bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tribology and surface topographical analysis of insitu formed BN and Si3N4 in SiC-Al2O3 Ceramic composites
Authors: Singh Aman , kumari Jyoti , Debnath N. K. , Kumar Vineet , Chaturvedi Raj Kumar , Singh Vinay Kumar
Published: July 2023

A multi-phase ceramic composite comprising of a SiC matrix reinforced with Si3N4 and BN was prepared by insitu formation during nitridation of Si metal and B2O3. Al2O3 was used as a sintering additive as well as to improve oxidation and corrosion resistance. XRD and SEM techniques were effectively utilized to confirm phases and analyze the evolutionary changes in microstructure. Dry wear tests were conducted to evaluate the composite’s wear resistance. It was discovered that the SiC-Si3N4–BN–Al2O3 composite possessed exceptional properties, such as high hardness, high abrasive wear resistance, and low coefficient of friction. The examination of surface topography using atomic force microscopy indicates that the composites exhibit improved smoothness and enhanced capacity for load bearing. These characteristics make the composite material highly promising for diverse tribological applications. Furthermore, the strengthening and wear mechanisms of this composite were analysed and discussed in this paper.
Design and Application of Automated Logistics System Based on Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Liu Shujing , Niu Chungang
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of smart cars, environmental perception and scene understanding have strong auxiliary functions for smart cars. According to the technical requirements of the modern logistics road scene segmentation management system, this paper applies the image segmentation algorithm module to the management system. The system introduces the intelligent assisted driving management system, and takes the road scene segmentation management system as the core module of the management system. The system can analyze road conditions signals on the road section to ensure the safety of drivers during the delivery of goods. At the same time, according to the characteristics of the freight site, the product design is completed as an Android intelligent freight platform application. All module systems in the system are explained and presented in more detail. The application field directly refers to the online operation of the traditional logistics distribution chain to improve the efficiency of the logistics and freight chain. By embedding the above-mentioned intelligent assisted driving management system into this application field, the entire cargo transportation chain becomes safer and faster.
Diagnosis of Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma by Ultrasound and Contrast- enhanced ultrasound: A Case Report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lu Jianghao , Hao Yanli , Wu Tingting , Gao Zeyan , Zhou Peng
Published: July 2023

Background:
Splenic marginal zone lymphoma (SMZL) is an extremely rare indolent B-cell lymphoma originating in the spleen, whose clinical detection is difficult. Ultrasound is one of the first methods of clinical routine spleen examination and regular review. Meanwhile, ultrasound contrast examination can clearly show the blood perfusion pattern of spleen tissues and lesions, and provide help for the differential diagnosis of spleen tumor lesions. The ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound manifestations of SMZL are rarely reported.
Case presentation:
Patient, female, 65 years old，came to the hospital with an enlarged spleen. Laboratory examination in our hospital showed that the lymphocyte count was reduced to 0.54×109/L, the lymphocyte ratio was 0.153. Ultrasonographic findings showed that the spleen was enlarged, with diffuse thickening of parenchymal echo, uneven distribution, in the shape of zonal or grid. There was a mass at the hilum of the spleen. After the infusion of contrast agent Sonovue, the tumor regression was delayed and the overall enhancement pattern was slow in and fast out. Combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound, the final diagnosis was spleen enlargement with splenic mass, lymphoma? On CT images, the spleen was enlarged and unevenly distributed, and two isodense enhanced foci were observed in the spleen. Pathological findings of bone marrow aspiration in patients: CD20(+), CD3(-), CD138(-), CD38(-) bone marrow hyperplasia was slightly reduced.
The patient underwent laparoscopic splenectomy under general anesthesia. Postoperative gross observation showed that the spleen was enlarged and intact. A hard gray nodule with clear boundary was seen in the spleen. Light microscopy showed diffuse proliferation of tumor cells. Immunohistochemical: CD20 (air +), CD3 (-), the BCL - 2 (air +), the BCL - 6 (-), CD10 (-), CD43 (-), CyclinD1 (-), CD21 (-), CD23 (-), Ki67 (+ 8%). Combined with immunomarkers, it was considered as splenic marginal B-cell lymphoma. The tumor invaded two lymph nodes at the splenic hilum.
Conclusion:
SMZL is rare and difficult early diagnosis due to its insidious symptoms, slow progression. Ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound can improve the diagnostic rate of SMZL. In this case, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound mode can provide reference for clinical ultrasonic diagnosis of SMZL.
Application of Improvement Fuzzy Logic Technique in Groundwater Quality Assessment in Naiman Banner
Authors: Ma Shimin , DAI Yajian , TIAN Hui , JIANG Shan , SUN Jiaquan
Published: July 2023

