bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniaturized all-in-one microneedle device for point of care light therapy
Authors: Zhao Huiting , Wang Xu , Xiong Jiyuan , Liang Guomin , Wu Xin , Xi Jiyu , Zhang Yu , Li Zixi , Hu Xiaoming , Wei Zewen
Published: May 2024

Light therapies have been applied to millions of patients for treating many kinds of diseases, especially superficial ones. Currently, mainstream light therapies utilize the combined effects of photosensitizers and light to either remove disordered tissue or promote the growth of healthy tissue. Adverse effects of light therapy, including metabolic burden caused by circulatory photosensitizer and skin damage induced by high irradiance light, are yet to be addressed. This study provides a Miniaturized all-in-one Light therapy Device (MiLD). All components required for light therapy, including dual-function microneedles, LED array, control circuit, and battery are integrated together to form a miniaturized portable device with 2 cm in length, 1.7 cm in width, 1.2 cm in height, and 3.6 g in weight. The all-in-one design and patch-to-cure operation of MiLD enables the successful demonstration of point-of-care light therapy. Satisfactory therapeutic effects have been verified in mice on both types of light therapy. Meanwhile, transdermally co-delivering both photosensitizer and light in situ fully avoids photosensitizer accumulation in blood and remarkably reduces the irradiance of light, therefore significantly alleviating metabolic burden and light-induced skin damage. Overall, the MiLD lays the technical foundation of point-of-care light therapy with its miniaturized all-in-one design, simple patch-to-cure operation, satisfactory therapeutic effects, and minimum adverse effects.
Flexible modeling of regulatory networks improves transcription factor activity estimation
Authors: Chen Chen , Padi Megha
Published: May 2024

Transcriptional regulation plays a crucial role in determining cell fate and disease, yet inferring the key regulators from gene expression data remains a significant challenge. Existing methods for estimating transcription factor (TF) activity often rely on static TF-gene interaction databases and cannot adapt to changes in regulatory mechanisms across different cell types and disease conditions. Here, we present a new algorithm - Transcriptional Inference using Gene Expression and Regulatory data (TIGER) - that overcomes these limitations by flexibly modeling activation and inhibition events, up-weighting essential edges, shrinking irrelevant edges towards zero through a sparse Bayesian prior, and simultaneously estimating both TF activity levels and changes in the underlying regulatory network. When applied to yeast and cancer TF knock-out datasets, TIGER outperforms comparable methods in terms of prediction accuracy. Moreover, our application of TIGER to tissue- and cell-type-specific RNA-seq data demonstrates its ability to uncover differences in regulatory mechanisms. Collectively, our findings highlight the utility of modeling context-specific regulation when inferring transcription factor activities.
Cell-type-specific consequences of mosaic structural variants in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Grimes Karen , Jeong Hyobin , Amoah Amanda , Xu Nuo , Niemann Julian , Raeder Benjamin , Hasenfeld Patrick , Stober Catherine , Rausch Tobias , Benito Eva , Jann Johann-Christoph , Nowak Daniel , Emini Ramiz , Hoenicka Markus , Liebold Andreas , Ho Anthony , Shuai Shimin , Geiger Hartmut , Sanders Ashley D. , Korbel Jan O.
Published: May 2024

The functional impact and cellular context of mosaic structural variants (mSVs) in normal tissues is understudied. Utilizing Strand-seq, we sequenced 1,133 single-cell genomes from 19 human donors of increasing age, and discovered the heterogeneous mSV landscapes of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. While mSVs are continuously acquired throughout life, expanded subclones in our cohort are confined to individuals >60. Cells already harboring mSVs are more likely to acquire additional somatic structural variants, including megabase-scale segmental aneuploidies. Capitalizing on comprehensive single-cell micrococcal nuclease digestion with sequencing reference data, we conducted high-resolution cell-typing for eight hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Clonally expanded mSVs disrupt normal cellular function by dysregulating diverse cellular pathways, and enriching for myeloid progenitors. Our findings underscore the contribution of mSVs to the cellular and molecular phenotypes associated with the aging hematopoietic system, and establish a foundation for deciphering the molecular links between mSVs, aging and disease susceptibility in normal tissues.
Cellular mechanisms mediating the anti-cancer effects of carnosol on gingiva carcinoma
Authors: Gassib Nassima , Issa Hawraa , Loubaki Lionel , Behaz Sarah , Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Rouabhia Mahmoud , Semlali Abdelhabib
Published: May 2024

