bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of structurally graded material fabricated through additive manufacturing
Authors: Vellaisamy M. , Pathinettampadian G. , Kannan S. , Subramaniyan M. K.
Published: April 2024

An advanced material known as structurally graded material has composition and structure that gradually alters or changes the quality of material in tandem. Various materials could be used with this idea for structural and practical purpose. By offering practical and affordable solutions for design validation, product prototype, and production of high‐performance functional components, fused deposition modelling, a highly regarded three‐dimensional printing technique, has sparked the industrial advancements. Fiber reinforced polymer (polylactic acid‐based composites) are replacing traditional thermosetting polymers and steel as alternative materials. The aircraft industry and energy industry (gas turbines, structural re‐entry thermal production) both frequently utilize ceramic reinforced polymer. In these applications, ceramic reinforced polymer components must be permanently or temporarily adhered to the surrounding materials. Here, in this research work structurally graded wall is fabricated using carbon fiber reinforced polymer and ceramic reinforced polymer through fused deposition modelling process. This research work for creation of structurally graded material architecture was inspired by idea of merging seemingly incompatible functionalities such as the toughness of carbon fiber reinforced polymer and refractoriness of ceramic reinforced polymer with the relaxing of defects.
Nanomechanical behavior, adhesion and wear resistance of tin oxide coatings for biomedical applications
Authors: Chayoukhi S. , Gassoumi B. , Dhifelaoui H. , Boukhachem A. , Amlouk M.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the properties of tin oxide coatings employed in biomedical applications. The films were deposited on a clean glass substrate, preheated at 450 °C, applying the spray pyrolysis technique as the latter produces crystallized thin films without the need for further heat treatment. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that tin oxide films had a tetragonal structure characterized by a preferential orientation (111). The measurements of reflectance and transmittance revealed a wide optical band gap of 4.0 eV. Nanoindentation tests showed that the tin oxide coating, with a hardness of 5.9 GPa and a Young's modulus of 78 GPa, exhibited elastic‐plastic behavior. In addition, tribological tests indicated that tin oxide coating had a very low coefficient of friction (μ=0.06), high wear resistance (wear rate 2.10−5 mm3 N−1 m−1) and good adhesion to the substrate (critical adhesion load of 5.55 N). It was also noticed that tin oxide thin films had antibacterial activity due to their nanocrystalline impurities. These properties make tin oxide perfectly acceptable for biomedical applications.
The oncogenic role and regulatory mechanism of ACAA2 in human ovarian cancer
Authors: Leng Yahui , Tian Tian , Tang Bingbing , Ma Yongqing , Li Zihang , Shi Qin , Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Yang , Wang Wenlong , Huang Chengyang , Zhao Xuan , Feng Wenxiao , Liu Yanni , Liang Jingyin , Liu Tianhui , Liu Song , Ren Qiulei , Liu Jiakun , Zhang Te , Zhou Junsuo , Huang Qian , Zhang Yaling , Yin Bin , Xu Yuewen , Liu Liaoyuan , Shen Li , Zhao Hongyan
Published: April 2024

Acetyl‐CoAacyltransferase2 (ACAA2) is a key enzyme in the fatty acid oxidation pathway that catalyzes the final step of mitochondrial β oxidation, which plays an important role in fatty acid metabolism. The expression of ACAA2 is closely related to the occurrence and malignant progression of tumors. However, the function of ACAA2 in ovarian cancer is unclear. The expression level and prognostic value of ACAA2 were analyzed by databases. Gain and loss of function were carried out to explore the function of ACAA2 in ovarian cancer. RNA‐seq and bioinformatics methods were applied to illustrate the regulatory mechanism of ACAA2. ACAA2 overexpression promoted the growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cancer, and ACAA2 knockdown inhibited the malignant progression of ovarian cancer as well as the ability of subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice. At the same time, we found that OGT can induce glycosylation modification of ACAA2 and regulate the karyoplasmic distribution of ACAA2. OGT plays a vital role in ovarian cancer as a function of oncogenes. In addition, through RNA‐seq sequencing, we found that ACAA2 regulates the expression of DIXDC1. ACAA2 regulated the malignant progression of ovarian cancer through the WNT/β‐Catenin signaling pathway probably. ACAA2 is an oncogene in ovarian cancer and has the potential to be a target for ovarian cancer therapy.
An analytical method for free vibration analysis of multi‐directional functionally graded porous doubly‐curved shells in thermal environment with various boundary conditions
Authors: Pham Quoc‐Hoa , Tran Van Ke , Nguyen Phu‐Cuong
Published: April 2024

