bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability Properties of Inverted Organic Solar Cells Prepared with a ZnO Buffer Layer
Authors: Lim Dae Yun , Kim Young-Baek , Ha Tae Won , Lee Jaehyeong , Park Yong Seob
Published: November 2024

Organic solar cells (OSCs) of inverted structure (IOSC) were designed to enhancement the solar cell efficiency and stability in organic based solar cell. IOSC was built with the structure of Au/P3HT:PCBM/ZnO/ITO. ZnO thin layers were fabricated on ITO electrodes using the unbalanced
magnetron sputtering method. ZnO layer is used as the buffer layer in this structure to prevent oxidation by UV light to the interface of the organic layer and reduce the energy barrier, allowing electron to be easily transferred between the ITO energy level and the organic acceptor energy
level (LUMO). ZnO films are also used as a barrier layer to prevent hole injection from P3HT due to the lack of charge carrier recombination. XRD results exhibited that the particle size in ZnO layers increased as the substrate temperature increased. The conversion efficiency of IOSC improved
with increasing ZnO substrate temperature. Moreover, compared to the existing device, the IOSC using a ZnO buffer layer was in a stable state for a longer period of time. After about 7 days, it woas found that the Voc of the hybrid solar cells remained almost constant over time and under all
conditions. As a result, the ZnO film in the OSC plays an important role for protecting the organic layer of OSCs and enhancing the efficiency.
Characteristics of Palladium Carbide Thin Films Prepared by Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Ha Tae Won , Kim Young-Baek , Lim Dae Yun , Lee Jaehyeong , Park Yong Seob
Published: November 2024

We prepared palladium-doped carbon or palladium carbide (PdC) thin films using an unbalanced magnetron sputtering method. Palladium was used as the doping material in carbon thin films to facilitate the application of contact strips in an electric railway. The structural, surface, tribological,
and electrical properties of the fabricated PdC films with various Pd target power densities from 2 W/cm2 to 5 W/cm2 for varying Pd doping ratio were investigated. All PdC films exhibited a uniform and smooth surface. Moreover, the hardness and elastic modulus properties
of PdC films were found to be improved, and the resistivity and sheet resistance were decreased with the increase of power density in Pd target. It was also found that the critical load value of PdC film increased as the adhesion property increased. These results are associated with the nano-sized
crystalline PdC phase and sp2 clusters in carbon networks, which are increased by ion bombardment, which is in turn enhanced with the increase of power density in Pd target. As a result, the increase in sp2 clusters containing PdC in carbon films is attributed
to improvements in the adhesion, hardness, and electrical properties.
Revictimization of women victims of intimate partner violence in the French press: A social representations approach
Authors: Ortega Pacheco Yesid José , Le Barbenchon Emmanuelle
Published: November 2024

Objective:

This study aims to analyze how the press portrays cases of revictimization experienced by women in France, through the lens of social representation theory.

Method:

An exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using a corpus of 157 online press articles. A total of 187,773 words and 5,240 segments were analyzed using Iramuteq version 7, employing top-down hierarchical classification and lexical similarity analysis.

Results:

The analysis identified four classes: 1. Violent incidents (25.5%); 2. Political actions against violence (26%); 3. Institutional revictimization (26.6%) and 4. Violence and breaking the silence (21.9%).

Conclusions:

The findings illustrate how media portrayals contribute to the construction of social representations surrounding revictimization. Class 1 reveals a focus on extreme cases of violence, such as femicides, and highlights a potential gender bias in media reporting through the omission of terms like ‘femicide’. Class 2 demonstrates the influence of ideological perspectives on the portrayal of political measures against violence, with conservative outlets framing such actions within traditional values, while progressive newspapers advocate for systemic reform. Class 3 shows a gap in the conceptualization of institutional revictimization in the French press compared to other countries, revealing how conservative portrayals can minimize systemic issues and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Class 4 shows the role of female journalists in addressing various forms of violence, despite the limited impact of the #MeToo movement in recent coverage. Collectively, these findings elucidate how media representations shape public attitudes and institutional responses to gender-based violence through the lens of social representations.
Behavior of hybrid bonded/bolted GFRP single-lap joint under static tensile loading: An experimental and numerical study
Authors: Xiang Sheng , Cheng Bin , Wang Jinxiao , Li Derui , Yan Xingfei
Published: November 2024

