bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large-Eddy Simulation Study of Flow and Combustion Dynamics in a Full-Scale Hydrogen–Air Rotating Detonation Combustor-Stator Integrated System
Authors: Pal Pinaki , Braun James , Wang Yiqing , Athmanathan Venkat , Paniagua Guillermo , Meyer Terrence R. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In the present work, a first-of-its-kind three-dimensional (3D) large-eddy simulation (LES) study is conducted to numerically investigate the combustion dynamics as well as aero-thermal phenomena in a full-scale nonpremixed hydrogen–air rotating detonation engine (RDE) (with a diverging-shaped lower-end wall), when integrated with nozzle guide vanes (NGV) acting as the turbine stator. The wall-modeled LES framework incorporates hydrogen–air detailed chemical kinetics and adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). A comparative analysis is carried out for two operating conditions with different fuel/air mass flow rates but global equivalence ratio of unity, and considering RDE configurations without and with stator. The LES model is validated against available experimental data for the low mass flux condition with respect to detonation wave speed/height, wave dynamics, and axial static pressure distribution. Numerical results indicate significant deflagrative combustion occurring in the fill region near the inner wall due to formation of recirculation zones in the injection near-field driven by the backward facing step. The leading detonation wave is found to be trailed by an azimuthal reflected-shock combustion (ARSC) wave, consistent with experimental observations, which consumes unburned vitiated reactants that leak through the main detonation wave. The main detonation wave characteristics, such as detonation wave speed/height and combustion efficiency, do not change appreciably with the presence of NGV. A novel combustion diagnostic technique based on chemical explosive mode analysis (CEMA) is employed to quantify the fraction of heat release occurring in the detonative mode versus deflagrative mode for the simulated conditions. The exit flow is found to be nearly fully subsonic and supersonic for the low and high mass flux conditions, respectively. Further analysis of the exit flow profiles shows that the presence of NGV renders the flow more axial and significantly impacts the exit Mach number and total pressure, while the total temperature shows negligible change. In addition, the low mass flux operating point, despite exhibiting more deflagrative losses within the combustor, yields overall lower pressure drop from plenum to exhaust, which is mainly attributed to lower pressure drop across the injectors. Lastly, the rotating detonation engine-nozzle guide vanes (RDE-NGV) configuration exhibits higher total pressure loss compared to rotating detonation engine (RDE) without stator across both the mass flux conditions. This study extends the state-of-the-art in numerical modeling of pressure gain combustion (PGC) systems by demonstrating high-fidelity 3D reacting LES of full-scale RDE-NGV systems relevant to RDE-turbine integration for stationary power generation.
Experimental Investigation on the Thermal Performance of a Large-Size Aluminum Vapor Chamber for Multi-Point Heat Sources
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhan Dongdong , Qian Jiyu , Wei Tao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
With the development of electronic information technology, the integration and power of electronic equipment continue to increase. As an efficient heat transfer element, vapor chambers are widely used in the field of heat dissipation of electronic devices. However, greater challenges have been posed in terms of higher heat dissipation capacity, larger size, and lighter weight. Therefore, a large-scale aluminum vapor chamber with a size of 340 mm × 295 mm × 7.5 mm is designed for the heat dissipation of multi-point array heat sources. Multiple parallel porous ribs are sintered to form capillary wicking channels and vapor diffusion paths, which efficiently transfer the heat from the middle of the vapor chamber to the cold plate on the two sides. The transient working characteristics and heat dissipation performance under different working conditions are experimentally investigated. The results show that there is obvious temperature instability, which can be suppressed by the tilt of the vapor chamber and the increase of the heating power. Under the tilt condition, the temperature rises in the vertical direction due to the influence of gravity, while the inclination angle has basically no effect. The vapor chamber can work stably at the total heating power of 2100 W with the smallest thermal resistance 0.03 °C/W. The single-point heat flux can reach 7.3 W/cm2 for the 128 heat sources. Compared to a traditional vapor chamber, the proposed aluminum vapor chamber provides a thermal management solution for large-size electronic devices with multiple heat sources.
Soil–pile interaction of laterally loaded fixed-head piles and pile groups in unsaturated sand
Authors: Komolafe Oladayo O. , Ghayoomi Majid 
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the lateral behavior of piles in unsaturated cohesionless sandy soil using centrifuge modelling. The lateral loading was conducted on a single fixed-head pile and 2 × 2 fixed-head pile groups with 3D and 5D spacings. The results showed that the single fixed-head pile demonstrated greater magnitudes of lateral resistance response compared to the leading and trailing piles of the pile groups. Moreover, the piles experienced greater lateral loads when the water table was about a quarter of the embedded pile depth in the soil layer for the single fixed-head pile and leading piles in the group. The group efficiencies of the pile increased as the water table reduced up to half of the embedded pile length for the 3D pile spacing. However, this effect was negligible for 5D pile spacing. Considering the mixed unsaturated–saturated ground condition can lead to a more resilient foundation design under climate-induced and seasonal fluctuations of water table level and also pave the path for the inclusion of future climatic scenarios.
The Blood‐Brain Barrier in Both Humans and Rats: A Perspective From 3D Imaging
Authors: Chen Aiwen , Volpato Gavin , Pong Alice , Schofield Emma , Huang Jun , Qiu Zizhao , Paxinos George , Liang Huazheng 
Published: August 2024

