bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an Esophageal Sleeve With Variable Stiffness and Internal Diameter for Endoscopic Surgery
Authors: Wang Haibo , Liu Xinwei , Chang Zongyu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), the flexible endoscopic surgical robot utilizes a continuum configuration to navigate narrow, multicurvature esophageal pathways. However, the tool channel's dimensional limitations and the restricted internal layout make it challenging to reduce the outside diameter and highly efficient variable stiffness function significantly. As a result, safe insertion into the esophagus and precise operation remains hugely challenging. In this paper, an esophageal sleeve with variable stiffness and internal diameter is developed for endoscopic procedures. The proposed esophageal sleeve adopts specially designed spiral elastic deployable parts that allow for variations in internal diameter. Furthermore, the elastic deployable parts are designed with serrated protrusion structures that can realize rapid transition between rigidity and flexibility under negative pressure. Fundamental experimental results showed that the outer diameter of the proposed esophageal sleeve can expand from 17 mm to 20 mm, providing inner access up to 13 mm for endoscopic instruments. The serrated protrusion structure allows the esophageal sleeve to rapidly transition from a flexible to a rigid state, resulting in a stiffness gain of approximately 5. Phantom experiments validated the effectiveness and usability of the proposed esophageal sleeve in assisting endoscope insertion, demonstrating its potential clinical value in endoscopic procedures. The significance of this study is the development of a device that can better assist endoscopic procedures.
Structural Synthesis of Platform Type Manipulators via Connection-Based Adjacency Matrix: Topology Generation
Authors: Volkan Yazıcı Mustafa , Kocak Mertcan , Uslu Tugrul , Gezgin Erkin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This article focuses on the design procedures of Alizade's direct and Gezgin's inverse structural synthesis methodologies for platform type manipulators. These task-based synthesis procedures include versatile methodologies for any designer to generate various platform-type manipulators with respect to given constraints via simple universal mobility formulation. However, they rely on the manual generation of mobility-independent coarse topological structures, where it is nearly impossible to generate all possible results. In light of this, the current study introduces a unique connection-based adjacency matrix (CAM) for topology representation, in which legs connected to the fixed ground and platform connections (hinges and branches) are treated separately. The main objective of CAM is to ensure an efficient transition from manual topology generation to automated methods by providing compatibility with software algorithms to describe topologies. Throughout the article, CAM-based automated topology generation algorithm that reveals all possible unique coarse topologies with respect to given design constraints is also presented along with examples. Introduced algorithm both allows investigation of isomorphism and eliminates necessity of inversion.
Reviewing Welding Procedures—Checklists for Nuclear Power Systems
Authors: Zhang Zengkui , Wu Chongzhi , Peng Zhenguo , Li Mingkai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
To ensure effective control of the welding process, nuclear power architecture and engineering (AE) companies routinely undertake the review of procedure qualification records (PQRs) and welding procedure specifications (WPSs) for safety-related structures, systems, and components (SSCs), as qualified by manufacturers and construction contractors. Given the substantial quantity of PQRs and WPSs necessitating evaluation, along with the multitude of variables inherent in these documents, a set of review checklists has been devised. These checklists, developed from the perspective of AE companies' welding engineers, transform welding procedure qualification rules and requirements into intuitive descriptions, assessments of correctness, or numerical comparisons of scale. AE companies' welding engineers employ these review checklists to scrutinize PQRs and WPSs, facilitating a comprehensive, accurate, and efficient review process.
Influence of the Presence of Different Signatures on the Heat Transfer Profile of Laminar Flow Inside a Microchannel
