bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of ultrasonic welding of CF/PA66 using nylon mesh energy directors
Authors: Shi Ruoya , Li Yiang , Wang Tianzheng , Ao Sansan , Li Yang
Published: July 2024

Carbon fiber reinforced polyamide 66 (CF/PA66) sheets are ultrasonically welded by applying nylon meshes as energy directors (EDs) in this paper. The influence of mesh dimensions is revealed by observing the joint formation process, joint mechanical performance, joint cross‐sectional morphology and joint failure mode. Results show that the joint formation process can be divided into wire flattening stage, ED spread stage, tight bonding stage, and mixing stage. The nylon mesh ED with moderate wire spacing, small wire diameter and small mesh area promotes better weld quality. Welding energy will be dispersed rather than concentrated if the mesh area is too large, resulting in reduced failure load. The joints exhibit two fracture modes: interfacial fracture (IF) and workpiece fracture (WF), and the fracture mode of the joints with nylon mesh EDs transits from IF to WF as the welding energy increases.

Highlights

Five types of nylon mesh are used as energy directors to join CF/PA66 sheets by ultrasonic welding.

The influence of nylon mesh dimensions on the mechanical property and fracture mode of joints is investigated.

The formation process of ultrasonically welded joints can be separated into wires flattening stage, ED spread stage, tight bonding stage, and mixing stage.
Influence of reinforcement learning on the inhibitory control of Internet gaming disorder
Authors: Zhang Mengyue , Zhao Chenyue , Zhang Meng , Mao Shuangshuang , Yang Mengyao , Mao Ziyu , Xing Xiaoli
Published: July 2024

Reward processing dysfunction and inhibition control deficiency have been observed in Internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, it is still unclear whether the previous reinforcement learning depends on reward/punishment feedback influences on the cognitive inhibitory control of IGD. This study compared the differences between an IGD group and healthy people without game experiences in the probability selection task and the subsequent stop signal task by the method of behavioral experiments, in order to explore whether the reward learning ability is impaired in the IGD group. We also discuss the influence of previous reward learning on subsequent inhibition control. The results showed that (1) during the reward learning phase, the IGD group's accuracy was significantly lower than that of the control group; (2) compared with the control group, the IGD group's reaction times were longer in the transfer phase; (3) for no‐go trials of the inhibitory control phase after reward learning, the accuracy of the reward‐related stimulation in the IGD group was lower than that of punishment‐related or neutral stimulation, but there was no significant difference among the three conditions in the control group. These findings indicated that the reinforcement learning ability of the IGD group was impaired, which further caused the abnormal response to reinforcement stimuli.
Psychometric evaluation of the Social Touch Questionnaire in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Wang Chenglei , Xie Ruyun , Chen Liangliang , Yang Xinhua , Yan Chao
Published: July 2024

Social touch promotes psychological well‐being through inducing positive effects on social affiliation and stress alleviation, especially in adolescence. However, there is a scarcity of instruments available for evaluating adolescents' attitude toward social touch in China. The present study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Social Touch Questionnaire (STQ) in Chinese adolescents. A total of 2839 high school students were enrolled, ranging in age from 11 to 19 years. The dimensions of the scale were conducted by exploratory factor analysis, and validated by confirmatory factor analysis. A three‐factor model showed the best fit and consisted of the following subgroups: liking of informal social touch, liking of general social touch, and dislike of social touch. Furthermore, positive associations were found between social touch and interaction anxiety, fear of negative evaluation, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality. Short‐term prediction of dislike of social touch in anxiety symptoms was determined, while no significant predictor of depressive symptoms was found. The STQ demonstrates reliability and validity as a self‐report questionnaire designed to assess behaviors and attitudes toward social touch. It effectively adapts to the nuances of the Chinese context among adolescents.
Combustion of ammonium perchlorate fo near adiabatic condition at high pressures and elevated Initial temperature
Authors: Ingole Mahesh S. , Nagendra Kumar , Ramakrishna P. A.
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses the combustion of ammonium perchlorate (AP) near adiabatic conditions at high pressures and higher initial temperatures. The AP pellets were coated with a thin layer of silica grease to simulate the near adiabatic condition. The experiments were performed at initial temperatures of 30 and 70 °C in the pressure range of 2.5–30 MPa for coated and bare pellets. The bare pellets were found to exhibit mesa burning as reported in the literature. However, the coated pellets did not exhibit mesa burning. The burn rates of coated AP pellets increased linearly for the entire pressure range of 2.5–30 MPa with 0.64 pressure index. Further, the experiments were carried out for the first time at an initial temperature of 90 °C for 14–30 MPa pressure range, wherein, AP combustion did not display any characteristics of mesa burning (pressure index of 0.33). The surface morphology of quenched samples of both bare and coated pellets of AP were studied, by quenching (rapid depressurization technique) pellets at 6, 12, and 18 MPa pressures. The surface structure of quenched samples for near adiabatic conditions was similar for all three pressures. However, for bare pellets the changes in surface structure were observed with change in pressure, similar to the literature. Mesa burning was found to be an effect of convective heat loss from the periphery of the pellets and it was not observed when heat loss was reduced or initial temperature was higher than the critical initial temperature.
Enhanced Energy Storage Properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐Based Ceramics via Introducing Na0.95Ca0.04Li0.01Nb0.96Zr0.04O3
Authors: Qiang Hua , Deng Lingyun , Xu Zunping
Published: July 2024

