bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Market-Oriented Environmental Regulation Impacts the Bamboo Industry in China
Authors: Gao Ting , Chen Changming , Zhu Zhen
Published: February 2024

In recent years, stricter environmental rules have affected the entire bamboo industry in China. The increased costs for managing environmental issues hinder the growth of the bamboo forest harvesting and transportation sector in the upstream part of the industry chain. Analyzing how environmental changes affect the entire bamboo industry can give a deeper understanding of the regional transfer within the bamboo industry in China, and it can give more experience to the bamboo industry in developing countries. This study, based on the Pollution Haven Hypothesis and the theory of externalities, collected panel data from 16 provinces in China from 2000 to 2020 and examined the discrepancies in bamboo industry development and the varying intensities of market-oriented environmental regulation (MER). By constructing a fixed effects model and employing econometric methods, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal impact of MER on the output value of the bamboo harvesting and transportation industry (BHTI) and explored whether MER is a crucial factor causing the transfer of the bamboo industry across regions. The findings indicate that there is a noticeable shift of BHTI from the eastern to the central and western regions. Additionally, there is a substantial adverse effect of MER on the BHTI output value, especially in the eastern region. This confirms the transfer of industries between regions, which is a novel contribution of this article. Based on the findings of this study, some recommendations have been given for the response to the environmental regulation for bamboo industries in the future.
The Hard Reality of Biogas Production through the Anaerobic Digestion of Algae Grown in Dairy Farm Effluents
Authors: Hull-Cantillo Marianne , Lay Mark , Glasgow Graeme , Kovalsky Peter
Published: February 2024

Much emphasis has been given to algal biomass growth in dairy farm wastewater. Most of the systems examined require productive land to be converted and/or freshwater use to dilute high concentrations of nutrients found in dairy effluent. A rotating algal biofilm (RABR) provides the capacity to grow algae without sacrificing productive land or freshwater. In theory, this system would overcome some of the economic and environmental challenges that other systems have. A combination of theoretical information, nutrient uptake formulas, and economic formulas were used to calculate the potential of biogas production from algae grown in an RABR with dairy effluents. The average nutrient uptake was 0.8 mgN/m2 per day and 0.1 mgP/m2 per day. The maximum methane production from the anaerobic digestion of algae was 112 m3/RABR·year. The minimum and maximum economic scenarios resulted in gross profits of NZD −2101 and −1922. After evaluating this system for the first time in the New Zealand dairy farming context, it was found that biogas production from an RABR is not a feasible option for New Zealand dairy farmers.
Timescales Associated with the Evolution of Reactive Scalar Gradient in Premixed Turbulent Combustion: A Direct Numerical Simulation Analysis
Authors: Chakraborty Nilanjan , Dopazo Cesar
Published: February 2024

The fractional change in the reaction progress variable gradient depends on the flow normal straining within the flame and also upon the corresponding normal gradients of the reaction rate and its molecular diffusion transport. The statistical behaviours of the normal strain rate and the contributions arising from the normal gradients of the reaction rate and molecular diffusion rate within the flame were analysed by means of a Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) database of statistically planar turbulent premixed flames ranging from the wrinkled/corrugated flamelets regime to the thin reaction zones regime. The interaction of flame-normal straining with the flame-normal gradient of molecular diffusion rate was found to govern the reactive scalar gradient transport in the preheat zone, where comparable timescales for turbulent straining and molecular diffusion are obtained for small values of Karlovitz numbers. However, the molecular diffusion timescale turns out to be smaller than the turbulent straining timescale for high values of Karlovitz numbers. By contrast, the reaction and hot product zones of the flame remain mostly unaffected by turbulence, and the reactive scalar gradient transport in this zone is determined by the interaction between the flame-normal gradients of molecular diffusion and chemical reaction rates.
Transient Dynamics of a Fractional Fisher Equation
Authors: Gabrick Enrique C. , Protachevicz Paulo R. , Souza Diogo L. M. , Trobia José , Sayari Elaheh , Borges Fernando S. , Lenzi Marcelo K. , Caldas Iberê L. , Batista Antonio M. , Lenzi Ervin K.
Published: February 2024

We investigate the transient dynamics of the Fisher equation under nonlinear diffusion and fractional operators. Firstly, we investigate the effects of the nonlinear diffusivity parameter in the integer-order Fisher equation, by considering a Gaussian distribution as the initial condition. Measuring the spread of the Gaussian distribution by u(0,t)−2, our results show that the solution reaches a steady state governed by the parameters present in the logistic function in Fisher’s equation. The initial transient is an anomalous diffusion process, but a power law cannot describe the whole transient. In this sense, the main novelty of this work is to show that a q-exponential function gives a better description of the transient dynamics. In addition to this result, we extend the Fisher equation via non-integer operators. As a fractional definition, we employ the Caputo fractional derivative and use a discretized system for the numerical approach according to finite difference schemes. We consider the numerical solutions in three scenarios: fractional differential operators acting in time, space, and in both variables. Our results show that the time to reach the steady solution strongly depends on the fractional order of the differential operator, with more influence by the time operator. Our main finding shows that a generalized q-exponential, present in the Tsallis formalism, describes the transient dynamics. The adjustment parameters of the q-exponential depend on the fractional order, connecting the generalized thermostatistics with the anomalous relaxation promoted by the fractional operators in time and space.
Adaptive-Coefficient Finite Difference Frequency Domain Method for Solving Time-Fractional Cattaneo Equation with Absorbing Boundary Condition
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Ba Jing , Cao Jianxiong , Luo Cong
Published: February 2024

