bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of sintering temperature on feature resolution and flexural strength of ceramics fabricated through vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing
Authors: Bezek Lindsey , Lee Kwan-Soo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Although ceramic additive manufacturing (AM) could be used to fabricate complex, high-resolution parts for diverse, functional applications, one ongoing challenge is optimizing the post-process, particularly sintering, conditions to consistently produce geometrically accurate and mechanically robust parts. This study aims to investigate how sintering temperature affects feature resolution and flexural properties of silica-based parts formed by vat photopolymerization (VPP) AM.

Design/methodology/approach

Test artifacts were designed to evaluate features of different sizes, shapes and orientations, and three-point bend specimens printed in multiple orientations were used to evaluate mechanical properties. Sintering temperatures were varied between 1000°C and 1300°C.

Findings

Deviations from designed dimensions often increased with higher sintering temperatures and/or larger features. Higher sintering temperatures yielded parts with higher strength and lower strain at break. Many features exhibited defects, often dependent on geometry and sintering temperature, highlighting the need for further analysis of debinding and sintering parameters.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time test artifacts have been designed for ceramic VPP. This work also offers insights into the effect of sintering temperature and print orientation on flexural properties. These results provide design guidelines for a particular material, while the methodology outlined for assessing feature resolution and flexural strength is broadly applicable to other ceramics, enabling more predictable part performance when considering the future design and manufacture of complex ceramic parts.
Proton therapy for breast cancer: Reducing toxicity
Authors: Qiao Kailin , Wei Yuchun , Tao Cheng , Zhu Jian , Yuan Shuanghu
Published: September 2024

Radiotherapy is a crucial component in the holistic management of breast cancer, with approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer requiring this treatment. As the survival rate of individuals with breast cancer has significantly increased, there is a growing focus on the long‐term well‐being of patients. Proton therapy (PT) is a new and rapidly developing radiotherapy method. In comparison with conventional photon therapy, PT offers the benefits of decreased radiation toxicity and increased dosage in the designated region. This can extend patients' lifespan and enhance their overall well‐being. The present analysis examines the function of PT in diminishing the harmful effects of radiation in cases of breast cancer, while also providing a brief overview of the future potential and obstacles associated with PT for breast cancer.
Machine Learning in Clinical Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Black Hollie , Young David , Rogers Alexander , Montgomery Jenny
Published: September 2024

Objective

Machine learning has been effective in other areas of medicine, this study aims to investigate this with regards to HNC and identify which algorithm works best to classify malignant patients.

Design

An observational cohort study.

Setting

Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

Participants

Patients who were referred via the USOC pathway between January 2019 and May 2021.

Main Outcome Measures

Predicting the diagnosis of patients from three categories, benign, potential malignant and malignant, using demographics and symptoms data.

Results

The classic statistical method of ordinal logistic regression worked best on the data, achieving an AUC of 0.6697 and balanced accuracy of 0.641. The demographic features describing recreational drug use history and living situation were the most important variables alongside the red flag symptom of a neck lump.

Conclusion

Further studies should aim to collect larger samples of malignant and pre‐malignant patients to improve the class imbalance and increase the performance of the machine learning models.
Immunotherapy Improves the Survival of Stage 4 Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients at the US Population Level: The Real‐World Evidence
Authors: Wei Yuxuan , Zhang Rui , Yin Ruikang , Wang Shijie , Han Jianglong , Chen Ruyan , Fu Zhenming
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the management of lung cancer and improved lung cancer survival in trials, but its real‐world impact at the population level remains unclear.

Methods

Using data obtained from eight Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries from 2004 through 2019, we addressed the long‐term trends in the incidence, incidence‐based mortality (IBM), and survival of lung cancer patients in the United States.

Results

The incidence and IBM of both non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) all significantly decreased steadily from 2004 to 2019. The 1‐year survival (1‐YS) of both NSCLC and SCLC improved over time, with the best improvement observed for Stage 4 NSCLC. Two significant turning points of Stage 4 NSCLC 1‐YS were observed over the years: 0.63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33%–0.93%) from 2004 to 2010, 0.81% (95% CI: 0.41%–1.21%) from 2010 to 2014 and a striking 2.09% (95% CI: 1.70%–2.47%) from 2014 to 2019. The same two turning points in 1‐YS were pronounced for Stage 4 NSCLC in women, which were coincident with the introduction of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) and immunotherapy. However, for Stage 4 NSCLC in men, only one significant turning point in the 1‐YS starting in 2014 was found, which might only correspond to immunotherapy. Significant period effects in reduced IBM were also observed for both Stage 4 AD and Stage 4 SQCC during the period.