This paper uses the analytical method with arbitrary boundary conditions to model and analyze the free vibrations of multi‐directionally functionally graded porous (MFGP) doubly‐curved shallow shells resting on the Pasternak foundation in a temperature environment. It is anticipated that all mechanical parameters, except Poisson's ratio, will change in the direction of length, width, and thickness. To comprehensively describe the shell's displacement, strain, and stress fields, a modified first‐order shear deformation theory (FSDT) with an assumption of cosine distribution shear stresses has been developed. The fact that the enhanced FSDT theory does not require the use of shear correction and that the shear stress at the two free faces of the shells is zero are two of the theory's most significant advantages. Using Hamilton's principle and improved FSDT, one may get the governing equation for free vibration analysis of MFGP doubly‐curved shallow shells. The Galerkin approach is proposed to solve the governing equation of MFGP doubly‐curved shallow shells with various boundary conditions. The trustworthiness of the article is evaluated via its publication in the article model's several special cases. From this point on, a collection of findings about the natural frequency of MFGP doubly‐curved shallow shells is identified and shown in the form of tables and graphs. The results provided in this manuscript can be used as a benchmark solution for further studies as far as the vibration behavior of the MFGP doubly‐curved shallow shells is concerned.
Decay mode ripple waves within the (3+1)‐dimensional Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation
Authors: Yang Xiangyu , Wang Zhen , Zhang Zhao
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a series of ripple waves with decay modes for the
‐dimensions Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation, always viewed as nonintegrable KP equation, are investigated. The decay mode wave solutions including ripplon, lump ripples, and lump chain ripples are described by Airy function, and all solutions are constructed from the Gram determinant form. Their propagation dynamics behavior is studied, and a comprehensive analysis of the asymptotic properties of these solutions has been diligently conducted.
Appearance of transient chaos and energy variability in Ueda oscillator driven by an amplitude‐modulated force
Authors: Suddalai Kannan K. , Zeenath Bazeera A. , Mohamed Roshan M. , Abdul Kader S. M. , Chinnathambi V.
Published: April 2024

Transient chaos is a characteristic behavior observed in nonlinear systems, where trajectories within a specific region of phase space exhibit chaotic dynamics for a finite duration before transitioning to an external attractor. In many nonlinear systems, transient and chaotic behaviors are closely associated with variations in the system's energy. In this paper, we introduce the concept of an energy variable and establish its connection with the Melnikov integral. We explore the influence of energy variation in an amplitude‐modulated (AM) force‐driven Ueda oscillator through numerical simulations. Our investigation reveals the emergence of transient chaos, chaotic dynamics, and regular behaviors, underscoring the significant role played by the energy variable, denoted as
, in the system. We employ various analytical tools, including phase diagrams, Poincaré maps, time series plots, and bifurcation diagrams, to characterize and visualize transient chaos, regular, and chaotic motions within the system.
L‐Glutamine Substantially Improves 5‐Fluorouracil‐Induced Intestinal Mucositis by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Maintaining the Integrity of the Gut Barrier in Mice
Authors: Kuo Ya‐Ru , Lin Cheng‐Hung , Lin Wei‐Sheng , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: April 2024

Scope

This study investigates the potential of glutamine to mitigate intestinal mucositis and dysbiosis caused by the chemotherapeutic agent 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU).

Methods and results

Over twelve days, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice are given low (0.5 mg kg−1) or high (2 mg kg−1) doses of L‐Glutamine daily, with 5‐FU (50 mg kg−1) administered between days six and nine. Mice receiving only 5‐FU exhibited weight loss, diarrhea, abnormal cell growth, and colonic inflammation, correlated with decreased mucin proteins, increased endotoxins, reduced fecal short‐chain fatty acids, and altered gut microbiota. Glutamine supplementation counteracted these effects by inhibiting the Toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B (TLR4/NF‐κB) pathway, modulating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO‐1) oxidative stress proteins, and increasing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) levels, thereby enhancing microbial diversity and protecting intestinal mucosa.

Conclusions

These findings underscore glutamine's potential in preventing 5‐FU‐induced mucositis by modulating gut microbiota and inflammation pathways.
Rheological characterization and synergistic energy absorption under fluid–solid interaction of shear thickening gel/3D angle interlocking composites
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Zhao Yuwei , Zhang Xiayun , Tian Hongwei , Shi Bao , Chen Zhenhong , Jia Lixia , Han Yuefen , Wei Sainan , Yan Ruosi
Published: April 2024

This study reveals the impact resistance of shear thickening gel (STG) impregnated four‐layer regular angle interlocking fabrics (AIF) composites. The effects of STG parameters, including reaction time, reaction temperature, and reaction ratio, on the rheological characterization and mechanical properties of STG/AIF flexible composites were investigated. The results show that the increase in STG parameters accelerated the formation of BO crosslink bonds within the STG. The energy storage modulus of STG increased by three orders of magnitude for a reaction temperature of 230°C, a reaction time of 9 h, and a reaction ratio of 12.5%. STG had an obvious shear thickening effect. The coupling effect of STG and AIF increases the inter‐yarn friction. The shear thickening effect of STG and the deformation of AIF fabric synergistically absorbed the impact energy, and the energy absorption rate reached 95.6%. The material surface was not significantly damaged after the low‐velocity impact. The STG/AIF flexible composites showed excellent impact energy absorption properties.

Highlights

A new high‐energy absorption and impact resistance composite was prepared.

Increased STG reaction ratio and temperature promoted its internal reaction.

B and O atomic interactions enhance the rheological properties of STG.

