bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Factors after Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma—The Importance of Pathological Immunophenotyping, the Steatohepatitic Subtype and the Impact of the Hepatic Pedicle Clamping
Authors: Viana Lorrane , Oliveira Rui Caetano , Martins Ricardo , Alexandrino Henrique , Cipriano Maria Augusta , Tralhão José Guilherme
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Hepatectomy (HP) is, along with liver transplantation, the only potentially curative treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). The high prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) may be causing a shift in the HCC spectrum. Hepatic Pedicle Clamping (HPC), used to reduce perioperative bleeding during HP, has been theorized to increase the risk of recurrence. Cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and glypican-3 (GLP-3) have been identified as markers of worse prognosis in HCC. Materials and Methods: A clinical and pathological review of 59 patients undergoing HP for HCC between 2005 and 2013 was performed. Chronic liver disease was observed in 53 patients (89.8%), with cirrhosis in 54.2% [most frequent etiologies: ethylism (47.5%), HCV (25.4%) and HBV (11.9%)]. MS was in 36% of patients. In addition, 95% of patients had Child–Pugh class A and 5% class B, and there was a median MELD of 8 (6–18). A single nodule was observed in 46 patients (78%) with an average size of 5.4 cm. Microscopic vascular invasion (MiVI) was in 49% of patients and macroscopic (MaVI) in 17. HPC was in 43 patients (74.1%). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS™ 21.0. Survival tests (Kaplan–Meier, log-rank and Cox regression). Statistical significance was with p < 0.05. Results: Major morbidity in 22% of patients. Mortality in 5.1%. Median overall survival (OS) of 71 months and median disease-free survival (DFS) of 37. In a multivariate analysis: MaVI (p = 0.001), MiVI (p = 0.005) and HCV infection (p = 0.002) were associated with worse OS; MS was associated with better OS (p = 0.001); MaVI (p = 0.000), MiVI (p = 0.035) and HPC (p = 0.012) were associated with worse DFS. CK19+/GLP-3− (p = 0.007) and CK19−/GLP-3+ (p = 0.029) patients were associated with worse DFS and CK19−/GLP-3− (p = 0.031) with better DFS. Discussion/Conclusions: HPC was an independent factor of worse DFS. The ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) produced by HPC could promote a more angiogenic and angioinvasive phenotype of tumor cells, resulting in higher recurrence. HCV etiology was associated with worse OS. MS was associated with better OS, highlighting the importance of a hepatectomy in these cases. The combined detection of CK19 and GLP-3 was an independent prognostic factor in HCC patients allowing for the identification of more aggressive tumors.
Horticultural Therapy for Individuals Coping with Dementia: Practice Recommendations Informed by Related Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Authors: Wichrowski Matthew J. , Moscovici Monica
Published: April 2024

Dementia care currently presents a challenge to healthcare providers on many levels. The rapid increase in the number of people with dementia and the costs of care certainly contribute to these challenges. However, managing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) has become one of the most significant tasks in providing care and can lead to poor health and well-being outcomes, not only for the people living with dementia (PLWD) but also for those providing their care. Cost-effective, easily implemented, highly adaptable, empirically based alternatives are needed. Interventions such as Horticultural Therapy (HT), which is naturally informed by Montessori-Based Methods for Dementia and sensory reminiscence therapies, meets these qualifying factors. This article, based on a review of current best practices and clinical experience, hopes to provide recommendations for such an intervention along with special considerations for PLWD and adaptations for different acuity levels. With additional safe and effective, person-centered, non-pharmacological interventions available for the complex cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations of this disease, a better care milieu can be provided, improving the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. This article also identifies the need for continued research into the synergistic effects of person-centered behavioral and psychosocial interventions combined with environmental approaches to provide the optimal healing environment for those coping with dementia.
Prevalence of Steinert’s Myotonic Dystrophy and Utilization of Healthcare Services: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hernáez Leticia , Zoni Ana Clara , Domínguez-Berjón María-Felicitas , Esteban-Vasallo María D. , Domínguez-González Cristina , Serrano Pilar ,   on behalf of the DM1-CM Working Group
Published: April 2024

