bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representative Sample Size for Estimating Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity via Machine Learning: A Proof‐Of‐Concept Study
Authors: Ahmadisharaf Amin , Nematirad Reza , Sabouri Sadra , Pachepsky Yakov , Ghanbarian Behzad
Published: August 2024

Machine learning (ML) has been extensively applied in various disciplines. However, not much attention has been paid to data heterogeneity in databases and number of samples used to train ML models in hydrology. In this study, we addressed these issues and their impacts on the accuracy and reliability of ML models in the estimation of saturated hydraulic conductivity, Ks. We selected 17,990 soil samples from the USKSAT database and created random subsets N = 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, 14,000, 16,000, and 17,990, 80% of which were used for training. The random subset selection was repeated 50 times. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm was used to estimate Ks from other soil properties, such as bulk density, soil depth, texture, and organic content. For each subset, we conducted the learning curve analysis on the training and cross‐validation data sets. Results showed that for all training sample sizes the number of samples was not enough for the training and cross‐validation curves to reach a plateau. We also applied the concept of representative elementary volume by plotting the average coefficient of determination, R2, and root mean square log‐transformed error, RMSLE, against the training sample size. For the testing data set, as the number of training sample size increased from 1,600 to 14,392 the average R2 value increased from 0.74 to 0.90, while the average RMSLE value decreased from 1.08 to 0.69. Either the learning curve or representative sample size analysis is required to investigate whether the number of samples is enough or not.
Slow rewarming after hypothermia does not ameliorate white matter injury after hypoxia-ischemia in near-term fetal sheep
Authors: McDouall Alice , Zhou Kelly Q. , Davies Anthony , Wassink Guido , Jones Timothy L. M. , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J. , Davidson Joanne O.
Published: August 2024

Background

The optimal rate to rewarm infants after therapeutic hypothermia is unclear. In this study we examined whether slow rewarming after 72 h of hypothermia would attenuate white matter injury.

Methods

Near-term fetal sheep received sham occlusion (n = 8) or cerebral ischemia for 30 min, followed by normothermia (n = 7) or hypothermia from 3–72 h, with either spontaneous fast rewarming (n = 8) within 1 h, or slow rewarming at ~0.5 °C/h (n = 8) over 10 h. Fetuses were euthanized 7 days later.

Results

Ischemia was associated with loss of total and mature oligodendrocytes, reduced expression of myelin proteins and induction of microglia and astrocytes, compared with sham controls (P < 0.05). Both hypothermia protocols were associated with a significant increase in numbers of total and mature oligodendrocytes, area fraction of myelin proteins and reduced numbers of microglia and astrocytes, compared with ischemia-normothermia (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the number of oligodendrocytes, microglia or astrocytes or expression of myelin proteins between fast and slow rewarming after hypothermia.

Conclusion

The rate of rewarming after a clinically relevant duration of hypothermia had no apparent effect on white matter protection by hypothermia after cerebral ischemia in near-term fetal sheep.

Impact

Persistent white matter injury is a major contributor to long-term disability after neonatal encephalopathy despite treatment with therapeutic hypothermia.

The optimal rate to rewarm infants after therapeutic hypothermia is unclear; current protocols were developed on a precautionary basis.

We now show that slow rewarming at 0.5 °C/h did not improve histological white matter injury compared with rapid spontaneous rewarming after a clinically established duration of hypothermia in near-term fetal sheep.
NCAPH, ubiquitinated by TRIM21, promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting autophagy of cervical cancer through AKT/mTOR dependent signaling
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Qiao Xiaowen , Cui Yaqi , Liu Liang , Cooper Tamara , Hu Yingxin , Lin Jiaxiang , Liu Haiting , Wang Meng , Hayball John , Wang Xiao
Published: August 2024

Autophagy is closely related to the occurrence and development of human malignancies; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying autophagy in cervical cancer require further investigation. Previously, we found that the ectopic expression of NCAPH, a regulatory subunit of condensed protein complexes, significantly enhanced the proliferation of tumor cells; however, the underlying mechanisms were unclear. Here, we revealed that NCAPH is a novel autophagy-associated protein in cervical cancer that promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting autophagosome formation and reducing autophagy, with no effect on the cell cycle, apoptosis, or aging. Tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21) is well known to be involved in inflammation, autoimmunity and cancer, mainly via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays showed that TRIM21 interacted with NCAPH and decreased the protein stability of NCAPH via ubiquitination at the K11 lysine residue. Structural domain mutation analysis revealed that TRIM21 combined with NCAPH through its PRY/SPRY and CC domains and accelerated the degradation of NCAPH through the RING domain. Furthermore, TRIM21 promoted autophagosome formation and reduced cell proliferation by inhibiting NCAPH expression and the downstream AKT/mTOR pathway in cervical cancer cells. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the protein expression of TRIM21 was negatively correlated with that of NCAPH and positively correlated with that of beclin-1 in cervical cancer tissues. Therefore, we provide evidence for the role of the TRIM21-NCAPH axis in cervical cancer autophagy and proliferation and the involvement of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in this process. These results deepen our understanding of the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer, broaden the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TRIM21 and NCAPH, and provide guidance for individualized treatment of cervical cancer in the future.
Barcoded overexpression screens in gut Bacteroidales identify genes with roles in carbon utilization and stress resistance
Authors: Huang Yolanda Y. , Price Morgan N. , Hung Allison , Gal-Oz Omree , Tripathi Surya , Smith Christopher W. , Ho Davian , Carion Héloïse , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Arkin Adam P.
Published: August 2024