Conclusion

This SEER analysis found that immunotherapy improved the survival of Stage 4 NSCLC patients at the population level in the United States. This real‐world evidence confirms that immunotherapy has truly revolutionized the management of lung cancer.
Monetary policy communication shocks and the macroeconomy
Authors: Goodhead Robert , Kolb Benedikt
Published: September 2024

Using high‐frequency identification, we provide evidence that Fed communication surprises have larger macroeconomic effects than surprise actions. Three ingredients are central to show this: structurally distinguishing between Fed actions and communication, controlling for the Fed information effect, and including the surprise measures directly in a vector autoregression (VAR) system instead of using them as instruments. We also compare the macroeconomic effects of Fed communication surprises relating to varying horizons into the future. Fed communication with a two‐year horizon appears most powerful during the effective lower‐bound period, consistent with theoretical predictions regarding Fed forward guidance.
Impact of UK's social stock exchange trading scheme on the performance of social enterprises
Authors: Bhargava Akshat , Mukherjee Subhadip , Rani Neelam
Published: September 2024

Using a difference‐in‐differences (DID) framework, we evaluate the effect of UKSSE Trading scheme 2015—launch of stock trading by UK social stock exchange (UKSSE) for social enterprises (SEs) that became its members, on the productivity of UKSSE member‐firms (treated group) as compared to nonmembers (control group) for the 2008–2014 and the 2015–2018 periods, before and post the implementation of the UKSSE trading scheme 2015. Our findings suggest significant positive impact of UKSSE trading scheme opening on the productivity of all SEs (treated group) for 2 years and SEs‐SMEs (treated group) for 3 years, respectively, following the launch of this trading scheme, compared to the control groups. Thus, the UKSSE, through its trading scheme 2015, accomplished its role as a means to improve the performance of its members, measured by productivity.
Graduating European Dentist Curriculum Domain V: Research
Authors: Field James , Dixon Jonathan , Vital Sibylle , Murphy Denis , O'Connell Brian , Davies Julia
Published: September 2024

This commentary introduces the new Graduating European Dentist Curriculum Domain V—‘Research’, and outlines the international multi‐stakeholder development and consultation process that was undertaken in order to develop the new Domain.
Molecular cloning, functional characterization and differential expression of two novel GABAAR‐like subunits from red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Valladares‐Hernández Iván Uriel , Hernández‐Martínez Juan Manuel , Cuaxospa José Miguel , Jiménez‐Vázquez Eric Nahum , Sánchez‐Jaramillo Edith , Arias Juan Manuel , García Ubaldo
Published: September 2024

In this work, we cloned and functionally expressed two novel GABAA receptor subunits from Procambarus clarkii crayfish. These two new subunits, PcGABAA‐α and PcGABAA‐β2, revealed significant sequence homology with the PcGABAA‐β subunit, previously identified in our laboratory. In addition, PcGABAA‐α subunit also shared a significant degree of identity with the Drosophila melanogaster genes DmGRD (GABA and glycine‐like receptor subunits of Drosophila) as well as PcGABAA‐β2 subunit with DmLCCH3 (ligand‐gated chloride channel homolog 3). Electrophysiological recordings showed that the expression in HEK cells of the novel subunits, either alone or in combination, failed to form functional homo‐ or heteromeric receptors. However, the co‐expression of PcGABAA‐α with PcGABAA‐β evoked sodium‐ or chloride‐dependent currents that accurately reproduced the time course of the GABA‐evoked currents in the X‐organ neurons from crayfish, suggesting that these GABA subunits combine to form two types of GABA receptors, one with cationic selectivity filter and the other preferentially permeates anions. On the other hand, PcGABAA‐β2 and PcGABAA‐β co‐expression generated a chloride current that does not show desensitization. Muscimol reproduced the time course of GABA‐evoked currents in all functional receptors, and picrotoxin blocked these currents; bicuculline did not block any of the recorded currents. Reverse transcription polymerae chain reaction (RT‐PCR) amplifications and FISH revealed that PcGABAA‐α and PcGABAA‐β2 are predominantly expressed in the crayfish nervous system. Altogether, these findings provide the first evidence of a neural GABA‐gated cationic channel in the crayfish, increasing our understanding of the role of these new GABAA receptor subunits in native heteromeric receptors.
The impact of restricted grazing systems on the behaviour and welfare of ponies
Authors: Kirton Roxane , Sandford Imogen , Raffan Eleanor , Hallsworth Sarah , Burman Oliver H. P. , Morgan Ruth
Published: September 2024

Background

Equine obesity is a growing concern. Much of the current management advice centres on dietary restrictions, including the removal or limitation of grazing. Little is known about the impact of these approaches on the welfare of the horse.

Objective

This study investigates the effect of two commonly used grazing systems advocated for the control of weight—the ‘strip‐grazing’ and the ‘track’ systems—on the behaviour and welfare of outdoor‐living ponies.

Study design

A within‐subject cross‐over experimental design with four groups of pasture‐kept ponies experiencing each system for 4 weeks in a random order.

Methods

Time budgets and behavioural indicators of welfare were measured using 24‐h electronic surveillance, morphometric parameters including weight, body condition score and cresty neck score were measured weekly and activity levels were tracked. The effect of grazing system on movement and behaviour was tested using a general linear model.

Results

Ponies moved more [median (IQR) % time spent moving, track: 3.23% (2.08%), strip: 2.02% (0.90%); p = 0.001] and travelled a greater distance [median (IQR) metres/24 h, track: 7013.47 m (1761.49 m), strip: 5331.91 m (494.16 m); p < 0.001] and engaged in less overt agonistic behaviour on the track system compared with the strip system [median (IQR) prevalence per hour; track: 0.14 (0.30), strip: 0.21 (0.37) p = 0.02].

