bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive factors of distal radioulnar joint instability after surgical treatment of distal radius fractures
Authors: Li Chenfei , Kong Lingde , Shi Xuyang , Zhang Zuzhuo , Lu Jian , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2023

Background: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is a common postoperative complication of distal radius fractures (DRFs), seriously impacting patients' quality of life. This study investigated its possible influencing factors to determine prognosis and to guide treatment better.
Methods: We retrospectively included a series of patients with DRFs that underwent volar locking plate (VLP) fixation. Basic patient information and imaging parameters were collected. The incidence of DRUJ instability during follow-up was recorded, and factors associated with DRUJ instability were determined using univariate analysis and multifactorial logistic regression analysis.
Results: A total of 116 patients were enrolled in this study. At 6 months of follow-up, 37 patients (31.9%) had DRUJ instability, and multivariate analysis showed coronal plane displacement (OR,2.419; 95% CI,1.083-5.402), fracture classification (OR,0.393; 95% CI,0.172-0.900) and DRUJ interval (OR,3.008; 95% CI,1.341-6.748) were associated with DRUJ instability after VLP.
Conclusions: DRUJ interval, coronal plane displacement, and fracture classification are associated with DRUJ instability during follow-up. Therefore, preoperative risk communication and intraoperative attention to recovering relevant imaging parameters are necessary for these patients.
Unsupervised Clustering Approach to Multiple Time-to-Event Electronic Health Records applied to Multimorbidity associated with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Delord Marc , Douiri Abdel
Published: July 2023

Multimorbidity is characterized by the accrual of two or more long-term conditions (LTCs) in an individual. This state of health is increasingly prevalent and poses public health challenges. Adapting approaches to effectively analyse electronic health records is needed to better understand multimorbidity. We propose a novel unsupervised clustering approach to multiple time-to-event health records denoted as multiple state analysis (MSA).
In MSA, patients’ pairwise dissimilarities are computed using patients’ state matrices which are composed of multiple censored time-to-event indicators reflecting patients’ health history. The use of state matrices enables the analysis of an arbitrary number of LTCs without reducing patients' health trajectories to a particular sequence of events.
MSA was applied to analyse multimorbidity associated with myocardial infarction using electronic health records of 26 LTCs, including conventional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) such as diabetes and hypertension, collected from south London general practices between 2005 and 2021 in 5087 patients.
We identified a typology of 11 clusters, characterised by age at onset of myocardial infarction, sequences of conventional CVRFs and non-conventional risk factors including physical and mental health conditions. Interestingly, multivariate analysis revealed that clusters were also associated with various combinations of socio-demographic characteristics including gender and ethnicity.
By identifying meaningful sequences of LTCs associated with myocardial infarction and distinct socio-demographic characteristics, MSA proves to be an effective approach to the analysis of electronic health records, with the potential to enhance our understanding of multimorbidity for improved prevention and management.
Towards self-driving labs for experimental mechanics: a data-centric approach for fatigue crack analysis in aerospace materials
Authors: Strohmann Tobias , Melching David , Paysan Florian , Dietrich Eric , Requena Guillermo , Breitbarth Eric
Published: July 2023

Today’s societal challenges require rapid response and smart materials solutions in almost all technical areas. Driven by these needs, data-driven research has emerged as an enabler for faster innovation cycles. In fields such as chemistry, materials science and life sciences, autonomous data generation and processing is already accelerating knowledge discovery. In contrast, in experimental mechanics, complex investigations like studying fatigue crack growth in structural materials have traditionally adhered to standardized procedures with limited adoption of the digital transformation. In this work, we present a novel infrastructure for data-centric experimental mechanics. The setup is demonstrated using a complex fatigue crack growth experiment for aerospace materials. Our methodology incorporates an open-source Python library that complements a multi-scale digital image correlation and robot-assisted test rig. Our novel approach significantly increases the information-to-cost ratio of fatigue crack growth experiments in aerospace materials compared to traditional experiments. Thus, serves as a catalyst for discovering new scientific knowledge and contributes to the data-driven acceleration of the deployment of new applications in the field of structural materials and structures.
Enhancements of Residual Soil Properties Using Vermicompost and Inoculant Strains in Low-Fertility Sandy Soil
Authors: Abate Gezahagn Goshu
Published: July 2023

