bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flat band, tunable chiral anomaly and pitchfork bifurcation in a honeycomb lattice
Authors: Saroka Vasil , Kong Fanmiao , Downing Charles , Payod Renebeth , Fischer Felix , Sun Xiankai , Bogani Lapo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The search for energy efficient materials is urged not only by the needs of modern electronics but also by emerging applications in neuromorphic computing. Chiral anomaly engineering has established as one of the mechanisms for achieving energy efficient dissipationless transport. Here we show how to design tunable chiral anomalies in a honeycomb lattice without any magnetic fields. Breaking the usual assumption of commensurability and applying an external electric field to a flat band material, we generate electronic modes exhibiting chiral anomalies capable of disorder resilient transport in the bulk of the material, rather than on the edge. As the electric field increases, the system exhibits an unusual cubic-like dispersion. While providing a performance comparable to other known honeycomb lattice-based ballistic conductors such as armchair nanotube, zigzag nanoribbon and hypothetical cumulenic carbyne, this scheme provides routes to strongly correlated localization due to its flat band and exotic cubic dispersion featuring a critical slowing down and pitchfork bifurcation phenomena. These results open a new research avenue for the design of energy efficient information processing and higher-order dispersion materials.
Integrating hydroformylations into a methanol economy
Authors: Skrydstrup Troels , Bonde Andreas , Jakobsen Joakim , Ahlers Alexander , Huang Weiheng , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In almost all man-made chemical products, the carbon skeletons originate from unsustainable fossil resources1. As the green transition gains traction, introducing CO2 as a feedstock for organic synthesis will be one of the keys to a carbon-neutral chemical industry2-4. However, redesigning large scale processes for alternative feedstocks is challenging. Methanol sourced from CO2 is presently becoming available, linked to the emergence of a methanol economy utilising it as circular fuel5,6. This presents an ideal entry point to rethink the highly interconnected chemical production chains. Here, we report that interlocking a ruthenium-catalysed methanol-to-syngas reforming with a low-pressure rhodium-catalysed hydroformylation in a two-reactor setup affords oxo-products in high yields and selectivity. This study elucidates the kinetics and selectivity of gas formation and their key role in matching both catalytic cycles. Finally, the utilisation of fuel-grade green methanol as a syngas source is demonstrated. If combined with methanol-to-olefin processes and green methanol production, oxo-products could thus be generated using solely CO2 as the carbon feedstock through a methanol platform. The here developed dual catalysis can be considered a blueprint for remodelling industrial processes.
Toxicity of Anthracene on Marine Organisms and Development of Seawater Quality Criteria
Authors: Karthikeyan Panneerselvam , Marigoudar Shambanagouda R , Raja Pichaikkaran , Nagarjuna Avula , Kumar Sarvalingam Barath , Savurirajan Muthulingam , Sharma Krishna Venkatarama 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Presence of anthracene (ANT) in coastal waters is increasingly being reported and has a profound impact on the marine biota. However, numerical guideline values and toxicity data on marine organisms are lacking. Therefore, seawater quality criteria (SWQC) are developed for ANT based on toxicity data on native species for the first time. Acute and chronic toxicity values were derived on diatoms (Thalassiosira subtilis and Endomoneis paludosa), copepods (Oithona similis and Tisbe furcata), and shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). 96h-EC50 and 96h-LC50 were ranged between 23.98 ± 2.4 µg/L and 1.73 ± 0.33 mg/L. Chronic toxicity values such as No Observed Effect Concentrated (NOEC), Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), and chronic values ranged from 2.1 ± 0.6 µg/L to 267 ± 58 µg/L, 2.5 ± 0.8 µg/L to 400 ± 7 µg/L and 2.4 ± 0.8 µg/L to 327 ± 71 µg/L respectively. Seawater quality criteria viz. Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC), Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC), and Criterion Maximum Concentration (CMC) were derived using NOECs, chronic values, and acute data. The PNECs are pertinent to sensitive/protected waters, CCC can be applied across the coastal waters and CMC for accidental spill/outfalls/discharge points in enclosed waters. The PNEC, CCC, and CMC are derived as 2.7, 8.8, and 17 µg/L respectively from the Australian Burrlioz SSD whereas the USEPA SSD resulted in 3.89 µg/L of PNEC, 10.7 µg/L of CCC, and 26.7 µg/L of CMC. Sensitive SWQCs were obtained using the Australian Burrlioz SSDs which may ensure the protection of marine life from ANT pollution.