Main limitations

A relatively short time period of exposure to each grazing system.

Conclusions

Ponies on strip systems moved less and exhibited increased agonistic interactions compared with the track system, maybe as a result of a perceived reduction in space or concentration of resources, although the accessible areas were matched. These results suggest that there may be physical as well as psychological health benefits to the track system.
“They're not my daughter, and yet…they're also not my son”: Parents negotiating their adult child's nonbinary gender identity
Authors: Allen Samuel H. , Leslie Leigh A.
Published: September 2024

Scholars are increasingly recognizing that substantial gender heterogeneity exists among transgender populations; that is, gender identities that defy the ubiquitous binary categories of male and female. However, the developing research base on the families of transgender adults focuses almost exclusively on the family members of transgender persons with binary gender identities, a noteworthy shortcoming considering the prevalence of nonbinary gender identities among transgender populations and the pervasive assumption that only two genders exist. To address this gap, the current study sought to uncover how the parents of transgender adults with nonbinary gender identities come to understand, make sense of, and negotiate nonbinary gender identities in their families. Fourteen parents—12 mothers and 2 fathers—completed in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews, and the collected data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Analyses generated three broad themes that best‐described these parents' experience with their child's gender, which was heavily shaped by the pervasiveness of cisnormativity: (a) varied attempts to understand nonbinary gender; (b) a nonbinary “double‐edged sword”; and (c) familial resilience. Directions for future research, clinical practice, and policy change are discussed, including the therapeutic benefit of dialectical thinking and the need for legislation that legally affirms and protects nonbinary persons.
‘Prison officer pains’: How and why coloniality shapes the job of a prison officer in Guyana today
Authors: Kerrigan Dylan , Ayres Tammy , Moss Kellie
Published: September 2024

In this exploratory article, we look at the understudied area of prison officer's lives in the Global South and the pains of their jobs. We provide a novel and decolonial perspective on these phenomena by documenting and discussing first‐hand prison officer accounts and first‐person observations of the different dimensions of their experiences of work and home today. We understand how they see and understand their jobs, including what the pains of imprisonment for officers in Guyana look and feel like from the bottom up. We learn about what prison officers perceive as the pains of their employment in Guyana – working conditions; psychological pains; prison infrastructure; intimate relations; prison within prison; social pains; and insecurity – and how such issues include echoes of the colonial past and impact officers not just in their everyday lives but how these pains also impact those closest to them. In this way, we show how, and why, the legacies of colonialism continue to haunt contemporary prison officers in Guyana.
From the Gorgon's blood to Behring's Blutserumtherapie: A long path towards serum therapy
Authors: Lahaie Yves‐Marie , Watier Hervé
Published: September 2024

At the end of the 19th century medicine was turned upside down by the development of serum therapy, a great therapeutic revolution as was vaccination a few years earlier. Many serums were developed, the most famous being the German doctor Emil von Behring's diphtheria serum, which saved countless children's lives from this dreadful disease. The discovery of the serum therapy principle, allowed by the progressive understanding of humoral immunity, occurred both in Germany and France, almost at the same time. Interestingly, this principle arose from two different intellectual paths, reviving the age‐old opposition between mechanism and vitalism: while Behring came to this discovery reasoning as a chemist, French researchers Charles Richet and Jules Héricourt behaved as physiologists, focusing on the role of the host in the host‐pathogen interaction. However, we should maybe consider that serum therapy history begins much earlier. Great forerunners must not be forgotten, especially researchers who investigated the field of immunity as soon as in the very beginning of the microbiological revolution; but also many people throughout centuries who tried to cure diseases with blood: as a transfer of blood serum, serum therapy also lies in the tradition of blood transfusion.
How does audit quality affect firm innovation? Evidence from China
Authors: Hsu Charles , Wu Chaopeng , Yan Zehao , Zhu Ruichao
Published: September 2024

Existing research based on the US setting suggests that high‐quality audits impede firm innovation by inducing managerial myopia that leads managers to sacrifice innovative activities. We extend this literature by examining the impact of audit quality on firm innovation in a major emerging market, China. Given the weak institutional environments in China, we posit that increases in audit quality enhance firm innovation by facilitating firms’ external financing abilities and promoting managers’ innovation efforts. Consistent with our predictions, we find that increased audit quality due to “switching” to BigN auditors after auditor mergers significantly improves firms’ innovation quantity and quality. We further find that increases in audit quality impact firm innovation by increasing external financing and motivating both internal and external investment in innovation. Overall, our results indicate that audit quality has a positive governance effect on firms’ real decisions in a major economy with weak legal environments.
Galileo's ship and the relativity principle
Authors: Murgueitio Ramírez Sebastián
Published: September 2024

