bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extended performance analysis of deep-learning algorithms for mice vocalization segmentation
Authors: Baggi Daniele , Premoli Marika , Gnutti Alessandro , Bonini Sara Anna , Leonardi Riccardo , Memo Maurizio , Migliorati Pierangelo
Published: July 2023

Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) analysis represents a fundamental tool to study animal communication. It can be used to perform a behavioral investigation of mice for ethological studies and in the field of neuroscience and neuropharmacology. The USVs are usually recorded with a microphone sensitive to ultrasound frequencies and then processed by specific software, which help the operator to identify and characterize different families of calls. Recently, many automated systems have been proposed for automatically performing both the detection and the classification of the USVs. Of course, the USV segmentation represents the crucial step for the general framework, since the quality of the call processing strictly depends on how accurately the call itself has been previously detected. In this paper, we investigate the performance of three supervised deep learning methods for automated USV segmentation: an Auto-Encoder Neural Network (AE), a U-NET Neural Network (UNET) and a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). The proposed models receive as input the spectrogram associated with the recorded audio track and return as output the regions in which the USV calls have been detected. To evaluate the performance of the models, we have built a dataset by recording several audio tracks and manually segmenting the corresponding USV spectrograms generated with the Avisoft software, producing in this way the ground-truth (GT) used for training. All three proposed architectures demonstrated precision and recall scores exceeding $$90\%$$

90
%

, with UNET and AE achieving values above $$95\%$$

95
%

, surpassing other state-of-the-art methods that were considered for comparison in this study. Additionally, the evaluation was extended to an external dataset, where UNET once again exhibited the highest performance. We suggest that our experimental results may represent a valuable benchmark for future works.
Intraparotid lymph node metastasis affects distant metastasis in parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Han Xiaoxue , Wang Jia , Li Yuexiao , Xi Shanlong , Xiao Weiwei
Published: July 2023

To evaluate the relationship between factors of metastatic intraparotid lymph node (IPLN) and distant metastasis in parotid adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Patients with surgically treated parotid ACC were retrospectively enrolled, and primary outcome variable was distant metastasis free survival (DMFS). The effect of factors of metastatic IPLN on DMFS was evaluated using Cox model. In total, 232 patients were included. Extranodal extension of IPLN and cervical lymph nodes did not impact the DMFS, and the 7th but not 8th AJCC N stage was associated with DMFS. Groups of 0 and 1 metastatic IPLN had comparable DMFS, but presence of 2+ positive IPLN was related to increased worse DMFS (p = 0.034, HR 2.09). A new N stage (0 vs 1–2 vs 3+) based on total positive lymph node number exhibited better C-index than traditional N stage. IPLN metastasis increased the risk of distant metastasis, and the impact was mainly determined by the number of metastatic IPLN. Our proposed N stage provided better DMFS prediction than the 8th AJCC N classification.
Statistical learning of distractor locations is dependent on task context
Authors: de Waard Jasper , van Moorselaar Dirk , Bogaerts Louisa , Theeuwes Jan
Published: July 2023

Through statistical learning, humans can learn to suppress visual areas that often contain distractors. Recent findings suggest that this form of learned suppression is insensitive to context, putting into question its real-life relevance. The current study presents a different picture: we show context-dependent learning of distractor-based regularities. Unlike previous studies which typically used background cues to differentiate contexts, the current study manipulated task context. Specifically, the task alternated from block to block between a compound search and a detection task. In both tasks, participants searched for a unique shape, while ignoring a uniquely colored distractor item. Crucially, a different high-probability distractor location was assigned to each task context in the training blocks, and all distractor locations were made equiprobable in the testing blocks. In a control experiment, participants only performed a compound search task such that the contexts were made indistinguishable, but the high-probability locations changed in exactly the same way as in the main experiment. We analyzed response times for different distractor locations and show that participants can learn to suppress a location in a context-dependent way, but suppression from previous task contexts lingers unless a new high-probability location is introduced.
High-LET radiation induces large amounts of rapidly-repaired sublethal damage
Authors: Guerra Liberal Francisco D. C. , Thompson Shannon J. , Prise Kevin M. , McMahon Stephen J.
Published: July 2023

There is agreement that high-LET radiation has a high Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE) when delivered as a single treatment, but how it interacts with radiations of different qualities, such as X-rays, is less clear. We sought to clarify these effects by quantifying and modelling responses to X-ray and alpha particle combinations. Cells were exposed to X-rays, alpha particles, or combinations, with different doses and temporal separations. DNA damage was assessed by 53BP1 immunofluorescence, and radiosensitivity assessed using the clonogenic assay. Mechanistic models were then applied to understand trends in repair and survival. 53BP1 foci yields were significantly reduced in alpha particle exposures compared to X-rays, but these foci were slow to repair. Although alpha particles alone showed no inter-track interactions, substantial interactions were seen between X-rays and alpha particles. Mechanistic modelling suggested that sublethal damage (SLD) repair was independent of radiation quality, but that alpha particles generated substantially more sublethal damage than a similar dose of X-rays, $$RB{E}_{SLD}>2.8$$