At present, many fuzzy logic techniques have been developed, however, there is a lack of studies concerning the application of improved techniques to evaluate groundwater quality in comparison to traditional methods. In this study, a set of sample data for nine items (total hardness, total dissolved solids, SO43−, NO3−, total Fe, F−, Pb, pH, and turbidity) was adopted for developing an improved fuzzy logic technique in order to evaluate groundwater quality status. The evaluation results were classified into five grades according to a standard for groundwater quality(GB/T 14848 − 2017), to determine the suitability groundwater use. The results showed that the quality of the groundwater samples was mostly within Grades 1 and 2, making the water suitable for a variety of uses. Traditional analysis found the groundwater quality was mostly within Grade 5. Improved fuzzy logic techniques were shown to be helpful for future research related to groundwater quality evaluation.
Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty improved component alignment in the coronal plane compared with navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study
Authors: Omichi Yasuyuki , Hamada Daisuke , Wada Keizo , Tamaki Yasuaki , Shigekiyo Shota , Sairyo Koichi
Published: July 2023

Background
The purpose of this study was to directly compare implant placement accuracy and postoperative limb alignment between robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty and navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty.
Methods
This retrospective case-control study included a consecutive series of 182 knees (robotic-assisted group, n = 103 knees; navigation-assisted group, n = 79). An image-free handheld robotic system (NAVIO) or an image-free navigation system (Precision N) was used. Component and limb alignment were evaluated on three-dimensional computed tomography scans and full-length standing anterior–posterior radiographs. We compared the errors between the final intraoperative plan and the postoperative coronal and sagittal alignment of the components and the hip-knee-ankle angle between the two groups.
Results
The orientation of the femoral and tibial components in the coronal plane were more accurate in the robotic-assisted group than in the navigation-assisted group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the orientation of the femoral and tibial component in the sagittal plane between the two groups. There were fewer outliers in the tibial coronal plane in the robotic-assisted group (p < 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the frequency of outlying values for coronal or sagittal alignment of the femoral component or sagittal alignment of the tibial component or the hip-knee-ankle angle between the two groups.
Conclusion
Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty using a handheld image-free system improved component alignment in the coronal plane compared with total knee arthroplasty using an image-free navigation system. Robotic surgery helps surgeons to achieve personalised alignment that may result in a better clinical outcome.
The efficacy of tofacitinib combined with bDMARDs in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis patients with inadequate response to bDMARDs: a retrospective study
Authors: Chang Jie , Wang Gang
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis(AS) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. While biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs(bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs(tsDMARDs) are popular treatments for AS, there is limited research on their combined use. This study examined a cohort of AS patients who demonstrated inadequate response to bDMARDs and subsequently initiated combination therapy with tofacitinib in conjunction with bDMARDs, assessing both the efficacy and safety profile of this therapeutic approach.
Methods: In this study, we retrospectively collected the electronic medical records (EMR) of 15 adult patients with AS who were admitted to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine between January 2018 and June 2022. All patients had received at least one bDMARD treatment for more than three months and still exhibited moderate to high disease activity. Tofacitinib 5mg bid was added to their original biological treatment. Treatment was continued for a minimum of 12 weeks following the initiation of combination therapy. Changes in ASDAS-CRP and BASDAI scores at week 12 were collected and analyzed from baseline, while changes in C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at weeks 4, 8, and 12 were also collected and analyzed.
Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, the overall ASDAS-CRP score decreased significantly from a baseline of 3.82±1.47 (2.83~4.99) to 1.47±0.48 (0.75~2.44), with remission achieved by 7 patients (46.7%) and low disease activity achieved by 5 patients (33.3%). The overall BASDAI score also showed significant improvement, decreasing from a baseline of 5.11±1.42 (3.25~7 .75) to 1.28±0.70(0.20~2.55). Additionally, both ESR and CRP levels decreased significantly during the course of treatment without any reported adverse events leading to discontinuation.
Conclusion: To a certain extent, our findings provide some evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of the combination of bDMARD and JAK inhibitor tofacitinib in AS patients with inadequate response to bDMARD monotherapy. It effectively controls disease activity while maintaining a relatively low and manageable incidence of adverse events. Further prospective randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes are anticipated to provide evidence-based medical support.
Comparative study of a hydraulic, pneumatic and electric linear actuator system
Authors: Pustavrh Jan , Hočevar Marko , Podržaj Primož , Trajkovski Ana , Majdič Franc
Published: July 2023