It is widely acknowledged that the Galilean Relativity Principle, according to which the laws of classical systems are the same in all inertial frames in relative motion, has played an important role in the development of modern physics. It is also commonly believed that this principle holds the key to answering why, for example, we do not notice the orbital velocity of the Earth as we go about our day. And yet, I argue in this paper that the precise content of this principle is ambiguous: standard presentations, in both physics and philosophy, fail to distinguish between two principles that are ultimately inequivalent, the “External Galilean Relativity Principle” (EGRP) and the “Internal Galilean Relativity Principle” (IGRP). I demonstrate that EGRP and IGRP play distinct roles in physics practice (e.g., EGRP is connected to the concept of Galilean invariance, but IGRP is not) and that many classical systems that satisfy IGRP fail to satisfy EGRP. I further show that the Relativity Principle famously discussed by Einstein in 1905—which is not restricted to classical systems—also leads to two inequivalent principles, an external one analogous to EGRP, and an internal one analogous to IGRP. I conclude by highlighting that the phenomenon originally captured by Galileo's famous ship passage is much more general than contemporary discussions in the philosophy of symmetries suggest.
Interventions for the prevention of weight gain during festive and holiday periods in children and adults: A systematic review
Authors: Guerrero‐Magaña Diego E. , Urquijo‐Ruiz Lucía G. , Ruelas‐Yanes Alma L. , Martínez‐Contreras Teresita de J. , Díaz‐Zavala Rolando G. , Candia‐Plata Maria del Carmen , Esparza‐Romero Julián , Haby Michelle M.
Published: September 2024

Some periods during the year, such as festive and summer holiday periods, have been associated with weight gain. We aimed to assess the effect of interventions for the prevention of body weight gain during festive and holiday periods in children and adults. A systematic search was conducted in six databases and supplementary sources until January 4, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cluster‐RCTs, and non‐RCTs. Our primary outcome measure was the change in body weight in adults or the change in BMI z‐score or BMI percentile in children and adolescents. From 4216 records, 12 primary studies (from 22 reports) met the inclusion criteria—10 from the United States, one from the United Kingdom, and one from Chile. Two studies had a low risk of bias, two moderate, seven high, and one critical risk of bias. The meta‐analysis in children included four of seven studies during the summer holidays (six interventions) and showed a mean difference in BMI z‐score favoring the intervention group (−0.06 [95% CI −0.10, −0.01], p = 0.01, I2 = 0%, very low certainty evidence). The meta‐analysis in adults included five studies during festive periods with a mean difference in weight favoring the intervention group (−0.99 kg [95% CI −2.15, 0.18], p = 0.10, I2 = 89%, very low certainty evidence). This review has highlighted potential interventions to prevent the increase in body weight during holiday periods. More work is needed to improve the quality of the evidence and to extend it to countries outside of the United States and United Kingdom and to the adolescent population.
A gain‐of‐function mutation at the C‐terminus of FT‐D1 promotes heading by interacting with 14‐3‐3A and FDL6 in wheat
Authors: Li Yuting , Xiong Hongchun , Guo Huijun , Xie Yongdun , Zhao Linshu , Gu Jiayu , Li Huiyuan , Zhao Shirong , Ding Yuping , Zhou Chunyun , Fang Zhengwu , Liu Luxiang
Published: September 2024

Vernalization and photoperiod pathways converging at FT1 control the transition to flowering in wheat. Here, we identified a gain‐of‐function mutation in FT‐D1 that results in earlier heading date (HD), and shorter plant height and spike length in the gamma ray‐induced eh1 wheat mutant. Knockout of the wild‐type and overexpression of the mutated FT‐D1 indicate that both alleles are functional to affect HD and plant height. Protein interaction assays demonstrated that the frameshift mutation in FT‐D1eh1 exon 3 led to gain‐of‐function interactions with 14‐3‐3A and FDL6, thereby enabling the formation of florigen activation complex (FAC) and consequently activating a flowering‐related transcriptomic programme. This mutation did not affect FT‐D1eh1 interactions with TaNaKR5 or TaFTIP7, both of which could modulate HD, potentially via mediating FT‐D1 translocation to the shoot apical meristem. Furthermore, the ‘Segment B’ external loop is essential for FT‐D1 interaction with FDL6, while residue Y85 is required for interactions with TaNaKR5 and TaFTIP7. Finally, the flowering regulatory hub gene, ELF5, was identified as the FT‐D1 regulatory target. This study illustrates FT‐D1 function in determining wheat HD with a suite of interaction partners and provides genetic resources for tuning HD in elite wheat lines.
Neural Sensing: Toward a New Approach to Understanding Emotional Responses to Place
Authors: Zhao Bo , Feng Jiaxin , Sun Yuzhi , Chang Xiaohui , Shaw Shih‐Lung
Published: September 2024

