bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug delivery by sonosensitive liposome and microbubble with acoustic-lens attached ultrasound: an in vivo feasibility study in a murine melanoma model
Authors: Park Jun Hong , Lee Byung Chul , Seo Young Chan , Kim Jung Hoon , Kim Da Jung , Lee Hak Jong , Moon Hyungwon , Lee Seunghyun
Published: September 2023

Conventional chemotherapy methods have adverse off-target effects and low therapeutic efficiencies of drug release in target tumors. In this study, we proposed a combination therapy of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded ultrasound (US)-sensitive liposomal nanocarriers (IMP301), microbubbles (MBs) under focused US exposure using convex acoustic lens-attached US (LENS) to tumor treatment. The therapeutic effects of each treatment in a murine melanoma model were evaluated using contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging, bioluminescence and confocal microscopy imaging, and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) analysis. Tumor-bearing mice were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (1) G1: IMP301 only (n = 9); (2) G2: IMP301 + LENS (n = 9); (3) G3: IMP301 + MB + LENS (n = 9); (4) G4: DOXIL only (n = 9); and (5) G5: IMP301 without DOXIL group as a control group (n = 4). Ten days after tumor injection, tumor-bearing mice were treated according to each treatment strategy on 10th, 12th, and 14th days from the day of tumor injection. The CEUS images of the tumors in the murine melanoma model clearly showed increased echo signal intensity from MBs as resonant US scattering. The relative tumor volume of the G2 and G3 groups on the micro-CT imaging showed inhibited tumor growth than the reference baseline of the G5 group. DOX signals on bioluminescence and confocal microscopy imaging were mainly located at the tumor sites. LC/MS showed prominently higher intratumoral DOX concentration in the G3 group than in other treated groups. Therefore, this study effectively demonstrates the feasibility of the synergistic combination of IMP301, MBs, and LENS-application for tumor-targeted treatment. Thus, this study can enable efficient tumor-targeted treatment by combining therapy such as IMP301 + MBs + LENS-application.
Evolutionary neural architecture search combining multi-branch ConvNet and improved transformer
Authors: Xu Yang , Ma Yongjie
Published: September 2023

Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have achieved promising performance in the field of deep learning, but the manual design turns out to be very difficult due to the increasingly complex topologies of CNNs. Recently, neural architecture search (NAS) methods have been proposed to automatically design network architectures, which are superior to handcrafted counterparts. Unfortunately, most current NAS methods suffer from either highly computational complexity of generated architectures or limitations in the flexibility of architecture design. To address above issues, this article proposes an evolutionary neural architecture search (ENAS) method based on improved Transformer and multi-branch ConvNet. The multi-branch block enriches the feature space and enhances the representational capacity of a network by combining paths with different complexities. Since convolution is inherently a local operation, a simple yet powerful “batch-free normalization Transformer Block” (BFNTBlock) is proposed to leverage both local information and long-range feature dependencies. In particular, the design of batch-free normalization (BFN) and batch normalization (BN) mixed in the BFNTBlock blocks the accumulation of estimation shift ascribe to the stack of BN, which has favorable effects for performance improvement. The proposed method achieves remarkable accuracies, 97.24 $$\%$$
%
and 80.06 $$\%$$
%
on CIFAR10 and CIFAR100, respectively, with high computational efficiency, i.e. only 1.46 and 1.53 GPU days. To validate the universality of our method in application scenarios, the proposed algorithm is verified on two real-world applications, including the GTSRB and NEU-CLS dataset, and achieves a better performance than common methods.
Estimation of cardiorespiratory fitness using heart rate and step count data
Authors: Neshitov Alexander , Tyapochkin Konstantin , Kovaleva Marina , Dreneva Anna , Surkova Ekaterina , Smorodnikova Evgeniya , Pravdin Pavel
Published: September 2023

Predicting cardiorespiratory fitness levels can be useful for measuring progress in an exercise program as well as for stratifying cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic adults. This study proposes a model to predict fitness level in terms of maximal oxygen uptake using anthropometric, heart rate, and step count data. The model was trained on a diverse cohort of 3115 healthy subjects (1035 women and 2080 men) aged 42 ± 10.6 years and tested on a cohort of 779 healthy subjects (260 women and 519 men) aged 42 ± 10.18 years. The developed model is capable of making accurate and reliable predictions with the average test set error of 3.946 ml/kg/min. The maximal oxygen uptake labels were obtained using wearable devices (Apple Watch and Garmin) during recorded workout sessions. Additionally, the model was validated on a sample of 10 subjects with maximal oxygen uptake determined directly using a treadmill protocol in a laboratory setting and showed an error of 4.982 ml/kg/min. Unlike most other models, which use accelerometer readings as additional input data, the proposed model relies solely on heart rate and step counts—data readily available on the majority of fitness trackers. The proposed model provides a point estimation and a probabilistic prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness level, thus it can estimate the prediction’s uncertainty and construct confidence intervals.
Comparing zero-profile and conventional cage and plate in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using finite-element modeling
Authors: Ahn Chang-Hwan , Kang Sungwook , Cho Mingoo , Kim Seong-Hun , Kim Chi Heon , Han Inbo , Kim Chul-Hyun , Noh Sung Hyun , Kim Kyoung-Tae , Hwang Jong-Moon
Published: September 2023