A mechanistic understanding of host-microbe interactions in the gut microbiome is hindered by poorly annotated bacterial genomes. While functional genomics can generate large gene-to-phenotype datasets to accelerate functional discovery, their applications to study gut anaerobes have been limited. For instance, most gain-of-function screens of gut-derived genes have been performed in Escherichia coli and assayed in a small number of conditions. To address these challenges, we develop Barcoded Overexpression BActerial shotgun library sequencing (Boba-seq). We demonstrate the power of this approach by assaying genes from diverse gut Bacteroidales overexpressed in Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. From hundreds of experiments, we identify new functions and phenotypes for 29 genes important for carbohydrate metabolism or tolerance to antibiotics or bile salts. Highlights include the discovery of a d-glucosamine kinase, a raffinose transporter, and several routes that increase tolerance to ceftriaxone and bile salts through lipid biosynthesis. This approach can be readily applied to develop screens in other strains and additional phenotypic assays.
Bidirectional pilus processing in the Tad pilus system motor CpaF
Authors: Hohl Michael , Banks Emma J. , Manley Max P. , Le Tung B. K. , Low Harry H.
Published: August 2024

The bacterial tight adherence pilus system (TadPS) assembles surface pili essential for adhesion and colonisation in many human pathogens. Pilus dynamics are powered by the ATPase CpaF (TadA), which drives extension and retraction cycles in Caulobacter crescentus through an unknown mechanism. Here we use cryogenic electron microscopy and cell-based light microscopy to characterise CpaF mechanism. We show that CpaF assembles into a hexamer with C2 symmetry in different nucleotide states. Nucleotide cycling occurs through an intra-subunit clamp-like mechanism that promotes sequential conformational changes between subunits. Moreover, a comparison of the active sites with different nucleotides bound suggests a mechanism for bidirectional motion. Conserved CpaF residues, predicted to interact with platform proteins CpaG (TadB) and CpaH (TadC), are mutated in vivo to establish their role in pilus processing. Our findings provide a model for how CpaF drives TadPS pilus dynamics and have broad implications for how other ancient type 4 filament family members power pilus assembly.
Proteostasis perturbation of N-Myc leveraging HSP70 mediated protein turnover improves treatment of neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Yang Joy C. , Chen Bo , Ning Shu , Zhang Xiong , Wang Leyi , Nip Christopher , Shen Yuqiu , Johnson Oleta T. , Grigorean Gabriela , Phinney Brett , Liu Liangren , Wei Qiang , Corey Eva , Tepper Clifford G. , Chen Hong-Wu , Evans Christopher P. , Dall’Era Marc A. , Gao Allen C. , Gestwicki Jason E. , Liu Chengfei
Published: August 2024

N-Myc is a key driver of neuroblastoma and neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). One potential way to circumvent the challenge of undruggable N-Myc is to target the protein homeostasis (proteostasis) system that maintains N-Myc levels. Here, we identify heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) as a top partner of N-Myc, which binds a conserved “SELILKR” motif and prevents the access of E3 ubiquitin ligase, STIP1 homology and U-box containing protein 1 (STUB1), possibly through steric hindrance. When HSP70’s dwell time on N-Myc is increased by treatment with the HSP70 allosteric inhibitor, STUB1 is in close proximity with N-Myc and becomes functional to promote N-Myc ubiquitination on the K416 and K419 sites and forms polyubiquitination chains linked by the K11 and K63 sites. Notably, HSP70 inhibition significantly suppressed NEPC tumor growth, increased the efficacy of aurora kinase A (AURKA) inhibitors, and limited the expression of neuroendocrine-related pathways.
Fiber-optic seismic sensing of vadose zone soil moisture dynamics
Authors: Shen Zhichao , Yang Yan , Fu Xiaojing , Adams Kyra H. , Biondi Ettore , Zhan Zhongwen
Published: August 2024

