bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary microvascular resistance comparison of coronary arteries with and without considering vascular diameter: A retrospective, single‐center study
Authors: Muroya Takahiro , Kawano Hiroaki , Yamamoto Fumi , Maemura Koji
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Measurement of coronary microvascular resistance (MR) is essential for diagnosing nonocclusive coronary artery ischemia, but whether coronary branches of different diameters can be similarly assessed using hyperemic microvascular resistance index (hMVRI) calculated from average peak velocity (APV) remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between coronary arteries of different diameters and hMVRI.

Methods

Thirty patients with suspected angina pectoris and nonobstructive coronary stenosis with fractional flow reserve >0.8 underwent evaluation of all coronary arteries using a Doppler velocity and pressure‐equipped guidewire. Quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was used to analyze vessel diameter (DQCA). Coronary blood flow (CBFQCA) was calculated as πDQCA2/4 (0.5 × APV) and hMVRIQCA as distal coronary pressure divided by CBFQCA during maximal hyperemia.

Results

The hMVRI was significantly higher for the right coronary artery than for the left anterior descending artery, but no significant differences between arteries were seen for CBFQCA and hMVRIQCA. Although the correlation between CBFQCA and APV was weak, CBFQCA divided into three groups according to DQCA showed very strong correlations with APV. Slopes of the straight line between APV and CBFQCA for small‐, middle‐, and large‐diameter groups were 0.48, 0.30, and 0.21, respectively, with slope decreasing as diameter increased.

Conclusions

Comparative evaluation of MR in coronary branches with varying vessel diameters requires vessel diameter to be accounted for.
Methanol poisoning during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Iran: A retrospective cross‐sectional study of clinical, laboratory, and brain imaging characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Esmaeilian Saeid , Teimouri Arash , Hooshmandi Sedighe , Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Mohajeri Elham , Bazmi Sina , Tabrizi Reza , Hoseinyazdi Meisam
Published: December 2023

Objective

To evaluate the frequency and significance of brain imaging findings in methanol poisoning patients and to propose a criterion for prioritizing brain imaging.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 306 patients (286 men and 34 women, mean age 32.10 ± 9.9 years) with confirmed methanol poisoning who were admitted to two hospitals in Iran during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We analyzed their demographic, clinical, laboratory, and brain imaging data.

Results

The main brain computed tomography (CT) scan findings were hypodensity in the putamen (11.1%), cerebellar nuclei (8.2%), diffuse cerebral edema (7.5%), and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH; 1.6%). These findings were associated with blood pH, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), renal failure, bicarbonate, oxygen, carbon dioxide, potassium, and glucose levels (p < 0.05). Poor prognosis was related to blindness, opium addiction, chronic alcohol use, hyperglycemia, and abnormal CT scans (p < 0.001 for all). The most predictive brain imaging findings for poor prognosis were hypodensity in the cerebellar nuclei, diffuse cerebral edema, and ICH.

Conclusion

Brain imaging can provide valuable information for the diagnosis and management of methanol poisoning patients. We suggest that patients with severe acidosis, low GCS, low pH, low oxygen saturation, and high glucose levels should undergo brain CT scan as a priority.
Predicting attachment in Portuguese infants born very or extremely preterm: Understanding the roles of infant regulatory behavior, maternal sensitivity, and risk factors
Authors: Antunes Sandra , Alves Maria João , Martelo Inês , Beeghly Marjorie , Barros Luísa , Fuertes Marina
Published: December 2023

A growing body of research shows that early attachment relationships are foundational for children's later developmental and psychosocial outcomes. However, findings are mixed regarding whether preterm birth predicts later attachment, but insecurity is generally more prevalent among infants at higher medical and/or social/familial risk. This longitudinal study aimed to identify specific relational, familial/demographic, and perinatal predictors of attachment in a sample of 63 Portuguese infants born very or extremely preterm (VEPT, <32 gestational weeks) and their mothers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. One‐third of the mothers had social/family risk factors (e.g., single parent, immigrant, unemployed, low education, and/or low income). At 3 months (corrected age), dyads were observed during social interaction in the Face‐to‐Face Still‐Face paradigm (FFSF) and during free play. At 12 months, mother‐infant dyads were observed in Ainsworth's Strange Situation. Over half (58.7%) of the infants were classified as insecurely attached. Social‐Positive Oriented regulatory behavior pattern, higher maternal sensitivity, higher infant cooperation during free play, number of siblings and an absence of social/family risk factors were associated with attachment security. Perinatal variables were unrelated to attachment. Findings indicate that both relational and social contextual factors contribute to attachment in this biologically vulnerable sample.
Mental health and wellbeing of undergraduate students in engineering: A systematic literature review
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Minichiello Angela , Ahmed Shaf
Published: December 2023

Background

The wellbeing of college students today is at risk because of rising occurrences of mental health issues in higher education. Concurrently, undergraduate students perceive engineering courses and programs to be among the most arduous, and least welcoming and accommodating, in higher education. Although research related to mental health and wellbeing (MHW) in engineering is growing, a systematic review of this research has yet to be conducted.