Conventional cage and plate (CCP) implants usually used in ACDF surgery, do have limitations such as the development of postoperative dysphagia, adjacent segment degeneration, and soft tissue injury. To reduce the risk of these complications, zero-profile stand-alone cage were developed. We used finite-element modeling to compare the total von Mises stress applied to the bone, disc, endplate, cage and screw when using CCP and ZPSC implants. A 3-dimensional FE (Finite element) analysis was performed to investigate the effects of the CCP implant and ZPSC on the C3 ~ T1 vertebrae. We confirmed that the maximum von Mises stress applied with ZPSC implants was more than 2 times greater in the endplate than that applied with CCP implants. The 3D analysis of the ZPSC model von Mises stress measurements of screw shows areas of higher stress in red. Although using ZPSC implants in ACDF reduces CCP implant-related sequalae such as dysphagia, we have shown that greater von Mises stress is applied to the endplate, and screw when using ZPSC implants. This may explain the higher subsidence rate associated with ZPSC implant use in ACDF. When selecting an implant in ACDF, surgeons should consider patient characteristics and the advantages and disadvantages of each implant type.
Telomere length and hTERT genetic variants as potential prognostic markers in multiple myeloma
Authors: Dratwa Marta , Łacina Piotr , Butrym Aleksandra , Porzuczek Diana , Mazur Grzegorz , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna
Published: September 2023

Telomere dysfunction is a notable event observed in many cancers contributing to their genomic instability. A major factor controlling telomere stability is the human telomerase reverse transcriptase catalytic subunit (hTERT). Telomere shortening has been observed in multiple myeloma (MM), a plasma cell malignancy with a complex and heterogeneous genetic background. In the present study, we aimed to analyse telomere length and hTERTgenetic variants as potential markers of risk and survival in 251 MM patients. We found that telomere length was significantly shorter in MM patients than in healthy individuals, and patients with more advanced disease (stage III according to the International Staging System) had shorter telomeres than patients with less advanced disease. MM patients with hTERTallele rs2736100Twere characterized with significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS). Moreover, allele rs2736100Twas also found to be less common in patients with disease progression in response to treatment. hTERTrs2853690Twas associated with higher haemoglobin blood levels and lower C-reactive protein. In conclusion, our results suggest that telomere length and hTERTgenetic variability may affect MM development and can be potential prognostic markers in this disease.
Acoustic realization of projective mirror Chern insulators
Authors: Li Tianzi , Liu Luohong , Zhang Qicheng , Qiu Chunyin
Published: September 2023

Symmetry plays a key role in classifying topological phases. Recent theory shows that in the presence of gauge fields, the algebraic structure of crystalline symmetries needs to be projectively represented, which brings extra chance for topological physics. Here, we report a concrete acoustic realization of mirror Chern insulators by exploiting the concept of projective symmetry. Specifically, we introduce a simple but universal recipe for constructing projective mirror symmetry, and conceive a minimal model for achieving the projective symmetry-enriched mirror Chern insulators. Based on our selective-excitation measurements, we demonstrate unambiguously the projective mirror eigenvalue-locked topological nature of the bulk states and associated chiral edge states. We extract the non-abelian Berry curvature and identify the mirror Chern number directly, providing experimental evidence for this exotic topological phase. All experimental results agree well with the theoretical predictions. Our findings give insights into topological systems equipped with gauge fields.
Associations between the inflammatory potential of diets with adherence to plant-based dietary patterns and the risk of new-onset cardiometabolic diseases in Chinese adults: findings from a nation-wide prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Man , Li Shun , Lv Yiqian , Liu Ke , Wang Yin , Cui Zhixin , Wang Xiaoling , Meng Huicui
Published: September 2023

There were long-term positive associations between a pro-inflammatory diet, as reflected by higher dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores, and an increased risk of new-onset stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction in Chinese adults.
A comprehensive exploration of the latest innovations for advancements in enhancing selectivity of nanozymes for theranostic nanoplatforms
Authors: Li Dan , Fan Tuocen , Mei Xifan
Published: September 2023

This work explores cutting-edge strategies to enhance nanozyme selectivity, vital for improving diagnostics and treatments, unlocking their full theranostic potential.
Synthesis and degradation study of graft copolymers of poly(limonene carbonate)
Authors: Ghosh Dipannita , Agarwal Seema
Published: September 2023

Polyester-grafted poly(limonene carbonate) with improved hydrophilicity, elastic behavior, and degradation under enzymatic and wastewater conditions is presented.
Construction of 1,2-cis rhamnosidic linkages and synthesis of core tetrasaccharide repeating unit of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 23F
Authors: Ao Jiaming , Zhao Xiaoya , Zhou Siai , Guo Yajing , Wang Guoqing , Fang Sixian , Yao Xuewen , Liu Yuhua , Ishiwata Akihiro , Tanaka Katsunori , Ding Feiqing , Cai Hui
Published: September 2023