R
B

E

SLD

>
2.8

. This high RBE may lead to unexpected synergies for combinations of different radiation qualities which must be taken into account in treatment design, and the rapid repair of this damage may impact on mechanistic modelling of radiation responses to high LETs.
Association between total bilirubin and gender-specific incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis in a Chinese population: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dong Yongfei , Liu Chunxing , Wang Jieli , Li Huijun , Wang Qi , Feng Aicheng , Tang Zaixiang
Published: July 2023

To investigate the gender-specific relationship between total bilirubin (TBIL) and fundus arteriosclerosis in the general population, and to explore whether there is a dose–response relationship between them. In a retrospective cohort study, 27,477 participants were enrolled from 2006 to 2019. The TBIL was divided into four groups according to the quartile. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the HRs with 95% CIs of different TBIL level and fundus arteriosclerosis in men and women. The dose–response relationship between TBIL and fundus arteriosclerosis was estimated using restricted cubic splines method. In males, after adjusting for potential confounders, the Q2 to Q4 level of TBIL were significantly associated with the risk of fundus arteriosclerosis. The HRs with 95% CIs were 1.217 (1.095–1.354), 1.255 (1.128–1.396) and 1.396 (1.254–1.555), respectively. For females, TBIL level was not associated with the incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis. In addition, a linear relationship between TBIL and fundus arteriosclerosis in both genders (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0047, respectively). In conclusion, the incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis is positively correlated with serum TBIL level in males, but not in females. In addition, there was a linear dose–response relationship between TBIL and incidence of fundus arteriosclerosis.
Construction of a reduced-order model based on tensor decomposition and its application to airbag deployment simulations
Authors: Sasagawa Takashi , Tanaka Masato
Published: July 2023

We present a construction method for reduced-order models (ROMs) to explore alternatives to numerical simulations. The proposed method can efficiently construct ROMs for non-linear problems with contact and impact behaviors by using tensor decomposition for factorizing multidimensional data and Akima-spline interpolation without tuning any parameters. First, we construct learning tensor data of nodal displacements or accelerations using finite element analysis with some representative parameter sets. Second, the data are decomposed into a set of mode matrices and one small core tensor using Tucker decomposition. Third, Akima-spline interpolation is applied to the mode matrices to predict values within the data range. Finally, the time history responses with new parameter sets are generated by multiplying the expanded mode matrices and small core tensor. The performance of the proposed method is studied by constructing ROMs for airbag impact simulations based on limited learning data. The proposed ROMs can accurately predict airbag deployment behavior even for new parameter sets using the Akima-spline interpolation scheme. Furthermore, an extremely high data compression ratio (more than 1000) and efficient predictions of the response surfaces and Pareto frontier (2000 times faster than that of full finite element analyses using all parameter sets) can be realized.
Correlation between core stability and the landing kinetics of elite aerial skiing athletes
Authors: Wei Ming , Fan Yongzhao , Ren Haiying , Li Ke , Niu Xuesong
Published: July 2023

Core stability is critical for improving athletic performance, reducing injury risks and is one of the most important elements of athletic training. However, the effect of core stability on landing kinetics during aerial skiing remains unclear, making relevant analysis and discussion an urgent issue to address. To enhance core stability training and landing performance aerial athletes, this study proposed a correlation analysis to investigate the effect of core stability on landing kinetics. Previous studies on aerial athletes have overlooked landing kinetics and lacked correlation analyses, leading to unsatisfactory analysis outcomes. The correlation analysis can be integrated with core stability training indices to analyze the effect of core stability on vertical and 360° jump landings. Therefore, this study can provide guidance for core stability training and athletic performance in aerial athletes.
Sucrose monolaurate production from lauric acid through a two-stage process
Authors: Tongtummachat Tiprawee , Jaree Attasak , Kaewchada Amaraporn , Sunorakum Boonyaporn , Ignacio Panalee , Akkarawatkhoosith Nattee
Published: July 2023

This work represented the first step toward pioneering the use of a two-stage process for sucrose monolaurate (sucrose ester) production from lauric acid with high productivity and selectivity. In the first stage, lauric acid was firstly converted into methyl laurate via esterification, followed by the transesterification of methyl laurate into sucrose ester in the second stage. In this research, the first stage of process was primarily focused and thoroughly evaluated. Methyl laurate was continuously produced via lauric acid and methanol in a mini fixed-bed reactor. Amberlyst 15 was used as a catalyst. The operating variables were thoroughly investigated and optimized. The optimal condition to achieve 98 wt% yield (99% purity) was as follows: temperature of 110 °C, residence time of 5 min, and feed concentration of 94 g/L. High catalytic stability was observed over the time-on-stream of 30 h. This process provided good productivity compared to the other processes. The methyl laurate obtained from the first stage could be used as a raw material for the second stage to produce sucrose ester, which was demonstrated experimentally. The high selectivity of 95% of sucrose monolaurate was obtained. The continuous production of sucrose ester from lauric acid could be achieved.
Improvment of combined solar chimney power plant with gas power plant
Authors: Mirzamohammad Amin , Eftekhari Yazdi Mohammad , Lavasani Arash Mirabdolah
Published: July 2023