Carnosol, a rosemary polyphenol, displays anticancer properties and is suggested as a safer alternative to conventional surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Given that its effects on gingiva carcinoma have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to explore its anti-tumor selectivity and to unravel its underlying mechanisms of action. Hence, oral tongue and gingiva carcinoma cell lines exposed to carnosol were analyzed to estimate cytotoxicity, cell viability, cell proliferation, and colony formation potential as compared with those of normal cells. Key cell cycle and apoptotic markers were also measured. Finally, cell migration, oxidative stress, and crucial cell signaling pathways were assessed. Selective anti-gingiva carcinoma activity was disclosed. Overall, carnosol mediated colony formation and proliferation suppression in addition to cytotoxicity induction. Cell cycle arrest was highlighted by the disruption of the c-myc oncogene/p53 tumor suppressor balance. Carnosol also increased apoptosis, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity. On a larger scale, the alteration of cell cycle and apoptotic profiles was also demonstrated by QPCR array. This was most likely achieved by controlling the STAT5, ERK1/2, p38, and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Lastly, carnosol reduced inflammation and invasion ability by modulating IL-6 and MMP9/TIMP-1 axes. This study establishes a robust foundation, urging extensive inquiry both in vivo and in clinical settings, to substantiate the efficacy of carnosol in managing gingiva carcinoma.
Genomic and morphological characterization of Knufia obscura isolated from the Mars 2020 spacecraft assembly facility
Authors: Chander Atul Munish , de Melo Teixeira Marcus , Singh Nitin K. , Williams Michael P. , Parker Ceth W. , Leo Patrick , Stajich Jason E. , Torok Tamas , Tighe Scott , Mason Christopher E. , Venkateswaran Kasthuri
Published: May 2024

Members of the family Trichomeriaceae, belonging to the Chaetothyriales order and the Ascomycota phylum, are known for their capability to inhabit hostile environments characterized by extreme temperatures, oligotrophic conditions, drought, or presence of toxic compounds. The genus Knufia encompasses many polyextremophilic species. In this report, the genomic and morphological features of the strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 presented, which was isolated from the Mars 2020 mission spacecraft assembly facility located at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The identification is based on sequence alignment for marker genes, multi-locus sequence analysis, and whole genome sequence phylogeny. The morphological features were studied using a diverse range of microscopic techniques (bright field, phase contrast, differential interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy). The phylogenetic marker genes of the strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 exhibited highest similarities with type strain of Knufia obscura (CBS 148926T) that was isolated from the gas tank of a car in Italy. To validate the species identity, whole genomes of both strains (FJI-L2-BK-P2 and CBS 148926T) were sequenced, annotated, and strain FJI-L2-BK-P2 was confirmed as K. obscura. The morphological analysis and description of the genomic characteristics of K. obscura FJI-L2-BK-P2 may contribute to refining the taxonomy of Knufia species. Key morphological features are reported in this K. obscura strain, resembling microsclerotia and chlamydospore-like propagules. These features known to be characteristic features in black fungi which could potentially facilitate their adaptation to harsh environments.
PMMA dialyzers modulate both humoral and cell-mediate immune response to anti-COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) in a cohort of chronic hemodialyzed patients
Authors: Castellano Giuseppe , Netti Giuseppe Stefano , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Losappio Vincenzo , Spadaccino Federica , Ranieri Elena , Marengo Marita , Borzumati Maurizio , Alfieri Carlo , Stallone Giovanni
Published: May 2024

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) have a high risk of death from COVID-19. We evaluated the humoral and cell-mediated immune response to BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine in HD patients, comparing HD with Poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and HD with Polysulphone (PS). Samples were collected before vaccination (T0) and 14-days after the 2ndvaccine (T2) in a TG (TG, n = 16-Foggia) and in a VG (CG, n = 36-Novara). Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Ig were titrated in the cohort 2-weeks after the 2nddose of vaccine. In the Testing-Group, serum neutralizing antibodies (NAb) were assayed and PBMCs isolated from patients were thawed, counted and stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 IGRA stimulation tube set. All patients had a positive ab-response, except in a case. PMMA-patients had higher levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG (p = 0.031); VG data confirmed these findings (p < 0.05). NAb evaluation: PMMA patients passed the positive cut-off value, while in PS group only only 1/8 patient did not respond. PMMA patients showed higher percentages of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/RBD-Ig after a complete vaccine schedule (p = 0.028). Interferon-gamma release: PMMA patients showed significantly higher release of IFNγ (p = 0.014). The full vaccination course provided sufficient protection against SARS-CoV-2 across the entire cohort, regardless of dialyzer type. After vaccination, PMMA patients show a better immune response, both humoral and cellular, at the end of the vaccination course than PS patients.
Fractal fractional model for tuberculosis: existence and numerical solutions
Authors: Khan Aziz , Shah Kamal , Abdeljawad Thabet , Amacha Inas
Published: May 2024

This paper deals with the mathematical analysis of Tuberculosis by using fractal fractional operator. Mycobacterium TB is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. This airborne illness mostly impacts the lungs but may extend to other body organs. When the infected individual coughs, sneezes or speaks, the bacterium gets released into the air and travels from one person to another. Five classes have been formulated to study the dynamics of this disease: susceptible class, infected of DS, infected of MDR, isolated class, and recovered class. To study the suggested fractal fractional model’s wellposedness associated with existence results, and boundedness of solutions. Further, the invariant region of the considered model, positive solutions, equilibrium point, and reproduction number. One would typically employ a fractional calculus approach to obtain numerical solutions for the fractional order Tuberculosis model using the Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method. The fractional order derivatives in the model can be approximated using appropriate numerical schemes designed for fractional order differential equations.
Experimental investigation of influence of amide polymer on loess for subgrade
Authors: Yue Jianwei , Zhang Haonan , Zhang Yage , Xu Shaopeng
Published: May 2024