The mechanical performance of the GFRP hybrid bonded/bolted single-lap joints under static tensile loading is experimentally and numerically investigated. Static loading tests considering the hybrid joints with single bolt, four bolts, and nine bolts were first conducted to study the failure process and modes of hybrid joints. Finite element (FE) analysis involving the material degradation and failure laws was also performed to reveal the joints’ internal failure mechanism. Based on the verified FE analysis approach, the effects of plate thickness and bolt end distance on the failure capacity and strength of the hybrid joints were further studied, by conducting a numerical parametric analysis. Results indicate that, the loading process of the hybrid joints can be identified into two stages divided by the bonding failure. The failure patterns mainly include the plate slippage, the inclination of bolts, and the tensile fracture of GFRP plate, and their occurrences vary for the joints with different bolt numbers. Additionally, the rigidity and failure load of joint are also significantly affected by the bolt number. As the plate thickness increases, the ultimate capacity of joints would be improved, while the failure strength decreases. With the bolt end distance getting greater, the ultimate capacity/strength would increase. In general, the achievement of this research work can provide references for the design and further study of the GFRP hybrid joints in civil engineering applications.
Mothers’ Parenting Behaviours, Strain, Enjoyment and Subsequent Childbearing
Authors: Jarosz Ewa , Matysiak Anna , Osiewalska Beata
Published: November 2024

Modern parenting is both emotionally costly and rewarding. It is also more intensive than before and requires significant time and effort, particularly from mothers. Emotional costs and benefits of children are important to fertility decisions, and they may be linked with a mother’s parenting behaviours. Using a sample of 4402 partnered first-time mothers from the UK Household Longitudinal Study waves 1 to 9 (2009–2018), this study investigated the association between mothers’ parenting behaviours, changes in the levels of reported strain or enjoyment of everyday activities and second-birth transition. A decline in enjoyment formed a negative association with second-birth risk. The frequency of participation in dinner with the child and in leisure activities with the child formed significant associations with second-birth risk but only for selected segments of the population. We discuss the possible underlying mechanisms of these associations and the socioeconomic differences within them.
Semantically controllable augmentations for generalizable robot learning
Authors: Chen Zoey , Mandi Zhao , Bharadhwaj Homanga , Sharma Mohit , Song Shuran , Gupta Abhishek , Kumar Vikash
Published: November 2024

Generalization to unseen real-world scenarios for robot manipulation requires exposure to diverse datasets during training. However, collecting large real-world datasets is intractable due to high operational costs. For robot learning to generalize despite these challenges, it is essential to leverage sources of data or priors beyond the robot’s direct experience. In this work, we posit that image-text generative models, which are pre-trained on large corpora of web-scraped data, can serve as such a data source. These generative models encompass a broad range of real-world scenarios beyond a robot’s direct experience and can synthesize novel synthetic experiences that expose robotic agents to additional world priors aiding real-world generalization at no extra cost. In particular, our approach leverages pre-trained generative models as an effective tool for data augmentation. We propose a generative augmentation framework for semantically controllable augmentations and rapidly multiplying robot datasets while inducing rich variations that enable real-world generalization. Based on diverse augmentations of robot data, we show how scalable robot manipulation policies can be trained and deployed both in simulation and in unseen real-world environments such as kitchens and table-tops. By demonstrating the effectiveness of image-text generative models in diverse real-world robotic applications, our generative augmentation framework provides a scalable and efficient path for boosting generalization in robot learning at no extra human cost.
Study on the calculation method of time-varying meshing stiffness of herringbone gear under the influence of crack-pitting coupling
Authors: Dong Hao , Yan Wen , Cao Ze-xu , Zhang Zong-yang , Liang Gang
Published: November 2024

The vibration characteristics and fault diagnosis of herringbone gears are significantly affected by the time-varying meshing stiffness (TVMS), a crucial internal excitation factor. An analytical model was developed using the potential energy method to thoroughly investigate the impact of crack-pitting coupling on the TVMS of herringbone gears. This model accounted for various factors, such as different crack depths and degrees of pitting. It included 16 different crack depths and degrees of pitting, and analysed the bending stiffness, shear stiffness and axial compression stiffness of the herringbone gear pair under the influence of coupling. The problem was solved using the integral method to examine the effect of crack-pitting coupling on the TVMS of herringbone gears. The calculated TVMS results were then analysed and compared for healthy gears and those with different degrees of crack-pitting coupling faults. A finite element computational model was also established using the finite element method to assess the TVMS of herringbone gears subjected to varying degrees of crack-pitting coupling. Simulation and analysis were conducted to compare the results obtained from the model with those obtained using the analytical method. The results indicate that when the crack reaches 10%, the dominant factor influencing the coupling fault TVMS is pitting. When the crack reaches 30%–50%, the TVMS is jointly influenced by pitting and crack. At 70% crack, the dominant factor is the crack itself. The calculated results were compared to finite element calculations, with a maximum error of 2.5%, confirming the accuracy of the results. The findings of this study can furnish a theoretical foundation for analysing dynamic vibration stability and fault diagnosis in herringbone gear.
Ecofriendly hybrid natural fiber reinforced polypropylene composites from biowastes
Authors: Techawinyutham Laongdaw , Techawinyutham Wiroj , Ayyappan Vinod , Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa , Siengchin Suchart
Published: November 2024