Recently, several researches have been done to improve the perfomance of solar chimney power plants (SCPP) and increase their low output power during hours when the solar radiation is limited. In this study, by combining a SCPP and a gas power plant, the output power is increased and the power output of the combined power plant can be gained at all hours of the day and night. Pipes are buried under the ground and the outlet hot gas from gas power plant flows through the buried pipes instead of being released into the atmosphere through the stacks. Flowing of hot gas through the buried pipes at the soil under the canopy increases the temperature of soil which is exposed to the solar radiation. Increasing of the soil temperature leads to the growth in the value of air temperature under the canopy. The air density reduces as the air temperature increases which leads to the increase of air velocity and output power. By applying the buried pipes, the output power is not zero during the hours when there is no radiation flux. The results for air temperature, heat loss and output power are studied in detail and it is shown that the use of buried pipes in which hot gas flows leads to the increase of the output power of SCPP by 554%, 208% and 125% at the radiation flux of 200 W/m2, 500 W/m2 and 800 W/m2, respectively.
CARE as a wearable derived feature linking circadian amplitude to human cognitive functions
Authors: Cui Shuya , Lin Qingmin , Gui Yuanyuan , Zhang Yunting , Lu Hui , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Xiaolei , Li Xinyue , Jiang Fan
Published: July 2023

Circadian rhythms are crucial for regulating physiological and behavioral processes. Pineal hormone melatonin is often used to measure circadian amplitude but its collection is costly and time-consuming. Wearable activity data are promising alternative, but the most commonly used measure, relative amplitude, is subject to behavioral masking. In this study, we firstly derive a feature named circadian activity rhythm energy (CARE) to better characterize circadian amplitude and validate CARE by correlating it with melatonin amplitude (Pearson’s r = 0.46, P = 0.007) among 33 healthy participants. Then we investigate its association with cognitive functions in an adolescent dataset (Chinese SCHEDULE-A, n = 1703) and an adult dataset (UK Biobank, n = 92,202), and find that CARE is significantly associated with Global Executive Composite (β = 30.86, P = 0.016) in adolescents, and reasoning ability, short-term memory, and prospective memory (OR = 0.01, 3.42, and 11.47 respectively, all P < 0.001) in adults. Finally, we identify one genetic locus with 126 CARE-associated SNPs using the genome-wide association study, of which 109 variants are used as instrumental variables in the Mendelian Randomization analysis, and the results show a significant causal effect of CARE on reasoning ability, short-term memory, and prospective memory (β = -59.91, 7.94, and 16.85 respectively, all P < 0.0001). The present study suggests that CARE is an effective wearable-based metric of circadian amplitude with a strong genetic basis and clinical significance, and its adoption can facilitate future circadian studies and potential intervention strategies to improve circadian rhythms and cognitive functions.
ResR/McdR-regulated protein translation machinery contributes to drug resilience in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Pal Pramila , Khan Mohd Younus , Sharma Shivani , Kumar Yashwant , Mangla Nikita , Kaushal Prem S. , Agarwal Nisheeth
Published: July 2023

Survival response of the human tuberculosis pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) to a diverse environmental cues is governed through its versatile transcription regulatory mechanisms with the help of a large pool of transcription regulators (TRs). Rv1830 is one such conserved TR, which remains uncharacterized in Mtb. It was named as McdR based on an effect on cell division upon its overexpression in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Recently, it has been implicated in antibiotic resilience in Mtb and reannotated as ResR. While Rv1830 affects cell division by modulating the expression of M. smegmatis whiB2, the underlying cause of its essentiality and regulation of drug resilience in Mtb is yet to be deciphered. Here we show that ResR/McdR, encoded by ERDMAN_2020 in virulent Mtb Erdman, is pivotal for bacterial proliferation and crucial metabolic activities. Importantly, ResR/McdR directly regulates ribosomal gene expression and protein synthesis, requiring distinct disordered N-terminal sequence. Compared to control, bacteria depleted with resR/mcdR exhibit delayed recovery post-antibiotic treatment. A similar effect upon knockdown of rplN operon genes further implicates ResR/McdR-regulated protein translation machinery in attributing drug resilience in Mtb. Overall, findings from this study suggest that chemical inhibitors of ResR/McdR may be proven effective as adjunctive therapy for shortening the duration of TB treatment.
Antimicrobial efficacy of a nitric oxide-releasing ampicillin conjugate catheter lock solution on clinically-isolated antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Authors: Chug Manjyot Kaur , Griffin Lauren , Garren Mark , Tharp Emma , Nguyen Grace H. , Handa Hitesh , Brisbois Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2023

Harnessing the potential of NO-releasing ampicillin conjugate as a catheter-lock solution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This approach holds great potential in addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles for drug delivery
Authors: Yao Chenlu , Wang Chao
Published: July 2023

This review summarizes the biological function of PEVs, introduces recent applications of PEVs in targeted drug delivery and makes an outlook for the further development of utilizing PEVs for drug delivery.
Administration time effect of dietary proanthocyanidins on the metabolome of Fischer 344 rats is sex- and diet-dependent
Authors: Arreaza-Gil Verónica , Palacios-Jordan Héctor , Romero María del Mar , Torres-Fuentes Cristina , Rodríguez Miguel A. , Remesar Xavier , Fernández-López José-Antonio , Arola-Arnal Anna
Published: July 2023

Grape seed proanthocyanidins effects on metabolome are strongly influenced by sex and diet according to the time of administration.
Localized coherent phonon generation in monolayer MoSe2 from ultrafast exciton trapping at shallow traps
Authors: Bae Soungmin , Jeong Tae Young , Raebiger Hannes , Yee Ki-Ju , Kim Yong-Hoon
Published: July 2023