An effective ZnI2-mediated 1,2-cis-l-rhamnosylation strategy was achieved by employing a 2,3-O-(o-xylylene) rhamnose donor, and applied to assemble the core repeating tetrasaccharide unit of the S. pneumoniae 23F capsule polysaccharide.
meso–meso 1,3-Bis(E-vinyl)azulene bridged tetrathiaoctaphyrins: synthesis and spectroscopic and theoretical characterization
Authors: Sahoo Sumit , Velmurugan Gunasekaran , Comba Peter , Rath Harapriya
Published: September 2023

Loss of effective dual macrocyclic π-conjugation pathways paving way to strong monocyclic aromaticity with enhanced vis-NIR absorptions of tetrathiaoctaphyrin skeletons via 1,3-bis(E-vinyl)azulene as internal bridging group.
Nitro – a traceless directing group for reversing the radical site-selectivity of styrene derivatives
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Zhang Xin , Wang Yaxin , Liu Yang , Wang Yu , Zhang Xinhao , Ma Junyan , Song Lijuan
Published: September 2023

2-Quinolone is a privileged nitrogen heterocycle that is found in various bioactive and functional substances.
Highly diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of spiro β-lactams via copper-catalyzed Kinugasa/aldol cascade reaction
Authors: Li Jie , Ma Haowen , Zhong Xianqiang , Li Shanyue , Zhang Jiehao , Ao Yunlin , Zhou Wei , Cai Qian
Published: September 2023

A copper(i)-catalyzed highly diastereo- and enantioselective Kinugasa/aldol cascade reaction of N-(2-acylaryl) propiolamides with nitrones has been demonstrated for efficient synthesis of structurally novel chiral spiro β-lactams.
On the σ-complex character of bis(gallyl)/digallane transition metal species
Authors: Kalkuhl Till L. , Qin Lei , Zhao Lili , Frenking Gernot , Hadlington Terrance J.
Published: September 2023

Species best described as σ-complexes of Ga–Ga single bonds with Ni0and Pd0are reported, and probed by in-depth computational analysis. Their controlled disproportionation is also described, leading to a novel tetra-metallic GaI-nickel species.
Characterization of high-frequency waves in the Martian magnetosphere
Authors: Kakad Amar , Kakad Bharati , Yoon Peter H. , Omura Yoshiharu , Kourakis Ioannis
Published: September 2023

Context. Various high-frequency waves in the vicinity of upper-hybrid and Langmuir frequencies are commonly observed in different space plasma environments. Such waves and fluctuations have been reported in the magnetosphere of the Earth, a planet with an intrinsic strong magnetic field. Mars has no intrinsic magnetic field and, instead, it possesses a weak induced magnetosphere, which is highly dynamic due to direct exposure to the solar wind. In the present paper, we investigate the presence of high-frequency plasma waves in the Martian plasma environment by making use of the high-resolution electric field data from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution missioN (MAVEN) spacecraft.

Aims. This study aims to provide conclusive observational evidence of the occurrence of high-frequency plasma waves around the electron plasma frequency in the Martian magnetosphere. We observe two distinct wave modes with frequency below and above the electron plasma frequency. The characteristics of these high-frequency waves are quantified and presented here. We discuss the generation of possible wave modes by taking into account the ambient plasma parameters in the region of observation.

Methods. We have made use of the medium frequency (100 Hz–32 kHz) burst mode-calibrated electric field data from the Langmuir Probe and Waves instrument on board NASA’s MAVEN mission. Due to the weak magnetic field strength, the electron gyro-frequency is much lower than the electron plasma frequency, which implies that the upper-hybrid and Langmuir waves have comparable frequencies. A total of 19 wave events with wave activities around electron plasma frequency were identified by examining high-resolution spectrograms of the electric field.

Results. These waves were observed around 5 LT when MAVEN crossed the magnetopause boundary and entered the magnetosheath region. These waves are either a broadband- or narrowband-type with distinguishable features in the frequency domain. The narrowband-type waves have spectral peak above the electron plasma frequency. However, in the case of broadband-type waves, the spectral peak always occurred below the electron plasma frequency. The broadband waves consistently show a periodic modulation of 8–14 ms.

