bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmic-Ray Radiation Effects on Ibuprofen Tablet Formulation Inside and Outside of the International Space Station
Authors: Tran Quy , Spooner Nigel , Geoghehan Sean , Thavarajah Shanjaye , Rahman Shamaun , Tran Nam , Williams Philip , Jarquin Sandra , Kim Dong-Hyun , Davey Kenneth , Buell Jeff , Shumbera Mark , Gittleman Mark , Clements Twyman , Stoudemire Jana , Fisk Ian , Hessel Volker
Published: February 2024

In extreme environments people will have different needs for medicine(s). It is important, therefore, to know how medicine efficacy will be impacted by the environment. Ibuprofen is very widely used in tablet formulation in temperate climates on Earth. Via the first companion experiment inside the International Space Station (ISS) and outside ISS at the Multipurpose International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) platformwe give evidence that Earth-commercial ibuprofen tablets could fail in space, despite encasing in a commercial pharmacy aluminum-blister. We introduce the concept of ‘space medicines’, where solid-dosage forms are formulated with excipients, such as iron oxide, to protect the pharmaceutical active from accelerated degradation in spaceflight. We apply Earth radionuclide and photon experiments to simulate dose(s) in ISS and significantly greater, and establish the impact of alpha, beta and gamma rays. We demonstrate that tablet formulation protects from impact of alpha and beta rays; however, gamma rays decompose ibuprofen even when ‘masked’. Importantly, we show all rays decompose ‘unmasked’ pure ibuprofen. We report for the first time a systematic analysis, of nineteen (19) tablet compositions, inside and outside of ISS that permit determination of the effect of compositional changes of the tablet matrix. We confirm that the iron oxide-shielded tablets, according to our four-fold degradation descriptor rating, had ‘minimal’ reduction of ibuprofen content (<10%) inside ISS, whereas all others had ‘moderate’ reduction (>10%); with one exception. The tablets exhibited much greater ibuprofen degradation (> 30-50%) outside ISS at the MISSE platform, which permits exposure to harsh conditions including extreme temperature fluctuation, ultraviolet radiation, highly reactive atomic oxygen, and micrometeoroids. Significantly, we find that the flavor has shielding potential, most likely because of radical scavenging. We conclude that efficacy of ibuprofen is adversely affected in space, and that effects will likely be exacerbated on missions to deeper space e.g., to moon and Mars.
Synthesis, characterization and functionalization of MOFs and their use in Knoevenagel condensation reactions between ethyl cyanoacetate and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde
Authors: Rocha Katlhen Lorrayne Alves , de Souza Paulo Sérgio , Lião Luciano Moraes , Perez Caridad Noda
Published: February 2024

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials composed of metal ions, clusters and organic ligands. Due to their outstanding chemical, thermal, and solvent stability, as well as numerous unsaturated metal sites, they have proven to be useful catalysts. In this study, MOFs were synthesized using hydrothermal methods with terephthalic acid and Ca, Mg, Al, and Cr nitrates. Subsequently, the MOFs were functionalized with diethylamine. The formation of MOF-Al and MOF-Cr structures was confirmed through characterization by XRD, FT-IR, and CHN analyses, while MOF-Ca and MOF-Mg could not be detected. SEM images revealed the particle size and morphology of the particles, which ranged between 0.2 and 1 mm. TGA/DTA curves revealed that the functionalized MOFs were the most thermally stable. Textural analysis by N2 adsorption/desorption showed that MOF-Cr and MOF-Cr-NH2 had high BET area values of 1,769.67 and 998.22 m2g− 1, respectively. The MOFs were employed as catalysts in Knoevenagel condensation reactions to synthesize (E)-ethyl 2-cyano-3-phenylacrylate and (E)-methyl 2-cyano-3-phenylacrylate, indicating their potential for reactions requiring acidic or basic sites.
Mindfulness and Depressive Symptoms Among College Students: Multiple Mediation Effect of Sleep Quality and BMI
Authors: Xie Jiafan , Li Zehan , Zhai Chenxiao , Sheng Meiyan , Li Shengpeng , Gao Mengqian , Yang Qianqian
Published: February 2024

Objective
This study was to examine whether sleep quality and BMI play mediating roles in the relationship of mindfulness and depressive symptoms via a cross-sectional study.
Methods
A total of 1182 college students were recruited. The Chinese version of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, BMI, and the nine-item scale, Patient health Questionnaire-9 were used to gather data. Associations among mindfulness, sleep quality, BMI, and depressive symptoms were assessed via correlation and serial-multiple mediation analyses.
Results
The mindfulness, sleep quality, BMI, and depressive symptoms were found to be significantly correlated. Mindfulness can have a direct negative impact on depressive symptoms, but also an indirect impact through three paths: independent mediating role of sleep quality, independent mediating role of BMI, and chain-mediating role of sleep quality and BMI.
Conclusions
Mindfulness can affect depressive symptoms through improved sleep quality and decreasing BMI among college students. Interventions aimed at improving the level of mindfulness would be beneficial for sleep quality, body weight, and depressive symptoms.
RBM14 enhances transcriptional activity of p23 regulating CXCL1 expression to induce EMT in lung cancer
Authors: Yu Zhenlong , Zhang Wen , Peng Yulin , Zhou Meirong , Che Yilin , Chen Junlin , Zhang Wenhao , He Chengjian , Qi Minghang , Tian Manman , Tian Xiangge , Yan Fei , Wang Yan , Huo Xiaokui , Ma Xiaochi
Published: February 2024