As GIS progressively permeates our everyday lives, it becomes increasingly significant to incorporate emotional factors into the design and use of GIS technologies. While existing methods such as self‐report and AI‐enhanced techniques prevail in collecting emotional factors, they often miss real‐time emotional nuances and synchronization with geographically referenced and other accompanying data. To bridge this gap, we introduce “Neural Sensing,” a novel approach that combines Electroencephalogram (EEG) with GIS technologies to quantitatively measure emotional responses to places. This approach offers a unique lens to understand human dynamics in a hybrid physical–virtual realm, especially by delving into our mental worlds. To demonstrate the utility of Neural Sensing, we have designed a pilot empirical study to analyze emotional reactions to geographical environments. This approach broadens the domain of GIS methodologies from remote sensing and social sensing to a neural sensing approach. Through this study, we underscore the importance of the mental dimension of the hybrid physical–virtual world and encourage GIScientists to emphasize human experiences and feelings in GIS analyses.
Arabidopsis trigalactosyldiacylglycerol1 mutants reveal a critical role for phosphtidylcholine remodeling in lipid homeostasis
Authors: Fan Jilian , Sah Saroj Kumar , Lemes Jorge Gabriel , Blanford Jantana , Xie Dongling , Yu Linhui , Thelen Jay , Shanklin John , Xu Changcheng
Published: September 2024

Lipid remodeling plays a critical role in plant response to abiotic stress and metabolic perturbations. Key steps in this process involve modifications of phosphatidylcholine (PC) acyl chains mediated by lysophosphatidylcholine: acyl‐CoA acyltransferases (LPCATs) and phosphatidylcholine: diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase (ROD1). To assess their importance in lipid homeostasis, we took advantage of the trigalactosyldiacylglycerol1 (tgd1) mutant that exhibits marked increases in fatty acid synthesis and fatty acid flux through PC due to a block in inter‐organelle lipid trafficking. Here, we showed that the increased fatty acid synthesis in tgd1 is due to posttranslational activation of the plastidic acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase. Genetic analysis showed that knockout of LPCAT1 and 2 resulted in a lethal phenotype in tgd1. In addition, plants homozygous for lpcat2 and heterozygous for lpcat1 in the tgd1 background showed reduced levels of PC and triacylglycerols (TAG) and alterations in their fatty acid profiles. We further showed that disruption of ROD1 in tgd1 resulted in changes in fatty acid composition of PC and TAG, decreased leaf TAG content and reduced seedling growth. Together, our results reveal a critical role of LPCATs and ROD1 in maintaining cellular lipid homeostasis under conditions, in which fatty acid production largely exceeds the cellular demand for membrane lipid synthesis.
CYP76BK1 orthologs catalyze furan and lactone ring formation in clerodane diterpenoids across the mint family
Authors: Schlecht Nicholas J. , Lanier Emily R. , Andersen Trine B. , Brose Julia , Holmes Daniel , Hamberger Björn R.
Published: September 2024

The Lamiaceae (mint family) is the largest known source of furanoclerodanes, a subset of clerodane diterpenoids with broad bioactivities including insect antifeedant properties. The Ajugoideae subfamily, in particular, accumulates significant numbers of structurally related furanoclerodanes. The biosynthetic capacity for formation of these diterpenoids is retained across most Lamiaceae subfamilies, including the early‐diverging Callicarpoideae which forms a sister clade to the rest of Lamiaceae. VacCYP76BK1, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase from Vitex agnus‐castus, was previously found to catalyze the formation of the proposed precursor to furan and lactone‐containing labdane diterpenoids. Through transcriptome‐guided pathway exploration, we identified orthologs of VacCYP76BK1 in Ajuga reptans and Callicarpa americana. Functional characterization demonstrated that both could catalyze the oxidative cyclization of clerodane backbones to yield a furan ring. Subsequent investigation revealed a total of 10 CYP76BK1 orthologs across six Lamiaceae subfamilies. Through analysis of available chromosome‐scale genomes, we identified four CYP76BK1 members as syntelogs within a conserved syntenic block across divergent subfamilies. This suggests an evolutionary lineage that predates the speciation of the Lamiaceae. Functional characterization of the CYP76BK1 orthologs affirmed conservation of function, as all catalyzed furan ring formation. Additionally, some orthologs yielded two novel lactone ring moieties. The presence of the CYP76BK1 orthologs across Lamiaceae subfamilies closely overlaps with the distribution of reported furanoclerodanes. Together, the activities and distribution of the CYP76BK1 orthologs identified here support their central role in furanoclerodane biosynthesis within the Lamiaceae family. Our findings lay the groundwork for biotechnological applications to harness the economic potential of this promising class of compounds.
Flow Characteristics and Heat Transfer Enhancement of Electro-Thermo-Convection in Dielectric Liquids With Residual Conductivity
Authors: Huang Junyu , Wang Qi , Wu Jian
Published: September 2024

