bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CD133 and CD34 cell types in human umbilical cord blood have the capacity to produce infectious dengue virus particles
Authors: Vats Amrita , Ho Tzu-Chuan , Puc Irwin , Chang Chiung-Hsin , Perng Guey-Chuen , Chen Po-Lin
Published: June 2023

Although dengue virus (DENV) can establish infections in hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs), there is little information on dengue virus persistent infection in CD34+ and CD133+ cell surface glycoproteins of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). CD34 and CD133 also function as cell–cell adhesion factors, which are present in umbilical cord blood (UCB). In this study, we sought to establish a persistent infection model of DENV infection in UCB using a prolonged period of infection lasting 30 days. Post-infection, the results exhibited a productive and non-productive phase of DENV production. Using a plaque assay, Western blot, and confocal microscopy, we demonstrated that CD133 and CD34 cells are target cells for DENV infection. Moreover, we showed that DENV particles can be recovered from the non-productive phase of DENV-infected CD34 and CD133 cells after co-incubation with Vero cells. We concluded that CD133 and CD34 retain their capacity to produce the infectious virus due to proliferation and their ability to repopulate, as deduced from a BrdU proliferation assay and flow cytometry analysis using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding. In summary, the platform to co-culture infected primitive HSCs from their non-productive phase onto Vero cells will give new insights into understanding the DENV dynamics in cell-to-cell transmission and reactivation of the virus.
Multi-objective optimization of multiple droplet impacts on a molten PCM using NSGA-II optimizer and artificial neural network
Authors: Faghiri Shahin , Poureslami Parham , Partovi Aria Hadi , Shafii Mohammad Behshad
Published: June 2023

Embracing an interaction between the phase change material (PCM) and the droplets of a heat transfer fluid, the direct contact (DC) method suggests a cutting-edge solution for expediting the phase change rates of PCMs in thermal energy storage (TES) units. In the direct contact TES configuration, when impacting the molten PCM pool, droplets evaporate, provoking the formation of a solidified PCM area (A). Then, they reduce the created solid temperature, leading to a minimum temperature value (Tmin). As a novelty, this research intends to maximize A and minimize Tmin since augmenting A expedites the discharge rate, and by lowering Tmin, the generated solid is preserved longer, resulting in a higher storage efficacy. To take the influences of interaction between droplets into account, the simultaneous impingement of two ethanol droplets on a molten paraffin wax is surveyed. Impact parameters (Weber number, impact spacing, and the pool temperature) govern the objective functions (A and Tmin). Initially, through high-speed and IR thermal imaging, the experimental values of objective functions are achieved for a wide range of impact parameters. Afterward, exploiting an artificial neural network (ANN), two models are fitted to A and Tmin, respectively. Subsequently, the models are provided for the NSGA-II algorithm to implement multi-objective optimization (MOO). Eventually, utilizing two different final decision-making (FDM) approaches (LINMAP and TOPSIS), optimized impact parameters are attained from the Pareto front. Regarding the results, the optimum amount of Weber number, impact spacing, and pool temperature accomplished by LINMAP and TOPSIS procedures are 309.44, 2.84 mm, 66.89 °C, and 294.98, 2.78 mm, 66.89 °C, respectively. This is the first investigation delving into the optimization of multiple droplet impacts for TES applications.
A Monte Carlo algorithm to improve the measurement efficiency of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Guo Pan , Zhang Ruoshuang , Zhang Jiawen , Shi Junhao , Li Bing
Published: June 2023

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has shown good applications in engineering fields such as well logging and rubber material ageing assessment. However, due to the low magnetic field strength of NMR sensors and the complex working conditions of engineering sites, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of NMR signals is low, and it is usually necessary to increase the number of repeated measurements to improve the SNR, which means a longer measurement time. Therefore, it is especially important to set the measurement parameters appropriately for onsite NMR. In this paper, we propose a stochastic simulation using Monte Carlo methods to predict the measurement curves of $${\mathrm{T}}_{1}$$

T
1

and $${\mathrm{D}}_{0}$$

D
0

and correct the measurement parameters of the next step according to the previous measurement results. The method can update the measurement parameters in real time and perform automatic measurements. At the same time, this method greatly reduces the measurement time. The experimental results show that the method is suitable for the measurement of the self-diffusion coefficient D0 and longitudinal relaxation time T1, which are frequently used in NMR measurements.
Isolation and genomic characterization of one novel goose astrovirus causing acute gosling gout in China
Authors: Peng Zhifeng , Gao Dongsheng , Song Xinghui , Huang Huimin , Zhang Xiaozhan , Jiang Zenghai , Qiao Hongxing , Bian Chuanzhou
Published: June 2023