The time-fractional Cattaneo (TFC) equation is a practical tool for simulating anomalous dynamics in physical diffusive processes. The existing numerical solutions to the TFC equation generally deal with the Dirichlet boundary conditions. In this paper, we incorporate the absorbing boundary condition as a complex-frequency-shifted (CFS) perfectly matched layer (PML) into the TFC equation. Then, we develop an adaptive-coefficient (AC) finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) method for solving the TFC with CFS PML. The corresponding analytical solution for homogeneous TFC equation with a point source is proposed for validation. The effectiveness of the developed AC FDFD method is verified by the numerical examples of four typical TFC models, including the different orders of time-fractional derivatives for both the homogeneous model and the layered model. The numerical examples show that the developed AC FDFD method is more accurate than the traditional second-order FDFD method for solving the TFC equation with the CFS PML absorbing boundary condition, while requiring similar computational costs.
Dynamic Vertical Foreclosure with Learning-by-Doing Production Technologies
Authors: Kourandi Frago , Vettas Nikolaos
Published: February 2024

Here, we study vertical foreclosure in a dynamic setup with learning-by-doing production technologies. There is a downstream monopoly and an upstream duopoly, where manufacturers produce differentiated products and can gain proficiency through the accumulation of their production. We study the dynamic interactions in the vertical chain when the monopolist sets the prices; we find that customer foreclosure may arise in equilibrium when the products are close substitutes and be welfare-enhancing. The rate of learning is lower than the social optimal and a social planner would tend to impose exclusivity more often compared to the downstream monopolist.
Influence of Lowering the pH Value on the Generation of Fibrous Structures of Protein Gels with Different Network Types
Authors: Ellwanger Felix , Fuhrmann Melanie , Karbstein Heike P. , Saavedra Isusi Gabriela Itziar
Published: February 2024

High-moisture extrusion of plant proteins to create meat-like structures is a process that has met with increasing attention in the recent past. In the process, the proteins are thermomechanically stressed in the screw section of the extruder, and the resulting protein gel is structured in the attached cooling die. Various protein sources, notably soy protein isolate (SPI) and wheat gluten, are used to form gels with different networks: SPI creates a physical, non-covalent network, while gluten forms a chemical, covalent one. The food industry frequently adds weak acids to modify taste and shelf life. However, it is known that a change in pH affects the gelation behavior of proteins because the repulsive forces within and between the proteins change. The research reported here was carried out to investigate for the two proteins mentioned the influence of pH modification by the addition of citric acid and acetic acid on gel formation and the meat-like structures produced. For this purpose, materials and parameters were screened using a closed cavity rheometer, followed by extrusion trials at pH 7.36–4.14 for SPI and pH 5.83–3.37 for gluten. The resulting extrudates were analyzed optically and mechanically, and protein solubility was tested in a reducing buffer. For both protein systems, the addition of acid results in less pronounced meat-like structures. At decreasing pH, the complex viscosity of SPI increases (from 11,970 Pa·s to 40,480 Pa·s at 100 °C), the generated gel becomes stronger (strain decreased from 0.62 to 0.48 at 4.5 × 105 Pa), and the cross-linking density grows. For gluten, a decreasing pH results in altered reaction kinetics, a more deformable resulting gel (strain increased from 0.7 to 0.95 at 4.5 × 105 Pa), and a decreased cross-linking density. Solubility tests show that no additional covalent bonds are formed with SPI. With gluten, however, the polymerization reaction is inhibited, and fewer disulfide bonds are formed.
The Evolution and Complications of Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
Authors: Sargent Christian R. , Ali Sabrina , Kanamarlapudi Venkateswarlu
Published: February 2024

Heart failure, a common clinical syndrome caused by functional and structural abnormalities of the heart, affects 64 million people worldwide. Long-term mechanical circulatory support can offer lifesaving treatment for end-stage systolic heart failure patients. However, this treatment is not without complications. This review covers the major complications associated with implantable mechanical circulatory support devices, including strokes, pump thrombosis and gastrointestinal bleeding. These complications were assessed in patients implanted with the following devices: Novacor, HeartMate XVE, CardioWest, Jarvik 2000, HeartMate II, EVAHEART, Incor, VentrAssist, HVAD and HeartMate 3. Complication rates vary among devices and remain despite the introduction of more advanced technology, highlighting the importance of device design and flow patterns. Beyond clinical implications, the cost of complications was explored, highlighting the difference in costs and the need for equitable healthcare, especially with the expected rise in the use of mechanical circulatory support. Future directions include continued improvement through advancements in design and technology to reduce blood stagnation and mitigate high levels of shear stress. Ultimately, these alterations can reduce complications and enhance cost-effectiveness, enhancing both the survival and quality of life for patients receiving mechanical circulatory support.
Spatial Variability of Grape Berry Maturation Program at the Molecular Level
Authors: Shmuleviz Ron , Amato Alessandra , Previtali Pietro , Green Elizabeth , Sanchez Luis , Alsina Maria Mar , Dokoozlian Nick , Tornielli Giovanni Battista , Fasoli Marianna
Published: February 2024

