bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Lateral Displacement of Pile Foundation Caused by Large-Diameter Shield Tunneling
Authors: Sun Yang , Wang Faxin , Meng Zoulei , Wang Chongxiao
Published: December 2023

The aim of this research is to study the lateral deformation characteristics of the pile foundation in front of a shield construction and accurately predict its displacement in the shield tunneling direction. The impact of deep-shield construction on the pile foundations was analyzed using the Mindlin elastic solution to determine the lateral displacement. The Kerr foundation model and other factors, like additional shield thrust and uneven shell friction, were considered. The study assessed the impact of the incision distance, shield outer diameter, and additional thrust on pile displacement. The theoretical and numerical solutions of lateral displacement at various shield construction stages were compared to determine the variation law. The results indicate that the theoretical method is reliable, considering its good agreement with the numerical solutions. The buried depth of the shield means that the upper part of the pile is less affected by the additional thrust, leading to less deformation at the top. We recommend using a smaller shield thrust and outer diameter to control the pile’s end and top displacement.
Identifying Patterns for Neurological Disabilities by Integrating Discrete Wavelet Transform and Visualization
Authors: Ji Soo Yeon , Jayarathna Sampath , Perrotti Anne M. , Kardiasmenos Katrina , Jeong Dong Hyun
Published: December 2023

Neurological disabilities cause diverse health and mental challenges, impacting quality of life and imposing financial burdens on both the individuals diagnosed with these conditions and their caregivers. Abnormal brain activity, stemming from malfunctions in the human nervous system, characterizes neurological disorders. Therefore, the early identification of these abnormalities is crucial for devising suitable treatments and interventions aimed at promoting and sustaining quality of life. Electroencephalogram (EEG), a non-invasive method for monitoring brain activity, is frequently employed to detect abnormal brain activity in neurological and mental disorders. This study introduces an approach that extends the understanding and identification of neurological disabilities by integrating feature extraction, machine learning, and visual analysis based on EEG signals collected from individuals with neurological and mental disorders. The classification performance of four feature approaches—EEG frequency band, raw data, power spectral density, and wavelet transform—is assessed using machine learning techniques to evaluate their capability to differentiate neurological disabilities in short EEG segmentations (one second and two seconds). In detail, the classification analysis is conducted under two conditions: single-channel-based classification and region-based classification. While a clear demarcation between normal (healthy) and abnormal (neurological disabilities) EEG metrics may not be evident, their similarities and distinctions are observed through visualization, employing wavelet features. Notably, the frontal brain region (frontal lobe) emerges as a crucial area for distinguishing abnormalities among different brain regions. Also, the integration of wavelet features and visual analysis proves effective in identifying and understanding neurological disabilities.
Revolutionising Financial Portfolio Management: The Non-Stationary Transformer’s Fusion of Macroeconomic Indicators and Sentiment Analysis in a Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Mikriukov Daniil , Tjahyadi Owen Christopher , Li Gangmin , Payne Terry R. , Yue Yong , Siddique Kamran , Man Ka Lok
Published: December 2023

In the evolving landscape of portfolio management (PM), the fusion of advanced machine learning techniques with traditional financial methodologies has opened new avenues for innovation. Our study introduces a cutting-edge model combining deep reinforcement learning (DRL) with a non-stationary transformer architecture. This model is designed to decode complex patterns in financial time-series data, enhancing portfolio management strategies with deeper insights and robustness. It effectively tackles the challenges of data heterogeneity and market uncertainty, key obstacles in PM. Our approach integrates key macroeconomic indicators and targeted news sentiment analysis into its framework, capturing a comprehensive picture of market dynamics. This amalgamation of varied data types addresses the multifaceted nature of financial markets, enhancing the model’s ability to navigate the complexities of asset management. Rigorous testing demonstrates the model’s efficacy, highlighting the benefits of blending diverse data sources and sophisticated algorithmic approaches in mastering the nuances of PM.
Influences of Cloud Microphysics on the Components of Solar Irradiance in the WRF-Solar Model
Authors: Zhou Xin , Liu Yangang , Shan Yunpeng , Endo Satoshi , Xie Yu , Sengupta Manajit
Published: December 2023

An accurate forecast of Global Horizontal solar Irradiance (GHI) and Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) in cloudy conditions remains a major challenge in the solar energy industry. This study focuses on the impact of cloud microphysics on GHI and its partition into DNI and Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI) using the Weather Research and Forecasting model specifically designed for solar radiation applications (WRF-Solar) and seven microphysical schemes. Three stratocumulus (Sc) and five shallow cumulus (Cu) cases are simulated and evaluated against measurements at the US Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility, Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Results show that different microphysical schemes lead to spreads in simulated solar irradiance components up to 75% and 350% from their ensemble means in the Cu and Sc cases, respectively. The Cu cases have smaller microphysical sensitivity due to a limited cloud fraction and smaller domain-averaged cloud water mixing ratio compared to Sc cases. Cloud properties also influence the partition of GHI into DNI and DHI, and the model simulates better GHI than DNI and DHI due to a non-physical error compensation between DNI and DHI. The microphysical schemes that produce more accurate liquid water paths and effective radii of cloud droplets have a better overall performance.
Vestibular Drop Attack: An Analysis of the Therapeutic Response
Authors: Carmona Sergio , Fernandez Martin , Espona Cristian
Published: December 2023

