogenous diopside‐augite populations, displaying mineral morphologies dominantly controlled by impact breakage along cleavages, little physical abrasion along their edges and with limited evidence for chemical weathering. Mechanical surface textures dominate over mechanical/chemical and chemical surface textures. These mechanical surface textures are preserved primarily as flat cleavage surfaces and rounded edges inherited from fluvial‐intertidal and aeolian transport, respectively. Mechanically/chemically induced surface textures are preserved as elongated depressions. Chemical surface textures are sparse and mostly represented by mammillated textures that suggest local dissolution under subaqueous conditions. The scarcity of chemical surface textures is attributed to frequent fragmentation of the clinopyroxenes along cleavages and limited chemical weathering during transport of the observed populations. Clinopyroxene grains in the coastal dune sands primarily retain surface characteristics from fluvial transport. Although the breakage of minerals along cleavages can obscure their original morphology under a weathering‐limited erosion regime, this study shows how surface textures and morphology of pyroxene grains is used to determine episodes of transport and deposition close to volcanic environments. The use of the compactness property as a shape descriptor measurement of particles provides an alternative approach to observe how clinopyroxene remains unaltered despite the high energy conditions of the coastal area.
Effects of anesthesia exposure on postnatal maturation of white matter in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Tomlinson Chalmer , Vlasova Roza , Al‐Ali Khalid , Young Jeffrey T. , Shi Yundi , Lubach Gabriele R. , Alexander Andrew L. , Coe Christopher L. , Styner Martin , Fine Jason
Published: April 2023

There is increasing concern about the potential effects of anesthesia exposure on the developing brain. The effects of relatively brief anesthesia exposures used repeatedly to acquire serial magnetic resonance imaging scans could be examined prospectively in rhesus macaques. We analyzed magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of 32 rhesus macaques (14 females, 18 males) aged 2 weeks to 36 months to assess postnatal white matter (WM) maturation. We investigated the longitudinal relationships between each DTI property and anesthesia exposure, taking age, sex, and weight of the monkeys into consideration. Quantification of anesthesia exposure was normalized to account for variation in exposures. Segmented linear regression with two knots provided the best model for quantifying WM DTI properties across brain development as well as the summative effect of anesthesia exposure. The resulting model revealed statistically significant age and anesthesia effects in most WM tracts. Our analysis indicated there were major effects on WM associated with low levels of anesthesia even when repeated as few as three times. Fractional anisotropy values were reduced across several WM tracts in the brain, indicating that anesthesia exposure may delay WM maturation, and highlight the potential clinical concerns with even a few exposures in young children.
Acidity promotes the differentiation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells
Authors: Tuomela Karoliina , Levings Megan K
Published: April 2023

The metabolic milieu is emerging as a major contributing factor in the maintenance of the immunosuppressive microenvironment within tumors. In particular, the presence of lactic acid produced by highly glycolytic cancer cells is known to suppress antitumor immune cell subsets while promoting immunosuppressive cell populations, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs). Unlike conventional T cells, Tregs have a unique, potent ability to take up lactic acid to fuel both mitochondrial metabolism and gluconeogenesis, thus supporting suppressive function and proliferation. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology [Eur. J. Immunol. 2023.53:2250258], Rao et al. uncover a novel mechanism by which lactic acid can support Treg accumulation within tumors in mice. This study shows that lactic acid, through a pH‐dependent mechanism rather than lactate itself, promotes TGFβ‐induced differentiation of Tregs from conventional CD4+ T cells. These findings build on the already multifaceted role of lactic acid in maintaining an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
Groundwater flow reversal between small water bodies and their adjoining aquifers: A numerical experiment
Authors: Steidl Jörg , Gliege Steffen , Semiromi Majid Taie , Lischeid Gunnar
Published: April 2023