Conclusions. The high-frequency narrowband-type waves observed above the electron plasma frequency are believed to be associated with upper-hybrid or Langmuir waves. However, the physical mechanism responsible for the generation of broadband-type waves and the associated 8–14 ms modulation remain unexplained and further investigation is required.
The aggregated leapfrogging estimate: a novel approach to defining energy leapfrogging
Authors: Hosseini-Moghaddam Sam , Gnanamoorthy Branav , Liang Thomas , Cheng Harry , Bernier Luc
Published: September 2023

Energy leapfrogging (i.e., skipping non-renewable grid infrastructures to micro-grid renewable sources) has been promoted by researchers and politicians as a solution in fighting against climate change and for access to electricity in less developed countries. Despite research on its potential, quantitative measurement of leapfrogging is still required to determine those nations who have utilized energy leapfrogging's promise. In this study, we present a quantitative analysis using World Bank Open Database data from 2000 to 2015, creating an aggregated leapfrogging estimate (ALE) through renewable energy consumption (i.e., percentage of total energy consumption) and access to electricity (i.e., percent of total population with access). We defined the ALE by subtracting (renewable consumption % in 2000 / access to electricity % in 2015) from (renewable consumption % in 2015 / access to electricity in 2000). We included only countries whose renewable energy consumption increased during the study interval. Low-income countries collectively leapfrogged more than other income groups. Somalia (48.11), Togo (3.05), Eswatini (2.76), and Timor-Leste (1.04) all had ALE values greater than 1 (range: 1.7 × 10−5–48.11). We then conducted a policy analysis of these countries, confirming that all four had implemented renewable energy policies to create access to electricity. Our ALE accurately determined countries with energy leapfrogging, uniquely incorporating access to electricity, consistent with the fundamental purpose of leapfrogging as a strategy to increase access. Future studies are needed to understand why low-income countries with low ALEs and access to electricity failed to leapfrog in the past. Future studies are also required to design prospective quantitative statistical models predicting the outcomes of leapfrogging strategies.
On the normative equivalence paradigm in cyberspace
Authors: Moldovan Carmen
Published: September 2023

Constant evolution of communication technology and expansion of Cyberspace has had a pervasive effect on all areas of human life, activities and interactions, that law unsuccessfully tried to regulate. Cyberspace was for a long period of time considered uncharted territory, an unlimited and open space outside the control of States and the limits on the admissible or accepted conduct of states and other stakeholders were blurred. In this context, the most important challenge and pressing need is to identify normative guidelines applicable in this environment considering its specific features (being unlimited, world-wide availability, anonymity). The aim of the paper is to challenge the elements of the so-called normative equivalence that was developed by several international bodies first in relation with human rights safeguards and extended as generally applicable with some special approaches at the level of the European Union (protection of personal data, strategy on cybersecurity) which will not be addressed.
Forensic challenges regarding the Internet of Things
Authors: Franţ Ancuţa Elena
Published: September 2023

The Internet of Things brings many benefits to our society, but its advantages come with a price, namely with a huge opportunity for those who want to commit cybercrime. To fight against this kind of criminality, investigators must use appropriate methods. The Forensics of the Internet of Things (IoT) has evolved from “traditional” Digital Forensics, and includes, among other activities, the identification of the devices related to a certain crime, collecting the digital evidence in a form which can be used in front of the judicial bodies, the analysis, and the extraction of all possible information from the collected data, and the preservation of the evidence. The Forensics of IoT must face specific issues, mainly generated by the extraordinary large number of IoT devices and by the great diversity of these devices. An important problem is that data analysis is very difficult to perform, because of different data formats used by the components of IoT. In the forensic investigations related to the IoT, an important concern refers to privacy protection. Overall, IoT Forensics is a challenging field, but we must search for suitable solutions, because ensuring security for IoT is a very important aim.
Well-trained Endurance Runners’ Foot Contact Patterns:
Barefoot vs. Shod Condition
Authors: Mosqueira-Ouréns Manuel , Muñoz-Pérez Iker , Luis Tuimil José , Saleta-Cobos Martín , Varela-Sanz Adrian
Published: September 2023

We aimed to investigate the initial foot contact and contact time in experienced
endurance runners at individualized speeds, in running shoes and barefoot.
Forty-eight participants (33.71±7.49 y,
70.94±8.65 kg, 175.07±7.03 cm, maximum aerobic
speed 18.41±1.54 km.h-1) were distributed
into three groups according to athletic performance: highly-trained runners,
middle-trained runners, and control group. An incremental running test until
exhaustion was performed for assessing maximum aerobic speed.
After≥24 h of recovery participants randomly walked and ran,
barefoot and in running shoes, over a pressure plate at
~4.7 km.h-1 and 85% of the
maximum aerobic speed, respectively. They wore the same model of running shoes
with homogeneous lacing pattern. A rearfoot strike was performed by
68.8% and 77.1% of participants when running barefoot and in
running shoes, respectively. Considering the tendency to develop a rearfoot
strike was lower in the barefoot condition, runners with higher performance may
benefit from training in minimalist running shoes because their foot contact
pattern could tend towards a non-rearfoot strike. Our results suggest that
initial foot contact and contact time are related to running performance and may
also be influenced by running shoes.
Hepatic Histoplasmosis Masquerading as Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension: A Case Report
Authors: Choudhary Narendra Singh , Deswal Vikas , Dhampalwar Swapnil , Mishra Saurabh , Gautam Dheeraj , Saraf Neeraj
Published: September 2023