Metastasis serves as a malignant indicator and biological characteristic of pulmonary carcinoma. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in facilitating tumor invasion and metastasis, and enhances the aggressiveness of tumor cells. Prostaglandin E synthase 3 (PTGES3) functions as an HSP90 co-chaperone. Our previous study revealed its HSP90-independent role as a transcription factor involved in cancer-related inflammation. Our present study aims to investigate the impact and mechanism of p23 on lung cancer metastasis. By utilizing cell models in vitro and mouse tail vein metastasis modelsin vivo, our results provide solid evidences that p23 plays a crucial role in promoting lung cancer metastasis through regulating the downstream CXCL1 expression, which is not achieved independently, but rather through formatting a complex with RBM14, thereby facilitating the occurrence and progression of EMT in lung cancer. Therefore, our study demonstrates the potential therapeutic application of the RBM14-p23-CXCL1-EMT axis in targeting lung cancer metastasis.
Smart Transport Within Smart Cities: Ankara 5G Valley Case
Authors: Ateş Mücella , Talih Ozgür
Published: February 2024

This research focuses on examining the application of smart transportation and 5G technologies in the designated test area, Hacettepe University 1604 Street, as determined by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Our objective was to identify what factors of smart transportation are significant for practitioners in this area. To achieve this, we employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology as our approach. The study’s results indicated that in order to be considered “smart,” transportation systems should not harm the environment. Within the study methodology, the concept of the environment emerged as significant among smart transportation practitioners. The study’s originality stems from its extensive field research, which aims to provide a more comprehensive evaluation and a fresh perspective on the 5G Valley in Turkey. The authors’ involvement in the project within the Ministry has allowed for a detailed examination.
The guiding value of inferior vena cava diameter, inferior vena cava collapse index and inferior vena cava to abdominal aorta ratio in neonates with early onset septic shock
Authors: Mi Lanlan , Liu Yiman , Bei Fei , Sun Jianhua , Bu Jun , Zhang Yuqi , Guo Weiwei
Published: February 2024

Background
Shock is a potentially fatal condition in neonates that requires timely fluid resuscitation and hemodynamic monitoring. Echocardiography may improve assessment and treatment, but reference values across gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) are lacking. This study aimed to correlate key indicators with GA and BW of newborns with nonhemodynamic abnormalities, provide corresponding reference ranges, and evaluate them in neonates with early onset septic (EOS) -shock.
Methods
A total of 200 control group newborns were enrolled, and the inferior vena cava diameter (IVC), inferior vena cava collapse index (IVC-CI), and inferior vena cava to abdominal aorta ratio (IVC/AO) were recorded using echocardiography. Neonates were grouped based on GA, BW, days of age, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). 18 cases of neonatal EOS shock were also monitored using echocardiography.
Results
IVC and AO significantly increased with GA and BW (P < 0.05). IVC-CI and IVC/AO did not correlate with GA, BW, day of age, and PDA. Compared to control group, the EOS-shock group had significantly decreased IVC and IVC/AO and increased IVC-CI (P < 0.05). Cut-off values for indicating EOS-shock were > 34.15% for IVC-CI, < 47.58% for IVCmin/AO, and < 66.11% for IVCmax/AO.
Conclusions
IVC-CI, IVCmin/AO, and IVCmax/AO are applicable to all neonates. Although the number of neonates with EOS-shock is limited, the cut-off values still show certain diagnostic value. Further research is needed to determine the universality of the population and the role in the diagnosis and treatment of shock in neonates.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Neonatal hypothermia: A Cross-Sectional Study among Healthy term Neonates in a peri-urban Hospital in Northern Uganda
Authors: Akao Mary Grace , Ratib Dricile , Epuitai Joshua , Ayebare Elizabeth , Ndeezi Grace , Tumwiine James K. , Nalwadda Gorrette
Published: February 2024