STG and fabric synergistically improve the impact resistance.
Polycondensation of poly(L‐lactide) alkyl esters combined with disproportionation and symproportionation of the chain lengths
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M. , Scheliga Felix
Published: April 2024

Ring‐opening polymerizations (ROPs) of l‐lactide (LA) were performed with ethyl l‐lactate or 11‐bromoundecanol as initiators (In) and tin(II) ethyl hexanoate (SnOct2) as catalyst (Cat) using four different LA/In ratios (20/1, 40/1, 60/1, and 100/1). One series of ROPs was conducted in bulk at 120 °C, yielding PLAs with low dispersities (Ð ~ 1.2–1.4), and a second series was conducted in bulk at 160 °C, yielding higher dispersities (Ð ~ 1.3–1.9). Samples from both series were annealed for 1 or 14 days at 140 °C in the presence of SnOct2. Both polycondensation and disproportionation reactions occurred, so that all four samples tended to form the same type of molar mass distribution below 10,000 Da, regardless of their initially different number average molar masses (Mn). Both initiators gave nearly identical results. The thermodynamic control of all reversible transesterification processes favored the formation of crystallites composed of chains with a Mn around 3500–3700, corresponding to a crystal thickness of 10–13 nm.
Herbal remedies in the management of hyperuricemia and gout: A review of in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidences
Authors: Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi , Coodian Kaisavadee , Hosenally Muzzammil , Zengin Gokhan , Shariati Mohammad Ali , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Alhazmi Hassan A. , Khuwaja Gulrana , Mohan Syam , Khalid Asaad
Published: April 2024

Gout, or hyperuricemia is a multifactorial and multi‐faceted metabolic disease that is quite difficult to manage and/or treat. Conventional therapies such as non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as allopurinol, corticosteroids and colchicine amongst others, have helped in its management and treatment to some extent. This study aimed to compile and analyze the different herbal remedies used in the management of hyperuricemia and gout. A literature search was conducted from key databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) using relevant keywords via the PRISMA model. Smilax riparia A.DC. from Traditional Chinese Medicine is used in many countries for its therapeutic effect on lowering serum urate levels. No single study was able to establish the efficacy of a specific traditionally used herb via in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Patients were found to use a panoply of natural remedies, mainly plants to treat hyperuricemia and gout, which have been validated to some extent by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Nonetheless, further research is needed to better understand the ethnopharmacological relationship of such herbal remedies.
Photon Number Splitting Attack – Proposal and Analysis of an Experimental Scheme
Authors: Ashkenazy Ariel , Idan Yuval , Korn Dor , Fixler Dror , Dayan Barak , Cohen Eliahu
Published: April 2024

Photon‐number‐splitting (PNS) is a well‐known theoretical attack on quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols that employ weak coherent states produced by attenuated laser pulses. However, beyond the fact that it has not yet been demonstrated experimentally, its plausibility and effect on quantum bit error rate are questioned. In this work, an experimental scheme is presented for PNS attack employing demonstrated technological capabilities, specifically a single‐photon Raman interaction (SPRINT) in a cavity‐enhanced three‐level atomic system. Several aspects of the proposed implementation are addressed, analytically and simulatively, and the eavesdropper's information gain by the attack is calculated. Furthermore, it is analytically shown that the scheme results in a small (yet non‐zero) quantum bit error rate, and a comparison to purely theoretical analyses in the literature is presented. It is believed that the inherent nonlinearity of the PNS attack unavoidably affects the optical modes sent to the receiver, and accordingly will always result in some error rate.
Sparus Docking Station: A current aware docking station system for a non‐holonomic AUV
Authors: Esteba Joan , Cieślak Patryk , Palomeras Narcís , Ridao Pere
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the design and development of a funnel‐shaped Sparus Docking Station intended for the non‐holonomic torpedo‐shaped Sparus II Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. The Sparus Docking Station is equipped with sensors and batteries, allowing for a stand‐alone long‐term deployment of the vehicle. An inverted Ultra Short Base‐Line system is used to locate the Docking Station as well as to provide long‐term drift‐less vehicle navigation. The Sparus Docking Station is able to observe the ocean currents using a Doppler Velocity Log, being motorized to allow its self‐alignment with the current. Moreover, a docking algorithm accounting for the current is used to guide the robot during the docking maneuver. The paper reports consecutive successful experimental results of the docking maneuver in sea trials in two different countries.
Impact of Mg‐doping on morphology, structure, optical properties, and enhancing photocatalytic performance of ZnO thin films, prepared by sol–gel spin‐coated method
Authors: Tusher Md Mahamud Hasan , Mirza Golam Murtaza , Jabed Akib , Imam Alisan , Kabhi Ahsanul Alam , Sakib Nazmus , Islam Md. Naymul
Published: April 2024

Thin films of pure and Mg‐doped ZnO (MZO) were successfully fabricated on glass substrates by sol–gel spin coating method. Microstructure, surface morphology, elemental composition, optical analysis, and Mg doping effect on the photocatalytic performance of the thin films have been measured by XRD, SEM, EDS, and UV–Vis, respectively. XRD analysis showed that ZnO and MZO thin films have a hexagonal wurtzite structure, and the intensity of the (0 0 2) peak moved from higher to lower angle and right to left with rising Mg‐dopant concentration, and crystallinity was enhanced with doping, whereas micro‐strain and dislocation density dropped. SEM analysis found that ZnO had spherical and agglomerated structures, and the increased size of the grains was observed with increasing doping. The optical analysis demonstrated that the band gaps increased as the dopant percentage increased. Methylene blue, a dye pollutant, examined the thin films’ photocatalytic performance. It was demonstrated that the addition of the Mg to the ZnO lattices increased the absorption of the hydroxyl ions at the surface of the thin film and hence acted as a trap site, leading to a decrease in the electron–hole pair and consequently enhancing the photodegradation.
Detection of selected antimicrobial residues in red meat and kidney of beef cattle slaughtered at Nekemte municipal abattoir, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdeta Debela , Tafesse Mathewos , Bacha Balachew
Published: April 2024