Vadose zone soil moisture is often considered a pivotal intermediary water reservoir between surface and groundwater in semi-arid regions. Understanding its dynamics in response to changes in meteorologic forcing patterns is essential to enhance the climate resiliency of our ecological and agricultural system. However, the inability to observe high-resolution vadose zone soil moisture dynamics over large spatiotemporal scales hinders quantitative characterization. Here, utilizing pre-existing fiber-optic cables as seismic sensors, we demonstrate a fiber-optic seismic sensing principle to robustly capture vadose zone soil moisture dynamics. Our observations in Ridgecrest, California reveal sub-seasonal precipitation replenishments and a prolonged drought in the vadose zone, consistent with a zero-dimensional hydrological model. Our results suggest a significant water loss of 0.25 m/year through evapotranspiration at our field side, validated by nearby eddy-covariance based measurements. Yet, detailed discrepancies between our observations and modeling highlight the necessity for complementary in-situ validations. Given the escalated regional drought risk under climate change, our findings underscore the promise of fiber-optic seismic sensing to facilitate water resource management in semi-arid regions.
Removing development incentives in risky areas promotes climate adaptation
Authors: Druckenmiller Hannah , Liao Yanjun , Pesek Sophie , Walls Margaret , Zhang Shan
Published: August 2024

As natural disasters grow in frequency and intensity with climate change, limiting the populations and properties in harm’s way will be key to adaptation. This study evaluates one approach to discouraging development in risky areas—eliminating public incentives for development, such as infrastructure investments, disaster assistance and federal flood insurance. Using machine learning and matching techniques, we examine the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS), a set of lands where these federal incentives have been removed. We find that the policy leads to lower development densities inside designated areas, increases development in neighbouring areas, reduces flood damages and alters local demographics. Our results suggest that the CBRS generates substantial savings for the federal government by reducing flood claims in the National Flood Insurance Program, while increasing the property tax base in coastal counties.
Nine months of daily LiDAR, orthophotos and MetOcean data from the eroding soft cliff coast at Happisburgh, UK
Authors: Pennington Catherine , Shaw Matthew , Brooks Thomas , Briganti Riccardo , Gómez-Pazo Alejandro , Ruffini Gioele , Appleton Matthew , Payo Andres
Published: August 2024

The dynamic interaction between cliff, beach and shore-platform is key to assessing the sediment balance for coastal erosion risk assessments, but this is poorly understood. We present a dataset containing daily, 3D,colour LiDAR scans of a 450 m coastal section at Happisburgh, Norfolk, UK. This previously para-glaciated region comprises mixed sand-gravel sediments, which are less well-understood and well-studied than sandy beaches. From Apr-Dec 2019, 236 daily surveys were carried out. The dataset presented includes: survey areas, transects LiDAR scans, georeferenced orthophotos, meteorological- and oceanographical conditions during the Apr-Dec observation period. Full LiDAR point-clouds are available for 67 scans (Oct-Dec). Hourly time-series of offshore sea-state parameters (significant wave height, mean propagation direction, selected spectral periods) were obtained by downscaling the ERA5 global reanalysis data (global atmosphere, land surface and ocean waves) using the numerical model Simulating Waves Nearshore (SWAN). We indicate how to obtain hourly precipitation time-series by interpolating ERA5 data. This dataset is important for researchers understanding the interaction between cliff, beach and shore-platform in open-coast mixed-sand-gravel environments.
Machine learning-assisted discovery of flow reactor designs
Authors: Savage Tom , Basha Nausheen , McDonough Jonathan , Krassowski James , Matar Omar , del Rio Chanona Ehecatl Antonio
Published: August 2024

Additive manufacturing has enabled the fabrication of advanced reactor geometries, permitting larger, more complex design spaces. Identifying promising configurations within such spaces presents a significant challenge for current approaches. Furthermore, existing parameterizations of reactor geometries are low dimensional with expensive optimization, limiting more complex solutions. To address this challenge, we have established a machine learning-assisted approach for the design of new chemical reactors, combining the application of high-dimensional parameterizations, computational fluid dynamics and multi-fidelity Bayesian optimization. We associate the development of mixing-enhancing vortical flow structures in coiled reactors with performance and used our approach to identify the key characteristics of optimal designs. By appealing to the principles of fluid dynamics, we rationalized the selection of design features that lead to experimental plug flow performance improvements of ~60% compared with conventional designs. Our results demonstrate that coupling advanced manufacturing techniques with ‘augmented intelligence’ approaches can give rise to reactor designs with enhanced performance.
Real-time assessment of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy dynamics at the single-cell level
Authors: Roussou Rodaria , Metzler Dirk , Padovani Francesco , Thoma Felix , Schwarz Rebecca , Shraiman Boris , Schmoller Kurt M , Osman Christof
Published: August 2024

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is present in multiple copies within cells and is required for mitochondrial ATP generation. Even within individual cells, mtDNA copies can differ in their sequence, a state known as heteroplasmy. The principles underlying dynamic changes in the degree of heteroplasmy remain incompletely understood, due to the inability to monitor this phenomenon in real time. Here, we employ mtDNA-based fluorescent markers, microfluidics, and automated cell tracking, to follow mtDNA variants in live heteroplasmic yeast populations at the single-cell level. This approach, in combination with direct mtDNA tracking and data-driven mathematical modeling reveals asymmetric partitioning of mtDNA copies during cell division, as well as limited mitochondrial fusion and fission frequencies, as critical driving forces for mtDNA variant segregation. Given that our approach also facilitates assessment of segregation between intact and mutant mtDNA, we anticipate that it will be instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the purifying selection of mtDNA.
Experimental vaccination by single dose sporozoite injection of blood-stage attenuated malaria parasites
Authors: Sattler Julia M , Keiber Lukas , Abdelrahim Aiman , Zheng Xinyu , Jäcklin Martin , Zechel Luisa , Moreau Catherine A , Steinbrück Smilla , Fischer Manuel , Janse Chris J , Hoffmann Angelika , Hentzschel Franziska , Frischknecht Friedrich
Published: August 2024