The countless kettle holes in the Late Pleistocene landscapes of Northern Europe are hotspots for biodiversity and biogeochemical processes. As a rule, they are hydraulically connected to the shallow groundwater system. The rapid, intensive turnover of carbon, nutrients and pollutants in the kettle holes therefore has a major impact on the quality of the shallow groundwater downstream. As a result of high‐evapotranspiration rates from their riparian vegetation or strong storm events, the process of downstream groundwater flow may stagnate and reverse back towards the kettle hole, making interactions between the groundwater and kettle hole more complex. Furthermore, the highly heterogeneous soil landscape in the catchment contributes to this complexity. Therefore, the present study aims to enhance our understanding of this complicated interaction. To this end, 24 model variants were integrated into HydroGeoSphere, capturing a wide range of uncertainties in quantifying the extent and timing of groundwater flow reversal between a kettle hole and the adjacent aquifer. The findings revealed that the groundwater flow reversal lasted between 1 month and 19 years at most and occurred in a distance of more than 140 m downstream of the kettle hole. Our results demonstrated that the groundwater flow reversal arises especially often in areas where the shallow aquifer possesses low‐hydraulic conductivity. There may also be a recurrent circulating flow between the groundwater and kettle hole, resulting in solute turnover within the kettle hole. This holds particularly true in dry periods with medium to low‐water levels within the kettle hole and a negative water balance. However, shallow groundwater flow reversals are not necessarily a consequence of seasonal effects. In this respect, the properties of the local shallow aquifer by far outweigh the effect of the kettle hole location in the regional flow regime.
Gendered language and board diversity: Evidence from European banks
Authors: Piserà Stefano
Published: April 2023

Based on a sample of EU banks covering the period 2007 to 2021, I explore the impact of gendered language on bank board diversity policies. I find that gendered language negatively affects banks' gender diversity practices, especially after the passage of board reforms. Further, I find that rule of law and government efficiency explain the relationship, suggesting that these are useful mechanisms to reduce the negative effect of language gender‐marking orientation on banks' gender diversity practices. However, results do not show a statistically significant effect of board gender diversity on riskiness of banks operating in countries with higher language gender orientation. My study provides a timely contribution to the literature by filling the gap regarding the importance of language gender‐marking orientation in explaining banks' diversity practices and suggesting that regulators and institutions should take stronger actions aimed at reducing such cross‐country heterogeneity. It also provides useful insights for EU regulators following the passage of the mandatory “Women on Boards” Directive in 2022.
B‐type natriuretic peptide in low‐risk pregnancy and pregnancy with congenital heart disease
Authors: Dos Santos Francois , Dennehy Natalie , Steer Philip J. , Johnson Mark R.
Published: April 2023

Objective

To perform a longitudinal assessment of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its association with cardiac function in low‐risk pregnant women and in pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

Longitudinal study in low‐risk pregnancy and pregnancy in women with CHD seen at 10–14, 18–22, and 30–34 weeks of pregnancy for BNP quantification and exercise studies using impedance cardiography (ICG).

Results

Forty‐three low‐risk women with longitudinal samples (129 samples, 43 in each trimester) and 30 pregnant women with CHD with convenience samples (first trimester, five samples; second trimester, 20 samples; third trimester, 21 samples) were included. Women with CHD delivered earlier by 6 days (P = 0.002) and their newborns had lower birth weight independent of gestational age (birth weight centile 30.0 vs 55.0, P = 0.005). In low‐risk women, BNP levels were lower in the third trimester (P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in BNP concentrations across trimesters in the CHD group, no differences in BNP concentrations between the two groups, and no significant correlations between BNP concentration in each trimester with cardiac output, stroke volume, or heart rate (at rest/with exercise).

Conclusion

This study assessed BNP longitudinally in the first, second and third trimesters in singleton low‐risk pregnancy, and showed that BNP concentration decreased with advancing gestational age, with no participants with levels greater than 40.0 pg/mL in the third trimester. BNP concentrations were similar in women with and without congenital heart disease. We found no correlation between circulating levels of BNP and maternal hemodynamics at rest or with exercise measured by ICG to support its use as a marker of cardiac function.
Three level automatic segmentation of optic disc using LAB color space contours and morphological operation
Authors: Prakash Shree , Kakarla Jagadeesh
Published: April 2023

