bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for insulin resistance related to polycystic ovarian syndrome in Iranian population
Authors: Mansour Asieh , Mirahmad Maryam , Mohajeri-Tehrani Mohammad Reza , Jamalizadeh Mahdieh , Hosseinimousa Sedigheh , Rashidi Fatemeh , Asili Pooria , Sajjadi-Jazi Sayed Mahmoud
Published: June 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has significant metabolic sequelae linked to insulin resistance. This study aimed to compare clinical, metabolic, and hormonal characteristics of PCOS women with and without insulin resistance. The second aim was to compare the clinico-biochemical profiles of the various PCOS phenotypes. In this cross-sectional secondary analysis, we combined the baseline data from two separate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in women diagnosed with PCOS. PCOS patients were categorized into the four Rotterdam PCOS phenotypes according to the presence of at least two criteria of oligomenorrhea/anovulation (O), hyperandrogenism (H), and polycystic ovary morphology (P): O–H–P, H–P, O–H, and O–P. Participants were categorized into two groups according to the homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels: < 3.46, and ≥ 3.46. The correlation between the HOMA-IR and biometric, clinical, and biochemical variables was assessed in normal weight (BMI < 25) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25) PCOS women. Then, the association between PCOS phenotypes and insulin resistance was investigated using logistic regression analysis. A total of 125 PCOS patients aged 18–40 years were included in the present study. Based on our results, the HOMA-IR index was positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure, free androgen index, and triglycerides levels; and negatively correlated with sex hormone-binding globulin in overweight/obese PCOS women. In addition, the HOMA-IR index was found to be positively correlated with alanine transaminase and negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure in normal weight PCOS women. Moreover, individuals with O–H–P phenotype (odds ratio [OR] 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–6.24) had about two-fold increased risk of insulin resistance. In conclusion, the full-blown PCOS (O–H–P) phenotype has an increased risk of insulin resistance. Accordingly, phenotype division may help physicians to predict adverse metabolic outcomes.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals distinct adaptive molecular mechanism in the hippocampal CA3 from rats susceptible or not-susceptible to hyperthermia-induced seizures
Authors: Bando Silvia Y. , Bertonha Fernanda B. , Menezes Pedro H. N. , Takahara André K. , Khaled Nathália A. , Santos Paula , S. Junqueira Mara , Cesar Roberto M. , Moreira-Filho Carlos A.
Published: June 2023

Febrile seizures during early childhood are a relevant risk factor for the development of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism induced by febrile seizures that render the brain susceptible or not-susceptible to epileptogenesis remain poorly understood. Because the temporal investigation of such mechanisms in human patients is impossible, rat models of hyperthermia-induced febrile seizures have been used for that purpose. Here we conducted a temporal analysis of the transcriptomic and microRNA changes in the ventral CA3 of rats that develop (HS group) or not-develop (HNS group) seizures after hyperthermic insult on the eleventh postnatal day. The selected time intervals corresponded to acute, latent, and chronic phases of the disease. We found that the transcriptional differences between the HS and the HNS groups are related to inflammatory pathways, immune response, neurogenesis, and dendritogenesis in the latent and chronic phases. Additionally, the HNS group expressed a greater number of miRNAs (some abundantly expressed) as compared to the HS group. These results indicate that HNS rats were able to modulate their inflammatory response after insult, thus presenting better tissue repair and re-adaptation. Potential therapeutic targets, including genes, miRNAs and signaling pathways involved in epileptogenesis were identified.
Global risk assessment of compound hot-dry events in the context of future climate change and socioeconomic factors
Authors: Tabari Hossein , Willems Patrick
Published: June 2023

Compound hot-dry events have the potential to cause significant damages and propel socioeconomic systems towards tipping points by overwhelming the ability of natural and human systems to cope with the combined stressors. As climate change continues to alter hazard patterns, the impacts of these events will be further compounded by changes in exposure and vulnerability. However, the future risk of these events and the role of these components remain poorly understood. Using a multimodel ensemble, we find that by the end of the 21st century, an additional 0.7–1.7 billion people globally will be exposed to amplified compound events, depending on the scenarios. Additionally, the cropland exposure to these events is projected to increase by 2–5.7 million km². Our findings also suggest that countries with weak governance will experience a twice larger increase in the risk of compound events than those with good governance. This underscores the importance of effective governance in mitigating and managing the escalating risks of compound events.
A two-stage strategy for upcycling chlorine-contaminated plastic waste
Authors: Kots Pavel A. , Vance Brandon C. , Quinn Caitlin M. , Wang Cong , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: June 2023