Different applications or industries use different systems for linear actuation, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric. Electric systems are becoming more popular and are already replacing hydraulic systems in various applications. These are known to be potentially harmful to the environment, as large amounts of fluid can be released into the environment in the case of a pipe failure or other accident. This paper presents the results of a comparison between hydraulic, pneumatic and electric systems under variable conditions but with similar loads in all three systems. The common feature of all three systems is the input power, which was limited to 1.1 kW. There was no hydraulic accumulator in the hydraulic system and no pressure vessel in the pneumatic system, so no stored energy could affect system behaviour or results. The main difference between the observed systems was the displacement and power consumption profile. The smoothest response and the lowest energy consumption was achieved with the electric system, although both hydraulic and pneumatic systems can achieve a smooth response with a few modifications.
Early rhythm control strategy in early atrial fibrillation patients, a retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Chen Xiaowei , Lin Hongbo , Shen Peng , Sun Feng , Xu Yang
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment strategy on whether to use rhythm control or usual care (UC) has been debated for decades. In early studies, these two strategies showed equivalent efficacy, but more recent studies based on CHA2DS2-VASc score indicated that early rhythm control (ERC) would benefit more than UC strategy. We hypothesized that ERC might benefit AF patients in other cardiovascular outcomes, regardless of CHA2DS2-VASc score. To clarify this, we conducted the current study.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out using the Yinzhou Regional Health Care Database (YRHCD). We included all patients diagnosed with AF within 1 year, while excluding those without age/sex information, no ERC/UC treatment prescription, or with ongoing cancer. The primary outcome was major cardiovascular events (MACE). We used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) for covariates weighting.
Results: In total, 7,161 patients diagnosed with early AF were included in this study, 2,248 and 4,913 were in ERC group and usual care group, respectively. During mean follow-up period 3.2 years (27,945 person-year), and after IPTW, the result remained similar for ERC showed significantly lower risk for MACE (HR: 0.75[0.61, 0.96], P=0.02), and heart failure (HR: 0.71[0.54,0.95], P=0.01). No significant results were found in stroke, cardiovascular death, or all-cause mortality.
Conclusion: Early rhythm control is more beneficial to early AF patients than usual care for major cardiovascular events.
Recovery of histamine H3 receptor activity lost in yeast cells through error-prone PCR and in vivo selection
Authors: Watanabe Ayami , Nakajima Ami , Shiroishi Mitsunori
Published: July 2023

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest protein family in humans and are drug targets. Yeast, especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a useful host for modifying the function and stability of GPCRs through protein engineering, which is advantageous over mammalian cells. When GPCRs are expressed in yeast, their function is often impaired. In this study, we performed random mutagenesis using error-prone PCR and subsequent in vivo screening to obtain mutants that recovered the activity of the human histamine H3 receptor (H3R), which lost signaling function when expressed in yeast. After screening, four mutations were identified as having recovered activity. Three of these were located near the DRY and NPxxY motifs of the H3R, which are important for activation and commonly found in class A GPCRs. These mutants responded exclusively to the yeast YB1 strain harboring Gi-chimera proteins, showing retention of G protein specificity. Analysis of one of these mutants with recovered activity, C415R, revealed that it maintained its ligand-binding characteristics. The mutations identified in this study may recover the activity of other GPCRs that do not function in S. cerevisiae, and may also be useful in creating mutants, such as stabilized GPCRs in their active conformations.
Internet of Things Sensors and Support Vector machine integrated intelligent irrigation system for agriculture industry
Authors: Kumar G. Kranthi , Bangare Manoj L. , Bangare Pushpa M. , Kumar Chanda Raj , Raj Roop , Arias-Gonzáles José Luis , Omarov Batyrkhan , Mia Md. Solaiman
Published: July 2023

Because there is more demand for freshwater around the world and the world's population is growing at the same time, there is a severe lack of freshwater resources in the central part of the planet. The world's current population of 7.2 billion people is expected to grow to over 9 billion by the year 2050. The vast majority of freshwater is used for things like cooking, cleaning, and farming. Most industrialised countries are in desperate need of smart irrigation systems, which are now a must-have because of how quickly technology is improving. In article presents IoT based Sensor integrated intelligent irrigation system for agriculture industry. IoT based humidity and soil sensors are used to collect soil related data. This data is stored in a centralized cloud. Features are selected by CFS algorithm. This will help in discarding irrelevant data. Clustering of data is performed by K means algorithm. This will help in keeping similar data together. Then classification model is build using the SVM, Random Forest and Naïve Bayes algorithm. Model is trained, validated and tested using the acquired data. Historical soil and humidity related data is also used in training the model. K-means SVM hybrid classifier is achieving better results for classification, prediction of water demand and saving fresh water by intelligent irrigation.
Correlation analysis of serum exosomal miR-133a-3p, miR-206, and miR-549a-3p with diagnosis and prognosis in patients with traumatic head injury
Authors: yang yajun , Wang Yi , Li Panpan , Bai Feirong , Liu Cai , Huang Xintao
Published: July 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Our research team previously used high-throughput sequencing to reveal the significant differences of serum exosomal miR-133a-3p, miR-206, and miR-549a-3p were significantly different from the control group in the severe TBI (sTBI), mild or moderate TBI (mTBI), and control groups. However, there is a lack of convincing experimental evidence. To address this, the present study experimentally sought to verify Our current study verifies the potential of serum exosomes miR-206 and miR-549a-3p as potential biomarkers in TBI patients and their association with inflammatory response and oxidative stress through real-time fluorescence quantification, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and statistical analysis.
Inferior vena cava thrombosis with septic shock case report and literature review
Authors: Dai Jinfeng , Huang Xuan , Feng Tongfei , Li Shangao , Lv Bin
Published: July 2023