In Ethiopia soil fertility and productivity has been decline due to excessive use of chemical fertilizer, top soil erosion and organic matter depletion. This laboratory and greenhouse study was conducted to isolate effective rhizobium strain and vermicompost rate to improve the crop yield and soil properties. It was carried out using Dosha variety in 2020 to 2021. The factorial combination of three rhizobium strains (non-inoculated, RS-17 and RS-1035) and four rates of vermicompost (0, 5, 10 and 15 ton ha− 1) treatments were arranged in complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The result showed that rhizobium strains and vermicompost rate had brought significant (p < 0.05) influence on the biological and chemical properties of soils. Sole application of maximum rate of vermicompost (15 ton ha− 1) and rhizobium strain with RS-17 and RS-1035 significantly improve total number of microbial community. The crop inoculated by RS-17 responded the maximum number of rhizobium bacteria. Sole and combined application of 15 ton ha− 1vermicompost with RS-1035 or RS-17 strains produced large sized, deep red and fast growing rhizobium bacteria. On the other hand, the treatment that received combined RS-17and 15 ton ha− 1vermicompost was significantly improved soil’s pH by 6.2%, organic carbon (37.5%), available P (13.2%) and total N (1.5%) as compared with the control treatment. Moreover, it had the maximum microbial population (1.33×108cfu/g) and out of this 7.6×105cfu/g rhizobia population. However, to forward a compressive recommendation the experiment should be supported by field studies on different area soils.
Soil with deficient inorganic elements promotes the accumulation of hesperidin , nobiletin and tangeretin in pericarps of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’
Authors: Ma Ruifei , Xu Zhongming , Ming Lili , Liu Xiaoshuang , Tang Zhanming , Miao Yanyan , Zheng Yinghua , Chen Chao , zhang wensheng
Published: July 2023

Aims Environmental conditions, such as soil stress, are crucial for the accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. This study aims to determine which soil type and environmental factors can promote the accumulation of hesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin in the pericarps of Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis).Methods This study selected Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ planted in paddy soil, red soil, alluvial soil and conducted correlation between meteorological, soil factors and the three components. Then, linear regression models (LRMs) and random forest models (RFMs) were used to screen the soil factors affecting accumulation of the three components. Structural equation models (SEMs) were established to further explore how key soil factors affect the accumulation of the three components.Results Our results indicated that there was no significant difference in meteorological factors among the three regions (p > 0.05), and no correlation was found between the meteorological factors and the three components. Soil factors in three soil types, such as K, Ca, Mg, Mn, salinity and pH, have significant impacts on the content variation of hesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin. The deficiency of K and Ca, play a crucial role in the accumulation of the three components.Conclusions Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’ cultivated in soil with deficient K and Ca is more inclined to accumulate hesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin in pericarps, which provides guidance for reasonable cultivation and paddy, red and alluvial soil improvement to promote the contents of medicinal components and the quality of medicinal plants.
Diversity, Abundance and Habitat Association of Medium and Large Sized Mammals in Debre-Libanos Monastery Forest, Central Part of Ethiopia
Authors: Desalegn Tamenut , Abebe Belayneh , Abate Degu
Published: July 2023

The study aimed to assess diversity, abundance and habitat association of medium and large sized mammals in Debre-libanos Monastery Forest. Stratified random sampling design was applied to stratify the study area in to four (Natural Forest, Plantation, Cliff/Rocky and Settlement) strata based on vegetation and habitat type. Both direct and indirect observation techniques were used along the transect line to identify mammal species. A total of 11 medium and large sized mammal species belong to 6 orders and 8 families were identified during the study period. Order carnivore was dominant followed by primate, which accounted for 36.4% and 27.3%, respectively. The highest diversity (H' = 1.44) of medium and large sized mammals was observed in the natural forest during the dry season and lowest diversity (H' = 0.77) of mammals recorded in the settlement habitat during the dry season. High species similarity observed between natural forest and plantation (SI=0.89) whereas low similarity observed between cliff/rocky and settlement (SI=0.20). Debrelibanos Monastery Forest has a great role for conservation of forest and biodiversity. In addition, the area has different landscapes, plant species, rivers and chins of mountains; those attract tourism activities. If the tourism development increase at the area, the income of regional and national government will increase. Therefore, the monastery needs attention by regional and national government to save mammals and the monasteries, especially for the protection of an endemic species of Gelada baboon. In other way there was a conflict between local communities and abbey administrators with in grazing livestock’s, so, clear demarcation will require to resolve this problem and further monitoring of the mammals and exploring further possibilities of rehabilitation of its habitat should be of conservation priority.
Nanosilica improves morphogenic and chemical parameters of Megathyrsus maximus grass under phosphorus deficiency and excess stress in different soils
Authors: Melo Cíntia Cármen Faria , Amaral Danilo Silva , Zanine Anderson Moura , Ferreira Daniele Jesus , Prado Renato Mello , Piccolo Marisa Cássia
Published: July 2023

In cultivated soils with pastures in different regions of the world, phosphorus (P) imbalances are recurrent. In addition to P deficiency, the occurrence of areas with excess P in the soil has increased, with damage to pasture production. This reality requires the search for thoughtful strategies such as the use of silicon (Si), which is an element known to attenuate stress in plants. However, the action of Si on morphogenetic and chemical characteristics of grasses forages cultivated in different soils is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of P deficiency and excess on morphogenetic and chemical parameters, and on the digestibility of Zuri guinea grass cultivated in Oxisol and Entisol, and to analyze whether fertirrigation with nanosilica can mitigate the damage caused by these nutritional stresses. P deficiency decreased tiller number and grass protein content, and increased lignin content, while P excess increased the percentage of dead material and lignin, and decreased the leaf:stem ratio of plants, and both stresses decreased dry matter (DM) production. Fertirrigation with Si promoted better tillering and protein in deficient plants. In the excess of P, Si reduced tiller mortality and the lignin content of the plants, increasing the leaf:stem ratio and DM production, also increasing the production of plants with P sufficiency, without affecting the digestibility of the grass. Thus, the perspective is that the use of Si can improve the growth and chemical characteristics of forage grasses under P stress, and optimize production in nourished adapted plants, confident for more sustainable pasture production.
Two-particle diffusion in homogeneous turbulence with stable stratification by linear RTD spectral space analysis and application of a simplified model
Authors: Nefzi Racha , Lili Taieb , Beya Brahim Ben
Published: July 2023