The flow features and heat transfer enhancement of electro-thermo-convection (ETC) in dielectric liquids with residual conductivity between concentric electrodes are numerically studied based on an injection–conduction model. The strongly coupled flow field, electric field, and positive/negative charge density of the ETC system are solved numerically based on the finite volume framework of OpenFOAM®. The total variation-diminishing algorithm is adopted to handle the complex nonlinearity of the positive/negative charge transport equations. The bifurcation of plentiful flow states that are characterized by variable plumes and vortex pairs in the ETC system is investigated. It is discovered that the residual conductivity postpones the beginning of ETC flow, inhibits the convection intensity, and also diminishes heat transfer of the ETC system. In addition, the transition sequences of ETC flow are also influenced by residual conductivity. A higher residual conductivity suppresses the occurrence of different intermediate steady-states. Three different transition sequences of steady ETC states at different Rayleigh numbers (Ra) are identified. The critical point where the ETC flow bifurcates to S8 is postponed at higher Ra. And the ETC system is more prone to chaos in a system of higher Ra. The periodicity of the ETC system is analyzed and found that Ra has little influence on the periodicity.
Mechanical Viability and Functionality Assessment of a New Sutureless Endoluminal Microvascular Device: A Preliminary In Vivo Rabbit Study
Authors: Descarrega Jordi , Fontdevila Joan , Segura Erica , Oyonate Héctor , Bellemi German , Taylor Brittany
Published: September 2024

Our group has developed a new nitinol endoluminal self-expandable device for microvascular anastomosis. It attaches to each vessel ending with opposite directed microspikes and reaches complete expansion at body temperature, using the nitinol shape memory capacity. The main purpose of this first in vivo trial is to evaluate the mechanical viability of the device and its immediate and early functionality. A recuperation study with seven New Zealand White rabbits was designed. A 1.96 mm outer diameter prototype of the new device was placed on the right femoral artery of each rabbit. Each anastomosis was reassessed on the seventh postoperative day to reevaluate the device function. The average anastomosis time with the new device was 18 min and 45 seg (±0.3 seg). It could be easily placed in all the cases with an average of 1.14 (1) complementary stitches needed to achieve a sealed anastomosis. Patency test was positive for all the cases on the immediate assessment. On the 1 week revision surgery, patency test was negative for the seven rabbits due to blood clot formation inside the device. The new device that we have developed is simple to use and shows correct immediate functionality. On the early assessment, the presence of a foreign body in the endoluminal space caused blood clot formation. We speculate that a heparin eluting version of the device could avoid thrombosis formation. We consider that the results obtained can be valuable for other endoluminal sutureless devices.
Thermal Stress Analysis of Compact Heat Exchanger Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Junior M. Teixeira , Zilio G. , Mortean M. V. V. , Oliveira J. L. G. , Paiva K. V.
Published: September 2024

Compact heat exchangers are renowned for their high heat transfer rates and efficiency, achieved by incorporating mini and microchannels in their core design. However, operating under conditions of high-pressure fluctuations and significant temperature differences between hot and cold streams can potentially induce fatigue failure. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation into the thermal stresses experienced by heat exchanger samples manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) technology, focusing on circular channels. Experiments were conducted using hot water in the inner channel, while the remaining channels and the sample surface were subjected to natural convection in ambient air. Strain gauges, thermocouples, and resistance temperature detector (RTDs) were employed to measure strain and temperature variations over time. These data were utilized as inputs for a numerical model based on finite element method (FEM). The strain measurements were compared with those obtained from the numerical model, revealing an average difference of approximately 20%. Lastly, a thermal fatigue analysis based on the maximum equivalent stresses predicted by the numerical model is presented. The evaluation considered both S–N curves: outlined in the ASME standard and the one obtained with specimens produced through selective laser melting. In the case of circular channels manufactured through additive manufacturing evaluated in this work, thermal stresses alone are insufficient to cause component failure due to fatigue. However, significant pressure cycles superimposed on the model can reverse this situation, making the combined effect of thermal and mechanical stresses influential in determining the component's fatigue behavior.
Recommendations for Physical Activity in Segments of the School Day Support the Increase in Daily Physical Activity in Adolescents
Authors: Frömel Karel , Groffik Dorota , Heidler Josef , Mitáš Josef , Pratt Michael
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of segment-specific physical activity (PA) recommendations during the school day on the daily PA in both boys and girls. Methods: A total of 426 Czech and 219 Polish adolescents participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: one receiving segment-specific PA recommendations for the school day and the other receiving general daily PA recommendations. The Youth Activity Profile questionnaire, the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index, and the wearable Garmin vívofit were used in the research. Results: The application of segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day was significantly associated with higher PA on school days. It also increased the odds of meeting the recommendations of 6,000 steps/day after school (odds ratio = 1.63, confidence interval [1.19, 2.24], p = .003) and 11,000 steps/day (odds ratio = 1.59, confidence interval [1.16, 2.18], p = .004) on school days. Conclusions: Segment-specific PA recommendations during the school day are effective and should be integrated into physical education curricula, comprehensive school PA programs, and broader school educational strategies.
Constraining the parameters of generalized and viscous modified Chaplygin gas and black hole accretion in Einstein-Aether gravity
Authors: Mukherjee Puja , Debnath Ujjal , Chaudhary Himanshu , Mustafa G.
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate the phenomenon of the accelerated cosmic expansion in the late universe and the mass accretion process for a four-dimensional Einstein-Aether black hole. Starting with the basics of Einstein-Aether gravity theory, we first consider the field equations and two well-known models of Chaplygin gas, i.e., the generalized cosmic Chaplygin gas model and viscous modified Chaplygin gas model. We then obtain the energy density and Hubble parameter equations for these models in terms of various dimensionless density parameters and some unknown parameters. After finding the required parameters, we proceed with the mass accretion process. For both models, we obtain the equation of mass in terms of the redshift function and graphically represent the change in the mass of the black hole with a redshift. At the same time, we perform a graphical comparison between these models and the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model of the universe. Finally, we conclude that the mass of a four-dimensional black hole will increase along the evolution of the universe within the framework of Einstein-Aether gravity.
A Bridge-based Algorithm for Simultaneous Primal and Dual Defects Compression on Topologically Quantum-error-corrected Circuits
Authors: Tseng Wei-Hsiang , Chang Yao-Wen
Published: September 2024