This case report provides a detailed description of a middle-aged male patient who presented with fatigue and decreased appetite whose medical history revealed type 2 diabetes mellitus, Whipple surgery and pulmonary tuberculosis. Upon admission, the patient presented with recurrent fever,septic shock and splenomegaly. Extensive diagnostic workup, including blood tests, imaging studies and culture, was performed to investigate the underlying cause. Inferior vena cava septic thrombophlebitis was finally diagnosed. The patient showed improvement and was discharged after receiving a full course of high-dose antibiotics and heparin treatment.
Benefits of Pilates training and Nano-Curcumin supplementation for overweight and obese females with NAFLD
Authors: Rezaei Leila , Ebrahimi Maryam , Shafaghi Afshin , Hojati Amineh
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant cause of chronic liver disease and a paramount health concern due to its prevalence. According to the available evidence, due to the ineffectiveness of conventional drug therapies, lifestyle changes focusing on nutrition and physical activity have had the most excellent effect on treating this disease. This study investigated the impact of Pilates training and Nano-curcumin in overweight and obese women with NAFLD.
Method
In this semi-experimental, placebo-based study, 12 obese and overweight females with NAFLD (age: 44.33 ± 8.55 years, BMI: 31.76 ± 3.90 kg/m2, WHR > 0.85) participated in Pilates training, three sessions per week for eight weeks with Nano Curcumin (80 mg/day) or placebo supplementation. Anthropometric indices, blood markers and hepatic steatosis were assessed 48 hours before and after 8 weeks of intervention. All data were analyzed in IBM SPSS version 26 (P < 0.05).
Results
WHR (P = 0.002) and LDL/HDL ratio (P = 0.010) improved in individuals consuming Nano curcumin in Pilates protocol. However, Pilates training independent of supplementation improved hepatic steatosis, lowered GGT, and increased HDL levels (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Pilates training may be helpful for the management of NAFLD, and it probably has more effect on abdominal obesity when combined with Nano curcumin supplementation.
Insights from the preimaginal morphology of the constans species-group, to reveal novel morphological patterns of the Merodon albifrons-evolutionary lineage (Diptera, Syrphidae)
Authors: Aracil Andrea , Andrić Andrijana , Rojo Santos , Shparyk Viktor , Mishustin Ruslan , Popov Grigory , Radenković Snežana , Vujić Ante , Pérez-Bañón Celeste
Published: July 2023

Merodon triangulum Vujić, Radenković & Hurkmans, 2020 is a european endemic hoverfly species belonging to Merodon constans species group, inside albifrons lineage. The distribution of this species is known to be mostly central Europe and Balkan peninsula and it has been categorized as Near Threatened in the European IUCN red list of hoverflies (Janković and Radenković 2021); this paper cites the species for the first time in Ukraine (western Ukraine, specifically). In the present study, the preimaginal stages of this species are described and figured using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The material used for the descriptions were larvae collected in Ukraine and Serbia feeding inside underground storage organs of the plant Leucojum vernum L., 1753. This morphological description constitutes the first one inside the constans species group, and the sixth description of the albifrons lineage, in which there is only one species group left to have at least one species of the preimaginal stages described (ruficornis group). The descriptions were compared with the rest available of the genus, stating the diagnostical characters of the present species and the shared characters inside the lineage. The relationship between preimaginal stages and Leucojum bulbs is stated for the first time for constans species group.
Characterization of Procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenases as Therapeutic Targets in a Pan-Cancer Study
Authors: Liu Weijie , Liu Jiaxi , Deng Junsheng , Zhan Ting , Han Zheng , Tan Jie , Liu Meng , Chen Mengge , tian Xia , Huang Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

Background
Certain members of the Procollagen-lysine 2-oxyglutarate 5-dioxygenase (PLOD) family have been identified to play a role in tumor metastasis and progression.
Materials & Methods
The association between PLOD expression and overall survival (OS) rates was assessed utilizing the Kaplan-Meier survival curve. The correlation between gene expression and patient OS rate was determined utilizing a univariate or multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model or log-rank test to evaluate the difference in OS rates. The infiltration levels of stromal cells and immune cells in different tumors were analyzed utilizing the stromal-immune-ESTIMATE score.
Results
Our results showed that PLOD1, PLOD2, and PLOD3 were predominantly upregulated in cancer cells, and the expression of PLOD family members frequently correlated with the OS of cancer patients. All PLOD genes exhibited significant associations with immune infiltration subtypes, as well as different levels of stromal cell infiltration and tumor cell stemness. Furthermore, our research demonstrated that the PLOD gene might contribute to drug resistance in cancer cells.
Conclusion
Our study indicated that PLOD was primarily associated with more aggressive cancer characteristics and potentially contributed to tumor metastasis and tumorigenesis, leading to a poorer prognosis.
Estimation of Nutrient Load for Effective Water Resource Management in Dams: A case study of the Roodeplaat Dam, Southern Africa
Authors: Mnyango Samkele S , Thwala Melusi , Oberholster Paul J , Truter Christoff
Published: July 2023