Lead‐free ceramic capacitors with high energy storage density are desired. Herein, the novel (1–x)(0.9Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.1SrTi0.85Zr0.15O3)‐xNa0.95Ca0.04Li0.01Nb0.96Zr0.04O3 [(1–x)(BNT‐STZ)‐xCZNNL, x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5] ceramics are prepared via citrate combustion technology and two‐step sintering method. The dense microstructures are observed and slim hysteresis loops are realized as addition of CZNNL. The enhanced recoverable energy storage density (W
re of 2.52 J cm−3) with high efficiency (η of 80%) is obtained in 0.6(BNT‐STZ)‐0.4CZNNL ceramic under a moderate electric field of 200 kV cm−1. Moreover, excellent thermal stability (W
re varies <1% and η varies <3.5%) at 20 to 100 °C) and excellent fatigue resistance are achieved for 0.6(BNT‐STZ)‐0.4CZNNL ceramic.
Recent mathematical advances in coupled cluster theory
Authors: Faulstich Fabian M.
Published: July 2024

This article presents an educational overview of the latest mathematical developments in coupled cluster (CC) theory, beginning with Schneider's seminal work from 2009 that introduced the first local analysis of CC theory. We provide a tutorial review of second quantization and the CC ansatz, laying the groundwork for understanding the mathematical basis of the theory. This is followed by a detailed exploration of the most recent mathematical advancements in CC theory. Our review starts with an in‐depth look at the local analysis pioneered by Schneider which has since been applied to various CC methods. We subsequently discuss the graph‐based framework for CC methods developed by Csirik and Laestadius. This framework provides a comprehensive platform for comparing different CC methods, including multireference approaches. Next, we delve into the latest numerical analysis results analyzing the single reference CC method developed by Hassan, Maday, and Wang. This very general approach is based on the invertibility of the CC function's Fréchet derivative. We conclude the article with a discussion on the recent incorporation of algebraic geometry into CC theory, highlighting how this novel and fundamentally different mathematical perspective has furthered our understanding and provides exciting pathways to new computational approaches.
Optimising robotic operation speed with edge computing via 5G network: Insights from selective harvesting robots
Authors: Zahidi Usman A. , Khan Arshad , Zhivkov Tsvetan , Dichtl Johann , Li Dom , Parsa Soran , Hanheide Marc , Cielniak Grzegorz , Sklar Elizabeth I. , Pearson Simon , Ghalamzan‐E. Amir
Published: July 2024

Selective harvesting by autonomous robots will be a critical enabling technology for future farming. Increases in inflation and shortages of skilled labor are driving factors that can help encourage user acceptability of robotic harvesting. For example, robotic strawberry harvesting requires real‐time high‐precision fruit localization, three‐dimensional (3D) mapping, and path planning for 3D cluster manipulation. Whilst industry and academia have developed multiple strawberry harvesting robots, none have yet achieved human–cost parity. Achieving this goal requires increased picking speed (perception, control, and movement), accuracy, and the development of low‐cost robotic system designs. We propose the edge‐server over 5G for Selective Harvesting (E5SH) system, which is an integration of high bandwidth and low latency Fifth‐Generation (5G) mobile network into a crop harvesting robotic platform, which we view as an enabler for future robotic harvesting systems. We also consider processing scale and speed in conjunction with system environmental and energy costs. A system architecture is presented and evaluated with support from quantitative results from a series of experiments that compare the performance of the system in response to different architecture choices, including image segmentation models, network infrastructure (5G vs. Wireless Fidelity), and messaging protocols, such as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport and Transport Control Protocol Robot Operating System. Our results demonstrate that the E5SH system delivers step‐change peak processing performance speedup of above 18‐fold than a standalone embedded computing Nvidia Jetson Xavier NX system.
Wood you believe it? Experimental addition of nonnative wood enhances instream habitat for native dryland fishes
Authors: Miller Benjamin J. , McKinstry Mark C. , Budy Phaedra , Pennock Casey A.
Published: July 2024

Flow alteration and riparian vegetation encroachment are causing habitat simplification with severe consequences for native fishes. To assess the effectiveness of enhancing simplified habitat in a large dryland river, we experimentally added invasive wood at 19 paired treatment and reference (no wood added) subreaches (50–100 m) within the main channel of the San Juan River. Using a before‐after‐control‐impact design, we sampled fishes and macroinvertebrates, and quantified habitat complexity. After wood addition, total native fish densities were 2.2× higher in treatments compared with references, whereas total nonnative fish densities exhibited no response. Macroinvertebrate densities were 6.8× higher, and habitat complexity increased in treatments. Counts of geomorphic features in treatments increased from 1 to a maximum of 11 following wood addition, while the number of features in references remained unchanged. Wood addition has potential to instigate natural riverine processes, ultimately enhancing native fish habitat by increasing macroinvertebrate densities and habitat complexity in dryland rivers. Water overallocation and increasing aridity will continue to challenge efforts to improve habitat conditions with environmental flows alone, and managers might consider integrating non‐flow alternatives like addition of abundant, invasive wood to reduce habitat simplification.
“This isn't school, you know”: Designing for science teachers’ sensemaking of STEM ecosystems
Authors: Porter Sara C. , Allen Carrie D.
Published: July 2024