The used ground coffee waste (GCW) and tea leaf waste (TLW), the large wastes from the beverage process, were selected as natural reinforcement and natural pigment in the polypropylene (PP) matrix. In this work, the maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was added to the composites to develop the compatibility between fillers, fibers, and polymer matrix. The TLW/PP composites, GCW/PP composites, and GCW/TLW/PP hybrid composites were prepared in the ratio of TLW and GCW ranging from 0 to 30 wt% with the addition of MAPP at 5 wt% of fillers. The presence of GCW and TLW in the PP matrix decreased tensile properties and impact resistance but increased flexural modulus and hardness of PP at high concentrations of GCW and TLW. The increase in GCW and TLW concentration slightly reduced melting temperature but it enhanced the tensile and flexural modulus. Furthermore, it enhanced the hardness, thermal and rheological properties of the composites. The TLW/PP composites had better mechanical properties, and rheological properties than GCW/PP composites but thermal properties were quite similar. The mechanical properties of GCW/TLW/PP hybrid composites were better than those of GCW/PP composites but lower than those of TLW/PP composites. The rheological and thermal behaviour of hybrid composites were like that of TLW/PP composites. Incorporating MAPP improves the mechanical and rheological behavior of PP composites by enhancing the interaction among PP, GCW, and TLW. However, this addition does not significantly enhance the composites’ thermal properties. The optimum composite was hybrid composites of GCW/TLW/PP consisting of GCW of 10 wt%, TLW of 20 wt%, and MAPP of 1.5 wt% which presented good mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties. The mechanical properties of this hybrid composites were as follows: a tensile strength of 26.35 MPa, elongation at break of 10.91%, tensile modulus of 636.69 MPa, flexural strength of 45.57 MPa, flexural modulus of 3632.86 MPa, impact resistance of 12.72 kJ/m2, and a Shore D hardness of 76.15. The overall results showed that GCW and TLW can be used as reinforcement material and natural pigment in the polymer matrix.
Engineering and modification of physical properties of thermoplastic polymeric films using oxygen ions bombardment for industrial applications
Authors: Elkalashy Shimaa I , Zaki Mohamed F , Reheem Ahmed M Abdel , Khalil Rania
Published: November 2024

The aim of this work was to investigate the physical properties of thermoplastic polycarbonate films and their potential applications in industrial technology after bombardment at fluences 0.11 × 1019, 0.22 × 1019, 0.33 × 1019, and 0.44 × 1019 ions/cm2 of oxygen ions. To evaluate the impact of ion bombardment on these samples, FTIR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, surface roughness tester, and contact angle goniometer were used. It was observed that the band positions in the collected spectra of the samples remain unchanged when subjected to oxygen ions. Surface roughness parameters are unaffected by variations in contact angles. The contact angle measurement demonstrated that enhancing the surface wettability and hydrophilicity of the tested polymer can be achieved by increasing the ion fluencies. Increasing the ion fluence caused an improvement in the adhesion work (Aw) due to decreasing the contact angles. The highest value of the solid surface free energy (γs) was detected in the bombarded sample with 0.44 × 1019 ions/cm2, whereas the lowest value was determined in the blank sample. Furthermore, the alteration in the absorption spectra of the bombarded films is noticeable in the dent region, whereas their absorption spectra at longer wavelengths are nearly indistinguishable. Increasing the ions fluences led to a reduction in the skin depth of the bombarded samples, particularly in the dent region, which indicates the reduction of their transparency. The reduction of the band gap energy values can be attributed to intermediate-level creation in the band gap of the bombarded samples. Ion bombardment induces an augmentation in the creation of covalent bonds among different chains by the action of free radicals. This leads to changes in the densities, extinction coefficient, and refractive indices of the samples under investigation.
Understanding the help-seeking behaviours of women at risk of postnatal depression
Authors: Siak Junpei Elizabeth , Wang Biwen Jemie , Chua Tze-Ern , Ch’ng Ying Chia , Chen Helen
Published: November 2024

Background: Postnatal depression, which affects between 10 and 25% of women worldwide, is a major public health problem. However, studies have shown that patients with postnatal depression engage poorly with treatment.

Objectives: This qualitative study aims to examine the help-seeking behaviours amongst women who were screened to be at risk of postnatal depression in a public maternity hospital.

Methods: From April 2008 to January 2010, 214 women who returned to a public maternity hospital for their postnatal obstetric check-ups were screened to be at risk of postnatal depression, with scores of 13 and above on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Of these, 48 women agreed to participate in an open-ended phone interview which explored facilitators and barriers to help-seeking. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed to identify recurrent themes.

Results: Three overarching themes and corresponding sub-themes were identified: personal motivations for seeking treatment (wish to be a better mother, desire for emotional support, wish for diagnosis), external facilitators for seeking treatment (family support, referral by obstetrician, postnatal emotional health screening) and barriers to seeking treatment (practical concerns, stigma, lack of knowledge about postnatal depression).