Fundus disorders like Glaucoma are a serious health risk that affects people all over the world, lowering their quality of life. Optic disc (OD) segmentation is a crucial step for automatic detection of glaucoma with fundus images. This paper presents an efficient and accurate OD segmentation methodology from eye fundus images. In the proposed methodology, fundus images are transformed from RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) color space to LAB (Luminance, A‐axis, B‐axis) color space. A new image is generated using the luminance, A‐axis component, and image information content. As a pre‐segmentation stage, the unsupervised approach extracts the region of interest containing OD. The adaptive threshold method, followed by morphological operations, extracts the contours of the OD region and removes the spur. Segmentation of OD is a challenging task due to similar intensity levels with neighborhood, vascular occlusion, and retinal atrophy. The proposed work overcomes the challenges by segmentation of the OD at three levels, which enhances the functionality at different illumination conditions. The features are extracted at various levels to determine whether the segmented image contains the OD or not. The efficiency of the proposed methodology demonstrates by applying it to a variety of fundus images from datasets, namely ISBI IDRiD, DRISHTI‐GS, and SYSU. Key performance metrics like Intersection over Union and Dice Coefficient are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology. The proposed methodology achieves Intersection over Union of 0.996, 0.997, and 0.994 on ISBI IDRiD, DRISHTI‐GS, and SYSU datasets, respectively. Similarly, the proposed methodology obtains 0.96, 0.97, and 0.98 Dice Coefficient on the three datasets.
Chemotherapeutic drugs induced female reproductive toxicity and treatment strategies
Authors: Bhardwaj Jitender K. , Bikal Prerna , Sachdeva Som Nath
Published: April 2023

Increase in success of cancer treatment with advancement in the screening, prognosis and diagnosis protocols have significantly improved the rate of cancer survivorship. With the declining cancer mortality, however, the cancer survivors are also subjected to the adverse consequences of chemotherapy, particularly in the female reproductive system. Recent studies have shown the sensitivity of the ovarian tissue to the chemotherapeutic drugs‐induced toxicity. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have assessed the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic drugs. The most frequently used chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin and paclitaxel have been reported to cause ovarian damage, diminution of follicular pool reserve, premature ovarian failure and early menopause, resulting into declining fertility potential among females. The chemotherapy often employs combination of drug regimen to increase the efficacy of the treatment. However, the literature mostly consists of clinical data regarding the gonadotoxicity caused by anticancer drugs but there lacks the understanding of toxicity mechanism. Therefore, understanding of the different toxicity mechanisms will be helpful in development of possible therapeutic interventions for preservation of declining female fertility among cancer survivors. The current review comprehends the underlying mechanisms of female reproductive toxicity induced by the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, the review also summarizes the recent findings related to the use of various protectants to diminish or at least in managing the toxicity induced by different chemotherapeutic drugs in females.
Ox‐LDL aggravates contrast‐induced injury of renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Yang Dingwei , Yang Xueyan , Chen Sha , Lv Meiling , Tan Jin , Yang Dingping
Published: April 2023