The effects of moisture and drying shrinkage can lead to uneven settlement, cracking, and other diseases in loess subgrade. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of amide polymer (AP) on the permeability, mechanical properties and crack resistance of loess by orthogonal experiments. The basic properties of AP and the permeability, mechanical properties, and dry–wet variation properties of polymer-modified loess were tested, and a scale model verification and simulation analysis were conducted. In this paper, water migration in subgrade is regulated by improving the water sensitivity of loess. By reducing the variation range of subgrade water content, the stress accumulation in subgrade caused by water is weakened. The results show that the curing time and mechanical properties of AP are directly affected by the oxidant and reducing agent, and the mechanical properties of AP are compatible with the characteristics of loess. AP filled the grain gap and reduced the permeability of loess by 34.05–280.83%. The ductility of polymer-modified loess is significantly increased, and the strain of peak strength is increased by 17.21–126.36%. AP can regulate moisture change, reduce the surface tension between particles, and reduce stress concentration. The strength loss rate was reduced by 19.98–51.21% by enhancing the cracking resistance and weakening the strength loss caused by dry and wet cycling. The increase of upper layer moisture content in the scale model of polymer-modified loess subgrade is reduced by 31.38–36.11%.
The impact of dose rate on responses of human lens epithelial cells to ionizing irradiation
Authors: Matsuya Yusuke , Sato Tatsuhiko , Yachi Yoshie , Date Hiroyuki , Hamada Nobuyuki
Published: May 2024

The knowledge on responses of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) to ionizing radiation exposure is important to understand mechanisms of radiation cataracts that are of concern in the field of radiation protection and radiation therapy. However, biological effects in HLECs following protracted exposure have not yet fully been explored. Here, we investigated the temporal kinetics of γ-H2AX foci as a marker for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and cell survival in HLECs after exposure to photon beams at various dose rates (i.e., 150 kVp X-rays at 1.82, 0.1, and 0.033 Gy/min, and 137Cs γ-rays at 0.00461 Gy/min (27.7 cGy/h) and 0.00081 Gy/min (4.9 cGy/h)), compared to those in human lung fibroblasts (WI-38). In parallel, we quantified the recovery for DSBs and cell survival using a biophysical model. The study revealed that HLECs have a lower DSB repair rate than WI-38 cells. There is no significant impact of dose rate on cell survival in both cell lines in the dose-rate range of 0.033–1.82 Gy/min. In contrast, the experimental residual γ-H2AX foci showed inverse dose rate effects (IDREs) compared to the model prediction, highlighting the importance of the IDREs in evaluating radiation effects on the ocular lens.
Hydrostatic bearing groove multi-objective optimization of the gear ring housing interface in a straight-line conjugate internal meshing gear pump
Authors: Zhang Tiangui , Yan Guishan , Liu Xianhang , Ding Beichen , Feng Guodong , Ai Chao
Published: May 2024

The lubrication performance of a straight-line conjugate internal meshing gear pump is poor under the low-speed, high-pressure operating conditions of the volumetric servo speed control system, and it is difficult to establish a full fluid lubricating oil film between the gear ring and the housing. This leads to significant wear and severe heating between the gear ring and the housing. The lubrication performance of the interface moving pair of the electro-hydraulic actuator pump gear ring housing can be improved by designing a reasonable lubrication bearing structure for the gear ring housing. In this study, a multi-field coupling multi-objective optimization model was established to improve lubrication performance and volumetric efficiency. The whole model consists of the dynamic model of the gear ring components, the fluid lubrication model of the gear ring housing interface, the oil film formation and sealing model considering the influence of temperature, and the multi-objective optimization model. The comprehensive performance of the straight-line conjugate internal meshing gear pump was verified experimentally using a test bench. The results show that the lubrication performance is improved, the mechanical loss is reduced by 31.52%, and the volumetric efficiency is increased by 4.91%.
The effect of socioeconomic status, depression, and diabetes symptoms severity on diabetes patient’s life satisfaction in India
Authors: Ranjan Shubham , Thakur Ramna
Published: May 2024

Evidence suggests that diabetes is on the rise in India, affecting many people’s life satisfaction. Comprehensive estimation of life satisfaction among diabetes patients does not exist in the country. This study examined the effects of socioeconomic status, depression, and diabetes symptoms severity on the life satisfaction of diabetes patients by controlling various demographic variables. It was a cross-sectional study comprising 583 diabetes patients from Punjab, India. Patients were interviewed using a multi-stage purposeful random sampling method. Descriptive analysis and partial least squares structural equation modelling were used in the study to test the hypotheses. Results revealed that socioeconomic status, depression and diabetes symptoms severity significantly influence the life satisfaction of diabetes patients. A 1% drop in diabetes symptoms severity corresponds to a 0.849% increase in life satisfaction, whereas a 1% decrease in depression results in a 0.898% increase in life satisfaction. Patients with higher diabetes symptoms severity were coping with common mental disorders. Women reported higher diabetes symptoms severity and depression than men, resulting in lower life satisfaction. An experimental evaluation of the effects of socioeconomic status, depression and diabetes symptoms severity, and numerous demographic factors on life satisfaction was reported. The findings will help policymakers understand the problem associated with life satisfaction among diabetes patients in the country.
Scheduling optimisation of alcohol test sites
Authors: Yu Hongjun , Moylan Emily , Bambach Mike , Levinson David , Ramezani Mohsen
Published: May 2024