This article paper investigates the numerical study of relative two-particle diffusion in homogeneous stably stratified turbulence. The focus is on obtaining components of tensors \(\varDelta ({\text{t}}^{{\prime }},\text{t})\) and \({\varDelta }^{\text{r}}\left(\text{t}\right)\)which are associated with one-particle and two-particle diffusion, respectively. This is achieved by utilizing Lagrangian two-time velocity correlations for both individual particles and two particles initially separated by \(\overrightarrow{{\delta }{\text{x}}_{0}}\). To facilitate the analysis, a simple two-particle diffusion model is developed based on assumptions similar to previous works by Kaneda and Ishida, as well as Ishihara and Kaneda, to elaborate one-particle and two-particle diffusion models. Using this model, Lagrangian two-time velocity correlations are calculated from numerically obtained two-time correlations spectra using a linear analysis RDT in the spectral space. The components of the two-particle diffusion tensor are then deduced directly. The application of this two-particle diffusion model considers an initial turbulence with a Reynolds number \({\text{R}}_{{\lambda }}=\text{2022,80}\) associated with the Taylor micro-scale of 2022.80. Two values of the Froude number (Fr) are selected: Fr = 0.0026 and Fr = 0.0045, in accordance with previously adopted criteria. Additionally, different values of the vertical displacement \({\delta }{\text{x}}_{0}/{\eta }\)are chosen, where (η) represents the Kolmogorov length-scale. Ultimately, two numerical simulation series are conducted: \({\text{R}}_{{\lambda }}\)=2022.80, Fr = 0.0045, (\({\delta }{\text{x}}_{0}/{\eta }\)=15, 17, 20, 24, and \({\text{R}}_{{\lambda }}\)=2022.80, Fr = 0.0026, \({\delta }{\text{x}}_{0}/{\eta }\)=15, 20, 25. The primary objective of this study is to delve into the fundamental problem of highlighting the \({\text{t}}^{3}\)Richardson law and the 4/3 diffusivity Richardson law in the horizontal plane during the intermediate range of times, focusing on two-particle diffusion.
Successful Transplantation of Non-Flushed Liver Organ in Rats
Authors: Yang Li-Fei , Ren Lu , Yu Jia-Wei , Wan Yong , Lv Yi , Lu Qiang
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of liver transplantation using non-flushed organs in a rat model. Healthy adult rats were divided into two groups: liver transplantation using non-flushed donor liver (group NF; n = 12); liver transplantation using donor liver flushed with UW solution (group controls; n = 12). Liver function and histological changes were assessed at 72 hours post-transplantation. Long-term survival after transplantation was also compared between two groups by the Kaplan-Meier analysis. No significant differences in liver biochemistry were detected between two groups at 72 hours after transplantation. A comparable liver histology was noted between the NF and the controls. There was no significant difference in the overall survival rate. Transplantation of non-flushed livers is no inferior to current donor organ preservation technology in rats.
Identification of Risk Factors for Disseminated Cryptococcosis in Non-HIV Patients- A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Yiqing , Tang Xiaoqi , Li Minghui
Published: July 2023

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with disseminated cryptococcosis in HIV-negative individuals.
Methods
A total of 106 HIV-negative individuals with cryptococcal disease were enrolled. The observation group consisted of patients with disseminatedcryptococcosis (DC), whereas the control groups included patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) and cryptococcal meningitis (CM). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression algorithms were used to explore the clinical and laboratory characteristicsthat affect the progression of cryptococcal infections.
Results
Of the 106 patients, 57 were diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis, 22 with cryptococcal meningitis, and 27 with disseminated cryptococcosis. The logistic regression equation included five variables: diabetes, decompensated liver cirrhosis, long-term use of immunosuppressive agents, decreased serum albumin level, and elevated plasma cytokine IL-10 level.
Conclusion
This study identified elevated IL-10 levels as an independent risk factor for developing disseminated cryptococcosis in the control groups. Furthermore, decompensated liver cirrhosis anddecreased serum albumin independentlyaffected the progression of cryptococcosis in the CM and PC groups, respectively.
Zip-14 Expression After Abdominal Surgery in Rats is Mainly Regulated by the Il-6 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Aburto-Luna Violeta , Santos-López Gerardo , Treviño Samuel , Chávez Bertha Alicia León , Brambila Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Objective.
Study the signaling pathways involved in hepatic Zip14 expression in rats undergoing abdominal surgery.
Animals.
Twenty-five Wistar rats received specific IL-6 and IL-1β signaling pathway inhibitors, were subjected to abdominal surgical stress, and sacrificed at 9-h. Rats administered with the vehicle used with each inhibitor served as controls.
Methods.
mRNA-Zip14 transporter was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR, and protein levels were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Intracellular zinc levels were determined by zinquin and dithizone stains.
Results.
Rats administered with a pStat3 inhibitor and undergoing 9-h of abdominal surgery presented a decrease of Zip-14 mRNA and its protein level and an intracellular reduction of zinc. Jak2 inhibition decreased Zip-14 mRNA and its protein levels, but intracellular zinc levels did not show changes. Rats administered with an NF-kB inhibitor increased Zip14-mRNA levels without protein and intracellular zinc changes. Inhibition of JNK and MAPp38 did not change Zip-14 mRNA, but the protein level decreased and showed an increase in intracellular zinc.
Conclusion.
Results suggest that after abdominal surgery, Zip-14 is one of the most essential zinc transporters involved in the hepatic redistribution of zinc. The main signaling pathway involved in Zip-14 expression is mediated by Jak 2/ stat3, which IL-6 activates.
Sodium Removal per Ultrafiltration Volume in Automated Peritoneal Dialysis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Tokunaga Takashi , Hamada Riku , Inoguchi Tomohiro , Terano Chikako , Mikami Naoaki , Harada Ryoko , Hamasaki Yuko , Ishikura Kenji , Hataya Hiroshi , Honda Masataka
Published: July 2023