Hypercholesterolemia can aggravate contrast‐induced acute kidney injury, and the exacerbation of renal tubular epithelial cell (RTEC) injury is a major cause. However, the exact mechanisms remain obscure. Mitophagy, a type of autophagy, selectively eliminates damaged mitochondria and reduces mitochondrial oxidative stress, which is strongly implicated in cell homeostasis and acute kidney injury. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (Ox‐LDL) is accumulated in hypercholesterolemia and has a cytotoxic effect. This study aimed to determine whether and how ox‐LDL exacerbates contrast‐induced injury in RTECs and to further explore whether PINK1/Parkin‐dependent mitophagy is involved in this process. Iohexol and ox‐LDL were used alone or in combination to treat HK‐2 cells. Rapamycin pretreatment was utilized to enhance mitophagy. Cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) were detected by cell counting kit‐8, TUNEL staining, JC‐1 kit and MitoSOX fluorescence, respectively. The expression of mitophagy‐related proteins (including PINK1, Parkin, and so on) and cleaved caspase‐3 was confirmed by western blot. Colocalization of MitoTracker‐labeled mitochondria and LysoTracker‐labeled lysosomes was observed by fluorescence microscopy to evaluate mitophagy. The results of our study showed that ox‐LDL aggravated MMP decline, mtROS release and apoptosis in iohexol‐treated HK‐2 cells, accompanied by a further increased autophagy level. Enhancement of PINK1/Parkin‐dependent mitophagy by rapamycin alleviated apoptosis and mitochondrial injury in HK‐2 cells in response to iohexol under ox‐LDL condition. Therefore, our findings indicate that ox‐LDL aggravates contrast‐induced injury of RTECs by increasing mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial oxidative stress, which may be associated with the relative insufficiency of PINK1/Parkin‐dependent mitophagy.
Refining eligibility criteria of unit selection for myeloablative cord blood transplantation in acute leukemia: Real‐world experience of a referral center
Authors: Sun Zimin , Hu Yu , Ji Yanping , Liu Xueou , Gong Xiaowen , Feng Yahui , Liu Huilan , Zhang Wei , Qi Saibing , Shen Qiujin , Song Kaidi , Geng Liangquan , Yao Wen , Wan Xiang , Tang Baolin , Zhu Xiaoyu , Sun Guangyu , Qiang Ping , Song Zhen , Chen Junren
Published: April 2023

The algorithm for cord blood (CB) unit selection is still somewhat ambiguous. We retrospectively analyzed 620 cases of acute leukemia between 2015 and 2020, who were treated with myeloablative single‐unit umbilical CB transplantation (UCBT). We found that, when human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch was ≤3/10, CD34+ cell dosage <0.83 × 105/kg—considerably lower than prevalent guidelines—was permissible without affecting survival. Moreover, synergy between donor killer‐cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) haplotypes‐B and donor‐recipient HLA‐C mismatch protected against relapse‐related mortality. We submit that minimum required CD34+ cell dosage can possibly be relaxed to broaden access to UCBT, and donor KIR genotyping should be considered during unit selection.
The relative contributions of multiarticular snake muscles to movement in different planes
Authors: Tingle Jessica L. , Jurestovsky Derek J. , Astley Henry C.
Published: April 2023

Muscles spanning multiple joints play important functional roles in a wide range of systems across tetrapods; however, their fundamental mechanics are poorly understood, particularly the consequences of anatomical position on mechanical advantage. Snakes provide an excellent study system for advancing this topic. They rely on the axial muscles for many activities, including striking, constriction, defensive displays, and locomotion. Moreover, those muscles span from one or a few vertebrae to over 30, and anatomy varies among muscles and among species. We characterized the anatomy of major epaxial muscles in a size series of corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) using diceCT scans, and then took several approaches to calculating contributions of each muscle to force and motion generated during body bending, starting from a highly simplistic model and moving to increasingly complex and realistic models. Only the most realistic model yielded equations that included the consequence of muscle span on torque‐displacement trade‐offs, as well as resolving ambiguities that arose from simpler models. We also tested whether muscle cross‐sectional areas or lever arms (total magnitude or pitch/yaw/roll components) were related to snake mass, longitudinal body region (anterior, middle, posterior), and/or muscle group (semispinalis‐spinalis, multifidus, longissimus dorsi, iliocostalis, and levator costae). Muscle cross‐sectional areas generally scaled with positive allometry, and most lever arms did not depart significantly from geometric similarity (isometry). The levator costae had lower cross‐sectional area than the four epaxial muscles, which did not differ significantly from each other in cross‐sectional area. Lever arm total magnitudes and components differed among muscles. We found some evidence for regional variation, indicating that functional regionalization merits further investigation. Our results contribute to knowledge of snake muscles specifically and multiarticular muscle systems generally, providing a foundation for future comparisons across species and bioinspired multiarticular systems.
A review of solar and solar‐assisted drying of fresh produce: state of the art, drying kinetics, and product qualities
Authors: Boateng Isaac Duah
Published: April 2023