Malaria vaccination approaches using live Plasmodium parasites are currently explored, with either attenuated mosquito-derived sporozoites or attenuated blood-stage parasites. Both approaches would profit from the availability of attenuated and avirulent parasites with a reduced blood-stage multiplication rate. Here we screened gene-deletion mutants of the rodent parasite P. berghei and the human parasite P. falciparum for slow growth. Furthermore, we tested the P. berghei mutants for avirulence and resolving blood-stage infections, while preserving sporozoite formation and liver infection. Targeting 51 genes yielded 18 P. berghei gene-deletion mutants with several mutants causing mild infections. Infections with the two most attenuated mutants either by blood stages or by sporozoites were cleared by the immune response. Immunization of mice led to protection from disease after challenge with wild-type sporozoites. Two of six generated P. falciparum gene-deletion mutants showed a slow growth rate. Slow-growing, avirulent P. falciparum mutants will constitute valuable tools to inform on the induction of immune responses and will aid in developing new as well as safeguarding existing attenuated parasite vaccines.
Solving Boltzmann optimization problems with deep learning
Authors: Knoll Fiona , Daly John , Meyer Jess
Published: August 2024

Decades of exponential scaling in high-performance computing (HPC) efficiency is coming to an end. Transistor-based logic in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is approaching physical limits beyond which further miniaturization will be impossible. Future HPC efficiency gains will necessarily rely on new technologies and paradigms of computing. The Ising model shows particular promise as a future framework for highly energy-efficient computation. Ising systems are able to operate at energies approaching thermodynamic limits for energy consumption of computation. Ising systems can function as both logic and memory. Thus, they have the potential to significantly reduce energy costs inherent to CMOS computing by eliminating costly data movement. The challenge in creating Ising-based hardware is in optimizing useful circuits that produce correct results on fundamentally nondeterministic hardware. The contribution of this paper is a novel machine learning approach, a combination of deep neural networks and random forests, for efficiently solving optimization problems that minimize sources of error in the Ising model. In addition, we provide a process to express a Boltzmann probability optimization problem as a supervised machine learning problem.
Microplate-based 3D-printed image box for urea determination in milk by digital image colorimetry
Authors: da Penha Geovanna Morgado , Pereira Airton Vicente , Tavares Emily Amábile , dos Santos Daniel Júnior Almeida , Fatibello-Filho Orlando
Published: August 2024

Detecting milk adulteration with a smartphone and a fully 3D-printed device designed to analyse multiple samples simultaneously.
Superionic conduction in a Mg2+-containing covalent organic framework at intermediate temperature
Authors: Mohri Akinori , Oami Yuki , Sadakiyo Masaaki
Published: August 2024

A COF containing Mg2+ carriers and PEO chains in the channels was created. The sample showed superionic conductivity above 10−4 S cm−1 at 160 °C under N2.
Cinnamon extracts, trans-cinnamaldehyde and trans-cinnamic acid inhibit HDAC 1 activity
Authors: Koyu Halil , Istanbullu Huseyin , Turunc Ozoglu Sinem Ezgi , Kaya Temiz Tijen
Published: August 2024

Essential oil and 70% ethanol extract of Cinnamomum cassia bark can be evaluated to be used in products against HDAC 1 related diseases.
Effect of design parameters in nanocatalyst synthesis on pyrolysis for producing diesel-like fuel from waste lubricating oil
Authors: Parapat Riny Yolandha , Laksono Aji Tri , Fauzi Rizki Imam , Maulani Yuni , Haryanto Freddy , Noviyanto Alfian , Schwarze Michael , Schomäcker Reinhard
Published: August 2024

Synthesis parameters in catalyst preparation indirectly affect catalytic processes in pyrolysis. Some parameters and their interactions impact product quality and quantity, while others do not.
Rhombohedrally stacked layered transition metal dichalcogenides and their electrocatalytic applications
Authors: Pramoda K. , Chithaiah Pallellappa , Rao C. N. R.
Published: August 2024

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are extensively investigated as catalyst materials for a wide range of electrochemical applications due to their high surface area and versatile electronic and chemical properties.
Amine-containing block copolymers for efficient catalyst-free hydroamination and preparation of functional metallopolymers
Authors: Rittner Till , Ghulam Kinza , Koch Marcus , Gallei Markus
Published: August 2024