The present study evaluates the response to betahistine in patients who presented vestibular drops attacks in the context of Ménière’s disease (MD) and the factors that can predict an unfavorable response to it. A total of 43 patients were analyzed, out of which 33 were diagnosed with MD. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. Data as regards age, accompanying symptoms, etiological diagnosis and response to MD treatment were collected. A statistical analysis was carried out, and we found that the disease evolution time and specific alterations in the vestibulospinal and oculomotor physical examination present an unfavorable response to betahistine. Failures for betahistine were treated with intratympanic gentamicin, with which symptomatic control was achieved in all cases.
An Integrated In Silico and In Vitro Approach for the Identification of Natural Products Active against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Pennisi Rosamaria , Gentile Davide , Rescifina Antonio , Napoli Edoardo , Trischitta Paola , Piperno Anna , Sciortino Maria Teresa
Published: December 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has provoked a global health crisis due to the absence of a specific therapeutic agent. 3CLpro (also known as the main protease or Mpro) and PLpro are chymotrypsin-like proteases encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome, and play essential roles during the virus lifecycle. Therefore, they are recognized as a prospective therapeutic target in drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, this work aims to collectively present potential natural 3CLpro and PLpro inhibitors by in silico simulations and in vitro entry pseudotype-entry models. We screened luteolin-7-O-glucuronide (L7OG), cynarin (CY), folic acid (FA), and rosmarinic acid (RA) molecules against PLpro and 3CLpro through a luminogenic substrate assay. We only reported moderate inhibitory activity on the recombinant 3CLpro and PLpro by L7OG and FA. Afterward, the entry inhibitory activity of L7OG and FA was tested in cell lines transduced with the two different SARS-CoV-2 pseudotypes harboring alpha (α) and omicron (o) spike (S) protein. The results showed that both compounds have a consistent inhibitory activity on the entry for both variants. However, L7OG showed a greater degree of entry inhibition against α-SARS-CoV-2. Molecular modeling studies were used to determine the inhibitory mechanism of the candidate molecules by focusing on their interactions with residues recognized by the protease active site and receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike SARS-CoV-2. This work allowed us to identify the binding sites of FA and L7OG within the RBD domain in the alpha and omicron variants, demonstrating how FA is active in both variants. We have confidence that future in vivo studies testing the safety and effectiveness of these natural compounds are warranted, given that they are effective against a variant of concerns.
Key Drivers for BIM-Enabled Materials Management: Insights for a Sustainable Environment
Authors: Junussova Tokzhan , Nadeem Abid , Kim Jong R. , Azhar Salman
Published: December 2023

The value of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is widely discussed within all construction stages including the data-driven culture across building processes and sustainable impact in the long term. Yet, there is a need to explore the opportunities of BIM in improving construction materials management (CMM) as a core function of supply chain management. Due to the dearth of studies on BIM potential in improving CMM within the sustainability context, the authors examine the effectiveness and efficiency of BIM-enabled materials management, via three data streams: a literature review, an online survey, and interviews with subject matter experts in the field. This study aims to explore the drivers of BIM-enabled sustainable construction materials management. This is the preliminary study designed to test the initial hypotheses based on an online questionnaire application to derive tacit knowledge from industry and academic experts, followed by short interviews with respondents. Grounded in the comprehensive literature review, 24 indicators were defined for survey purposes. Preliminarily, 206 experts from 10 countries responded to the survey. The results show significant differences in the ranking of the indicators among the five factors. In developing countries, among two groups, industry sample awareness scales demonstrated lower understanding than among academic experts. Another finding relates to the significant agreement in scaling the importance of opportunities among industrial and academic sector experts. The research adds knowledge to deepen the understanding of opportunities of BIM-enabled materials management as a part of building project sustainable performance for industry policy and decision-makers. It also brings attention to the lack of sustainability awareness amongst industry experts in developing countries. Although materials constitute a solid part of any construction project cost, there is still a collaboration gap among designers, materials management, and, more broadly, supply chain management experts.
National Burden and Trends for 29 Groups of Cancer in Mexico from 1990 to 2019: A Secondary Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Beltran-Ontiveros Saul A. , Contreras-Gutierrez Jose A. , Lizarraga-Verdugo Erik , Gutierrez-Grijalva Erick P. , Lopez-Lopez Kenia , Lora-Fierro Emilio H. , Trujillo-Rojas Miguel A. , Moreno-Ortiz Jose M. , Cardoso-Angulo Diana L. , Leal-Leon Emir , Zatarain-Lopez Jose R. , Cuen-Diaz Hector M. , Montoya-Moreno Marisol , Arce-Bojorquez Brisceyda , Rochin-Teran Juan L. , Cuen-Lazcano Daniel E. , Contreras-Rodriguez Victor A. , Lascurain Ricardo , Carmona-Aparicio Liliana , Coballase-Urrutia Elvia , Gallardo-Vera Francisco , Diaz Daniel
Published: December 2023