Drink driving is an infamous factor in road crashes and fatalities. Alcohol testing is a major countermeasure, and random breath tests (RBTs) deter tested drivers and passersby (observers who are not tested). We propose a genetic algorithm (GA)-based RBT scheduling optimisation method to achieve maximal deterrence of drink driving. The RBT schedule denotes the daily plan of where, when, and for how long tests should occur in the road network. The test results (positive and negative) and observing drivers are considered in the fitness function. The limited testing resource capacity is modeled by a number of constraints that consider the total duration of tests, the minimum and maximum duration of a single test site, and the total number of test sites during the day. Clustering of the alcohol-related crash data is used to estimate the matrix for drink driving on the scheduled day. The crash data and traffic flow data from Victoria, Australia are analysed and used to describe sober/drink driving. A detailed synthetic example is developed and a significant improvement with 150% more positive results and 59% more overall tests is observed using the proposed scheduling optimisation method.
Effects of overwintering on the transcriptome and fitness traits in a damselfly with variable voltinism across two latitudes
Authors: Wos Guillaume , Palomar Gemma , Golab Maria J. , Marszałek Marzena , Sniegula Szymon
Published: May 2024

Winter diapause consists of cessation of development that allows individuals to survive unfavourable conditions. Winter diapause may bear various costs and questions have been raised about the evolutionary mechanisms maintaining facultative diapause. Here, we explored to what extent a facultative winter diapause affects life-history traits and the transcriptome in the damselfly Ischnura elegans, and whether these effects were latitude-specific. We collected adult females at central and high latitudes and raised their larvae in growth chambers. Larvae were split into a non-diapausing and post-winter (diapausing) cohort, were phenotyped and collected for a gene expression analysis. At the phenotypic level, we found no difference in survival between the two cohorts, and the post-winter cohort was larger and heavier than the non-winter cohort. These effects were mostly independent of the latitude of origin. At the transcriptomic level, wintering affected gene expression with a small fraction of genes significantly overlapping across latitudes, especially those related to morphogenesis. In conclusion, we found clear effects of diapause on the phenotype but little evidence for latitudinal-specific effects of diapause. Our results showed a shared transcriptomic basis underpinning diapause demonstrated, here, at the intraspecific level and supported the idea of evolutionary convergence of the response to diapause across organisms.
Increased stability of short femoral stem through customized distribution of coefficient of friction in porous coating
Authors: Solou Konstantina , Solou Anna Vasiliki , Tatani Irini , Lakoumentas John , Tserpes Konstantinos , Megas Panagiotis
Published: May 2024

Stress shielding and aseptic loosening are complications of short stem total hip arthroplasty, which may lead to hardware failure. Stems with increased porosity toward the distal end were discovered to be effective in reducing stress shielding, however, there is a lack of research on optimized porous distribution in stem’s coating. This study aimed to optimize the distribution of the coefficient of friction of a metaphyseal femoral stem, aiming for reducing stress shielding in the proximal area. A finite element analysis model of an implanted, titanium alloy short-tapered wedge stem featuring a porous coating made of titanium was designed to simulate a static structural analysis of the femoral stem's behavior under axial loading in Analysis System Mechanical Software. For computational feasibility, 500 combinations of coefficients of friction were randomly sampled. Increased strains in proximal femur were found in 8.4% of the models, which had decreased coefficients of friction in middle medial areas of porous coating and increased in lateral proximal and lateral and medial distal areas. This study reported the importance of the interface between bone and middle medial and distal lateral areas of the porous coating in influencing the biomechanical behavior of the proximal femur, and potentially reducing stress shielding.
Crystal structure, stability, and transport properties of Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys: a DFT study
Authors: Mahmoudi Sima , Golzan Mir Maqsood , Nemati-Kande Ebrahim
Published: May 2024

In this study, the structural, elastic, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of full Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys were explored using density functional and the Boltzmann transport theories. The GGA and HSE approximations have been used for the exchange–correlation potential. Results indicated that these two compounds are more energetically stable in the inverse Heusler structure. Additionally, both Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys were found to be mechanically stable due to the positive values of the elastic constants. Also, the high values of the Young's modulus indicate that these compounds are stiff and exhibit a semi-metallic nature. The band gaps were determined to be 0.13 eV and − 0.22 eV for Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa alloys, respectively, using the GGA approximation. By employing the HSE hybrid functional, however, the band gap for Li2BeAl increased to 0.26 eV, and for Li2BeGa, it decreased to − 0.16 eV. Regarding thermoelectric properties, Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic and lattice thermal conductivities, power factor, and the figure of merit have been calculated for both Li2BeAl and Li2BeGa Heusler alloys at different temperatures. Seebeck coefficient in both alloys decreases with increasing the temperature and has the highest value at 300 K. Thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity increase with increasing the temperature, which confirms the intermetallic behavior of the Heusler alloys. The results obtained for both alloys show that n-type doping has better thermoelectric properties than p-type doping. The maximum value of the figure of merit (ZT) was obtained for n-type doping, which was 1.43 at 660 K for Li2BeAl and 0.39 at 1000 K for Li2BeGa alloy. The high values of ZT especially for electron-dopped Li2BeAl suggest the great potential of this material for use in thermoelectric devices. This study suggests that the proposed materials have potential applications in spintronic devices and thermoelectric materials due to their intermetallic character and effective thermoelectric coefficients.
Factors associated with postoperative efficacy evaluation in patients with morbid obesity
Authors: Chen Tai-Hsiang , Huang Wen-Wen , Lu Liu-Chun , Ma Chen-Chung
Published: May 2024