Myotonic dystrophy type I (MDI) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of MDI in the Community of Madrid (CM) (Spain) and to analyze the use of public healthcare services; a population-based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on patients with MDI in CM and data were obtained from a population-based registry (2010–2017). A total of 1101 patients were studied (49.1% women) with average age of 47.8 years; the prevalence of MDI was 14.4/100,000 inhabitants. In the women lineal regression model for hospital admissions, being in the fourth quartile of the deprivation index, was a risk factor (regression coef (rc): 0.80; 95%CI 0.25–1.37). In the overall multiple lineal regression model for primary health care (PHC) attendance, being a woman increased the probability of having a higher number of consultations (rc: 3.99; 95%CI: 3.95–5.04), as did being in the fourth quartile of the deprivation index (rc: 2.10; 95%CI: 0.58–3.63); having received influenza vaccines was a protective factor (rc: −0.46; 95%CI: −0.66–(−0.25)). The prevalence of MDI in the CM is high compared to other settings. Moreover, having any level of risk stratification of becoming ill (high, medium or low) has a positive association with increased PHC consultations and hospital admissions.
Palliative Care and Mental Health among Pancreatic Cancer Patients in the United States: An Examination of Service Utilization and Health Outcomes
Authors: Subramaniam Divya S. , Zhang Zidong , Timmer Zachary , DeMarco Elisabeth C. , Poirier Michael P. , Hinyard Leslie J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Palliative care (PC) utilization remains low among pancreatic cancer patients. This study explores the association of PC with mental health service and pharmacotherapy utilization among pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on a sample of patients in the United States with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer using Electronic Health Record data from Optum’s Integrated Claims-Clinical data set. Subsequent diagnoses of anxiety and depression and PC consultation encounters were determined using ICD-9/10 codes. Adjusted associations of mental health treatments with PC and patient characteristics were quantified using multiple logistic regression. Results: Among newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients (n = 4029), those with PC consultations exhibited a higher prevalence of anxiety (33.9% vs. 22.8%) and depression (36.2% vs. 23.2%). Mental health service use and pharmacotherapy varied, with the highest utilization among patients having both anxiety and depression. Treatment pattern was also influenced by age (aOR 1.832 for age <55 vs. 65–70 years). Notably, PC consultations showed no significant effect on the likelihood of documented treatment. Discussion: Our study emphasizes underutilization of PC and MH treatment for pancreatic cancer patients. These findings imply a crucial need for further investigation into palliative care’s role in addressing mental health concerns among pancreatic cancer patients.
Synthesis, Properties, and Electrochemistry of bis(iminophosphorane)pyridine Iron(II) Pincer Complexes
Authors: Sánchez López Nicolás , Nuñez Bahena Erick , Ryabov Alexander D. , Sutra Pierre , Igau Alain , Le Lagadec Ronan
Published: April 2024

Iron derivatives have emerged as valuable catalysts for a variety of transformations, as well as for biological and photophysical applications, and iminophosphorane can be considered an ideal ligand scaffold for modulating electronic and steric parameters in transition metal complexes. In this report, we aimed to synthesize dichloride and dibromide iron(II) complexes supported by symmetric bis(iminophosphorane)pyridine ligands, starting from readily available ferrous halides. The ease of synthesis of this class of ligands served to access several derivatives with distinct electronic and steric properties imparted by the phosphine moiety. The ligands and the resulting iron(II) complexes were characterized by 31P and 1H NMR spectroscopy and DART or ESI mass spectrometry. While none of these iron(II) complexes could be characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, suitable crystals of a µ-O bridged dinuclear iron complex bearing an iminophosphorane ligand were obtained, confirming a κ3 binding motif. The bis(iminophosphorane)pyridine ligands in the obtained iron(II) complexes are labile, as demonstrated by their facile substitution by terpyridine. Cyclic voltammetry studies revealed that the oxidation of bis(iminophosphorane)pyridine iron(II) complexes to iron(III) species is quasi-reversible, suggesting the strong thermodynamic stabilization of the iron(III) center imparted by the σ-donating iminophosphorane ligands.
Synthesis and Application Insights of New Phosphate Materials A2MnP2O7 (A = Na, K, Li) as Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Moumouche Oumaima , El Harmouchi Hammadi , Alami Safae , Ouakki Moussa , Khaoulaf Redouane , Brouzi Khalid , Ebn Touhami Mohamed , Lgaz Hassane , Harcharras Mohamed
Published: April 2024

This study comprehensively characterizes synthesized phosphate materials, specifically A2MnP2O7 (where A represents Na, K, or Li), utilizing the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy techniques. The XRD results corroborate the crystalline nature of these compounds, while the IR spectra disclose pivotal structural characteristics, including the bent geometry of the POP bridge. A significant observation is the mismatch of specific IR bands, suggesting a non-centrosymmetric arrangement in the A2MnP2O7 crystal lattice. The synthesized materials were evaluated as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel (MS) in 3 wt.% NaCl. Electrochemical assessments indicate that these materials act as mixed-type inhibitors, demonstrating high inhibition efficiencies (η%), reaching peak values of 88.3% for Na2MnP2O7, 87% for K2MnP2O7, and 86.7% for Li2MnP2O7 at a concentration of 10−3 mol/L. The study also elucidates the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters dictating the inhibition phenomena. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the surface morphology of mild steel in the presence of these inhibitors.
Point Protection with Transfluthrin against Musca domestica L. in a Semi-Field Enclosure
Authors: Aldridge Robert L. , Pagac Alexandra A. , Norris Edmund J. , Kline Daniel L. , Geden Christopher J. , Linthicum Kenneth J.
Published: April 2024

House flies are notoriously difficult to control, owing to their tendency to live in close relationships with humans and their livestock, and their rapid development of resistance to chemical controls. With this in mind, we explored an alternative chemical control, a spatial repellent to deter Musca domestica L. from points we wanted to protect (i.e., a baited trap). Our results demonstrated that the synthetic spatial repellent, transfluthrin, is effective in preventing M. domestica adults from entering protected traps for both a susceptible strain (CAR21) and a field-acquired permethrin-resistant strain (WHF; 24 h LD50 resistance ratio of 150), comprising 22% and 28% of the total number of flies collected, respectively. These results are promising and demonstrate that transfluthrin can be an effective spatial repellent to protect points of interest where needed.
A Time-Frequency Domain Mixed Attention-Based Approach for Classifying Wood-Boring Insect Feeding Vibration Signals Using a Deep Learning Model
Authors: Jiang Weizheng , Chen Zhibo , Zhang Haiyan
Published: April 2024