The global burden of cancer is on the rise, with varying national patterns. To gain a better understanding and control of cancer, it is essential to provide national estimates. Therefore, we present a comparative description of cancer incidence and mortality rates in Mexico from 1990 to 2019, by age and sex for 29 different cancer groups. Based on public data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we evaluated the national burden of cancer by analyzing counts and crude and age-standardized rates per 100,000 people with 95% uncertainty intervals for 2019 and trends using the annual percentage change from 1990 to 2019. In 2019, cancer resulted in 222,060 incident cases and 105,591 deaths. In 2019, the highest incidence of cancer was observed in non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer. Additionally, 53% of deaths were attributed to six cancer groups (lung, colorectal, stomach, prostate, breast, and pancreatic). From 1990 to 2019, there was an increasing trend in incidence and mortality rates, which varied by 10–436% among cancer groups. Furthermore, there were cancer-specific sex differences in crude and age-standardized rates. The results show an increase in the national cancer burden with sex-specific patterns of change. These findings can guide national efforts to reduce health loss due to cancer.
ACVR1: A Novel Therapeutic Target to Treat Anemia in Myelofibrosis
Authors: Duminuco Andrea , Chifotides Helen T. , Giallongo Sebastiano , Giallongo Cesarina , Tibullo Daniele , Palumbo Giuseppe A.
Published: December 2023

Activin receptor type I (ACVR1) is a transmembrane kinase receptor belonging to bone morphogenic protein receptors (BMPs). ACVR1 plays an important role in hematopoiesis and anemia via the BMP6/ACVR1/SMAD pathway, which regulates expression of hepcidin, the master regulator of iron homeostasis. Elevated hepcidin levels are inversely associated with plasma iron levels, and chronic hepcidin expression leads to iron-restricted anemia. Anemia is one of the hallmarks of myelofibrosis (MF), a bone marrow (BM) malignancy characterized by BM scarring resulting in impaired hematopoiesis, splenomegaly, and systemic symptoms. Anemia and red blood cell transfusions negatively impact MF prognosis. Among the approved JAK inhibitors (ruxolitinib, fedratinib, momelotinib, and pacritinib) for MF, momelotinib and pacritinib are preferably used in cytopenic patients; both agents are potent ACVR1 inhibitors that suppress hepcidin expression via the BMP6/ACVR1/SMAD pathway and restore iron homeostasis/erythropoiesis. In September 2023, momelotinib was approved as a treatment for patients with MF and anemia. Zilurgisertib (ACVR1 inhibitor) and DISC-0974 (anti-hemojuvelin monoclonal antibody) are evaluated in early phase clinical trials in patients with MF and anemia. Luspatercept (ACVR2B ligand trap) is assessed in transfusion-dependent MF patients in a registrational phase 3 trial. Approved ACVR1 inhibitors and novel agents in development are poised to improve the outcomes of anemic MF patients.
The Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Guven Deniz Can , Sahin Taha Koray , Kilickap Saadettin
Published: December 2023

Background: After the success of immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the benefit of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy was compared with chemotherapy for localized NSCLC in several trials. However, the available studies had variable study designs, and study cohorts had limited follow-up times. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the benefit of adding immunotherapy to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with localized NSCLC. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for studies published until 5 December 2023. This protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (Registration Number: CRD42023466337). We performed the meta-analyses with the generic inverse-variance method with a fixed effects model. Results: Overall, 7 studies encompassing 2993 patients were included in the analyses. The use of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy was associated with a 41% reduction in the risk of progression or death compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.52–0.66, p < 0.0001) and a lower risk of death (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55–0.82, p < 0.0001). The neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy improved pCR rates compared to chemotherapy (21.8% vs. 3.8%, OR: 7.04, 95% CI: 5.23–9.47, p < 0.0001), while high-grade adverse events were higher with neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.36, p = 0.0300). Conclusions: The available evidence demonstrates a statistically significant and clinically meaningful event-free survival benefit and possibly an overall survival benefit with neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy with a slight increase in high-grade toxicities.
Recent Advances in Photoredox Catalysts
Authors: Dumur Frédéric , Lalevée Jacques
Published: December 2023