Background
The standard sodium removal in adult anuric patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is 7.5 g/L of ultrafiltration volume (UFV). Although automated PD (APD) is widely used in pediatric patients, no attempt has yet been made to estimate sodium removal in APD.
Methods
The present, retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients with APD who were managed at Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center between July 2010 and November 2017. The patients underwent a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) at our hospital. Sodium removal per UFV was calculated by peritoneal function and dwell time using samples from patients on APD with 1- and 2-hour dwell effluent within three months of PET and 4- and 10-hour dwell effluent at PET.
Results
In total, 217 samples from 18 patients were included, with 63, 81, and 73 of the samples corresponding to the High [H], High-average [HA], and Low-average [LA] PET category, respectively. Sodium removal per UFV (g/L in salt equivalent) for dwell times of 1-, 2-, 4-, and 10-hour was 5.2, 8.8, 8.0, and 11.5 for PET [H], 5.3, 5.8, 5.6, and 8.1 for PET [HA], and 4.6, 5.1, 5.1, and 7.1 for PET [LA], respectively.
Conclusions
Sodium removal per UFV in pediatric APD was less than the standard adult CAPD and tended to be lower with shorter dwell times, leading to sodium accumulation (Na sieving). Otherwise, salt intake should be restricted in combination with daytime CAPD, especially in anuric patients.
Stabilization of prebiotic vesicles by peptides depends on
sequence and chirality
Authors: Black Roy , Cohen Zachary , Todd Zoe , Maibaum Lutz , Catling David
Published: July 2023

Life depends on homochiral oligomers with specific sequences to carry out essential functions. How could such oligomers have been selected from the prebiotic clutter? What was the first function for which sequences were selected? Cells were probably preceded by simple compartments, such as fatty acid vesicles, composed of a membrane and one or more oligomers. Differential stabilization of such vesicles could have been the key to answering these questions. Oligomers that increased stability and/or growth of the membrane would have conferred an advantage to vesicles competing for limited membrane components. We therefore tested whether prebiotic peptides (simple oligomers) alter the stability or growth of vesicles composed of a prebiotic fatty acid. We find that one of the peptides, leucine-leucine (Leu-Leu), rapidly shrinks the vesicles and makes them leakier when heterochiral (either L-D or D-L), but not when homochiral (either L-L or D-D). Testing for effects on salt-induced flocculation of vesicles, we find three of fifteen dipeptides reduce flocculation. All three contain leucine, and increasing length increases efficacy. In a final test for modulation of vesicle properties, we find two leucine-containing peptides that increase the size of fatty acid vesicles grown by multiple additions of fatty acid micelles, and a tripeptide outperforms a dipeptide. Thus, prebiotic peptides influence the size, leakiness, susceptibility to flocculation, and growth of prebiotic vesicles and do so with specificity for chirality, sequence, and length. Vesicles that bound peptides favoring stability and/or growth could have outcompeted other vesicles for lipid components of the membrane, beginning selection for the functional oligomers that underpin life.
Biomechanics of Sacroiliac Joint Fixation Using Lag Screws: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Chatain Grégoire , Oldham Alton , Uribe Juan , Duhon Bradley , Gardner Michael , Witt Jens-Peter , Yerby Scott , Kelly Brian
Published: July 2023