As part of the special issue on Teacher Learning and Organizational Contexts, this paper explores the collective organizational sensemaking processes of middle school science teachers engaged in a design‐based research project focused on supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) identity and interest development of middle school youth with the design of a STEM ecosystem. Most of the literature on STEM ecosystems focuses on the pathways available or not for youth to develop robust STEM identities and interests. Research on STEM teachers in STEM ecosystems generally focuses on teachers’ roles in brokering youth's experiences across learning settings and not on teacher learning. We fill this gap in the literature through an examination of how teachers came to understand STEM ecosystems as a means for supporting youth interest and learning in STEM and their role as educators within STEM ecosystems that include but extend beyond classroom practice. We used interaction analysis of video and audio data collected over two cycles of professional development to describe how designed activities supported STEM teachers to surface and attend to sources of ambiguity between the two learning environments. Our findings suggest that teachers understood the out‐of‐school environment vis‐à‐vis their organizational contexts—such as, how valued outcomes of school, like teaching vocabulary, were being addressed. Over time, teachers came to value out‐of‐school learning as distinct from their classroom and as a space that is “not school” that provided necessary learning opportunities for students. The teachers recognized the unique ways the out‐of‐school STEM setting surfaced students’ strengths in ways not always afforded by school. Implications for professional learning design for in‐service science teachers to work toward providing more cohesive STEM learning experiences for youth are discussed.
The Micromechanical Environment of the Impinged Achilles Tendon
Authors: Mora Keshia E. , Mlawer Samuel J. , Loiselle Alayna E. , Buckley Mark R.
Published: July 2024

Although tendon predominantly experiences longitudinal tensile forces, transverse forces due to impingement from bone are implicated in both physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, prior studies have not characterized the micromechanical strain environment in the context of tendon impingement. To address this knowledge gap, mouse hindlimb explants are imaged on a multiphoton microscope, and image stacks of the same population of tendon cells are obtained in the Achilles tendon before and after dorsiflexion‐induced impingement by the heel bone. Based on the acquired images, multiaxial strains are measured at the extracellular matrix (ECM), pericellular matrix (PCM), and cell scales. Impingement generated substantial transverse compression at the matrix‐scale, which led to longitudinal stretching of cells, increased cell aspect ratio, and enormous volumetric compression of the PCM. These experimental results are corroborated by a finite element model, which further demonstrated that impingement produces high cell surface stresses and strains that greatly exceed those brought about by longitudinal tension. Moreover, in both experiments and simulations, impingement‐generated microscale stresses and strains are highly dependent on initial cell–cell gap spacing. Identifying factors that influence the microscale strain environment generated by impingement could contribute to a more mechanistic understanding of impingement‐induced tendinopathies.
Compact Solid Electrolyte Interface Realization Employing Surface‐Modified Fillers for Long‐Lasting, High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Jamal Hasan , Khan Firoz , Kim Ji Hoon , Kim Eunhui , Lee Sang Uck , Kim Jae Hyun
Published: July 2024

The implementation of polymer‐based Li‐metal batteries is hindered by their low coulombic efficiency and poor cycling stability attributed to continuous electrolyte decomposition. Enhancement of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) stability is key to mitigating electrolyte decomposition. This study proposes surface‐functionalized silica mesoball fillers to fabricate a composite polymer electrolyte (MSBM‐CPE). As a result of surface modification, the polyethylene oxide matrix benefits from the uniform distribution of the filler, which provides a large surface area and Lewis acid sites. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the dissociation energy of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide in the filler is fourfold higher (−1.95 eV) than that of the filler‐free electrolyte. Consequently, the MSMB‐CPE diffusivity is 30 times higher than its filler‐free counterpart. The MSMB‐CPE of ionic conductivity of 1.16 × 10−2 S cm−1 @60 °C and a venerable Li‐ion transference number of 0.81. The excellent compatibility of MSMB‐CPE with the Li anode is demonstrated by its stable symmetric cell performance under high current density (200 µA cm−2 @60 °C) for over 5000 h. Approximately 85.60% retention capacity of the [Li/MSMB‐CPE/LiFePO4] full cell after 700 cycles. Furthermore, compositional analysis reveals that the SEI layer in MSMB‐CPE is smooth with fewer by‐products at the electrolyte/Li interface.
Interfacial Hydrogen‐Bond Interactions Driven Assembly toward Polychromatic Copper Nanoclusters
Authors: Wang Zhong‐Xia , Gao Hang , Jia Yi‐Lei , Li Xiao‐Qiong , Wang Ting , Ding Shou‐Nian , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Juan
Published: July 2024