Global demand exists for high‐quality fresh produce. Nevertheless, the quality of fresh produce is severely impacted by its perishability due to its high moisture content. Therefore, fresh produces are preserved using artificial dryers (hot‐air dryers, catalytic infrared dryers, etc.) driven by electricity or natural fuels. Nonetheless, the exorbitant cost of power has heightened the need for sustainable resources, notably solar energy, for drying. Hence, this article is a review of how solar dryers and solar‐assisted dryers have affected the drying kinetics and quality of fresh produce in the last 5 years. The review showed that solar drying modeling technology (thin‐layer modeling, computational fluid dynamics, adaptive‐network‐based fuzzy interference system, artificial neural network) helps examine fresh produce drying characteristics using various simulation tools before developing any procedure. Solar‐assisted drying shortens drying times and increases drying rates. Besides, the quality of the dried fresh produce (color, aroma, appearance, rehydration, etc.) should always be considered. Hybrid solar drying produces higher drying rates and product quality than other solar dryers. However, energy analysis needs to be done as several studies have recognized energy efficiency and product quality. In addition, fresh produce must be pre‐treated before solar drying to maintain the final product quality. Therefore, future studies should focus on creating other pretreatment techniques to produce the needed chemical and physical changes and enhance mass and heat transfer. Finally, the influence of solar drying on the final products' nutrient retention or loss, functionalities, or sensory characteristics needs further investigation and comparison to other non‐solar drying technologies. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
CircHECTD1 promoted MIRI‐associated inflammation via inhibiting miR‐138‐5p and upregulating ROCK2
Authors: Yang Ya‐Nan , Luo Yong‐Bai , Xu Gang , Li Kang , Ma Ru‐Lan , Yuan Wei
Published: April 2023

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) was often observed after surgeries, causing a lot of suffering to patients. Inflammation and apoptosis were critical determinants during MIRI. We conveyed experiments to reveal the regulatory functions of circHECTD1 in MIRI development. The Rat MIRI model was established and determined by 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. We analyzed cell apoptosis using TUNEL and flow cytometry. Proteins expression was evaluated by western blot. The RNA level was determined by qRT‐PCR. Secreted inflammatory factors were analyzed by ELISA assay. To predict the interaction sequences on circHECTD1, miR‐138‐5p, and ROCK2, bioinformatics analysis was performed. Dual‐luciferase assay was used to confirm these interaction sequences. CircHECTD1 and ROCK2 were upregulated in the rat MIRI model, while miR‐138‐5p was decreased. CircHECTD1 knockdown alleviated H/R‐induced inflammation in H9c2 cells. Direct interaction and regulation of circHECTD1/miR‐138‐5p and miR‐138‐5p/ROCK2 were confirmed by dual‐luciferase assay. CircHECTD1 promoted H/R‐induced inflammation and cell apoptosis by inhibiting miR‐138‐5p. miR‐138‐5p alleviated H/R‐induced inflammation, while ectopic ROCK2 antagonized such effect of miR‐138‐5p. Our research suggested that the circHECTD1‐modulated miR‐138‐5p suppressing is responsible for ROCK2 activation during H/R‐induced inflammatory response, providing a novel insight into MIRI‐associated inflammation.
The role of demand‐based scarcity appeals in promoting cultured meat
Authors: Arango Luis , Chaudhury Srinwanti H. , Septianto Felix
Published: April 2023