Chemical upcycling of polyolefin plastic waste to lubricant, wax and fuel-range hydrocarbons over metal-based catalysts is a crucial technological solution to the enormous environmental threat posed by plastic waste. However, currently available methods are incompatible with chlorine-contaminated feedstocks. Here we report a two-stage strategy for upcycling chlorine-contaminated polypropylene. First, magnesia–alumina mixed oxide at 30 bar H2 and 250 °C serves as a chlorine trap by rapidly forming solid chloride, resulting in nearly complete chlorine extraction from the polyolefin melt. This enables the upcycling of plastic waste with up to 10% polyvinyl chloride content to lubricants over ruthenium-based catalysts, in the second stage. The strategy is also applicable to chlorinated aromatics and alkanes. The proposed strategy renders hydrocracking and hydrogenolysis catalysts less sensitive to the chlorine impurities in feedstocks while eliminating HCl emissions and chlorine contamination in products. It could incentivize further progress in plastics upcycling.
Maturational networks of human fetal brain activity reveal emerging connectivity patterns prior to ex-utero exposure
Authors: Karolis Vyacheslav R. , Fitzgibbon Sean P. , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , Farahibozorg Seyedeh-Rezvan , Price Anthony N. , Hughes Emer J. , Fetit Ahmed E. , Kyriakopoulou Vanessa , Pietsch Maximilian , Rutherford Mary A. , Rueckert Daniel , Hajnal Joseph V. , Edwards A. David , O’Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Duff Eugene P. , Arichi Tomoki
Published: June 2023

A key feature of the fetal period is the rapid emergence of organised patterns of spontaneous brain activity. However, characterising this process in utero using functional MRI is inherently challenging and requires analytical methods which can capture the constituent developmental transformations. Here, we introduce a novel analytical framework, termed “maturational networks” (matnets), that achieves this by modelling functional networks as an emerging property of the developing brain. Compared to standard network analysis methods that assume consistent patterns of connectivity across development, our method incorporates age-related changes in connectivity directly into network estimation. We test its performance in a large neonatal sample, finding that the matnets approach characterises adult-like features of functional network architecture with a greater specificity than a standard group-ICA approach; for example, our approach is able to identify a nearly complete default mode network. In the in-utero brain, matnets enables us to reveal the richness of emerging functional connections and the hierarchy of their maturational relationships with remarkable anatomical specificity. We show that the associative areas play a central role within prenatal functional architecture, therefore indicating that functional connections of high-level associative areas start emerging prior to exposure to the extra-utero environment.
miR-27b targets MAIP1 to mediate lipid accumulation in cultured human and mouse hepatic cells
Authors: Sakai Eiko , Imaizumi Tsutomu , Suzuki Ruruka , Taracena-Gándara Marcos , Fujimoto Toshiki , Sakurai Fuminori , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki
Published: June 2023

Non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver and developed via multiple pathways. miR-27b has been suggested to play crucial roles in the development of NAFLD, assuming via targeting genes involved in lipid catabolism and anabolism. However, other pathways regulated by miR-27b are largely unknown. Here we show that lipid accumulation was induced in miR-27b–transfected human and mouse hepatic cells and that knockdowns of three miR-27b–target genes, β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 3 (B4GALT3), matrix AAA peptidase interacting protein 1 (MAIP1) and PH domain and leucine rich repeat protein phosphatase 2 (PHLPP2), induced lipid accumulation. We also show that B4GALT3 and MAIP1 were direct targets of miR-27b and overexpression of MAIP1 ameliorated miR-27b−induced lipid accumulation. In addition, we show that hepatic Maip1 expression declined in mice fed a high-fat diet, suggesting the involvement of decreased Maip1 expression in the condition of fatty liver. Overall, we identified MAIP1/miR-27b axis as a mediator of hepatic lipid accumulation, a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD.
Rising vulnerability of compound risk inequality to ageing and extreme heatwave exposure in global cities
Authors: Chen Mingxing , Chen Liangkan , Zhou Yuan , Hu Maogui , Jiang Yanpeng , Huang Dapeng , Gong Yinghua , Xian Yue
Published: June 2023

Continued warming trends lead to an increasing risk of exposure to extreme heatwaves, which threaten the health of urban residents, especially the ageing population. Here, we project the spatiotemporal trend of future exposure risk across 9188 global urban settlements between 2020 and 2100 under the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios. Results show that urban heatwave exposure risk increases by 619% and 1740% for SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, respectively, and by 1642% to 5529% for the elderly. Notably, 69% of the elderly exposure risk comes from middle-income countries, where the increasing trend on the regional average is 1.2 times higher than that of high-income countries. There is an increasing trend towards greater concentration on large cities, especially in low- and lower-middle-income countries. In high-income countries, climate effects contribute 39% to 58% of increasing exposure for elderly individuals, whereas ageing effects play more prominent role in lower-income countries. This emphasizes the disproportionately higher heat-related burden for elderly individuals and inequitable trends in lower income countries. Understanding the vulnerable and priority regions in future heatwave exposure will inform adaptation strategies to support urban climate-resilient development.
Large obliquity-paced Antarctic ice-volume fluctuations suggest melting by atmospheric and ocean warming during late Oligocene
Authors: Brzelinski Swaantje , Bornemann André , Liebrand Diederik , van Peer Tim E. , Wilson Paul A. , Friedrich Oliver
Published: June 2023