Constructing versatile metal nanoclusters (NCs) assemblies through noncovalent weak interactions between inter‐ligands is a long‐standing challenge in interfacial chemistry, while compelling interfacial hydrogen‐bond‐driven metal NCs assemblies remain unexplored so far. Here, the study reports an amination‐ligand o‐phenylenediamine‐coordinated copper NCs (CuNCs), demonstrating the impact of interfacial hydrogen‐bonds (IHBs) motifs on the luminescent behaviors of metal NCs as the alteration of protic solvent. Experimental results supported by theoretical calculation unveil that the flexibility of interfacial ligand and the distance of cuprophilic CuI···CuI interaction between intra‐/inter‐NCs can be tailored by manipulating the cooperation between the diverse IHBs motifs reconstruction, therewith the IHBs‐modulated fundamental structure‐property relationships are established. Importantly, by utilizing the IHBs‐mediated optical polychromatism of aminated CuNCs, portable visualization of humidity sensing test‐strips with fast response is successfully manufactured. This work not only provides further insights into exploring the interfacial chemistry of NCs based on inter‐ligands hydrogen‐bond interactions, but also offers a new opportunity to expand the practical application for optical sensing of metal NCs.
Perfluorinated Amines: Accelerating Lithium Electrodeposition by Tailoring Interfacial Structure and Modulated Solvation for High‐Performance Batteries
Authors: Zheng Xinyu , Qiu Yanbin , Luo Jing , Yang Sisheng , Yu Yan , Liu Zheyuan , Zhang Ran , Yang Chengkai
Published: July 2024

Modulating interfacial electrochemistry represents a prevalent approach for mitigating lithium dendrite growth and enhancing battery performance. Nevertheless, while most additives exhibit inhibitory characteristics, the accelerating effects on interfacial electrochemistry have garnered limited attention. In this work, perfluoromorpholine (PFM) with facilitated kinetics is utilized to preferentially adsorb on the lithium metal interface. The PFM molecules disrupt the solvation structure of Li+ and enhance the migration of Li+. Combined with the benzotrifluoride, a synergistic acceleration‐inhibition system is formed. The ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation of the loose outer solvation clusters and the key adsorption–deposition step supports the fast diffusion and stable interface electrochemistry with an accelerated filling mode with C─F and C─H groups. The approach induces the uniform lithium deposition. Excellent cycling performance is achieved in Li||Li symmetric cells, and even after 200 cycles in Li||NCM811 full cells, 80% of the capacity is retained. This work elucidates the accelerated electrochemical processes at the interface and expands the design strategies of acceleration fluorinated additives for lithium metal batteries.
A Highly Charged Positive Cage Causes Simultaneous Enhancement of Type‐II and O2‐Independent‐Type‐I Photodynamic Therapy via One‐/Two‐Photon Stimulation and Tumor Immunotherapy via PANoptosis and Ferroptosis
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Yu Hui‐Juan , Guan Shao‐Qi , Lu Yu‐Lin , Zhang Yu , Huang Yin‐Hui , Wang Ya‐Ping , Liu Chen‐Hui , Cao Zhong‐Min , Qin Yu‐Han , Pan Mei , Shen Jun , Su Cheng‐Yong
Published: July 2024

To solve the oxygen dependence problem of photodynamic therapy (PDT), it is critical to explore photosensitizers that do not rely on O2 molecule to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, a stable cationic metal‐organic cage [Pd6(RuLoz3)8](BF4)28 (MOC‐88) that possesses high +28 charges is designed. The cage‐confined positive microenvironment enables efficient generation of hydroxyl radicals and improved yield of the singlet oxygen under one‐/two‐photon excitation, showing excellent performance to concurrently enhance Type‐II and O2‐independent‐Type‐I PDT. Moreover, the effective ROS production and robust lipid peroxidation trigger a series of signaling pathways (inflammasome, cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase stimulator of interferon genes, and NF‐κB) to evoke PANoptosis and ferroptosis in tumor cells, enabling MOC‐88 to simultaneously cause the loss of cell membrane integrity, release a series of inflammatory cytokines and damage‐associated molecular patterns, stimulate the maturation and antigen presentation ability of dendritic cells, and ultimately activate T‐cell‐dependent adaptive immunity in vivo to inhibit tumor growth.
Investigation of Inclusion Characteristics in Ferrosilicon Killed High Silicon Steels
Authors: Pindar Sanjay , Pande Manish M.
Published: July 2024

Industrially, the silicon requirement of liquid steel is often met with ferrosilicon (FeSi) instead of high‐purity silicon addition. FeSi, a silicon‐rich alloy, contains impurities typically inherited from its manufacturing stage. Therefore, FeSi addition results in the formation of complex inclusions in the liquid steel. Herein, a detailed inclusion characterization of the samples obtained from the melting experiments for a wide range of silicon concentrations has been carried out to examine the effect of FeSi impurities. Pure silica inclusions evolve to silica‐ and/or alumina‐based Si–Al–(Ti)–O–(TiN) complex inclusions with the increasing addition of FeSi to the steel melt. Reduction of silica by aluminum or titanium, the presence of titanium in the steel melt, and/or TiN inclusions formed at the periphery of oxide inclusions restrict the growth of oxide inclusions, resulting in small‐sized (average) oxide inclusions. The underlying mechanism of such complex (Si–Al–Ti–O–N)‐based inclusions has been explained with the aid of microstructural characterization and thermodynamic calculations. Moreover, the steel–crucible (alumina) interface has also been investigated for inclusion deposits and crucible–steel interaction.
First‐Principles Calculations of Material Properties of CuCrZr Alloy Contacts
Authors: Ding Can , Liu Qinuo , Sun Qiankun , Feng Lu
Published: July 2024