A significant barrier to the adoption of cultured meat is perceptions of the product as risky. Across three experimental studies, we show that scarcity appeals that are demand‐based constitute an effective strategy for promoting cultured meat because of their negative influence on perceptions of risk. In study 1, we show that a demand‐based scarcity appeal is more effective than a supply‐based scarcity appeal (or no scarcity appeal) for promoting cultured meat and that this effect is mediated by consumer perceptions of risk. In study 2, we show that the effect of the type of scarcity appeals on perceptions of risk is moderated by perceived naturalness. In particular, we show that demand‐based scarcity appeals are especially effective when targeted at consumers who consider cultured meat unnatural. In study 3, we retest our moderated mediation model and show that it is corroborated by employing new stimuli and measures. We contribute to the literature on factors that have a nuanced impact on the acceptance of cultured meat as well as to the academic literature on advertising appeals and social norms. Our findings also offer insights for managers on crafting marketing communications that reduce perceptions of risk associated with cultured meat.
3D simulation of nano/micro cellulose delivery systems for dermic and respiratory applications: Case study of eucalyptus essential oil incorporation
Authors: Morais F. P. , Curto J. M. R.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this work was to design, develop and optimize different combinations of drug delivery systems (DDS) with nanofibrillated (NFC) and microfibrillated (MFC) cellulose‐based materials, as 3D networks, encapsulating eucalyptus essential oil molecules, for dermic and respiratory applications. Experimental and computational approaches were implemented for characterization, modeling studies, and structure porosity optimization. The optimized porous structures were able to retain the desired molecules, resulting in more controlled and uniform release kinetics over time. This methodology allowed for optimizing new bio‐based drug delivery systems with controlled porosity, pore dimension and distribution, retention of therapeutic molecules, and uniformity of the 3D network. The results showed that different drug delivery systems with this 3D matrix released the essential oil molecules, improving its stability and prolonging the exposure time, factors that are important to develop promising drug delivery systems in biomaterials fields. Overall, cellulose‐based structured biomaterials capable of transporting and releasing essential oil components are representatives of innovative materials that will be used in novel applications, in which the exposure time to the therapeutic molecules constitutes a competitive benefit.
Enhanced transverse displacements analysis of transversely cracked beams with a linear variation of width due to axial tensile forces
Authors: Skrinar M. , Imamović D.
Published: April 2023

This paper considers the analysis of slender single‐sided transversely cracked beams with a linear variation of width where transverse displacements can occur exclusively due to axial tensile forces. The simplified model where the crack is represented through an internal hinge endowed with a rotational spring that takes into account the cracked cross section's residual stiffness has already established itself as a decent alternative to the detailed 2D or 3D finite element, offering a good ratio between the accuracy of its results against the computational efforts required. The first stage of the presented research proved that the solutions of the bending governing differential equations with directly included axial tensile force are not required. However, the need for enhancement of the model's governing parameters clearly emerged. Thus, the definitions of the moment lever arm and rotational spring stiffness were studied and fittingly updated. In the last stage, the modelling of the considered phenomenon by a newly derived one‐dimensional beam finite element with closed‐forms of the element's stiffness matrix and load vector was executed. At the end of the study, the performance and the quality of the newly obtained solutions were verified through several comparative case studies that complement the derivations.
Deformation behaviors of flip chip plastic ball grid array packages subjected to temperature change using moiré interferometry
Authors: Kim D. H. , Joo J.
Published: April 2023

When the temperature of the package assembly is changed, non‐uniform deformation and local stress may occur owing to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the constituent materials, while concentrated thermal stress may cause significant failure. In this study, we carry out an experiment and analysis of the thermal deformation of a flip chip plastic ball grid array package with respect to temperature change. Interference fringe patterns representing the displacement distribution of each temperature stage are obtained using a Moiré interferometry and the bending deformation behavior and the strain of the solder ball are analyzed thereafter. We compare the deformation behavior of a single‐sided package assembly and a double‐sided package assembly. The effective strain, which significantly affects the failure of the solder ball, is found to be the largest in the solder ball just outside the edge of the chip in the case of the single‐sided package assembly. In the case of the double‐sided package assembly, the maximum effective strain is found in the solder ball just inside the edge of the chip, with a value approximately 50 % larger than in the case of the single‐sided package assembly.
Outcomes of patients in rural communities undergoing autologous breast reconstruction: A comparison of cost and patient demographics with implications for rural health policy
Authors: Weidman Allan A. , Kim Erin , Valentine Lauren , Foppiani Jose , Alvarez Angelica Hernandez , Bustos Valeria P. , Lee Bernard T. , Lin Samuel J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Patients with breast cancer living in rural areas are less likely to undergo breast reconstruction. Further, given the additional training and resources required for autologous reconstruction, it is likely that rural patients face barriers to accessing these surgical options. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if there are disparities in autologous breast reconstruction care among rural patients on the national level.