The late Oligocene (~27.8–23 My ago) offers an opportunity to study past climate variability under high-CO2, warmer-than-present and the unipolar (Antarctic) glaciated state. Here, we present new high-resolution geochemical records from exquisitely well-preserved benthic foraminifera for the late Oligocene, an interval for which Antarctic ice-sheet size and stability are debated. Our records indicate four obliquity-paced glacial-interglacial cycles with ice-volume changes of up to ~70% of the modern Antarctic ice-sheet. The amplitude of ice-volume change during these late Oligocene glacial-interglacial cycles is comparable to that of the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene. Ice-volume estimates for interglacials are small enough to be accommodated by a land-based Antarctic ice-sheet but, for three of the four glacials studied, our calculations imply that ice sheets likely advanced beyond the Antarctic coastline onto the shelves. Our findings suggest an Antarctic ice-sheet vulnerable to melting driven by both bottom-up (ocean) and top-down (atmospheric) warming under late Oligocene warmer-than-present climate conditions.
Relationship between 233 colorectal cancer risk loci and survival in 1926 patients with advanced disease
Authors: Wills Christopher , Houseman Amy , Watts Katie , Maughan Timothy S. , Fisher David , Houlston Richard S. , West Hannah D. , Escott-Price Valentina , Cheadle Jeremy P.
Published: June 2023

Background

Genome, transcriptome and methylome-wide association studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or genes at 258 loci associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. We studied the relationship between these and patient outcome.

Methods

We studied 1926 unrelated patients with advanced CRC from COIN and COIN-B. Of 205 CRC-risk SNPs, 19 were directly genotyped and 162 were imputed, and of 53 risk genes, 52 were tested. An additive Cox model for overall survival was adjusted for known prognostic factors. For nominally significant SNPs or genes, we considered a recessive model with a Bonferroni corrected threshold of P = 2.1 × 10−4. We examined SNPs as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and the relationship between gene expression in colorectal tumours and survival in 597 unrelated patients.

Results

Eleven SNPs or genes were nominally associated with survival under an additive model. Only rs117079142 mapping to UTP23 and EIF3H (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 2.79, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] = 1.70–4.58, P = 4.7 × 10−5) and rs9924886 mapping to CDH1 and CDH3 (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.12–1.38, P = 5.2 × 10−5) passed the multiple testing threshold under a recessive model. rs117079142 was an eQTL for UTP23 and rs9924886 for CDH1, CDH3 and ZFP90. Decreased CDH1 expression in CRCs was associated with worse survival (HR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.3–3.5, P = 1.8 × 10−3).

Conclusion

rs117079142 and rs9924886 may represent potential prognostic biomarkers for CRC.
Trans-palmitoleic acid, a dairy fat biomarker, stimulates insulin secretion and activates G protein-coupled receptors with a different mechanism from the cis isomer
Authors: Korkus Eliza , Szustak Marcin , Madaj Rafal , Chworos Arkadiusz , Drzazga Anna , Koziołkiewicz Maria , Dąbrowski Grzegorz , Czaplicki Sylwester , Konopka Iwona , Gendaszewska-Darmach Edyta
Published: June 2023

Trans- and cis palmitoleic acids stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells with a similar potency. Both isomers activate GPR40, GPR55, GPR119, and GPR120 receptors with similar potency but with activation of different signaling pathways.
N-Fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) analogs with deprotectable substituents: synthesis of β-fluoroamines via catalytic aminofluorination of styrenes
Authors: Ito Yuki , Adachi Akiya , Aikawa Kohsuke , Nozaki Kyoko , Okazoe Takashi
Published: June 2023

The catalytic aminofluorination of styrenes using novel N–F reagents with deprotectable substituents, and the selective deprotection of the resulting products are disclosed.
Low-energy electron interaction with 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid, a potential component for EUVL resist material
Authors: Tafrishi Reza , Torres-Diaz Daniela , Amiaud Lionel , Lafosse Anne , Ingólfsson Oddur
Published: June 2023

Low energy electron-induced fragmentation of 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid a potential component of extreme ultraviolet lithography resist materials.
Performance improvement of three-body radiative diodes driven by graphene surface plasmon polaritons
Authors: He Ming-Jian , Guo Xue , Qi Hong , Zheng Zhi-Heng , Antezza Mauro , Tan He-Ping
Published: June 2023

A graphene-assisted radiative thermal diode is proposed based on the three-body system. The performance of the thermal diode is found to be significantly improved by graphene, which is attributed to the coupling between graphene and the phase transition material.
Theoretical microwave spectra of interstellar nitrogen-containing PAHs
Authors: Vats Akant , Srivastav Satyam , Pandey Anshika , Pathak Amit
Published: June 2023

Rotational spectra of endo N-, and NH-naphthalene (C10H8) at 5, 100 and 300 K temperatures.
Ceria crystal facet impact for methane C–H activation in Pd/CeO2 catalysts
Authors: Yang Kewu , Wang Ke , Shen Xianfeng , Zhang Fanxing , Huang Bei , Yan Keping , Shi Yao , He Yi , Xie Pengfei
Published: June 2023

Pd supported on CeO2 with different morphologies was examined to investigate the impacts of ceria crystal facets for CH4 combustion in Pd/CeO2 catalysts.
Neuroprotective effects of dietary plants and phytochemicals against radiation-induced cognitive and behavioral deficits: a comprehensive review of evidence and prospects for future research
Authors: Raghu Shamprasad Varija , Kudva Avinash Kundadka , Krishnamurthy Rajanikant Golgodu , Mudgal Jayesh , George Thomas , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath
Published: June 2023