Cobaltocenium-containing block copolymers were prepared by post-functionalization using a quantitative and block-selective hydroamination reaction. Resulting metallopolymers show micro-phase separated morphology and tuneable surface hydrophilicity.
Pentacyclic fused diborepinium ions with carbene- and carbone-mediated deep-blue to red emission
Authors: Hollister Kimberly K. , Molino Andrew , Le VuongVy V. , Jones Nula , Smith Wyatt J. , Müller Peter , Dickie Diane A. , Wilson David J. D. , Gilliard Robert J.
Published: August 2024

Pentacyclic fused diborepinium ions have been synthesized that have carbene- and carbone-mediated deep-blue to red emission profiles.
Why there is no evidence that pyridine killed the English crabs
Authors: Ford Alex T. , Fitzsimons Mark F. , Halsall Crispin
Published: August 2024

Disputing the hypothesis that pyridine caused a mass mortality event in crustaceans along 70 km of English coastline.
An analytical approach for power system frequency stability evaluation
Authors: Li Zhenyao , Li Jing , Gan Deqiang
Published: August 2024

Recent years have seen high penetration of renewable energies, which have significantly reduced the inertia of bulk power systems. As a result, the frequency behaviour of power systems is becoming more complex. To resolve this technical challenge, there is a particularly strong interest in developing analytical solutions for frequency dynamics studies. This study first describes a second‐order frequency dynamics model for power systems with renewable energies. A non‐linear perturbation approach is suggested to drive the analytical solution of the model. It is shown that, under many circumstances, frequency dynamics can be effectively approximated using a linear model. Subsequently, the article describes a fourth‐order linear frequency dynamics model that takes into account governor‐turbines. A polynomial eigenvalue method is proposed to identify the dominant and non‐dominant modes of the solution of the four‐order model. It is demonstrated that the dominant mode has a decisive impact on frequency behaviour, while the non‐dominant modes influence the relative frequency oscillations only. Finally, the study derives the analytical expressions of the standard frequency performance metrics and examines the impact of damping and inertia parameters. The introduced results are verified using two test systems, demonstrating the accuracy and effectiveness of the suggested method.
Road user opinions and needs regarding small modular autonomous electric vehicles: Differences between elderly and non‐elderly in Norway
Authors: Moscoso Claudia , Roche‐Cerasi Isabelle
Published: August 2024

This study examines road user opinions regarding small modular autonomous electric vehicles, focusing on the differences between the elderly and non‐elderly populations in Norway. The data allowed for a comparison between 193 respondents under 65 years old and 208 respondents over 65 years old. The results highlighted significant differences between the two groups about the vehicles, their usability, and the likeliness of using them as public transport if implemented in the future. Traffic safety and personal security were found to be decisive aspects, for respondents over 65 years old being more worried about safety and security than their counterparts. Trust that the authorities will ensure the safe implementation of such vehicles in the current transportation system was also significantly different between the two groups, with the younger generations having more trust in the authorities than the older group. The results shed light on road user opinions about a small modular transport mode, particularly on those over 65 years old, indicating a need for research efforts to better identify how this new form of public transport should be implemented in the future to improve the mobility of all travellers and meet the needs of the seniors.
Reactivated Spent Bleaching Earth as a New Path in Waste Resource Utilization for the Crude Palm Oil Bleaching Process
Authors: Manurung Renita , Maisarah Siti , Harahap Hamidah , Parinduri Sri Zahrani Dwi Mauliyah , Pranata Andre
Published: August 2024

The palm oil refining process usually uses adsorbents. The commonly used adsorbent is Bleaching Earth. However, this raises a new problem: hazardous waste in the refining process, namely Spent Bleaching Earth (SBE). For this reason, one of which is the utilization of SBE as an adsorbent through a reactivation process. This study aims to determine the characterization of RBE produced from the microwave reactivation process and acid solution as an adsorbent in the palm oil (CPO) bleaching process. The SBE reactivation process was carried out using microwaves and sulphate acid solution at concentrations 3N. RBE characteristics were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy - energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Brunner Emmet Teller (BET) - Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH). The resulting RBE characteristics include surface area, pore volume, and pore size of 436,820 m2/g, 0.544 cc/g, and 2.488 nm, respectively. Patricelli model is more appropriate to use to explain the mechanism of the SBE desorption process using the MAE method with the coefficient of determination value of 0.9931. The palm oil adsorbed using RBE has 10R/20Y/0.9W of color quality, 3.93% free fatty acid number, and 11.61 meq O2/kg peroxide number. In this study, SBE was successfully converted into RBE by microwave reactivation process, and the excellent performance of RBE in palm oil bleaching was verified. This research not only helps to solve the environmental problems in the process of palm oil refining but also provides a new way for waste resource utilization.
Research Progress of AlGaN Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Wang Zijie , Feng Xiaolin
Published: August 2024