Wood borers, such as the emerald ash borer and holcocerus insularis staudinger, pose a significant threat to forest ecosystems, causing damage to trees and impacting biodiversity. This paper proposes a neural network for detecting and classifying wood borers based on their feeding vibration signals. We utilize piezoelectric ceramic sensors to collect drilling vibration signals and introduce a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture named Residual Mixed Domain Attention Module Network (RMAMNet).The RMAMNet employs both channel-domain attention and time-domain attention mechanisms to enhance the network’s capability to learn meaningful features. The proposed system outperforms established networks, such as ResNet and VGG, achieving a recognition accuracy of 95.34% and an F1 score of 0.95. Our findings demonstrate that RMAMNet significantly improves the accuracy of wood borer classification, indicating its potential for effective pest monitoring and classification tasks. This study provides a new perspective and technical support for the automatic detection, classification, and early warning of wood-boring pests in forestry.
Interrelations between Printing Patterns and Residual Stress in Fused Deposition Modelling for the 4D Printing of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and Wood–Plastic Composites
Authors: Huang Yerong , Löschke Sandra , Gan Yixiang , Proust Gwénaëlle
Published: April 2024

Four dimensional printing enables the advanced manufacturing of smart objects that can morph and adapt shape over time in response to stimuli such as heat. This study presents a single-material 4D printing workflow which explores the residual stress and anisotropy arising from the fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing process to create heat-triggered self-morphing objects. In particular, the study first investigates the effect of printing patterns on the residual stress of FDM-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) products. Through finite element analysis, the raster angle of printing patterns was identified as the key parameter influencing the distribution of residual stresses. Experimental investigations further reveal that the non-uniform distribution of residual stress results in the anisotropic thermal deformation of printed materials. Thus, through the design of printing patterns, FDM-printed materials can be programmed with desired built-in residual stresses and anisotropic behaviours for initiating and controlling the transformation of 4D-printed objects. Using the proposed approach, any desktop FDM printers can be turned into 4D printers to create smart objects that can self-morph into target geometries. A series of 4D printing prototypes manufactured from conventional ABS 3D printing feedstock are tested to illustrate the use and reliability of this new workflow. Additionally, the custom-made wood–plastic composite (WPC) feedstocks are explored in this study to demonstrate the transposability of the 4D printing approach.
Mechanisms of Inflammasome Activation and Involvement in Liver Disease
Authors: Baral Ananda
Published: April 2024

The liver is a multi-potent organ with important metabolic, immunological and endocrine functions. Hepatic physiology is maintained at a balanced state via the delicate actions of different liver-resident cells. Among several factors that modulate hepatic physiology, the harmony between the activity of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines is a crucial determinant. However, initiation of inflammatory activity can be detrimental if it goes unresolved, leading to severe consequences such as hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Different physiological processes can modulate the hepatic microenvironment; one such factor is a cytosolic protein complex called the inflammasome. Inflammasome activation is a consequence of the cellular encounter with pathogens or products of cellular damage. Once activated, inflammasomes promote the maturation of interleukin-1 family cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-18 via activation of caspase-1. These cytokines have a very potent role in modulating hepatic physiology. Various lines of reports suggest that inflammasome activation and IL-1 cytokines play critical roles in liver diseases, including hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis and HCC. Conversely, inhibition of inflammasome activation and/or IL-1 signaling prevents such effects. This review summarizes the mechanisms leading to inflammasome activation and the role it plays in hepatic physiology.
Comparison of Different Methods for Ancient Ship Calm Water Resistance Estimation
Authors: Rudan Smiljko , Sviličić Šimun , Munić Ivan , Cantilena Antonio Luca , Radić Rossi Irena , Lucchini Alice
Published: April 2024

The remains of ancient ships from various time periods are commonly found on land and under the sea in conditions that make it difficult to reconstruct their original form and structure. For this reason, the reconstruction should be supported by other data, such as data on similar ships, but also by certain assumptions. The results of the reconstruction are significant not only in a historical sense but are of exceptional importance when building floating replicas. Two ships, Nin 1 and Nin 2, today for promotional purposes known as Condurae Croaticae, were found in Nin (Croatia) at the end of the 1960s. They are about 8 to 10 m long, and tentatively dated to the 11th century AD, although there are indications that they could be dated two centuries later. Based on archaeological finds exhibited in the Museum of Nin Antiquities, hull line drawings were created, according to which two floating replicas were made at the end of the 1990s. Considering the problem of hogging that appeared in both ships, a new proposal for the reconstruction of the original hull lines was performed based on the available documentation. The aim of this paper is a systematic analysis of its calm water resistance. Based on the established credibility of experimental testing, a scale model (1:4 ratio) of the Nin 1 vessel is constructed and evaluated through towing tank experiments. The second approach, the CFD method, is a reliable numerical method for calm resistance estimation, but it is rarely used in the analysis of ancient ships. Finally, the widely used empirical Holtrop method is also applied, but it was developed for ships of larger dimensions and with large parts of flat bottoms and, therefore, the more appropriate Delft Hull Yacht Series method is also tested. The results obtained by applying the four mentioned methods are compared and discussed.
Aspergillus nidulans gfdB, Encoding the Hyperosmotic Stress Protein Glycerol-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase, Disrupts Osmoadaptation in Aspergillus wentii
Authors: Bodnár Veronika , Antal Károly , de Vries Ronald P. , Pócsi István , Emri Tamás
Published: April 2024