Novel goose astrovirus (NGAstV) is a member of the genus Avain Avastrovirus (AAstV) and the family Astroviridae. NGAstV-associated gout disease has caused huge economic losses to the goose industry worldwide. Since early 2020, NGAstV infections characterized by articular and visceral gout emerged continuously in China. Herein, we isolated a GAstV strain from goslings with fatal gout disease and sequenced its complete genome nucleotide sequence. Then we conducted systematic genetic diversity and evolutionary analysis. The results demonstrated that two genotypic species of GAstV (GAstV-I and GAstV-II) were circulating in China, and GAstV-II sub-genotype IId had become the dominant one. Multiple alignments of amino acid sequences of GAstV capsid protein revealed that several characteristic mutations (E456D, A464N, and L540Q) in GAstV-II d strains, as well as additional residues in the newly identified isolate which varied over time. These findings enrich the understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of GAstV and may facilitate the development of effective preventive strategies.
Localized periodontitis severity associated with carotid intima-media thickness in young adults: CHIEF atherosclerosis study
Authors: Tsai Kun-Zhe , Huang Wei-Chun , Chang Yun-Chen , Kwon Younghoon , Sui Xuemei , Lavie Carl J. , Lin Gen-Min
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the association of periodontitis with subclinical atherosclerosis in young adults. In total, 486 non-diabetic military personnel were included in Taiwan. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was assessed utilizing sonography for subclinical atherosclerosis. Periodontitis severity was defined based on the 2017 US/European consensus. Mean cIMT was compared by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the association of periodontitis severity and the highest quintile of cIMT (≥ 0.8 mm) with adjustments for age, sex, metabolic risk factors and leukocyte counts. The mean cIMT increased in those with greater stages (periodontal health (N = 349): 0.65 mm, Stage I (N = 41): 0.72 mm, Stage II (N = 57): 0.74 mm and Stage III: 0.76 mm, respectively, p < 0.01). In multiple logistic regression, a dose–response association from Stage I to Stage III periodontitis for cIMT ≥ 0.8 mm was also found [ORs and 95% CIs 1.41 (0.60–3.29), 1.62 (0.79–3.31) and 3.20 (1.42–7.18)]. Leucocyte counts ≥ 7.6 × 103/µL (the highest quintile) was associated with cIMT ≥ 0.8 mm [OR 1.86 (1.11–3.12)], while no association existed for other metabolic risk factors. In conclusion, severe periodontitis and leukocyte counts are independent risk factors of increased cIMT, emphasizing the critical role of inflammation in subclinical atherosclerosis.
Humanity’s diverse predatory niche and its ecological consequences
Authors: Darimont Chris T. , Cooke Rob , Bourbonnais Mathieu L. , Bryan Heather M. , Carlson Stephanie M. , Estes James A. , Galetti Mauro , Levi Taal , MacLean Jessica L. , McKechnie Iain , Paquet Paul C. , Worm Boris
Published: June 2023

Although humans have long been predators with enduring nutritive and cultural relationships with their prey, seldom have conservation ecologists considered the divergent predatory behavior of contemporary, industrialized humans. Recognizing that the number, strength and diversity of predator-prey relationships can profoundly influence biodiversity, here we analyze humanity’s modern day predatory interactions with vertebrates and estimate their ecological consequences. Analysing IUCN ‘use and trade’ data for ~47,000 species, we show that fishers, hunters and other animal collectors prey on more than a third (~15,000 species) of Earth’s vertebrates. Assessed over equivalent ranges, humans exploit up to 300 times more species than comparable non-human predators. Exploitation for the pet trade, medicine, and other uses now affects almost as many species as those targeted for food consumption, and almost 40% of exploited species are threatened by human use. Trait space analyses show that birds and mammals threatened by exploitation occupy a disproportionally large and unique region of ecological trait space, now at risk of loss. These patterns suggest far more species are subject to human-imposed ecological (e.g., landscapes of fear) and evolutionary (e.g., harvest selection) processes than previously considered. Moreover, continued overexploitation will likely bear profound consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Three-dimensional reconstruction and computational analysis of a structural battery composite electrolyte
Authors: Duan Shanghong , Cattaruzza Martina , Tu Vinh , Auenhammer Robert M. , Jänicke Ralf , Johansson Mats K. G. , Liu Fang , Asp Leif E.
Published: June 2023

Structural batteries are multifunctional composite materials that can carry mechanical load and store electrical energy. Their multifunctionality requires an ionically conductive and stiff electrolyte matrix material. For this purpose, a bi-continuous polymer electrolyte is used where a porous solid phase holds the structural integrity of the system, and a liquid phase, which occupies the pores, conducts lithium ions. To assess the porous structure, three-dimensional topology information is needed. Here we study the three-dimensional structure of the porous battery electrolyte material using combined focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy and transfer into finite element models. Numerical analyses provide predictions of elastic modulus and ionic conductivity of the bi-continuous electrolyte material. Characterization of the three-dimensional structure also provides information on the diameter and volume distributions of the polymer and pores, as well as geodesic tortuosity.
Tetranuclear Ru2Cu2 and Ru2Ni2 complexes with nanomolar anticancer activity
Authors: Alguacil Andrés , Scalambra Franco , Lorenzo-Luis Pablo , Puerta Adrián , González-Bakker Aday , Mendoza Zenaida , Padrón José M. , Romerosa Antonio
Published: June 2023

[{RuCp(PPh3)2-μ-dmoPTA-1κP:2κ2-N,N′-MCl}2-μ-Cl-μ-OR](CF3SO3)2 (1: M = Cu, R = CH3; 2: M = Ni, R = H) were synthesized and characterized, which show nanomolar GI50 values against cancer cells. DNA interactions and cell assays were also performed.
Glycerol group substituted bis(2-pyridylimino)isoindoline (BPI) complexes: synthesis, characterization and investigation of their biological properties
Authors: Kaşıkçı Asena , Katırcı Ramazan , Özdemir Sadin , Yalçın M. Serkan , Özçeşmeci Mukaddes
Published: June 2023