Spectroscopic evidence for the conversion of defect-trapped excitons into localized coherent phonons in monolayer MoSe2 is provided, and the VSe + O2 complex (an oxygen molecule adsorbed on a Se vacancy) is identified as the shallow trap center.
Protein redox by a piezoelectric acousto-nanodevice
Authors: Selvarajan Sophia , Shim Hyunji , Byun Eunjeong , Kim Albert , Song Seung Hyun
Published: July 2023

We present a novel acousto-nanodevice as redox agents triggered by ultrasound. With a piezoelectric nanoparticle with a half-gold surface, it induces protein oxidation via unidirectional electron transfer due to alternating electric polarization.
Sequence-dependent folding of monolayered DNA origami domains
Authors: Gambietz Sabrina , Stenke Lena J. , Saccà Barbara
Published: July 2023

The self-assembly of small DNA origami domains is guided by the topology- and sequence-dependent properties of the nucleation sites.
Correction: Secondary ligand-induced orthogonal self-assembly of silver nanoclusters into superstructures with enhanced NIR emission
Authors: Sugi Korath Shivan , Sandra Amritha P. , Nonappa  , Ghosh Debasmita , Mohanty Jyoti Sarita , Kannan Murugesan Paulthangam , Sooraj B. S. , Srikrishnarka Pillalamarri , Roy Jayoti , Dar Wakeel Ahmed , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘Secondary ligand-induced orthogonal self-assembly of silver nanoclusters into superstructures with enhanced NIR emission’ by Korath Shivan Sugi, et al., Nanoscale, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3nr02561f.
Intrinsic bright green emission from hyperbranched polyphosphate esters: preparation, film fabrication and Fe3+sensing
Authors: Bai Lihua , Liu Xiangrong , Yan Hongxia , Zhao Shunsheng
Published: July 2023

Intrinsic bright green emission is generated from the spatial electronic delocalizations in the aggregate of hyperbranched polyphosphate esters.
ROPISA of salicylic acidO-carboxyanhydride: fast polymerization followed byin situkinetics-driven self-assembly
Authors: Yao Shiman , Yang Junjiao , Yang Jing
Published: July 2023

A kinetics-driven ROPISA of SAOCA can produce various nano-morphologies including spherical, worm-like and even toroid-shaped micelles.
A scalable and efficient approach to high-fidelity amine functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Chen Xiaoli , Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Shuai , Wang Mengli , Geng Chao , Xu Guoxing , Wang Shixue
Published: July 2023

A scalable and efficient approach for the synthesis of high-fidelity PEGn-NH2s using (Boc)2NH as an amination reagent has been developed.
Charge effect in protein metalation reactions by diruthenium complexes
Authors: Terán Aarón , Ferraro Giarita , Sánchez-Peláez Ana E. , Herrero Santiago , Merlino Antonello
Published: July 2023

A study of the protein binding properties of diruthenium compounds depending on the charge of the complexes generated in solution.
Activating self-supported NiPd electrodes by laser-direct-writing for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Zihan , Xiao Liyang , Zhao Jun , Zhou Miao , Zhang Jingtong , Du Xiwen , Yang Jing
Published: July 2023

A low-Pd-based catalytic electrode with dislocations was prepared by MLDW-LN, demonstrating enhanced intrinsic activity and superior large-current-density durability for the HER.
Slow water dynamics in dehydrated human Jurkat T cells evaluated by dielectric spectroscopy with the Bruggeman–Hanai equation
Authors: Matsuura Hiroaki , Takano Kiyoshi , Shirakashi Ryo
Published: July 2023

The picosecond orientational dynamics of intracellular water was measured by dielectric spectroscopy, with the aim of revealing the effects of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) on biological cells.
Eco-friendly TEMPO/laccase/O2 biocatalytic system for degradation of Indigo Carmine: operative conditions and laccase inactivation
Authors: Hordieieva Iryna O. , Kushch Olga V. , Hordieieva Tetiana O. , Sirobaba Serhii I. , Kompanets Mykhailo O. , Anishchenko Victor M. , Shendrik Alexander N.
Published: July 2023

The long-term stability of Trametes versicolor laccase was assessed and the operative conditions for carrying out a model reaction for the degradation of the dye Indigo Carmine in the presence of Trametes versicolor laccase/TEMPO were determined.
Removal of hydrogen sulfide in the gas phase by carbide slag modified bentonite
Authors: Jiang Qi , Jiang Ming , Han Tianci , He Yongmei , Li Tianguo , Zhang Jilai , Su Youbo , Wu Yonglin , Dian Bo , Zong Yonglan
Published: July 2023

Carbide slag and bentonite were used to prepare adsorbents to remove H2S. And H2S was removed in the form of CaS and sulfate.
On the mechanism of acceptorless dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles catalyzed by tBuOK: a computational study
Authors: Ma Lishuang , Feng Wenxu , Zhao Shidong , Wang Chuangye , Xi Yanyan , Lin Xufeng
Published: July 2023