Conclusions: The barriers and facilitators reported by study participants were consistent with those in existing literature, though participants’ personal motivations for seeking treatment have not been widely reported. Potential interventions to encourage help-seeking in women at risk of postnatal depression should address barriers and facilitators of help-seeking, and women’s personal motivations for seeking treatment should be explored in greater detail.
Genetic characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from pig farms in Korea: emergence of cfr-positive CC398 lineage
Authors: Lee Jun Bong , Lim Ji Hyun , Park Ji Heon , Lee Gi Yong , Park Kun Taek , Yang Soo-Jin
Published: November 2024

Background

Livestock-associated Staphylococcus aureus (LA-SA) has gained global attention because of its ability to colonize farm animals and transmit to the environment and humans, leading to symptomatic infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In the last decade, numerous studies have reported a high prevalence of S. aureus clonal complex (CC) 398 in pig farms.

Results

In this study, 163 S. aureus isolates were collected from healthy pigs (n = 110), farm environments (n = 42), and farm workers (n = 11), and their AMR profiles and epidemiological characteristics were analyzed. We identified 51 (31.3%) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 112 (68.7%) methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), with 161 (98.8%) isolates belonging to the CC398 lineage. The highest prevalence of spa type t571 was observed among the CC398 isolates. All 47 sequence type (ST) 398 MRSA isolates carried staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) V, while four ST541 isolates carried SCCmec IV. High levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including phenicols, quinolones, lincosamides, macrolides, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines, have been observed on Korean pig farms. Notably, 21 cfr-positive CC398 isolates (four ST541-SCCmec IV MRSA and 17 ST398 MSSA) displaying increased resistance to linezolid were identified in healthy pigs.

Conclusions

In summary, these findings suggest that the multidrug-resistant CC398 S. aureus lineage predominantly colonizes healthy pigs and farm environments in Korea. The emergence of cfr-positive S. aureus at human-animal interfaces presents a significant threat to food safety and public health.
Sensory processing and child appetitive traits: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Delahunt Anna , Callanan Sophie , O’ Brien Eileen C. , Geraghty Aisling A. , O’ Reilly Sharleen L. , McDonnell Ciara M. , Hokey Emma , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Oral sensory hypersensitivity has been linked with fussy eating predominantly in non-typically developing children. We hypothesized that child ‘Oral’ (touch, smell and taste in the mouth) and ‘Social-Emotional’ (response to social expectations) sensory processing are associated with child appetitive traits in typically developing preteen children. Additionally, we explored relationships between maternal sensory profiles and their offspring’s sensory profile.

Methods

This is secondary analysis of 130 mother-child dyads from the 9–11-year-old follow-up of the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study. The Dunn Sensory Profile (Adolescent/Adult) and the Dunn Child Sensory Profile 2 were used to assess maternal and child sensory profiles, respectively. The Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire was used to assess child appetitive traits. Multiple linear regression examined associations between ‘Oral’ and ‘Social-Emotional’ segments of the child sensory profile and child appetitive traits. Associations between maternal and child sensory profiles were examined using sensory profile quadrants (Dunn’s sensory processing framework). These refer to four distinct patterns of sensory processing that indicate how an individual responds to sensory input.

Results

In total, 130 mother-child dyads were included. In adjusted analysis child ‘Oral’ sensory processing was associated with higher mean scores in the appetitive traits ‘Desire to Drink’ (B = 0.044, 95% CI = 0.025,0.062) and ‘Food Fussiness’ (B = 0.080, 95% CI = 0.059,0.101) and with lower mean scores in ‘Enjoyment of Food’ (B=-0.038, 95% CI -0.055,-0.022). Child ‘Social-Emotional’ responses were associated with higher mean scores in ‘Desire to Drink’ and ‘Food Fussiness’. Higher scores in the maternal sensory profile quadrants of ‘Sensitivity’, ‘Avoiding’ and ‘Registration’ were positively associated with higher scores in the corresponding child sensory profile quadrants.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that in typically developing children presenting with fussy eating, oral sensory hypersensitivity and higher scores in social-emotional responses to sensory processing may be an underlying determinant. The relationship observed between ‘Oral’ and ‘Social-Emotional’ sensory processing segments and ‘Desire to Drink’ requires further research to ascertain the type of drinks being consumed and how this impacts appetite. Further research is also required to explore the influence of maternal sensory profile on their offsprings response to sensory input.
The FGF/FGFR/c-Myc axis as a promising therapeutic target in multiple myeloma
Authors: Giacomini Arianna , Taranto Sara , Gazzaroli Giorgia , Faletti Jessica , Capoferri Davide , Marcheselli Raffaella , Sciumè Margherita , Presta Marco , Sacco Antonio , Roccaro Aldo M.
Published: November 2024

Among blood cancers, multiple myeloma (MM) represents the second most common neoplasm and is characterized by the accumulation and proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells within the bone marrow. Despite the last few decades being characterized by the development of different therapeutic strategies against MM, at present such disease is still considered incurable. Although MM is highly heterogeneous in terms of genetic and molecular subtypes, about 67% of MM cases are associated with abnormal activity of the transcription factor c-Myc, which has so far revealed a protein extremely difficult to target. We have recently demonstrated that activation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling protects MM cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by stabilizing the oncoprotein c-Myc. Accordingly, secretion of FGF ligands and autocrine activation of FGF receptors (FGFR) is observed in MM cells and FGFR3 genomic alterations represent some 15–20% MM cases and are associated with poor outcome. Thus, FGF/FGFR blockade may represent a promising strategy to indirectly target c-Myc in MM.