Poorly treated domestic wastewater and diffuse nutrient loading from agriculture and informal human settlements greatly threaten water resources due to the alteration of ecosystem function and the reduction of the water’s fitness for use. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess nutrient loading in the eutrophic Roodeplaat Dam (RD) to inform water resource management as a foundation for the rehabilitation of the dam. The objectives were to determine Total Phosphorus (TP) and Nitrogen (N) loading capacity into the RD as well as to propose a total mean annual nutrient reduction for the sustainability of the dam. Flow Duration Curves and Load Duration Curves were employed as analytical tools. It was observed from the study N and TP varied significantly among the sites investigated and the actual TP loads were significantly higher than the allowable load throughout the study area. The study further observed that nutrient loading was more prominent during low flows due to the reduced dilution effect. Thus, this study recommended the application of nature-based solutions to control pollution and reduce stormwater and runoff input, as well as employing low-cost green treatment technology options to reduce nutrient loads from domestic wastewater effluent in municipal wastewater treatment pond systems, which requires less energy. Stringent point source pollution control measures were further recommended, and that water quality planning should consider the desired beneficial water use per catchment, considering the impactors.
Ab initio study of structural, mechanical and electronic properties of 3d transitional metal carbide in cubic rocksalt (rs) , zincblende (zb) , and cesium chloride (cc)
Authors: Sabbar Ehsan H. , Al-Zubaidi Hazim A. , Kurdi Aous H. , Ibrahim Isam M. , Ali Iftikhar M.
Published: July 2023

We have studied three structures of 3d transition metal carbides (TMCs) using LDA and GGA approximations. Interestingly, we found that the 3d TMCs (except ScC in rs, zb structures) have higher cohesive energy (Ecoh) than their nitrides indicating carbides are thermodynamically more stable. The computed values of Vickers hardness (Hv) of rs-TiC is about 25.66 GPa and are compatible with the experimental value, rs-TiC and rs-VC are the hardest carbides and even more complicated than their nitrides; this study can reduce the high cost and the time used in experimental discoveries which do not have promising properties. In addition, theoretical calculations can assist the discovery of new super-hard TMCs and grab experimental attention to possible material choices for obtaining desired physical properties; surprisingly, only two carbides in GGA approximation (CrC and MnC) and in addition to this CrC in LDA approximation in cesium chloride (cc) structure are mechanically stable.In contrast, all the 3d TMCs in rocksalt (rs) and seven in zincblende (zb) structures are mechanically stable. The general trend of charge transfer from 3d transitional metal to carbon indicates decreased ionicity and increased covalency along the series. The hybridization of p orbitals of carbon with d orbitals of metal plays a crucial role in determining the mechanical stability and hardness of 3d TMCs. The computation of the total density of states indicates that all the 3d TMCs except zb-TiC and zb-FeC in all phases are metallic. We observed that the elastic constant C44is anti-correlated with the number of electronic states around EF.
Gravitationally magnified high-redshift quasar ULASJ0816+2134 at z=7.46
Authors: Koptelova Ekaterina , Hwang Chorng-Yuan
Published: July 2023

We present data showing that the recently discovered quasar ULASJ081621.49+213442.65 at z=7.461 is a gravitationally lensed quasar, the first strongly lensed quasar at z>7 and only the second lensed quasar known during the epoch of reionization. ULASJ081621.49+213442.65 is multiplied by a faint galaxy at z≥0.5 into four images A1, A2, B, and C with a total magnification factor of ~15. The quasar images were resolved in the deep Y-, J-, H-, and K-band stacks obtained using the 3.8-m UKIRT telescope between 2021 and 2023. The two quasar images, A1 and C, have also been detected by the UKIDSS LAS survey in 2008, when these images increased their brightness due to a high-amplitude quasar flare of ΔmJ~3 mag. The observed positions and relative fluxes of the lensed images are well reproduced by the lens model of a singular isothermal sphere with an external shear component. The intrinsic absolute magnitude of ULASJ081621.49+213442.65 corrected for the lensing magnification factor is M1450 ~ -23 mag, which places this quasar at the faint end of the quasar luminosity function. The magnification-corrected black hole mass and Eddington accretion rate are MBH=(1.72±0.18)×108Msun and Lbol/LEdd=0.22±0.03. During the high-amplitude quasar flare in 2008, the wavelength-dependent time lag between the quasar brightness variations in the Y and J bands was a few times longer than usually measured, suggesting that the increase in the ionizing flux may have also led to the increase in the size of the UV/optical continuum emitting region of ULASJ081621.49+213442.65.
Disentangling the microbial genomic traits associated with aromatic hydrocarbon degradation in a jet fuel-contaminated aquifer
Authors: Hidalgo K. J. , Centurion V. B. , Lemos L. N. , Soriano A. U. , Valoni E. , Baessa M. P. , Richnow H. H. , Vogt C. , Oliveira V.M.
Published: July 2023