Background
Neonatal hypothermia is highly prevalent even in warm tropical countries. Neonatal hypothermia increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. In Uganda, the exact prevalence of hypothermia is not known among healthy term neonates.
Objective
To determine the prevalence of neonatal hypothermia and the associated factors in Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
Methods
Hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted in Northern Uganda. Direct observations for initiation of warm-chain practices by the midwives during delivery were done for 271 newborns. The axillary temperature of neonates was measured at intervals of 10 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour and 2 hours after birth. The multivariate binary logistic regression was done. Pre-set 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 used to identify factors significantly associated with neonatal hypothermia.
Results
Hypothermia was found in 67.6% of the neonates at one point in time during the first two hours postpartum. Neonatal hypothermia was 64.5% at 10 minutes, 81% at 30 minutes, 76% at one hour and 49% at two hours postpartum. Hypothermia was significantly associated with low birth weight (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.01–7.62); male sex (AOR = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.04–3.33), not drying the newborn (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.64–5.72); no skin to skin contact within five minutes postpartum (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.15–4.10); and low maternal body temperature (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.49–4.76).
Conclusions
The prevalence of neonatal hypothermia was high in the first two hours. More than two-thirds of the newborns had hypothermia in the first two hours after birth. Neonates who were male, not dried properly, of low birth weight, not initiated on skin to skin contact and with low maternal body temperature were significantly associated with increased likelihood of developing hypothermia at two hours after birth.
Association between age at first birth and depression: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018
Authors: Hong Qin , Yang Chuanli , Li Qiong , Dong Yu , Fang Fujin , Dong Xiushan , Shen Xiaobing
Published: February 2024

Background: Over 5% of the world's population suffers from depression, and women are nearly twice as likely to experience it as men. However, the relationship between depressed symptoms and age at first birth (AFB) in women hasn't been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between AFB and depression in US women.
Methods: We used data from the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A total of 9,515 women aged ≥ 20 who have completed Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Reproductive Questionnaire data were selected for the study. PHQ-9 was used to assess depressive symptoms, and total scores ≥ 10 were identified as having depression. Multivariate regression models were performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), controlling for reproductive factors and other covariates, to analyze the association between age at first birth and the risk of depression in women.
Results:In the weighted sample, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 11.5% among women. Compared to participants with AFB of 27-29 years old (reference group), fully adjusted models showed that the ORs and 95% CI for women with AFB < 18, 18-21, and 21-23 years old were 4.55 (95% CI 1.99, 10.41), 2.10 (95% CI 1.12, 3.96), and 2.53 (95% CI 1.22, 5.23). Yet there was no significant difference between AFB of 24–26, or > 29 years compared to the reference group.
Conclusion:Women with younger AFB are at higher risk for depression. Further research is needed to determine causal relationships and mechanisms between AFB and increased risk of depression.
Ni-Cr-P composite co-deposition on the surface of 65Mn alloy steel
Authors: Mei Shunqi , Yang Jinyu , Zheng Quan , Lygdenov Burial , Zhou Cong
Published: February 2024

65Mn alloy steel, as a promising raw material for the manufacture of knitting needles, requires in-depth study in order to enhance its surface hardness and wear-corrosion resistance. This study focused on the chemical deposition and properties of Ni-Cr-P composite co-deposition on the surface of 65Mn alloy steel. The effects of plating solution composition, process parameters, and their effects on coating deposition rate, surface hardness, and other indicators were also analyzed. The results showed that, under conditions of 12 g/L CrCl3·6H2O, 5 g/L C6H8O7·H2O, 20 g/L C3H6O3, pH 5.5, and a temperature of 70°C, the coating obtained exhibited optimal performance, with a deposition rate of 3.292 µm/h, a microhardness reaching 627.28 HV0.2, and P and Cr elemental contents of 9.16 and 0.127 wt%, respectively. The coating structure was dense, with good adhesion and minimal porosity. To further enhance the wear resistance, a Ni-Cr-P coating was prepared using the aforementioned process parameters, followed by heat treatment. The effects of heat treatment temperature on the microstructure, microhardness, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, and other characteristics were analyzed. The results indicated an optimal heat treatment temperature for the coating of 200°C. Following heat treatment, the microhardness of the coating remained relatively unchanged, and there was a tendency for the coating structure to become more crystalline, leading to improved wear and corrosion resistance.
Prolonged Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Targeting the Left Prefrontal Cortex and Cerebellum Does Not Affect Executive Functions in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Xu Mei , Nikolin Stevan , Moffa Adriano H. D. M. , Xu Xiaomin , Su Yon , Li Roger , Chan Hofung , Loo Colleen K. , Martin Donel M.
Published: February 2024

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for alleviating negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia commonly targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC). However, the therapeutic effectiveness of rTMS at this site remains inconclusive and increasingly, studies are focusing on cerebellar rTMS. Recently, prolonged intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has emerged as a rapid-acting form of rTMS with promising clinical benefits. This study explored the cognitive and neurophysiological effects of prolonged iTBS administered to the LDLPFC and cerebellum in a healthy cohort. 50 healthy participants took part in a cross-over study and received prolonged (1800 pulses) iTBS targeting the LDLPFC, cerebellar vermis, and sham iTBS. Mixed effects repeated measures models examined cognitive and event-related potentials (ERPs) from 2-back (P300, N200) and Stroop (N200, N450) tasks after stimulation. Exploratory non-parametric cluster-based permutation tests compared ERPs between conditions. There were no significant differences between conditions for behavioural and ERP outcomes on the 2-back and Stroop tasks. Exploratory cluster-based permutation tests of ERPs did not identify any significant differences between conditions. We did not find evidence that a single session of prolonged iTBS administered to either the LDLPFC or cerebellum could cause any cognitive or ERP changes compared to sham in a healthy sample.
Investigation on the Occupational Situation of Clinical Research Associates in China
Authors: Du Can , Han Qi , Lu Ziqian , Li Jia
Published: February 2024