Authors: Kakati Arupjyoti , Gupta Saurabh , Bit Arindam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The process of transferring heat and mass involves a high-pressure decline. Hence microchannels are utilized in extremely efficient heat and mass transfer processes, such as in the systems of the lungs and kidneys. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and compact volume, microchannels have demonstrated superior thermal performance. In this work, micro-fins of different topologies and arrangements were used inside microchannels for modulating heat transfer from the surface of the fins, in the presence of flowing media. The influx of media was simulated in sinusoidal form, reproducing simplified form of physiological circulatory blood flow. The study was conducted in numerical domain, while heat transfer and mass transfer equations were solved using pardiso solver. Temperature modulation at the fin surfaces was conducted to examine the transient profile of heat transfer, as function of both variable fluid velocity as well as variable feeding heat sources. In case of different input boundary conditions, the effect of heat distributions on fluid flow with respect to spatial distribution of micro-fins within a microchannel was evaluated. Results revealed the difference in heat transfer profiles in microchannels in presence of different sets of fin configurations. It was found that rectangular fins have the highest heat transfer in fluid at all its spatial configurations; while semi-ellipsoidal-shaped fins had shown the least heat transfer profile at same surface area. At the same time, it was also observed that the rate of heat dissipation was faster and limited in semi-ellipsoidal-shaped fins configuration; while the heat transfer rate was found symmetrical and low in presence of rectangular fins. Hence, this article emphasizes the modulation of temperature and velocity variations within the working fluid by emphasizing the thermo-fluid coupling effects in microchannels.
Thermal-Hydraulic Characterization of a Thermosyphon Cooling System for Highly Compact Edge MicroDataCenter
Authors: Minazzo Enzo M. , Rouaze Gautier , Marcinichen Jackson B. , Thome John R. , Buining Fred 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In the European project BRAINE, an extremely efficient passive thermosyphon cooling system was developed for a novel type of Edge MicroDataCenter (EMDC) with high heat fluxes to dissipate on individual computer cards and high heat dissipation rate per unit volume in the dense array of these cards. The primary objective was the cooling of 11 nodes (which include central processing units (CPUs), field programmable gate arrays, graphics processing units, and storage) considering one heat sink evaporator per node. This study shows the experimental results obtained with the new environmentally friendly refrigerants R1233zd(E) and R1234ze(E) as well as a validation of the solver used to design the thermosyphon for a first demo EMDC with four slots (i.e., four nodes). The maximal total dissipated power was 950 W, and performance ratios of heat dissipation-to-cooling fan power up to 98-to-1 were obtained. The solver validation was performed by comparing pressure drop of the different components as well as the maximum temperature of heaters mimicking CPUs for 232 simulated datapoints and proved extremely good accuracy without any scaling or empirical factors: 99%, 78%, 53%, and 95% of the datapoints for the evaporator, riser, condenser, and total pressure drop, respectively, were within ±30% of the experimental results, which is accuracy comparable to the best two-phase pressure drop correlations in the literature, so a very good validation results. For the temperature validation, 97% of the datapoints were within ±5 °C of the experimental measurements, highlighting the robustness of the solver.
Multiphysics Analysis and Verification of Jet Flight in Electrohydrodynamic Printing for Near-Field Electrospinning Applications
Authors: Subramaniam Sanjana , Cao Jian , Ehmann Kornel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing is a versatile process that can be used to pattern high-resolution droplets and fibers through the deposition of an electrified jet. This highly complex process utilizes a coupled hydrodynamic and electrostatic mechanism to drive the fluid flow. While it has many biomedical, electronic, and filtration applications, its widescale usage is hampered by a lack of detailed understanding of the jetting physics that enables this process. In this paper, a numerical model is developed and validated to explore the design space of the EHD jetting process, from Taylor cone formation to jet impingement onto the substrate, and analyze the key geometrical and process parameters that yield high-resolution structures. This numerical model applies to various process parameters, material properties, and environmental factors and can accurately capture jet evolution, radius, and flight time. It can be used to better inform design decisions when using EHD processes with distinct resolution requirements.
CRISPR-Cas9-mediated barcode insertion into
Bacillus thuringiensis
for surrogate tracking
Authors: Higgins Steven A. , Kara Murdoch Fadime , Clifton Jonathon M. , Brooks Jennifer H. , Fillinger Keegan L. , Middleton Jason K. , Heater Bradley S. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