The application of sensors in viticulture is a fast and efficient method to monitor grapevine vegetative, yield, and quality parameters and determine spatial intra-vineyard variability. Molecular analysis at the gene expression level can further contribute to the understanding of the observed variability by elucidating how pathways contributing to different grape quality traits behave in zones diverging on any of these parameters. The intra-vineyard variability of a Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard was evaluated through a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) map calculated from a multispectral image and detailed ground-truthing (e.g., vegetative, yield, and berry ripening compositional parameters). The relationships between NDVI and ground measurements were explored by correlation analysis. Moreover, berries were investigated by microarray gene expression analysis performed at five time points from fruit set to full ripening. Comparison between the transcriptomes of samples taken from locations with the highest and lowest NDVI values identified 968 differentially expressed genes. Spatial variability maps of the expression level of key berry ripening genes showed consistent patterns aligned with the vineyard vigor map. These insights indicate that berries from different vigor zones present distinct molecular maturation programs and suggest that transcriptome analysis may be a valuable tool for the management of vineyard variability.
Assessment of Water Quality as a Key Component in the Water–Energy–Food Nexus
Authors: Gartsiyanova Kristina , Genchev Stefan , Kitev Atanas
Published: February 2024

The intensive economic activity along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is causing serious changes in the quality of the river water. In view of the topicality of the problem, the main goal of this article is to emphasize the water quality as a necessary key component in the water–energy–food nexus by determining the status of the surface waters of selected Bulgarian Black Sea tributaries from the point of view of their physicochemical characteristics. The research is based on the Water Framework Directive (WFD)—2000/60/EU and the relevant national legislation. In the present study, the Canadian Complex Water Quality Index (CCME, WQI) was applied to determine the quality of river waters. The novelty in the present study is a definite and necessary emphasis on the opinion that the analysis and assessment of water quality should become an integral part of all studies of the water–energy–food nexus.
Improving Adolescent Psychosocial Assessment through Standardized Patient Simulation: An Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Monahan Laura , Eaves Colleen L. , Watson Joshua C. , Friese Jordi , McKenna Lisa , Estrada-Ibarra Erika
Published: February 2024

Adolescent suicide and mental illness have increased at alarming rates. Healthcare professionals report a lack of skill and confidence in obtaining adolescent histories and managing confidential care due to limited training in residency. Nursing professional development practitioners face challenges of adequately preparing interdisciplinary healthcare providers to assess, identify, and intervene at all points of contact with adolescents. To increase the confidence in clinical communication skills and clinical competency, and to increase the number of social work referrals related to modifiable risk factors for adolescent patients, a Texas pediatric tertiary care center utilized standardized patient (SP) methodology to supplement traditional clinical experiences with communication-focused education based on the Home, Education, Eating, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicidality, and Safety (HEEADSSS) interviewing. This quality improvement (QI) pilot demonstrated the benefits of utilizing standardized patient methodology in communication-focused education based on the HEEADSSS interviewing. Following the SP simulations, confidence in clinical communication skills increased by 13%, clinical competency in performing comprehensive psychosocial interviews increased by 11%, use of HEEADSSS increased by 64%, and social work referrals increased by 89%. This interdisciplinary SP interviewing simulation pilot was beneficial in improving the 36 physician and nursing residents’ ability to conduct psychosocial assessments for risk factors of suicidality among adolescents.
HIPTox—Hazard Identification Platform to Assess the Health Impacts from Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollutant Exposures, through Mechanistic Toxicology: A Single-Centre Double-Blind Human Exposure Trial Protocol
Authors: Faherty Thomas , Badri Huda , Hu Dawei , Voliotis Aristeidis , Pope Francis D. , Mudway Ian , Smith Jacky , McFiggans Gordon
Published: February 2024

Over the past decade, our understanding of the impact of air pollution on short- and long-term population health has advanced considerably, focusing on adverse effects on cardiovascular and respiratory systems. There is, however, increasing evidence that air pollution exposures affect cognitive function, particularly in susceptible groups. Our study seeks to assess and hazard rank the cognitive effects of prevalent indoor and outdoor pollutants through a single-centre investigation on the cognitive functioning of healthy human volunteers aged 50 and above with a familial predisposition to dementia. Participants will all undertake five sequential controlled exposures. The sources of the air pollution exposures are wood smoke, diesel exhaust, cleaning products, and cooking emissions, with clean air serving as the control. Pre- and post-exposure spirometry, nasal lavage, blood sampling, and cognitive assessments will be performed. Repeated testing pre and post exposure to controlled levels of pollutants will allow for the identification of acute changes in functioning as well as the detection of peripheral markers of neuroinflammation and neuronal toxicity. This comprehensive approach enables the identification of the most hazardous components in indoor and outdoor air pollutants and further understanding of the pathways contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. The results of this project have the potential to facilitate greater refinement in policy, emphasizing health-relevant pollutants and providing details to aid mitigation against pollutant-associated health risks.
The Báa nnilah Program: Results of a Chronic-Illness Self-Management Cluster Randomized Trial with the Apsáalooke Nation
Authors: Held Suzanne , Feng Du , McCormick Alma , Schure Mark , Other Medicine Lucille , Hallett John , Inouye Jillian , Allen Sarah , Holder Shannon , Bull Shows Brianna , Trottier Coleen , Kyro Alexi , Kropp Samantha , Turns Plenty Nicole
Published: February 2024