In this study, the synthesis of glycerol group substituted bis(2-pyridylamino)isoindoline complexes, their possible use in biological applications, and their binding affinity to various DNA residues were also evaluated.
Lipid oxidation and flavor changes in saturated and unsaturated fat fractions from chicken fat during a thermal process
Authors: Han Dong , Deng Siyang , Wang Hang , Huang Feng , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , Li Hong , Zheng Jian , Meng Linchun , Zhang Chunhui , Li Xia
Published: June 2023

Fat fractions from chicken fat with varying degrees of saturation could impart different flavor characteristics during thermal process.
Synthesis and properties of novel type I photosensitizer polycyclic amide
Authors: Wang Kui , Ye Tao , Du Haoyang , Jin Xiangyu , Yi Xiaofen , Gao Huiying , Zhang Yuan , Dong Wei , Liu Shihui , Guan Jing , Lin Feng , Xia Debin
Published: June 2023

We report a novel type-I photosensitizer (PhPA) via Rh-catalyzed oxidative cyclization and propose the mechanism of PhPA photo-oxidative degradation.
Effects of post-transfer annealing and substrate interactions on the photoluminescence of 2D/3D monolayer WS2/Ge heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Voshell Andrew , Zhou Da , Ward Zachary D. , Yu Zhuohang , Liu Mingzu , Díaz Aponte Kevin O. , Granzier-Nakajima Tomotaroh , Lei Yu , Liu He , Terrones Humberto , Elías Ana Laura , Rana Mukti , Terrones Mauricio
Published: June 2023

Post-transfer annealing affects optical properties of monolayer WS2/Ge(100) 2D/3D heterostructures. Stronger van der Waals interactions change the electronic band structure of WS2, narrowing its gap and largely quenching the photoluminescence.
Total synthesis of lamellarin G trimethyl ether through enaminone cyclocondensation
Authors: Šachlevičiūtė Urtė , Kleizienė Neringa , Bieliauskas Aurimas , Šačkus Algirdas , Opatz Till
Published: June 2023

A synthesis of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines based on intramolecular condensation of an enaminone intermediate obtained by C-acylation of an N-alkylated 6,7-dimethoxy-1-methyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolinium salt was developed.
Gold-catalyzed tandem reaction of o-alkynylphenols with diazo compounds: access to 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans
Authors: Huang Tingzhong , Shao Ying , Tang Shengbiao , Sun Jiangtao
Published: June 2023

A gold-catalyzed tandem reaction of o-alkynylphenols with diazo compounds has been developed.
Thermal-responsive ground-state spin switching in novel butterfly-shaped overcrowded ethylene featuring a benzodithiophene core
Authors: Han Yi , Ying Fei , Wu Enxi , Yu Xiaoxiao , Gao Guangpeng , Xie Jing , Jin Xu-Hui
Published: June 2023

The polycyclic aromatic heterocycle of benzodithiophene has been employed as the core structure for synthesizing butterfly-shaped overcrowded ethylene, which exhibits thermal-responsive ground-state spin switching characteristics.
Highly porous phosphate-based glasses for controlled delivery of antibacterial Cu ions prepared via sol–gel chemistry
Authors: Foroutan Farzad , Kyffin Benjamin A. , Nikolaou Athanasios , Merino-Gutierrez Jorge , Abrahams Isaac , Kanwal Nasima , Knowles Jonathan C. , Smith Andrew J. , Smales Glen J. , Carta Daniela
Published: June 2023

Mesoporous glasses are a promising class of bioresorbable biomaterials characterized by high surface area and extended porosity in the range of 2 to 50 nm.
Extraction of some essential amino acids using aqueous two-phase systems made by sugar-based deep eutectic solvents
Authors: SÖĞÜTLÜ İnci , Saeed Shakir Mahmood , Adil Mohaned , Yadav Anupam , Abdulkareem Mahmood Evan , Saadh Mohamed J.
Published: June 2023

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have long been recognized as versatile and efficient tools for the extraction of biomolecules, including amino acids.
Correction: A hierarchical Ca/TiO2/NH2-MIL-125 nanocomposite photocatalyst for solar visible light induced photodegradation of organic dye pollutants in water
Authors: Ahmadpour Najmeh , Sayadi Mohammad Hossein , Homaeigohar Shahin
Published: June 2023

Correction for ‘A hierarchical Ca/TiO2/NH2-MIL-125 nanocomposite photocatalyst for solar visible light induced photodegradation of organic dye pollutants in water’ by Najmeh Ahmadpour et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 29808–29820, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA05192F.
A path towards single molecule vibrational strong coupling in a Fabry–Pérot microcavity
Authors: Koner Arghadip , Du Matthew , Pannir-Sivajothi Sindhana , Goldsmith Randall H. , Yuen-Zhou Joel
Published: June 2023

Few-molecule vibrational strong coupling in a microcavity using cavity optomechanics and its application as cavity-mediated thermodynamic coupling of chemical reactions.
Terminal methylene phosphonium ions: precursors for transient monosubstituted phosphinocarbenes
Authors: Löwe Pawel , Wünsche Marius A. , Purtscher Felix R. S. , Gamper Jakob , Hofer Thomas S. , Wilm Lukas F. B. , Röthel Maike B. , Dielmann Fabian
Published: June 2023