The global obesity problem is becoming increasingly serious, with eight of the top ten causes of death in Taiwan in 2020 being related to obesity. Morbid obesity poses a significant threat to one’s health and well-being. In recent years, bariatric surgery has emerged as a more effective treatment option for patients with morbid obesity. However, the procedure is not without risks. This study aims to examine the factors that impact the postoperative efficacy evaluation of patients with morbid obesity. This study uses a retrospective cross-sectional design, with medical records being collected retrospectively. The data was collected from patients who underwent bariatric surgery between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020 at a hospital in southern Taiwan. A total of 663 patients were included in the study and were observed for 1 year after the surgery. The independent variables included demographic variables, perceived symptoms variables, perceived lifestyle variables, and surgery-related variables, while the dependent variables included weight loss outcomes and complications. The prognostic factors affecting the postoperative efficacy evaluation of patients with pathological obesity were determined using multiple regression analysis and binary regression analysis. The study found that 65.6% of the participants were female, with an average age of 36.8 years. The results of the multiple regression and binary logistic regression showed that gender, age, BMI, diabetes, and smoking habit were the predictors of postoperative weight loss. Hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, smoking habit, drinking habit, and operation time were the predictors of postoperative complications. The study found that the presence of the aforementioned 12 significant factors can affect the success of weight loss after surgery and the incidence of postoperative complications. This information can serve as a reference for clinical care institutions and patients to improve the postoperative efficacy evaluation.
Safety and surgical outcomes of robotic adrenalectomy from a 15-year experience at a single institution
Authors: Kim Kwangsoon , Park Dawon , Oh Moon Young , Chai Young Jun , Kim Hoon Yub
Published: May 2024

Robotic adrenalectomy (RA) has gained significant popularity in the management of adrenal gland diseases. We report our experience at a single tertiary institution and evaluate the safety and surgical outcomes of RA. The data of 122 consecutive patients who underwent RA from October 2009 to December 2022 at Korea University Anam Hospital (Seoul, Korea) were reviewed. There were no perioperative complications. Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed through complete chart reviews. Noteworthy findings include the influence of sex, tumor size, and body mass index on operation time, with the female and small tumor groups exhibiting shorter operation times (P = 0.018 and P = 0.009, respectively). Pheochromocytoma was identified as a significant independent risk factor for a longer operation time in the multivariate analysis [odds ratio (OR), 3.709; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.127–12.205; P = 0.031]. A temporal analysis revealed a decreasing trend in mean operation times across consecutive groups, reflecting a learning curve associated with RA adoption. RA is a safe and effective operative technique alternative to laparoscopic adrenalectomy that has favorable surgical outcomes and enhances the convenience of the operation.
Associations of clinical subtypes and bile acid levels of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Feng Fan , Li Juhong , Liao Junqun , Qin Shiyi , Liu Yaling , Che Xian , Zhou Yanjun , Jiang Dan , Xiao Huiqin , Chen Aixing , Shao Yong
Published: May 2024

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) can lead to many adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the influencing factors remain unclear at present. This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 1815 pregnant women with ICP and evaluated the relationship between ICP subtypes, gestational age at onset, and pregnancy outcomes. The results of this study show that during pregnancy, the levels of biochemical indicators (TBA, DBIL and ALT) in the serum of pregnant women initially diagnosed with subtypes of ICP were noted to constantly change, and the subtype of ICP and its severity also changed. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes [meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF), NICU transfer, Apgar score ≤ 7 at 1 min, and preterm birth] in patients with ICP1 (icteric type) was significantly higher than for patients with ICP2, ICP3 or ICP4. The preterm birth rate of early-onset ICP was higher than that of late-onset ICP in ICP1 and ICP3 subtypes. In conclusion, the outcome of pregnancy in women with ICP is closely related to the serum TBA level and ICP subtype, which should be recognized in the clinic.
Advancements in the stability, protection and lead-free strategies of perovskite solar cells: a critical review
Authors: Khan Aryan Dilawar , Mustajab Muhammad , Moeen Sawaira , Imran Muhammad , Ikram Muhammad , Khan Qasim , Khan Maaz
Published: May 2024

Lead toxicity is a challenge for the large-scale commercial production and the field implementation of photovoltaics.
Interfacial self-assembly of a chiral pyrene exciplex into a superhelix with enhanced circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Yang Yang , Yang Chenchen , Zhu Xuefeng , Zhang Li , Liu Minghua
Published: May 2024