Topological quantum error correction (TQEC) using the surface code is among the most promising techniques for fault-tolerant quantum circuits. The required resource of a TQEC circuit can be modeled as a space-time volume of a three-dimensional diagram by describing the defect movement along the time axis. For large-scale complex problems, it is crucial to minimize the space-time volume for a quantum algorithm with a reasonable physical qubit number and computation time. Previous work proposed an automated tool for bridge compression on a large-scale TQEC circuit. However, the existing automated bridge compression is only for dual defects and not for primal defects. This paper presents an algorithm to simultaneously perform bridge compression on primal and dual defects. In addition, the automatic compression algorithm performs initialization/measurement simplification and flipping to improve the compression. Compared with the state-of-the-art work, experimental results show that our proposed algorithm can averagely reduce space-time volumes by 53%.
DAMO: A Deep Solver for Arbitrary Marker Configuration in Optical Motion Capture
Authors: Kim KyeongMin , Seo SeungWon , Han DongHeun , Kang HyeongYeop
Published: September 2024

Marker-based optical motion capture (mocap) systems are increasingly utilized for acquiring 3D human motion, offering advantages in capturing the subtle nuances of human movement, style consistency, and ease of obtaining desired motion. Motion data acquisition via mocap typically requires laborious marker labeling and motion reconstruction, recent deep-learning solutions have aimed to automate the process. However, such solutions generally presuppose a fixed marker configuration to reduce learning complexity, thereby limiting flexibility. To overcome the limitation, we introduce DAMO, an end-to-end deep solver, proficiently inferring arbitrary marker configurations and optimizing pose reconstruction. DAMO outperforms state-of-the-art like SOMA and MoCap-Solver in scenarios with significant noise and unknown marker configurations. We expect that DAMO will meet various practical demands such as facilitating dynamic marker configuration adjustments during capture sessions, processing marker clouds irrespective of whether they employ mixed or entirely unknown marker configurations, and allowing custom marker configurations to suit distinct capture scenarios. DAMO code and pretrained models are available at
https://github.com/CritBear/damo
.
Cognitive Urban Planning Enhancing Decision-Making in Local Governments.
Authors: Meza Jaime , Jimenez-Pacheco Pedro , Vaca-Cardenas Leticia , Munoz Emanuel
Published: September 2024

According to the United Nations (UN), a “continuous, participatory, and inclusive urban planning process should be the starting point and framework for improving population living conditions,” and this research emerges from examining trends in smart cities. It explores the impact of collective intelligence, geographical information systems, and cognitive systems as a way of supporting the decision-making of local governments (municipalities) to face the challenges announced by the UN in the Urban Agenda 2017. This methodology employs an exploratory approach using the participatory action research method. The model was tested in three municipalities in Ecuador using a technological and collaborative platform called Cognitive Urban Planning (PUC). The results highlighted improvements in the decision-making process in urban planning, since the interactive participation processes through the PUC allowed for the suggestion of a group of strategies for an emerging neighborhood plan developed with the citizens working together in the municipality in real-time. In conclusion, the effects of the decision-making plan could be applied to improve and enhance community participation through city co-creation, supporting the decision-making process of municipalities in a way that promotes inclusive urban planning and stakeholders' awareness, as the recommended plans are supported by the desires and needs raised by citizens.
Meta-Review on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) in the Metaverse
Authors: Gholizadeh HamlAbadi Kamran , Laamarti Fedwa , El Saddik Abdulmotaleb
Published: September 2024

This article presents a comprehensive meta-review of the intersection between Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technologies and the Metaverse, emphasizing the enhancement of immersive experiences through VR, AR, MR, XR, Digital Twin, and haptic interfaces. The study classifies BCI devices into wearable and non-wearable categories, with a focus on their applications in robotics. It explores BCI user feedback mechanisms and their impact on medical and non-medical settings, including personalized rehabilitation and immersive gaming. The review introduces two frameworks for leveraging the Metaverse to navigate multisensory integration between BCI and assistive devices. Applications such as VR therapies for stroke patients and neuro-responsive multiplayer gaming environments showcase the potential of BCIs to enhance Metaverse interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-review on the integration of BCI and the Metaverse, identifying key challenges and research gaps, and serves as a foundational reference for future research and development in this interdisciplinary field.
Study of Asphalt Pavement Cracking in Different Road Sections of Morocco Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography
Authors: Krami Khalid , Benamara Ahmed , Radouani Mohammed , Ettayeb Mohammad , Tarik Lhoussaine
Published: September 2024