Indigenous people in Montana are disproportionately affected by chronic illness (CI), a legacy of settler colonialism. Existing programs addressing CI self-management are not appropriate because they are not consonant with Indigenous cultures in general and the Apsáalooke culture specifically. A research partnership between the Apsáalooke (Crow Nation) non-profit organization Messengers for Health and Montana State University co-developed, implemented, and evaluated a CI self-management program for community members. This article examines qualitative and quantitative program impacts using a pragmatic cluster randomized clinical trial design with intervention and waitlist control arms. The quantitative and qualitative data resulted in different stories on the impact of the Báa nnilah program. Neither of the quantitative hypotheses were supported with one exception. The qualitative data showed substantial positive outcomes across multiple areas. We examine why the data sets led to two very different stories, and provide study strengths and limitations, recommendations, and future directions.
XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb): Penta-Atomic Planar Tetracoordinate Si/Ge/Sn/Pb Clusters with 20 Valence Electrons
Authors: Jin Yan-Xia , Guo Jin-Chang
Published: February 2024

Planar tetracoordinate silicon, germanium, tin, and lead (ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb) species are scarce and exotic. Here, we report a series of penta-atomic ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters with 20 valence electrons (VEs). Ternary XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters possess beautiful fan-shaped structures, with a Bi–B–B–Bi chain surrounding the central X core. The unbiased density functional theory (DFT) searches and high-level CCSD(T) calculations reveal that these ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb species are the global minima on their potential energy surfaces. Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations indicate that XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters are robust. Bonding analyses indicate that 20 VEs are perfect for the ptX XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb): two lone pairs of Bi atoms; one 5c–2e π, and three σ bonds (two Bi–X 2c–2e and one B–X–B 3c–2e bonds) between the ligands and X atom; three 2c–2e σ bonds and one delocalized 4c–2e π bond between the ligands. The ptSi/Ge/Sn/Pb XB2Bi2 (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) clusters possess 2π/2σ double aromaticity, according to the (4n + 2) Hückel rule.
Immune Evasion of Mycoplasma gallisepticum: An Overview
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yongqiang , Zheng Shijun J.
Published: February 2024

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is one of the smallest self-replicating organisms. It causes chronic respiratory disease, leading to significant economic losses in poultry industry. Following M. gallisepticum invasion, the pathogen can persist in the host owing to its immune evasion, resulting in long-term chronic infection. The strategies of immune evasion by mycoplasmas are very complex and recent research has unraveled these sophisticated mechanisms. The antigens of M. gallisepticum exhibit high-frequency changes in size and expression cycle, allowing them to evade the activation of the host humoral immune response. M. gallisepticum can invade non-phagocytic chicken cells and also regulate microRNAs to modulate cell proliferation, inflammation, and apoptosis in tracheal epithelial cells during the disease process. M. gallisepticum has been shown to transiently activate the inflammatory response and then inhibit it by suppressing key inflammatory mediators, avoiding being cleared. The regulation and activation of immune cells are important for host response against mycoplasma infection. However, M. gallisepticum has been shown to interfere with the functions of macrophages and lymphocytes, compromising their defense capabilities. In addition, the pathogen can cause immunological damage to organs by inducing an inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, and oxidative stress, leading to immunosuppression in the host. This review comprehensively summarizes these evasion tactics employed by M. gallisepticum, providing valuable insights into better prevention and control of mycoplasma infection.
Social Network Community Detection to Deal with Gray-Sheep and Cold-Start Problems in Music Recommender Systems
Authors: Sánchez-Moreno Diego , López Batista Vivian F. , Muñoz Vicente María Dolores , Sánchez Lázaro Ángel Luis , Moreno-García María N.
Published: February 2024

Information from social networks is currently being widely used in many application domains, although in the music recommendation area, its use is less common because of the limited availability of social data. However, most streaming platforms allow for establishing relationships between users that can be leveraged to address some drawbacks of recommender systems. In this work, we take advantage of the social network structure to improve recommendations for users with unusual preferences and new users, thus dealing with the gray-sheep and cold-start problems, respectively. Since collaborative filtering methods base the recommendations for a given user on the preferences of his/her most similar users, the scarcity of users with similar tastes to the gray-sheep users and the unawareness of the preferences of the new users usually lead to bad recommendations. These general problems of recommender systems are worsened in the music domain, where the popularity bias drawback is also present. In order to address these problems, we propose a user similarity metric based on the network structure as well as on user ratings. This metric significantly improves the recommendation reliability in those scenarios by capturing both homophily effects in implicit communities of users in the network and user similarity in terms of preferences.
XPS and NEXAFS Characterization of Mg/Zn and Mn Codoped Bismuth Tantalate Pyrochlores
Authors: Zhuk Nadezhda A. , Makeev Boris A. , Koroleva Aleksandra V. , Lebedev Aleksey M. , Petrova Olga V. , Nekipelov Sergey V. , Sivkov Viktor N.
Published: February 2024