Diprotic terminal methylene phosphonium ions were prepared using bulky N-heterocyclic imine substituents. Deprotonation yields transient monosubstituted phosphinocarbenes, which insert into the CC bond of a phenyl ring via a Buchner ring expansion.
Correction: Abiotic microcompartments form when neighbouring droplets fuse: an electrochemiluminescence investigation
Authors: Voci Silvia , Clarke Thomas B. , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: June 2023

Correction for ‘Abiotic microcompartments form when neighbouring droplets fuse: an electrochemiluminescence investigation’ by Silvia Voci et al., Chem. Sci., 2023, 14, 2336–2341, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06553C.
A focus on sustainable method development for greener synthesis
Authors: Tyler Jasper L. , Katzenburg Felix , Glorius Frank
Published: June 2023

Kavthe et al. (Chem. Sci., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC01699D) have demonstrated how employing more sustainable methodology can vastly reduce the environmental impact associated with the synthesis of the antimalarial drug candidate MMV688533.
Post-modified biomass derived carbon materials for energy storage supercapacitors: a review
Authors: Liang Ke , Chen Yanli , Wang Dan , Wang Wenchang , Jia Shuyong , Mitsuzakic Naotoshi , Chen Zhidong
Published: June 2023

A strategy to improve the performance of biochar materials for supercapacitors by preparation and modification methods.
Spatially heterogenous dynamics in colloidal gels during syneresis
Authors: Wu Qimeng , Buijs Jesse , de Groot Sanne , van der Kooij Hanne M. , van der Gucht Jasper , Kodger Thomas E.
Published: June 2023

Colloidal gels composed of viscous particles undergoing syneresis exhibit heterogeneous mobility as visualized by laser speckle imaging.
Equivalent model of nearest level modulation for fast electromagnetic transient simulation based on DC voltage control loops of sub‐modules in modular multilevel converter
Authors: Zhao Guopeng , Li Xiaoyin , Wang Dong
Published: June 2023

The nearest level modulation (NLM) is used to automatically generate ac side voltages of sub‐modules in modular multilevel converter (MMC). Existing literature seldom presents models that describe complex NLM processes. This paper proposes an equivalent model of the NLM to simply describe and simulate the complex NLM process. The main contribution of this study is to build the model of NLM with fast simulation speed for the application focuses on the simulation accuracy at the millisecond level. The duty cycle of the average model generated by the NLM in sub‐modules of the MMC is divided into two components, which are the stable component for generating the bridge arm voltage and the fluctuation component for balancing the dc side voltage of sub‐modules, respectively. The stable component is generated by the modulation wave of the MMC control system. By adding a voltage control closed loop to the sub‐module, the fluctuation component for balancing the dc side voltages of sub‐modules can automatically adjust the ac side voltages of sub‐modules. The proposed equivalent model of NLM improves the simulation speed and has the same effect with the traditional NLM within the low‐frequency range or with the time step of millisecond level.
Water‐surface infrared small object detection based on spatial feature weighting and class balancing method
Authors: Hui Tian , Xu YueLei , Li HuaFeng , Zhou Qing , Rasol Jarhinbek
Published: June 2023

Infrared imaging is widely used due to its penetration capability to operate under many weather or lighting condition. However, due to the far distance of aerial view, feature blur, and the scarcity of aerial infrared data, the detection of small infrared targets on the water surface remains a challenging problem. In response to the problem of unclear features, we propose the spatial feature weighting method based on 2D Gaussian distribution. This method increases the weight of the target area by adaptively adjusting the feature activation. Secondly, for the problem of rare aerial perspective infrared data, we propose the cross‐spectral data migration method. By introducing the domain difference loss function to optimize the pseudo‐label selection process, the range of target domain distribution is expanded, and the adaptability of the detector is improved. Finally, in response to the problem of underfitting caused by category imbalance in transfer learning, we propose the class balancing method that effectively reduces the false detection. Extensive experiments were conducted on both benchmark datasets and the self‐built dataset to evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of our method. The proposed method was evaluated with different models and various scenarios, and the results demonstrated the effectiveness.
Semantic‐guided fusion for multiple object tracking and RGB‐T tracking
Authors: Liu Xiaohu , Luo Yichuang , Zhang Yan , Lei Zhiyong
Published: June 2023

The attention mechanism has produced impressive results in object tracking, but for a good trade‐off between performance and efficiency, CNN‐based approaches still dominate, owing to quadratic complexity of attention. Here, the SGF module is proposed, an efficient feature fusion block for effective object tracking with reduced linear complexity of attention. The proposed method fuses feature with attention in a coarse‐to‐fine manner. In the low‐resolution semantic branch, the top K regions with highest attention scores are selected; in the high‐resolution detail branch, attention is only calculated within regions corresponding to the top K regions. Thus, the features from the high‐resolution branch can be efficiently fused under the guidance of low‐resolution branch. Experiments on RGB and RGB‐T datasets with reformed FairMOT and MDNet+RGBT trackers demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Norm‐based spectrum sensing for cognitive radios under generalised Gaussian noise
Authors: Halaki Arati , Sarkar Sutapa , Gurugopinath Sanjeev , R Muralishankar
Published: June 2023