Objective
To understand the occupational situation of clinical research associates (CRAs) in terms of workloads, difficulties in monitoring and occupational satisfaction. To provide reference for further improving the occupational status of CRA, enhance the quality of clinical trials, and monitoring efficiency.
Methods
This study is a national cross-sectional survey, and over a 2-month period. The research data are collected through self-made questionnaires, consisting of such five sections on CRAs as basic information, work situation, satisfaction with other participants in clinical trials, career satisfaction, suggestions. The questionnaire was put into a QR code for invited CRAs to scan and participate anonymously. All the data were directly exported for statistical analysis after collected.
Results
The survey ultimately included 401 valid questionnaires, of which 71.32% were female, the average age is 27.86 years old, 95.01% had a bachelor's degree or above, and 60% had a pharmaceutical major. 80% of CRA work hours exceed the standard working hours requirement. The frequency of CRA business trips has decreased under the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic, with 79.3% of CRAs traveling for less than 7 days per month. Only 49.63% of people were satisfied with the current salary level, but about 80% of people are satisfied with promotion channels and company training. It was suggested by more than 80% of CRAs that the application materials for clinical trials should be unified nationwide and an ethical mutual recognition system, which allows the approved ethical results of one ethics committee to be recognized across all research sites involved, be implemented.
Conclusions
Currently, CRAs has a relatively large workload and generally works overtime. The monitoring difficulties faced by CRAs from three aspects: hospitals, companies, and themselves. With the number of CRAs on the rise, it is necessary to generate more professional associates with higher quality and increase corresponding training channels. Meanwhile, efforts remain to be made by hospitals to reinforce their management and provide better training for investigators so as to improve the efficiency of monitoring. It is incumbent on the enterprises to provide matching salaries and benefits with a view to improving the retention of employees.
Structural origins of dielectric anomalies in the filled tetragonal tungsten bronze, Sr2NaNb5O15
Authors: Tidey Jeremiah , Dey Urmimala , Sanchez Ana , Chen Wei-tin , Chen Bo-Hao , Chuang Yu-Chun , Fernández-Díaz María , Bristowe Nicholas , Beanland Richard , Senn Mark
Published: February 2024

The tetragonal tungsten bronze, Sr2NaNb5O15, shows promise for application in high-temperature high-efficiency capacitors vital for the sustainable energy revolution. Previously, the structural complexity of this and related materials has obscured the mechanisms underpinning two large anomalies in relative permittivity (εr) which give rise to their exceptionally broad dielectric response. We comprehensively investigate the structural evolution from − 173 to 627°C, combining electron, X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, and first principles electronic structure calculations to unambiguously identify the structural origins of both anomalies. The peak in εr at 305°C is associated with a polar-nonpolar phase transition, wherein cations displace along the c-axis. Guided by DFT, we identify a further transition upon cooling, associated with the second peak at − 14°C, linked to the softening of an in-plane polar distortion with a correlation length limited by ferroelastic nano-domains arising from rigid-unit-like tilting of NbO6 octahedra at high temperature, imparting relaxor-like behaviour. Thus, the two dielectric anomalies in Sr2NaNb5O15 are associated with two distinct crystallographic phase transitions and their interplay with a microstructure that arises from a third, non-polar structural distortion. Chemical control of these will enable development of tuneable materials with dielectric properties suitable for high-temperature energy storage applications.
Navigating Geographical Disparities: Access to Obstetric Hospitals in Maternity Care Deserts and across the United States
Authors: Fontenot Jazmin , Brigance Christina , Lucas Ripley , Stoneburner Ashley
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND
Access to maternity care in the U.S. remains inequitable, impacting over two million women in maternity care “deserts." These areas, exacerbated by hospital closures and workforce shortages, heighten risks of pregnancy-related complications, particularly in rural regions. This study investigates travel distances and time to obstetric hospitals, emphasizing disparities faced by those in maternity care deserts and rural areas, while also exploring variances across races and ethnicities.
METHODS
The research adopted a retrospective secondary data analysis, utilizing the American Hospital Association and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Provider of Services Files to classify obstetric hospitals. The study population included census tract estimates of birthing individuals sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2017–2021 American Community Survey. Using ArcGIS Pro Network Analyst, drive time and distance calculations to the nearest obstetric hospital were conducted. Furthermore, Hot Spot Analysis was employed to identify areas displaying significant spatial clusters of high and low travel distances.
RESULTS
The mean travel distance and time to the nearest obstetric facility was 8.3 miles and 14.1 minutes. The mean travel distance for maternity care deserts and rural counties was 28.1 and 17.3 miles, respectively. While birthing people living in rural maternity care deserts had the highest average travel distance overall (33.4 miles), those living in urban maternity care deserts also experienced inequities in travel distance (25.0 miles). States with hotspots indicating significantly higher travel distances included: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Census tracts where the predominant race is American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) had the highest travel distance and time compared to those of all other predominant races/ethnicities.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study revealed significant disparities in obstetric hospital access, especially affecting birthing individuals in maternity care deserts, rural counties, and communities predominantly composed of AIAN individuals, resulting in extended travel distances and times. To rectify these inequities, sustained investment in the obstetric workforce and implementation of innovative programs are imperative, specifically targeting improved access in maternity care deserts as a priority area within healthcare policy and practice.
Projected runoff declines from plant physiological effects on precipitation
Authors: Lesk Corey , Winter Jonathan , Mankin Justin
Published: February 2024