Background
Iliosacral screw placement is ubiquitous and now part of the surgeon’s pelvic trauma armamentarium. More recent evidence supports sacroiliac arthrodesis for treating sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction in select patients. Regardless of the surgical indication, there are currently no studies examining lag screw compression biomechanics across the SIJ. The objective of this biomechanical investigation was to quantify iliosacral implant compressive forces and to examine the insertion torque and compressive force profile over time.
Methods
Eight human cadaveric pelvic specimens underwent SIJ fixation at S1 and S2 using 11.5 and 10.0mm iFuse-TORQ Lag implants, respectively, and standard 7.3mm trauma lag screws. Load decay analysis was performed, and insertion and removal torques were measured.
Results
For both implants at S1/S2 levels, the load relaxed 50% in approximately 67 minutes. Compressive load decay was approximately 70% on average occurring approximately 15 hours post-insertion. Average insertion torque for the 11.5 mm TORQ implant at S1 was significantly greater than the trauma lag screw. Similarly, at S2, insertion torque of the 10.0 mm TORQ implant was greater than the trauma lag screw. At S1, removal torque for the 11.5 mm TORQ implant was higher than the trauma lag screw; there was no significant difference in the removal torque at S2.
Conclusions
In this study, we found that a novel posterior pelvic implant with a larger diameter, roughened surface, and dual pitch threads, achieved improved insertion and removal torques compared to a standard screw. Load relaxation characteristics were similar between all implants.
Superimposed Pilot-based Channel Estimation for RIS-Assisted IoT systems Using Lightweight Network
Authors: Qing Chaojin , Hu Wenquan , Wang Li , Ling Guowei , Liu Zhiying , Cai Xi , Wang Jiafan
Published: July 2023

Channel estimation (CE) in Internet of Things (IoT) systems faces challenges of low spectral efficiency, high energy consumption, and blocked propagation paths.To address these issues, this paper proposes a superimposed pilot-based CE scheme with reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) assistance. The pilot signal is superimposed on the uplink user data to improve spectral efficiency and reduce user equipment (UE) energy consumption. RIS is introduced to enhance communication robustness in the complex propagation environments. At the base station (BS), dedicated lightweight neural networks (NNs) are developed for CE and symbol detection (SD) to alleviate computational complexity and processing delay. The limited learning ability of these lightweight NNs is addressed by employing conventional CE and SD methods for initial feature extraction. This enables the NNs to learn along with the extracted features, reducing the required training set size. The proposed scheme improves spectral efficiency, reduces energy consumption, computational complexity, and processing delay, while enhancing the performance of both normalized mean square error (NMSE) of CE and the bit error rate (BER) of SD. Simulation results demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method against various parameter settings.
Betaine in Infants Born Small-for-Gestational-Age
Authors: yang guicun , wang nianrong , liu hao , si lina , zhao yan
Published: July 2023

Aim
Betaine can promote methylation as a methyl donor and play an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism, and may affect infant birth weight. The aim of this study is to assess whether betaine is associated with poor fetal growth.
Methods
A total of 141 mother–infant pairs were enrolled in the study. According to gestational age and birth weight, the mother–infant pairs were divided into small-for-gestational-age and appropriate-for-gestational-age group. Cord plasma concentrations of betaine and lipid (triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol) were measured.
Results
Cord plasma betaine concentrations were higher in small-for-gestational-age (4.37 ± 0.98l ng/ml, P = 0.016) relative to appropriate-for-gestational-age (3.98 ± 0.86 ng/ml) newborns, and were not correlated to lipid levels (all P > 0.2). Adjusting for maternal and neonatal characteristics, birth weight (β = -70.32, p = 0.016) and birth length (β = -0.298, p = 0.029) were negatively correlated with the levels of betaine. Higher betaine concentrations were associated with increased risks of small-for-gestational-age (OR = 1.798, P = 0.008).
Conclusions
This study demonstrate that elevated concentration of betaine in cord blood is associated with higher risk of small-for-gestational-age and this association is independent of lipid levels. The dysregulation of betaine in infants may be a risk factor for fetal growth.
Dislocation evolution in GaN-based Laser Diodes under nano-indentation
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Su Xujun , Wang Guobing , Li Xinran , Xu Ke
Published: July 2023

The multiplication and motion behavior of dislocations induced by surface damage or the failure of devices in GaN-based LDs were simulated by nano-indentation technique. The results shown that dislocations with burgers vector of b = 1/3 < 11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3> were introduced on either {11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)2} <11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3>, or {1\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)01} <11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3> slip systems, and dislocations with burgers vector of b = 1/3 < 11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)0> were introduced inevitably on {0001} <11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)0> slip system. It is worth noting that dislocations on {1\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)01} slip planes underwent decomposition when passing through the AlGaN/InGaN interface, the screw component slip to the plane {0001} and the edge component were nailed at the interface. Inversely, dislocations on {11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)2} slip planes exhibited smooth traverse through AlGaN and quantum well layers.
AI prediction of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy outcomes for ureteral stones by machine learning-based analysis with a variety of stone and patient characteristics
Authors: Nakamae Yukako , Deguchi Ryusuke , Nemoto Mitsutaka , Kimura Yuichi , Yamashita Shimpei , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao
Published: July 2023