Road pavements undergo various environmental factors such as temperature changes, precipitation, and traffic exposure, which can lead to cracks in asphalt pavements compromising road user safety and necessitating costly repairs. To gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind asphalt pavement cracking, this study proposes the utilization of the electrical resistivity tomography method to measure the electrical resistivity of soil‐supporting road pavements. Electrical resistivity measurements were conducted on soil‐supporting road pavements at various times, both before and during the winter season, in four different road sections. Two of these sections were located on Regional Road N707 in the Ifrane region, while the other two were located on National Road N13 in the Azrou and Timahdite regions. The results of the geophysical campaign provided valuable insights into the impact of the winter season on soil resistance and the formation of cracks in asphalt pavements. To achieve this, electrical tomography was employed to generate 2D images of the electrical resistivity of the soil, which were subsequently compared to asphalt cracking data collected in the field through visual surveys and/or asphalt cores. The 2D analysis of the electrical resistivity images of the road pavements under study revealed a decrease in electrical resistivity values during the winter season. This decrease can be attributed to a combination of factors including asphalt pavement cracking, water infiltration during winter, and soil characteristics supporting the asphalt pavement. These findings offer valuable insights intro targeted maintenance and repair efforts.
The Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones and Associated High Winds in Shanghai from 2005 to 2020
Authors: Han Zhihui , Yue Caijun , Yang Tongxiao , Gu Wen , Liu Dongwei , Tang Yuqi , Yao Yao
Published: September 2024

The characteristics of 21 tropical cyclones (TCs) and associated high winds in Shanghai from 2005 to 2020 are analyzed based on the TC best track data, surface observations, and ERA5 reanalysis dataset. Results indicate that 95% of the TCs causing high winds in Shanghai were generated during July to September, and located to the south of Shanghai for ~80% of the impact time. Divided into four categories according to tracks, the TCs show significant discrepancies in genesis month and location, intensity, size, and duration. The findings of high winds in Shanghai highlight the combination effect of TC intensity, track, and the distance between TCs and Shanghai normalized by TC size (NDSH-TC). The maximum 10‐min sustained (Vmax) and extreme 3‐s wind speeds (Vex) in Shanghai only increase slightly with TC intensity, due to the fact that the stronger TCs are usually farther away from Shanghai. The Vmax and Vex differ in response to different TC tracks and reach the maximum value under TCs moving northward across the land west of Shanghai and the sea east of Shanghai, respectively. The urban and coastal wind speeds are the smallest and the largest respectively, indicating that the largest underlying surface roughness is associated with the most rapid urban construction. The wind speeds under the influence of TCs in four quadrants of Shanghai also present different variations with the NDSH-TC. Additionally, the wind direction in Shanghai is regularly related to the relative position between the TC center and Shanghai. A case study combined with TC In‐Fa (2106) verified the validity of the conclusions, which can provide a reference for TC forecasters to make more accurate wind field predictions.
Associations between PIK3CA Mutations and Disease Free Survival in Patients with HR+, HER2− Tumors Treated with Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy: A Real‐World Study in Croatia
Authors: Čerina Pavlinović Dora , Dedić Plavetić Natalija , Belac Lovasić Ingrid , Šeparović Robert , Flam Josipa , Pancirov Marija , Bajić Žarko , Tomić Snježana , Vrdoljak Eduard
Published: September 2024

Introduction. Disease recurrence in patients with the early hormone receptor‐positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐negative (HER2−) breast tumor subtype is particularly challenging to manage due to its complex and very heterogeneous biological nature. Namely, due to primary and secondary resistance, one‐quarter of patients with early‐stage disease will experience disease recurrence. This variability in the timing of recurrence highlights the need to better identify key biomarkers that could predict therapeutic outcomes and guide personalized treatment strategies for these patients. Mutations in the phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene are highly prevalent (30–40%) in HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer. They lead to activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, promoting cell growth, and proliferation, and are associated with poor prognosis in advanced breast cancer. Our aim was to examine the association between and impact of PIK3CA mutation status on disease‐free survival (DFS) in HR+/HER2− early breast cancer patients. Methods. This cohort study was multicentric and retrospective in nature and was conducted at five Croatian institutions from July 2020 to December 2021. The study included initially early and locally advanced operable HR+/HER2− breast cancer patients who were diagnosed with disease recurrence during adjuvant hormonal treatment or within the first six years of follow‐up. Results. A total of 186 patients were included, 40.9% of whom tested positive for the PIK3CA mutation. Primary and adjuvant treatment, particularly adjuvant endocrine treatment, were similar between the two groups. After adjustment for 14 relevant covariates, we found that patients with a positive PIK3CA status and the H1047 PIK3CA mutation had a significantly lower hazard of disease recurrence than patients with no PIK3CA mutation (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.45; 0.95; p = 0.024; false discovery rate, FDR <10%). Conclusions. This study highlights the potential impact of PIK3CA mutations on disease recurrence during or following adjuvant endocrine therapy and potentially opens the door for further investigation of possibly more personalized treatment strategies.