The impact of plants on runoff under high atmospheric CO2 is a major uncertainty for future water resources. Theory and Earth System Models (ESMs) suggest that stricter plant stomatal regulation under high CO2 will reduce transpiration, potentially boosting runoff. Yet, across a 12-member ensemble of idealized ESM simulations that isolate plant responses to CO2, we show that lower transpiration robustly enhances runoff over only 5% of global land area. Precipitation changes are a significant signal of CO2 physiological forcing over 31-57% of land areas across models, and are five times more important than transpiration changes in driving runoff responses. Crucially, ESMs largely disagree on where physiologically forced precipitation changes occur, but agree that plant responses in most locations are as likely to reduce runoff as increase it. These results imply that large model uncertainties in precipitation responses, rather than transpiration responses, explain why ESMs disagree on plant physiologically driven runoff changes.
Visceral adipose tissue and nephrolithiasis risk: Evidence from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wu Tianen
Published: February 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the dose‒response association and potential causal effect between VAT volume and nephrolithiasis risk.
Methods: Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between nephrolithiasis risk and VAT quartiles. Restricted cubic splines (RCSs) were employed to investigate potential nonlinear associations between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and the likelihood of developing nephrolithiasis. A Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between VAT volume and nephrolithiasis risk.
Results: Participants in the highest VAT quartile demonstrated a significantly greater risk of nephrolithiasis than did those in the lowest quartile across all the models: crude mode (OR [95% CI], 3.00 [1.78, 5.07]), model 1 (OR [95% CI], 2.24 [1.28, 3.92]), model 2 (OR [95% CI], 2.18 [1.24, 3.83]), and model 3 (OR [95% CI], 1.95 [0.99, 3.82]). The RCS analysis revealed a linear relationship between VAT volume and nephrolithiasis (P-nonlinear=0.443). Mendelian randomization analysis provided consistent evidence that higher VAT volume was causally associated with increased nephrolithiasis risk (OR [95% CI], 1.03 [1.02, 1.04]; P<0.001).
Conclusions: This study demonstrated a positive linear causal association between VAT volume and nephrolithiasis risk.
Calculation method and analysis of residual stress in the strip bending roller straightening process
Authors: ZHU Xiaoyu , WANG XiaoGang , Wu Huihai
Published: February 2024

The residual stresses in the roll straightening process of curved rolls of metal plates and strips are investigated by taking thin specification plates and strips as examples. Using the curvature integral and elastic‒plastic mechanics theory, the trajectory of the strip in the bending roll straightening process is analyzed, and a numerical analytical calculation method for the continuous straightening process of the strip in the bending roll is established. The results are verified by establishing an MARC finite element simulation. The effects of yield strength, plasticity rate and bending roll amount on the residual strain (stress) after straightening are investigated. In the straightening process, with increasing bending roll, the residual strain converges in the region Γ, the region Γ decreases with increasing yield strength, and the height of the wave increases with increasing yield strength, bending roll and plasticity rate. In addition, experiments were designed for verification. The results show that the logic of this calculation method is reasonable, the prediction error is within the scope of engineering application, and the method meets the intelligent needs of the bending roller straightening process.
Umbilical vein catheter insertion without umbilical remnant in neonatal emergencies - A pilot study
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Ma Hairan , Yan Caiman , Xie Yanmei
Published: February 2024

Background: Investigate the feasibility of umbilical vein catheter insertion without umbilical remnants.
Methods:A total of 72 infants who needed umbilical vein catheter insertion was included. The study was conducted from October 1, 2020, to December 10, 2022, from the neonatal intensive care unit at HuiZhou Central People’s Hospital. The infants were categorized into the two groups according to whether their umbilical stumps were ligated to the end near the annulus umbilicalis using a rubber-ring or suture line. Umbilical vein catheter tip positions, medications given via umbilical vein catheter, duration from birth to insertion, duration of umbilical vein catheter indwelling time, removal for no blood aspiration, limited use, unplanned removal, and any umbilical catheter-associated complications were compared between two groups.
Results:In comparisons of umbilical vein catheter tip positions, characteristics of utilization and complications revealed no statistically significant differences. The duration from birth to insertion in the group without remnants was 7.82 hours (range 4.44-14.57), while it was 11.89 hours (range 5.50-20.34) in the group with remnants. The duration of umbilical vein catheter indwelling time in the group without remnants was 6.50±3.06 days, while it was 6.10±2.76 days in the group with remnants.In the group without remnants, 12.5% (4/32) experienced abdominal distension compared with 5.0% (2/40) in the group with remnants. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage was 12.5% (4/32) versus 2.5% (1/40).
Conlusions: This study indicates that it is practical to perform umbilical vein catheter insertion without umbilical remnants. It provides another way to obtain vessel access for initial stabilization.
Registration number is ChiCTR2300071411.
Date of registration：15/05/2023, retrospectively registered
"I definitely cannot afford to be feeling poorly if there's no need to be": A qualitative evaluation of antiviral uptake following suspected occupational exposure to avian influenza
Authors: Pae Riinu , Findlater Lucy , Amlôt Richard , Capelastegui Fernando , Dabrera Gavin , Humphreys Clare , Kumbang Jharna , Oliver Isabel
Published: February 2024