CuCrZr alloy is widely used in vacuum circuit breaker contact materials and high‐speed railroad contact wires, etc. The study of the effect of different Cr and Zr contents on the performance of CuCrZr alloy is of great significance for the improvement of circuit breaker's breaking capacity, as well as the load and structural stability under harsh working conditions. In this paper, the mechanical properties, electronic density of states and thermodynamic properties of CuCrZr solid solution alloys randomly doped by different concentrations of Cr and Zr are comparatively analyzed using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory. The results show that the alloys with different doping compositions have strong mechanical stability, electrical conductivity, and thermomechanical stability, and the reduction of the Cr/Zr doping concentration ratio can improve the toughness and ductility of the alloys, and the solid solution alloy with the composition of CuCr0.06Zr0.19 has the best machinability. The doping of Cr and Zr can improve the thermal stability of the alloy, Cr and Zr can be used as high‐temperature toughening elements for Cu. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Transient Quenching Properties of Vapor Arc Formed in Silica Sand: Contribution of Vaporized SiO2 Mixture to DC Arc Extinction Performance
Authors: Kodama Naoto , Yokomizu Yasunobu , Takenaka Waku , Nakamura Koya
Published: July 2024

The current‐limiting fuse uses silica (SiO2)‐sand as arc quenching medium to increase a current‐limiting performance during the DC arc quenching process. In order to increase the current‐limiting performance of the fuse, a detailed understanding of an arc resistance rise process is necessary. This paper first carried out a 1000 A DC Cu arc quenching experiment using the silica‐sand to obtain transient change in , morphology of the arc, and arc temperature during the arc quenching process. As a result, a current decaying increased . The arc was maintained in the cavity surrounded by the fulgurite during the current decaying process. The temperature of Cu/SiO2 arc was 25–8 kK at a current region of 950–400 A during the arc quenching process. Second, we theoretically calculated an electrical resistivity , and a thermal diffusivity as vapor properties for the Cu/SiO2 vapor mixture. As typical results, the admixing of the SiO2 vapor into the Cu arc less increased of the Cu/SiO2 vapor mixture at between 25 and 5 kK. The of the Cu/SiO2 vapor mixture drastically increased due to only decay in . In contrast, the admixing of the SiO2 vapor into the Cu arc significantly increased at between 15 and 8 kK. The present results indicate that an increase in and consequent rise in thermal energy dissipation from the arc is the main role of the silica‐sand vapor mixed with Cu arc in the DC fuse during the arc quenching process. The increased thermal energy dissipation due to the SiO2 vapor admixing further decreases to rapidly rise and during the arc quenching process. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Effectiveness of Japanese traditional medicine yokukansan for nocturia due to sleep disorders
Authors: Matsuo Tomohiro , Mori Shintaro , Honda Hiroyuki , Araki Kyohei , Mitsunari Kensuke , Ohba Kojiro , Imamura Ryoichi
Published: July 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine, as treatment for nocturia due to sleep disorders.

Methods

In this study, we included patients diagnosed with nocturia due to sleep disorders, evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants received 2.5 g of yokukansan, three times daily, for 12 weeks. We evaluated the changes in the overactive bladder (OAB) symptom score (OABSS), hours of undisturbed sleep (HUS), and PSQI score. In addition, patients were categorized based on the severity of their sleep disorders, and we divided patients into two groups according to whether the severity of the disorder was downgraded after treatment: the improved and unchanged groups.

Results

Among 35 patients with a mean ± standard deviation age of 73.2 ± 10.5 years, yokukansan administration was associated with significant improvements in nighttime urinary frequency (from 3.8 ± 2.1 to 2.1 ± 1.9), total OABSS score (from 4.9 ± 1.8 to 2.9 ± 1.9), OABSS urgency score (from 1.3 ± 1.0 to 0.7 ± 0.9), HUS (from 2.2 ± 0.6 to 3.5 ± 1.1 h), and global PSQI score (from 11.9 ± 3.1 to 10.0 ± 1.4; all p < 0.001). In addition, significant improvements were noted in both the improved and unchanged groups in terms of the total OABSS, nocturia, and urgency scores. Furthermore, yokukansan treatment was related to improved global PSQI scores in both groups (improved group: from 10.8 ± 0.7 to 8.6 ± 0.5, p = 0.001; unchanged group: from 12.3 ± 3.4 to 10.4 ± 1.3, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Yokukansan may effectively ameliorate nocturia due to sleep disorders.
Using remote technology to count dogs
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: July 2024

Georgina Mills discusses how Google Street View could help in counting dogs in Peru to support approaches to rabies management.
Hat trick of welfare measures completed
Authors: Shuttleworth Fiona , Trees Lord
Published: July 2024

Fiona Shuttleworth, parliamentary veterinary intern to Lord Trees, reports how three of the four main measures contained in the government's withdrawn Kept Animals Bill were pushed through parliament as separate pieces of legislation just before its dissolution.
Message from the President
Authors: Judson Anna
Published: July 2024