A 2D interfacially confined exciplex produces unprecedented amorphous superhelices with PLQY-improved, intensity-enhanced and sign-inverted CPL activity.
Revisiting the quasi-aromaticity in polynuclear metal chalcogenide clusters and their derivative “cluster-assembly” crystalline structures
Authors: Wang Bochu , Li Wan-Lu
Published: May 2024

We revisited the quasi-aromaticity of [M3X4(H2O)9]4+ clusters and proposed “cluster-assembly materials” to establish the relationship between clusters and periodic systems.
Tailoring phosphine ligands for improved C–H activation: insights from Δ-machine learning
Authors: Huang Tianbai , Geitner Robert , Croy Alexander , Gräfe Stefanie
Published: May 2024

Δ-Machine Learning approach for predicting the reaction energy at the DFT level of theory, based on the results obtained at the xTB-GFN2 level of theory. Features derived from atomic positions and electronic density were utilized to train the models.
Nano-bioformulations: emerging trends and potential applications in next generation crop protection
Authors: Vishnu M. , Kannan M. , Soundararajan R. P. , Suganthi A. , Subramanian A. , Senthilkumar M. , Rameash K. , Madesh K. , Govindaraju K.
Published: May 2024

Nano-bio-formulations for insect pest management.
Synthesis, in silico, in vitro evaluation of furanyl- and thiophenyl-3-phenyl-1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide derivatives as tubulin inhibitors and anticancer agents
Authors: Saruengkhanphasit Rungroj , Ngiwsara Lukana , Lirdprapamongkol Kriengsak , Chatwichien Jaruwan , Niwetmarin Worawat , Eurtivong Chatchakorn , Kittakoop Prasat , Svasti Jisnuson , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: May 2024

Novel derivatives of furanyl-3-phenyl-1H-indole-carbohydrazide and thiophenyl-3-phenyl-1H-indole-carbohydrazide were synthesised and evaluated for their antiproliferative and tubulin inhibition activities.
Rational design of local microenvironment for electrocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhu Wangchuan , Zhang Yanqun , Zhao Yueyue , Wang Danjun , Zhen Yanzhong , Fu Feng , Yang Chunming
Published: May 2024

This summary describes the effects of wettability, local pH, interfacial water structure, and electrolyte composition on the interface reactant compositions, key intermediate adsorption, and reaction kinetics.
Advances in chromone-based copper(ii) Schiff base complexes: synthesis, characterization, and versatile applications in pharmacology and biomimetic catalysis
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Arora Aditi , Maikhuri Vipin K. , Chaudhary Ankita , Kumar Rajesh , Parmar Virinder S. , Singh Brajendra K. , Mathur Divya
Published: May 2024

Chromones are well known as fundamental structural elements found in numerous natural compounds and medicinal substances.
Preparation and characterization of amphiphilic, biodegradable, waterborne polyurethanes without using organic solvent and catalyst
Authors: Yang Zhihui
Published: May 2024

Traditionally, waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) are prepared using toxic organic solvents and catalysts.
Electrochemical water splitting enhancement by introducing mesoporous NiCoFe-trimetallic phosphide nanosheets as catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Helal Gouda , Xu Zhenhang , Zuo Wei , Yu Yueying , Liu Jinyan , Su Hongping , Xu Jianxin , Li Houbin , Cheng Gongzhen , Zhao Pingping
Published: May 2024

In this study, we explord the catalytic activity of NiCoFe_phosphide nanosheets as highly active and stable catalysts for OER. Electrochemical analysis exhibits a low overpotential of 259 mV in (1 M KOH), achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a low Tafel slope of 50.47 mV dec−1.
Novel carbazolyl–thiazolyl–chromone and carbazolyl–thiazolyl–pyrazole hybrids: synthesis, cytotoxicity evaluation and molecular docking studies
Authors: Hassanin Noha M. , Ali Tarik E. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Abdel-Kariem Somaia M.
Published: May 2024

A simple synthetic method was performed to design a novel series of polycyclic systems consisting of carbazole–thiazolidinone–chromone hybrids 4a–e and carbazole–thiazolidinone–pyrazole hybrids 5a–e in excellent yields.
Water-assisted ketonization of methyl palmitate to palmitone over metal incorporated TiO2 catalysts
Authors: Pittayatornkul Jetsadagorn , Maluangnont Tosapol , Jongpatiwut Siriporn , Praserthdam Piyasan , Ogawa Makoto , Sooknoi Tawan
Published: May 2024

Over 0.5Pd/TiO2, water promotes hydrolysis of methyl palmitate to palmitic acid that undergoes ketonization to palmitone. Pd dissociates H2 and facilitates H2-spillover for the generation and recovery of Lewis Ti3+ active sites.
Biowaste Valorization of Palm Tree Phoenix dactylifera L. for Nanocellulose Production
Authors: Dhahi Randa Mohammed , Mohammed Mohammed Majeed , Mikhlif Haitham Mawlood
Published: May 2024