Histoplasmosis is an uncommon cause of pyrexia of unknown origin in India. We present a case of hepatic histoplasmosis presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin. The patient had splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, high serum-ascites albumin gradient, and imaging suggestive of cirrhosis. The patient had received 2 months of antitubercular treatment and came to us because of a lack of improvement. A liver biopsy was done because of cholestatic liver function tests and normal biliary system on imaging, thus raising the possibility of infiltrative liver disease. A transjugular liver biopsy revealed histoplasmosis. The patients improved after treatment. It is a common practice to start antitubercular treatment in patients with pyrexia of unknown origin, which should not be practiced in the current era. Every effort should be made for a correct diagnosis. The case highlights the importance of liver biopsy in cases with no definite diagnosis and also that hepatic histoplasmosis could mimic cirrhosis.
Ultra-broad low-frequency forbidden bands in 1D solid–fluid acoustic superlattices with multiple solid constituents
Authors: Zhang Sai , He Huizi , Xu Baiqiang , Lu Wei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a theoretical model of underwater acoustic wave propagation, based on the transfer matrix method, is employed to calculate acoustic wave transmission through a 1D solid–fluid superlattice (SFSL) with multiple solid constituents. The band structure of infinite multi-element SFSL and the transmission coefficient of finite one are obtained, both of which reveal the existence of multiple separated ultra-broad low-frequency forbidden bands, even in the case of solid constituents with very close acoustic parameters. Simulations about the finite multi-element SFSL are carried out to verify the correctness of these findings. In addition, the influence of the acoustic parameters and the structural parameters on the low-frequency forbidden bands (LFBs) of SFSL with two solid constituents (m = 2) is also investigated. It is found that the required two separated LFBs can be achieved by choosing appropriate material parameters. For the situation of m ≥ 2, it is expected to provide more possibilities to engineer low-frequency bandgaps. Our results infer that multiple separated LFBs in multi-element SFSL can be quite useful for making highly performing low-frequency acoustic filters in selective angle ranges, which are useful for the elimination of the side lobes of low-frequency acoustic transducers.
High-accuracy transverse translation velocimeter enabled by OAM-assisted dual-point transverse Doppler effect
Authors: Zhang Yanxiang , Zhang Zijing , Wang Qingfeng , Zhao Yuan
Published: September 2023

Laser Doppler velocimetry has developed as a powerful enabling technology within a myriad of realistic scenarios. While existing toolkits that exploit optical vortex allow access to longitudinal linear velocimetry and/or transverse rotational velocimetry of a motion object, achieving high-accuracy transverse translation velocimetry is still an open challenge. Here, we overcome this restriction by breaking the prevailing single-point metrological paradigm, instead employing dual-point transverse Doppler effect of customized orbital-angular-momentum (OAM) light fields as our pathway. We show that the dual-point transverse Doppler shifts can be generated and detected in a single velocimetry geometry for the first time, thereby enabling the determination of arbitrary transverse translation velocity. In particular, we demonstrate that the limited frequency resolution causes the velocimetry deviation and increasing the sampling duration can thus effectively improve velocimetry accuracy. As a consequence, a high-accuracy transverse translation velocimeter with a relative error below 0.08% has been well-established. Our validated findings not only provide a profound insight into the interaction of OAM with macroscopic motion object but also may find potential applications in clinical medicine, astronomical observation, and industrial manufacturing.
A wireless, battery-free device enables oxygen generation and immune protection of therapeutic xenotransplants in vivo
Authors: Krishnan Siddharth R. , Liu Claudia , Bochenek Matthew A. , Bose Suman , Khatib Nima , Walters Ben , O’Keeffe Laura , Facklam Amanda , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G.
Published: September 2023

The immune isolation of cells within devices has the potential to enable long-term protein replacement and functional cures for a range of diseases, without requiring immune suppressive therapy. However, a lack of vasculature and the formation of fibrotic capsules around cell immune-isolating devices limits oxygen availability, leading to hypoxia and cell death in vivo. This is particularly problematic for pancreatic islet cells that have high O
2
requirements. Here, we combine bioelectronics with encapsulated cell therapies to develop the first wireless, battery-free oxygen-generating immune-isolating device (O
2
-Macrodevice) for the oxygenation and immune isolation of cells in vivo. The system relies on electrochemical water splitting based on a water-vapor reactant feed, sustained by wireless power harvesting based on a flexible resonant inductive coupling circuit. As such, the device does not require pumping, refilling, or ports for recharging and does not generate potentially toxic side products. Through systematic in vitro studies with primary cell lines and cell lines engineered to secrete protein, we demonstrate device performance in preventing hypoxia in ambient oxygen concentrations as low as 0.5%. Importantly, this device has shown the potential to enable subcutaneous (SC) survival of encapsulated islet cells, in vivo in awake, freely moving, immune-competent animals. Islet transplantation in Type I Diabetes represents an important application space, and 1-mo studies in immune-competent animals with SC implants show that the O
2
-Macrodevice allows for survival and function of islets at high densities (~1,000 islets/cm
2
) in vivo without immune suppression and induces normoglycemia in diabetic animals.
A meta-discursive analysis of engagement markers in QAnon anti-immigration comments
Authors: Rasoulikolamaki Sahar , Zhdanava Alena , Mat Isa Noor Aqsa Nabila , Noor Ahmad Mohd Nazriq , Kaur Surinderpal
Published: September 2023