The genome of the osmophilic Aspergillus wentii, unlike that of the osmotolerant Aspergillus nidulans, contains only the gfdA, but not the gfdB, glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. Here, we studied transcriptomic changes of A. nidulans (reference strain and ΔgfdB gene deletion mutant) and A. wentii (reference strain and An-gfdB expressing mutant) elicited by high osmolarity. A. nidulans showed a canonic hyperosmotic stress response characterized by the upregulation of the trehalose and glycerol metabolism genes (including gfdB), as well as the genes of the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) map kinase pathway. The deletion of gfdB caused only negligible alterations in the transcriptome, suggesting that the glycerol metabolism was flexible enough to compensate for the missing GfdB activity in this species. A. wentii responded differently to increased osmolarity than did A. nidulans, e.g., the bulk upregulation of the glycerol and trehalose metabolism genes, along with the HOG pathway genes, was not detected. The expression of An-gfdB in A. wentii did not abolish osmophily, but it reduced growth and caused much bigger alterations in the transcriptome than did the missing gfdB gene in A. nidulans. Flexible glycerol metabolism and hence, two differently regulated gfd genes, may be more beneficial for osmotolerant (living under changing osmolarity) than for osmophilic (living under constantly high osmolarity) species.
Planning for Deer-Hunting Management at the Local and Regional Scales: Reconciling Economic, Social and Ecological Functions
Authors: Bicho Cláudio , Machado Rui , Alpizar-Jara Russell , Santos Pedro
Published: April 2024

Game species with home ranges exceeding the area of the management units may entail conflicts over hunting rights and cause damage to crops and forest stands in surrounding areas. This is currently the case in the Mendro Mountain Range (Portugal), inhabited by free-ranging red (Cervus elaphus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) populations. This study’s primary goal was to uncover the processes underlying these tensions and identify solutions to overcome them, thus reconciling the economic, social, and ecological functions of hunting. We analyzed data from three different sources of information regarding the surveyed management units: biophysical and anthropical spatial data collected using a GIS; typology, whether fenced, area and game bag results, data provided by a public institute; crop and forest damage locations reported by game managers. Approximately half of the surveyed open management units reported damage. We found no relationship between damage and game bag results, regardless of the typology and habitat quality index. To address this disconnection between the negative and positive values associated with deer locally, we proposed habitat management solutions. It is of chief importance to keep valuable crops apart from deer’s refuge cover, such as bushy areas, to minimize damage in management units where deer hunting is a subsidiary activity. Conversely, in management units where deer hunting is of significant economic importance, the food and refuge cover should be closely interspersed to increase the management unit’s carrying capacity. To improve the efficacy of measures such as this at a regional scale, as in the Mendro Mountain Range, we recommend implementing a so-called Global Management Plan. In Portuguese law, this governance instrument applies to the entire biologic unit where the deer populations occur, thus implying arrangements between the involved stakeholders and multiple other concerned institutions.
Study on the Impact of Carbon Emission Trading Pilot on Green Land Use Efficiency in Cities
Authors: Xu Luyao , Sun Hui
Published: April 2024

Under the overarching principle of sustainability, the reliance solely on expanding the landmass to meet the demand for high-quality economic growth is unsustainable. To address the need for harmonious ecological–economic development, this paper examines the influence of carbon emissions trading (CET) policies on the urban land green utilization efficiency (LGUE) from an environmental regulation perspective. Harnessing municipal panel data from 278 cities across China between 2011 and 2020, the study initially employs a super-efficient SBM model to estimate the urban LGUE. Further, a progressive difference-in-differences methodology is utilized to delve into CET’s impact on the LGUE. The main results are as follows. (1) Through the visual analysis of the time–space evolution trend, the LGUE displays pronounced spatial agglomeration, with the LGUE values being higher in the central and western regions compared to the east, and in the south versus the north. Over time, it follows a “U-shaped” change pattern. (2) The CET policy exerts a statistically significant positive influence on the LGUE, although this effect is accompanied by a temporal lag. Following a number of approaches to validate the results, the impact remains significant. (3) Regarding the heterogenous effects, the CET policy appears to have a greater impact on resource-based cities and those in the eastern part of China relative to non-resource-based and central–western cities. This research offers empirical evidence and countermeasure recommendations for the further refinement of the CET policy to enhance the urban LGUE.
Impact of Nature of Medical Data on Machine and Deep Learning for Imbalanced Datasets: Clinical Validity of SMOTE Is Questionable
Authors: Gholampour Seifollah
Published: April 2024