The use of surrogate organisms can enable researchers to safely conduct research on pathogens and in a broader set of conditions. Being able to differentiate between the surrogates used in the experiments and background contamination as well as between different experiments will further improve research efforts. One effective approach is to introduce unique genetic barcodes into the surrogate genome and track their presence using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In this report, we utilized the CRISPR-Cas9 methodology, which employs a single plasmid and a transformation step to insert five distinct barcodes into
Bacillus thuringiensis
, a well-established surrogate for
Bacillus anthracis
when Risk Group 1 organisms are needed. We subsequently developed qPCR assays for barcode detection and successfully demonstrated the stability of the barcodes within the genome through five cycles of sporulation and germination. Additionally, we conducted whole-genome sequencing on these modified strains and analyzed 187 potential Cas9 off-target sites. We found no correlation between the mutations observed in the engineered strains and the predicted off-target sites, suggesting this genome engineering strategy did not directly result in off-target mutations in the genome. This simple approach has the potential to streamline the creation of barcoded
B. thuringiensis
strains for use in future studies on surrogate genomes.

IMPORTANCE

The use of
Bacillus anthracis
as a biothreat agent poses significant challenges for public health and national security.
Bacillus anthracis
surrogates, like
Bacillus thuringiensis
, are invaluable tools for safely understanding
Bacillus anthracis
properties without the safety concerns that would arise from using a virulent strain of
Bacillus anthracis
. We report a simple method for barcode insertion into
Bacillus thuringiensis
using the CRISPR-Cas9 methodology and subsequent tracking by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, whole-genome sequencing data and CRISPR-Cas9 off-target analyses in
Bacillus thuringiensis
suggest that this gene-editing method did not directly cause unwanted mutations in the genome. This study should assist in the facile development of barcoded
Bacillus thuringiensis
surrogate strains, among other biotechnological applications in
Bacillus
species.
The uncharacterized PA3040-3042 operon is part of the cell envelope stress response and a tobramycin resistance determinant in a clinical isolate of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Østergaard Magnus Z. , Nielsen Flemming D. , Meinfeldt Mette H. , Kirkpatrick Clare L. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacteriophages (hereafter “phages”) are ubiquitous predators of bacteria in the natural world, but interest is growing in their development into antibacterial therapy as complement or replacement for antibiotics. However, bacteria have evolved a huge variety of antiphage defense systems allowing them to resist phage lysis to a greater or lesser extent. In addition to dedicated phage defense systems, some aspects of the general stress response also impact phage susceptibility, but the details of this are not well known. In order to elucidate these factors in the opportunistic pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, we used the laboratory-conditioned strain PAO1 as host for phage infection experiments as it is naturally poor in dedicated phage defense systems. Screening by transposon insertion sequencing indicated that the uncharacterized operon PA3040-PA3042 was potentially associated with resistance to lytic phages. However, we found that its primary role appeared to be in regulating biofilm formation, particularly in a clinical isolate of
P. aeruginosa
in which it also altered tobramycin resistance. Its expression was highly growth-phase dependent and responsive to phage infection and cell envelope stress. Our results suggest that this operon may be a cryptic but important locus for
P. aeruginosa
stress tolerance.