Spills of petroleum or its derivatives in the environment lead to an enrichment of microorganisms able to degrade such compounds. The interactions taking place in such microbial communities are complex and poorly understood, since they depend on multiple factors, including diversity and metabolic potential of the microorganisms and a broad range of fluctuating environmental conditions. In our previous study, a complete characterization, based on high-throughput sequencing, was performed in a jet-fuel plume using soil samples and in in-situmicrocosms amended with hydrocarbons and exposed for 120 days. Herein, we propose a metabolic model to describe the monoaromatic hydrocarbon degradation process that takes place in such jet-fuel-contaminated sites, by combining genome-centered analysis, functional predictions and flux balance analysis (FBA). In total, twenty high/medium quality MAGs were recovered; three of them assigned to anaerobic bacteria (Thermincolales, Geobacter and Pelotomaculaceace) and one affiliated to the aerobic bacterium Acinetobacter radioresistens, potentially the main players of hydrocarbon degradation in jet-fuel plumes. Taxonomic assignment of the genes indicated that a putative new species of Geobacteria has the potential for anaerobic degradation pathway, while the Pelotomaculaceae and Thermincolales members probably act via syntrophy oxidizing acetate and hydrogen (fermentation products of oil degradation) via sulfate and/or nitrate reduction.
Tetrahydrofuran Intercalated Layered Vanadium(III) Phosphate Electrode for Aqueous Zinc-ion Battery
Authors: Qiao Yifan , Yuan Jingjing , Lu Yuchen , Ren Yihan , Li Yifan , Zhang Zhihao , Chen Haiqun
Published: July 2023

Layered VOPO4⋅2H2O is considered as a good electrode material structure for the insertion and extraction of energy storage ions, but the lattice water may affect the electrochemical stability. To provide more active site and more stable layered structure, the lattice water was replaced by tetrahydrofuran (THF), and the THF intercalated VOPO4 was obtained. The interlayer spacing has changed from 7.4 Å to 6.3 Å after THF intercalation, and the layered structure of VOPO4-THF is well preserved. It offers enhanced structural stability during charge and discharge processes, minimizing electrode degradation. In addition, increasing the oxidation state of pentavalent vanadium in VOPO4-THF is also beneficial for enhancing the capacitance of electrode materials. Combining the stable layered structure with a high oxidation state, VOPO4-THF electrode material exhibits good capacity and long cycle life. Our work convert traditional VOPO4⋅2H2O electrode into a promising high-performance active electrode for zinc-ion batteries.
Effects of extracts on color, dimensional stability, and decay resistance of thermally modified wood
Authors: Bi Zhenju , Zhou Xiaojian , Chen Jiang , Lei Yafang , Yan Li
Published: July 2023

Thermal modification can enhance the color as well as improve the dimensional stability and decay resistance of wood without the use of chemical modifier, but the impact of extracts from thermally modified wood (TMW) on performance remains unclear. In order to utilize extracts to regulate the properties of the TMW or prepare the imitate TWM without mechanical loss, the effects of TMW acetone extracts on the color, dimensional stability, and decay resistance of TMW were investigated. The 180°C, 200°C and 220°C thermally modified spruce (Picea asperata Mast.) and poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.)with or without acetone extract were used for CIELab system, anti-swelling efficiency(ASE), and decay resistance test. Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize extracted and unextracted TMW. The results indicated that the extract showed positive effects on the color, dimensional stability (220°C), and decay resistance of TMW, and this effect weakened with the increase of temperature. The brightness difference (∆L*) and the total color difference (∆E*) of the TMW were reduced due to the removal of the extract, and the wood thermally modified at 180°C was the most significant. The removal of the extract will lead to the improvement of the dimensional stability of the TMW at 180°C and 200°C and the reduction of the TMW at 220°C. The decay resistance of wood thermally modified at 180°C, 200°C, and 220°C decreased after extraction, and was most significant at 180°C. The antifungal activity of the extract was related to the production of vanillin, isovanillic acid, syringic acid and syringaldehyde. Extract from TMW played an important role in the properties of TMW, and can be used to adjust its properties or as a natural wood modifier.
A graph aggregation convolution and attention mechanism based semantic segmentation method for sparse Lidar point cloud data
Authors: Zheng Tong , Chen Jialun , Feng Wenbin , Yu Chongchong
Published: July 2023