Dietary agents in mitigating radiation-induced behavioural and cognitive changes.
Temperature-responsive Zn-based catalysts for efficient catalytic conversion of biomass-derived carbohydrates to ethyl lactate
Authors: Wang Jiangang , Wang Jinghua , Liu Yifan , Liu Tihang , Pang Zhaobin , Cui Hongyou , Zhang Yuan , Song Feng
Published: June 2023

Chemical catalytic conversion of biomass-derived sugars to lactic acid has attracted considerable attention due to the cheap, abundant and renewable nature of biomass and its huge potential application in the synthesis of polylactic acid.
Visible-light-induced iron-catalyzed synthesis of N-aryl amides from nitroarenes and chloroalkanes
Authors: Zhang Qun-Liang , Liu Wenxin , Zhou Yirong , Zhang Fang-Lin
Published: June 2023

An unprecedented straightforward reductive amidation of chloroalkanes with nitroarenes was readily accomplished by merging iron catalysis with visible-light photoredox catalysis.
A comprehensive review of the current progresses and material advances in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Sharif Rabia , Khalid Arshi , Ahmad Syed Waqas , Rehman Abdul , Qutab Haji Ghulam , Akhtar Hafiz Husnain , Mahmood Khalid , Afzal Shabana , Saleem Faisal
Published: June 2023

Recently, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted ample consideration from the photovoltaic community owing to their continually-increasing power conversion efficiency (PCE), viable solution-processed methods, and inexpensive materials ingredients.
Zirconium phosphate supported-silver nanoparticles for selective hydrogenation of nitrobenzene into azoxybenzene compounds
Authors: Qin Yuxi , Jiang Yongjun , Wei Xinjia , Ma Yuan , Liao Huiying , Peng Qingpo , Dai Sheng , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhao Xiuge , Hou Zhenshan
Published: June 2023

In this work, zirconium phosphate (ZrP) supported Ag nanoparticle (NP) catalysts were constructed.
Hydrochlorination of acetylene catalyzed by mesoporous carbon with hierarchical assembly of polyimide nanosheets
Authors: Guo Zihan , Peng Wencai , Li Jian , Li Feng , Zhang Qiangang , Yang Lijie , Xie Dongyang , Dong Yanzhao , Zhang Jinli , Zhang Haiyang
Published: June 2023

Petal shaped non-metallic carbon materials have a large number of defect sites. And Pyridine N and pyridinic N+O−are the active sites for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Organic multilevel (opto)electronic memories towards neuromorphic applications
Authors: He Lin , Yang Zuchong , Wang Zhiming , Leydecker Tim , Orgiu Emanuele
Published: June 2023

In the past decades, neuromorphic computing has attracted the interest of the scientific community due to its potential to circumvent the von Neumann bottleneck.
Selective high-order resonance in asymmetric plasmonic nanostructures stimulated by vortex beams
Authors: Yang Da-Jie , Liu Ji-Cai
Published: June 2023

This work explores selective high-order resonances in asymmetric plasmonic nanoparticles stimulated by vortex beams. The results provide insights into controlling and understanding OAM-involved light-material interactions of asymmetric nanosystems.
Synthesis of tetrazine-tetracyanobutadienes and their transformation into pyridazines via inverse-electron demand Diels–Alder cycloaddition (IEDDA)
Authors: Kamble Abhijeet V. , Raj K Aswani , Malakalapalli Rajeswara Rao
Published: June 2023

We report the synthesis of tetrazine–tetracyanobutadiene compounds; their properties were tuned by transforming tetrazine units into pyridazines via inverse-electron demand Diels–Alder cycloaddition (IEDDA).
Tumor-homing bacterium-adsorbed liposomes encapsulating perfluorohexane/doxorubicin enhance pulsed-focused ultrasound for tumor therapy
Authors: Ou Xia , Zhang Zhong , Lin Li , Du Yan , Tang Yu , Wang Yaotai , Zou Jianzhong
Published: June 2023

B. bifidum adsorbing liposomes that encapsulate perfluorohexane and doxorubicin are constructed. This enhances the PFUS for tumor therapy via the realizing of US imaging monitoring, strong cavitation, complementary killing, and immunity enhancement.
Helical fused 1,2:8,9-dibenzozethrene oligomers with up to 201° end-to-end twist: “one-pot” synthesis and chiral resolution
Authors: Sun Zhitao , Fan Wei , Han Yi , Yuan Wei , Ni Yong , Wang Jinyi , Wei Haipeng , Zhao Yanli , Sun Zhe , Wu Jishan
Published: June 2023

Helical fused 1,2:8,9-dibenzozethrene oligomers with up to 201° end-to-end twist were synthesized by “one-pot” nickel-catalyzed cyclo-oligomerization. Their fundamental structures, electronic properties, and chiroptical properties were investigated.
Recent developments in zinc metal anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes for zinc-ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Devi Meghali , Moorthy Brindha , Thangavel Ranjith
Published: June 2023

This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent developments in zinc-ion hybrid capacitors with particular emphasis on several materials and design strategies developed for zinc metal anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes.
Metal-support interactions alter the active species on IrOx for electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Xu Ge-Yang , Yue Mu-Fei , Qian Zheng-Xin , Du Zi-Yu , Xie Xiao-Qun , Chen Wei-Ping , Zhang Yue-Jiao , Li Jian-Feng
Published: June 2023