Photoredox catalysis constitutes a flourishing and fascinating field of organic chemistry, enabling the efficient construction of a variety of non-traditional bonds [...]
Hydrogen Peroxide Inhibits Hepatitis C Virus Replication by Downregulating Hepatitis C Virus Core Levels through E6-Associated Protein-Mediated Proteasomal Degradation
Authors: Yoon Hyunyoung , Jang Kyung Lib
Published: December 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is constantly exposed to considerable oxidative stress, characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), during acute and chronic infection in the hepatocytes of patients. However, the effect of oxidative stress on HCV replication is largely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that H2O2 downregulated HCV Core levels to inhibit HCV replication. For this purpose, H2O2 upregulated p53 levels, resulting in the downregulation of both the protein and enzyme activity levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), DNMT3a, and DNMT3b, and activated the expression of E6-associated protein (E6AP) through promoter hypomethylation in the presence of HCV Core. E6AP, an E3 ligase, induced the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of HCV Core in a p53-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of H2O2 on HCV replication was almost completely nullified either by treatment with a representative antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, or by knockdown of p53 or E6AP using a specific short hairpin RNA, confirming the roles of p53 and E6AP in the inhibition of HCV replication by H2O2. This study provides insights into the mechanisms that regulate HCV replication under conditions of oxidative stress in patients.
Co-Extrusion of Dissimilar Aluminum Alloys via Shear-Assisted Processing and Extrusion
Authors: Komarasamy Mageshwari , Li Lei , Taysom Brandon , Soulami Ayoub , Grant Glenn , Herling Darrell , Whalen Scott
Published: December 2023

Bimetallic tubes are used when a component requires more than one performance requirement, for instance, strength/creep resistance and oxidation/corrosion resistance. Shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) can be used to fabricate extrudates that are comparable or superior in performance relative to conventionally manufactured extrudates. For the first time, ShAPE has been successfully employed in producing bimetallic Al tubing consisting of 6061 and 7075 Al alloys. Both light and electron microscopy techniques were used to investigate the integrity of the tubes, especially the interface between the core and cladding of the bimetallic tubes. Void-free bimetallic tubes were produced using ShAPE. Quantification of tube integrity was carried out with tensile testing under as-extruded and post-aged conditions. All the bimetallic tubes in the as-extruded samples exhibited uniform elongation above 5% with good tensile strength. Key insights such as material flow during bimetallic tube extrusion were obtained from the characterization of remnant billet and simulation results from a smoothed particle hydrodynamics model.
Counter-Ion Effect on the Surface Potential of Foam Films and Foams Stabilized by 0.5 mmol/L Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
Authors: Petkova Nidelina , Ivanova-Stancheva Dilyana , Grozev Nikolay A. , Mircheva Kristina , Karakashev Stoyan I.
Published: December 2023

It is well known that the type of counter-ion affects the state of the adsorption layer of ionic surfactants and, consequently, its surface potential. Yet, it is not clear how they affect the foamability, the rate of foam decay or foam production. How is the surface potential of the air/water interface related to the properties of the foam? This work aims to answer these questions. Foam films, stabilized by 0.5 mmol/L sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the presence of added LiCl, NaCl, and KCl, were studied by means of the interferometric experimental setup of Scheludko–Exerowa. The surface potential values were derived from the equilibrium film thickness by means of the DLVO theory. A linear relation between the values of the surface potential and specific adsorption energy of the counter-ions on the air/water interface was established. The slope of this linear relation depends on the salt concentration. The foamability, the rate of foam decay, and the foam production of the same aqueous solutions of SDS and added salts were studied by means of the shaking method. A correlation was found between the derived surface potential of the foam film’s surfaces and the properties of the foam. The foam production, which is the ratio between the initial foam volume and the rate of foam decay, increases with the decrease in the surface potential. Previous studies in the literature confirm that the lower surface potential promotes higher surfactant adsorption, thus boosting more foam and vice versa. It was also confirmed that the dual effect of KCl on foam production involves converting the best foam stabilizer into a foam suppressor at the highest salt concentration.
A Foldable Metal–Organic Framework with cds Topology Assembled via Four-Connected Square-Planar Single Ni2+-Ion Nodes and Linear Bidentate Linkers
Authors: Shi Zhi-Chun , Wang Xiaoliang , Drozd Vadym , Raptis Raphael G.
Published: December 2023

A binary, three-dimensional (3D), foldable, Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) of formula {[trans-Ni(H2O)2(μ-4,4′-bpy)2](ClO4)2}n (1), with CdSO4 (65 8), cds, topology, based on four-connected (4-c) square-planar single Ni2+ ion nodes and two-connected (2-c) linear rigid 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy) ligands, was synthesized and structurally characterized via single crystal X-ray crystallography. The 41° dihedral angle between two distinct coordination environments within the 3D network of 1 produced the self-dual topology of Ni2+ nodes. Two rectangular 1D channels ran parallel to the crystallographic a-axis and b-axis, respectively, creating a 44.2% volume porosity, probed by gas (N2, CO2, and H2) sorption studies. The PXRD, FT-IR, Raman, EDS, and SEM methods were employed for the study of 1. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that coordinated water molecules were readily removed upon heating, whereas the 3D lattice remained intact up to 370 °C.
3d (Co and Mn) and 4d (Ag) Transition Metal-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Anchored on CdZnS for the Photodegradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Mureithi Ann Wangari , Song Chen , Tran Thi Kim Tran , Nyiera Hawi N. , Huang Xueni , Bhosale Tejas S. , Aderibigbe Abiodun Daniel , Burman Ranjana , Suib Steven L. , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2023