Cognitive radio (CR) systems are configured to dynamically assess the spectrum utilisation and contribute towards an improved spectrum efficiency. Hence, accurate detection of the incumbent signal in a given channel, popularly known as spectrum sensing (SS), is essential for CR. Here, in the domain of SS, the authors introduce a new goodness‐of‐fit test (GoFT) founded on p‐norm of the observations at the receiver node. To capture the heavy‐tailed nature of noise distribution in practical communication channels, the authors utilise generalised Gaussian distribution (GGD) as a noise model. A novel p‐norm detector (PND) and a geometric power detector (GPD) is proposed and corresponding probability density function (PDF) under GGD is derived. Via Monte Carlo simulations, the authors show a match of the derived PDFs with the simulation results. Using Neyman‐Pearson framework the performances of PND and GPD are compared with an existing differential entropy detector (DED), the well‐known energy detector (ED) and joint correlation and energy detector (CED) under GGD noise model. Evaluation of proposed PND and GPD utilising Monte Carlo simulations indicate a superior performance. Further, the experiments employing real‐world data establish superiority of the proposed detectors as compared to existing techniques. The authors derive and implement an optimised threshold for PND, providing further improvement in performance.
Heat and mass diffusion to williamson fluid streaming through a tube with multiple stenoses while subjected to periodic body acceleration
Authors: Fahim Muhammad , Sajid Muhammad , Ali Nasir , Sadiq Muhammad Noveel
Published: June 2023

This article examines a mathematical framework that describes the versatile behavior of heat and mass exchange in blood flowing through a narrowed vessel having multiple stenoses. The geometry of a channel having multiple stenoses with an asymmetrical axial axis and a symmetrical radial axis can be visualized by applying a suitable mathematical expression. The geometry of the chosen model considers the height and shape of stenoses. The modification in shape parameter is used to capture variations in the shape of the stenoses in the artery. The blood is supposed to be isochoric (incompressible), while its rheological behavior is characterized by Williamson’s fluid model. The transfer of momentum is analyzed using the equation of motion in cooperation with the continuity equation. In addition, the equations of heat conduction and diffusion are utilized, respectively, to illustrate the distributions of heat and mass. Simplified forms of momentum, mass, and heat transport equations are achieved by incorporating dimensionless quantities and moderate stenosis conditions. A well-known explicit finite difference approach is utilized to solve the emergent non-linear system of governing equations numerically. The influence of different evolving parameters on the flow field along with mass and heat distributions is illustrated through various plots.
Liebe Leserinnen, liebe Leser
Authors: Kläber Mischa
Published: June 2023

Leistungen des Sports für Gesundheitsförderung,
Prävention und Rehabilitation

Sport und Bewegung sind die Grundlage für Gesundheit über die gesamte
Lebensspanne. In der Kindheit ermöglichen sie die Entwicklung grundlegender
motorischer und kognitiver Fähigkeiten, fördern die Lernbereitschaft
und das psychosoziale Wohlbefinden. Für Erwachsene ist sportliche
Aktivität ein wichtiger körperlicher und psychischer Ausgleich zu
den vorwiegend sitzenden oder stehenden Arbeitstätigkeiten und oft
einseitigen Bewegungsabläufen. Im Alter dient sie der Erhaltung
grundlegender Funktionen und persönlicher Unabhängigkeit
(Europäische Ministerkonferenz der WHO, 2006).
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and the Survival of Patients with
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Xingwen , Kang Fugui , Zhang Nan , Niu Yiming , Jia Jintang
Published: June 2023

Malnutrition is a risk factor of adverse clinical outcome in patients with
cancer. Recent studies suggest that geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI)
could reflect the nutritional status in patients with various clinical
conditions. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate
the association between GNRI and survival of patients with hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC). Observational studies evaluating the association between
pretreatment GNRI and survival of patients with HCC were obtained by search of
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, and CNKI databases. A random-effects
model was used to pool the results after incorporating the potential influence
of heterogeneity. Seven cohort studies including 2636 patients with HCC
contributed to the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that HCC patients with
low pretreatment GNRI were associated with poor overall survival [hazard ratio
(HR): 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32 to 2.37, p<0.001;
I2=66%) and progression-free survival (HR: 1.62, 95% CI:
1.39 to 1.89, p<0.001; I2=0%) as compared to those with
normal GNRI. Sensitivity analyses by excluding one study at a time showed
similar results (p all<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that the
association between low pretreatment GNRI and poor survival of patients with HCC
was not significantly affected by age of the patients, main treatment, cutoff of
GNRI, or the follow-up durations. In conclusion, malnutrition indicated by a low
pretreatment GNRI may be a risk factor of poor survival of patients with
HCC.
Análise comparativa de TNF-alfa, TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 em pacientes com fraturas de baixo impacto decorrentes de osteoporose
Authors: Teixeira Abel Oliveira Marques , Rodrigues-Junior Virmondes , Rodrigues Bárbara Rocha , Souza Danila Malheiros , Gaia Leonardo Franco Pinheiro , Rodrigues Denise Bertulucci Rocha
Published: June 2023

Objetivo Analisar os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa e de seus receptores TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 no sangue de pacientes com fraturas de baixo impacto, decorrentes de osteoporose, comparando entre os sexos e com pacientes saudáveis.