Optimized evolution of active species and facilitated O–O coupling on MnO2 supported IrOx was revealed by in situ spectroscopy.
Formalization of Fuzzy Statements in the Task of Technological Adjustment of Grain Combines
Authors: Dimitrov V.P. , Borisova L.V. , Nurutdinova I.N.
Published: June 2023

The article considers various types of statements used in the linguistic description of input factors and regulated parameters of a combine harvester when solving the problem of its technological adjustment. The linguistic description of the environmental conditions, the regulated parameters of the combine and the characteristics of the quality of harvesting operations is presented. The technique of modeling fuzzy statements for the formalization of knowledge in an expert system designed to inform the operator of the combine when choosing the values of adjustable parameters corresponding to the operating conditions of the combine is presented. The technique is illustrated by an example of fuzzy inference.
Analysis of promising areas of constructive and technological improvement of units for digging seedlings
Authors: Konovalov Vladimir I. , Konovalov Alexey G.
Published: June 2023

The ways to improve the technological process aimed at the digging of various plant species consists of various successive stages. Among them, we can single out the stage of analysis of already existing structural and technological solutions. The article presents an analysis of the directions of development of digging units. The source of information was the open registers of the FIPS of the Russian Federation and foreign databases. During the analysis, the main ways of improving the technological process of digging seedlings and technical solutions for its implementation, as well as ways to achieve a blocked technical result, were identified. Based on the data obtained, a design and technological scheme of the digging bracket has been developed. Further ways of improving the proposed technical solution are outlined.
Technology for Obtaining Tangential Holes in the Shell of the Combustion Chamber of a Liquid Propellant Rocket Engine
Authors: Ryazantsev Alexander , Yukhnevich Sergey , Lomakin Igor
Published: June 2023

Method of obtaining tangential holes in the shell of a combustion chamber of liquid-propellant rocket engine is presented in this article. Advantages and disadvantages of technologies for making small diameter holes are consired. The developed technology and tooling made it possible to obtain small diameter holes designed to swirl the coolant flow in the veil belt of the combustion chamber shell. As a result, material and labor costs were reduced in the manufacture of engine components.
UO2 target preparation with spin coating assisted solution combustion synthesis
Authors: Majumdar Ashabari , Manukyan Khachatur V. , Dede Stefania , Roach Jordan M. , Burns Peter C. , Aprahamian Ani
Published: June 2023

A simple and efficient target preparation method is developed combining spin coating and solution combustion synthesis. Multiple smooth and uniform UO2 targets have been prepared using this method on a variety of backings (aluminium, carbon, silicon) used in nuclear physics experiments. The thicknesses of the targets can be precisely tuned by changing the number of coatings within the range of ~50-1000 µm/cm2. These targets are highly uniform (<5% deviation), robust, and remain strongly adherent to their backings even after being irradiated by high doses (1017 ions/ cm2) of 1.7 MeV Ar2+ ions.
Characterization of a Nb-Pb composite target
Authors: Pandey Anand , Bhushan Ravi , Pant Megha , Mahapatro Ajit , Rohilla Aman , Majumder Chandrani , Singh Rajesh Pratap , Ojha Sunil , Umapathy Ganjigatte , Saikia Leema , Chamoli Sanjay Kumar
Published: June 2023

A thin Nb target on a Pb backing was fabricated using the rolling technique. In the present work, the characterization of the sample has been carried out using various techniques to study the surface morphology, crystallography, elemental analysis, thickness and electrical conductivity useful for the intended use of the target prepared. The thin Nb target was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rutherford back-scattering spectroscopy (RBS) techniques. The uniform and smooth surface of the sample was confirmed by SEM imaging. The presence of oxygen in the EDS spectra and peaks corresponding to crystal planes of PbO2 in the XRD spectrum confirms the oxidation of Pb foil. The XRD spectrum shows clear peaks corresponding to (011), (002), (112) crystal planes of pure Nb. The thickness of the thin Nb foil measured using the RBS techniques was found to be 0.8 mg/cm2. The current(I)-voltage(V) curve (relationship between the current flowing through an electronic device and the applied voltage across its terminals) at room temperature for the Pb and Nb/Pb foils was plotted and showed linear relationship between applied voltage and current flowing through the target foil. The measured electrical conductivity indicates an enhancement of 35.9 % for Nb/Pb foil relative to the conductivity measured for the Pb foil.
Preparation and characterisation of High Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite backed targets for the NUMEN project
Authors: Massara Antonio , Fisichella Maria , Ursino Martina , Capirossi Vittoria , Cappuzzello Francesco , Cavallaro Manuela , Delaunay Franck , Pinna Federico , Rovelli Alberto
Published: June 2023

The equipment for target production and characterisation at the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud – INFN (Catania, Italy) is described. In particular, the CACTUS system used for target thickness and non-uniformity measurements is detailed. First trials in view of the production of Cadmium targets, under development for the NUclear Matrix Elements for Neutrinoless double β decay (NUMEN) project, are reported and discussed.
Novel solid target and irradiation methods for theranostic radioisotope production at the Bern medical cyclotron
Authors: Dellepiane Gaia , Casolaro Pierluigi , Gottstein Alexander , Mateu Isidre , Scampoli Paola , Braccini Saverio
Published: June 2023