Background: The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is part of the neurovascular unit (NVU) which plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis. However, its 3D structure is hardly known. The present study is aimed at imaging the BBB using tissue clearing and 3D imaging techniques in both human brain tissue and rat brain tissue.Methods: Both human and rat brain tissue were cleared using the CUBIC technique and imaged with either a confocal or two‐photon microscope. Image stacks were reconstructed using Imaris.Results: Double staining with various antibodies targeting endothelial cells, basal membrane, pericytes of blood vessels, microglial cells, and the spatial relationship between astrocytes and blood vessels showed that endothelial cells do not evenly express CD31 and Glut1 transporter in the human brain. Astrocytes covered only a small portion of the vessels as shown by the overlap between GFAP‐positive astrocytes and Collagen IV/CD31‐positive endothelial cells as well as between GFAP‐positive astrocytes and CD146‐positive pericytes, leaving a big gap between their end feet. A similar structure was observed in the rat brain.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the 3D structure of both the human and rat BBB, which is discrepant from the 2D one. Tissue clearing and 3D imaging are promising techniques to answer more questions about the real structure of biological specimens.
Age-Associated Contraction of Tumor-Specific T Cells Impairs Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Georgiev Peter , Han SeongJun , Huang Amy Y. , Nguyen Thao H. , Drijvers Jefte M. , Creasey Hannah , Pereira Joseph A. , Yao Cong-Hui , Park Joon Seok , Conway Thomas S. , Fung Megan E. , Liang Dan , Peluso Michael , Joshi Shakchhi , Rowe Jared H. , Miller Brian C. , Freeman Gordon J. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Haigis Marcia C. , Ringel Alison E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Progressive decline of the adaptive immune system with increasing age coincides with a sharp increase in cancer incidence. In this study, we set out to understand whether deficits in antitumor immunity with advanced age promote tumor progression and/or drive resistance to immunotherapy. We found that multiple syngeneic cancers grew more rapidly in aged versus young adult mice, driven by dysfunctional CD8+ T-cell responses. By systematically mapping immune cell profiles within tumors, we identified loss of tumor antigen–specific CD8+ T cells as a primary feature accelerating the growth of tumors in aged mice and driving resistance to immunotherapy. When antigen-specific T cells from young adult mice were administered to aged mice, tumor outgrowth was delayed and the aged animals became sensitive to PD-1 blockade. These studies reveal how age-associated CD8+ T-cell dysfunction may license tumorigenesis in elderly patients and have important implications for the use of aged mice as preclinical models of aging and cancer.
Inhalable Stem Cell Exosomes Promote Heart Repair After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Junlang , Sun Shenghuan , Zhu Dashuai , Mei Xuan , Lyu Yongbo , Huang Ke , Li Yuan , Liu Shuo , Wang Zhenzhen , Hu Shiqi , Lutz Halle J. , Popowski Kristen D. , Dinh Phuong-Uyen C. , Butte Atul J. , Cheng Ke 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:
Exosome therapy shows potential for cardiac repair after injury. However, intrinsic challenges such as short half-life and lack of clear targets hinder the clinical feasibility. Here, we report a noninvasive and repeatable method for exosome delivery through inhalation after myocardial infarction (MI), which we called stem cell–derived exosome nebulization therapy (SCENT).