The construction of a heterojunction by coupling two semiconductor photocatalysts with appropriate band positions can effectively reduce the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, thus improving their catalytic efficiency. Recently, ZnO photocatalysts have been highly sought after in the synthesis of semiconductor heterostructures due to their wide band gap and low conduction band position. Particularly, transition metal-doped ZnO nanoparticles are attractive due to the additional charge separation caused by temporary electron trapping by the dopant ions as well as the improved absorption of visible light. In this paper, we compare the effect of doping ZnO nanoparticles with 3d (Co and Mn) and 4d (Ag) transition metals on the structural and optical properties of ZnO/CdZnS heterostructures and their photocatalytic performance. With the help of scanning electron microscopy, the successful anchoring of doped and undoped ZnO nanoparticles onto CdZnS nanostructures was confirmed. Among the different heterostructures, Ag-doped ZnO/CdZnS exhibited the best visible-light-driven degradation of rhodamine B at a rate of 1.0 × 10−2 min−1. The photocurrent density analysis showed that AgZnO/CdZnS has the highest amount of photogenerated charges, leading to the highest photocatalytic performance. The reduction in the photocatalytic performance in the presence of hole scavengers and hydroxyl radical scavengers confirmed that the availability of photogenerated electrons and holes plays a pivotal role in the degradation of rhodamine B.
Single Crystal Growth and Nano-Structure Study in a Topological Dirac Metal, CoTe2-δ
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhao Weiyao , Zheng Ren-Kui
Published: December 2023

A single crystal of a topological material, CoTe2-δ, has been grown via the chemical vapor transport method for a structural and electronic transport study. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution scanning electron microscope measurements confirm the high quality of the as-grown single crystals. In a high-resolution scanning electron microscopy study, a clear layered feature of the trigonal CoTe2-δ crystal was observed. Fractal features and mosaic-type nanostructures were observed on the as-grown surface and cleaved surface, respectively. The trigonal CoTe2-δ demonstrates a metallic ground state in transport measurements, with a typical carrier’s concentration in a 1021 cm−3 magnitude and a residual resistivity ratio of 1.6. Below 10 K, trigonal CoTe2-δ contains quite complicated magnetoresistance behavior as a result of the competing effect between Dirac states and possible spin fluctuations.
Cardiac Adaptation and Preferential Streaming in Fetuses with Multiple Nuchal Cords
Authors: Murlewska Julia , Witkowski Sławomir , Biały Łucja , Respondek-Liberska Maria , Słodki Maciej , Strzelecka Iwona
Published: December 2023

The echocardiographic monitoring of a fetus with multiple nuchal cords around the fetal neck is important as it may result in cardiac remodeling and preferential streaming, thus affecting the condition of the fetus. The main aim of our study was to assess whether the collision of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck can lead to discrepancies in the size of the pulmonary artery and the aorta in the three-vessel view and to an increase in the size of the heart, which may result from the compression of the carotid arteries caused by the umbilical cord wrapping around the fetal neck. A total number of 854 patients were included in this study and divided into three groups. Group A (control group) included 716 fetuses (84%) without the umbilical cord around the fetal neck. Group B (study group B) included 102 fetuses (12%) with one coil of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck. Group C (study group C) included 32 fetuses (4%) with two coils of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck. The range of the gestational age of the patients considered for this study was 27–40.2 weeks based on the ultrasound biometry and was not statistically different between the analyzed groups A, B and C (p > 0.05). The Pa/Ao index was calculated by dividing the value of the width of the pulmonary artery (in mm) to the width of the aorta (in mm) measured in the ultrasound three-vessel view. We found that fetuses that the fetuses with one and two coils of the umbilical cord around the neck showed significantly higher values of the width of the pulmonary trunk with the unchanged value of the aorta width. Therefore, we also observed significantly higher values of the ratio of the pulmonary trunk to the aorta for the fetuses wrapped with the umbilical cord around the neck compared with the control group without the umbilical cord around the neck (. Moreover, in the fetuses with one and two coils of the umbilical cord around the fetal neck, an increased amount of amniotic fluid was observed, whereas larger dimensions of CTAR in the fetuses with two coils of the umbilical cord around the neck were present (p < 0.05). The wrapping of the fetus with the umbilical cord around the fetal neck may induce the redistribution of blood flow, leading to fetal heart enlargement and disproportion and may be the cause of polyhydramnios.
The Benefit of Air Conduction Pure-Tone Audiometry as a Screening Method for Hearing Loss over the VAS Score
Authors: Giotakis Aris I. , Mariolis Lambros , Koulentis Ioannis , Mpoutris Christos , Giotakis Evangelos I. , Apostolopoulou Aikaterini , Papaefstathiou Efstathios
Published: December 2023