The production of medical radioisotopes for theranostics is essential for the development of personalized nuclear medicine. Among them, radiometals can be used to label proteins and peptides and their supply in quantity and quality suitable for clinical applications represents a scientific challenge. A research program is ongoing at the Bern medical cyclotron, where an IBA Cyclone 18/18 HC is in operation. The cyclotron provides 18 MeV proton beams up to 150 μA and is equipped with a Solid Target Station (STS) and a 6 m Beam Transport Line (BTL), ending in a separate bunker with independent access. A novel magnetic target coin was realized to bombard isotope-enriched materials in the form of compressed powders, together with a compact focalization system to enhance the irradiation procedure. For an optimized production yield with the required radionuclidic purity, novel methods were developed to precisely measure the extracted beam energy and the involved reaction cross sections. In particular, a target station was realized to measure nuclear cross sections using materials in the form of powder deposited on an aluminium disc by sedimentation, bombarded by a monitored flat beam.
Debranching-Hybrideingriffe in der endovaskulären Chirurgie
Authors: Jankwitz Elisa
Published: June 2023

Im OP-Ablauf stellen wir zwei aufeinander aufbauende Eingriffe vor: den Carotis-Subclavia-Bypass und die TEVAR (thoracic endovascular aortic repair) nach Hausstandard des Deutschen Herzzentrums der Charité.
Anatomical Step-by-Step Dissection of Complex Skull Base Approaches for Trainees: Surgical Anatomy of the Endoscopic Endonasal Middle-Inferior Clivectomy, Odontoidectomy, and Far-Medial Approach
Authors: Agosti Edoardo , Alexander A. Yohan , Leonel Luciano C. P. C. , Gompel Jamie J. Van , Link Michael J. , Choby Garret , Pinheiro-Neto Carlos D. , Peris-Celda Maria
Published: June 2023

Introduction The clival, paraclival, and craniocervical junction regions are challenging surgical targets. To approach these areas, endoscopic endonasal transclival approaches (EETCAs) and their extensions (far-medial approach and odontoidectomy) have gained popularity as they obviate manipulating and working between neurovascular structures. Although several cadaveric studies have further refined these contemporary approaches, few provide a detailed step-by-step description. Thus, we aim to didactically describe the steps of the EETCAs and their extensions for trainees.

Methods Six formalin-fixed cadaveric head specimens were dissected. All specimens were latex-injected using a six-vessel technique. Endoscopic endonasal middle and inferior clivectomies, far-medial approaches, and odontoidectomy were performed.

Results Using angled endoscopes and surgical instruments, an endoscopic endonasal midclivectomy and partial inferior clivectomy were performed without nasopharyngeal tissue disruption. To complete the inferior clivectomy, far-medial approach, and partially remove the anterior arch of C1 and odontoid process, anteroinferior transposition of the Eustachian–nasopharynx complex was required by transecting pterygosphenoidal fissure tissue, but incision in the nasopharynx was not necessary. Full exposure of the craniocervical junction necessitated bilateral sharp incision and additional inferior mobilization of the posterior nasopharynx. Unobstructed access to neurovascular anatomy of the ventral posterior fossa and craniocervical junction was provided.

Conclusion EETCAs are a powerful tool for the skull-base surgeon as they offer a direct corridor to the ventral posterior fossa and craniocervical junction unobstructed by eloquent neurovasculature. To facilitate easier understanding of the EETCAs and their extensions for trainees, we described the anatomy and surgical nuances in a didactic and step-by-step fashion.
Facial Feminization Surgery: Preoperative Planning and Surgical Technique for a Harmonious Outcome
Authors: Asokan Arjun , Sudheendran Madhu K. , Mohandas Manu , George Pearl Sara , Nair Reshmi Madhavan
Published: June 2023

Feminization of the face is as important as genital or chest surgeries in alleviating gender incongruence in transgender individuals. It comprises a myriad of procedures that address the skeletal and/or soft tissue components to give a harmonious result. The surgeries are custom-tailored for each individual based on facial anatomy as well as her desired changes for optimal results. A thorough understanding of the differences in male and female facial anatomy is crucial.

The use of computed tomographic imaging with three-dimensional reconstruction and stereolithography models can greatly improve the planning as well as execution of these surgeries. There is an increase in demand for these surgeries, with a paucity of centers providing them. The aim of this article is to highlight the comprehensive facial feminization procedures, which have a high patient as well as surgeon satisfaction rate.
Invasive mixed fungal disease after covid-19: A series of seven cases
Authors: Walke Vaishali A. , Jayashankar E. , Karuna T. , Chourasia Jai Kumar , Panwar Hemlata , Kapoor Neelkamal , Gupta Vikas , Singh Sarman
Published: June 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent global pandemic that is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The patients of covid-19 are susceptible to a diverse range of secondary infections, fungal being the most common. The increased risk is proposed to be due to the generous use of steroids for the treatment of COVID-19 infection and the presence of comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preexisting lung diseases, and/or old age. Invasive mixed fungal disease is potentially life-threatening to the patients of COVID-19. In the present series of seven cases, the authors intend to discuss the clinicopathological profile and gamut of histopathological findings in invasive mixed fungal infection comprising of mucor and Aspergillus in treated patients of COVID-19. Six patients had a clinical diagnosis of sinonasal–orbital invasive fungal disease, while there was a case of lung infection. The acquaintance and knowledge about histomorphology of invasive fungi and the multidisciplinary diagnostic approach not only will aid in early and accurate diagnosis but can guide the clinician for necessary surgical intervention and initiation of appropriate antifungal medications in patients of COVID-19.
Investigations of defect levels in different sized HgTe nanocrystals based photovoltaic devices using thermal admittance spectroscopy
Authors: Sreeshma D. , Jagtap Amardeep , Balakrishnan Janani , Chandra Mallik Ramesh , Koteswara Rao K. S. R.
Published: June 2023