METHODS:
Stem cell–derived exosomes were characterized for size distribution and surface markers. C57BL/6 mice with MI model received exosome inhalation treatment through a nebulizer for 7 consecutive days. Echocardiographies were performed to monitor cardiac function after SCENT, and histological analysis helped with the investigation of myocardial repair. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the whole heart was performed to explore the mechanism of action by SCENT. Last, the feasibility, efficacy, and general safety of SCENT were demonstrated in a swine model of MI, facilitated by 3-dimensional cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS:

Recruitment of exosomes to the ischemic heart after SCENT was detected by ex vivo IVIS imaging and fluorescence microscopy. In a mouse model of MI, SCENT ameliorated cardiac repair by improving left ventricular function, reducing fibrotic tissue, and promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation. Mechanistic studies using single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse heart after SCENT revealed a downregulation of
Cd36
in endothelial cells (ECs). In an EC-
Cd36
fl/−
conditional knockout mouse model, the inhibition of CD36, a fatty acid transporter in ECs, led to a compensatory increase in glucose utilization in the heart and higher ATP generation, which enhanced cardiac contractility. In pigs, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhanced ejection fraction (Δ=11.66±5.12%) and fractional shortening (Δ=5.72±2.29%) at day 28 after MI by SCENT treatment compared with controls, along with reduced infarct size and thickened ventricular wall.

CONCLUSIONS:

In both rodent and swine models, our data proved the feasibility, efficacy, and general safety of SCENT treatment against acute MI injury, laying the groundwork for clinical investigation. Moreover, the EC-
Cd36
fl/−
mouse model provides the first in vivo evidence showing that conditional EC-CD36 knockout can ameliorate cardiac injury. Our study introduces a noninvasive treatment option for heart disease and identifies new potential therapeutic targets.
Physicians and the Production of Health: Returns to Health Care during the Mortality Transition
Authors: Liebert Helge , Mäder Beatrice 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the returns to health care provision during the mortality transition. We construct a new panel data set covering German municipalities from 1928 to 1936. The endogeneity of health care supply is addressed by using the expulsion of Jewish physicians from statutory health insurance as exogenous variation in regional physician supply. Increases in the supply of physicians reduce infant mortality and mortality from common childhood diseases. Using a semiparametric control function approach, we find diminishing marginal returns to health care provision. The results are consistent with historical trends in infant mortality over the 20th century.
Time Use and Macroeconomic Uncertainty
Authors: Cacciatore Matteo , Gnocchi Stefano , Hauser Daniela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
We study the effects of uncertainty on time use and their macroeconomic implications. Employing data from the American Time Use Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we document that heightened uncertainty increases housework and reduces market hours, mildly impacting leisure. We then propose a model that quantitatively accounts for these estimates. We show that substitution between market and housework provides self-insurance to households, weakening precautionary motives. However, it also reduces aggregate demand, ultimately amplifying uncertainty's recessionary impact. Time reallocation can lead to higher inflation, particularly when uncertainty is coupled with policies redirecting time use towards housework (e.g., lockdown restrictions).
Understanding and Explaining Recent Changes in Income, Consumption and Poverty Among Agricultural Households Across Major States of India
Authors: Sharma H. R. , Malik Shakir Hussain , Bhatia Archi 
Published: August 2024