Dataset imbalances pose a significant challenge to predictive modeling in both medical and financial domains, where conventional strategies, including resampling and algorithmic modifications, often fail to adequately address minority class underrepresentation. This study theoretically and practically investigates how the inherent nature of medical data affects the classification of minority classes. It employs ten machine and deep learning classifiers, ranging from ensemble learners to cost-sensitive algorithms, across comparably sized medical and financial datasets. Despite these efforts, none of the classifiers achieved effective classification of the minority class in the medical dataset, with sensitivity below 5.0% and area under the curve (AUC) below 57.0%. In contrast, the similar classifiers applied to the financial dataset demonstrated strong discriminative power, with overall accuracy exceeding 95.0%, sensitivity over 73.0%, and AUC above 96.0%. This disparity underscores the unpredictable variability inherent in the nature of medical data, as exemplified by the dispersed and homogeneous distribution of the minority class among other classes in principal component analysis (PCA) graphs. The application of the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) introduced 62 synthetic patients based on merely 20 original cases, casting doubt on its clinical validity and the representation of real-world patient variability. Furthermore, post-SMOTE feature importance analysis, utilizing SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and tree-based methods, contradicted established cerebral stroke parameters, further questioning the clinical coherence of synthetic dataset augmentation. These findings call into question the clinical validity of the SMOTE technique and underscore the urgent need for advanced modeling techniques and algorithmic innovations for predicting minority-class outcomes in medical datasets without depending on resampling strategies. This approach underscores the importance of developing methods that are not only theoretically robust but also clinically relevant and applicable to real-world clinical scenarios. Consequently, this study underscores the importance of future research efforts to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and the practical, clinical applications of models like SMOTE in healthcare.
Asymptotic and Oscillatory Properties of Third-Order Differential Equations with Multiple Delays in the Noncanonical Case
Authors: Alrashdi Hail S. , Moaaz Osama , Alqawasmi Khaled , Kanan Mohammad , Zakarya Mohammed , Elabbasy Elmetwally M.
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the asymptotic and oscillatory properties of a distinctive class of third-order linear differential equations characterized by multiple delays in a noncanonical case. Employing the comparative method and the Riccati method, we introduce the novel and rigorous criteria to discern whether the solutions of the examined equation exhibit oscillatory behavior or tend toward zero. Our study contributes to the existing literature by presenting theories that extend and refine the understanding of these properties in the specified context. To validate our findings and demonstrate their applicability in a general setting, we offer two illustrative examples, affirming the robustness and validity of our proposed criteria.
Study on Al Evaporation during AlV55 Melting and Alloy Preparation
Authors: Sun Bin , Wan Heli , Xu Baoqiang , Lei Xianjun , Li Lanjie
Published: April 2024

Vacuum induction melting is a commonly used method for preparing AlV55 alloys. However, this method results in high Al evaporation losses, leading to poor cost control. Moreover, the influence of the process parameters on the alloy composition remains unclear. In this study, the evaporation pattern of Al in the melting and preparation processes of AlV55 alloys is studied, and measures for controlling the system pressure are proposed to effectively reduce Al evaporation. The experimental results show that smelting under an Ar gas atmosphere of 2000 Pa can reduce the evaporation loss of Al from 11.48% under vacuum conditions (60 Pa) to 0.58% of the amount of raw material added, effectively improving the metal utilization rate and reducing production costs. The influence of various process parameters on the alloy composition and Al volatilization are investigated to enable the effective control of the compositional uniformity and impurity content of the resulting alloys. Under optimal conditions, the impurity contents of C, O, and N are 0.03%, 0.0073%, and 0.013%, respectively; this reduces the amount of Al lost by evaporation compared to conventional methods, and the alloy produced meets commercial standards.
Mechanical Properties of Interfaces between Mg and SiC: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Yao Zhipeng , Nasiri Samaneh , Yang Mingjun , Zaiser Michael
Published: April 2024

Covalently bonded particles may exhibit extremely high strength, but their performance in the reinforcement of metal alloys crucially depends on the properties of their interfaces with the embedding matrix. Here, density functional theory is used for investigating a range of interface configurations between magnesium and silicon carbide in view of their mechanical properties. Interfaces are analyzed not only in terms of interface energy/work of separation but also in terms of the interfacial shear stresses required to induce interface-parallel displacements. These properties are studied for bilayer systems with different orientations of the Mg and SiC layers and for different terminations of the SiC layer (Si or C atoms located at the interface). The results are discussed in terms of their implication for mechanical behavior of SiC reinforced Mg alloys.
Combined Metabolomics and Biochemical Analyses of Serum and Milk Revealed Parity-Related Metabolic Differences in Sanhe Dairy Cattle
Authors: Liu Zixin , Jiang Aoyu , Lv Xiaokang , Fan Dingkun , Chen Qingqing , Wu Yicheng , Zhou Chuanshe , Tan Zhiliang
Published: April 2024