Hearing loss is commonly encountered by general practitioners. We aimed to evaluate the screening benefit of air conduction pure-tone audiometry over visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for hearing loss. Moreover, we intended to perform the first cross-sectional study in Greece to assess hearing loss with pure-tone audiometry in young adults of the general population. We evaluated Greeks between 15 and 40 years old in a high school in Karditsa, Greece, and a primary health care unit in a nearby community. Subjects filled out a VAS score sheet and underwent pure-tone audiometry in a room without sound isolation, with air conduction only. We named the latter procedure modified pure-tone audiometry (mPTA). Subjects with pathologic results were examined via otoscopy and standardized pure-tone audiometry (sPTA). Of the 286 subjects evaluated, the VAS score revealed 5 subjects (1.7%) with hearing loss. mPTA (100 s duration) doubled this percentage (in total 3.8%; Pearson Chi-Square test; p < 0.001). Based on sPTA, the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the VAS score were 40% and 13%, respectively. For mPTA, they were 100% and 37%, respectively. mPTA filtered out pathologic cases in a proper, rapid, cheap and simple way and may be considered a proper screening method for hearing loss in primary health care.
System-Level Total Ionizing Dose Testing of Satellite Subsystems: EagleEye Microsatellite Case Study
Authors: Rajkowski Tomasz , Pustułka Przemysław , Bieda Marcin , Ślasa Sylwia , Kazaniecki Michał , Myszka Kamil , Szczygielski Mateusz , Iwaszkiewicz Jarosław , Traczyk Konrad , Tarenko Kamil , Hołownia Adam , Ładno Michał , Bińczyk Piotr , Wasilewski Szymon , Mazur Marcin , Zawistowski Tomasz , Uznański Sławosz , Kosiński Tymoteusz , Chabera Mariusz , Mazurek Krzysztof , Klimaszewski Jan , Wasilewski Adam , Matusiak Michał , Wronka Sławomir
Published: December 2023

A system-level total ionizing dose test method of satellite subsystems is discussed in the context of the radiation qualification of a satellite. System-level tests are performed with high-energy X-rays, and the irradiation results of the key subsystems, including the on-board computer, attitude- and orbit-control-system computer, and battery management system, are presented and analyzed in terms of the repeatability of the results, the observability issues, and the importance of the test conditions. Furthermore, the main benefits of the system-level total ionizing dose tests of the given subsystems are discussed, as well as the risks related to performing tests at the system level.
Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Laminated with a PEI Adhesion Layer
Authors: Yoo Dong-Heon , Moon Cheol-Hee
Published: December 2023

For the all-solution-processed organic light-emitting diode (OLED), manufacturing the cathode and lowering the work function of the cathode are the main problems limiting their commercialization. This paper reports a two-substrate bonding technology using hot roller lamination with improvement points to solve the existing problems. Ag was used to manufacture the cathode because it is less oxidative compared to Al, which has previously been used conventionally. We tried to use polyethylene imine (PEI), which is conventionally used as an electron injection layer (EIL), as an adhesive layer for the bonding, as it has the quality of being sticky. At higher PEI concentrations, the adhesion strength increased, but the electrical properties deteriorated. Therefore, the PEI wt% was decreased and mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG), which was reported to lower the work function of the metallic surface. The results showed that the mixed solution of PEI and PEG had good adhesion and electrical properties. The device with an interfacial layer consisting of a 0.1 wt% PEI and 0.01 wt% PEG mixture turned on at 6 V and had a maximum luminance of 2700 cd/m2. The mixed solution layer provided a similar luminous characteristic for single- and double-substrate devices, highlighting the potential of fabricating all-solution-processed OLEDs using the two-substrate bonding technology.
High-Speed and High-Precision Online Measurement Technology for Engine Connecting Rod Weight and Barycenter
Authors: Qian Xiaoming , Gu Tingting , Lou Peihuang
Published: December 2023

With the rapid advancement of manufacturing science and technology, the associated measurement technology has also been transformed. Traditional manual and single-instrument detection modes are unable to meet the requirements of fast beat, high precision, and online measurement in intelligent manufacturing. As connecting rods are typical and key components for automobile engines, their precision performance highly impacts the ultimate quality of engine assemblies. The online measurement of connecting rods was studied in this paper. According to the structural characteristics and parameter requirements of the connecting rods, an online multi-station measurement platform was designed and developed to measure, mark, and classify the measurements of the connecting rods in an automatic assembly line. Among these measurements, two significant parameters, the weight and the barycenter, were focused on in our work. A multi-point balance method was developed and applied to obtain the weights of the big and small ends as well as the position of the barycenter. An approach for weight sensor calibration and measurement data processing was also proposed. Finally, automatic and online measurement platforms were built for experimental verification. The results show that the measurement beats of the weight and the barycenter can reach 3 s/piece. The measured data were compared with a high-precision balance, and the average error of the connecting rod’s weight was 0.27%. The on-site application verification further proved the effectiveness and efficiency of our proposed measurement methods and machine, which enables fast and high-precision online measurement of connecting rods.
RoCS: Knowledge Graph Embedding Based on Joint Cosine Similarity
Authors: Wang Lifeng , Luo Juan , Deng Shiqiao , Guo Xiuyuan
Published: December 2023