The research progress of AlGaN ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) is explored in this paper. Firstly, the significance and application areas of AlGaN UV LEDs are introduced, emphasizing their wide-ranging applications in fields such as disinfection, medical devices, and sensors. Subsequently, an overview of the material science and manufacturing processes used in the production of AlGaN UV LEDs is provided, including crystal growth techniques and fabrication processes. Next, the design, structure, and operating principles of different types of AlGaN UV LEDs are described, with a focus on the devices optical performance, electrical characteristics, and thermal management effects. Finally, the latest research findings are summarized, and the challenges and future development directions facing current technology are discussed. This paper aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the research field of AlGaN UV LEDs and serve as a reference for future research and applications.
Numerical simulation study on combustion characteristics of square hollow oil pool fire in ship cabins
Authors: Li He , Li Kun , Huang Qing , Wang Enwei
Published: August 2024

To study the combustion phenomenon of square hollow fire sources in ship cabins, PyroSim software was used to establish numerical models of different inner and outer edge lengths of the same fire source area. FDS software was used to numerically simulate fire temperature and smoke spread, observe and record the flame and smoke spread characteristics in cabins under different working conditions, and analyze the temperature distribution of flame plumes and the temperature field characteristics inside the cabin. The results indicate that: During the combustion process of a square hollow fire source in a ship’s cabin, a typical flame convergence phenomenon occurs, and the flame temperature of the fire source combustion first increases significantly and then gradually stabilizes. The smaller the inner edge length of a square hollow, the higher the combustion temperature of the fire source, the faster the heating rate, the more obvious the phenomenon of fire convergence, and the more intense the flame combustion. As the inner edge length increases, the influence of flame combustion at the center of the square decreases, and the peak temperature of the flame decreases with a smaller amplitude and tends to concentrate.
Optimization of Emergency Resource Dispatch for Overseas Long-distance Natural Gas Pipeline Leaks
Authors: Li Xinyi , Hu Jinqiu , Dong Shaohua , Li Xingtao , Jiang Lumeng , Yu Shengyang
Published: August 2024

Overseas long-distance natural gas pipelines usually span across multiple regions or even countries, facing more severe environmental conditions and more prone to leakage and other accidents, and the study of the optimization method of emergency resource scheduling for overseas long-distance natural gas pipeline leakage accidents can help to reduce the casualties and property losses. Therefore, this paper establishes an emergency resource scheduling model in line with the emergency disposal mechanism of overseas long-distance natural gas pipeline leakage accidents, takes into account the variability of the operating ability of maintenance personnel, and improves the accuracy of the scheduling program to a certain extent, and also considers the actual environment of overseas long-distance natural gas pipelines, takes into account the impact of landslides on the emergency scheduling time, and calculates the probability of landslides occurring in the landslide point by using the interpolated value of rainfall The rainfall interpolation is used to calculate the probability of landslide at the landslide point, and the emergency dispatching time is corrected to make the dispatching program more in line with the actual demand. The analysis of the results shows that the emergency resource scheduling time is dominant in the case of small amount of maintenance and repair work and short total maintenance and repair time.
Screening and identification of petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacteria in groundwater of contaminated site
Authors: Du Xiaorui , Li Haiming , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Cuixia
Published: August 2024

In order to effectively repair groundwater pollution and remove petroleum hydrocarbons, two petroleum hydrocarbon degrading bacteria SYT-1 and SYT-2 were isolated from long-term petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated groundwater. The rescreening experiments showed that the degradation rates of SYT-1 and SYT-2 were 65.16 % and 52.52 %, respectively. SYT-1 and SYT-2 were identified as Moraxella and Acinetobacter. The degrading bacteria SYT-1 and SYT-2 were identified as Moxa and Acinetobacter by physiological and biochemical characteristics and 16S rDNA sequencing. The experimental results provide strain resources and technical support for bioremediation of petroleum pollution in groundwater.
Research on Ecological Management Strategies for Urban River Water Environment
Authors: Du Liqin
Published: August 2024

The ecological management of urban river water environments holds significant importance for sustaining city development and safeguarding ecological balance. Human activities have led to severe pollution in urban rivers, diminishing their self-healing capacity and disrupting their essential functions. This article highlights the significance of ecological management, principles guiding such management, challenges posed by water shortage and pollution in urban rivers, and strategies to address these issues. Respect for nature, restoration of ecosystem functions, and comprehensive governance emerge as key principles for effective ecological management. Water scarcity and pollution issues are explored, including the impact of urbanization and industrialization on water quality. The article suggests strategies such as thoughtful channel design, sewage recycling projects, and scientifically managed revetment works to restore and maintain healthy urban river ecosystems.
Research on Online Flocculation Purification Method for The Centralized liquid supply and chip removal system
Authors: Xu Qiang , Yuan Shihua , Guo Ruihua , Dai Bin , Zhang Weiwei , Dai Liangqiang , Wang Yu
Published: August 2024

This work analysed the principle of flocculation purification method and the flocculation purification effect of fully synthesized water-based cutting fluid under experimental conditions, and the anti-corrosion performance of the purified cutting fluid was studied. Then, the engineering application of flocculation purification method in the centralized liquid supply system was carried out to form a flocculation purification method suitable for the Centralized liquid supply and chip removal system of fully synthesized water-based cutting fluid. This work can provide an effective evolutionary method for the fully synthetic water-based chip cutting fluid of the centralized liquid supply system.
Research on the impact of ecological literature on the environment and society—taking Chinese ecological literature as an example
Authors: Chen Yuxi
Published: August 2024