Background

Antibiotics are commonly used drugs in farm animals for therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnosis purposes. As a result of the use of antibiotics in livestock, residues of antibiotics may be present in animal‐derived foods, especially in meat. This study aimed at determining the antibiotic residues in cattle slaughtered at Nekemte municipal abattoir and assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) level of the community about antibiotic residue in food of cattle origin.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on randomly selected kidney and muscle samples slaughtered at Nekemte municipal abattoir. The samples were collected aseptically and analysed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometer. In addition the KAP of cattle handlers, butcher men and meat users were collected using structured questionnaire. The data was analysed by SPSS and intercooled Stata version 7.0, 2001.

Results

Results are presented as percentages and frequency distributions in tabular and graphical form. From 120 individuals interviewed, only 25.83% knew about withdrawal time and had limited knowledge on effect of antibiotic residue on human health, whereas about 47.5% did not heard about antibiotic residue in meat. Tetracycline was detected in all the sampled meat 60 (100%), whereas oxytetracycline residues were detected in half 15 (50%) of the samples. In the current study doxycycline, sulphadiazine, penicillin G and enrofloxacin were not detected in all samples. Oxytetracycline residue levels ranged from 0.00 to 463.35 µg/kg for the kidney and 0.00 to 354.55 µg/kg for muscle samples. About 10% of kidney and 3.33% muscle samples collected had oxytetracycline residues above maximum residue limits.

Conclusion

In general, the study revealed that oxytetracycline residues were prevalent among antimicrobial residues analysed from the study area. The study indicated the presence of high antimicrobial residue and hence exposes for antimicrobial resistance of pathogens warranting coordinated effort to mitigate its health effect on the animal and hence human being.
Metal Ion and Metal‐to‐Ligand Ratio Regulated Construction of Cu(II) and Co(II) Coordination Polymers as Efficient Catalysts for Ring‐Opening Polymerization of L‐Lactide
Authors: Tao Jin‐Xia , Wei Mei‐Jun , Tian Feng , Xia Zhen‐Xiang , Huang Kun‐Lin , Qian Jun‐Feng , He Ming‐Yang , Chen Sheng‐Chun , Chen Qun
Published: April 2024

Three new coordination polymers (CPs), {[Cu(NDC)(Fbtx)(H2O)] ⋅ 1.5H2O}n (1), {[Co(NDC)(Fbtx)(H2O)2] ⋅ 0.5Fbtx}n (2), and [Co2(NDC)2(Fbtx)]n (3), were synthesized by employing acid‐base mixed ligands of rigid 1,4‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H2NDC) and flexible bis(1,2,4‐triazole‐1‐ylmethyl)‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzene (Fbtx) under both hydrothermal and microwave‐assisted reaction conditions. Single‐crystal structure analysis establishted that both compounds 1 and 2 exhibit two‐dimensional (2D) layered structures, while compound 3 features a three‐dimensional (3D) complicated framework. The geometries of metal ions vary from square pyramidal (in 1 and 3) to distorted octahedral (in 2). Topological strudy showed that compounds 1 and 2 have exposed common 4‐connected 44‐sql net, while compound 3 has made a novel 4,5‐connected net with point symbol of (43 ⋅ 62 ⋅ 7)(43 ⋅ 64 ⋅ 72 ⋅ 8). The catalytic performance of the three complexes for the solvent‐free ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide has been investigated. The results indicated that compound 3 with coordinatively unsaturated cobalt(II) sites showed good activity and the molecular weight of the polymer obtained was high. Moreover, the complex 3 catalyst could be recycled up to five times with the retention of both catalytic activity and crystal structure.
Telomerase is essential for cardiac differentiation and sustained metabolism of human cardiomyocytes
Authors: Chatterjee Shambhabi , Leach-Mehrwald Megan , Huang Cheng-Kai , Xiao Ke , Fuchs Maximilian , Otto Mandy , Lu Dongchao , Dang Vinh , Winkler Thomas , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Thum Thomas , Bär Christian
Published: April 2024

Telomeres as the protective ends of linear chromosomes, are synthesized by the enzyme telomerase (TERT). Critically short telomeres essentially contribute to aging-related diseases and are associated with a broad spectrum of disorders known as telomeropathies. In cardiomyocytes, telomere length is strongly correlated with cardiomyopathies but it remains ambiguous whether short telomeres are the cause or the result of the disease. In this study, we employed an inducible CRISPRi human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line to silence TERT expression enabling the generation of hiPSCs and hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes with long and short telomeres. Reduced telomerase activity and shorter telomere lengths of hiPSCs induced global transcriptomic changes associated with cardiac developmental pathways. Consequently, the differentiation potential towards cardiomyocytes was strongly impaired and single cell RNA sequencing revealed a shift towards a more smooth muscle cell like identity in the cells with the shortest telomeres. Poor cardiomyocyte function and increased sensitivity to stress directly correlated with the extent of telomere shortening. Collectively our data demonstrates a TERT dependent cardiomyogenic differentiation defect, highlighting the CRISPRi TERT hiPSCs model as a powerful platform to study the mechanisms and consequences of short telomeres in the heart and also in the context of telomeropathies.
Emergence of keystone individuals in the social networks of the ant Camponotus fellah
Authors: Kovács B. , Jordán F.
Published: April 2024