Two series of the bismuth tantalate pyrochlore samples, codoped with Mg,Mn and Zn,Mn, were synthesized via solid-phase reaction. It was established that the Bi2Mg(Zn)xMn1−xTa2O9.5−Δ (x = 0.3; 0.5; 0.7) samples contain the main phase of cubic pyrochlore (sp. gr. Fd-3m) and an admixture of triclinic BiTaO4 (sp. gr. P-1). In both sets, the amount of BiTaO4 is proportional to the amount of manganese doping, however, zinc-containing samples have a higher level of impurities than magnesium-containing ones. The unit cell parameter of the Zn,Mn codoped bismuth tantalate phase increases with an increasing content of zinc ions in the samples from 10.4895(5) (x = 0.3) to 10.5325(5) Å (x = 0.7). The unit cell parameter of Mg,Mn codoped bismuth tantalate pyrochlores increases uniformly with an increasing index x(Mg) from 10.4970(8) at x = 0.3 to 10.5248(8) Å at x = 0.7, according to the Vegard rule. The NEXAFS and XPS data showed that the ions were found to have oxidation states of Bi(+3), Ta(+5), Zn(+2) and Mg(+2). In the Ta 4f XPS spectrum of both series of samples, a low energy shift of the absorption band characteristic of tantalum ions with an effective charge of (+5-δ) was observed. The XPS spectra of Bi4f7/2 and Bi4f5/2 also show a shift of bands towards lower energies which is attributed to the presence of some low-charge ions of transition elements in the bismuth position. The NEXAFS spectroscopy data showed that manganese ions in both series of samples have predominantly 2+ and 3+ oxidation states. XPS data indicate that in zinc-containing preparations the proportion of oxidized manganese ions is higher than in magnesium-containing ones.
Structural Health Monitoring of Solid Rocket Motors: From Destructive Testing to Perspectives of Photonic-Based Sensing
Authors: Korompili Georgia , Mußbach Günter , Riziotis Christos
Published: February 2024

In the realm of space exploration, solid rocket motors (SRMs) play a pivotal role due to their reliability and high thrust-to-weight ratio. Serving as boosters in space launch vehicles and employed in military systems, and other critical & emerging applications, SRMs’ structural integrity monitoring, is of paramount importance. Traditional maintenance approaches often prove inefficient, leading to either unnecessary interventions or unexpected failures. Condition-based maintenance (CBM) emerges as a transformative strategy, incorporating advanced sensing technologies and predictive analytics. By continuously monitoring crucial parameters such as temperature, pressure, and strain, CBM enables real-time analysis, ensuring timely intervention upon detecting anomalies, thereby optimizing SRM lifecycle management. This paper critically evaluates conventional SRM health diagnosis methods and explores emerging sensing technologies. Photonic sensors and fiber-optic sensors, in particular, demonstrate exceptional promise. Their enhanced sensitivity and broad measurement range allow precise monitoring of temperature, strain, pressure, and vibration, capturing subtle changes indicative of degradation or potential failures. These sensors enable comprehensive, non-intrusive monitoring of multiple SRM locations simultaneously. Integrated with data analytics, these sensors empower predictive analysis, facilitating SRM behavior prediction and optimal maintenance planning. Ultimately, CBM, bolstered by advanced photonic sensors, promises enhanced operational availability, reduced costs, improved safety, and efficient resource allocation in SRM applications.
Hybrid Treatment and Natural Aging Behavior of Peak-Aged Eutectoid Steel Powder-Reinforced Al 7075 Matrix Composites
Authors: Hegde Ananda , Birur Manjunathaiah Karthik , Sharma Sathyashankara , Mandya Chennegowda Gowrishankar , Anne Gajanan , Sadanand Ramakrishna Vikas
Published: February 2024

The current work focuses on the natural aging phenomenon of a eutectoid steel powder-(0.8 wt.%) reinforced Al-Zn-Mg (Al 7075) alloy, which was subjected to a hybrid heat treatment. The hybrid treatment comprises the aging treatment of a matrix and the conventional treatment of a steel reinforcement in a single stretch on the stir cast composite. This material finds uses in space and transportation applications. The hybrid treatment consists of a conventional heat treatment cycle to obtain pearlite, bainite, and martensite phases in steel powder, followed by an age-hardening treatment for the Al 7075 matrix. This hybrid heat treatment resulted in improvements in the hardness and strength over the conventional aging treatment. The peak-aged hybrid specimens were subjected to natural aging in an open atmosphere for a continuous duration of 25 weeks to study the stability of the properties after peak aging. Tests of the mechanical properties such as the hardness and tensile strength along with microstructure analysis were carried out. During natural aging, the hardness of composites decreases irrespective of the quantity of the reinforcement in the composites and the type of reinforcement phase alteration during hybrid heat treatment. Also, the composites subjected to hybrid heat treatment show better resistance to natural aging compared to the conventionally aged samples. Within the group, the hybrid-treated martensite formed into a composite with 6 wt.% reinforcement showed only a 4% reduction in hardness during natural aging, which is an indication of a decent level of resistance to natural aging.
Enhancing Deep Edge Detection through Normalized Hadamard-Product Fusion
Authors: Hu Gang , Saeli Conner
Published: February 2024