IMPORTANCE

An important category of bacterial stress response systems is bacteriophage defense, where systems are triggered by bacteriophage infection and activate a response which may either destroy the phage genome or destroy the infected cell so that the rest of the population survives. In some bacteria, the cell envelope stress response is activated by bacteriophage infection, but it is unknown whether this contributes to the survival of the infection. We have found that a conserved uncharacterized operon (PA3040-PA3042) of the cell envelope stress regulon in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, which has very few dedicated phage defense systems, responds to phage infection and stationary phase as well as envelope stress and is important for growth and biofilm formation in a clinical isolate of
P. aeruginosa
, even in the absence of phages. As homologs of these genes are found in other bacteria, they may be a novel component of the general stress response.
Constraints on the subduction and closure of the Hegenshan Ocean: Magmatic and sedimentary records from central Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Tang Jianzhou , Zhang Zhicheng , Yang Gaoxue , Li Ke , Chen Yan , Ding Cong , Ji Zejia , Wang Qi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Petrological, geochronological, and geochemical data from the volcano-sedimentary sequences, granitoids, and ophiolite relics of central Inner Mongolia, China, were used to reconstruct the subduction and final closure of the Hegenshan Ocean. Geochronological dating and compilation reveal four phases (ca. 360–355 Ma, 348–320 Ma, 320–310 Ma, and 310–275 Ma) of magmatism in the Uliastai continental margin. The ca. 356 Ma I-type Halatumiao granodiorite and Amanwusu ophiolite relics are subduction-related, and the Halatumiao granodiorite provides solid evidence of the northward subduction of the Hegenshan Ocean beneath the Uliastai continental margin at ca. 360–355 Ma. The ca. 348–320 Ma and 320–310 Ma volcanic rocks and granitoids constitute two linear magmatic belts roughly parallel to the Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt, which record two phases of continental arc magmatism in the Uliastai continental margin. Overall, the ca. 360–310 Ma arc magmatism shows landward migration and then oceanward migration in the Uliastai continental margin, which indicates advancing subduction and subsequent slab steepening of the Hegenshan Ocean. By contrast, the ca. 310–275 Ma magmatic rocks are dominated by I- and A-type felsic volcanic rocks, granites, and dikes, which are post-accretionary, extension-related, and pervasive in the Uliastai continental margin and Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt. A provenance shift was identified between the Benbatu and Amushan formations of the Amanwusu area of the Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt. The early detritus was derived from the early Paleozoic rocks in the Sonid Zuoqi arc belt, whereas the late detritus originated from the Early Carboniferous ophiolite relics in the Erenhot-Hegenshan ophiolite belt. The provenance shift and emplacement of pervasive extension-related magmatic rocks imply a Late Carboniferous closure of the Hegenshan Ocean. The Late Carboniferous oceanic closure event in the north of the southeast Central Asian Orogenic Belt is also evidenced by the transition of Hf isotopic composition of zircons dated between ca. 360–310 Ma and 310–275 Ma.
Distribution of Cool Starspots on the Surface of the Red Dwarf V647 Her
Authors: Bondar’ N. I. , Antonyuk K. A. , Pit N. V. , Alekseev I. Yu. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
An analysis of photometric observations of the star V647 Her (M3.5V) obtained at the 1.25-m telescope of the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory in 2022 is presented. The presence of a low-amplitude variability in brightness of the star with a period of 20.69 d, found from observations in 2019 was confirmed. It is shown that as the brightness decreases, the star becomes redder. The observed kind of photometric variability is due to the presence of cool spots on the surface of the star and rotational modulation of brightness with a full amplitude of no more than 0$$^{{\text{m}}}_{.}$$05. We perform a comparison of the photometric results obtained in 2019, 2022, and 2004. The locations of starspots at different epochs were determined from the analysis of phase curves. The distribution of starspots has been maintained for 40–100 days. Starspot parameters were estimated in the framework of the zonal model. The temperature of starspots is 2700–2800 K. The area they occupied in 2004 is 15% of the total surface area of the star. According to the 2019 and 2022 data, it increases up to 30%. The seasonal redistribution of starspots leads to the difference between the spottedness of hemispheres, which is less than 2%.
Association of cerebral palsy with autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children: a large-scale nationwide population-based study
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Mingwu , Bao Wei , Strathearn Lane , Zang Xiaodong , Meng Lun , Xu Guifeng 
Published: July 2024

Objective
To examine the association of cerebral palsy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), providing evidence for interdisciplinary medical service for children with cerebral palsy.

Design
A large-scale nationwide population-based study.

Setting
The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).

Patients
177 899 children aged 3–17 years among NHIS participants from 1997 to 2003 and 2008 to 2018.