Community ecology and sociobiology share a number of problems (e.g. understanding part-to-whole relationships), so sharing methods may be beneficial. In this paper, we re-analyze a large social network database for Camponotus fellah ants, from the perspective of keystone individuals, based on methods developed in community ecology. We study different network types for six colonies, over a time series of 10 days. These include the total network of weighted interactions, the subnetworks for the castes and the subnetworks for Queen-linked and Queen-independent individuals. We perform time-independent (i.e. average values) and temporal (i.e. trends) analyses. The most commonly used global network metrics showed high variability in time but no clear trends. Yet, the variability of a network centrality index (topological importance, TI), developed earlier in community ecology, shows clear increase in each colony over time, suggesting the emergence of keystone individuals as a general tendency in all studied ant colonies.
A newly developed algorithm for switching outpatient medications to medications listed in the hospital formulary: a prospective real-word evaluation in patients admitted electively to hospital
Authors: Möller Finja , Oetting Malte , Spiegel Andreas , Zube Olaf , Bertsche Thilo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

In many countries, outpatient and inpatient care are separated. During hospitalization, therefore, switching the outpatient medication to medication of the hospital formulary is required.

Methods

We newly designed a switching algorithm in six switching steps (S0–S5) and conducted a study at Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg (300 beds, 80% civilians). We performed (i) a medication reconciliation to obtain information on outpatient medications and (ii) a medication review to solve drug-related-problems, e.g., drug-drug interactions. We applied (iii) the algorithm to switch medications to the hospital formulary.

Results

(i) We identified 475 outpatient medications (median per patient: 4; Q25/Q75 2/7) in 100 patients consecutively admitted to hospital (median age: 71; Q25/Q75: 64/80 years). Of 475 medications, the switching algorithm could not be used since product names were missing in 23.9% and strength in 1.7%. In 3.2%, switching was not required since medication was not prescribed during the hospital stay. (ii) Drug-drug interactions were identified in 31 of 79 patients with more than one medication. (iii) Of 475 medications, 18.5% were on the hospital formulary and therefore did not need to be  switched (S0), 0.2% were on a substitution-exclusion list not allowing switching (S1), 42.0% were switched to a generic medication of the hospital formulary (S2), 1.7% to a therapeutically equivalent medication (S3), 0.4% were patient-individually switched (S4), and for 8.2% a standardized/patient-individual switching was not possible (S5).

Conclusions

Despite comprehensive medication reconciliation, patient- and medication-related information for switching medications to the hospital formulary was often missing. Once all the necessary information was available, standardized switching could be easily carried out according to a newly developed switching algorithm.
Extremal Graph Theoretic Questions for q-Ary Vectors
Authors: Patkós Balázs , Tuza Zsolt , Vizer Máté
Published: April 2024

A q-graph H on n vertices is a set of vectors of length n with all entries from $$\{0,1,\dots ,q\}$$

{
0
,
1
,
⋯
,
q
}

and every vector (that we call a q-edge) having exactly two non-zero entries. The support of a q-edge $${\textbf{x}}$$
x
is the pair $$S_{\textbf{x}}$$

S
x

of indices of non-zero entries. We say that H is an s-copy of an ordinary graph F if $$|H|=|E(F)|$$

|
H
|
=
|
E
(
F
)
|

, F is isomorphic to the graph with edge set $$\{S_{\textbf{x}}:{\textbf{x}}\in H\}$$

{

S
x

:
x
∈
H
}

, and whenever $$v\in e,e'\in E(F)$$

v
∈
e
,

e
′

∈
E

(
F
)

, the entries with index corresponding to v in the q-edges corresponding to e and $$e'$$

e
′

sum up to at least s. E.g., the q-edges (1, 3, 0, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0, 0, 3), and (3, 0, 0, 0, 1) form a 4-triangle. The Turán number $$\mathop {}\!\textrm{ex}(n,F,q,s)$$

ex
(
n
,
F
,
q
,
s
)

is the maximum number of q-edges that a q-graph H on n vertices can have if it does not contain any s-copies of F. In the present paper, we determine the asymptotics of $$\mathop {}\!\textrm{ex}(n,F,q,q+1)$$

ex
(
n
,
F
,
q
,
q
+
1
)

for many graphs F.
Pediatric blood cultures—turning up the volume: a before and after intervention study
Authors: Whelan Seán Olann , Mulrooney Conor , Moriarty Frank , Cormican Martin
Published: April 2024