Purpose

This systematic literature review identifies and synthesizes empirical scholarship related to the MHW of undergraduate engineering students.

Scope/Method

Specified search terms and inclusion criteria were used to identify 34 empirical studies related to engineering undergraduates' MHW. Content and qualitative thematic analyses were conducted to characterize and synthesize trends in research quality and outcomes across studies.

Results

Undergraduate engineering students experience a variety of mental health issues that negatively affect their experiences in engineering education. Stress is the most prevalent mental health issue identified; anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also reported. Heavy academic workloads, sleep issues, and the nature of engineering education culture are identified as impediments to MHW in engineering education.

Conclusions

Although MHW in engineering is a growing area of research internationally, current MHW research in engineering is nascent and focused on the characterization of student mental health issues. Researchers underutilize qualitative and mixed‐methods approaches, longitudinal and experimental designs, guiding frameworks, and robust sampling techniques. Academic and mindfulness interventions, as well as the use of mental wellness constructs from positive psychology, show promise for supporting MHW in engineering.
Identification of prognostic value of anoikis‐related gene score model combined with tumor microenvironment score models in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Moyan , Liang Yicheng , Song Peng
Published: December 2023

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has poor survival. Effective prognostic models with high application value remain lack.

Methods

Bulk RNA seq and single cell RNA‐seq data were retrieved from the XENA‐TCGA‐ESCC cohort and GSE188900. The anoikis‐related gene score (ANO score) model and tumor microenvironment score (TME score) model were constructed and merged into three subgroups. Functional annotation was analyzed by Gene Ontology terms. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis were performed to construct prognostic prediction models and identify prognostic value. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were drawn for evaluating the overall survival (OS) of patients classified by different score subgroups. Immunotherapy response and mutation analyses were also conducted.

Results

In the ANO score model, TNFSF10 was an independent factor for the prognosis of ESCC patients. The area under the curve values of the ANO–TME score model in predicting the OS were 0.638 at 5 years and 0.632 at 7 years. Patients in the ANO low score–TME high score group had a much longer OS than patients in any other ANO–TME score subgroup (p < 0.001), suggesting a higher prognostic value. The differentially expressed genes of the ANO low score–TME high score group were mainly involved in cell adhesion molecules, nucleotide excision repair, the TGF‐β signaling pathway and mismatch repair. TP53 (92%), TTN (38%) and NFE2L2 (31%) were the top genes with highest mutant frequency in the ANO low score–TME high score group.

Conclusions

A novel prognostic prediction model with high application value was constructed and identified for ESCC patients, which may provide evidence for immunotherapy in the treatment of ESCC.
The efficiency and safety of multidetector computed tomography‐guided transseptal puncture during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation
Authors: Lu Yi , Yuan Zhen , Liu Chunhui , Ma Shenghui , Shu Li , Cai Zhejun
Published: December 2023

Background

Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a crucial technique for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although intracardiac echo (ICE) facilitates a safe and accurate TSP, it is not widely used in developing countries because of the expense. This study evaluated the efficiency and safety of a novel cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)‐guided TSP during AF catheter ablation.

Methods

The study consisted of two cohorts. In the index cohort, TSP procedure was performed under the guidance of ICE, and we recorded the angulation of right anterior oblique of X‐ray projection. In the validation cohort, we compared the efficiency and safety of TSP guided by MDCT‐calculated angulation with propensity‐score‐matched patients who underwent TSP guided by ICE.

Results

We included 50 patients in the index cohort, and the mean angles of interatrial septum (IAS) measured from MDCT and ICE were 34.8 ± 6.3 and 35.1 ± 6.5, respectively. In the validation cohort, 376 patients were enrolled in the MDCT‐guided group and ICE‐guided group. Both groups had 1 case of cardiac tamponade. The mean axial plane angle was 35.46 ± 6.17 degrees, which was not influenced by age, gender, BMI, and LA size, while a moderate positive linear correlation between EF and the axial plane angle (R2 = 0.14, p = .006).

Conclusion

Cardiac MDCT can provide a clear vision of IAS orientation, and provide the appropriate RAO angle and height for TSP. The efficiency and safety of our MDCT‐guided TSP were comparable to ICE‐guided TSP, which may serve as an alternative method for TSP with ICE unavailable.
Human gingival fibroblasts are a source of B cell‐activating factor during periodontal inflammation
Authors: Dyab Ahed , Emnegard Ava , Wänman Magnus , Sjöström Filippa , Kindstedt Elin
Published: December 2023

Background

Host‐modulating therapy is a possible treatment for individuals that respond poorly to conventional periodontal therapy. B cells, abundant in periodontitis lesions, require the cytokines B cell‐activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) for survival and maturation. Although mRNA levels of BAFF and APRIL are increased in tissue from periodontitis lesions, it is unknown if periodontal resident cells express BAFF and/or APRIL during periodontal inflammation. In this study, we aim to analyze the expression of BAFF and APRIL in human gingival fibroblasts after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we perform protein analysis in tissues and serum from periodontitis patients and healthy controls.