A quasi-metal–ligand bifunctional catalytic channel and a base-catalyzed pathway were computationally investigated for the acceptorless dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline mediated by a tBuOK versus a tBuOLi catalyst.
Correction: Ionic liquids of superior thermal stability. Validation of PPh4+ as an organic cation of impressive thermodynamic durability
Authors: Soltani Mohammad , McGeehee Jimmie L. , Stenson Alexandra C. , O'Brien Richard A. , Duranty Edward R. , Salter E. Alan , Wierzbicki Andrzej , Glover T. Grant , Davis James H.
Published: July 2023

Correction for ‘Ionic liquids of superior thermal stability. Validation of PPh4+ as an organic cation of impressive thermodynamic durability’ by Mohammad Soltani et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 20521–20528. https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA03220D
Interface solvation regulation stabilizing the Zn metal anode in aqueous Zn batteries
Authors: Wang Kuo , Qiu Tong , Lin Lu , Liu Fangming , Zhu Jiaqi , Liu Xiao-Xia , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: July 2023

The ethylene carbonate additive regulates Zn anode behavior, enhancing the capacity retention of the full cell (N/P = 1.3) from 51.1% to 80.5%.
Tetrahomo corona[4]arene-based spirophanes: synthesis, structure, and properties
Authors: Guo Shen-Yi , Zhang Zhuo-Ang , Tong Shuo , Guo Qing-Hui , Hua Ruimao , Wang Mei-Xiang
Published: July 2023

Racemic and enantiopure spirophanes and bispirophanes consisting of orthogonally configured tetrahomo corona[4]arene and i-corona[4]arene macrocycles were obtained and they displayed interesting tetrathiafulvalene binding and chiroptical properties.
Influence of DP and MMD of the pulps used in the Ioncell® process on processability and fiber properties
Authors: Ma Yibo , You Xiang , Nieminen Kaarlo , Sawada Daisuke , Sixta Herbert
Published: July 2023

The Ioncell process is capable of producing high-quality regenerated cellulose fibers from dissolving pulps with a wide range of intrinsic viscosity and different molecular mass distributions.
Electrocatalytic water oxidation of coral-like porous Zn-CoP nanohybrids synergistically inspired by photothermal and photoelectronic effects
Authors: Ma Zhangyu , Wang Shasha , Lu Xuyun , Chang Yanan , Bao Jianchun , Liu Ying
Published: July 2023

This work reports a coral-like porous Zn-CoP nanohybrid with notable photothermal and photoelectronic effects, which improve electron migrate and reaction kinetics jointly, thereby contributing to superior electrocatalytic OER and OWS performances.
Self-selective passivation of diversely charged SnO2/CsPbI3 heterointerfaces using binary ionic compounds
Authors: Xiang Huiwen , Zhang Jinping , Zhao Ke , Zhang Haiyue , Ren Feifei , Jia Yu , Liu Chengyan
Published: July 2023

The DFT studies combined with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the interfacial states at diversely charged SnO2/CsPbI3 heterointerfaces are self-selectively passivated by the binary ionic compound of MgCl2.
Tailored imidazolium tetraphenylborate salts for the design of boron, nitrogen co-doped carbon materials as high-performance anodes for fast-rate monovalent ion batteries
Authors: Aldroubi Soha , Larhrib Badre , Larbi Louiza , Malham Ibrahim Bou , Ghimbeu Camelia Matei , Monconduit Laure , Mehdi Ahmad , Brun Nicolas
Published: July 2023

Boron, nitrogen co-doped carbons prepared from original imidazolium tetraphenylborate salts demonstrated high rate capabilitiesversusLi+/Li.
NiCo LDH nanozymes with selective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria for wound healing
Authors: Su Li , Qin Sainan , Yu Xinai , Chen Yifei , Wang Liang , Dong Wenpei , Xie Zhongjian , Zhang Han
Published: July 2023

Schematic diagram of Ni4Co6 LDHs selectively killing Gram-negative bacteria and interacting with different bacterial membranes.
3D-Printed lattice-inspired composites for bone reconstruction
Authors: Guo Wenmin , Xu Huanhuan , Liu Dachuan , Dong Li , Liang Ting , Li Bin , Meng Bin , Chen Song
Published: July 2023

Theoretical models of scaffold structures were designed, and stress distribution analyzed by finite element simulation and verified by experiments. Using SLS technique, PLA/DCPA-20wt% scaffold with FCC structure exhibited excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
Cesium–lead–halide perovskite triggered visual platform: a disposable paper-based nano-temperature sensor for cold chain transport
Authors: Cui Guosheng , Li Min , Qileng Aori , Yang Hui , Chen Mengting , Liu Weipeng , Liu Yingju
Published: July 2023

Novel application of a cesium–lead–halide perovskite in a triggered disposable paper-based nano-temperature sensor for efficient temperature monitoring.
The Relationship Between Augmentative and Alternative Communication Use by Pediatric Psychiatric Inpatients With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Interfering Behaviors
Authors: Clarke Kaitlyn A. , Siegel Matthew , Williams Diane L.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

Previous research conducted by Williams et al. (2018) using data from the Autism Inpatient Collection (AIC) found a weak and inconsistent association between verbal ability and the severity of interfering behaviors; however, adapting/coping scores were significantly associated with self-injury, stereotypy, and irritability (including aggression and tantrums). The previous study did not account for access to or use of alternative forms of communication in their sample population. This study uses retrospective data to investigate the association between verbal ability and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) use and the presence of interfering behaviors in individuals with autism who have complex behavioral profiles.