The major determinant of blood culture (BC) diagnostic performance is blood volume, and pediatric sample volumes are frequently low. We aimed to assess BC volumes in our institution, design an intervention to increase volumes, and assess its impact. All pediatric BCs submitted over a 7-month period to the microbiology laboratory in a university hospital (including emergency department, pediatric ward, and neonatal unit) were included. A pre-intervention period assessed current practice. A multi-faceted intervention (education, guideline introduction, active feedback strategies) was collaboratively designed by all stakeholders. Impact was assessed in a post-intervention period. The main outcome measures included the percentage of samples adequately filled using three measures of sample adequacy (1) manufacturer-recommended minimum validated volume—> 0.5 ml, (2) manufacturer-recommended optimal minimum volume—> 1.0 ml, (3) newly introduced age-specific recommendations. Three hundred ninety-eight pre-intervention and 388 post-intervention samples were included. Initial volumes were low but increased significantly post-intervention (median 0.77 ml vs. 1.52 ml), with multivariable regression analysis estimating volumes increased 89% post-intervention. There were significant increases in all measures of volume adequacy, including an increase in age-appropriate filling (20.4–53.1%), with less improvement in those aged > 3 years. Overall, 68.4% of pathogens were from adequately filled cultures, while 76% of contaminants were from inadequately filled cultures. A pathogen was detected in a higher proportion of adequately filled than inadequately filled cultures (9.4% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001).

  Conclusion: Blood volume impacts BC sensitivity, with lower volumes yielding fewer pathogens and more contaminants. Focused intervention can significantly improve volumes to improve diagnostic performance.

What is Known:• Blood volume is the major determinant of blood culture positivity, and yet pediatric blood culture volumes are frequently low, resulting in missed pathogens and increased contamination.

What is New:• Adequately filled (for age) blood cultures have a pathogen detection rate three times higher than inadequately filled blood cultures.• This interventional study shows that collaboratively designed multi-modal interventions including focus on accurate volume measurement can lead to significant increases in blood volumes and improve blood culture diagnostic performance.
UBE2L3 expression in human gastric cancer and its clinical significance
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Wei Yujie , Wu Fanqi , Li Mei , Han Cong , Huo Chengdong , Li Zhi , Tang Futian , He Wenting , Zhao Yang , Li Yumin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Gastric cancer (GC) is prevalent as one of the most common malignant tumors globally, with a particularly high incidence in China. The role of UBE2L3 in the initiation and progression of various cancers has been well documented, but its specific significance in GC is not yet fully elucidated. The objective of this study is to examine the expression and importance of UBE2L3 in human gastric cancer tissues.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining and survival analysis were conducted on 125 cases of GC. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to assess the expression of UBE2L3 in GC cell lines. Cell lines with UBE2L3 knockdown and overexpression were cultured through lentivirus transfection and subsequently assessed using Western blot analysis. The involvement of UBE2L3 in the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of GC cells was confirmed through in vitro experiments, and its capacity to facilitate tumor growth was also validated in in vivo studies.

Results

The up-regulation of UBE2L3 expression was observed in GC, and its high expression was found to be significantly associated with the degree of differentiation (χ2 = 6.153, P = 0.0131), TNM stage (χ2 = 6.216, P = 0.0447), and poor overall survival. In vitro, UBE2L3 has been shown to enhance functions in GC cell lines, such as promoting proliferation and invasion, and inhibiting apoptosis. In vivo experiments have validated the role of UBE2L3 in promoting tumor growth.

Conclusions

The findings of our study demonstrate the significant involvement of UBE2L3 in the pathogenesis and advancement of gastric cancer, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Determination of Nuclear Matter Radii by Means of Microscopic Optical Potentials: The Case of $$^{78}$$Kr
Authors: Vorabbi Matteo , Finelli Paolo , Giusti Carlotta
Published: April 2024

In this work we use microscopic Nucleon–Nucleus Optical Potentials (OP) to analyze elastic scattering data for the differential cross section of the $$^{78}$$

78

Kr (p,p) $$^{78}$$

78

Kr reaction, with the goal of extracting the matter radius and estimating the neutron skin, quantities that are both needed to determine the slope parameter L of the nuclear symmetry energy. Our analysis is performed with the factorized version of the microscopic OP obtained in a previous series of papers within the Watson multiple scattering theory at the first order of the spectator expansion, which is based on the underlying nucleon–nucleon dynamics and is free from phenomenological inputs. Differently from our previous applications, the proton and neutron densities are described with a two-parameter Fermi (2pF) distribution, which makes the extraction of the matter radius easier and allows us to make a meaningful comparison with the original analysis, that was performed with the Glauber model. With standard minimization techniques we performed data analysis and extracted the matter radius and the neutron skin. Our analysis produces a matter radius of $$R_m^{\mathrm{(rms)}} = 4.12$$

R
m

(
rms
)

=
4.12

 fm, in good agreement with previous matter radii extracted from $$^{76}$$

76

Kr and $$^{80}$$

80

Kr, and a neutron skin of $$\Delta R_{np} \simeq - 0.1$$

Δ

R

np

≃
-
0.1

 fm, compatible with a previous analysis. Our factorized microscopic OP, supplied with 2pF densities, is a valuable tool to perform the analysis of the experimental differential cross section and extract information such as matter radius and neutron skin. Without any free parameters it provides a reasonably good description of the experimental differential cross section for scattering angles up to $$\approx $$
≈
40 degrees. Compared to the Glauber model our OP can be applied to a wider range of scattering angles and allows one to probe the nuclear systems in a more internal region.
The effects of cerebral pressure autoregulation status and CPP levels on cerebral metabolism in pediatric traumatic brain injury
Authors: Velle Fartein , Lewén Anders , Howells Tim , Hånell Anders , Nilsson Pelle , Enblad Per
Published: April 2024

Background

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) management in the developing child with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is challenging. The pressure reactivity index (PRx) may serve as marker of cerebral pressure autoregulation (CPA) and optimal CPP (CPPopt) may be assessed by identifying the CPP level with best (lowest) PRx. To evaluate the potential of CPPopt guided management in children with severe TBI, cerebral microdialysis (CMD) monitoring levels of lactate and the lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) (indicators of ischemia) were related to actual CPP levels, autoregulatory state (PRx) and deviations from CPPopt (ΔCPPopt).