To better understand QAnon’s anti-immigration rhetoric, the study conducted a meta-discursive analysis of one of the group’s active Telegram channels by drawing on Hyland’s (2005) model of interaction. Specifically, engagement markers in their immigration-related discourse were analyzed to see how they contribute to endorsing the group’s macro conspiratorial arguments. The results illustrate a complex rhetorical manipulation and nearly unanimous expression of hate toward immigrants, with the use of ‘directives’ and ‘questions’ being the most prevalent metadiscursive markers. The former suggests that the commenters were more assertive or commanding in their tone, while the latter located within rhetorical persuasion, aimed at stimulating negative attitude toward immigrants. Conversely, a low frequency of the ‘shared knowledge’ markers indicates a lack of interest to establish credibility and constructive dialogue with the audience. The study aimed to unpack the nature of anti-immigration extremist discourse on social media, and its potential to incite violence among public.
The Assessment of Animal Personality and Its Uses for Improving Zoo Animal Welfare
Authors: Chadwick Carly
Published: September 2023

Animal welfare is central to the three aims of the modern zoo: conservation, research and education. Good welfare depends not only on the management of the captive population as a whole but also on the management and husbandry of individual animals. Zoo keepers are able to reliably assess animal personality traits, and these traits are linked to measures of welfare such as reproductive success, stereotypic behaviour and physiological stress. Assessing animal personality can help to address some of the challenges faced in zoo animal management. A validated personality questionnaire is a valuable tool for zoo professionals, as it can be used to predict reproductive success and the cohesion of social groups. Knowledge of animal personality can help keepers to devise management plans for individuals, and improve keeper safety as well as animal welfare. Aspects of individuals’ behaviour can affect the success of reintroduction programmes, so information about personality can also contribute to ex-situ conservation.

Information

© The Author 2023
Temperature during the milling process of aluminum alloys using contact and non-contact methods
Authors: Patru E N , Bica M , Panduru D , Craciunoiu N
Published: September 2023

In this paper some experimental determinations on the temperature during the milling process of aluminum alloys (5083, 6082 and 7075) were conducted, by using two methods: with contact and non-contact, for the different feed speeds. For this reason, an adequate installation was used, so that the temperature can be measure simultaneously. The results are presented using graphical dependencies of the temperature as function of the feed speed, for each type experiment, and then a synthesis regarding the maximum values of the temperature as function of the material type and the value of the feed speeds is presented.
Retrofit of a standard split-type air conditioner into an air-to-water heat pump
Authors: Mădălina Botu , Marius Atanasiu , Gabriel Ursescu , Edward Rakosi
Published: September 2023

In the context of the rising prices of energy and especially of natural gas, the interest in heat pumps has grown steadily over the last period, as they are a very convenient alternative to low and medium power thermal plants. Although the price of heat pumps has dropped a lot recently, these systems are still very expensive compared to the wall-mounted natural gas fuelled power plants found in the vast majority of residential buildings in Romania. In this context, the authors proposed the conversion of an inverter type air conditioner into an air-water heat pump with minimal costs, maintaining and even improving the global performance of the system. The newly made heat pump was tested at variable regimes in the Cogeneration Trigeneration Laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Iasi. The external unit was inserted into a climatic chamber capable of simulating variable climatic conditions for any region in Europe. Later, the same heat pump was tested in real operating conditions, being inserted in the heating circuit of a medium-sized house in the Iasi area. Its operation was then monitored during an entire winter season, being instrumented to measure the energetic balance and determine the coefficient of performance (COP) continuously throughout the season, in accordance with the weather conditions and also to measure the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP).
Identification of thermal and strength phenomena in power installations
Authors: Duda P , Konieczny M
Published: September 2023

The aim of this work is to show the inverse method, which can be used to determine the transient stress distribution caused by pressure and a variable temperature field. The method is fast enough to be used online in systems monitoring the thermal and strength condition of selected elements. The solution is possible despite the lack of information about the thermal boundary condition on the inner surface of the tank. The lack of data on the phenomena occurring inside the collector may be caused by the inability to install measuring sensors. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can take a long time to analyze complex phenomena on the inner surface of a collector, making it difficult to apply the method online. Solving the inverse problem is possible thanks to the measured temperature transients at selected points inside or on the outside of the component. After identifying the temperature distribution, stresses are determined using the finite element method. Then the maximum stresses can be compared with the permissible values, which allows the assessment of the operational safety of the element.
The impact of cogeneration plant and a storage tank in a district heating system
Authors: Hiris D P , Dudescu M C , Pocola A , Balan M C
Published: September 2023