Results
Among the 177 899 children included in this analysis, 602 (0.33%) had cerebral palsy, 1997 (1.16%) had ASD, and 13 697 (7.91%) had ADHD. Compared with children without cerebral palsy, children with cerebral palsy had a higher prevalence of ASD (6.09% vs 1.15%; p<0.001) and ADHD (15.91% vs 7.89%; p<0.001). After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, family highest education level, family income level and geographical region, the OR among children with cerebral palsy, compared with children without cerebral palsy, was 5.07 (95% CI 3.25 to 7.91) for ASD (p<0.001) and 1.95 (95% CI 1.43 to 2.66) for ADHD (p<0.001). Furthermore, the association of cerebral palsy with ASD and ADHD remained significant in all subgroups stratified by age, sex and race.

Conclusion
In a large, nationally representative sample of US children, this study shows that children with cerebral palsy are at an increased risk of ASD and ADHD.
Prevalence and risk factors of scabies among children living in Madrasahs (Islamic religious boarding schools) of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Jahid , Rafi Md Adur , Choudhury Taha , Hossain Md Golam 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
To determine the prevalence and associated factors of scabies among the children living in the Madrasahs (Islamic religious educational institution) of Bangladesh was the objective of the study.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in eight selected Madrasahs from May to October 2023 among male and female children aged between 3 and 18 years. Children were screened for scabies according to criteria developed by the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies.

Results
It was found that overall prevalence of scabies among the children living in Madrasahs was almost 34% (mild 73.5%, moderate 24.9% and severe 1.6%). Prevalence of scabies among male was higher than female (39.4% vs 28.4%). Male gender (aOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.47, p=0.004) and age (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.99, p=0.017) were two significant predictors of scabies among children. Besides, living in Madrasahs having more boarders (aOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.69, p=0.025), shared bedding, clothes or toilet stuffs with other children (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.09, p=0.036) and history of pruritus in the close entourage (aOR 4.19, 95% CI 3.07 to 5.73, p<0.001) were associated with a higher chance of being infected by scabies.

Conclusion
Almost one-third of the children living in the Islamic boarding schools in Bangladesh are suffering from scabies, more prevalence in male and younger children. Accommodation of higher number of boarders, sharing personal staffs and pruritus in close contacts increase the risk of scabies in these children.
Erector spinae plane infiltration and anterior rami of spinal nerve: a cadaveric study
Authors: Luchsinger Madeleine , Varela Victor , Diwan Sandeep , Prats-Galino Alberto , Sala-Blanch Xavier 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe erector spinae plane block (ESP block) is frequently employed for thoracic, abdominal, and spinal surgeries, yet its precise mechanism of action remains a subject of debate. While initially postulated to influence both ventral and dorsal rami of the spinal nerve, recent studies indicate a predominant impact on the dorsal rami with limited involvement of the ventral rami. To elucidate this mechanism, we conducted an observational study to assess the distribution of ESP infiltration to the ventral rami.MethodsWe performed 20 ESP infiltrations bilaterally in 10 unembalmed cadavers, targering the T9 transverse process level. A volume of 20 mL of ropivacaine 0.2% and methylene blue 0.01% was used. Dissection was carried out to assess dye distribution, with a focus on involvement of the ventral and dorsal rami, as well as lateral and longitudinal spread within the spinal muscular plane.ResultsNo evidence of dye staining was observed in the ventral rami in any of the cadavers; however, the dorsal rami consistently displayed staining. The dye exhibited extensive longitudinal diffusion across the paravertebral musculature, spanning a median of 10 vertebral spaces (T5–L2). The range extended from 3 to 18 spaces, with an IQR of 11 levels (T4–L2), predominantly affecting the longissimus and iliocostalis muscles.ConclusionsThe infiltration of injectate into the ESP does not contact the ventral rami of segmental spinal nerves. The inference that an in vivo ESP block is a paravertebral “by-proxy” is, therefore, unlikely.