Methods

Retrospective study of 21 children ≤ 17 years with severe TBI who had both ICP and CMD monitoring were included. CPP, PRx, CPPopt and ΔCPPopt where calculated, dichotomized and compared with CMD lactate and lactate-pyruvate ratio.

Results

Median age was 16 years (range 8–17) and median Glasgow coma scale motor score 5 (range 2–5). Both lactate (p = 0.010) and LPR (p =  < 0.001) were higher when CPP ≥ 70 mmHg than when CPP < 70. When PRx ≥ 0.1 both lactate and LPR were higher than when PRx < 0.1 (p =  < 0.001). LPR was lower (p = 0.012) when CPPopt ≥ 70 mmHg than when CPPopt < 70, but there were no differences in lactate levels. When ΔCPPopt > 10 both lactate (p = 0.026) and LPR (p = 0.002) were higher than when ΔCPPopt < –10.

Conclusions

Increased levels of CMD lactate and LPR in children with severe TBI appears to be related to disturbed CPA (PRx). Increased lactate and LPR also seems to be associated with actual CPP levels ≥ 70 mmHg. However, higher lactate and LPR values were also seen when actual CPP was above CPPopt. Higher CPP appears harmful when CPP is above the upper limit of pressure autoregulation. The findings indicate that CPPopt guided CPP management may have potential in pediatric TBI.
Dispersion-engineered metasurfaces for high-sensitivity color image sensors
Authors: Miyata Masashi
Published: April 2024

Increasing the sensitivity of image sensors is a major challenge for current imaging technology. Researchers are tackling it because highly sensitive sensors enable objects to be recognized even in dark environments, which is critical for today’s smartphones, wearable devices, and automobiles. Unfortunately, conventional image-sensor architectures use light-absorptive color filters on every pixel, which fundamentally limits the detected light power per pixel. Recent advances in optical metasurfaces have led to the creation of pixelated light-transmissive color splitters with the potential to enhance sensor sensitivity. These metasurfaces can be used instead of color filters to distinguish primary colors, and unlike color filters, they can direct almost all of the incident light to the photodetectors, thereby maximizing the detectable light power. This review focuses on such metasurface-based color splitters enabling high-sensitivity color-image sensors. Their underlying principles are introduced with a focus on dispersion engineering. Then, their capabilities as optical elements are assessed on the basis of our recent findings. Finally, it is discussed how they can be used to create high-sensitivity color-image sensors.
Usability and user expectations of a HoloLens-based augmented reality application for learning clinical technical skills
Authors: Escalada-Hernandez Paula , Soto-Ruiz Nelia , Ballesteros-Egüés Tomás , Larrayoz-Jiménez Ana , Martín-Rodríguez Leticia San
Published: April 2024

The application of augmented reality in training health science students is increasingly widespread. The aim of this work was to assess the usability and user expectations of an augmented reality application for smart glasses (Microsoft HoloLens) that can be used to train on four invasive procedures (i.e. intramuscular injection, nasogastric tube insertion, endotracheal intubation and suctioning via tracheostomy tube). A descriptive study was conducted with nursing students from three Spanish universities. Participants answered a questionnaire to assess the use of the ARSim2care application. This application offers the possibility of visualizing the internal anatomical structures during the training of the clinical technical skills for the performance of the mentioned invasive techniques. The questionnaire included demographic data, the System Usability Scale and questions about the user expectations in relation to learning with the use of augmented reality. In total, 61 participants responded to the questionnaire after using the ARSim2care application. The mean score of the System Usability Scale was 73.15 (standard deviation: 15.04) and 62.4% (n = 38) of the participants considered their experience with the application as excellent or good. In relation to user expectations, more than 90% of students indicated that the use of the application could improve their motivation and stimulation in learning, their content retention and their anatomical understanding. The developed ARSim2care application for Microsoft HoloLens showed a high level of usability and acceptance as a learning tool for training certain clinical procedures by visualizing the internal structures of the body.
UAV control in autonomous object-goal navigation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ayala Angel , Portela Leticia , Buarque Fernando , Fernandes Bruno J. T. , Cruz Francisco
Published: April 2024