Method:

The sample included 260 autistic inpatients, ages 4–20 years, from six psychiatric facilities, enrolled during the second phase of the AIC when detailed information about AAC use was collected. Measures included AAC use, method, and function; comprehension and production of language; receptive vocabulary; nonverbal IQ; severity of interfering behaviors; and the presence and severity of repetitive behaviors.

Results:

Lower language/communication abilities were related to increased repetitive behaviors and stereotypies. More specifically, these interfering behaviors appeared to be related to communication in those individuals who were candidates for AAC but who were not reported to have access to it. Although the use of AAC did not predict a decrease in interfering behaviors, receptive vocabulary scores—as measured by the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test–Fourth Edition—were positively correlated with the presence of interfering behaviors in participants with the most complex communication needs.

Conclusions:

The communication needs of some individuals with autism may be unmet, prompting the use of interfering behaviors as a form of communication. Further investigation of the functions of interfering behaviors and the related functions of communication skills may provide greater support for an increased focus on the provision of AAC to prevent and ameliorate interfering behaviors in individuals with autism.
Mitochondrial ATP Synthase Tetramer Disassembly following Blood-Based or del Nido Cardioplegia during Neonatal Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Simon Bartholomew V. , Beutner Gisela , Swartz Michael F. , Angona Ron , Smith Karen , Porter George A. , Alfieris George M.
Published: July 2023

Conservation of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase proteins during ischemia is critical to preserve ATP supply and ventricular function. Following myocardial ischemia in adults, higher order ATP synthase tetramer proteins disassemble into simpler monomer units, reducing the efficiency of ATP production. However, it is unknown if myocardial ischemia following the use of cardioplegia results in tetramer disassembly in neonates, and whether it can be mitigated by cardioplegia if it does occur. We investigated myocardial ATP synthase tetramer disassembly in both a neonatal lamb cardiac surgery model and in neonatal children requiring cardiac surgery for the repair of congenital heart disease. Neonatal lambs (Ovis aries) were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and underwent cardioplegic arrest using a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade blood-based potassium cardioplegia (n= 4) or a single dose of 30 mL/kg antegrade del Nido cardioplegia (n = 6). Right ventricular biopsies were taken at baseline on CPB (n= 10) and after approximately 60 minutes of cardioplegic arrest before the cross clamp was released (n= 10). Human right ventricular biopsies (n= 3) were taken following 40.0 ± 23.1 minutes of ischemia after a single dose of antegrade blood-based cardioplegia. Protein complexes were separated on clear native gels and the tetramer to monomer ratio quantified. From the neonatal lamb model regardless of the cardioplegia strategy, the tetramer:monomer ratio decreased significantly during ischemia from baseline measurements (.6 ± .2 vs. .5 ± .1;p= .03). The del Nido solution better preserved the tetramer:monomer ratio when compared to the blood-based cardioplegia (Blood .4 ± .1 vs. del Nido .5 ± .1;p= .05). The tetramer:monomer ratio following the use of blood-based cardioplegia in humans aligned with the lamb data (tetramer:monomer .5 ± .2). These initial results suggest that despite cardioprotection, ischemia during neonatal cardiac surgery results in tetramer disassembly which may be limited when using the del Nido solution.
Cefepime Extraction by Extracorporeal Life Support Circuits
Authors: Green Danielle J. , Watt Kevin M. , Fish Douglas N. , McKnite Autumn , Kelley Walter , Bensimhon Adam R.
Published: July 2023

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) devices are lifesaving for critically ill patients with multi-organ dysfunction. Despite this, patients supported with ECLS are at high risk for ECLS-related complications, including nosocomial infections, and mortality rates are high in this patient population. The high mortality rates are suspected to be, in part, a result of significantly altered drug disposition by the ECLS circuit, resulting in suboptimal antimicrobial dosing. Cefepime is commonly used in critically ill patients with serious infections. Cefepime dosing is not routinely guided by therapeutic drug monitoring and treatment success is dependent upon the percentage of time of the dosing interval that the drug concentration remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration of the organism. Thisex vivostudy measured the extraction of cefepime by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits. Cefepime was studied in four closed-loop CRRT circuit configurations and a single closed-loop ECMO circuit configuration. Circuits were primed with a physiologic human blood–plasma mixture and the drug was dosed to achieve therapeutic concentrations. Serial blood samples were collected over time and concentrations were quantified using validated assays. Inex vivoCRRT experiments, cefepime was rapidly cleared by dialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration, with greater than 96% cefepime eliminated from the circuit by 2 hours. In the ECMO circuits, the mean recovery of cefepime was similar in both circuit and standard control. Mean (standard deviation) recovery of cefepime in the ECMO circuits (n = 6) was 39.2% (8.0) at 24 hours. Mean recovery in the standard control (n = 3) at 24 hours was 52.2% (1.5). Cefepime is rapidly cleared by dialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration in the CRRT circuit but minimally adsorbed by either the CRRT or ECMO circuits. Dosing adjustments are needed for patients supported with CRRT.
Alterations in Pre/Post Oxygenator Flows Due to Fibrin Deposition in the CardioHelp System—A Case Report
Authors: Wahl Tyler , Stokes Angela , Varner Caleb , Zeybek Burak , Bardia Amit
Published: July 2023