The study, using unit level data from two nationally representative surveys, examines changes in levels and sources of household income, consumption expenditure, incidence of poverty and determinants of household income and poverty among agricultural households. The study shows that across most of the states, there has been a significant decrease in the per cent share of income from cultivation coupled with an equally significant increase in the share of income from wages and salary; average annual household income of such households is higher than their average annual consumption expenditure and there has been a significant decrease in the incidence of poverty among them. The results of regression analysis show that household size, head of the household being male, literacy, farm size, income from cultivation, awareness of minimum support price (MSP), access to technical training, engagement in non-farm business and engagement in wages and salary have significant positive effect on households income and lower the probability of a household being poor across major states. JEL Codes: Q1, C1, C2, D1, R2
Traffic noise pollution assessment along the major roads of Kurukshetra city, India
Authors: Bhardwaj Prateek , Deswal Surinder 
Published: August 2024

In this study, A-weighted noise levels were recorded for the entire day (24 h) at each site along the major urban roads of Kurukshetra city in India. The traffic flow (volume and composition) was also recorded simultaneously. Thereafter, the relevant noise and traffic descriptors were computed to assess the traffic noise pollution. The equivalent 2-hourly traffic noise levels, [Formula: see text], exhibited a somewhat cyclic pattern having noise crests and troughs over the 24 h in the case of all the four studied urban roads, thus identifying the peak and lean noise hours. The equivalent day time noise levels ([Formula: see text]) and night time noise levels ([Formula: see text]) were in the range of 68.06 – 80.73 dB(A) and 44.12 – 70.91 dB(A) respectively, exceeding the permissible levels as per Indian standards and WHO guidelines at all sites, except [Formula: see text] at two sites. The day-night average noise levels with 24-h’ base time, [Formula: see text], was above WHO limits of 70 dB(A) barring five sites. The proposed relationship between [Formula: see text] and passenger car unit (PCU) per hour has the potential application in estimating noise levels from traffic flow data with a high coefficient of determination of 0.8774. The noise climate ([Formula: see text]) and traffic noise index ([Formula: see text]) varied from 21.62 to 46.01 dB(A) and 116.16 – 187.53 respectively.
Investigation of Cytotoxicity and Lipid-lowering Effects of Rivea hypocrateriformis Desr. Leaf Extracts on HepG2 Cells: An in vitro Study
Authors: Bai Helen Sheeba Devadhasan Aspathi , Rethnaswamy Gandhimathi 
Published: August 2024