Métodos O estudo foi realizado com amostra de sangue de 62 pacientes, divididos em pacientes com osteoporose e pacientes saudáveis. Os resultados foram obtidos através do método de ELISA. As concentrações de citocinas foram determinadas com base nos valores de absorbância obtidos.

Resultados Os níveis séricos de TNF-alfa foram indetectáveis nos pacientes do sexo feminino, enquanto no masculino encontrou-se somente em um paciente, não havendo diferença significativa. Encontrou-se resultados semelhantes nas análises dos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2, aumento significativo nos níveis dos receptores de TNF-alfa nos grupos de pacientes com osteoporose em comparação com o grupo controle, em ambos os sexos. Não houve diferença significativa entre os sexos na dosagem de ambos os receptores dentro do grupo com osteoporose. Houve ainda correlação positiva e significativa nos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 apenas nas mulheres.

Conclusão O aumento significativo nos níveis de TNF-R1 e TNF-R2 em mulheres com osteoporose sugerem que a liberação e expressão destes receptores pode estar contribuindo de maneira distinta no desenvolvimento da osteoporose em homens e mulheres.
Heterogeneous human capital, spatial spillovers and regional innovation: evidence from the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Wen Fenghua , Yang Shan , Huang Daohan
Published: June 2023

Investing in human capital can assist in achieving technological innovations, while the spatial spillover effects of human capital on urban innovation in urban agglomeration are largely ignored. Using the panel data of 108 cities in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) during 2011–2020, this paper explores the interactions between human capital and urban innovation with a two-way fixed effects Spatial Durbin Model framework, which incorporates the interpretation of spatial spillover effects. The results show that urban innovation in the YREB has spatial heterogeneity in the structure, which is reflected in its diffusion from the downstream cities on the eastern coast to the upstream cities in the western region. Then, the low-level human capital inhibits the development of local innovation, while intermediate and high-level human capital improves local innovation. Furthermore, the spatial spillover effect shows an opposite trend. The impact of human capital on urban innovation is not significant in the downstream cities, such as Shanghai and Nanjing. Finally, three policy directions are proposed to optimize the human capital structure of the YREB, which are, strengthening investment in human capital and technological innovation, enhancing the talent spillover effect, and improving basic education.
Determining consistency in the attitudes and actions of providers of animal-assisted services regarding their alignment with standards and ethical practice
Authors: Johnson Amy , Cameron Patricia , Trevathan-Minnis Melissa
Published: June 2023

The current mixed methods study sought to investigate the actual as well as the perceived practices and alignment with animal-assisted interventions (AAI) ethics and standards of mental health practitioners that partner with an animal in their practice. While the quantitative findings suggested awareness and integration of standards and ethical practice, the qualitative results painted a somewhat different picture. Qualitative findings suggest a great deal of inconsistency in the attitudes and actions of practitioners regarding their alignment with standards and ethical practice. These inconsistencies are explored and then followed by specific recommendations regarding training and education, supervision, informed consent practices, documentation, and humane treatment for animal partners.
Optimal control of dissipation and work fluctuations for rapidly driven systems
Authors: Rolandi Alberto , Perarnau-Llobet Martí , Miller Harry J D
Published: June 2023

To achieve efficient and reliable control of microscopic systems one should look for driving protocols that mitigate both the average dissipation and stochastic fluctuations in work. This is especially important in fast driving regimes in which the system is driven far out of equilibrium, potentially creating large amounts of unwanted entropy production. Here we characterise these optimal protocols in rapidly driven classical and quantum systems and prove that they consist of two discontinuous jumps in the full set of control variables. These jumps can be tuned to interpolate between processes with either minimal dissipation or minimal fluctuations, and in some situations allow for simultaneous minimisation. We illustrate our general results with rapidly driven closed quantum systems, classical bit erasure and a dissipative Ising chain driven close to a quantum phase transition.
Absorption enhancement of Perovskite solar cells using multiple gratings
Authors: Nodez Seyed Mohsen Mohebbi , Jabbari Masoud , Solookinejad Ghahraman
Published: June 2023

Perovskite Solar Cells have very low absorption in the near-infrared region. In this paper, in order to enhance the absorption in this region, a new technique has been presented based on multiple excitations of plasmonic modes through the gratings on the backside of the cell. Gratings on the backside of the active layer lead to absorption enhancement by exciting localized surface plasmons and light scattering, and since the resonance of surface plasmons is highly dependent on the dimensions of the gratings, the resonance wavelength can be adjusted by accurately determining the dimensions of the gratings. In order to increase the absorption in longer wavelengths, multiple gratings have been used on the backside of the cell. In using multiple gratings, the absorption in the near-infrared region is increased near three folds by choosing the appropriate dimension of gratings. The highest average absorption of 68.46% has been achieved using five gratings which is an 8.44% increase compared to the structure without gratings. The simulation results under incident angles from 0 to 85 degrees indicate that gratings enhance light absorption up to an angle of 45 degrees. Meanwhile, the structure with five gratings (SC-E) has an average absorption close to 65% up to an angle of ±45 degrees and is not sensitive to the incident angle. These multiple nanostructures have the ability to trap more light inside the active layer and thus promise a high-efficiency solar cell.
Enhancing the MoS2/MoO3/ZnS/Zn-Heterojunction catalyst's photocatalytic performance for water organic pollutants
Authors: Kh Shokr E , Mohamed Heba A , Mohamed H A , Kamel Moumen S , Ali H M
Published: June 2023