The production performance of dairy cattle is closely related to their metabolic state. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the production performance and metabolic features of Sanhe dairy cattle across different parities, with a specific focus on evaluating variations in milk traits and metabolites in both milk and serum. Sanhe dairy cattle from parities 1 to 4 (S1, n = 10; S2, n = 9; S3, n = 10; and S4, n = 10) at mid-lactation were maintained under the same feeding and management conditions. The milk traits, hydrolyzed milk amino acid levels, serum biochemical parameters, and serum free amino acid levels of the Sanhe dairy cattle were determined. Multiparous Sanhe dairy cattle (S2, S3, and S4) had a greater milk protein content, lower milk lactose content, and lower solids-not-fat content than primiparous Sanhe dairy cattle (S1). Moreover, S1 had a higher ratio of essential to total amino acids (EAAs/TAAs) in both the serum and milk. The serum biochemical results showed the lower glucose and total protein levels in S1 cattle were associated with milk quality. Furthermore, ultra-high-resolution high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem MS analysis (UPLC-MS/MS) identified 86 and 105 differential metabolites in the serum and milk, respectively, and these were mainly involved in amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. S1 and S2/S3/S4 had significantly different metabolic patterns in the serum and milk, and more vitamin B-related metabolites were significantly higher identified in S1 than in multiparous cattle. Among 36 shared differential metabolites in the serum and milk, 10 and 7 metabolites were significantly and strongly correlated with differential physiological indices, respectively. The differential metabolites identified were enriched in key metabolic pathways, illustrating the metabolic characteristics of the serum and milk from Sanhe dairy cattle of different parities. L-phenylalanine, dehydroepiandrosterone, and linoleic acid in the milk and N-acetylornithine in the serum could be used as potential marker metabolites to distinguish between Sanhe dairy cattle with parities of 1–4. In addition, a metabolic map of the serum and milk from the three aspects of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids was created for the further analysis and exploration of their relationships. These results reveal significant variations in milk traits and metabolites across different parities of Sanhe dairy cattle, highlighting the influence of parity on the metabolic profiles and production performance. Tailored nutritional strategies based on parity-specific metabolic profiles are recommended to optimize milk production and quality in Sanhe cattle.
Difference in the Effect of Applying Bacillus to Control Tomato Verticillium Wilt in Black and Red Soil
Authors: Guo Zhenhua , Lu Ziyu , Liu Zhongwang , Zhou Wei , Yang Shuangyu , Lv Jiayan , Wei Mi
Published: April 2024

In practical applications, the effectiveness of biological control agents such as Bacillus is often unstable due to different soil environments. Herein, we aimed to explore the control effect and intrinsic mechanism of Bacillus in black soil and red soil in combination with tomato Verticillium wilt. Bacillus application effectively controlled the occurrence of Verticillium wilt in red soil, reducing the incidence by 19.83%, but played a limited role in black soil. Bacillus colonized red soil more efficiently. The Verticillium pathogen decreased by 71.13% and 76.09% after the application of Bacillus combinations in the rhizosphere and bulk of the red soil, respectively, while there was no significant difference in the black soil. Additionally, Bacillus application to red soil significantly promoted phosphorus absorption. Furthermore, it significantly altered the bacterial community in red soil and enriched genes related to pathogen antagonism and phosphorus activation, which jointly participated in soil nutrient activation and disease prevention, promoting tomato plant growth in red soil. This study revealed that the shaping of the bacterial community by native soil may be the key factor affecting the colonization and function of exogenous Bacillus.
Calibrating the Digital Twin of a Laboratory Ball Mill for Copper Ore Milling: Integrating Computer Vision and Discrete Element Method and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (DEM-SPH) Simulations
Authors: Doroszuk Błażej , Bortnowski Piotr , Ozdoba Maksymilian , Król Robert
Published: April 2024

This article presents a novel approach to calibrating the digital twin of a laboratory mill used for copper ore milling. By integrating computer vision techniques for real-time data extraction and employing DualSPHysics simulations for various milling scenarios, including balls only, balls with ore, and balls with slurry, we achieve a high degree of accuracy in matching the digital twin’s behavior with actual mill operations. The calibration process is detailed for mills with three different diameters, highlighting the adjustments in simulation parameters necessary to account for the absence of ore. Understanding the dynamics between the suspension within the mill and the operation of the grinders is crucial for the future improvement of the grinding process. This knowledge paves the way for optimizing the process, not only in terms of the quality of the end product but primarily in terms of energy efficiency. A profound understanding of these interactions will enable engineers and technologists to design mills and grinding processes in a way that maximizes efficiency while minimizing energy consumption.
Petrogenesis of the Newly Discovered Neoproterozoic Adakitic Rock in Bure Area, Western Ethiopia Shield: Implication for the Pan-African Tectonic Evolution
Authors: Jiang Junsheng , Xiang Wenshuai , Hu Peng , Li Yulin , Wu Fafu , Zeng Guoping , Guo Xinran , Zhang Zicheng , Bai Yang
Published: April 2024