Mapping of on-field soil nutrient variabilities as a guiding force for Smart farming: A case study from FarmerZone TM sentinel-1 from three potato agroecological zones of India
Authors: Singh Portia D , Sharma Jagdev , kumar Prince , Sriniva Srikant , Masakapalli Shyam Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mapping of soil nutrient parameters using experimental measurements and geostatistical approaches to assist site-specific fertilizer advisories is anticipated to play a significant role in Smart Agriculture. FarmerZone™ is a cloud service envisioned by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, to provide advisories to assist smallholder farmers in India in enhancing their overall farm production. As a part of the project, we evaluated the soil spatial variability of three potato agroecological zones in India and provided soil health cards along with field-specific fertilizer recommendations for potato cultivation to farmers. Specifically, 705 surface samples were collected from three representative potato-growing districts of Indian states (Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh) and analysed for soil parameters such as Organic matter, macronutrients (NPK), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu), pH, and EC. The soil parameters were integrated into a geodatabase and subjected to Kriging interpolation to create spatial soil maps of the targeted potato agroecological zones through best-fit experimental semivariograms. The NPK spatial distribution showed a deficiency of soil organic matter and available Nitrogen among all studied zones, whereas available Phosphorus and Potassium ranged from low to medium in the central plain zone and from medium to high in the Northwestern plain and high hilly zone. The availability of micronutrients was largely sufficient in all the zones except at a few sites. This study supports the role of site-specific soil analytics and interpolated spatial soil mapping over agroecological zones as a promising source to deliver reliable advisories of fertilizer recommendations.
Study on cavitation flow and high-speed vortex interference mechanism of high-speed inducer centrifugal pump based on full flow channel
Authors: Long Yun , Xu Yuan , Zhen Zhou , Rui Wang , Rongsheng Zhu , Qiang Fu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

High-speed centrifugal pumps are crucial in aerospace and petrochemical industries due to their high speed and head. To enhance cavitation performance, the inducer and impeller, which are critical flow components, require specialized design and optimization. This study examines cavitation flow and high-speed vortex interference in a full-channel high-speed inducer centrifugal pump. Analyzing the void volume fraction in the inducer and impeller flow passages under various effective cavitation allowances reveals that as the allowance decreases, void volume increases, and the hump position shifts backward. The study also correlates the static pressure distribution on the inducer blade surface with cavitation states, finding that a decrease in the cavitation allowance leads to an expansion of the low-pressure area on the blade surface, aligning with the cavitation distribution area. This is vital for assessing the inducer's power capacity. Observations of the impeller blade's pressure distribution show that the low-pressure area is concentrated at the inlet of the suction surface, expanding towards the impeller outlet. The bubble volume distribution area matches the low-pressure region. As cavitation progresses, the static pressure in the impeller passage decreases, impacting the impeller's normal operation and performance. Comparing the interference between the cavitation zone and the high-speed zone in the flow channels of the inducer and impeller, it's evident that cavitation increases the low-speed zone area on the velocity contour surface. This results in the appearance of a velocity vector in the low-speed zone, affecting the pump's performance. As cavitation worsens, bubbles adhere to the entire flow channel, causing a significant drop in the pump head and impacting the pump's working efficiency. This paper provides valuable insights into the cavitation flow and high-speed vortex interference mechanisms in high-speed inducer centrifugal pumps, offering significant guidance for their design and operation.
The impact of patient-facility language discordance on potentially inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics in long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective population health cohort study.
Authors: Reaume Michael , Peixoto Cayden , Pugliese Michael , Tanuseputro Peter , Batista Ricardo , Kendall Claire E , Landry Josette-Renée , Prud'homme Denis , Chomienne Marie-Hélène , Farrell Barbara , Bjerre Lise M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Appropriate use of medication is a key indicator of the quality of care provided in long-term care (LTC). The objective of this study was to determine whether resident-facility language concordance/discordance is associated with the odds of potentially inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotics (PIP-AP) in LTC.
Methods
We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of LTC residents in Ontario, Canada from 2010 to 2019. We obtained resident language from standardized resident assessments, and derived facility language by determining the proportion of residents belonging to each linguistic group within individual LTC homes. Using linked administrative databases, we identified all instances of PIP-AP according to the STOPP-START criteria, which have previously been shown to predict adverse clinical events such as emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. Residents were followed for 1 year or death, whichever occurred first. The association between linguistic factors and PIP-AP was assessed using adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
We identified 198,729 LTC residents consisting of 162,814 Anglophones (81.9%), 6,230 Francophones (3.1%), and 29,685 Allophones (14.9%). The odds of PIP-AP of were higher for both Francophones (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.23) and Allophones (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08–1.15) when compared to Anglophones. When compared to English LTC homes, French LTC homes had greater odds of PIP-AP (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.20), while Allophone homes had lower odds of PIP-AP (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.77–0.86). Residents living in language-discordant LTC homes had higher odds of PIP-AP when compared to LTC residents living in language-concordant LTC homes (aOR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04–1.10).