HgTe nanocrystals (NCs) have unique properties that make them suitable for optoelectronic devices in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and short-wave infrared regions. However, electrically active defects can trap charge carriers, reducing their mobility and diffusion length, which degrades the NCs’ optical and electrical properties. In this study, we used the thermal admittance spectroscopic (TAS) method to analyze defects in HgTe NC-based photovoltaic devices. The ITO/HgTe/Al device structure was used to study the defect levels in HgTe nanocrystals and the effect of these traps on transport properties. Using low-temperature I–V measurements, we calculated the trap activation energy as 0.14 eV, and the transport was found to occur mainly through these trap states. From the TAS measurements, the trap activation energy obtained was 0.14 eV, and the concentration of trap level was 3.16×1016cm−3eV−1. We have also fabricated ITO/TiO2/HgTe/Au and fluorine doped tin oxide/TiO2/HgTe/MoO3/Au devices and did TAS measurements to understand the effect of adding electron and hole extraction layer on the formation of defect levels. Intriguingly, a distinct reversal in the capacitance–frequency (C–F) behavior is observed at different temperatures, leading to positive slopes in the Arrhenius plot. This peculiar phenomenon is attributed to the size-dependent doping effects within the HgTe nanocrystals. The outcomes of this study shed light on the significance of understanding and quantifying electrically active defects in HgTe nanocrystals for the advancement of NC-based optoelectronic devices.
Thomson effect in thermionic refrigeration: Enhanced performance of graphene/2D-semiconductor/graphene heterostructure cooler
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Peng Zelong , Jiang Peng , Sin Ang Yee , Zhang Chao , Ma Zhongshui
Published: June 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) materials and their heterostructures have been widely explored for high-performance energy conversion applications. The Thomson effect—a higher order transport process—plays an important role in thermoelectric devices, yet its effect on the performance of thermionic devices remains unknown thus far. Here, we investigate the performance of thermionic refrigeration in vertically stacked heterostructure (VHS) and laterally stitched heterointerface (LHS) composed of a graphene and a 2D semiconductor (i.e., MoS2 and WSe2) in the presence of the Thomson effect. Using a temperature-dependent Seebeck coefficient, we derived the analytical expressions of the cooling efficiency and the effective ZT. We shall show that the Thomson effect improves the coefficient of performance (COP) by up to 20%, particularly, in the case where the temperature difference between the cold and the hot electrodes is large. However, the Carnot efficiency decreases with the temperature difference. The overall COP is reduced by the Thomson effect. We calculate the COP in graphene/MoS2/graphene and graphene/WSe2/graphene VHS and LHS devices. We show that the LHS composed of WSe2 significantly outperforms the VHS and MoS2 counterpart. These findings provide an understanding of thermionic processes in the higher-order transport regime and shall offer insights into the design of novel 2D material heterostructure thermionic energy converters.
Implementing 0.1 nm B4C barriers in ultrashort period 1.0 nm W/Si multilayers for increased soft x-ray reflectance
Authors: IJpes D. , Yakshin A. E. , Sturm J. M. , Ackermann M. D.
Published: June 2023

Ultrashort period 1.0 nm W/Si multilayers have potential as dispersive Bragg reflectors in high-resolution x-ray fluorescence. However, formation of WSix leads to poor optical performance. To address this, we introduce ultrathin 0.1 nm B4C diffusion barriers in sputter-deposited 1.0 nm W/Si, inhibiting W–Si interaction. We demonstrate that the peak reflectance at a wavelength of 0.834 nm increased with a factor of 3.4 compared to W/Si. Diffuse scattering measurements reveal no change in interfacial roughness when applying B4C barriers compared to W/Si. X-ray reflectivity analysis shows a substantial increase in optical contrast between Si and W as well as sharper transitions between the layers. Chemical analysis suggests that the B4C barrier reduces formation of WSix through partial substitution of W-silicide bonds with W-carbide/boride bonds, leading to an increase in optical contrast. The resulting structure of W/Si with B4C barriers offers a compelling alternative to the more established W/B4C multilayer at the ultrashort scale due to its superior soft- and hard x-ray reflectance.
Multi-domain physics-informed neural networks for solving transient heat conduction problems in multilayer materials
Authors: Zhang Benrong , Wang Fajie , Qiu Lin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we aim to numerically resolve linear and nonlinear transient heat conduction problems in multilayer composite materials using a deep learning method called multi-domain physics-informed neural networks (MDPINNs). For this purpose, the multilayer media are first divided into independent sub-domains based on domain decomposition technique. The single-layer deep neural networks are first established, and each sub-domain has its corresponding sub-network. Then, each two sub-networks are connected by continuity conditions on the interface to form a MDPINNs’ framework that can directly solve the transient heat conduction problem in multilayer media. The temperature distribution in the computational domain can be obtained by training the MDPINNs, including the temperature values on the interface. A series of numerical experiments are carried out to verify that the proposed framework can achieve satisfactory accuracy, including in micrometer or even nanometer structures. Compared with conventional methods, the MDPINNs have the advantage of directly solving both linear and nonlinear heat conduction problems in multilayer materials in a unified and concise form.
Influence of the initial powder characteristic on the densified tungsten microstructure by spark plasma sintering and hot isostatic pressing
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Lee Eui Seon , Heo Youn Ji , Lee Young-In , Byun Jongmin , Oh Sung-Tag
Published: June 2023