Pure and lightly Zn-doped (MoS2)0.97Zn0.03 powdered samples have been prepared by a simple economic method, structurally analysed by XRD, FT-IR, XPS, SEM& EDX, and optically characterised using optical diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. XRD analysis of the heat-treated Zn: MoS2 product revealed the formation of different multi-heterojunction semiconducting MoS2, MoO3 and barely visible ZnS components beside the metal-Zn element which were confirmed by FT-IR, XPS& EDX. The crystallite size for MoS2 samples decreased from 400.465 to 326.179 nm of (MoS2)0.97Zn0.03 , while the MoO3 and Zn constituents exhibit lower values of 108.884 & 8.045 nm, respectively. Their porosity percentages of ∼60%–67% are relatively high and beneficial for the photocatalytic process. The optical study showed a indirect allowed band gap with energy values of 1.2 and 0.9 eV for undoped and Zn doped, respectively. The photocatalytic study has been performed at different MB concentrations (10–20 ppm), and catalyst amounts (0.04–0.1 g) under dark, UV, and Vis irradiations assisted by pH and/or ultrasonic piezoelectric potential. The current enhanced result of 99.3% efficiency and a high performance figure of merit of ∼1045 min−1 were achieved in 20 s for (MoS2)0.97Zn0.03 with the capability of reusability.
Gauge/frame invariant variables for the numerical relativity study of cosmological spacetimes
Authors: Ijjas Anna
Published: June 2023

To numerically evolve the full Einstein equations (or modifications thereof), simulations
of cosmological spacetimes must rely on a particular formulation of the field equations combined
with a specific gauge/frame choice. Yet truly physical results cannot depend on the given
formulation or gauge/frame choice. In this paper, we present a resolution of the gauge problem
and, as an example, numerically implement it to evaluate our previous work on contracting
spacetimes.
Epidemic threshold influenced by non-pharmaceutical interventions in residential university environments
Authors: Lu 卢 Zechao 泽超 , Zhao 赵 Shengmei 生妹 , Shu 束 Huazhong 华中 , Gong 巩 Long-Yan 龙延
Published: June 2023

The control of highly contagious disease spreading in campuses is a critical challenge. In residential universities, students attend classes according to a curriculum schedule, and mainly pack into classrooms, dining halls and dorms. They move from one place to another. To simulate such environments, we propose an agent-based susceptible–infected–recovered model with time-varying heterogeneous contact networks. In close environments, maintaining physical distancing is the most widely recommended and encouraged non-pharmaceutical intervention. It can be easily realized by using larger classrooms, adopting staggered dining hours, decreasing the number of students per dorm and so on. Their real-world influence remains uncertain. With numerical simulations, we obtain epidemic thresholds. The effect of such countermeasures on reducing the number of disease cases is also quantitatively evaluated.
Transport and acceleration mechanism of fast ions during edge localized modes in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Rivero-Rodríguez J.F. , Galdon-Quiroga J. , Domínguez-Palacios J. , García-Muñoz M. , Garcia-Vallejo D. , Gonzalez-Martin J. , McClements K.G. , Sanchís L. , Särkimäki K. , Snicker A. , Todo Y. , Velarde L. , Viezzer E.
Published: June 2023

Observations of enhanced fast-ion losses during edge localized modes (ELMs) have been reported in the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak, revealing losses above the injection energy. This suggests that fast ions can be accelerated and lost due to the ELMs. Recent analysis of the ELM-induced losses suggests that the fast ions are lost due to a resonant interaction with the electromagnetic perturbation during the ELM crash. The fast-ion transport and acceleration during ELMs is modelled using electromagnetic fields computed using the hybrid kinetic-MHD code MEGA, while fast-ion full orbits are tracked with the ASCOT code. Time-evolving 3D electromagnetic fields have been implemented in ASCOT to compute fast-ion orbits in the presence of fast MHD events such as ELMs. The simulations successfully reproduce a field-aligned pattern of the losses on the tokamak wall and the formation of an accelerated population in the lost fast-ion distribution, while they predict an accelerated population in the confined distribution. A parametric study of the fast-ion constants of motion suggests a resonant interaction between the fast-ions and the electromagnetic fields arising during the ELM crash. In the case of fast-ion acceleration, the perpendicular electric perturbation, with scales smaller than the fast-ion gyroradius, breaks magnetic moment conservation and resonantly modifies the fast-ion energy.
Test and simulation of mechanical properties of a lightweight adaptation device
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Zhang Yongqing , Tang Haozhen , Lyu Duojun
Published: June 2023

Based on carbon fiber, extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), ethylene vinyl acetate plastic foam (EVA), and other materials, a lightweight fitting device is designed. Its mechanical properties are tested and simulated. The experimental results and simulation are consistent. The adaptive device adopts a lightweight design, and the single piece weight is less than 30 kg. The final height of the adaptive device can be changed through manual stacking and combination to meet different application scenarios. The adaptive device also adopts a modular design, which separates the bearing function from the adaptive function. The bearing module meets the bearing demand, while the adaptive module has good deformation capacity. The device can be repeatedly used for the safe and fast transfer of heavy equipment.
Bubble dynamics and cavitation damage to curved elastic boundaries
Authors: Liu Can , Hu Jiwen , Xie Yaqian , Liu Yong , Lei Weirui
Published: June 2023