Methods

Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated with the proinflammatory cytokines’ tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β). The mRNA expression of BAFF and APRIL was analyzed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the protein was detected in tissue sections using immune staining. Serum levels of BAFF were analyzed with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

In gingival fibroblasts, TNF‐α upregulated BAFF mRNA, but APRIL was unaffected. IL‐1β affected neither BAFF nor APRIL expression. BAFF protein was detected in the oral epithelium and in cells of the underlying connective tissue in periodontitis tissue, and BAFF protein was increased in the serum of periodontitis patients.

Conclusion

Periodontal resident cells express BAFF during periodontal inflammation and participate in providing a favorable milieu for the survival and action of B cells.
Combined volatile compounds and non‐targeted metabolomics analysis reveals variation in flavour characteristics, metabolic profiles and bioactivity of mulberry leaves after Monascus purpureus fermentation
Authors: Wang Biao , Duan Yichen , Wang Chengmo , Liu Chun , Wang Jun , Jia Junqiang , Wu Qiongying
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Mulberry leaves (MLs) are widely used in food because of their nutritional and functional characteristics. However, plant cell walls and natural bitterness influence nutrient release and the flavor properties of MLs. Liquid‐state fermentation using Monascus purpureus (LFMP) is a common processing method used to improve food properties. The present study used headspace solid‐phase micro extraction gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) and non‐targeted metabolomics to examine changes in volatile and non‐volatile metabolites in MLs. The transformation mechanism of LFMP was investigated by microscopic observation and dynamic analysis of enzyme activity, and changes in the biological activity of MLs were analyzed.

RESULTS

LFMP significantly increased total phenolics, total flavonoids, free amino acids and soluble sugars in MLs, at the same time as decreasing phytic acid levels. In total, 92 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified and quantified. VOCs such as (2R,3R)‐(–)‐2,3‐butanediol, terpineol and eugenol showed some improvement in the flavour characteristics of MLs. By using non‐targeted metabolomics, 124 unique metabolites in total were examined. LFMP altered the metabolic profile of MLs, mainly in plant secondary metabolism, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Microscopic observation and dynamic analysis of enzyme activity indicated that LFMP promoted cell wall degradation and biotransformation of MLs. In addition, LFMP significantly increased the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of MLs.

CONCLUSION

LFMP altered the flavour characteristics, metabolite profile and biological activity of MLs. These findings will provide ideas for the processing of MLs into functional foods. In addition, they also provide useful information for biochemical studies of fermented MLs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
METTL3‐mediated m6A methylation of TRAF5 inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell metastasis via activation of the PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Fei , Li Jiang‐Tao , Zheng Qing‐Lin , Ren Kun‐Lun , Yi Cheng‐Cheng
Published: December 2023

Tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 5 (TRAF5) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human malignancies. This work aimed to clarify the role of TRAF5 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. Herein, we uncovered that TRAF5 level was reduced in LUAD tissues. Low TRAF5 expression correlated with dismal prognosis in LUAD patients. Moreover, upregulated TRAF5 impeded cell viability, migration, and invasion, induced apoptosis in vitro, as well as impaired tumorigenicity in vivo. However, depletion of TRAF5 revealed opposing results. Moreover, TRAF5 was identified as the downstream target of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3)‐elicited N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification. METTL3 stabilized TRAF5 mRNA and positively modulated TRAF5 level. Further, TRAF5 depletion relieved the repressive phenotype caused by METTL3 addition. In addition, it was manifested that the METTL3/TRAF5 axis served as an inhibitor in LUAD through the PI3K/AKT/Nuclear Factor‐Kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling. Collectively, we propose that METTL3‐mediated TRAF5 m6A modification exerted as a vital tumor inhibitory function in LUAD development. The METTL3/TRAF5 axis may be a critical effector of LUAD progression.
Camrelizumab in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous carcinoma cancer: Results from a retrospective study
Authors: Kang Ning‐Ning , Zheng Hao , Hu Jin‐Xiu , Cui Kai , Si Pan‐Pan , Ge Wei
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy during preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) of clinical Stages II and III. The patients received camrelizumab plus chemotherapy regimen on Day 1 for up to three to four cycles (3 weeks per cycle). The probabilities of overall survival (OS) were 55.6% at 12 months and 35.6% at 18 months (45 patients). The disease‐free survival (DFS) rates were 70.0% at 12 months and 63.3% at 18 months (30 patients). The median OS and DFS were not reached. The proportion of patients at postneoadjuvant pathological tumor stages ypT0, ypT2, and ypT3 were 10 (33.3%), 14 (46.7%), and 6 (20.0%), respectively, and those at stages ypN0 and ypN1 were 19 (63.3%) and 11 (36.7%), respectively. Additionally, the pathological complete response rate was 33.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.154–0.512), and the major pathologic response rate was 46.7% (95% CI: 0.277–0.656). Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were reported in five patients (11.1%), with vomiting being the most common AE (three patients; 3.3%). Other common AEs of any grade included decreased lymphocyte count (48.9%), reactive capillary endothelial proliferation (46.7%), decreased white blood cell count (40.0%), anemia (31.1%), and vomiting (31.1%). The combination of camrelizumab and neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced resectable ESCC demonstrated promising efficacy and acceptable safety.
Multifocal Giant Cell Tumor of the Nasal Fossa: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Serafini Edoardo , Basso Margherita , Melchiorri Claudio , Di Massa Gianluca , Lupi Massimo , Alicandri‐Ciufelli Matteo , Marchioni Daniele
Published: December 2023