Anna Judson reports on BVA's recent activities around the Competition and Markets Authority's market investigation.
The curious incident of a dog with a cut paw that changed my whole career trajectory
Authors: Caljé‐van den Assem Marieke
Published: July 2024

Marieke Caljé‐van den Assem was set on a career in management consultancy when, returning from a night out at university, she found her beloved dog covered in blood and needing a vet…the rest is history.
Double holography of entangled universes
Authors: Myers Robert C. , Ruan Shan-Ming , Ugajin Tomonori
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We employ double holography to examine a system of two entangled gravitating universes that live on two codimension-one branes in an asymptotically AdS3 spacetime with two disjoint conformal boundaries. There are distinct brane configurations depending on the temperature of the thermofield double (TFD) state between the left and right systems. The topology transition between two branes is naturally identified with the emergence of an Einstein-Rosen bridge connecting the two entangled universes. This doubly holographic construction offers a holographic perspective on gravitational collapse and black hole formation in brane universes. Through this holographic framework, we analyze the quantum information structure of the two gravitating universes. Specifically, we calculate the mutual information between defects present in the boundary theories on the left and right sides. Furthermore, we investigate the decoupling process in the Hayden-Preskill protocol applied to the two copies of the defect field theory and discuss the interpretation of the Yoshida-Kitaev decoding protocol.
Effective theory approach for axion wormholes
Authors: Cheong Dhong Yeon , Park Seong Chan , Shin Chang Sub
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We employ the effective field theory approach to analyze the characteristics of Euclidean wormholes within axion theories. Using this approach, we obtain non-perturbative instantons in various complex scalar models with and without a non-minimal coupling to gravity, as well as models featuring the R2 term for a range of coupling values. This yields a series of analytical expressions for the axion wormhole action, shedding light on the model parameters and field dependencies of contributions in both the ultraviolet and infrared domains. Consequently, model-dependent local operators that disrupt axion shift symmetries are generated at lower energy levels. This, in turn, provides crucial insights into the gravitational influences on the axion quality problem.
Effects of process parameters on the surface characteristics of laser powder bed fusion printed parts: machine learning predictions with random forest and support vector regression
Authors: Dejene Naol Dessalegn , Lemu Hirpa G. , Gutema Endalkachew Mosisa
Published: July 2024

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) fuses metallic powder using a high-energy laser beam, forming parts layer by layer. This technique offers flexibility and design freedom in metal additive manufacturing (MAM). However, achieving the desired surface quality remains challenging and impacts functionality and reliability. L-PBF process parameters significantly influence surface roughness. Identifying the most critical factors among numerous parameters is essential for improving quality. This study examines the effects of key process parameters on the surface roughness of AlSi10Mg, a widely used aluminum alloy in high-tech industries, fabricated by L-PBF. Part orientation, laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness were identified as crucial parameters via cause-and-effect analysis. To systematically examine their effects, the Taguchi method was employed within the framework of the design of experiment (DoE). Experimental results and statistical analysis revealed that laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness significantly influence surface roughness parameters: arithmetic mean (Ra) and root mean square (Rq). Main effect plots and energy density analyses confirmed their impact on surface quality. Microscopic investigations identified surface flaws such as spattering, balling, and porosity contributing to poor quality. Given the complex interplay between parameters and surface quality, accurately predicting their effects is challenging. To address this, machine learning models, specifically random forest regression (RFR) and support vector regression (SVR), were used to predict the effects on surface roughness. The RFR model’s R2 values for predicting Ra and Rq are 97% and 85%, while the SVR model’s predictions are 85% and 66%, respectively. Evaluation metrics demonstrated that the RFR model outperformed SVR in predicting surface roughness.
Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum, a National Comparison Between Interventional and Surgical Approach, in Combination with a Systemic Literature Review
Authors: Manhem Stina , Odermarsky Michal , Wåhlander Håkan , Ekman-Joelsson Britt-Marie
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to compare long-term morbidity in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) treated with catheter-based intervention (group A) versus those undergoing heart surgery (group B) as initial intervention. Additionally, we conducted a systematic literature review on PA-IVS treatment. All neonates born in Sweden with PA-IVS between 2007 and 2019 were screened for inclusion. The inclusion criterion was decompression of the right ventricle for initial intervention. Medical records were reviewed, as well as the initial preoperative angiogram, and the diagnostic echocardiogram. Comparisons between groups were performed with Mann–Whitney U-test and Fisher´s exact test. A systematic literature review of original studies regarding treatment of PA-IVS (2002 and onward) was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, to assess the outcomes of patients with PA-IVS. 34 (11 females) patients were included, 18 in group A and 16 in group B. There was no mortality in either group. Follow-up time ranged from 2 to 15 years (median 9). All attempted perforations in group A were successful, and 16 out of 18 patients reached biventricular circulation. In the surgical group 15 out of 16 patients reached biventricular circulation. The literature review presented heterogeneity in standards for treatment. This retrospective population-based multicenter study demonstrates that both catheter-based intervention and heart surgery are safe procedures. Our results are comparable to, or exceed, those in the systematic literature review. The systematic literature review displays a great heterogeneity in study design, with no definitive golden standard treatment.
In vitro T cell responses to PD-1 blockade are reduced by IFN-α but do not predict therapy response in melanoma patients
Authors: Timmerman Laura M. , Hensen Lobke C. M. , van Eijs Mick J. M. , Verheijden Rik J. , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P. M. , Meyaard Linde , van der Vlist Michiel ,   the UNICIT consortium, Meyaard Linde , Kuball Jürgen H. E. , Oldenburg Bas , Leusen Jeanette H. W.
Published: July 2024