Background Growing numbers of people have been potentially exposed to avian influenza (AI), as the United Kingdom has managed the largest and most sustained series outbreaks in recent years. Antiviral medication is recommended for exposed individuals for chemoprophylaxis to reduce the severity of illness and the likelihood of secondary transmission. However, some individuals have been hesitant or declined antivirals. In this study, we aimed to identify the factors affecting the uptake of and adherence to antiviral medication.Methods We interviewed 14 individuals occupationally exposed to avian influenza and conducted focus groups with 15 public health professionals involved in advising and arranging antivirals. The data were analysed thematically based on COM-B factors (capability, opportunity, motivation).Results Although participants saw avian influenza as a severe disease, most did not consider themselves susceptible to it because they felt safe in personal protective equipment and knew that bird-to-human transmission was rare. The biggest barrier to uptake and adherence was experiencing side effects, especially if these disrupted day-to-day life or work. Participants who took antivirals followed medical advice in a novel situation, had health conditions or vulnerable family members they wanted to protect. As responding to an outbreak was exhausting, easy access to antivirals for those at most risk was considered important for improving uptake.Conclusions The factors affecting antiviral uptake were multifaceted. Public health interventions should prioritise those at most risk and address multiple components of behaviour, such as advising how to manage side effects, addressing concerns about long-term usage and providing convenient access to antivirals for those at most risk.
A Branched Convolutional Neural Network for Forecasting the Occurrence of Hazes in Paris using Meteorological Maps with Different Characteristic Scales
Authors: Wang Chien
Published: February 2024

A deep convolutional neural network has been developed to forecast the occurrence of the low visibility events or hazes in Paris. It is trained by using multi-decadal daily regional maps of various meteorological and hydrological variables as the input features and surface visibility observations as the targets. To better preserve the characteristic spatial-scale information of different input features during the training, two branched architectures have recently been developed. These new architectures have improved the performance of the network, producing impressive scores in validation and also in an evaluation using the data of 2021 and 2022 that have not been used in the training and validation.
Notch1 signaling pathway contributes to sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the cell cycle, mitochondrial function, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zhao Man , Shi Jianfei , Duan Xiaoling , Mi Lili , Wang Jinfeng , Han Guangjie , Han Xin , Yin Xiaolei , Li Ning , Hou Jiaojiao , Yin Fei
Published: February 2024

Sorafenib is the standard first-line molecular targeted therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, due to its high resistance rates, only a limited number of patients derive benefit from it. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate novel resistance mechanisms to overcome sorafenib’s acquired resistance.
In this study, two sorafenib-resistant HCC cell lines were established using the method of increasing concentrations. The activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway in drug-resistant cells and their parental counterparts was compared, and the impact of the Notch1 signaling pathway on the cell cycle, mitochondrial function, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in resistant cells was further investigated.
The Notch1 signaling pathway was aberrantly activated in sorafenib-resistant HCC cells, and the resistant cells exhibited enhanced proliferation, anti-apoptotic, migratory, and invasive capabilities. Mechanism exploration revealed that overactivation of the Notch1 signaling pathway reduced the efficacy of sorafenib in inhibiting the G1 phase of the cell cycle, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibiting the EMT in HCC cells, leading to drug resistance. When the Notch1 signaling pathway was inhibited, resistant cells regained their sensitivity to sorafenib treatment. The mechanism of sorafenib resistance mediated by Notch1 signaling pathway may provide a new target for HCC treatment.
Synthesis of a new catalyst (Cu-MOF235) and its optimization for dye removal by wet-oxidation
Authors: Shadigooo Roya , Salimi Farhad , Azimi Neda
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on enhancing the catalytic properties of copper-modified MOF235 (Cu-MOF235) in the wet-oxidation for methylene blue (MB) removal from aqueous solutions, while also optimizing process conditions. The impact of variables such as catalyst dosage (0.005–0.02 g), pH (4–10), temperature (20–40°C), reaction time (5–60 min), and catalyst type on dye removal is investigated. The SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD techniques were used to investigate the structural and physical characteristics of the synthesized catalyst. The statistical approach of Design of Experiments (DOE) systematically establishes the relationship between process factors and output. Increasing catalyst dosage boosts active sites for faster degradation or transformation of dye compounds, although diminishing returns may arise. Elevated temperatures reduce activation energy, increasing the MB removal rate. Cu-MOF235 surpasses MOF235 due to enhanced active sites, robust chemical interactions, surface modifications, potential synergies, catalytic degradation, and altered solution chemistry. The degradation of MB in the presence of Cu-MOF235 and aeration can proceed through a series of steps by adsorption, activation of oxygen, catalytic degradation, formation of intermediate products, complete degradation, and desorption. This research underscores the significant impact of catalyst modification on dye removal and offers insights into optimizing such processes.
RETRACTED: Circ_0088200 promotes the migration and invasion of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes through the miR-127-5p/MMP1 axis
Authors: Cai Yujie , Qiu Rong , Han yipeng , Huang Qin , Lu xiaoxi , Qin jiayu , Ouyang Qingqing , Yang Min
Published: February 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Finding the Right Balance: A Framework analysis of staff and service user experiences of moving to remote drug and alcohol support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Brown Katherine E , Lloyd Nigel , Fakoya Olujoke , Freethy Imogen , Bontoft Charis , Garcia-Iglesias Jaime , Wellings Amander , Wagner Adam P , Miners Lisa , Jackson John , Dennington-Price Abi , Simmons Isobel , Cowe Marion , Greco Honey-Anne , Newby Katie , Howlett Neil , Wellsted David , Bartington Suzanne , Breslin Gavin , Jones Julia , Wills Wendy
Published: February 2024