Giant cell tumors of bone (GCT) are rare soft tissue tumors, that account for 3%–5% of primary bone tumors with <2% occurring in the head and neck. The nasal cavity is a highly unusual site of presentation. We reviewed 15 cases of GCT of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. We add 1 case to the literature. The case herein reported, appears to be the second nasal fossa GCT described in the literature and the first documented case with multifocal localization. A case of multifocal GCT of the nasal cavity is described. Although rare in the general population, GCT should be included among the possibilities in the differential diagnosis when evaluating tumors of the head and neck. Management of this particular tumor remains challenging; surgical removal is still the gold standard treatment, preferring a minimally invasive trans‐nasal approach to reduce intra and post‐operative morbidity. Laryngoscope, 134:2774–2778, 2024
High Performance Shape Memory Epoxy Syntactic Foam Composites as Lost Circulation Material in Deep Drilling
Authors: Ma Qian , Ren Mingwei , Wang Chao , Xing Xijin , Liu Lianying , Yang Wantai
Published: December 2023

Lost circulation is a critical issue in drilling. This work reports the investigations on shape memory epoxy polymers (SMEPs) with high switching temperatures, and good thermal, mechanical and shape memory properties for plugging in deep drilling. The SMEPs are produced by curing diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and castor oil glycidyl ether (COGE) with a flexible poly(oxypropylene) diamine (D230) and a rigid 4, 4′ ‐diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM). Increasing D230 contents or using COGE, glass transition temperature (Tg, 93–163 °C, DMA analyses) and crosslink density of SMEPs are reduced, shape recovery rate is increased, while tensile strength, elongation at break and impact strength are improved. Further, shape memory epoxy syntactic foams (SMEFs) with high‐temperature adhesion are developed by introducing polymer microspheres into SMEPs. The SMEFs have compression ratio of 52–58%, and expansion ratio of 100% by adding 2% wt. microspheres. They retain the Tg and thermal stability of SMEPs, and show a delayed, slower recovery than SMEPs. Long fracture plugging experiments exhibit that a pressure‐bearing capability of 8.99–9.81 MPa is achieved with SMEFs in sealing fracture slots at a high temperature.
A quality detection method of the unbalanced data based on the non‐parameter Log–Log prediction model with the feature extraction
Authors: Wang Shuying , Zhao Bo , Wang Chunjie , Chen Jia
Published: December 2023

In quality detection, it is important to classify and predict the unbalanced data sets with a high proportion of qualified and unqualified products. There exist already some machine learning methods available. However, these existing methods assume that the samples are evenly distributed among the different classes and ignore the unbalanced characteristics of data. In addition, existing methods cannot be directly applied to high‐dimensional data and cannot accurately express the relationship between data features and the quality of industrial engineering products. In this paper, we propose a new quality detection method of the unbalanced data by establishing a non‐parameter Log–Log classification model. The principal component analysis (PCA) is used to extract the features and reduce the dimension of the original data sets. We develop a sieve maximum likelihood algorithm to obtain the non‐parameter function classifier. The proposed method is applied to the product quality detection of industrial semiconductor manufacturing. The results show the proposed method has high detection performance and classification ability. Compared with traditional machine learning methods, the proposed method has a higher classification accuracy can better describe the relationship between product characteristics and product quality and has a strong generalization ability for different data sets.
Quality of life and associated factors of heroin‐dependent patients receiving methadone and buprenorphine maintenance treatment
Authors: Chang Hu‐Ming , Huang Ming‐Chyi , Fang Su‐Chen , Lin Shih‐Ku
Published: December 2023

Aim

Although studies in Western countries have investigated the quality of life (QoL) of heroin users, limited research on this topic has been conducted in Asia. The present study assessed QoL in patients with heroin dependence receiving medications to treat opioid use disorder.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of patients with heroin dependence receiving methadone and buprenorphine treatment. The demographic and substance use variables of patients receiving methadone and buprenorphine were compared. The Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ‐12), Obsessive Compulsive Drug Use Scale (OCDUS), and World Health Organization Quality of Life Short Form Taiwan version (WHOQOL‐BREF‐T) were administered to measure patient mental health problems, addiction severity, and QoL, respectively. Multivariate regression was used to identify the factors associated with QoL.

Results

A total of 149 patients receiving methadone and 31 receiving buprenorphine completed the questionnaires. Individuals in the buprenorphine group were more likely to be married (p = 0.024) or employed (p = 0.024), have a higher educational level (p = 0.013), have lower drug craving (OCDUS: p = 0.035), or have higher QoL (WHOQOL‐BREF‐T: p = 0.004) than those in the methadone group. After adjustment for other variables, employment was positively associated with the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of QoL. Receiving buprenorphine treatment (p = 0.032) and longer treatment duration (p = 0.016) were associated with higher psychological QoL.