The desire to reduce reliance on oil resources arises from the concerns about carbon footprint and nonrenewability. Conversely, the global presence of over 100 million palm trees poses a significant challenge due to the substantial amount of biowaste generated annually. Additionally, the use of nanocellulose (NC) as a cost‐effective material is steadily gaining recognition for its growing adaptability over time. The main goal of this study is to biosynthesized NC from Iraqi date palm Phoenix dactylifera leaves waste with low‐concentration acid‐alkali treatment. The date palm leaves waste yields 20 g of NC from 100 g of leaves before acid hydrolysis treatment. The chemical components of biosynthesized NC were 47.90%, 26.78%, and 24.67% for α‐cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, respectively. In order to study their properties, NC from raw date palm leaves was studied by microscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope (AFM). SEM results revealed rod‐like structured NC as well as combined long‐fine fibrous structures rather than compacted bundles with sizes ranging between 31 and 74 nm. With EDX, all spectra exhibit the peaks of carbon and oxygen as the main elements with 63.8% and 10.44%, respectively, in their compositions, which relate to the typical composition of cellulose. The 3D image of AFM NC with a tapping mode presented a highly uniform distribution of NC with a size of ∼15 nm. The statistical roughness analysis shows that the obtained roughness average is 7.20 nm with the root–mean‐square roughness value of 21.56 nm, which corresponded relatively with the micrographs of SEM. The results of this study demonstrate the promise of using date palm waste as raw material to produce NC as green nanocomposite from biodegradable nanomaterials for water purification and sustained drug delivery for biomedical applications. In this regard and because of the insufficient reports about the extraction of NC from palm tree leaves waste, the objective of this study was designed to fabricate NC biologically from fibers sourced from the waste of Iraqi date palm P. dactylifera leaves that left in agricultural lands or burned, which can be an ecological and health problem as a bionanocomposites in the medical and industrial field and as alternative resources of wood materials.
Doppler spread analysis for suppressing channel time variation in high‐mobility massive MIMO V2V communications
Authors: Yan Zeyu , Zhang Weile , Li Fuqiang
Published: May 2024

Here, fast time‐varying channels of high‐mobility vehicle‐to‐vehicle communications for massive multiple‐input multiple‐output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems are considered. Large‐scale uniform linear arrays are configured at the transmitter and receiver to separate multiple angle domain Doppler frequency offsets based on transmit and receive beamforming with high spatial resolution. Then, each beamforming branch comprises only one dominant Doppler frequency offset. Next, the conventional channel estimation method is performed for each beamforming branch, and carry out maximum‐ratio‐combining for data detection. Power spectrum density and Doppler spread of the equivalent link between the transmitter and receiver are derived and regarded as the criterion for assessing the residual channel time variation caused by limited antennas in practice. Interestingly, a scaling law between the asymptotic Doppler spread and the number of transceiver antennas shows that asymptotic Doppler spread is proportional to the maximum Doppler frequency offset and decreases at the rate of , where and are the number of transmit and receive antennas, respectively. Simulation results confirm the validity of the proposed Doppler suppression framework in high‐mobility vehicle‐to‐vehicle communications.
Small‐signal rotor angle stability of multi‐virtual synchronous machine (n‐VISMA) microgrid
Authors: Sanusi Kamilu Alabi , Beck Hans‐Peter
Published: May 2024

Autonomous microgrid is known to lack appropriate inertia and damping for grid stabilization. Due to this, virtual synchronous machine (VISMA) has been introduced to provide necessary ancillary services through control of power converters. In a multi‐VISMA (n‐VISMA) microgrid, relative rotor angle stability of the power system is dependent on the active power balance after small perturbation. Thus, the use of relevant analytical models are essential issues for microgrid stability analysis. This paper presents a comprehensive small‐signal stability analysis to study inherent electromechanical oscillations in the virtual rotors. The subsystems of the microgrid consisting of VISMA, network, load and the outer power control were all modelled in Synchronous Reference Frame. The small‐signal model (SSM) was tested on IEEE‐9 bus system with VISMA replacing electromechanical synchronous machines on the network. To validate the developed numerical analytics, dynamic responses of the SSM are compared with those of the non‐linear (NL) system dynamics and the results reveal that the developed linearized SSM is sufficient to accurately characterize behaviour of the VISMA microgrid when operated in autonomous mode. Eigenvalues analysis and parameter sensitivities of the critical modes were investigated. Oscillatory participations of the VISMAs and steady state stability limit of the microgrid have also been investigated.
Design of overhead ground wire repair robot based on unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Yang Yang , Zeyu Lei , Bailong Yu , Xiong Yang , Wei Liu , Maosheng Yuan
Published: May 2024

Aiming at the problem that it is impossible to accurately transport the aerial ground wire repair robot to the repair point and efficiently repair the ground wire broken strands and scattered strands, this paper designs an aerial ground wire repair robot based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Firstly, the mechanical structure of the overhead ground wire repair robot is selected and designed, and the information transmission and the cooperative operation of each module are realized. A landing mark based on ArUco code is designed, which uses C++ for visual navigation, and then uses the double closed‐loop Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control method to control the position and attitude of the UAV, so as to realize the tracking of the robot position by the UAV. At the same time, the mechanical structure and the control method of the UAV hanging device are designed to cooperate with the overhead ground wire repair robot to ensure the accurate completion of the repair operation. Finally, a UAV‐based aerial ground wire repair robot prototype was developed and successfully applied to the repair operation of the broken strand of the aerial ground wire of the 66 to 67 tower of the 500 kV Jiangzi line in Ya'an. It is verified that the UAV‐based aerial ground wire repair robot studied in this paper has a good engineering application value.
Study on Wax Deposition Law in Daqing Gulong Shale Oil
Authors: Zhao Xuefeng , Wang Yunchen , Zhao Zhongshan , Leng Dongmei , Liu Qin , Li Jionghao
Published: May 2024