In recent years, following the development of sensor and computer techniques, it is favored by many fields, i.e. automatic drive, intelligent home, etc. that the deep learning based semantic segmentation method for point cloud data collected by LiDAR. This type method can automatic extract features of point cloud, helping label semantic categories. However, compared to 2D images, 3D point cloud data is more expensive to acquire. Hence, to save research and production costs, the small-thread LiDAR is a good choice. For one observation scenario, following the decrease of the line, the point cloud will become sparser, which may cause the information loss. To balance the cost and the segmentation effect, we provide a point cloud completion auxiliary semantic segmentation method. The baseline of the proposed method is Bilateral Augmentation and Adaptive Fusion (BAAF) model. The main contribution is a completion module introduction in feature extraction part of BAAF for point cloud data reconstruction. The feature extraction of completion module consists of Graph Aggregation Convolution (GAC) and attention mechanism. Then, we use shuffle transform to upsampling data. In addition, to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed method, we make downsampling to point cloud data in public SemanticKITTI dataset and establish Sparse-SemanticKITTI dataset. Furthermore, it is analyzed that the effect of point cloud with different sparsity degree on classical semantic segmentation, which proves the research significance. Moreover, we compare the segmentation results between classical methods to the proposed one in point cloud data in SemanticKITTI and Sparse-SemanticKITTI dataset, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed one is verified. Finally, the model complexity is analyzed. In sum, we provide a sparse point cloud semantic segmentation method to balance cost and effect.
Investigation of the thermal deformation behavior exhibited by oxidation products in Fe-Si alloys
Authors: Cao Guangming , Zhao Wencong , Shan Wenchao , Li Silin , Song Wentao , Wang Hao , Liu Zhenyu
Published: July 2023

The thermal deformation behavior of oxidation products from Fe-Si alloys with varying Si contents was systematically investigated using a thermal simulation testing machine during compressive deformation at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1100 ℃. The results indicate that FeO exhibits excellent plastic deformation ability and is the primary component undergoing deformation during the thermal process. The plasticity of the oxide product improves with higher deformation temperature, as does the coordination between the oxide product and matrix, and interface straightness. However, an increase in Si content leads to a decrease in FeO content within the oxide product, resulting in reduced overall plastic deformation ability and reduced deformation coordination of oxidation products with the substrate. At the interface, Fe2SiO4 forms a spinel solid solution composed of Fe2SiO4 with FeO and SiO2 that possesses a certain plastic deformation ability due to its FeO content. Moreover, the rise in Si content leads to an increased concentration of point defects in FeO near the interface side of the matrix, thereby facilitating dislocation climbing of FeO and resulting in a steady-state increase in plastic deformation. Thus the increase in the concentration of cationic defects in FeO due to the elevated Si content and the generation of Fe2SiO4 solid solution at the interface between the oxidation products and the substrate are the main reasons for the improvement in the flatness of the interface between the oxidation products and the substrate.
Sustainable Development of Geopolymer Concrete Paver Blocks Blended With Boiler Sand
Authors: V Arulpandian , S Venkatramana , R Jegankumar , G Balaji S
Published: July 2023

The usage of industrial by-product Flyash (FA) and Boiler Sand (BS) in connection with alkali activators in the manufacturing of geopolymer concrete was investigated. Cement is the most important binding component in Concrete and it plays vital role in the Construction Industry. In the current decades, Cement manufacturing units are producing more than 300 million metric ton cement which creates global warming problems because of the release in carbon dioxide (CO2). In the society it is great thread to the environment and human health. This scenario has been changed by preparing new development of cementitious materials instead of cement in the Concrete. Alkali activator based geopolymer act as good binding material in the concrete. The binding capacity of the geopolymer addressed by using Class F FA, Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3) with proper mix ratios. One of the main issues faced by Tyre Industry, in Tirunelveli is the disposal of used boiler sand. Boiler sand used as insulating agent for the boilers in the industries it is obtained around 55 tonnes per week. The idea was proposed the usage of BS in the preparation of geopolymer concrete which leads to reduce the storage problems. The utilaization of BS create economic aspect in the development of concrete. The various trial mix design was made with replacement of Sand by BS of 10%, 20%, and 30% respectively. With this above mentioned various mix proportions Pave blocks are to be manufactured and the various properties are verified with IS 15658:2006 guidelines.
CAQ-Net: A Heart Segmentation Model Based on Q-Net
Authors: Yang Mengzhu , Hu Shunbo , Zhu Dong , Dong Hao , Wang Yongfang
Published: July 2023