The goal of the study is to investigate the thermal behavior and the benefits of a cogeneration system based on two gas fired engines and of a thermal storage tank in a biomass based district heating system situated in Romania. The investigation is based on an hourly analytical model of all the district heating components: biomass boiler, natural gas cogeneration engines, storage tank and consumers. The climatic data of the location are used as input in the model. The gas cogeneration engines coupled with the heat storage tank increase the flexibility of the system and allow the production of electricity even in periods with little or no heat demand. The analytical modelling of the storage tank considering the water stratification allows the correct sizing of the storage tank, in the planning stage of the project. The total yearly heat production is divided between 81.54 % produced by the proposed cogeneration plant and 18.46 % produced by the existing biomass boiler.
Experimental investigation and first-principles calculations of Nb and W alloying effects on the microstructure and properties of MoSi2 coatings fabricated via arc cladding
Authors: Wang YuRui , Sun ShunPing , Zhang Yang , Wang HongJin , Li XiaoPing , Lei WeiNing
Published: September 2023

MoSi2 is one of the most promising refractory metal silicide materials, but its further use as a structural material is limited by its drawbacks such as poor room-temperature toughness and low high-temperature strength. The work performed a comprehensive investigation combining first-principles calculations and arc cladding experiments to explore the effects of Nb and W doping on the mechanical properties and electronic structure of MoSi2 coatings. The first-principles calculations revealed that Nb addition improved the B/G value and Poisson’s ratio of MoSi2, indicating enhanced ductility. W addition yields the opposite effect and led to a higher elastic modulus and improved hardness. Experimental results demonstrated that the arc-cladding MoSi2 coating mainly consisted of MoSi2 and Mo5Si3 phases with a dendritic microstructure. Upon doping with Nb and W, additional t-(Mo,Nb)Si2 and t-(Mo,W)Si2 phases were formed, which resulted in a denser and finer microstructure. Nb addition contributed to the solid-solution toughening of the coating, while W addition enhanced hardness but reduced toughness. Remarkably, the synergistic alloying of Nb and W significantly increased the hardness and fracture toughness of the coating by 30.7 and 70.7%, respectively, compared to pure MoSi2. The strengthening mechanism of the coating was attributed to solid-solution softening and fine-grain strengthening, while the crack extension mechanism involved the crack deflection and bridging. Furthermore, the coatings doped with 2% Nb and 4% W exhibited the lowest wear weight loss and superior wear resistance. The dominant wear mechanisms were oxidation wear and abrasive wear.
What Are Socially Constructed Norms?
Authors: Valentini Laura
Published: September 2023

This chapter proposes the “agential investment” account of socially constructed norms. On this account, socially constructed norms exist in a given context whenever certain requirements (or permissions) are widely and publicly accepted as general standards of behaviour. Acceptance, in turn, is understood to involve both a belief in, and a commitment to, the relevant requirements. The chapter explains why this characterization of socially constructed norms is both plausible and suited to the purposes of the book as a whole. It also highlights the differences between norms and related phenomena: such as habits, conventions, and personal policies. The chapter concludes by distinguishing between formal and informal norms, directive and power-conferring ones, and between norms whose violation triggers moral reactive attitudes (the book’s focus) and norms that are not accompanied by such responses to violations.
Grounding Moral Rights
Authors: Valentini Laura
Published: September 2023

This chapter distinguishes between two understandings of moral rights: rights as inviolability and rights as control. The former designate constraints on others’ conduct grounded in our ultimate moral status. The latter refer to our power normatively to control others’ conduct: by demanding certain behaviour or permitting it. The chapter argues that while rights as inviolability can exist independently of socially constructed norms, rights as control include such norms among their existence conditions. By exercising our rights as control, we change our mutual accountability relations: i.e., we make certain actions obligatory or permissible “at will”. Such changes in mutual accountability are effective only if they are publicly accessible. In turn, publicity requires that there be power-conferring socially constructed norms determining what (i.e., which words/gestures, pronounced by whom, etc.) counts as demanding or permitting in any given context. After considering objections, the chapter concludes by bringing the agency-respect framework to bear on the moral normativity of power-conferring norms, and by distinguishing between two understandings of “wronging”, which parallel the two understandings of rights discussed.
Conclusion
Authors: Valentini Laura
Published: September 2023

This chapter reviews the main themes of the book, with a focus on the agency-respect principle and its implications. Particular attention is devoted to unpacking the sense in which people’s commitments to socially constructed norms must be “authentic” for those norms to be morally binding on agency-respect grounds. The discussion is conducted by reference to the new norms introduced in the context of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, including norms that were officially implemented as well as ones that emerged informally. The chapter concludes by acknowledging that “equal agency respect” is a regulative ideal that should guide our actions but is unlikely ever to be fully achieved in practice.
Circ_0068481 Affects the Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells’ Progression by miR-361-3p/KLF5 Axis
Authors: Li Hai-Rong , Chen Guan-Liang , Fang Xiao-Li , Cai Xing-Jiu , Xu Rong-Li , Li Dong-Dong , Zhang Zhi-Wei
Published: September 2023

Background

Uncontrolled proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this work, we defined the precise part of circ_0068481 in PASMC proliferation and migration induced by hypoxia. We hypothesized that circ_0068481 enhanced hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration through the microRNA (miR)-361-3p/Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) pathway.