Methods

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database was queried from 2012 to 2019 using ICD9/10 codes for breast cancer diagnoses and autologous breast reconstruction. The resulting data set was analyzed for patient, hospital, and complication‐specific information with counties comprised of less than 10,000 inhabitants classified as rural.

Results

From 2012 to 2019, 89,700 weighted encounters for autologous breast reconstruction involved patients who lived in non‐rural areas, while 3605 involved patients from rural counties. The majority of rural patients underwent reconstruction at urban teaching hospitals. However, rural patients were more likely than non‐rural patients to have their surgery at a rural hospital (6.8% vs. 0.7%). Rural‐county residing patients had lower odds of receiving a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap compared to non‐rural‐county residing patients (OR 0.51 CI: 0.48–0.55, p < .0001). Further, rural patients were more likely to experience infection and wound disruption than urban patients (p < .05), regardless of where they underwent surgery. Complication rates were similar among rural patients who received care at rural hospitals versus urban hospitals (p > .05). Meanwhile, the cost of autologous breast reconstruction was higher (p = .011) for rural patients at an urban hospital ($30,066.2, SD19,965.5) than at a rural hospital ($25,049.5, SD12,397.2).

Conclusion

Patients living in rural areas face disparities in health care, including lower odds of being potentially offered gold‐standard breast reconstruction treatments. Increased microsurgical option availability and patient education in rural areas may help alleviate current disparities in breast reconstruction.
An algorithm based on homotopy perturbation theory and its mathematical analysis for singular nonlinear system of boundary value problems
Authors: Pathak Priti , Barnwal Amit K. , Sriwastav Nikhil , Singh Randhir , Singh Mehakpreet
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a promising technique based on the homotopy perturbation method for solving singular nonlinear system of boundary value problems (BVPs) is employed. The original singular system of BVPs is transformed into an equivalent system of integral equations to overcome the singular behavior at
, and then, the recursive series for the solution is established. The mathematical formulation is further supported by conducting the convergence analysis of the recursive schemes. The accuracy of the proposed method is tested by comparing against the current variational iteration method using many standard examples. It is shown that the proposed method is more accurate and efficient than the existing method such as Chebyshev operational matrix method and variational iteration method.
Determination of tibial somatosensory evoked potentials predicts detrusor sphincter dyssynergia in children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Authors: Erdogan Ezgi Tuna , Ozel Kerem , Matur Zeliha , Alizada Orkhan , Canaz Huseyin , Alatas Ibrahim
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Tibial somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) are used to identify the neurological status and tethered cord (TC) in patients with spina bifida (SB). Its significance in contributing to the interpretation of urodynamics to determine bladder status is unknown. This study aimed to determine the correlation between SEP and urodynamics in children with SB.

Material and Methods

SEP and urodynamic results, for differential diagnosis of TC, were evaluated. SEP scores were correlated with urodynamic findings. SEP results were scored from 1 to 6, with 1, denoting a favorable score and 6, an unfavorable score. Age, gender, detrusor, and sphincter activities in urodynamics were noted. Results were analyzed using the χ2 test and logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was formed to get a valid threshold for the SEP score to predict the urodynamic condition.

Results

There were 44 SB patients for whom SEP was done for differential diagnosis of TC. Fifteen patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded from the study. SB aperta was present in 17 patients and occulta in 12, respectively. The patients had a mean age of 6.6 ± 3.2 years. There were 13 boys and 16 girls. A strong correlation was found between high SEP scores and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (p < 0.001). A SEP score over 3.5 was found to be 93% sensitive and 73% specific to predict this correlation. There was no relationship between detrusor activity and SEP scores (p = 0.18).

Discussion

Tibial SEP is an important noninvasive adjunct tool for the diagnosis of TC in patients with SB. Urodynamic studies are the gold standard in the evaluation of bladder status in neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to SB. Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia may be regarded as a sign of severe spinal cord injury in these patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that in children with neurogenic bladder, high SEP scores may predict the presence of detrusor sphincter dyssynergia but not the status of detrusor function while providing pathophysiological evidence for neural injury.