On this basis, the present review aims at providing an overview of recently explored connections between the FGF/FGFR system and c-Myc oncoprotein, sustaining the therapeutic potential of targeting the FGF/FGFR/c-Myc axis in MM by using inhibitors targeting FGF ligands or FGF receptors. Importantly, the provided findings may represent the rationale for using FDA approved FGFR TK inhibitors (i.e. Pemigatinib, Futibatinib, Erdafitinib) for the treatment of MM patients presenting with an aberrant activation of this axis.
In vitro effectiveness of CB469, a MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor in MET-activated cancer cells
Authors: Song Ji Yeon , An Hyunsook , Kim Soojeong
Published: November 2024

Gene alterations in receptor tyrosine kinases can result in oncogenic driver mutation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) including in genes like EGFR, ALK and MET. MET amplifications and MET exon14 skipping are the primary genetic changes in MET-altered cancers. Acquired MET mutations mediate resistance to clinical MET-targeted therapy in NSCLC. MET kinase domain secondary mutations (D1228X, Y1230X) confer resistance to type I MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in METexon14-altered or MET amplified NSCLC. Here, we investigated the preclinical activity of a novel MET inhibitor, CB469, with cell growth, signaling pathway and colony formation. We confirmed that CB469 inhibited the activity of MET wild and secondary mutant kinases, D1228N and Y1230H, as a type II inhibitor. CB469 also inhibited cell growth and cell signaling proteins in MET-activated or MET exon14 skipping-mutated cancer cell lines and NIH/3T3 cells expressing an engineered MET mutant. CB469 exhibited the inhibitory efficacy comparable with that of capmatinib in migration of EBC-1(METwt) and Hs746T(METΔex14) cells. Finally, CB469 showed selective and potent inhibition in MET-activated cancer cells among MET TKIs leading to enhanced selectivity for MET-mutant versus wild type MET with inhibition of cell growth in NIH/3T3 cells expressing an engineered MET mutant variant.
Crosstalk between O-GlcNAcylation and ubiquitination: a novel strategy for overcoming cancer therapeutic resistance
Authors: Sun Kai , Zhi Yuan , Ren Wenhao , Li Shaoming , Zheng Jingjing , Gao Ling , Zhi Keqian
Published: November 2024

Developing resistance to cancer treatments is a major challenge, often leading to disease recurrence and metastasis. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of therapeutic resistance is critical for developing effective strategies. O-GlcNAcylation, a post-translational modification that adds GlcNAc from the donor UDP-GlcNAc to serine and threonine residues of proteins, plays a crucial role in regulating protein function and cellular signaling, which are frequently dysregulated in cancer. Similarly, ubiquitination, which involves the attachment of ubiquitin to to proteins, is crucial for protein degradation, cell cycle control, and DNA repair. The interplay between O-GlcNAcylation and ubiquitination is associated with cancer progression and resistance to treatment. This review discusses recent discoveries regarding the roles of O-GlcNAcylation and ubiquitination in cancer resistance, their interactions, and potential mechanisms. It also explores how targeting these pathways may provide new opportunities to overcome cancer treatment resistance in cancer, offering fresh insights and directions for research and therapeutic development.
Effects of teacher students’ study progress on their gaze behavior while solving of an economics knowledge test
Authors: Brückner Sebastian , Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga
Published: November 2024