We present a 62-year-old patient with COVID-19 pneumonia on Veno-venous (VV) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) with unique perturbations to pre and post oxygenator pressures due to fibrin deposition in despite being on a Heparin/Bivalirudin infusion and activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) within therapeutic range of 60–80 seconds. On Day 8 of ECMO support, it was noticed that flows steadily decreased despite unchanged RPMs. Unlike typical blood flow to circuit pressure relationships, the circuit pressures did not correlate with the observed decreased flow. The Delta Pressure (ΔP) was not elevated. The patient’s vitals were stable. On inspection post change-out, clots were noted in the oxygenator outlets. Oxygenator clots are usually associated with increased ΔP. In this scenario, clots in the oxygenator blocked 1 of the 4 outlets in the oxygenator causing the flow, pressures, and ΔPto drop consecutively. Due to reduced flow, the ΔPwas not elevated despite extensive clots. The fibrin clot location in the CardioHelp ECMO circuit may lead to unexpected pressure and flow alterations. Sole reliance on ΔPas a marker for oxygenator clots may be misleading. Careful monitoring and timely diagnosis of coagulation status may lead to changes in anticoagulation goals and meaningfully impact patient outcomes.
Interprofessional Simulation in Cardiothoracic Surgery Improves Team Confidence
Authors: Merritt-Genore HelenMari , Adams Austin , Zavala Ryan , Brakke Tara
Published: July 2023

Interest in simulation has grown substantially, as has enthusiasm for team-based approaches to surgical training. In cardiothoracic surgery, the dynamic ability of the entire team is critical to emergent events. We developed innovative, interprofessional simulation events to improve team confidence. Two separate simulations event replicating critical steps and potential crises of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were attended by members of the multidisciplinary cardiothoracic team. Standard CPB equipment, echocardiography, an app to control vital signs, and typical operating room tools for cannulation were all used. Participant started at their typical roles, then rotated into unfamiliar roles for subsequent simulations. Survey and Likert scale self-assessment tools were used to determine outcomes. Statistical analysis compared results. Two separate events were attended by a total of 37 team members (17 facilitators and 20 participants). Participants rotated roles through 12 routine and high-risk scenarios for instituting and separating from CPB. Participant evaluation results were highly favorable, with requests for further similar events. Objectively, the mean score for self-assessment rose significantly comparing the pre- and post-simulation assessments. Despite a small sample size, these differences did reach statistical significance in two categories: iatrogenic dissection (p 0.008), and emergent return to CPB (p 0.016). In our experience, high-fidelity interprofessional simulation promoted team communication and confidence for key scenarios related to institution of and separation from CPB.
L’analyse d’urine : optimiser son interprétation en élevage
Authors: Perrot Florent , Herman Nicolas
Published: July 2023

L’examen de l’urine est une source d’informations facile à obtenir et à interprêter en médecine individuelle (clinique, autopsie) et de population (prévention des fièvres de lait, déficit énergétique, explorations nutritionnelles). La connaissance des limites de cet examen est très utile pour interpréter au mieux les valeurs obtenues.
Reliability and Safety of Cross-Leg Free Latissmus Dorsi Muscle Flap in Reconstruction of Mutilating Leg Injuries Using End-to-Side Anastomosis
Authors: Abdelmegeed Ahmed Gaber , Hifny Mahmoud A. , Abulezz Tarek A. , Saied Samia , Ellabban Mohamed A. , Abo-Saeda Mohamed Abdel-Al , Allam Karam A. , Haredy Mostafa Mamdoh , Mazeed Ahmed S.
Published: July 2023

Background Free tissue transfer is considered the gold standard option for the reconstruction of distal leg defects. Free tissue transfer using recipient vessels in the contralateral leg (cross-leg bridge) is a potential option to supply the flap if there are no suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg. Most studies have described this technique using end-to-end anastomosis which sacrifices the main vessel in the uninjured leg. This study evaluated the use of a cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for the reconstruction of defects in single-vessel legs, using end-to-side anastomosis to recipient vessels in the contralateral leg without sacrificing any vessel in the uninjured leg.

Methods This is a retrospective study that included 22 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects over the lower leg. All the reconstructed legs had a single artery as documented by CT angiography. All patients underwent cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap using end-to-side anastomosis to the posterior tibial vessels of the contralateral leg.

Results The age at surgery ranged from 12 to 31 years and the mean defect size was 86 cm2. Complete flap survival occurred in 20 cases (91%). One patient had total flap ischemia. Another patient had distal flap ischemia.