Research interest in autonomous control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has increased rapidly over the past decade. They are now widely used in civilian, military, and private areas. Applications include surveillance, search and rescue, and delivery tasks. More broadly, they excel at solving problems where a significant amount of space must be covered and traveled. However, using UAVs to solve navigation problems with full autonomy necessitates the mastering of complex subtasks. A solution that includes control, planning, localization, and mapping remains an open challenge. Object-goal navigation contains the same navigation problems where the main objective is to reach a target object. The search and identification of this target are central to the vehicle’s navigation. This requires an understanding of what it is and where it can be located to move around the scene. This paper presents a systematic literature review on object-goal navigation and its subtasks, using autonomous UAVs. Survey taxonomies were found for the tasks and methods behind navigation and target localization problems using UAVs. The review analyzed 67 articles found between 2011 and 2022. They were found in the ACM, IEEE Xplore, WebOfScience, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. This review revealed essential issues related to autonomous navigation task dependencies. Moreover, it highlighted gaps in UAV development and framework standardization. Open challenges for autonomous UAV control for object-goal navigation must address the research on finding methods for problems. For example, autonomy level and comparison metrics, considering safety, ethics, and legal implications.
Solving the uncapacitated facility location problem under uncertainty: a hybrid tabu search with path-relinking simheuristic approach
Authors: Peidro David , Martin Xabier A. , Panadero Javier , Juan Angel A.
Published: April 2024

The uncapacitated facility location problem (UFLP) is a well-known combinatorial optimization problem that finds practical applications in several fields, such as logistics and telecommunication networks. While the existing literature primarily focuses on the deterministic version of the problem, real-life scenarios often involve uncertainties like fluctuating customer demands or service costs. This paper presents a novel algorithm for addressing the UFLP under uncertainty. Our approach combines a tabu search metaheuristic with path-relinking to obtain near-optimal solutions in short computational times for the determinisitic version of the problem. The algorithm is further enhanced by integrating it with simulation techniques to solve the UFLP with random service costs. A set of computational experiments is run to illustrate the effectiveness of the solving method.
Dry Reforming of Methane over Mn-modified Ni-based Catalysts
Authors: Manabayeva Alua M. , Mäki-Arvela Päivi , Vajglová Zuzana , Martinez-Klimov Mark , Yevdokimova Olha , Peuronen Anssi , Lastusaari Mika , Tirri Teija , Baizhumanova Tolkyn S. , Kassymkan Kaisar , Kaumenova Gulnar N. , Brodskiy Alexandr R. , Sarsenova Rabiga O. , Shorayeva Kamshat A. , Murzin Dmitry Yu. , Tungatarova Svetlana A.
Published: April 2024

Ni-based bi- and trimetallic Mn, Mg and aluminum containing catalysts prepared by the solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method were tested in dry reforming of methane (DRM). As a comparison 12 wt.% Ni/α-Al2O3 catalyst prepared by wet impregnation was also investigated. The catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, N2 physisorption, H2-TPR, CO2-TPD, NH3-TPD, TPO, CHNS, TGA, SEM and TEM. Formation of crystalline MnAl2O4 was observed at high temperatures during SCS. The average nickel particle size varied in the range of 12–36 nm. Addition of Mn promoted reduction of Ni and elevated the amount and strength of the basic sites.

Graphical Abstract
Association of Breastfeeding Duration with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in an Enriched Familial Likelihood Cohort for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Punatar Ruchi , Angkustsiri Kathleen , Kair Laura R. , Tancredi Daniel J. , Harvey Danielle J. , Schmidt Rebecca J.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to compare the breastfeeding (BF) duration of the younger siblings of children with ASD in an enriched-likelihood cohort for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and to determine whether longer BF duration was associated with differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes in this cohort. Information on BF practices was collected via surveys in the MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs) study. Developmental evaluations, including the Mullen Scales of Early Learning and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, were conducted by expert clinicians. Participants’ neurodevelopmental outcome was classified by an algorithm into three groups: typical development, ASD, and non-typical development. The median duration of BF was 10.70 months (interquartile range of 12.07 months). There were no significant differences in the distribution of duration of BF among the three neurodevelopmental outcome categories. Children in this enriched-likelihood cohort who were breastfed for > 12 months had significantly higher scores on cognitive testing compared to those who were breastfed for 0–3 months. There was no significant difference in ASD symptomatology or ASD risk based on BF duration.
Adaptive monitoring in action—what drives arthropod diversity and composition in central European beech forests?
Authors: Keye Constanze , Schmidt Marcus , Roschak Christian , Dorow Wolfgang H. O. , Hartung Viktor , Pauls Steffen U. , Schneider Alexander , Ammer Christian , Zeller Laura , Meyer Peter
Published: April 2024

Recent studies suggest that arthropod diversity in German forests is declining. Currently, different national programs are being developed to monitor arthropod trends and to unravel the effects of forest management on biodiversity in forests. To establish effective long-term monitoring programs, a set of drivers of arthropod diversity and composition as well as suitable species groups have to be identified. To aid in answering these questions, we investigated arthropod data collected in four Hessian forest reserves (FR) in the 1990s. To fully utilize this data set, we combined it with results from a retrospective structural sampling design applied at the original trap locations in central European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests. As expected, the importance of the different forest structural, vegetation, and site attributes differed largely between the investigated arthropod groups: beetles, spiders, Aculeata, and true bugs. Measures related to light availability and temperature such as canopy cover or potential radiation were important to all groups affecting either richness, composition, or both. Spiders and true bugs were affected by the broadest range of explanatory variables, which makes them a good choice for monitoring general trends. For targeted monitoring focused on forestry-related effects on biodiversity, rove and ground beetles seem more suitable. Both groups were driven by a narrower, more management-related set of variables. Most importantly, our study approach shows that it is possible to utilize older biodiversity survey data. Although, in our case, there are strong restrictions due to the long time between species and structural attribute sampling.