Conclusion

Several factors were associated with QoL in patients with heroin dependence. Some measures may improve their QoL, such as reducing employment barriers, improving treatment adherence, or increasing accessibility to buprenorphine treatment.
Secondary 3‐Chloropiperidines: Powerful Alkylating Agents
Authors: Georg Mats , Laping Lina Alexandra , Billo Veronica , Gatto Barbara , Friedhoff Peter , Göttlich Richard
Published: December 2023

In previous works, we demonstrated that tertiary 3‐chloropiperidines are potent chemotherapeutics, alkylating the DNA through the formation of bicyclic aziridinium ions. Herein, we report the synthesis of novel secondary 3‐chloropiperidine analogues. The synthesis incorporates a new procedure to monochlorinate unsaturated primary amines utilizing N‐chlorosuccinimide, while carefully monitoring the temperature to prevent dichlorination. Furthermore, we successfully isolated highly strained bicyclic aziridines by treating the secondary 3‐chloropiperidines with a sufficient amount of base. We conclude this work with a DNA cleavage assay as a proof of principle, comparing our previously known substrates to the novel compounds. In this, the secondary 3‐chloropiperidine as well as the isolated bicyclic aziridine, proved to be more effective than their tertiary counterpart.
Associations between shade tolerance and wood specific gravity for conifers in contrast to angiosperm trees: Foundations of the conifer fitness‐enhancing shade tolerance hypothesis
Authors: Tucker Gabriel F. , Maguire Douglas A. , Tupinambá‐Simões Frederico
Published: December 2023

For decades, researchers have held that wood specific gravity was an indicator or surrogate for both shade tolerance and successional status. However, recent research in dry tropical forests has shown very different associations regarding wood specific gravity. Past analyses of the tolerance and wood properties of tree species have focused on pooled coniferous and angiosperm species in temperate regions; fewer analyses have been conducted separately for conifers and angiosperm species. A database was compiled for the wood properties and/or tolerance scores of 542 temperate Northern Hemisphere conifer and angiosperm trees. Plant strategy was defined by shade tolerance (Tshade), drought tolerance (Tdrought), and polytolerance (Tpoly = Tshade + Tdrought) and fundamental wood properties were represented by basic specific gravity (SGbasic), relative stiffness (MOE/SGbasic), and relative strength (MOR/SGbasic). Simple linear regressions tested the significance (p < .05) of correlations between plant strategy and wood properties. Conifers, unlike angiosperm trees, showed a negative correlation betweenTshadeand SGbasicand a positive correlation betweenTshadeand both MOE/SGbasicand MOR/SGbasic. Only angiosperm trees had a significant correlation betweenTpolyand both SGbasicand MOE/SGbasic, but both conifers and angiosperm trees had a significant correlation betweenTdroughtand both SGbasicand MOE/SGbasic.Shade tolerance, as a plant strategy, has functional implications for wood properties in temperate Northern Hemisphere conifers but not in associated angiosperms. The implied functional link between wood properties (SGbasic) and shade tolerance hypothetically extends to other fitness‐enhancing traits impacted by SGbasic,such as growth rates and species maximum height.
Kinetics of the Domain Structure in Uniform Electric Field in LiNbO3 with Surface Layer Modified by Soft Proton Exchange
Authors: Savelyev Evgeniy , Akhmatkhanov Andrey , Tronche Hervé , Doutre Florent , Lunghi Tommaso , Baldi Pascal , Shur Vladimir
Published: December 2023

The creation of periodic domain structures in lithium niobate crystals makes it possible to realize highly efficient nonlinear optical interactions in optical waveguides. The influence of near‐surface H+ ion concentration gradient on the domain kinetics in uniform electric field in lithium niobate crystals modified by soft proton exchange is studied. The spatial distribution of the H+ ions concentration in the surface layer is obtained by confocal Raman microscopy. The observed anomalous evolution of the domain structure at the surface represents the formation of stripe domains and their anisotropic growth along three directions. The domain imaging in the bulk allows revealing a comb‐like domain shape. The obtained strong influence of the proton exchange duration on the threshold field is attributed to the action of the concentration gradient in the near‐surface layer, which is considered as an analog of the internal bias electric field. It is shown that the internal bias field is proportional to the increase in the concentration gradient in the surface layer. The mechanism of the comb‐like domain formation is proposed. The obtained results can be used for development of domain engineering methods in optical waveguides.
Combination therapy of metformin and morin attenuates insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in skeletal muscle of high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Bahramzadeh Arash , Samavarchi Tehrani Sadra , Goodarzi Golnaz , Seyyedebrahimi ShadiSadat , Meshkani Reza
Published: December 2023