The Neoproterozoic Bure adakitic rock in the western Ethiopia shield is a newly discovered magmatic rock type. However, the physicochemical conditions during its formation, and its source characteristics are still not clear, restricting a full understanding of its petrogenesis and geodynamic evolution. In this study, in order to shed light on the physicochemical conditions during rock formation and provide further constraints on the petrogenesis of the Bure adakitic rock, we conduct electron microprobe analysis on K-feldspar, plagioclase, and biotite. Additionally, we investigate the trace elements and Hf isotopes of zircon, and the Sr-Nd isotopes of the whole rock. The results show that the K-feldspar is orthoclase (Or = 89.08~96.37), the plagioclase is oligoclase (Ab = 74.63~85.99), and the biotite is magnesio-biotite. Based on the biotite analysis results, we calculate that the pressure during rock formation was 1.75~2.81 kbar (average value of 2.09 kbar), representing a depth of approximately 6.39~10.2 km (average value of 7.60 km). The zircon thermometer yields a crystallization temperature of 659~814 °C. Most of the (Ce/Ce*)D values in the zircons plotted above the Ni-NiO oxygen buffer pair, and the calculated magmatic oxygen fugacity (logfO2) values vary from −18.5 to −4.9, revealing a relatively high magma oxygen fugacity. The uniform contents of FeO, MgO, and K2O in the biotite suggest a crustal magma source for the Bure adakitic rock. The relatively low (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.70088 to 0.70275, positive εNd(t) values of 3.26 to 7.28, together with the positive εHf(t) values of 7.64~12.99, suggest that the magma was sourced from a Neoproterozoic juvenile crust, with no discernable involvement of a pre-Neoproterozoic continental crust, which is coeval with early magmatic stages in the Arabian Nubian Shield elsewhere. Additionally, the mean Nd model ages demonstrate an increasing trend from the northern parts (Egypt, Sudan, Afif terrane of Arabia, and Eritrea and northern Ethiopia; 0.87 Ga) to the central parts (Western Ethiopia shield; 1.03 Ga) and southern parts (Southern Ethiopia Shield, 1.13 Ga; Kenya, 1.2 Ga) of the East African Orogen, which indicate an increasing contribution of pre-Pan-African crust towards the southern part of the East African Orogen. Based on the negative correlation between MgO and Al2O3 in the biotite, together with the Lu/Hf-Y and Yb-Y results of the zircon, we infer that the Bure adakitic rock was formed in an arc–arc collision orogenic environment. Combining this inference with the whole rock geochemistry and U-Pb age of the Bure adakitic rock, we further propose that the rock is the product of thickened juvenile crust melting triggered by the Neoproterozoic Pan-African Orogeny.
Process Optimization of Tinospora cordifolia Extract-Loaded Water in Oil Nanoemulsion Developed by Ultrasound-Assisted Homogenization
Authors: Anjum Varisha , Bagale Uday , Kadi Ammar , Malinin Artem , Potoroko Irina , Alharbi Amal H. , Khafaga Doaa Sami , AlMetwally Marawa , Qenawy Al-Seyday T. , Anjum Areefa , Ali Faraat
Published: April 2024

Nanoemulsions are gaining interest in a variety of products as a means of integrating easily degradable bioactive compounds, preserving them from oxidation, and increasing their bioavailability. However, preparing stable emulsion compositions with the desired characteristics is a difficult task. The aim of this study was to encapsulate the Tinospora cordifolia aqueous extract (TCAE) into a water in oil (W/O) nanoemulsion and identify its critical process and formulation variables, like oil (27–29.4 mL), the surfactant concentration (0.6–3 mL), and sonication amplitude (40% to 100%), using response surface methodology (RSM). The responses of this formulation were studied with an analysis of the particle size (PS), free fatty acids (FFAs), and encapsulation efficiency (EE). In between, we have studied a fishbone diagram that was used to measure risk and preliminary research. The optimized condition for the formation of a stable nanoemulsion using quality by design was surfactant (2.43 mL), oil concentration (27.61 mL), and sonication amplitude (88.6%), providing a PS of 171.62 nm, FFA content of 0.86 meq/kg oil and viscosity of 0.597 Pa.s for the blank sample compared to the enriched TCAE nanoemulsion with a PS of 243.60 nm, FFA content of 0.27 meq/kg oil and viscosity of 0.22 Pa.s. The EE increases with increasing concentrations of TCAE, from 56.88% to 85.45%. The RSM response demonstrated that both composition variables had a considerable impact on the properties of the W/O nanoemulsion. Furthermore, after the storage time, the enriched TCAE nanoemulsion showed better stability over the blank nanoemulsion, specially the FFAs, and the blank increased from 0.142 to 1.22 meq/kg oil, while TCAE showed 0.266 to 0.82 meq/kg.
Novel JAK Inhibitors to Reduce Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in a Preclinical Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Sena , Ruminski Peter , Singh Megh , Staser Karl , Ashami Kidist , Ritchey Julie , Lim Sora , DiPersio John F. , Choi Jaebok
Published: April 2024