Positive effects of study progress on the economic knowledge of bachelor students are evident and were often referred to as proof of the validity of tests in the context of a longitudinal analysis. However, differences between domain-specific (e.g., semester) or discipline-specific (e.g., attended courses) indicators of study progress on students’ solving the economics tasks are relevant for both diagnostic and instructional purposes, but have hardly been researched to date. In an eye tracking study, we therefore calculated the average fixation duration during 900 task-solving processes of 35 economics teacher students solving 25 single-choice economics tasks. A multi-level mediation analysis shows that both indicators (i.e., semester and attended courses) were positively correlated with economics knowledge. At the same time, the impact of semesters and courses attended on their test performance was partially mediated by average fixation duration on the attractor and distractors, respectively. This suggests that visual attention differs during the task-solving process depending on the domain- or discipline-specific indicator of study progress.
Feasibility of coaxial deep borehole heat exchangers in southern California
Authors: Chen Haohua , Tomac Ingrid
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the feasibility of coaxial deep borehole heat exchanger (CDBHE) applications to the University of California San Diego (UCSD) campus. By collecting different geophysical source data for various formations and well logs around the UCSD campus, a multilayered thermophysical model for the ground on the site is established. Water circulation within a closed coaxial loop system considers the geothermal energy extraction under uncertainty consideration of the unknown deeper layers heat flow gradient as coupled with the variation of pipe insulation properties, flow rates, outer pipe diameter, grout, and depths between 1 and 4 km. A finite-element framework models the Navier–Stokes fluid flow and heat transfer in the CDBHE system, validated with a field test on CDBHE from the literature. Results show that a 4-km CDBHE could produce a thermal power of 600 kW under the optimum geological conditions at the UCSD site: the water flow rate of 2.78 L/s and a ground thermal gradient of 60 ℃/km. Thermal power shares from different layers indicate that deeper formation layers contribute more to the thermal power than the shallower layers because increasing the CDBHE length from 1 to 4 km can lead to a maximum of 900% increase in thermal power and a 50% expansion in thermal plume for a CDBHE with an insulated inner pipe between the upper and lower bound heat flow bounds. An inner pipe with an insulated depth of 2 km produces only 1–6% less power than a fully insulated inner pipe for the 4-km CDBHE, and thus, a partially insulated vacuum-insulated tube (VIT)-plastic inner pipe is suggested as the best practice. Furthermore, the CDBHE thermal power increases by 5% when the grout thermal conductivity increases from 1 to 3.65 W/(K∙m), close to the formation thermal conductivity, and then maintains almost the same, and the 4-km CDBHE with flow rates of 2.78–6.94 L/s at the UCSD site can directly supply a low-temperature heating radiator system for room heating. This study suggests practical ranges for geothermal energy extraction for southern California. A CDBHE with a well-insulated inner pipe of 0.05 W/(m∙K), the thermal power of lower and upper-bound heat flow cases can vary by 60% from the mean. Finally, water as the working fluid is more efficient than CO2, doubling CDBHE's thermal power. The effects of the investigated factors provide guidelines for future geothermal resource exploitation in southern California.
Gabapentin and pregabalin exposures reported to United States poison centers, 2012–2022
Authors: Carter Emily J.R. , Rine Natalie I. , Kistamgari Sandhya , Hays Hannah L. , Spiller Henry A. , Yang Jingzhen , Zhu Motao , Smith Gary A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Gabapentin and pregabalin were originally introduced as anticonvulsant medications but are now also prescribed on- and off-label for multiple medical disorders, especially for pain management. The national opioid crisis has led to increased use of non-opioid pain medications, including gabapentinoids, which has been associated with changing patterns of adverse events associated with these medications. This study investigated the characteristics and trends of gabapentin and pregabalin exposures reported to US poison centers from 2012 to 2022.

Methods

National Poison Data System data involving gabapentin and pregabalin exposures for 2012 to 2022 were analyzed.

Results

There were 124,161 exposures involving gabapentin and pregabalin as the primary substance reported to US poison centers during the study period. Most exposures involved gabapentin (85.9%), females (59.4%), single-substance exposures (62.9%), or occurred at a residence (97.2%). Suspected suicides accounted for 45.2% of exposures. Most exposures were associated with a minor effect (27.4%) or no effect (34.0%), while 22.1% experienced a serious medical outcome, including 96 fatalities. The rate of gabapentin and pregabalin exposures per one million US population increased by 236.1% from 22.7 in 2012 to 76.5 in 2019 (P < 0.001), followed by a non-significant decrease to 68.5 in 2022 (P = 0.068).

Conclusions

The rate of gabapentin and pregabalin exposures reported to US poison centers increased by more than 230% from 2012 to 2019 before plateauing from 2019 to 2022. The observed rate trend was driven primarily by gabapentin exposures and by cases associated with suspected suicide. Although most exposures were associated with a minor or no effect, 22% of individuals experienced a serious medical outcome, including 96 fatalities. These findings contribute to the discussion of rescheduling gabapentin as a federally controlled substance, which is the current status of pregabalin. Prevention of suicide associated with gabapentin and pregabalin merits special attention.
Successful laparoscopic arterial ligation of splenic artery aneurysm with a splenomesenteric trunk: a case report and literature review
Authors: Takeo Shigeya , Izumi Hideki , Yoshii Hisamichi , Fjino Rika , Mukai Masaya , Furuya Hidekazu , Yamamoto Akiyoshi , Kamei Shunsuke , Ogawa Yukihisa , Hasebe Terumitsu , Kaneko Junichi , Makuuchi Hiroyasu
Published: November 2024

Background

The mortality rate of splenic artery aneurysm rupture is very high, and patients with aneurysms larger than 30 mm are recommended for treatment, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms. We herein report a case of splenic artery aneurysm with an abnormal bifurcation that was treated with laparoscopic ligation of the splenic artery.