Lipid accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress are the most important causes of muscle insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the single and combined treatment effects of metformin (MET) and morin (MOR) on lipid accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle of mice fed a high‐fat diet. The mice were supplemented with MET (230 mg/kg diet), MOR (100 mg/kg diet), and MET + MOR for 9 weeks. Our results revealed that single treatment with MET or MOR, and with a stronger effect of MET + MOR combined treatment, reduced body weight gain, improved glucose intolerance and enhanced Akt phosphorylation in the muscle tissue. In addition, plasma and muscle triglyceride levels were decreased after treatment with MET and MOR. The expression of genes involved in macrophage infiltration and polarization and pro‐inflammatory cytokines showed that MET + MOR combined treatment, significantly reduced inflammation in the muscle. Furthermore, combined treatment of MET + MOR with greater efficacy than the single treatment improved several oxidative stress markers in the muscle. Importantly, combined treatment of MET and MOR could increase the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2, the master regulator of the antioxidant response. These findings suggest that combination of MET with MOR might ameliorate insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle of mice fed high‐fat diet.
Study on orthopaedic path planning of Taylor spatial frame
Authors: Liu Tao , Lu Yonghua , Zhu Yun , Cui Zhanxiang , Wang Ziyuan
Published: December 2023

Aim

Taylor spatial frame (TSF) is a kind of six‐axis external fixator based on Stewart platform, which is widely used in the fields of trauma orthopaedics and orthopaedic reconstruction.

Purpose

To reduce the irregular movement of TSF's moving platform during orthopaedic process and decrease the risk of complications caused by collision between bone and surrounding tissue.

Method

We combine the kinematics solutions with the multi‐objective genetic algorithm and ant colony optimization to get the optimal solution for adjustment of strut length and order. We conduct simulation and physical experiment of orthodontic process respectively to prove the effectiveness of our method.

Result

After optimization, the average offset during a single adjustment is less than 1 mm, and the offset during the whole orthopaedic process is reduced by about 38.8%.

Conclusion

It demonstrates that our method can effectively reduce the offset of moving platform while ensuring orthopaedic accuracy.
Using causal loop diagrams to develop evaluative research propositions: opportunities and challenges in applications to nature‐based solutions
Authors: Alvarado Miriam , Garrett Jo , Fullam James , Lovell Rebecca , Guell Cornelia , Taylor Tim , Garside Ruth , Zandersen Marianne , Wheeler Benedict W.
Published: December 2023

Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are often used to provide an overview of important systemic elements related to an issue, rather than to inform empirical evaluations (studies which assess changes following an intervention using observed data). We suggest that empirical evaluations may benefit from the development of systems‐informed research propositions (specific testable causal assumptions with an emphasis on feedback loops) used to guide subsequent data collection, hypothesis testing and interpretation. We describe a qualitative systems‐thinking informed approach building on preexisting CLDs, published evidence, and expert/stakeholder consultation and reflect on our experience applying this to the early stages of two nature‐based solution (NBS) evaluations. We reflect on our experience and suggest that CLDs can be usefully employed to develop systems‐informed research propositions to inform subsequent empirical evaluation. This may lead to novel policy‐relevant research propositions which differ substantially from effectiveness‐oriented (“did it work?”) research questions. © 2023 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Regulating Interfacial Defect and Stress in Tin‐Lead Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Weiqing , Guan Hongling , Huang Lishuai , Zhou Jin , Zhou Shun , Pu Dexin , Zeng Guojun , Wang Chen , Ge Yansong , Wang Cheng , Shen Weicheng , Fang Hongyi , Li Guang , Lin Qingxian , Fang Guojia , Ke Weijun , Liu Qiming
Published: December 2023

Achieving high‐performance perovskite solar cells hinges on the precise management of interfacial properties. However, the current research predominantly concentrates on addressing individual interfaces, often overlooking the potential synergies between the upper and lower interfaces crucial for efficient carrier transfer. Herein, an effective interfacial strategy is introduced, which combines 2‐aminoterephthalic acid (2‐AA) pre‐processing with post‐processing techniques to prepare superior mixed tin‐lead perovskite films suitable for both single‐junction and all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. Incorporating 2‐AA at both the upper and lower interfaces of the perovskite films serves to regulate interfacial defects, alleviate interface residual stress, and improve film crystallinity. In addition, the 2‐AA molecule acts as an interface protective layer, anchoring tin and lead atoms, facilitating band energy alignment, and improving film and device stability. As a result, mixed tin‐lead perovskite solar cells achieved an improved open‐circuit voltage of 0.87 V and PCE of 21.57%. Furthermore, the integration of these optimized tin‐lead perovskite subcells into four‐terminal all‐perovskite tandem solar cells yielded an impressive efficiency of 27.46%. This work thus offers an effective strategy for comprehensive interfacial engineering and stress relief, paving the way for the production of high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Conformation Tailoring of Diphenylfluorene‐Cored Isomers as Hole‐Transport Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Wangchao , Zhang Zhi , Wang Ming , Chen Xuan , Li Haitao , Ghadari Rahim , Li Zhaoqian , Guo Fuling , Wang Yanqing , Shi Chengwu
Published: December 2023