Deep edge detection is challenging, especially with the existing methods, like HED (holistic edge detection). These methods combine multiple feature side outputs (SOs) to create the final edge map, but they neglect diverse edge importance within one output. This creates a problem: to include desired edges, unwanted noise must also be accepted. As a result, the output often has increased noise or thick edges, ignoring important boundaries. To address this, we propose a new approach called the normalized Hadamard-product (NHP) operation-based deep network for edge detection. By multiplying the side outputs from the backbone network, the Hadamard-product operation encourages agreement among features across different scales while suppressing disagreed weak signals. This method produces additional Mutually Agreed Salient Edge (MASE) maps to enrich the hierarchical level of side outputs without adding complexity. Our experiments demonstrate that the NHP operation significantly improves performance, e.g., an ODS score reaching 0.818 on BSDS500, outperforming human performance (0.803), achieving state-of-the-art results in deep edge detection.
Construction of a Cosmid-Based Ultraefficient Genomic Library System for Filamentous Fungi of the Genus Aspergillus
Authors: Kadooka Chihiro , Oka Takuji
Published: February 2024

Filamentous fungi of the genus Aspergillus include producers of industrially important organic acids, enzymes, and secondary metabolites, as well as pathogens of many plants and animals. Novel genes in the Aspergillus genome are potentially crucial for the fermentation and drug industries (e.g., agrochemicals and antifungal drugs). A research approach based on classical genetics is effective for identifying functionally unknown genes. During analyses based on classical genetics, mutations must be identified easily and quickly. Herein, we report the development of a cosmid-based plasmid pTOCK1 and the use of a genomic library of Aspergillus nidulans constructed using pTOCK1. The cosmid-based genomic library was used for convenient auxotrophic mutants (pyroA and pabaB), as well as mutants with abnormal colony morphology (gfsA) and yellow conidia (yA), to obtain library clones complementary to these phenotypes. The complementary strain could be obtained through a single transformation, and the cosmid could be rescued. Thus, our cosmid library system can be used to identify the causative gene in a mutant strain.
Non-Cardiac Amyloidosis Findings Are Not Increased in African American Carriers of TTR V142I with Heart Failure and/or Arrhythmia
Authors: Kaniper Scott , Lynch Dorret , Owens Samuel M. , Ibric Larisa , Vabishchevich Yuliya , Nyantakyi Nana , Chun Fan , Sam Lionel , Fabrizio Carly , Hamad Eman , Gerhard Glenn S.
Published: February 2024

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a progressive systemic disease involving the extracellular deposition of misfolded transthyretin protein. The hereditary subtype is caused by mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. An estimated 2–3% of individuals of African American (AA) ancestry carry the p.Val142Ile (V142I, also referred to as V122I) TTR pathogenic variant. The non-specific clinical nature of ATTR-CM makes it challenging to diagnose clinically, and the high allele frequency of TTR V142I suggests that many patients with hereditary ATTR-CM may not have been tested. An analysis of electronic health record data from over 13,000 AA patients with a diagnostic code for heart disease or arrhythmia who also had additional amyloid-related findings were not diagnosed with amyloidosis at higher rates than those with heart failure or arrhythmia who did not have additional amyloid-related clinical diagnoses. Similarly, after genotyping 666 AA patients with heart failure or arrhythmia, TTR V142I carriers appeared to be clinically indistinguishable based on amyloid-related non-cardiac diagnoses from those who did not carry the allele. No additional TTR gene sequence variants were found in the TTR wildtype V142V patients with heart failure or arrhythmia who had additional amyloid-related diagnoses. Genetic testing for ATTR-CM may be important for timely diagnosis.
A New Equation to Estimate Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Length
Authors: Kim Hosu , Cho Soo-Buem , Park Sung-Eun , Jo Sa-Hong , Lim Sung-Gong , Jeong Yujin , Won Jung-Ho , Yang Won-Jeong , Choi Ho-Cheol , Ahn Jong-Hwa , Nam In-Chul
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement plays an important role in clinical practice. This study aimed to provide an equation for the proper estimation of catheter length in cases of PICC placement without imaging guidance in relation to patient height, weight, sex, and age. Materials and Methods: For 1137 PICC placement cases in both arm veins of 954 patients at a single center, the elbow crease to the cavoatrial junction length (ECL) was calculated as follows: ECL = (PICC length) + (distance from the elbow crease to the puncture site). We analyzed the relationship between ECL and patient characteristics and suggested a new equation for ECL based on height, weight, sex, and age. Results: The average ECL was 48.0 ± 2.4 cm in the right side and 51.0 ± 3.0 cm in the left side. ECL in the right arm was significantly correlated with patient height, sex, and age, whereas the ECL in the left arm was additionally significantly correlated with patient weight. The ECL (cm) prediction model was as follows: right ECL = 26.32 + 1.33 × (female = 1, male = 2) − 0.02 × age (years) + 0.13 × height (cm); left ECL = 22.09 + 1.28 × (female = 1, male = 2) + 0.02 × age (years) + 0.14 × height (cm) + 0.042 × weight (kg). Conclusions: The appropriate PICC length was predicted based on the patient’s height, weight, sex, and age. The equations in our study can help predict the optimal catheter length and can be automatically calculated using computerized patient information for bedside procedures in PICC.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Performance of Metabolic Signatures in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: The Clinical Application of Quantitative NextGen Mass Spectrometry
Authors: D’Amora Paulo , Silva Ismael D. C. G. , Evans Steven S. , Nagourney Adam J. , Kirby Katharine A. , Herrmann Brett , Cavalheiro Daniela , Francisco Federico R. , Bernard Paula J. , Nagourney Robert A.
Published: February 2024