China’s rapid economic development is accompanied by severe environmental problems. Chinese government has taken some measures to improve environmental conditions and protect diverse ecosystems, but these problems still exist. Science and technology are the main measures to improve the ecological environment, but the impact of ecological literature on the environment cannot be underestimated. As a medium for expressing opinions and emotions, ecological literature has become an important way to reflect the social environment, which has attracted widespread attention from ecological and environmental scholars and social people. Therefore, this article aims to explore the power of ecological narratives in ecological literary works and how this narrative affects people’s awareness and social behavior of ecological and environmental. Taking China as an example, this article analyzes the ecological narrative elements, the influence of readers, the influence of social public opinion, and the influence of the Chinese government’s environmental policies in many ecological literary works in China. Finally, it was discovered that ecological literature, as a literary form, shows the power to transcend time and space, profoundly affects the environmental awareness of contemporary society, and lays a solid foundation for the improvement of the ecological environment.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Preservation versus Posterior Cruciate Ligament Sacrifice: Comparing Patient Outcomes in Medial Congruent Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Guild George N. , McConnell Mary J. , Najafi Farideh , Naylor Brandon H. , DeCook Charles A. , Bradbury Thomas L.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to compare outcomes and complication rates between posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retention and excision utilizing a medial congruent (MC) polyethylene insert in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a specialized ambulatory surgery center (ASC) dedicated to hip and knee arthroplasty. A retrospective review was performed between May 2023 and October 2023 analyzing 398 patients who underwent primary MC TKA by high-volume joint arthroplasty surgeons (n = 9) with either PCL preservation (n = 264) or sacrifice (n = 134) in a single free-standing ASC. Patients were matched chronologically on a 2:1 basis. Demographics, baseline function, 90-day complications, and patient-reported outcomes were recorded for each patient. There were no differences in preoperative baseline function or patient-reported outcome measures, Charlson Comorbidity Index, or American Society of Anesthesiologists class among patient groups. The PCL-preserve and PCL-sacrifice cohorts showed significant variation in 12-week postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome, Junior (KOOS, JR.) scores. Specifically, the number of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in KOOS, JR. scores was higher in the PCL-sacrifice group (p < 0.05). Yet, no complications within the 90-day period were associated with PCL status and other patient-reported outcomes. This study comparing outcomes between MC TKAs with PCL retention and sacrifice suggests that both techniques are viable options with similar functional outcomes, pain scores, and complication rates, which may have benefits in an ASC setting. The PCL-sacrifice group exhibited a statistically significant increase in patients who achieved the MCID in KOOS, JR. score compared with the PCL-preserving at early follow-up. Future research should employ prospective, randomized designs to further validate these findings and explore long-term implications.
Clinical Profile, Toxicities, and Survival Outcome of MCP841 in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Current Era: A Retrospective Study from Eastern India
Authors: Banerjee Swarnabindu , Saha Sanjukta , Raychaudhuri Dibyendu , Sarkar Mihir , Datta Kalpana
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The overall survival in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) ranges from 45 to 81% in India. Aggressive chemotherapy protocols like MCP841 have improved the outcome and it can be delivered with minimal supportive care. This study retrospectively analyses the clinical profile and overall survival of patients treated by this protocol.

Objective: This single-center study aims to estimate the event-free survival of patients treated accordingly to the MCP841 protocol with high-dose cytarabine (HDAC) at 2 g/m2 as the backbone, along with the risk-stratified incidence and cause of mortality in childhood ALL.

Material and Methods: Records of 156 patients aged 1 to 19 years, newly diagnosed with ALL from June 2009 to August 2013 who were treated according to the forementioned protocol were analyzed. Risk stratification for both precursor B-cell ALL (B-ALL) and T-cell ALL (T-ALL) was done, followed by an analysis of the correlation of risk-stratified groups with mortality and survival outcomes.

Result: Precursor B-ALL was found in 70% patients (including 69.7% [n = 76] standard risk, 20.1% [n = 22] intermediate risk, and 10% [n = 11] high risk), while 30% had T-ALL (including 74.4% [n = 35] standard risk and 25.5% [n = 12] high risk). Death during induction occurred in 0.04% (n = 5) precursor B-ALL and 23% (n = 11) T-ALL patients. The causes were infection in 62.5%, hemorrhage in 25%, and cortical venous thrombosis in 12.5%. Among those who attained remission (89.7%, n =140), relapse occurred in 26% (n = 27) precursor B-ALL and 28% (n = 10) T-ALL patients. Approximately 31% patients died in the postinduction phase, with progressive disease due to relapse being the most common cause and bone marrow the most common site. Event-free survival at 168 months for overall population, precursor B-ALL, and T-ALL was 59, 62.4, and 51.1%, respectively.