The fine structural–functional construction of organic semiconductor materials provides an abundant candidate store for the hole‐transport materials (HTMs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Whereas, challenges remain in unveiling the clews behind the molecular conformation engineering and desired properties realizing for efficient HTMs. In this work, a couple of simple organic diphenylfluorene‐cored isomers (FH27 and FH99) with different spatial integration strategies of molecular conformation are judiciously devised as HTMs in the PSCs. The theoretical simulation and experimental analyses decipher that the excellent electronic/energetic distribution, intermolecular stacking geometry, intrinsic solid‐crystal film morphology, and charge‐extraction‐transport ability are demonstrated for FH27, ascribing to its harmonious intersectional couplings for the planar/orthogonal molecular conformation. The FH27‐based device achieves a high efficiency of 23.61% with benign life span, both superior to the FH99‐based device.
Recent Advancement on the Indirect or Combined Alternative Thiocyanate Sources for the Construction of S−CN Bonds
Authors: Karmaker Pran Gopal , Yang Xiupei
Published: December 2023

The process of thiocyanation is a notable chemical conversion owing to the extensive range of applications associated with thiocyanate compounds in the field of organic chemistry. In past centuries, the thiocyanation reaction incorporated metal thiocyanates or thiocyanate salts as sources of thiocyanate, which are environmentally detrimental and undesirable. In recent literature, there have been numerous instances where combined or indirect alternative sources of thiocyanate have been employed as agents for thiocyanation, showcasing their noteworthy applications. The present literature review focuses on elucidating the ramifications associated with the utilization of indirect or combined alternative sources of thiocyanate in various thiocyanation reactions.
Absorption of PV Power Prediction Errors with Headroom Control by Statistical, Machine Learning and Combined Models
Authors: Cui Jindan , Jie Bo , Fang Xue , Oozeki Takashi , Ueda Yuzuru
Published: December 2023

Owing to the mass penetration of renewable energy (RE) in Japan, the replacement reserve for feed‐in tariff (RR‐FIT) was introduced in 2021. To promote the further introduction of RE, we attempted to provide reserve power value to the balancing market by controlling the headroom of photovoltaic (PV) power with a PV power plant as a research subject. At the planning stage, the information available is the predicted value, and PV prediction error always occur on the day. Therefore, in this research, we proposed an algorithm to determine the absorption of prediction errors headroom in PV output, thereby maximally reducing negative imbalance. In addition, we developed a statistical model, SVR model, and combined models to calculate and compare the number of imbalance spots and amount of imbalance. Accordingly, the proposed methods can significantly reduce imbalance compared to planning with predicted values, without setting the headroom of prediction errors. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Current Status of High Temperature Superconducting Materials and their Various Applications
Authors: Shimoyama Jun‐ichi , Motoki Takanori
Published: December 2023

It took longer time than initially expected for development of cuprate superconducting materials for practical applications. However, there are about 20 companies that manufacture and supply long conductors and bulk materials at present. Although various large‐scale projects have supported the process of material development, material and equipment developments have been progressing under the leadership of manufacturers in recent years. In this paper, current status of development of high‐temperature superconducting materials, including MgB2, which is classified as a high temperature superconductor, and their applications are summarized, along with the history, basic physical features and recent topics. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A C0 continuous mixed FE formulation for bending of laminated composite plates based on unified HSDT
Authors: Bab Yonca , Kutlu Akif
Published: December 2023

This study proposes a unified C0 continuous mixed finite element (MFE) formulation for the accurate and efficient prediction of stress components in laminated composite plates relying on Higher Order Shear Deformation Theory (HSDT). This unified form of the MFE accepts any convenient function for the representation of transverse shear deformation. The Hellinger–Reissner variational principle is employed for the derivation of MFE equations within a two‐field formulation involving stress resultants along with kinematical variables. Thus, the displacement and stress resultant fields are obtained directly from the global solution of the system of equations. In this manner, the in‐plane stress components are calculated over constitutive relations at the nodes without any need for error‐prone spatial derivatives. Furthermore, the independent interpolation of kinematic and stress resultant type variables allows the numerical solution to overcome the shear‐locking problem and ensure C0 continuity requirement. Numerical examples include convergence and comparison tests of predicted displacements and stress components under various boundary conditions and material configurations. Various test cases are considered for both the thin and thick plates subjected to sinusoidal and uniformly distributed loads. It is demonstrated that the proposed MFE formulation can capture stress components with high accuracy while being computationally efficient.
On the localization of a new phase domain in the vicinity of an elliptical hole
Authors: Kabanova Polina K. , Freidin Alexander B.
Published: December 2023

Growth of a new phase domain induced by phase transformations in the vicinity of an elliptical hole as a stress concentrator is considered. An elastic solid is subjected to external strain at which no phase transformations occur in the absence of the stress concentrator. The evolution of the interface is described by a kinetic equation that relates the velocity of the interface with a configurational force equal to the jump of the normal component of the Eshelby stress tensor. Various scenarios of the growth of the new phase domain depending on the material parameters of the phases are demonstrated. It is studied how the parameters (Young's moduli, Poisson‘s ratios, transformation strain) affect the distribution of the configurational force along the interface as well as the localization of the new phase domain. It is studied how the new phase growth causes stress relaxation in a body.
Investment in Greening Last-Mile Logistics: A Case Study
Authors: Corti Franco , Nava Alessandro
Published: December 2023