PD-1 blockade therapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment, but still not all patients benefit and pre-treatment identification of those patients is difficult. Increased expression of inflammatory markers such as interleukin (IL)-6 in blood of patients correlates with poor treatment response. We set out to study the effect of inflammatory cytokines on PD-1 blockade in vitro. For this, we studied the effect of IL-6 and type I interferon (IFN) in vitro on human T cells in a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) in the absence or presence of PD-1 blockade. While IL-6 reduced IFN-γ secretion by T cells in both the presence and absence of PD-1 blockade, IFN-α specifically reduced the IFN-γ secretion only in the presence of PD-1 blockade. IFN-α reduced T cell proliferation independent of PD-1 blockade and reduced the percentage of cells producing IFN-γ only in the presence of PD-1 blockade. Next we determined the type I IFN score in a cohort of 22 melanoma patients treated with nivolumab. In this cohort, we did not find a correlation between clinical response and type I IFN score, nor between clinical response and IFN-γ secretion in vitro in a MLR in the presence of PD-1 blockade. We conclude that IFN-α reduces the effectiveness of PD-1 blockade in vitro, but that in this cohort, type I IFN score in vivo, nor IFN-γ secretion in vitro in a MLR in the presence of PD-1 blockade correlated to decreased therapy responses in patients.
A retrospective observational study of ibrutinib in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in a real-life setting in France using the national claims database (OSIRIS)
Authors: Choquet Sylvain , Marchal Clarisse , Deygas Floriane , Deslandes Marine , Macher Nahid , de Pouvourville Gérard , Levy Vincent
Published: July 2024

Background

Ibrutinib is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the first-line treatment and relapse of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This study aimed to describe the characteristics of CLL patients treated with ibrutinib and its effectiveness, safety, and treatment pattern in real life.

Methods

All patients covered by the general health scheme (approximately 80% of the French population) with a first ibrutinib dispensation from August 1, 2017 (date of reimbursement in France) to December 31, 2020, were identified in the French National Health Insurance database (SNDS). An algorithm was developed to identify the disease (CLL, MCL or WM) for which ibrutinib was prescribed. This article focused on CLL patients. The time to next treatment (TTNT) was plotted using Kaplan‒Meier curves.

Results

During this period, 6,083 patients initiated ibrutinib, among whom 2,771 (45.6%) patients had CLL (mean age of 74 years; 61% of men). At ibrutinib initiation, 46.6% of patients had a cardiovascular comorbidity. Most patients (91.7%) were not hospitalized during the exposure period for one of the cardiovascular or bleeding events studied. Hospitalizations were more frequent in patients with a cardiovascular comorbidity (5.9% versus 11.0%, p-value < 0.0001) and aged over 70 (5.9% versus 9.4%, p-value < 0.0001). The median TTNT was not reached.

Conclusion

This is one of the largest cohorts of ibrutinib-treated patients in the world. The profile of CLL patients treated with ibrutinib was in accordance with the marketing authorization and reimbursement. This study confirmed effectiveness and safety data.
FRACTION: protocol of a phase II study of Fedratinib and Nivolumab combination in patients with myelofibrosis and resistance or suboptimal response to JAK-inhibitor treatment of the German MPN study group (GSG-MPN)
Authors: Isfort Susanne , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Al-Ali Haifa Kathrin , Becker Heiko , Götze Thorsten , le Coutre Philipp , Griesshammer Martin , Moskwa Claudia , Wohn Luisa , Riedel Johanna , Palandri Francesca , Manz Kirsi , Hochhaus Andreas , Döhner Konstanze , Heidel Florian H.
Published: July 2024