Case presentation

A 51 year-old Japanese male was referred to our hospital because a splenic artery aneurysm was noted on abdominal echocardiography during a medical examination. The splenic artery bifurcated from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and a 38-mm splenic artery aneurysm was found just after the bifurcation; thus, surgery was performed. Intraoperative angiography was performed, a balloon catheter was placed before the splenic artery bifurcation, and laparoscopic splenic artery ligation was performed to prepare for sudden bleeding. After ligation of the splenic artery, angiography was performed again to confirm the absence of the splenic artery aneurysm and that the peripheral splenic artery was visible through the peripheral collateral vessels. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day, with good progress. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography performed 1 month postoperatively confirmed the disappearance of the splenic artery aneurysm, and the contrast-enhanced peripheral splenic artery was visible.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a safe laparoscopic artery ligation procedure for a splenic artery aneurysm with an abnormal splenic artery bifurcation from the SMA, in which a balloon catheter was placed at the splenic artery bifurcation.
Cost-effectiveness of strengthening blood pressure classification in South Korea: comparing the 2017 ACC/AHA and KSH guidelines
Authors: Kim KyungYi , Hong Min Ji , Kim Bomgyeol , Lee Hae-Young , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: November 2024

Background

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), with hypertension-related deaths increasing annually. While South Korea uses the Korean Society of Hypertension (KSH) guideline of 140/90 mmHg, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) updated their guidelines in 2017 to 130/80 mmHg. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of transitioning to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines by estimating early treatment impacts and potential CVD risk reduction.

Methods

A Markov state-transition simulation model with a 10-year horizon was used to estimate cost-effectiveness, focusing on strengthening target blood pressure. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) served as the measure of effectiveness. Cohorts of 10,000 individuals representing South Koreans in their 20s through 80s were compared in scenario analyses from the healthcare system perspective. A 4.5% annual discount rate was applied to costs and effectiveness. Primary outcomes were incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB). The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was < KRW 30,000,000/QALY gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSAs) addressed model input parameter uncertainties.

Results

The base-case analysis showed an ICER value of KRW 1,328,395/QALY gained across all populations. ICER values increased with age, from − KRW 3,138,071/QALY for 20-year-olds to KRW 16,613,013/QALY for individuals over 80. The 60s age group showed the greatest benefit with an incremental QALY gain of 0.46. All scenarios had ICERs below the WTP threshold, with a PSA probability of 98.0% that strengthening blood pressure classification could be cost-effective.

Conclusions

This economic evaluation found that adopting the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines may result in early treatment, reduce the potential incidence of CVD events, and be cost-effective across all age groups. The study findings have implications for policymakers deciding whether and when to revise official guidelines regarding target blood pressure levels, considering the impacts on public health and budgetary concerns.
Bridging the gap: challenges of urban planning and policies for favelas in Salvador, Brazil
Authors: Zhang Yixuan
Published: November 2024

Salvador, the capital of Bahia State in Brazil, has long struggled with pronounced economic and social inequality. This stratification has resulted in spatial segregation, leading to the expansion of favelas, typically near the city center, where segregation in various dimensions of social engagement intensifies tensions of inequities. The municipal government has made several attempts to address favela-related issues through urban planning policies. Notwithstanding the progress made in lowering violent crime and extreme poverty, these issues still exist. This paper explores the interaction between government-led practices and corresponding self-organized actions toward planning strategies, invoking a social justice framework and critical urban theories. It identifies mismatches between institutional objectives and residents’ expectations, highlighting that structural contradictions in the region’s social development remain unresolved. The analysis suggests that planning policies should consider key factors, such as resource redistribution, recognition of sociocultural identity, and political representation. On the basis of these findings, this paper offers insights into urban planning for favelas as examples of complex governance challenges. It also aims to contribute to the global discourse on similar urban planning issues.
Analysis of the causal relationship between immune cells and rheumatoid arthritis from the perspective of genetic variation: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cheng Feng , Zhu YingJia , Liu XiaoQian , Zhang RuiKun , Xia Fei , Ge LinPu
Published: November 2024

Background

Immune factors are crucial in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and immune cells play a key role in the development of RA. However, there is still disagreement regarding the specific roles of each type of immune cell in the pathological process of RA.

Methods

This study used bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and RA. Utilizing publicly available genetic data, we initially treated immune cell characteristics as exposures to investigate their causal effects on the risk of RA. Subsequently, we performed reverse two-sample MR using the positively selected cells from the initial analysis as outcomes, aiming to identify the core immune cells involved. Finally, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis was conducted to validate the robustness, heterogeneity, and horizontal pleiotropy of the results.

Results

Using data from 731 immune cells as exposures and cell SNPs as instruments, we independently conducted two-sample MR analysis for each patient with RA. The main analytical method used was the IVW method, with a significance level set at P < 0.05 for inclusion. In total, we identified 42 immune cell phenotypes that were causally associated with the onset of RA. For the reverse MR analysis, we used RA as the exposure factor and focused on 42 immune cell phenotypes as outcomes. Our analysis revealed causal relationships between the onset of RA and 7 immune cell phenotypes. Among these, 6 showed positive causal relationships, while 1 exhibited a negative causal relationship.