Based on growing interest in sustainable solutions in last-mile logistics, one of the most promising investments is the electrification of commercial fleets to decrease the high level of pollution created by urban freight traffic. In this case study, vans that can be driven with a C1 European driving license are considered, mainly used in B2B deliveries to small shops and SMEs in city centres. The purpose of this research is to analyse the reasons behind the choice of switching the last-mile logistic service fleet to electric and its economic and environmental implications and to analyse the main barriers to its implementation. To do so, we use interviews from managers working in a successful Urban Consolidation Center (UCC) in Italy. The Italian energy infrastructure, the cost of electric vans, and the actual insufficient technological development of van batteries are the key issues highlighted in the interviews, but lower operating costs, lower fuel costs, a decrease in negative environmental externalities, possible institutional cooperation and better working conditions for couriers are the main features to consider in the switch to electric.
Deep Neural Networks, Explanations, and Rationality
Authors: Lee Edward A.
Published: December 2023

“Rationality” is the principle that humans make decisions on the basis of step-by-step (algorithmic) reasoning using systematic rules of logic. An ideal “explanation” for a decision is a chronicle of the steps used to arrive at the decision. Herb Simon’s “bounded rationality” is the observation that the ability of a human brain to handle algorithmic complexity and data is limited. As a consequence, human decision-making in complex cases mixes some rationality with a great deal of intuition, relying more on Daniel Kahneman’s “System 1” than “System 2.” A DNN-based AI, similarly, does not arrive at a decision through a rational process in this sense. An understanding of the mechanisms of the DNN yields little or no insight into any rational explanation for its decisions. The DNN is also operating in a manner more like System 1 than System 2. Humans, however, are quite good at constructing post hoc rationalizations of their intuitive decisions. If we demand rational explanations for AI decisions, engineers will inevitably develop AIs that are very effective at constructing such post hoc rationalizations. With their ability to handle vast amounts of data, the AIs will learn to build rationalizations using many more precedents than any human could, thereby constructing rationalizations for any decision that will become very hard to refute. The demand for explanations, therefore, could backfire, resulting in effectively ceding to the AIs much more power.
Holographic thermal observables and M2-branes
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Hong Junho , Reys Valentin
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We use holography in conjunction with recent results from supersymmetric localization to compute certain thermal observables for 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 holographic SCFTs arising on the worldvolume of N M2-branes. We obtain results for the thermal free energy density on S1 × ℝ2, the Casimir energy on T2 × ℝ, and the three leading coefficients in the large temperature limit of the free energy on S1 × S2 valid to subleading order in the large N limit. As a byproduct of our holographic analysis we also present a conjecture for the structure of the large temperature expansion of the thermal free energy of general 3d CFTs on S1 × S2.
An intuitive construction of modular flow
Authors: Sorce Jonathan
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The theory of modular flow has proved extremely useful for applying thermodynamic reasoning to out-of-equilibrium states in quantum field theory. However, the standard proofs of the fundamental theorems of modular flow use machinery from Fourier analysis on Banach spaces, and as such are not especially transparent to an audience of physicists. In this article, I present a construction of modular flow that differs from existing treatments. The main pedagogical contribution is that I start with thermal physics via the KMS condition, and derive the modular operator as the only operator that could generate a thermal time-evolution map, rather than starting with the modular operator as the fundamental object of the theory. The main technical contribution is a new proof of the fundamental theorem stating that modular flow is a symmetry. The new proof circumvents the delicate issues of Fourier analysis that appear in previous treatments, but is still mathematically rigorous.
Innovationen im Ostseeraum: Nils Alwall, Lembit Norviit, Adolfs Martins Steins und die künstliche Niere
Authors: Hansson Nils , Salaks Juris , Moll Friedrich H. , Halling Thorsten , Tammiksaar Erki
Published: December 2023

Die Konstruktion einer der ersten in der Praxis erfolgreich eingesetzten Dialyseapparate ist in der Medizingeschichte mit dem Wirken des schwedischen Mediziners Nils Alwall fest verbunden. Zusammen mit Kollegen entwickelte er in den 1940er-Jahren einen Dialysator, der die Kombination von Dialyse und Ultrafiltration mit Membranen (Cellophan-Schläuchen) umsetzen konnte. In die fachkulturelle Erinnerung sind die beteiligten Lembit Norviit aus Estland und Adolfs Martins Steins aus Lettland, beide Mitautoren des einflussreichen The Lancet-Artikels „Clinical extracorporal dialysis of blood with artificial kidney“ (1948) bisher nicht eingegangen. Am Beispiel dieser Zusammenarbeit kann der Wissenstransfer zwischen estnischen, lettischen und schwedischen Forschern dargestellt werden.