The heart is an important organ in the human body, but a variety of heart diseases also seriously threaten human life. To effectively treat and prevent these diseases, the study of precise segmentation of heart parts is particularly important. The heart is divided into four parts: the left and right ventricles and the left and right atria, and the left main trunk is more important, so the left ventricular muscle (LV-MYO), which is located in the middle part, has become the object of many researches. Deep learning medical image segmentation methods have become the main means of image analysis and processing at present, but the deep learning methods based on traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) are not suitable for segmenting organs with few labels and samples like the heart, while the meta-learning method Q-Net, which is used for the segmentation of medical images with small samples, can solve the above problems and achieve better results in the direction of heart segmentation. Since the LV-MYO is wrapped in the left ventricular blood pool (LV-BP), a new model for heart segmentation is proposed in this paper: CAQ-Net. The model redesigns the coding structure of Q-Net and makes improvements in the threshold extraction aspect of Q-Net, which effectively improves the accuracy of segmenting the LV-MYO and the LV-BP parts in the CMR dataset and is validated in another public dataset ABD for validation, and the results are superior to other SOTA methods.
Exploring the Potential of Arginine to Increase Coelenterazine-Renilla Luciferase Affinity and Enzyme Stability: Kinetic and Molecular Dynamics Studies
Authors: Salehiyan Maryam , Emamzadeh Rahman , Nazari Mahboobeh
Published: July 2023

Renilla luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of coelenterazine to coelenteramide and results in the emission of a photon of light. Although Renilla luciferase has various applications in biotechnology, its low thermal stability limits the development of its applications. Arginine is a well-known stabilizing amino acid that plays a key role in protein stabilization against inactivation. However, its impact on enzyme properties is unpredictable. This study investigates the impact of arginine on the kinetics and thermal stability of Renilla luciferase. The enzyme's performance was significantly enhanced in the presence of arginine, with catalytic efficiency increasing by 3.31-fold and 3.08-fold when exposed to 0.2 M and 0.3 M arginine, respectively. Additionally, arginine improved the thermal stability of Renilla luciferase. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the addition of 0.2 M arginine reduced the binding of coelenteramide, the reaction product and an enzyme inhibitor, to the active site of the Renilla luciferase. Therefore, the release of the product was accelerated, and the affinity of Renilla luciferase for coelenterazine increased. Furthermore, Molecular dynamics studies indicated an increased network of water molecules surrounding Renilla luciferase in the presence of 0.2 M arginine. This network potentially enhances the hydrophobic effect on the protein structure, ultimately improving enzyme stability. The findings of this study hold promise for the development of commercial kits incorporating Renilla luciferase.
Global research trends in exosome tumor stem cells and tumor microenvironment: Visualization biology analysis
Authors: Guo Ziwei , Wang Gang , Jin Qian , Xu Luchun , Chen Yue , Lv Wenliang
Published: July 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an internal environment composed of various cells and an extracellular matrix. Cancer stem cells-derived exosomes (CSC-Exos), as essential messengers involved in various tumor processes, are important carriers for bidirectional communication between the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells and play an important role in the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, few bibliometric analyses have been systematically studied in this field. Therefore, we aimed to visualize the research hotspots and trends in this field through bibliometrics to comprehend the future evolution of fundamental and clinical research, as well as to offer insightful information and fresh viewpoints.The Scopus database was used to search the research literature related to exosomes and tumor microenvironments after the establishment of this repository. CiteSpace (version 5.8.R3) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.16) were used for visualization and analysis. In this study, a total of 2077 articles and reviews were included, with the number of articles on exosomes and tumor microenvironments significantly increasing yearly. Recent trends showed that the potential value of exosomes as “tumor diagnostics” and “the application prospect of exosomes as therapeutic agents and drug delivery carriers” will receive more attention in the future. We revealed the current status and hotspots of tumor stem cell-derived exosomes and tumor microenvironments globally through bibliometrics. The prospect of the regulatory role of CSC-Exos in TME, the potential value of diagnosis, and the application of drug delivery vectors will all remain cutting-edge research areas in the field of tumor therapy. Meanwhile, this study provided a functional literature analysis for related researchers.
A product-level digital twin modelling approach for the full lifecycle
Authors: Jiang Linbei , Su Shaohui , Chu Changyong , Chen Chang , Wang Wei
Published: July 2023

The digital twin(DT), as a dynamic intelligence system that organically combines virtual and realistic models and multiple sources of data, fully combines numerical models with real-world data to monitor the operational status of products and predict their lifespan. Therefore, a system modeling approach with high fidelity and timeliness is of great significance for DT models. However, most current DT modeling approaches focus on individual objects and individual aspects of a product, while being deficient in a full lifecycle and multi-object-oriented modeling approach, which is not conducive to the mining and utilization of data on the whole product. Given this challenge, a product-level DT modeling approach based on PLM/PDM theory is proposed in this paper. It combines property model, simulation model, process model, status model, quality model, and feedback model through a digital thread communication framework to collect and utilize product lifecycle data to achieve accurate control of all aspects of the product lifecycle. The product-level DT results are presented by a visualization platform that enables interaction between customers, designers, and fabricators under real-time monitoring of the product manufacturing process throughout the system. Finally, a test case of a wind energy generator was performed to validate the proposed product-level DT modeling approach. The results revealed that the proposed approach is effective and feasible.