Prediction of cavitation damage to the solid boundary is crucial in the application of ultrasound. The goal of this study is to investigate the potential for a cavitation bubble to cause mechanical effects on the curved elastic boundary and contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of bubble-structure interaction. Effects of the surface curvature of the boundary are studied using the finite volume method. In the oscillatory migration of bubbles to the bottom of the boundary, there are several shape modes at the same time. The wall stress/deformation produced by impinging jets increases with parameter α. The bubble dynamic behaviors and the wall deformation have no significant effect as Young’s modulus equals or exceeds 60 MPa. Boundary deformation generated by tensile and compressive stresses during bubble collapse may be the basic mechanism of cavitation erosion. Due to the lack of visual observation and research on the acoustic cavitation effect, the key mechanism of ultrasonic cavitation is missing. Therefore, the importance of bubble dynamics and cavitation damage in this paper is self-evident
The collision performance of jack-up marine platforms based on pile-soil coupling technology
Authors: Liang Enqiang , Kong Jiali , Zheng Minghui , Li Shengtao
Published: June 2023

The truss jack-up offshore platform has become the main force of offshore oil and gas development with its stable operation ability and environmental adaptability. Meanwhile, along with the development of the offshore shipping industry, collisions between ships and offshore platforms have become more and more frequent. Therefore, it is important to study the collision performance of truss jack-up offshore platforms. Based on the “pile-soil” coupling technology, the non-linear finite element software ABAQUS is used to establish the pile-leg collision calculation model. The key parameters, such as damage deformation, collision force, and energy absorption, are analyzed through the analysis. The collision performance of the trussed offshore platform is analyzed through the calculated damage deformation, collision force, energy absorption, and other key parameters. The research results show that the collision between the ship and the marine platform has obvious local characteristics. In addition, the strength of the spar in the collision area can be increased appropriately to improve the collision performance of the platform effectively.
Optimization of brazing process and structure lightweight design for diamond microchannel
Authors: Fang Kun , Song Kuijing , Lin Tiesong , Jiang Haitao
Published: June 2023

The application of diamond material significantly improves the heat dissipation capability of liquid cooling microchannels, solving the bottleneck problem of heat dissipation for highly integrated electronic components and thus promoting the development of a new generation of military electronic equipment. In this study, diamond microchannels with ultra-high heat flux density were reliably vacuum-brazed by using AgCuTi filler metal in a high vacuum furnace. Microstructure and properties of diamond brazing joints were studied and effect of brazing temperature and time was analyzed. The optimal brazing process parameters were obtained as follows: a vacuum level of <1×10−5 Pa, brazing temperature of 840°C, brazing pressure of 0.5–3 bars and holding time of 10 min. Following vacuum-brazing experiment, the brazing residual stress and working stress of the diamond microchannel were analyzed by finite element simulation. The wall thickness of the diamond microchannel was optimized. The minimum wall thickness, which was 0.4 mm, was obtained for the diamond microchannel with dimensions of 14 mm × 10 mm × 1.3 mm. On that basis, the influence of brazing pressure on the brazing filler overflow in the diamond microchannel brazing process was studied. It was showed that when the pressure was below 1 bar, the overflow of brazing filler from the brazing seam could be controlled to a minimum, especially suitable for brazing precision. The formation of residues in the diamond microchannel was thereby avoided basically, and a diamond microchannel heat sink with good performance was obtained.
Anti-turnover of Iced Transmission Lines Based on the Cable
Authors: Liu Zhuli , Hu Juntao , Wu Chuan , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2023

During the operation and maintenance of the transmission line, the phenomenon of turnover and twist was observed, which seriously affected the safety of the line operation. In this paper, considering that the turnover of the transmission line comes from the torsional galloping, a scheme is designed to restrain the turnover by connecting the conductor and the earth with cable. The torsional galloping angle of the line under the action of ice wind is proposed as a characteristic parameter to evaluate the prevention effect. Based on the finite element method, the torsional galloping of an iced line with equal height quad-bundle 450 m span under the condition of 50° wind attack angle and 12 m/s wind speed is analyzed, which verifies the feasibility of the cable turnover prevention scheme. The research studies the influence of cable load and hanging point position on the turnover prevention effect. The results show that the anti-turnover scheme of cable can effectively restrain the torsional galloping of the transmission line. Increasing the cable load will significantly reduce the torsional galloping degree of the transmission line. The effect of the cable on the torsional galloping of the transmission line near both sides of the hanging point position is more obvious.
Train craters to reduce the air resistance of trains during travel
Authors: Ma Zikai
Published: June 2023

First, we found various ways to reduce the air resistance to the train by studying some papers in the past years, and we selected the circular hole as the main subject of our study. After that, we used computational fluid dynamics to determine the main source of drag on the prototype, explore why the circular pit can reduce drag, and analyze how to make the circular pit have the best drag reduction effect. Finally, we selected the shape, spacing, and size of the circular pit. We clarified why our selected circular pit has the best drag reduction effect by the mechanism of the circular pit. It is clear that a 20 mm diameter 40 mm pit has the best effect, which can reduce about 2.79% of the resistance.