We propose an artificial intelligence prediction method for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment outcomes by analysis of a wide variety of variables. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 171 patients from between January 2009 and November 2019 that underwent shock wave lithotripsy at Wakayama Medical University, Japan, for ureteral stones that were shown on preoperative non-contrast computed tomography. This prediction method consisted of stone area extraction, stone analyzing factor extraction from non-contrast computed tomography images, and shock wave lithotripsy treatment result prediction by a non-linear support vector machine for analysis of fifteen input and automatic measurement factors. Input factors included patient age, skin-to-stone distance, and maximum ureteral wall thickness, and the automatic measurement factors included eleven non-contrast computed tomography image texture factors in the stone area and stone volume. Permutation feature importance was also applied to the artificial intelligence prediction results to analyze the importance of each factor relating to estimate decision grounds. The prediction performance was evaluated by five-fold cross-validation and obtained 0.742 of the mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The proposed method is shown by these results to have robust data diversity and effective clinical application. As a result of permutation feature importance, some factors that showed high p-values in the significant difference tests had a high contribution to the proposed prediction method. Future issues include validation using a larger volume of high-resolution clinical non-contrast computed tomography image data and the application of deep learning.
The Impact of Learning Curve on Robotic Living Donor Nephrectomy Outcomes
Authors: Papa Sarah , Popovic Aleksandar , Dvorai Reut Hod , Shahbazov Rauf
Published: July 2023

Background: We aimed to investigate how surgeon experience in different time points impact donors’ outcome.
Methods: This is a retrospective study comparing outcome of 77 living kidney donors who had robotic living donor nephrectomies (RDN) performed at a single institution. Donors separated into three groups: 25 patients constituting the learning curve period (LCP), 25 patients constituting the stabilization period (SP), and the 27 patients constituting the teaching period (TP). The groups were compared by collecting data on pre-, intra- and postoperative parameters and costs.
Results: Among the three RDN groups, there were significant differences in blood loss (102 mL vs 39 mL vs 41 mL, p=0.01), intra-operative fluids administration (3.2 L vs 3.1 L vs 2.7 L, p=0.45), hospitalization times (2.96 days vs 1.92 days vs 1.85 days, p<0.01), and morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (2068 vs 375 vs 222, p<0.01). Operative time was significantly shorter in the LCP group compared to the TP group (282 min vs 308 min vs 314, p=0.02). However, warm ischemia time was shorter in the TP group compared to the LCP group (5.0 min vs 3.4 min vs 1.5 min, p<0.01). Complication rates were significantly higher in the LCP group compared to the SP and TP groups (p=0.04), but readmission within 30 days was similar at all surgical time points(p=0.58). Surgical costs ($73,756 vs $82,949 vs $91783, p<0.01) were higher in both the SP and TP groups.
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that RDN outcomes improve significantly after the initial learning curve of the technique.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury
Authors: Zhang Jian , Li Mingjun , Yang Yuxia , Liu Wenkang , Meng Xiangji , Fei Wenyong , Wang Jingcheng
Published: July 2023

Background：Since arthroscopy was discovered as a treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury, people have had great interest and attention to this beautiful and minimally invasive operation, and related research has been increasing all over the world. At present, there is no bibliometric and visualized analysis in this field. The purpose of this study is to explore the research hotspots and trends of arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury through bibliometric and visualized analysis, and look forward to the future development direction of clinical practice.
Methods: The publications on arthroscopic treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury diseases from its establishment to April 2023 were obtained from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database. CiteSpace, VosViewer, Scimago graphica and Origin were used for bibliometric and visualized analysis.
Results:This study included a total of 330 publications. The number of publications tends to increase every year. The United States has the largest number of publications and citations. Imhoff AB is the most relevant scholar with the largest number of publications in this field, and the scholar with the highest citation and average citation is Mazzocca AD. Tech Univ Munich, Rush University and Charite are the three institutions with the greatest contribution. In addition, “Arthroscopy-the Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery” and “American Journal of Sports Medicine” are the insititutions with the largest number of publications and average citations, respectively. The most common keywords are “acromioclavicular joint dislocation”, “arthroscopic resection”, “arthroscopic reconstruction” and “coracoclavicular ligament”.
Conclusion: the number of publications shows a steady upward trend as a whole. However, there is still a lack of cooperation among countries, institutions and scholars around the world, so various countries, institutions and scholars need to strengthen academic exchanges and expand the field of cooperation, so as to promote further research and development in related fields. However, minimally invasive methods such as arthroscopy are still the hotspots and frontiers in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint injury in the future.
Calculation of Fresnel Integrals of Real and Complex Arguments up to 28 Significant Digits
Authors: Zaghloul Mofreh R. , Alrawas Leen
Published: July 2023