Methods

Human PASMCs (hPASMCs) were exposed to hypoxic (3% O2) conditions. Circ_0068481, miR-361-3p, and KLF5 levels were gauged by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration were detected by XTT, EdU incorporation, transwell, and wound-healing assays, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA pull-down assays were performed to confirm the direct relationship between miR-361-3p and circ_0068481 or KLF5.

Results

Circ_0068481 expression was increased in the serum of PAH patients and hypoxia-induced hPASMCs. Downregulation of circ_0068481 attenuated hypoxia-induced promotion in hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration. Circ_0068481 directly targeted miR-361-3p, and miR-361-3p downregulation reversed the inhibitory effects of circ_0068481 silencing on hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration. KLF5 was a direct miR-361-3p target, and miR-361-3p upregulation mitigated hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration by inhibiting KLF5 expression. Moreover, circ_0068481-induced KLF5 expression by binding to miR-361-3p in hypoxic hPASMCs.

Conclusions

Circ_0068481 knockdown ameliorated hypoxia-induced hPASMC proliferation, invasion, and migration at least in part through the miR-361-3p/KLF5 axis.
Plasticity of mesophyll cell density and cell wall thickness and composition play a pivotal role in regulating plant growth and photosynthesis under shading in rapeseed
Authors: Luo Dongxu , Huang Guanjun , Zhang Qiangqiang , Zhou Guangsheng , Peng Shaobing , Li Yong
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Plasticity of leaf growth and photosynthesis is an important strategy of plants to adapt to shading stress; however, their strategy of leaf development to achieve a simultaneous increase in leaf area and photosynthesis under shading remains unknown.

Methods

In the present study, a pot experiment was conducted using three rapeseed genotypes of Huayouza 50 (HYZ50), Zhongshuang 11 (ZS11) and Huayouza 62 (HYZ62), and the responses of plant growth, leaf morphoanatomical traits, cell wall composition and photosynthesis to shading were investigated.

Key Results

Shading significantly increased leaf area per plant (LAplant) in all genotypes, but the increase in HYZ62 was greater than that in HYZ50 and ZS11. The greater increment of LAplant in HYZ62 was related to the larger decrease in leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf density (LD), which were in turn related to less densely packed mesophyll cells and thinner cell walls (Tcw). Moreover, shading significantly increased photosynthesis in HYZ62 but significantly decreased it in HYZ50. The enhanced photosynthesis in HYZ62 was related to increased mesophyll conductance (gm) due primarily to thinner cell walls.

Conclusions

The data presented indicate that the different plasticity of mesophyll cell density, cell wall thickness and cell wall composition in response to shading can dramatically affect leaf growth and photosynthesis.
Chronology of Practice: Chinese Practice in Public International Law in 2021
Authors: Wu Xiaohui
Published: September 2023

This Survey covers materials reflecting Chinese practice in 2021 relating to: treaties, agreements and other documents signed or ratified by the People’s Republic of China; national legislation; statements made by Chinese representatives at the meetings of the UN and other international organizations, international conferences, and those made by the Foreign Ministry spokespersons, with respect to various branches of international law; and judicial decisions, in particular on the applicability and application of international conventions, by Chinese courts.
An Evaluation On The Entropy Supplying Capability Of Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Zhang Dinghua , Wu Shihao , Li Yang , Pan Quan
Published: September 2023

Random numbers are very important for the security of computer system. However, generating qualified random numbers is difficult because we cannot always successfully introduce dedicated random number hardware into computer system. Although most operating systems provide random number generation capabilities, the effective entropy supply is still dependent on the hardware platform including memory and clocks etc. However, obtaining hardware events such as clocks requires system privileges, which is not conducive for entropy estimation at the application layer. In contrast, data related to the sensor hardware can be extracted directly at the application layer. These sensor data contain some randomness and may be used as a noise source. In this way, applications can use these sensors to implement their own proprietary random number generators. Before taking these sensors as the noise source, it is necessary to fully evaluate their entropy supply capability. In this paper, 300 Android smartphones and 30 iOS smartphones are selected as samples and their sensor entropy supply capabilities are comprehensively evaluated. Based on the entropy evaluation results, we give some suggestions on how to generate random numbers using these sensor data. We first design a framework for evaluating the entropy supply capability for smartphone sensors, based on the min-entropy estimation method proposed in NIST SP 800-90B. According to this framework, we simulate stationary and mobile working states for each smartphone, and collect sufficient sensor data as the min-entropy estimation dataset. The min-entropy estimation results show that in the stationary working state, each ACCELEROMETER sensor data collection can obtain at least 1.5 bits of entropy in Android, while each GYROSCOPE sensor data collection can obtain at least 20 bits of entropy in iOS. In the mobile working state, each ACCELEROMETER sensor data collection can obtain at least 1.9 bits of entropy, while each GYROSCOPE sensor data acquisition in iOS system can obtain at least 27 bits of entropy. This means that we can still get a stable entropy output from the sensor even when the smartphone is in stationary working state. Statistical analysis of the data using cross correlation methods suggests it is hard for an attacker to guess or predict the random numbers generated by a smartphone through another smartphone put in the similar external environment.