Conclusions

Our study emphasized the causal relationship between immune cells and RA through bidirectional two-sample MR analysis, identifying the immune cells causally associated with RA.
A large field-of-view, single-cell-resolution two- and three-photon microscope for deep and wide imaging
Authors: Mok Aaron T. , Wang Tianyu , Zhao Shitong , Kolkman Kristine E. , Wu Danni , Ouzounov Dimitre G. , Seo Changwoo , Wu Chunyan , Fetcho Joseph R. , Xu Chris
Published: November 2024

In vivo imaging of large-scale neuronal activity plays a pivotal role in unraveling the function of the brain's circuitry. Multiphoton microscopy, a powerful tool for deep-tissue imaging, has received sustained interest in advancing its speed, field of view and imaging depth. However, to avoid thermal damage in scattering biological tissue, field of view decreases exponentially as imaging depth increases. We present a suite of innovations to optimize three-photon microscopy for large field-of-view imaging at depths unreachable by two-photon microscopy. These techniques enable us to image neuronal activities of transgenic animals expressing protein calcium sensors in a ~ 3.5-mm diameter field-of-view with single-cell resolution in the deepest cortical layer of mouse brains. We further demonstrate simultaneous large field-of-view two-photon and three-photon imaging, subcortical imaging in the mouse brain, and whole-brain imaging in adult zebrafish. The demonstrated techniques can be integrated into typical multiphoton microscopes to enlarge field of view for system-level neural circuit research.
Introduction to this special section: Fiber optics
Authors: Le Calvez Joël , Ay Erkan
Published: November 2024

Fiber-optic technology has revolutionized various fields, including telecommunications, medicine, and geophysics. One of the most promising advancements within fiber optics is distributed sensing, which enables the continuous measurement (versus space-limited point sensing) of physical parameters over long distances. Distributed temperature, strain, acoustic, and pressure sensing (DxS) are cutting-edge technologies that revolutionize the way we monitor and analyze temperature, acoustic, and pressure signals over large distances. Unlike traditional sensors, DxS utilizes optical fibers as sensitive elements, transforming them into continuous, high-resolution, and distributed sensors. This innovative approach opens a range of applications across various industries.
Diverse applications of DAS and their added values: A case study from Minami-aga pilot CCUS project, onshore Japan
Authors: Nakayama S. , Yamada Y. , Fujita K. , Mouri T. , Bettinelli P. , Le Calvez J. , Maehara Y. , Mizuno T. , Armstrong P. , Podgornova O. , Bidyck R. , Rahmat M. I. , Hill D.
Published: November 2024

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical strategy for reducing global CO2 emissions. The success of CCS relies heavily on accurate measuring, monitoring, and validation of injected and stored CO2. The integration of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology offers variable insights into measurement, monitoring, and verification (MMV) programs in CCS projects. DAS utilizes fiber-optic cables as sensors, enabling real-time monitoring of subsurface conditions with unparalleled precision and coverage. By revolutionizing traditional approaches, DAS provides cost-effective solutions and a comprehensive understanding of subsurface properties in both static and dynamic perspectives. This enhancement leads to improved operational efficiency and environmental safety in CCS projects. This paper describes the comprehensive applications of DAS in the Minami-aga pilot carbon capture, utilization, and storage project, onshore Japan. Key applications include subsurface installation techniques, vertical seismic profiling, crosswell seismic acquisition, microseismic monitoring, and injection profiling. This project showcases their transformative potential in advancing CCS practices. Ultimately, the integration of DAS technology contributes to optimizing MMV programs in CCS, supporting informed decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency in the pursuit of sustainable climate mitigation strategies.
Detection of microseismic events in continuous DAS recordings using semantic image segmentation
Authors: Tegtow William , Boitz Nepomuk , Shapiro Serge A. , Chavarria J. Andres
Published: November 2024

Detecting microseismicity is a crucial processing step for monitoring well injection operations. In recent years, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technologies have gained popularity for this purpose due to their high receiver density and cost-effectiveness. However, DAS recordings typically have lower signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and generate significantly larger amounts of data compared to classic borehole geophones. This poses challenges for conventional signal processing methods. We present a versatile method for detecting microseismic events in continuous DAS recordings using a binary semantic image segmentation model. This approach assigns each pixel in a DAS input image its probability of being part of a seismic event, separating the recorded wavefield from background noise. To train the model, we create a case-study-specific synthetic data set that includes a wide range of wavefield phenomena. Labels are generated automatically based on amplitude exceedances of the synthetic strain responses before being inserted into ambient noise samples. We apply this method across three stages of hydraulic fracturing monitored with two differently oriented fibers. Although the model was trained exclusively on synthetic data, it reliably identifies microseismic events in the field data. Furthermore, high-quality predictions of the model hold the potential to be used for arrival-time picking.