Knowledge graphs usually have many missing links, and predicting the relationships between entities has become a hot research topic in recent years. Knowledge graph embedding research maps entities and relations to a low-dimensional continuous space representation to predict links between entities. The present research shows that the key to the knowledge graph embedding approach is the design of scoring functions. According to the scoring function, knowledge graph embedding methods can be classified into dot product models and distance models. We find that the triple scores obtained using the dot product model or the distance model were unbounded, which leads to large variance. In this paper, we propose RotatE Cosine Similarity (RoCS), a method to compute the joint cosine similarity of complex vectors as a scoring function to make the triple scores bounded. Our approach combines the rotational properties of the complex vector embedding model RotatE to model complex relational patterns. The experimental results demonstrate that the newly introduced RoCS yields substantial enhancements compared to RotatE across various knowledge graph benchmarks, improving up to 4.0% in hits at 1 (Hits@1) on WN18RR and improving up to 3.3% in Hits@1 on FB15K-237. Meanwhile, our method achieves some new state-of-the-art (SOTA), including Hits@3 of 95.6%, Hits@10 of 96.4% on WN18, and mean reciprocal rank (MRR) of 48.9% and Hits@1 of 44.5% on WN18RR.
Considering the Joint Impact of Carbon Density Change and Land Use Change Is Crucial to Improving Ecosystem Carbon Stock Assessment in North China
Authors: Qi Jiahui , Wang Zong , Cressey Elizabeth L. , Liang Boyi , Wang Jia
Published: December 2023

Carbon density change and land use change are important factors in the spatiotemporal evolution of ecosystem carbon stock. Accurately assessing regional carbon stock and analyzing its relationship with land use patterns and carbon density change are of great value to regional ecosystem protection and sustainable social and economic development. In order to effectively evaluate the carbon stock in North China, this study divided the target area into 5 sub-regions, and a variety of methods were used to calculate the carbon density in each sub-region over different time periods. The classic InVEST model was selected to evaluate carbon stock evolution under changes in land use and carbon density from 2000 to 2015. The results show that the carbon stock in North China in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015 were 1.301 × 1010 t, 1.325 × 1010 t, 1.332 × 1010 t and 1.366 × 1010 t, respectively, with a cumulative increase of 6.506 × 108 t. As two main factors, the land use type change and carbon density change showed different influences on the carbon stock of different regions and different ecosystems, but the former had a greater impact in North China during 2000–2015. Converting farmland to forest and grassland and converting bare land to grassland increased carbon stock, while converting farmland to building land reduced carbon stock. In addition, the carbon density of most land use types in each sub-region increased from 2000 to 2015, which further caused the increase in carbon stock. The carbon stock in North China had a significant spatial pattern of high in the east and low in the west, and this distribution pattern is closely related to land use. This research can provide scientific reference for land use management decision-making and sustainable carbon stock function in North China.
Efficiency of Micro and Small Wood-Processing Enterprises in the EU—Evidence from DEA and Fractional Regression Analysis
Authors: Neykov Nikolay , Sedliacikova Mariana , Antov Petar , Potkány Marek , Kitchoukov Emil , Halalisan Aureliu-Florin , Poláková Natália
Published: December 2023