Development of Janus-kinase (JAK) inhibitors has revolutionized the therapeutic landscape for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasia (MPN). Following approval of the first JAK1/2-inhibitor Ruxolitinib, symptoms of this inflammatory disease, characterized by splenomegaly, release of inflammatory cytokines and appearance of thrombosis, could be effectively reduced for the first time. However, JAK-inhibitor treatment is limited in several aspects: 1) duration of response: 3 years after initiation of therapy more than 50% of patients have discontinued JAK-inhibitor treatment due to lack of efficacy or resistance; 2) reduction of disease burden: while effective in reducing inflammation and constitutional symptoms, JAK-inhibitors fail to reduce the malignant clone in the majority of patients and therefore lack long-term efficacy. Early clinical trials for patients with myelofibrosis (MF) have tried to address these issues for patients with suboptimal response to Ruxolitinib therapy while combination therapies with Fedratinib are rare. Recent reports provided first evidence on how the JAK2-V617F mutated myeloid cells may influence T-cell responses. JAK2-V617F promoted the synthesis of PD-L1 in MPN cells leading to limited anti-neoplastic T-cell responses, metabolic changes in T-cells and eventually JAK2-V617F-driven immune-escape of MPN cells. These findings may facilitate the use of immunotherapeutic approaches for JAK-mutated clones. Immune checkpoints refer to a variety of inhibitory pathways that are crucial for maintaining self-tolerance and modulating the duration and amplitude of physiological immune responses in peripheral tissues in order to minimize collateral tissue damage. The FRACTION study is a single arm, open label Phase II trial investigating the combination of Fedratinib with the PD-1 inhibitor Nivolumab in patients with myelofibrosis and suboptimal or lack of response to JAK-inhibitor therapy. Over a 12 months period the trial assesses longer term outcomes, particularly the effects on clinical outcomes, such as induction of clinical remissions, quality of life and improvement of anemia. No prospective clinical trial data exist for combinations of JAK- and immune-checkpoint-inhibitors in the planned MF study population and this study will provide new findings that may contribute to advancing the treatment landscape for MF patients with suboptimal responses and limited alternatives.
Effect of sintering temperature on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of Ba1 − xLaxFe12O19
Authors: Nishkala K. R. , Rao Rajat Radhakrishna , Mutalik Srinivas , Murari M. S. , Daivajna Mamatha D.
Published: July 2024

La substituted M-type Barium hexaferrite, Ba(1−x)La(x)Fe12O19, (x = 0.25 and 0.30) were synthesized using ball milling followed by heat treatment at 1150˚C and 1300˚C and the influence of sintering temperature as well as La doping were presented. X-ray diffraction, FESEM, dielectric spectroscopy, and ferroelectric measurements were performed to study the structural, morphological, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of the prepared samples. Rietveld refinement on the X-ray diffraction measurement reveals the formation of a phase magnetoplumbite structure of barium hexaferrite only for the samples sintered at 1300˚C. The secondary phase, along with the major magnetoplumbite structure, was observed for the sample sintered at 1150˚C. Hexagonal plate-like grains of different sizes were observed, and samples sintered at 1300˚C showed large-size grains. Porosity was observed to decrease with La doping. Impedance spectroscopy reveals that Maxwell-Wagner-type polarisation occurs with the relaxation of mobile charges having long-range hopping. However, the ferroelectric property was suppressed for samples sintered at 1300˚C.
The generation of tetrahedral meshes for NURBS-enhanced FEM
Authors: Zou Xi , Lo Sui Bun , Sevilla Ruben , Hassan Oubay , Morgan Kenneth
Published: July 2024

This work presents the first method for generating tetrahedral-based volume meshes dedicated to the NURBS-enhanced finite element method (NEFEM). Built upon the developed method of generating feature-independent surface meshes tailored for NEFEM, the proposed mesh generation scheme is able to grow volume elements that inherit the feature-independence by using the surface mesh as the initial boundary discretisation. Therefore, the generated tetrahedral elements may contain triangular faces that span across multiple NURBS surfaces whilst maintaining the exact boundary description. The proposed strategy completely eliminates the need for de-featuring complex watertight CAD models. At the same time, it eliminates the uncertainty originated from the simplification of CAD models adopted in industrial practice and the error introduced by traditional isoparametric mesh generators that produce polynomial approximations of the true boundary representation. Thanks to the capability of having element faces traversing multiple geometric surfaces, small geometric features in the CAD model no longer restrict the minimum element size, and the user-required mesh spacing in the generated mesh is better satisfied than in traditional meshes that require local refinement. To demonstrate the ability of the proposed approach, a variety of CAD geometries are meshed with the proposed strategy, including examples relevant to the fluid dynamics, wave propagation and solid mechanics communities.
Analysis of clinical characteristics of mismatch repair status in colorectal cancer: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Mao Jing , He Yang , Chu Jian , Hu Boyang , Yao Yanjun , Yan Qiang , Han Shuwen
Published: July 2024

Background

Microsatellite instability (MSI) caused by DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is of great significance in the occurrence, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Aim

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between mismatch repair status and clinical characteristics of CRC.

Methods

The histopathological results and clinical characteristics of 2029 patients who suffered from CRC and underwent surgery at two centers from 2018 to 2020 were determined. After screening the importance of clinical characteristics through machine learning algorithms, the patients were divided into deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) and proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) groups based on the immunohistochemistry results and the clinical feature data between the two groups were observed by statistical methods.

Results

The dMMR and pMMR groups had significant differences in histologic type, TNM stage, maximum tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, differentiation grade, gross appearance, and vascular invasion. There were significant differences between the MLH1 groups in age, histologic type, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor location, and depth of invasion. The MSH2 groups were significantly different in age. The MSH6 groups had significant differences in age, histologic type, and TNM stage. There were significant differences between the PMS2 groups in lymph node metastasis and tumor location. CRC was dominated by MLH1 and PMS2 combined expression loss (41.77%). There was a positive correlation between MLH1 and MSH2 and between MSH6 and PMS2 as well.

Conclusions

The proportion of mucinous adenocarcinoma, protruding type, and poor differentiation is relatively high in dMMR CRCs, but lymph node metastasis is rare. It is worth noting that the expression of MMR protein has different prognostic significance in different stages of CRC disease.