Conclusion
This study identified linguistic factors related to the odds of PIP-AP in LTC, suggesting that the linguistic environment may have an impact on the quality of care provided to residents.
Immunohistochemistry and molecular detection of Helicobacter pylori infection and their virulent genes in gastric biopsies from Pakistan
Authors: Riaz Abdullah , Taj Zeeshan , Alshaya Dalal Sulaiman , Saqalein Muhammad , Andrey Diego , Jabeen Kokab , Ambreen Atifa , Mustafa Sana , Tufail Zainab , Shah Tawaf Ali , Attia Kotab A. , Qamar Muhammad Usman 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

An infection with Helicobacter pylori can lead to chronic gastritis, which, if not treated, can cause serious gastroduodenal diseases such as gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, gastric cancer, and peptic ulcer. H. pylori infection usually occurs during childhood, and if left untreated, it can persist throughout a person's lifetime. The main objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of H. pylori infections and the presence of virulence genes such as vacA and cagA. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the connection between virulence factors and gastroduodenal issues in patients. Several virulence factors play a crucial role in the development of diseases associated with H. pylori. A total of 1038 gastric biopsy specimens were collected from the patient with a history of gastritis in 10% normal saline aseptically. Tissue size was measured, and gross examined, which were processed in an automated tissue processor. After processing, the embedding of tissues was done in paraffin wax. 2–3 µm sections were prepared using a rotary microtome. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were performed. DNA was extracted from the tissue of H. pylori and their virulence factors (cagA and vacA) through PCR. Of 1038 biopsies, 374 (28.5%) were H. pylori infections confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry. The mean age was 39.5 (± 15.1) years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.9. The majority of the gastric samples (260; 69.5%) were taken from the antrum, followed by the antrum and body (68; 18.1%), the gastric mucosa (26; 7.0%), and the body (10; 2.6%). The colonisation of H. pylori was classified into three levels: mild (270; 72.2%), moderate (64; 17.1%), and severe (40; 10.7%). Among the antrum, mild active gastritis (n = 78; 30%), and mild chronic active gastritis (n = 60; 23.1%), while in the antrum and body samples, 28 (41.1%) were mild active gastritis. 16S rDNA in biopsy samples of H. pylori isolates. Additionally, in mild gastric colonisation, cagA (103; 27.9%) and vacA (143; 38.2%), and in moderate colonisation, 27 (7.2%) and 24 (6.4%) of the cagA and vacA were identified. There was a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in gastric biopsies with mild colonization, and isolates carried the virulence genes.
The prognostic value of visible hematuria is only significant in T1a renal cell carcinoma: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Li Xintao , Ma Xin , Chen Lijun , Xiong Liulin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the prognostic value of visible hematuria in T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Materials and Methods
In the RCC database of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital Department of Urology, we assembled the records of patients with unilateral RCC over 18 years of age diagnosed between 2008 and 2019. The pathological stage was T1, and the tumors ranged in size from 0 to 7 cm. The primary treatments were partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN). Logistic regression analysis, Cox regression, interaction analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to study the correlation between visible hematuria and progression-free survival (PFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).
Results
A total of 7,610 patients with T1 RCC comprised the study population, including 505 RCC patients with visible hematuria. The average follow-up time was 64.6 months (range: 12–144 months). Visible hematuria was significantly associated with the prognosis (PFS, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.7, P < 0.001; CSS, HR = 4.2, P < 0.001) of T1a RCC, but was more significant for CSS in cases of a tumor size ≤ 2 cm (HR = 26.8, P = 0.026). This effect was not significant in T1b RCC (PFS, HR = 0.7, P = 0.153; CSS, HR = 1.1, P = 0.862). The interaction between visible hematuria and tumor size was significant (P = 0.001).
Conclusions
This study showed that visible hematuria was an independent risk factor for PFS and CSS in T1a RCC. The predictive value of visible hematuria for CSS was more significant in RCCs ≤ 2 cm, but did not reach statistical significance in T1b RCC. T1a RCC patients with visible hematuria should be intensively monitored during follow-up.