Background and Purpose Chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease as well as type 2 diabetes, are associated with hyperlipidemia, characterized by high blood lipid levels. HepG2 cells, a human liver cancer cell line, have become a popular model for evaluating the effectiveness of drugs in treating hyperlipidemia. These cells are preferred due to their ability to mimic liver cell physiology and easy maintenance in culture. Materials and Methods In this study, HEP, HEC, HEA, and HEE extracts of Rivea hypocrateriformis were tested on HepG2 cells for cytotoxicity using the MTT assay. The IC50 values of the extracts were determined and compared to analyze their toxicity. Microscopic images of the cell lines were also examined to observe any structural changes induced by the extracts. Results and Conclusion The results showed that both HEC and HEE extracts exhibited significant toxicity on HepG2 cells at the highest concentration of 500 µg/ml. Gradual decreases in concentration led to a gradual rise in % cell viability. The IC50 values of HEC and HEE were calculated to be 61.49 µg/ml and 87.08 µg/ml, respectively, indicating that HEC was slightly more toxic than HEE. According to the results obtained using the vanilla method, HEC and HEE extracts markedly reduced lipid content compared to the oleic acid-induced group. The gene expression regulation of AMPK, FAS, LDL receptor, and HMG-CoA was investigated using the RT-PCR method. The results showed that the extract-treated groups exhibited higher AMPK and LDL receptor gene expression. In contrast, the HEE extract showed higher activity than HEC in suppressing the FAS gene. Overall, the findings suggest that HEC and HEE extracts have potential as anticancer and lipid-lowering agents. Detailed research is needed to understand how the active constituents work.
Efficacy and safety of Adrenaline-augmented subconjunctival anesthesia in phacoemulsification: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bandopadhyay Sandepan , Sinha Deependra Kumar , Sharma Vijay K , Rao Bhavaraj Veerabhadhra , Sharma Neeraj , Rana Vipin 
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives Cataract surgery, particularly phacoemulsification, has evolved significantly, benefiting millions worldwide. The choice of anesthesia technique impacts patient comfort and procedural efficacy. Subconjunctival anesthesia has emerged as an attractive alternative due to its potential to provide effective pain relief and surgeon comfort during surgery. A different aspect of this study is the inclusion of 1:100,000 adrenaline in 2% lignocaine for subconjunctival anesthesia, which has not been previously studied. Subjects/Methods A prospective, randomised, comparative study involving 196 eyes evaluated the safety and efficacy of subconjunctival anesthesia in phacoemulsification surgery. Pain scores during surgery and one hour post-surgery, surgeon discomfort, postoperative corneal clarity, complications, and additional anesthesia requirement were assessed. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-squared tests, and correlations. Results Subconjunctival anesthesia significantly lowered pain scores during surgery ( p < 0.001) and one hour post-surgery ( p < 0.001) compared to topical anesthesia. Surgeon discomfort was notably reduced with subconjunctival anesthesia ( p < 0.001). Subconjunctival hemorrhage ( p = 0.012) and redness ( p = 0.024) were more prevalent postoperatively. No significant difference was observed in intraoperative complications ( p = 0.573) or postoperative corneal clarity ( p = 0.347). Conclusion Subconjunctival anesthesia, with the inclusion of 1:100,000 adrenaline in 2% lignocaine, provides effective pain relief and reduces surgeon discomfort during phacoemulsification surgery. The addition of adrenaline extends anesthesia duration. While immediate postoperative effects exist, subconjunctival anesthesia holds promise for enhanced patient comfort and procedural efficiency. Further research is needed to validate its long-term benefits and broader implications in evolving ophthalmic surgical practices.
Clinically important changes and adverse events with centre-based or home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic respiratory disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bondarenko Janet , Dal Corso Simone , Dillon Michael P , Singh Sally , Miller Belinda R , Kein Caroline , Holland Anne E , Jones Arwel W 
Published: August 2024

Objectives: To determine the proportion of people who achieve minimal clinically important differences (MCID) with centre-based or home-based pulmonary rehabilitation and to synthesise data on adverse events. Methods: Cochrane reviews and electronic databases were searched to identify randomised trials comparing centre-based to home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, or either model to usual care, in people with chronic respiratory disease. Primary outcomes were the proportion of participants achieving MCIDs in exercise capacity and disease-specific quality of life. Secondary outcomes were symptoms and adverse events. Cochrane Risk of Bias 1.0 and GRADE were used to assess the risk of bias and certainty of evidence respectively. Results: Forty-nine trials were eligible. Compared to usual care, a higher proportion of pulmonary rehabilitation participants achieved the MCID for exercise capacity (6MWT: 47% vs 20%, p = 0.11), dyspnoea (43% vs 29%, p = 0.0001), fatigue (48% vs 27%, p = 0.0002) and emotional function (37% vs 25%, p = 0.02), with all of these between group differences statistically significant except for exercise capacity. There were no differences between centre-based and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in the proportion of participants who achieved MCIDs (34%- 58% across studies). Ninety percent of trials reported no adverse events. Certainty of evidence was low-to- moderate with all outcomes except for CRQ-mastery (centre-based vs home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, or pulmonary rehabilitation vs usual care in COPD), ESWT (pulmonary rehabilitation vs usual care in COPD) and 6MWT (pulmonary rehabilitation vs usual care in bronchiectasis) where evidence was very uncertain. Discussion: Clinically meaningful outcomes are achieved by similar proportions of participants in centre-based and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation, with few adverse events. Reporting of trial outcomes according to MCIDs is necessary for informed decision making regarding pulmonary rehabilitation models.