The effect of powder characteristics on the sintering behaviour and microstructure of densified W by spark plasma sintering and post-hot isostatic pressing was investigated. W powder was prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis of a W precursor and hydrogen reduction, and a commercially available powder was used for comparison. The synthesised W powders were present in the form of large agglomerates composed of nano-sized particles. The densified specimens prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis showed lower relative density and larger grain size than when commercial powder was sintered under the same conditions. Microstructural observation for the specimen sintered using the powder of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis revealed that the relatively large pores are present along the grain boundaries. The observed microstructural features were discussed by sintering behaviour based on the effect of intra-agglomerate and inter-agglomerate pores in the initial powder on densification and grain growth.
Comparison of combustion energy of coal samples with different sulfur content
Authors: Korchagina Elena N , Moshammer Kai , Stratulat Camelia , Özcan Kemal , Krivonos Petr V , Haifeng Wang
Published: June 2023

Main text

The COOMET project 744/RU-a/18 was organized for the purpose of determination of the degree of equivalence of the national standards for combustion energy measurement. Three coal samples with different values of sulfur content (AH - 1,192 %, AL - 0,193 %, LC - 0,412 %) were used in the comparison. Six laboratories participated between July 2019 and November 2020: VNIIM, Russia; NIM, China; BelGIM, Belarus; BRML-NIM, Romania; UME, Turkey; PTB, Germany. All the participants sent their measurement reports to the coordinator. The measurement results were provided with the detailed uncertainty budgets of the participants. The reference value was determined in accordance with CIPM MRA "Guidelines for organizing, participating and reporting" and COOMET R/GM/19:2016 "COOMET Recommendation Guideline on COOMET supplementary comparison evaluation". The degree of equivalence with the reference value was calculated for each sample and laboratory. The reported results were inconsistent, thus it was found necessary to process the data using the DerSimonian-Laird method.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCT, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Constraining the gravitational-wave spectrum from cosmological first-order phase transitions using data from LIGO-Virgo first three observing runs
Authors: Jiang Yang , Huang Qing-Guo
Published: June 2023

We search for a first-order phase transition (PT) gravitational wave (GW) signal from Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo's first three observing runs. Due to the large theoretical uncertainties, four shapes of GW energy spectral from bubble and sound wave collisions widely adopted in literature are investigated, separately. Our results indicate that there is no evidence for the existence of such GW signals, and therefore we give the upper limits on the amplitude of GW energy spectrum Ωpt(f
*) in the peak frequency range of f
* ∈ [5,500] Hz for these four theoretical models, separately. We find that Ωpt(f
* ≃ 40 Hz) < 1.3 × 10-8 at 95% credible level, and roughly H
*/β ≲ 0.1 and α ≲ 1 at 68% credible level in the peak frequency range of 20 ≲ f
* ≲ 100 Hz corresponding to the most
sensitive frequency band of Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo's first three observing runs, where H
* is the Hubble parameter when PT happens, β is the bubble nucleation rate and α is the normalized latent heat.
A Heterogeneous Ensemble Approach for Terrain Classification with Tracked Mobile Robots
Authors: Zeng Riya , Zhong Biqing , Liu Weihang , Liu Sihui , Guo Qiang , Kang Yiting
Published: June 2023

Terrain classification plays a vital role in the autonomous driving of tracked mobile robots. This article proposes a heterogeneous ensemble method to enhance the classification performance with weak classifiers. Combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and ReiefF, a feature selection approach aims to find an effective feature set. Based on the proposed method, the framework has been developed to simplify the signal process in feature extraction. Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is utilized as the individual classifier for three kinds of signal sources. With the learning process experience, ensemble weights have been generated to support the whole ensemble flow, which is closely correlated with terrain categories, classifiers and signal sources. Due to the structure of tracked mobile robots, the application maneuvers are extended to the front and rear drive modes, while the steady-state turning and straight-line maneuvers. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can significantly enhance the performance of terrain classification.
Research on Design of Photoelectric Turntable for Autonomous Reconnaissance
Authors: Yi Liu , Ya-qiong Zhang , Jing Zhou , Yu-tong Jiang
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the structural types of autonomous reconnaissance photoelectric turntables and the electrical system design methods of autonomous reconnaissance control are proposed and simplified. Meantime, the key technologies of autonomous reconnaissance photoelectric turntables are proposed and simplified, and the human-computer interaction interface of the autonomous reconnaissance photoelectric turntable is described, the concept of autonomous collaboration and its corresponding collaborative algorithms is explained, and the prospects for future development direction are proposed.