Conclusion: A comparable survival outcome in par with similar centers in developing countries with the MCP841 protocol was found. Infections are a major cause of mortality during treatment, especially when associated with malnourishment. Relapsed disease and poor salvage rates remain a major hurdle to achieving better survival in developing countries; however, better supportive care and infection control measures along with implementing risk-stratified high-dose chemotherapy protocols might improve outcome in the future.
Populist autocratization and populist electoral autocracies: towards a unified conceptual framework
Authors: Benedek István
Published: August 2024

Although the research subjects of populism and autocratization studies are interconnected, the full potential of combining their focuses—the dynamic elements of political systems and institutional dimensions—into a comprehensive and systematic conceptual framework remains underexploited. This study makes a stride in this direction by reviewing and connecting these areas through the concepts of populist autocratization and populist electoral autocracies. These concepts aim to deepen our understanding of the nature of contemporary autocratization and the stability of autocracies. While the study is primarily theoretical-conceptual in nature, it also engages with methodological and operationalization considerations, and outlines a brief research agenda to demonstrate the empirical applicability of the analytical framework and lays the foundation for future research.
Size matters: measuring the private security industry in the United Kingdom
Authors: Pazzona Matteo , White Adam
Published: August 2024

The private security industry has become a central feature of the plural policing landscape in the United Kingdom. As such, it has received considerable attention in both academic and policy circles. Yet, perhaps surprisingly, there remain notable question marks over its precise size and shape. With this in mind, the article draws upon data from the Security Industry Authority and the Office of National Statistics Business Register and Employment Survey to measure the sector along three key dimensions: the number of private security officers, the number of companies and turnover. This novel methodological approach reveals a complex and contested picture of what the sector looks like at a fundamental level and, at the same time, allows for a reassessment of commonly deployed indicators such as growth rates and the ratio of private security officers to police officers during key time periods such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Carbon-based electronics boast wide-ranging applications as implantable bioelectronics
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: August 2024

As sensors, stimulators, drug-delivery mechanisms, and more, carbon-based electronics have favorable biocompatibility, electrical, and mechanical properties for implantable devices.
Emulating Ebbinghaus forgetting behavior in a neuromorphic device based on low dimensional h-BN
Authors: Sunny Ashly , Thamankar R.
Published: August 2024

Artificial synaptic devices that can mimic the biological synaptic functions of learning and forgetting are essential for the realization of neuromorphic computation, which could replace the von Neumann architecture. In this Letter, we have described a high-performing ultraviolet photodetector (wavelength 375 nm) using thin films of single-layer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) for potential use in fabricating a neuromorphic device. Furthermore, the classical Ebbinghaus forgetting curve can be optimized using various parameters such as the optical pulse width, number of pulses, and frequency of pulses. Our results show that the characteristic time constant (τ) has much more variability, indicating better performance control than the Ebbinghaus exponent (β). Furthermore, the performance of the optical synapse is very stable for low energy consumption, as low as 2–3 pJ.
Optimizing etching depth for ultra-high brightness green micro-LED display development
Authors: Gao Shuxiong , Lu Chaoyu , Guo Dechao , Zhang Yumin , Gao Sibo , Zhang Jie , Deng Feng , Meng Zeyang , Chen Xuemei , Hu Songwen , Zhou Yunhong , Yang Wenyun , Wang Guanghua
Published: August 2024

In recent years, micro-light-emitting diode (micro-LED) displays have attracted much attention due to their high brightness, low power consumption, long lifetime, and fast response. It is considered to have the potential to revolutionize the development direction of next-generation visual display technology. However, the development of micro-LED displays faces numerous issues, primarily due to etching processes for pixel array manufacturing, which cause sidewall damage and decreased photoelectric efficiency. Specifically, these issues are particularly serious when preparing small-sized high-resolution displays. In this work, we effectively overcame the above-mentioned problems by only etching the electron barrier during the preparation process of pixel arrays. The prepared micro-LED display exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties, with the highest brightness and current efficiency reaching 1.66 × 106 nits and 104 cd/A, respectively. The method provides a feasible idea for preparing high-performance micro-LED displays.
Re-investigation on effect of equivalent diameter of the conical nozzle on cluster size
Authors: Yang Yang , Zuo Zebin , Chen Guanglong , Cao Yunjiu
Published: August 2024

Based on the Hagena scaling law, the cluster size in a gas jet is dependent on the equivalent diameter of a conical nozzle. In this work, the effect of the equivalent diameter deq of a conical nozzle on cluster size is separated into the individual effects of the throat diameter d and the half-opening angle α by comparing the Rayleigh scattering signals from gas jets. Nine types of conical nozzles with three different throat diameters (0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm) and three different half-opening angles (8.5°, 14.0°, and 24.2°) are used to produce argon gas jets at gas backing pressures from 10 up to 80 bar. The experimental results show that the effect of the throat diameter d is almost the same as that expected by the scaling law. However, the scaling law overestimates the effect of the half-opening angle α. The result is helpful for the precise characterization of cluster size and further understanding the interaction between intense laser and gas clusters.