Micro and small wood-processing enterprises represent the heart of European forest-based industries, being among the key drivers of economic growth in rural, mountainous, and poor regions. Their economic efficiency is of fundamental importance for their existence and the provision of income for the local population in rural areas. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used in the current research, which is a nonparametric, linear-programming-based approach that is commonly used to analyse the efficiency of organisational units. The main objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the economic efficiency of micro and small wood-processing enterprises in EU countries and reveal the hidden inputs that facilitate efficiency generation. The economic efficiency evaluation was carried out on the basis of the official statistical data for the micro and small wood-processing companies in EU member states for the period 2015–2020 by performing a two-stage DEA analysis. The data used were standardised by value per employee. In addition to the first stage of DEA, a fractional regression probit and logit models with four contextual variables were used to reveal the influence of the hidden inputs in the model. The results showed that the micro and small wood-processing enterprises can be regarded as more scale-efficient than technically efficient entities. The only contextual variable affecting the economic efficiency was Investments per Person Employed, improving the efficiency by 2% per 1% increase in the investments.
Behavioral and Neuronal Characterizations, across Ages, of the TgSwDI Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tan Natalie A. , Carpio Angelica M. Alvarado , Heller H. Craig , Pittaras Elsa C.
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that currently affects as many as 50 million people worldwide. It is neurochemically characterized by an aggregation of β-amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles that result in neuronal dysfunction, cognitive decline, and a progressive loss of brain function. TgSwDI is a well-studied transgenic mouse model of AD, but no longitudinal studies have been performed to characterize cognitive deficits or β-amyloid plaque accumulation for use as a baseline reference in future research. Thus, we use behavioral tests (T-Maze, Novel Object Recognition (NOR), Novel Object Location (NOL)) to study long-term and working memory, and immunostaining to study β-amyloid plaque deposits, as well as brain size, in hippocampal, cerebellum, and cortical slices in TgSwDI and wild-type (WT) mice at 3, 5, 8, and 12 months old. The behavioral results show that TgSwDI mice exhibit deficits in their long-term spatial memory starting at 8 months old and in long-term recognition memory at all ages, but no deficits in their working memory. Immunohistochemistry showed an exponential increase in β-amyloid plaque in the hippocampus and cortex of TgSwDI mice over time, whereas there was no significant accumulation of plaque in WT mice at any age. Staining showed a smaller hippocampus and cerebellum starting at 8 months old for the TgSwDI compared to WT mice. Our data show how TgSwDI mice differ from WT mice in their baseline levels of cognitive function and β-amyloid plaque load throughout their lives.
Valproic Acid in Pregnancy Revisited: Neurobehavioral, Biochemical and Molecular Changes Affecting the Embryo and Fetus in Humans and in Animals: A Narrative Review
Authors: Ornoy Asher , Echefu Boniface , Becker Maria
Published: December 2023

Valproic acid (VPA) is a very effective anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer with relatively few side effects. Being an epigenetic modulator, it undergoes clinical trials for the treatment of advanced prostatic and breast cancer. However, in pregnancy, it seems to be the most teratogenic antiepileptic drug. Among the proven effects are congenital malformations in about 10%. The more common congenital malformations are neural tube defects, cardiac anomalies, urogenital malformations including hypospadias, skeletal malformations and orofacial clefts. These effects are dose related; daily doses below 600 mg have a limited teratogenic potential. VPA, when added to other anti-seizure medications, increases the malformations rate. It induces malformations even when taken for indications other than epilepsy, adding to the data that epilepsy is not responsible for the teratogenic effects. VPA increases the rate of neurodevelopmental problems causing reduced cognitive abilities and language impairment. It also increases the prevalence of specific neurodevelopmental syndromes like autism (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). High doses of folic acid administered prior to and during pregnancy might alleviate some of the teratogenic effect of VPA and other AEDs. Several teratogenic mechanisms are proposed for VPA, but the most important mechanisms seem to be its effects on the metabolism of folate, SAMe and histones, thus affecting DNA methylation. VPA crosses the human placenta and was found at higher concentrations in fetal blood. Its concentrations in milk are low, therefore nursing is permitted. Animal studies generally recapitulate human data.
The Roles of Various Immune Cell Populations in Immune Response against Helminths
Authors: Lekki-Jóźwiak Janina , Bąska Piotr
Published: December 2023

Helminths are multicellular parasites that are a substantial problem for both human and veterinary medicine. According to estimates, 1.5 billion people suffer from their infection, resulting in decreased life quality and burdens for healthcare systems. On the other hand, these infections may alleviate autoimmune diseases and allergy symptoms. The immune system is programmed to combat infections; nevertheless, its effector mechanisms may result in immunopathologies and exacerbate clinical symptoms. This review summarizes the role of the immune response against worms, with an emphasis on the Th2 response, which is a hallmark of helminth infections. We characterize non-immune cells (enteric tuft cells—ETCs) responsible for detecting parasites, as well as the role of hematopoietic-derived cells (macrophages, basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, innate lymphoid cells group 2—ILC2s, mast cells, T cells, and B cells) in initiating and sustaining the immune response, as well as the functions they play in granulomas. The aim of this paper is to review the existing knowledge regarding the immune response against helminths, to attempt to decipher the interactions between cells engaged in the response, and to indicate the gaps in the current knowledge.
Current Insights and Future Directions in the Treatment of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Chiorescu Roxana Mihaela , Lazar Roxana-Daiana , Ruda Alexandru , Buda Andreea Paula , Chiorescu Stefan , Mocan Mihaela , Blendea Dan
Published: December 2023

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome associated with poor quality of life, substantial healthcare resource utilization, and premature mortality, in large part related to high rates of hospitalizations. The clinical manifestations of heart failure are similar regardless of the ejection fraction. Unlike heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, there are few therapeutic options for treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Molecular therapies that have shown reduced mortality and morbidity in heart failure with reduced ejection have not been proven to be effective for patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. The study of pathophysiological processes involved in the production of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is the basis for identifying new therapeutic means. In this narrative review, we intend to synthesize the existing therapeutic means, but also those under research (metabolic and microRNA therapy) for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.