Background
Dependence on alcohol and other substances contributes significantly to poor health globally. Deaths associated with substance misuse have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic period and providing effective support for recovery is critical. The pandemic required an unprecedented change to recovery services for substance misuse, from in-person care to mainly telephone and online support. The qualitative study described here forms part of a wider evaluation and was one of the first to explore the move to remote models of recovery services.
Methods
This was a mixed-methods qualitative study, employing in-depth interviews, focus groups, text-based asynchronous interviews, digital timelines and creative vignettes. Framework analysis was undertaken, with focus on service user out-of-pocket expenses as part of a health economic evaluation. A Public Involvement in Research group, including people with lived experience, was involved in study design and analysis. Staff (N=36) and drug and alcohol service users (N=28) in an English city participated in one or more of the data collection methods. Findings were shared with staff and service users and their input shaped the final analysis.
Results
There was a strong desire to retain remote service delivery alongside the return of in-person provision, post-pandemic. Remote service delivery was not appropriate for everyone however, and not all aspects of service delivery work well remotely. Findings are organized under two main themes: Finding the Right Balance and Resourcing Hybrid. Four sub-themes sit within Finding the Right Balance. These are: Lockdown and remote services: from supportive context to excuse to ‘go wild’; Maintaining therapeutic effects remotely: trust, rapport and motivation; Characteristics of people and components of service delivery; and Efficiency and convenience of remote. Two sub-themes sit within Resourcing Hybrid. These are: Investing in Hybrid; and Service users’ resource needs.
Conclusions
Optimal delivery of drug and alcohol services should include remote support options, alongside in-person and outreach or home-visiting, where needed. Services may need to invest in training and resourcing for a hybrid offer. Service user preferences and characteristics including their personal resources, health and wellbeing, and readiness to address substance misuse should be central to deciding to whom remote care should be offered.
Study registration ISRTCN50804656 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN50804656
The Diagnostic And Therapeutic Value Of Bronchoscopy In COVID-19 Patients On Veno-venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator (ECMO) Support: A Single Center Experience.
Authors: Zeybek Burak , Kumar Nicolas , Tickoo Mayanka , Joseph Phillip , Bardia Amit
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Mechanically ventilated patients COVID-19 patients on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) support often require bronchoscopy for pulmonary toilet. However, bronchoscopy in these patients may lead to tracheobronchial bleeding from instrumentation and vial aerosolization. The aim of this study was to assess the indications, benefits, and complications of bronchoscopy in critically ill patients with COVID-19 on VV-ECMO.
Methods: This was a single center observational cohort study comprising of adults with COVID-19 infection that required mechanical ventilation and VV-ECMO from January 1, 2019 to November 1, 2021 and needed bronchoscopy. The primary outcome was improvement in patient outcome defined as either in improvement in PaO2 levels or VV-ECMO parameters 6 hours after the procedure. Secondary outcomes included microbiological data from the BAL samples. Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Wilcoxon rank sum test for comparing correlated non-parametric continuous data. The median difference was calculated using the Hodges-Lehman estimator.
Results: A total of 89 bronchoscopies were performed in 44 patients with COVID-19 on VV-ECMO. Median (IQR) PaO2 was 64 (57-75) mmHg prior to bronchoscopy, whereas it was mildly improved to 70 (58-89) mmHg, 6 hours after the procedure [Hodges-Lehman median difference (95% CI): 4.5 (2.0 – 8.0) mm Hg, p <0.01]. There was no significant difference in VV-ECMO parameters before and after the procedure. 10 patients had different microorganisms in broncheo-alveolar lavage that were not diagnosed with tracheal aspirate. No patient developed new bleeding post bronchoscopy requiring interruption of anticoagulation. No proceduralist reported testing positive for COVID-19 up to 2 weeks post bronchoscopy.
Conclusions: Bronchoscopy is a feasible and relatively safe procedure in COVID-19 patients on VV-ECMO and might be beneficial in select patients to improve oxygenation and tailor antibiotic therapy. Larger studies are required to evaluate the overall impact on patient’s recovery with serial bronchoscopies.
Design and fabrication of high-performance n+MoS 2 /i-MoS 2 /p-Si nano heterostructure Tandem Solar Cell
Authors: R PARASURAMAN , k rathnakannan
Published: February 2024