With 64,050 new diagnoses and 50,550 deaths in the US in 2023, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most lethal of all human malignancies. Early detection and improved prognostication remain critical unmet needs. We applied next-generation metabolomics, using quantitative tandem mass spectrometry on plasma, to develop biochemical signatures that identify PDAC. We first compared plasma from 10 PDAC patients to 169 samples from healthy controls. Using metabolomic algorithms and machine learning, we identified ratios that incorporate amino acids, biogenic amines, lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines and acylcarnitines that distinguished PDAC from normal controls. A confirmatory analysis then applied the algorithms to 30 PDACs compared with 60 age- and sex-matched controls. Metabolic signatures were then analyzed to compare survival, measured in months, from date of diagnosis to date of death that identified metabolite ratios that stratified PDACs into distinct survival groups. The results suggest that metabolic signatures could provide PDAC diagnoses earlier than tumor markers or radiographic measures and offer insights into disease severity that could allow more judicious use of therapy by stratifying patients into metabolic-risk subgroups.
Long-Travel 3-PRR Parallel Platform Based on Biomimetic Variable-Diameter Helical Flexible Hinges
Authors: Dong Hao , Liu Pengbo , Lu Shuaishuai , Yan Peng , Sun Qiyuan
Published: February 2024

Technological advancements across various sectors are driving a growing demand for large-scale three-degree-of-freedom micro–nano positioning platforms, with substantial pressure to reduce footprints while enhancing motion range and accuracy. This study proposes a three-prismatic-revolute-revolute (3-PRR) parallel mechanism based on biomimetic variable-diameter helical flexible hinges. The resulting platform achieves high-precision planar motion along the X- and Y-axes, a centimeter-level translation range, and a rotational range of 35° around the Z-axis by integrating six variable-diameter flexible helical hinges that serve as rotational joints when actuated by three miniature linear servo drives. The drives are directly connected to the moving platform, thereby enhancing the compactness of the system. A kinematic model of the motion platform was established, and the accuracy and effectiveness of the forward and inverse kinematic solutions were validated using finite element analysis. Finally, a prototype of the 3-PRR parallel platform was fabricated, and its kinematic performance was experimentally verified visually for improved endpoint displacement detection. The assessment results revealed a maximum displacement error of 9.5% and confirmed that, judging by its favorable workspace-to-footprint ratio, the final system is significantly more compact than those reported in the literature.
Design of 2.45 GHz High-Efficiency Rectifying Circuit for Wireless RF Energy Collection System
Authors: Huang Yanhu , Liang Jiajun , Wu Zhao , Chen Qian
Published: February 2024

A 2.45 GHz high-efficiency rectifying circuit for a wireless radiofrequency (RF) energy collection system is proposed. The RF energy collection system is composed of a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, a rectifying circuit and a load. The designed receiving antenna is a kind of dual-polarised cross-dipole antenna; its bandwidth is 2.3–2.5 GHz and gain is 7.97 dBi. The proposed rectifying circuit adopts the technology of an output matching network, which can suppress the high-harmonic components. When the input power at 2.45 GHz is 13 dBm and the load is 2 kΩ, the highest conversion efficiency of RF-DC is 74.8%, and the corresponding maximum DC output voltage is 4.92 V. The experiment results are in good agreement with the simulation results, which shows a good application prospect.
Electrokinetic Manipulation of Biological Cells towards Biotechnology Applications
Authors: Yan Songyuan , Rajestari Zarya , Morse Timothy Clifford , Li Harbour , Kulinsky Lawrence
Published: February 2024