Geometric Changes and Clinical Risk Factors from Aortic Arch to Proximal Internal Carotid Artery between Normal Subjects and Moderate Right Carotid Plaques
Authors: Ngo Dac Hong An , Lee Ui Yun , Kwak Hyo Sung 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
The anatomical features spanning from the aortic arch to the proximal carotid artery and the associated cardiovascular risks might significantly influence the development of right carotid plaque. Our research aimed to compare these anatomical and risk factors between individuals with no carotid plaque and those with moderate right-side carotid plaque within a Korean cohort.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis involving 413 participants, categorized into a normal group (n = 339) and a right moderate carotid plaque group (defined as > 50% stenosis based on NASCET criteria)(n = 74). We collected data on cardiovascular risk factors and conducted laboratory tests. A 3D model of the carotid artery was constructed using cranio-cervical computed tomography angiography (CTA) data through semi-automated software. Measurements taken on this 3D model included the common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA), and carotid artery bifurcation (CAB) in terms of maximal vascular diameter, sectional area, angles of carotid bifurcation and ICA, and carotid tortuosity.
Results
When compared with the normal group, individuals in the right moderate carotid plaque group exhibited smaller angles at the carotid bifurcation, larger CCA diameter and sectional area (p < 0.01), advanced age, and a higher incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke history (p < 0.05), along with reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the sectional area of the bifurcation, calcification of the aortic bulb, and GFR were independently associated with the presence of right moderate carotid plaque (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
Statistical analyses disclosed significant differences in both clinical risk factors and geometric changes in the region extending from the aortic arch to the proximal carotid artery among subjects with right moderate carotid plaque when compared to those without.
Kawasaki disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center comparative study in Switzerland
Authors: Epitaux Justine , Sekarski Nicole , Bressieux-Degueldre Sabrina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Kawasaki disease is a rare systemic inflammatory syndrome that mainly affects children under five years of age and is the first cause of pediatric acquired cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis is complex and a viral trigger is suspected, as well as genetic susceptibility. Multiple studies around the world have shown a decrease in the incidence of Kawasaki disease and have hypothesized that the different sanitary measures enforced in each country during the pandemic period could be responsible to a certain extent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the disease’s incidence, defining characteristics, coronary artery outcomes and management in a tertiary center in Switzerland.Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of children who have been diagnosed with Kawasaki disease that compares clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data as well as treatments before (January 1st 2017 to February 24th 2020) and during (February 25th 2020 to December 31st 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland. Statistical significance of differences in the compared parameters was assessed.Results Of the 90 patients included, 31 belonged to the first group and 59 belonged to the second group. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in incidence during the pandemic period (5.91/10,000 children) of 88% compared to the pre-pandemic period (3.14/10,000 children). A lesser seasonal variation was observed during the pandemic. There was no other notable difference in demographic factors, clinical presentation, coronary outcome or administered treatment.Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first extensive European study comparing Kawasaki disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in incidence in Kawasaki disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, studies done in Japan, South Korea and the USA have shown a decrease in incidence. Differences in methodologies, genetics, ethnicities, environments, sanitary measures and SARS-CoV-2 spread are factors that should be considered. Further studies analyzing the differences between countries with increased incidence of Kawasaki disease could help better understand the relevance of such factors and provide more insight into the etiologies of this particular disease.
Association between Lower Extremity Movement Patterns and ACL Loading in CAI Patients Across Varied Ankle Sprain Frequencies within a Year
Authors: Zhang Zeyi , Wei Shengmeng , Shi Hanlin , Sun youping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To investigate the relationship between the biomechanical characteristics of lower extremity and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading during single-leg landing in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) who have different ankle sprain frequencies within a year.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods
Ankle sprain occurrences among 74 participants were meticulously documented over one year. The participants were systematically classified into groups based on the monitoring data regarding the frequency of ankle sprains over the course of this year, ranging from 2 to 6 or more incidents. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data were collected while participants performed a single-leg landing task. Lower extremity muscle force and ACL loading were modeled using OpenSim software.
Results
CAI patients with more than four ankle sprains had higher peak ACL loading during single-leg landing than those with only two or three ankle sprains (P < 0.05). Additionally, CAI patients with more than four ankle sprains exhibited a limited range of ankle dorsiflexion and biceps femoris muscle strength, which was significantly correlated with ACL loading (P < 0.05). CAI patients with more than 5 ankle sprains had greater ankle inversion angle, inversion angular velocity, vertical ground reaction force (GRF), rectus femoris muscle strength, and lower gastrocnemius, soleus muscle force during single-leg landing, and these biomechanical indices were significantly correlated with ACL strain (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Based on these findings, it appears that experiencing four ankle sprains within a year might be a threshold for the development of knee compensation in CAI patients. This compensation could result in a significant increase in ACL loading. The study also found that CAI patients with more than four ankle sprains commonly exhibited altered motor characteristics such as limited ankle dorsiflexion angle, increased ankle inversion angle, excessive vertical GRF, and insufficient gastrocnemius and soleus muscle force during the landing phase. These characteristics might be responsible for the observed increase in ACL loading.