We present numerical algorithms for efficient and highly accurate computations of Fresnel’s sine and cosine integrals \(S\left(z\right)\) and \(C\left(z\right)\)for real (\(z=x\)) and complex (\(z=x+iy\)) arguments. The algorithms are based on series expansion for small values of |z|, expansion in Chebyshev subinterval polynomial approximations for intermediate real values (\(y=0\)), toggled with sum of half-integer order Bessel functions for complex arguments, together with asymptotic series expansion for large values of |z|. The present algorithms, implemented in a Fortran elemental module, can be run using any of the single, double or quadruple precision arithmetic. Results from the present code have been benchmarked versus comprehensive data tables, generated using Maple, Mathematica and Matlab symbolic toolbox. Compared to a maximum of 16 significant digits in the literature, the present algorithms can calculate \(S\left(x\right)\) and C(x) up to 28 significant digits in the range \(xϵ[0, {10}^{6}]\) and \(S\left(z\right)\) and C(z) to the same accuracy in the domain where \(\left|S\right(z\left)\right|\) and \(\left|C\left(z\right)\right|\) each is less than the largest finite floating point number in the precision under consideration with \(\left|arg z\right|<\frac{\pi }{2}\) or more specifically \(3\times {10}^{-4}<\left|\frac{y}{x}\right|<{2\times 10}^{3}\) for \(S\left(z\right)\) and \({4\times 10}^{-4}<\left|\frac{y}{x}\right|<{2.2\times 10}^{3}\) for \(C\left(z\right)\).
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin-Conjugated Zinc oxide Nanoparticles on Reserpine-Induced Depression in Wistar Rats
Authors: Fahmy Heba M , Aboalasaad Fatmaalzahraa A , Mohamed Ayman S , Khadrawy Yasser A , Elhusseiny Fathi A , Elmekawy Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Depression, a devastating brain illness, necessitates the exploration of novel antidepressant treatments. We evaluated the antidepressant effects of free Curcumin, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn(cur)O NPs). The nano-formulations were extensively characterized using advanced techniques. An acute toxicity study ensured the safety of Zn(cur)O NPs. Rats were assigned to one of five groups: control, reserpine-induced depression model, treatment with ZnO NPs, free Curcumin, or Zn(cur)O NPs. Behavioral assessments (forced swimming test [FST] and open-field test [OFT]) and neurochemical analyses were conducted. Zn(cur)O NPs exhibited superior efficacy in ameliorating reserpine-induced behavioral and neurochemical effects compared to free Curcumin and ZnO NPs. The reserpine-induced model displayed reduced motor activity, swimming time, and increased immobility time in the FST and OFT. Treatment with Zn(cur)O NPs 45 mg/kg, significantly improved motor activity and reduced immobility time. Furthermore, Zn(cur)O NPs decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while increasing reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels. Additionally, concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) increased. In conclusion, curcumin-conjugated zinc oxide nanoparticles demonstrate potent antidepressant effects, alleviating depressive-like behavior in rats. These findings support Zn(cur)O NPs as a promising therapeutic strategy for depression management, warranting further investigation and clinical validation.
Experimental and Mesoscale Numerical Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior and Failure Modes of Mottled Bamboo
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Shengdong
Published: July 2023

Mottled bamboo and its related products have received significant attention due to their low carbon content, high specific strength, and stiffness. This paper presents geometric and constitutive models on mesoscale to establish the material response of bamboo under various loading conditions. By conducting mesoscale numerical simulations and experimental investigations, the mechanical behavior and failure modes of bamboo subjected to longitudinal tension and compression, transverse tension and compression, and shear loads are systematically analyzed. This study plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanical behavior and failure modes of bamboo materials. Furthermore, the mesoscale exploration of the mechanical strength of different laminated designs for structural bamboo glulam can offer valuable support for the future design and production of such glulam structures.
Two RuEGs regulates blackberry fruit firmness by effecting the genes of cell wall at different ripening stages
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Wang Xiaomin , Lyu Lianfei , He Jiaqi , Wu Wenlong , Li Weilin
Published: July 2023

As a new generation of economically important fruit, blackberry fruit is rich in nutrients and functional components. However, the ripe fruit is very low in firmness, soft, and perishable. Therefore, storage and preservation have become important factors restricting its industrial development. This study introduced overexpression vectors of RuEG1 and RuEG2 from blackberry into tomato, and showed that firmness of transgenic tomato fruit decreased with the development period. The structure of transgenic tomato collapsed earlier than that of wild-type tomato. Comparison showed that the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin in transgenic tomato were significantly reduced compared with wild-type tomato. Activities of pectin methylesterase and cellulase were significantly increased in transgenic compared with wild-type tomato. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR data showed that the expression levels of cell wall degrading enzyme genes XTH3, Cel2 and Cel8 were significantly higher than those of the control. The results showed that RuEG1 and RuEG2 regulated enzyme activity in fruit cell walls and influenced cell wall composition, thus regulating fruit firmness and improving fruit quality and storability. In addition, the XTH3 and Cel8 were highly expressed in RuEG2 transgenic fruits and higher than those in RuEG1 might be the reason why they play a role in different fruit ripening stages.
Theoretical/Numerical Studies of the Nanoscale-cavity Effects on Dipole Emission, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Surface Plasmon Coupling
Authors: Kuo Yang , Yang C. C. (Chih-Chung)
Published: July 2023