The presented study demonstrates the capability of the template-based electrokinetic assembly (TEA) and guidance to manipulate and capture individual biological cells within a microfluidic platform. Specifically, dielectrophoretic (DEP) focusing of K-562 cells towards lithographically-defined “wells” on the microelectrodes and positioning singles cells withing these “wells” was demonstrated. K-562 lymphoblast cells, are widely used in immunology research. The DEP guidance, particularly involving positive DEP (pDEP), enables the controlled guidance and positioning of conductive and dielectric particles, including biological cells, opening new directions for the accurate and efficient microassembly of biological entities, which is crucial for single cell analysis and other applications in biotechnology. The investigation explores the use of glassy carbon and gold as electrode materials. It was established previously that undiluted physiological buffer is unsuitable for inducing positive DEP (pDEP); therefore, the change of media into a lower ionic concentration is necessary. After pDEP was observed, the cells are resubmerged in the Iscove’s modified Dulbecco’s medium (IMEM), a cell culturing media, and incubated. A dead/alive staining assay was performed on the cells to determine their survival in the diluted buffer for the period required to capture them. The staining assay confirmed the cells’ survival after being immersed in the diluted biological buffer necessary for electrokinetic handling. The results indicate the promise of the proposed electrokinetic bio-sorting technology for applications in tissue engineering, lab-on-a-chip devices, and organ-on-a-chip models, as well as contributing to the advancement of single cell analysis.
Progress in Electronic, Energy, Biomedical and Environmental Applications of Boron Nitride and MoS2 Nanostructures
Authors: Uddin Join , Dubey Raksha , Balasubramaniam Vinaayak Sivam , Kabel Jeff , Khare Vedika , Salimi Zohreh , Sharma Sambhawana , Zhang Dongyan , Yap Yoke Khin
Published: February 2024

In this review, we examine recent progress using boron nitride (BN) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanostructures for electronic, energy, biomedical, and environmental applications. The scope of coverage includes zero-, one-, and two-dimensional nanostructures such as BN nanosheets, BN nanotubes, BN quantum dots, MoS2 nanosheets, and MoS2 quantum dots. These materials have sizable bandgaps, differentiating them from other metallic nanostructures or small-bandgap materials. We observed two interesting trends: (1) an increase in applications that use heterogeneous materials by combining BN and MoS2 nanostructures with other nanomaterials, and (2) strong research interest in environmental applications. Last, we encourage researchers to study how to remove nanomaterials from air, soil, and water contaminated with nanomaterials. As nanotechnology proceeds into various applications, environmental contamination is inevitable and must be addressed. Otherwise, nanomaterials will go into our food chain much like microplastics.
The Ordovician Arc–Basin System in the Northern Great Xing’an Range (Northeast China): Constraints from Provenance Analysis of the Luohe Formation
Authors: Li Liyang , Zhang Chuanheng , Feng Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

The Northeast China Block is a major component of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, and its tectonic evolution has attracted much research attention. Ordovician strata are important in reconstructing the tectonic evolution of the Northeast China Block. This paper presents the results of sedimentological, zircon U–Pb, and geochemical analyses of sandstones of the Luohe Formation in the Wunuer area, Northern Great Xing’an Range, Northeast China. Lithological data, sedimentary structures, and grain-size analysis indicate that the Luohe Formation was deposited in a shallow marine environment. Detrital zircon U–Pb dating yields age peaks of 463, 504, 783, 826, 973, and 1882 Ma for sandstones from the Luohe Formation. The youngest zircon grain age of 451 ± 6 Ma represents the maximum depositional age of the Luohe Formation. The peak age at 463 Ma is consistent with the timing of post-collisional magmatism and the formation of the Duobaoshan island arc, while the peak at 504 Ma is consistent with the timing of magmatic activity related to the collision between the Erguna and Xing’an blocks. The peaks at 788, 826, 973, and 1882 Ma correspond to magmatism in the Erguna block, these ages indicate that the sandstones of the Luohe Formation were derived mainly from the Erguna block. Sandstone modal compositional analysis indicates that the provenance of the Luohe Formation was mainly a magmatic arc. The geochemical compositions of the sandstones suggest that the source rocks have continental island arc signatures. Based on the depositional age, sedimentary environment, provenance, and regional geology, it is concluded that the Luohe Formation was deposited in a back-arc basin setting during the formation of the Duobaoshan island arc–basin system in response to subduction of the Paleo-Asian oceanic plate.
Experimental Hydrothermal Alteration of Rhyolite and Andesite at 325 °C and 300 Bar: Implications for a Potential Role of Volcanic Glass in the Fluid Composition in the Okinawa Trough
Authors: Saitoh Masafumi , Shibuya Takazo , Saito Takuya , Torimoto Junji , Ueda Hisahiro , Sato Tomoki , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: February 2024

The experimental study of water–rock reactions under high-temperature and -pressure conditions is a useful approach to constrain controlling factors of the fluid composition in a natural hydrothermal system. Previous studies have focused mainly on the mid-ocean ridge fields, and the hydrothermal alteration of intermediate-to-felsic rocks has been less emphasized despite its potential importance in the fluid chemistry in an arc/back-arc basin setting. We examined the alteration processes of fresh rhyolite and andesite rocks collected from the middle and southern Okinawa Trough, respectively, at 325 °C and 300 bar (the estimated condition at the reaction zone in the fields), especially focusing on the behavior of silica between the solid and liquid phases. The experimental fluids are characterized by the high Si concentration up to 30 mM, indicating the substantial dissolution of volcanic glass in the analyzed rocks. The high Si concentration in the fluids was presumably buffered by amorphous silica, precipitated from the fluids as a precursor of hydrothermal quartz, during the experiments. Our results emphasize a previously overlooked role of volcanic glass/amorphous silica in the fluid composition in the Okinawa Trough and are consistent with the previous model of pumice replacement mineralization for the SMS deposit formation in the trough.