This paper reports investigation of n+MoS2/i-MoS2/p-Si tandem heterostructure with different dimensionalities and suitable choice of band alignment for achieving improved photovoltaic performances. DC magnetraon sputtering and Multi physics tool were used for fabrication and optimal selection of the various layesrs of the photovoltaic cell respectively. The emitter and buffer layers based on MoS2 exhibits an improved optical performance with better absorption of photons in the band spectrum 300nm to 850 nm range. The emitter layer has been chosen to effieciently collect electrons to improve the charge carriers distribution of the carrier collection effectively. The emitter layer is interfaced with i-MoS2 buffer layer to develop barrier potential and to intern improve the Open-circuit-Voltage of the cell. The photo-generation rate of the cell was found to be 8*10 27 m-2 s-1 due to optimized intrinsic MoS2 layer thickness. The tandem photovoltaic heterostructure demonstrates Open-circuit-Voltage (Voc) 1.5V and short circuit Current density (Jsc) 40.127mAcm-2. The efficiency and External Quantum Efficieny of the solar cell are found to be 30.8 % and 78% respectively. The PV cell reported in this work exhibits an unique memristive behaviour under light and dark conditions. The comprehensive assessment on the proposed PV cell infer that it can be environmentally stable as its IV characteristics found to be memristive (1000 cycles) and an efficient one as it possesses an excellent carrier distribution.
Nipple-areolar complex malposition in breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy: a multi-institutional retrospective observational study in Japan
Authors: Kato Sayuri , Mori Hiroki , Saiga Miho , Watanabe Satoko , Sasada Shinsuke , Sasaki Ayano , Ogiya Akiko , Yamamoto Mao , Narui Kazutaka , Takano Junji , Seki Hirohito , Nagura Naomi , Ishitobi Makoto , Shien Tadahiko
Published: February 2024

Background
Position of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is an important factor in the aesthetic impression of the breast, and NAC malposition is often an issue in breast reconstruction after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of NAC malposition depending on several factors using data quantified with the Mamma Balance application (Medic Engineering K.K., Kyoto, Japan).
Methods
Patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction after NSM at 8 hospitals in Japan between 2007 and 2020 were retrospectively investigated. Using Mamma Balance, NAC malposition was quantified separately in horizontal and vertical directions using patient photographs from pre-operatively and 6–24 months post-operatively. The degree of malpositioning was then statistically compared using various factors.
Results
The NAC deviated more cranially and medially with implants than with flaps. Cases with latissimus dorsi flap showed lateral malposition more often than cases with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. With flaps, lateral incisions showed more lateral malposition and peri-areolar incisions tended to show more medial NAC malposition. In cases with severe post-operative infection of the implant, the NAC tended to deviate cranially. In radiation cases, the NAC deviated cranially. No significant difference was observed according to degree of breast ptosis or use of the pull-down operation. Only a very weak correlation was observed between a larger amount of mastectomy and more cranial NAC malposition with both flaps and implants.
Conclusions
This study provides insights into the tendencies and characteristics of NAC malposition.
A GPS/BDS Based Train Positioning Method Using Non-differential Range Measurements
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhou Zijian , Wang Jian , Cai Baigen , Rizos Chris , Liu Dan
Published: February 2024

Compared with pseudorange measurement, carrier phase tracking is much less noisy, which can provide accurate positioning solutions. The existing carrier phase-based positioning methods rely on precise ephemeris or base station, which may cause poor real-time and increase complexity in the system. To simplify the calculation model and achieve accurate navigation solutions with a stand-alone receiver, a new GPS/BDS based real-time non-differential positioning method is proposed. Due to the need to estimate the ambiguity terms of carrier phase measurements, the dimension of the state is larger than that of the measurement, the system observability is evaluated via the observability degrees. Both the train test on Beijing- Shenyang high speed railway and simulation were carried out, and the results confirm that the multi-constellation method can improve the positioning accuracy compared with stand-alone cases. The position and velocity Root Mean Square of the proposed method are (0.9022 m, 0.9140 m, 1.1621 m) and (0.0818 m/s, 0.0958m/s, 0.0289m/s) in the north, east, down directions. The proposed method has improved positioning performance in terms of accuracy and observability compared with different combinations of measurement methods.