Conclusion Cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a reliable and safe technique for the reconstruction and salvage of mutilating leg injuries, especially in cases of leg injuries with a single artery. As far as preservation of the donor limb circulation is concerned, end-to-side anastomosis is a reasonable option as it maintains the continuity of the donor leg vessels.
Synergism between x-ray crystallography and NMR residual dipolar couplings in characterizing protein dynamics
Authors: Shen Yang , Bax Ad
Published: July 2023

The important role of structural dynamics in protein function is widely recognized. Thermal or B-factors and their anisotropy, seen in x-ray analysis of protein structures, report on the presence of atomic coordinate heterogeneity that can be attributed to motion. However, their quantitative evaluation in terms of protein dynamics by x-ray ensemble refinement remains challenging. NMR spectroscopy provides quantitative information on the amplitudes and time scales of motional processes. Unfortunately, with a few exceptions, the NMR data do not provide direct insights into the atomic details of dynamic trajectories. Residual dipolar couplings, measured by solution NMR, are very precise parameters reporting on the time-averaged bond-vector orientations and may offer the opportunity to derive correctly weighted dynamic ensembles of structures for cases where multiple high-resolution x-ray structures are available. Applications to the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, Mpro, and ubiquitin highlight this complementarity of NMR and crystallography for quantitative assessment of internal motions.
A coupled computational framework for the transient heat transfer in the typical pyrotechnic device
Authors: Jiang Kun , Lu Xinggan , Cheng ShenShen , Jian Wang
Published: July 2023

Propellant combustion in pyrotechnic devices produces high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The component is moved by high-pressure gas, which subsequently impacts the energy absorber and causes it to compress and deform. The temperature difference between the high-temperature gas and the wall causes transient heat transfer. Propellant combustion, transient heat transfer, and structural response are coupled, but previous studies had to independently analyze them. Therefore, a multi-physical field numerical model is developed based on the commercial software ABAQUS in this paper, which couples energetic material combustion, transient heat transfer, and structural response. In the user subroutine VUAMP, a lumped-parameter model is used to predict the parameter distribution of combustion products. This determines the load applied on the thin-walled tube and the boundary conditions of transient heat transfer. In ABAQUS, the transient heat transfer and structural response are investigated by the direct thermo-dynamic coupling method. The coupling effect between multiple physical fields is realized by real-time parameter exchange. The rationality and accuracy of the coupling model are verified by comparison with the experiment. The results show that the coupling model can effectively simulate the complex coupling process after considering the transient heat transfer and the interaction between multiple physical fields. Taking a pyrotechnic device as the research object, the pressure load accuracy obtained by the coupled model is improved by 5.1%, and the structure response obtained is also closer to the experiment result. At the same time, more characteristic parameters of the structure field and temperature field are obtained.
Machine-learning-based automated loading of strontium isotopes into magneto-optical trap
Authors: Biswas Korak , Patel Kushal , Maurya S. Sagar , Dutta Pranab , Rapol Umakant D.
Published: July 2023

We implemented optimization techniques of machine learning (ML) to obtain the mutually exclusive sets of experimental parameters that maximize the number of strontium atoms of different isotopes (88Sr, 86Sr, and 87Sr) in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). Machine learning optimization techniques are significantly faster than conventional manual optimization. While optimizing the parameters, these algorithms efficiently tackle the problem of being confined in one of the local maxima in the parametric space. Thus, ML can be implemented to automate the loading of different isotopes into MOT to perform multiple experiments in a single setup.
Numerical investigation of thermal enhancement using MoS2–Ag/C2H6O2 in Prandtl fluid with Soret and Dufour effects across a vertical sheet
Authors: Liu Jie , Nazir Umar , Sohail Muhammad , Mukdasai Kanit , Singh Abha , Alanazi Mashael , Chambashi Gilbert
Published: July 2023

Due to numerous applications, the study of hybrid nanofluids is a hot topic of research, which enables us to improve thermal performance. The current work is carried out to inspect thermal and solutal transportation in the Prandtl model toward a heated stretched plate. The flow analysis has been developed in Cartesian coordinates considering variable thermal conductivity and non-uniform diffusion coefficient. Furthermore, the modeling of physical phenomena is carried out considering the porous stretched surface under Soret and Dufour effects and heat generation. The principle of boundary layer theory was used to simplify the model partial differential equations (PDEs). The derived PDEs have been transformed into a set of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) after utilizing the appropriate transformation. The converted ODEs are coupled and nonlinear. So, the exact solution is not possible. Thus, the derived ODEs have been solved numerically via the finite element scheme. The impact of numerous emerging parameters have been displayed and explained by observing the underlying physics behind them. Moreover, a comparative study is also established. A grid independent survey is established for the convergence of the used numerical approach.
High-resolution turbine blade defect testing with passive magnetic field detection technique
Authors: Liu Jinsheng , Wen Hui , Xu Zekai , Dai Pengfeng , Jin Qiwei , Li Minlong , Mera Sani Samaila , Li Shuguang
Published: July 2023

Non-destructive defect testing with a passive magnetic detection technique is crucial for magnetic materials, which can be exempt from the extra excitation magnetic field or developer replenisher contamination. We demonstrate a novel and high-resolution non-destructive defect testing of a magnetic turbine blade in the earth’s magnetic field using a passive magnetic detection technique and a precisely controlled experimental system. The variation in the turbine blade’s magnetic field, measured by a three-dimensional and sensitive sensor mounted on a translation system, was numerically processed and visually demonstrated according to the experimental data. The element differential method was used for simulation and analysis, and we found that a feasible distance and an optimal signal-to-noise ratio can be reached at a testing distance of h = 1 mm. The magnetic characteristics obtained experimentally are in good agreement with those of the sample defect spots with the best spatial resolution of 0.1 mm. The major sources of systematic errors including dead zones and sensor orthogonality were also briefly discussed along with the possible solutions.