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a highly effective, well-established treatment for patients with various hematologic malignancies and non-malignant diseases. The therapeutic benefits of allo-HCT are mediated by alloreactive T cells in donor grafts. However, there is a significant risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), in which the donor T cells recognize recipient cells as foreign and attack healthy organs in addition to malignancies. We previously demonstrated that targeting JAK1/JAK2, mediators of interferon-gamma receptor (IFNGR) and IL-6 receptor signaling, in donor T cells using baricitinib and ruxolitinib results in a significant reduction in GvHD after allo-HCT. Furthermore, we showed that balanced inhibition of JAK1/JAK2 while sparing JAK3 is important for the optimal prevention of GvHD. Thus, we have generated novel JAK1/JAK2 inhibitors, termed WU derivatives, by modifying baricitinib. Our results show that WU derivatives have the potential to mitigate GvHD by upregulating regulatory T cells and immune reconstitution while reducing the frequencies of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and CD80 expression on these APCs in our preclinical mouse model of allo-HCT. In addition, WU derivatives effectively downregulated CXCR3 and T-bet in primary murine T cells. In summary, we have generated novel JAK inhibitors that could serve as alternatives to baricitinib or ruxolitinib.
Investigation of the Absorption Spectrum of InAs Doping Superlattice Solar Cells
Authors: Peng Ruiqin , Su Wenkang , Yu Zhiguo , Cao Jiamu , Jiang Dongwei , Wang Dongbo , Jiao Shujie
Published: April 2024

InAs doping superlattice-based solar cells have great advantages in terms of the ability to generate clean energy in space or harsh environments. In this paper, multi-period InAs doping superlattice solar cells have been prepared.. Current density–voltage measurements were taken both in the dark and light, and the short-circuit current was estimated to be 19.06 mA/cm2. Efficiency improvements were achieved with a maximum one sun AM 1.5 G efficiency of 4.14%. Additionally, external quantum efficiency and photoluminescence with different temperature-dependent test results were taken experimentally. The corresponding absorption mechanisms were also investigated.
Cold Plasma Deposition of Tobramycin as an Approach to Localized Antibiotic Delivery to Combat Biofilm Formation
Authors: Olayiwola Beatrice , O’Neill Fiona , Frewen Chloe , Kavanagh Darren F. , O’Hara Rosemary , O’Neill Liam
Published: April 2024

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a significant factor in hospitals, with implant surfaces often becoming contaminated by highly resistant strains of bacteria. Recent studies have shown that electrical plasma discharges can reduce bacterial load on surfaces, and this approach may help augment traditional antibiotic treatments. To investigate this, a cold atmospheric plasma was used to deposit tobramycin sulphate onto various surfaces, and the bacterial growth rate of K. pneumoniae in its planktonic and biofilm form was observed to probe the interactions between the plasma discharge and the antibiotic and to determine if there were any synergistic effects on the growth rate. The plasma-deposited tobramycin was still active after passing through the plasma field and being deposited onto titanium or polystyrene. This led to the significant inhibition of K. pneumoniae, with predictable antibiotic dose dependence. Separate studies have shown that the plasma treatment of the biofilm had a weak antimicrobial effect and reduced the amount of biofilm by around 50%. Combining a plasma pre-treatment on exposed biofilm followed by deposited tobramycin application proved to be somewhat effective in further reducing biofilm growth. The plasma discharge pre-treatment produced a further reduction in the biofilm load beyond that expected from just the antibiotic alone. However, the effect was not additive, and the results suggest that a complex interaction between plasma and antibiotic may be at play, with increasing plasma power producing a non-linear effect. This study may contribute to the treatment of infected surgical sites, with the coating of biomaterial surfaces with antibiotics reducing overall antibiotic use through the targeted delivery of therapeutics.
Association of Receipt of Opioid Prescription for Acute Post-Delivery Pain Management with Buprenorphine Discontinuation among Postpartum People with Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Hallet Taylor N. , Zhu David T. , Shadowen Hannah , Thumma Lillia , Marcus Madison M. , Salisbury Amy , Martin Caitlin E.
Published: April 2024

Buprenorphine is a safe and effective medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnant patients and is intended to be continued throughout pregnancy, delivery, and at least the one-year postpartum period. However, delivery often involves the need for acute pain management with opioid medications, such as after a cesarean section. For patients receiving buprenorphine, the provision of prescription opioids may negatively impact OUD treatment outcomes; however, not optimally managing acute pain may also impede OUD treatment benefit. Evidence is needed to disentangle the impacts of opioid prescription provision and methods of pain management in the immediate postpartum period on OUD treatment trajectories, ultimately to inform clinical guidelines tailored to the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum people receiving buprenorphine. Accordingly, this study took an initial step towards this goal to conduct a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of pregnant patients taking buprenorphine for OUD at the time of delivery (n = 142) to determine whether receipt of an opioid prescription at birth hospitalization discharge was associated with the time of buprenorphine discontinuation within the 12 months following delivery. Among the sample, 26% (n = 37) were prescribed an opioid at the time of birth hospitalization discharge. The number of weeks post-delivery until buprenorphine discontinuation occurred was shorter amongst patients who were prescribed an opioid (median 11 weeks) compared to patients who were not prescribed an opioid (median 39 weeks; p < 0.001 by Mann–Whitney U test). However, a Cox regression model reported that receipt of an opioid prescription following delivery did not significantly increase the hazard ratio for buprenorphine discontinuation. In other words, OUD patients not prescribed an opioid at birth hospitalization discharge continued their buprenorphine for a longer median duration after delivery compared to their counterparts who received prescription opioids; yet, this finding did not reach statistical significance when taking into account additional clinical variables. The findings indicate how further research is warranted to inform evidence-based post-delivery pain practices for postpartum OUD treatment patients.