The electric field and radiated power of a radiating dipole located inside a spherical nano-cavity are formulated to show that the nano-cavity structure or nanoscale-cavity effect can enhance the near-field intensity inside the cavity and the far-field radiated power of the dipole. Such enhancements are caused by two contributing factors, including the classical electromagnetic scattering as formulated and the Purcell effect, which is implemented through a numerical feedback process by assuming a two-level system for the radiating dipole. The enhancement of near-field intensity results in the efficiency increase of Förster resonance energy transfer when both energy donor and acceptor are located inside the nano-cavity. By combining the enhancements of the field intensity of the donor and the radiated power of the acceptor, the color conversion efficiency can be increased through the nanoscale-cavity effect. We also numerically demonstrate that the nanoscale-cavity effect can enhance surface plasmon coupling for increasing the radiated power of a dipole located nearby an Ag nanoparticle inside a nano-cavity.
New fractional derivative model for Khat chewing dynamics
Authors: Kahsay Hafte Amsalu
Published: July 2023

The aim of this article is to modeling khat chewing dynamics using the Caputo and Caputo–Fabrizio fractional operators. We apply the new fractional two-step Adams–Bashforth schemes for the approximation of these derivatives. These numerical schemes are formulated by combining the fundamental theorem of fractional calculus with the two-step Lagrange polynomial. The stability analysis of equilibrium points for a fractional derivative of the model was checked. The Existence and uniqueness of solutions of fractional dynamic were as proved by adopting the fixed point theorem. Numerical simulations for various \(\theta\) values are carried out for the analysis of khat chewing dynamics.
Performance characteristics of combustion and emission in pulse detonation engine
Authors: Warimani Mahammadsalman , Bellary Sayed Ahmed Imran , Teli Shivagond , Khan Sher Afghan , Gaikwad Lokpriya
Published: July 2023

A shift in combustion concepts from conventional isobaric to constant volume combustion (CVC) has various benefits. Pulse detonation combustion (PDC) works on CVC, significantly increasing the engine's thermodynamic efficiency. Pollutant emissions from pulse detonation engines (PDE) have received little research. PDE has higher temperature combustion, resulting in a higher NOx emission. In the present paper, the formation of NOx is investigated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. A model is constructed by varying pressure, temperature, spark size, and geometry for hydrogen fuel. SST K- Omega model with transient conditions is used. CFD analysis was performed to calculate EINOx for 12 cm and 20 cm tubes. Encouraging results were obtained. The size of 12 cm tube produced EINOx of 200 g/kg of fuel, and a 20 cm tube produced 250 g/kg of fuel. Computed results are in good agreement with previous literature.
Mathematical model of an experiment to test the isotropy of the one-way speed of light
Authors: Midasala Alex
Published: July 2023

The value for the speed of light c = 299792458 m/s which is widely used in theoretical physics, experimental physics, astronomy and astrophysics. However, this presumed value of ‘c’ is the round trip speed or the average of the two-way speed of light, from source to the detector and back. It has been thoroughly verified time and again by a number of experiments. But the equality of the one-way speed of light with the round trip speed of light i.e. the isotropy of the one-way speed of light has never been verified, due to the magnitude of the complexity involved in measuring the one-way speed of light. It has thought to be impossible to measure the one-way speed of light except an absolute (standard) simultaneity was to be found. But we can test the isotropy of the one-way speed of light by using a mathematical structure that resembles an isosceles triangle, a clock and a light tunnel. Since the round trip speed of light has already been verified to be isotropic, there are values only with which one-way speed of light can have maintaining the roundtrip speed of light to be isotropic. These values serves as limits to the maximum speed that the one-way speed of light can travel in its direction of propagation in the light tunnel, from which two light pulses from both ends of the tunnel send to the same clock there by evading the need for synchronization.
Hemodynamics Combined with Inflammatory Indicators to Predict Symptomatic Middle Cerebral Artery Atherosclerotic Stenosis
Authors: Wu Xiao-Bing , Liu Yi-Ao , Huang Li-Xin , Guo Xin , Cai Wang-Qing , Luo Bin , Wang Sheng-Wen
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose
This study combined high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (HR-VWI), hemodynamics, and peripheral blood inflammatory indicators to investigate the role of these factors in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) and their inter-relationships.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis were recruited retrospectively from June 2018 to July 2022. Plaque enhancement was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and the degree of plaque enhancement was graded according to the plaque-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CR). Then, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were constructed, and then hemodynamic parameters, including wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure ratio (PR), were measured and recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors that can predict sICAS. In addition, the correlation analysis between the plaque characteristics on HR-VWI, hemodynamic parameters, and peripheral blood inflammatory indicators was performed to investigate the interrelationships between these factors.
Results
Thirty-two patients were included. A higher proportion of plaque enhancement, maximum WSS, and WSS ratio (WSSR) were significantly associated with sICAS. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only the WSSR was an independent risk factor for sICAS. The correlation analysis revealed that both the CR and plaque burden showed linear positive correlation with the WSSR, and showed linear negative correlation with the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio.
Conclusion
The plaque enhancement and WSSR were significantly associated with sICAS, WSSR was an independent risk factor for sICAS. Plaque enhancement and plaque burden showed linear correlation with the WSSR and LMR. Hemodynamics and inflammation combined to promote plaque progression.