Daqing Gulong shale oil exhibits elevated wax content, a high wax precipitation point, and a high freezing point. However, its oil density and viscosity are relatively low, making it susceptible to wax crystal precipitation. The risk of pipeline clogging is heightened in lower ambient temperatures, posing a hazard to the safe production of shale oil. This study focuses on testing the fundamental physical properties of crude oil. The wax deposition flow loop was employed to replicate wax deposition in extracted fluids under actual high-flow gas-liquid conditions within a pipeline. The deposition patterns were determined based on the experimental findings. The results indicate that, irrespective of whether in single-phase, gas-liquid two-phase, or oil-gas-water three-phase conditions, the deposition mass rises with decreasing oil temperature. Furthermore, the deposition mass rises with an increased temperature difference between the oil and the pipeline wall. Conversely, the deposition mass declines with an increased gas-liquid ratio, and the deposition thickness declines with elevated water content. The observed deposition patterns highlight the significant influence of molecular diffusion and the impact of gas phase shear. These experimental findings offer valuable references and insights for the transportation of Daqing shale oil through pipelines.
Study on Characteristics of Six Polysaccharides and Cellulose Blends
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Tao , Zhao Meiwei , Li Huifan , Zhu Zengjin , Xie Fan , Yang Lei , Jiang Mengfei , Miao Song , Zhou Guiyuan
Published: May 2024

In order to study the internal cross-linking mechanism between cellulose and polysaccharides as wet-end additives in papermaking reconstituted tobacco, crystalline cellulose (MCC) was used as the target in this paper, sodium alginate (SA) , pullulan (Pul) , κ-carrageenan (κ-C), carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCS) and tamarind polysaccharide (TSP) were selected, the structure and composition of the monomer polysaccharides were determined by dynamic light scattering and ion chromatography, at the same time, the characteristics of the above-mentioned polysaccharides and MCC blend were analyzed, the results showed that SA contained a lot of negative charge, which resulted in weak adhesion and poor adsorption ability in cellulose blend; Pul was the most compact chain conformation, effectively improve the adhesion of cellulose, can be quickly adsorbed on cellulose; κ-C increased the viscosity of MCC blend and could adhere the 30μm size fragments of cellulose CMCS had strong adhesion to cellulose edge; due to the introduction of carboxymethyl group, the hydrophilicity of HPCS and the apparent viscosity of MCC blend increased greatly; the complex branched-chain structure of TSP results in high storage modulus of TSP/cellulose blend, and the amount of TSP adsorbed on cellulose is large and lasts long. Pul, TSP, κ-c, CMCS and TSP could adsorb cellulose well.
The Analysis of Gas-liquid Separation Technology Research Progress
Authors: Yuan Yupeng
Published: May 2024

Gas-liquid separators are commonly utilized in the energy and chemical industries. This paper briefly introduces the separation principles and research progress of the primary gas-liquid separation equipment domestically and internationally. The paper briefly summarizes the working principles of gravity separation, filtration separation, and centrifugal separation equipment. Next, attention is focused on optimizing the separation performance of centrifugal separation equipment, which offers advantages of small size and high separation efficiency. Finally, a comparative analysis of these gas-liquid separators is provided.
Carbon-Energy Synergetic Energy Power System Economic Dispatch Method
Authors: Zhiqiang Chong , Hongyu Song , Zhenbin Li , Liang Chen , Guangyao Yu , Haochen Guo , Zhijun Wu , Yitong Dong
Published: May 2024

Low carbon is a key driver for the future development of power systems. This paper proposes a carbon-energy synergetic approach for economic dispatch in energy power systems. Firstly, by integrating multi-energy conversion models and carbon emission flow theories, a coupled interactive mechanism model is constructed. Building upon this foundation, an economic optimization dispatch model for comprehensive energy power systems is introduced, leveraging the synergistic value of carbon energy. This method supports economic dispatch in comprehensive energy power systems, considering both security and economic requirements while reducing carbon emissions. This integrated approach offers a promising solution for achieving low-carbon operational objectives and supporting the transition to sustainable energy infrastructure. Typical case studies in this paper validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Overview of the faults and diagnosis methods of the hydraulic system of modern coal mining machines
Authors: Li Zhi
Published: May 2024

The high power, high efficiency, low failure rate, and intelligence of coal mining equipment are important directions for the development of coal mining machines both domestically and internationally. The implementation of efficient and low failure coal mine equipment is an important prerequisite for ensuring the smooth deployment of intelligent mines. At present, coal mining equipment generally consists of three parts: mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic. However, hydraulic pressure is a necessary system for coal mining equipment to complete high-power and intelligent operations. This article will combine the author's years of work experience to summarize the current local faults and diagnostic methods of hydraulic systems in coal mine equipment.