bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Testing and Numerical Modeling of Creep Behavior of HDPE Geomembranes under Multistage Loading
Authors: Li Dengjun , Cen Weijun , Ren Xuhua , Wen Zhenyu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Geomembranes are essential impermeable materials commonly employed in the fields of hydraulic engineering and geoenvironmental engineering. However, their long-term operation may result in significant creep deformation, particularly under high loads. This paper mainly presents the effect of loading mode on the creep characteristics of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes. A series of creep tests of geomembranes under multistage loading were conducted and compared with single loading creep tests. Under multistage loading, creep strain increased in a step-like manner. When the cumulative load level is lower than 50 %, the creep of geomembranes can attain a stable state. When the cumulative load level attains 60 %, the creep may enter a constant-rate creep stage. Compared with single loading creep, the creep under multistage loading attained a stable state earlier for a relatively low load level, and the deformations were smaller. The creep strain rate was significantly reduced at a constant-rate creep stage for a relatively high load level. The multistage loading was beneficial to the creep deformation control of geomembranes. Furthermore, an enhanced creep model was proposed to describe the creep behavior under multistage loading, including the stable state and constant-rate creep stage. The predictions were in good agreement with the experimental data.
Early Cracking of Cementitious Materials Based on Stress Concentration Method
Authors: Ji Jianrui , Li Lihui , Tian Bo , Ma Rui , Zhang Panpan , Hu Yanbin , Gesang Yundan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The traditional ring constraint shrinkage test method for detecting shrinkage cracking of cementitious materials has been found to have low cracking sensitivity and random occurrence of cracks. To address these problems, this study proposed an improvement ring constraint shrinkage test apparatus. The apparatus was used to analyze the stress distribution at key nodes and cross sections by theoretical and finite element methods. The study also counted the cracking time and crack location distribution of the improvement ring constraint specimens by test results. The findings showed that the average cracking time of the cement mortar that improved ring specimens was 52.4 % shorter than that of the conventional ring specimen. This significant reduction in the test observation period indicates that the improvement ring constraint shrinkage test method is highly efficient. Moreover, 98 % of the crack offset was within 27.35 mm of the expected cracking location, and the offset distance was negligible compared with the conductive coating length. These results suggest that the improvement ring constraint shrinkage test method can effectively limit the location of specimen cracking.
Motifs musicaux et architecturaux en Transylvanie
Authors: Csernyus Lőrinc 
Published: April 2024

AbstractKároly Kós, along with other Hungarian artists and architects, contributed to the development of a natural approach of culture, based on the local environment and on the local way of life. This is, in his eyes, the right way to the universal. Architecture and music, in particular, are intertwined, as they both attempt to create an agreeable environment to mankind. The transylvanian or Transylvania-inspired art is an example of this proximity between the architectural and the musical language.
Problematic smartphone use and academic achievement: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Paterna Adrian , Alcaraz-Ibáñez Manuel , Aguilar-Parra Jose M. , Salavera Carlos , Demetrovics Zsolt , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsThe present study aimed to synthesize existing quantitative evidence on the relationship between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and academic achievement with a focus on quantifying its magnitude and examining its potential moderators.MethodsEligible studies were searched for up to February 10, 2023 in six different databases (i.e., MEDLINE, Current Contents Connect, PsycINFO, Web of Science, SciELO, and Dissertations & Theses Global). Studies were considered eligible if they provided information derived from self-report instruments that allowed statistical calculation of the relationship between PSU and academic achievement. Pooled effect sizes (r) were computed using a random-effects model. Meta-regressions were conducted to test the influence of study-level moderators on the relationship of interest. Influence analyses and a three-parameter selection model (3PSM) were conducted to examine the robustness of the results and publication bias, respectively.ResultsA total of 33 effect sizes from 29 studies (n = 48,490) were retrieved. Results showed a small effect size (r = −0.110), which tended to be larger in samples consisting of students from elementary and middle schools.Discussion and ConclusionsFindings from the present study contribute to the understanding of a potential determinant of decreased academic achievement by providing evidence that PSU may be one of them.
Fuel cells: Materials needs and advances
Authors: Shao Zongping , Ni Meng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFuel cells are highly efficient electrochemical energy-conversion devices with a wide application potential, spanning from portable power sources to stationary power generation. They are typically categorized according to their operating temperature, for example, low temperature (<100°C), intermediate temperature (450‒800°C) and high temperature (>800°C). Recently, reduced temperature fuel cells operating at 200‒400°C have also received considerable attention for their multiple benefits. A single fuel cell is composed of a porous anode for fuel oxidation, a dense electrolyte for ion transportation, and a porous cathode for oxygen reduction. Due to their different functions and operating environments, each layer of the cell faces unique materials requirements in terms of ionic and electronic conductivity, chemical and mechanical stability, thermal expansion, etc. This article gives a thorough perspective on the challenges and recent advances in anode, electrolyte, and cathode materials for the various types of fuel cells. Emerging fuel cells operating at 200‒400°C are also discussed and commented. Finally, the key areas of need and major opportunities for further research in the field are outlined.
Graphical abstract
The moderating effect of the role of accrual basis application controls on the association between government rules application controls on the quality of financial reporting
Authors: Al-Matari Ebrahim Mohammed , Al-bukhrani Mohammed A , Omer Adam Mohamed , Alhebri Adeeb , Ibrahim Taha Khairy 
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the combined impact of governance regulations and controls on the accuracy of financial reporting. The study also sought to determine how the application controls for the accrual basis affected the link between governance rules and financial reporting quality. A questionnaire research methodology was used to evaluate the study's postulated model. Only 242 of the 348 completed surveys were returned and could be used. The partial least squares method was applied to structural equation modelling. The statistical results confirmed the influence of application constraints on governance norms on the calibre of financial reporting. The influence of governance rule application controls on the calibre of financial reporting was also shown to be mitigated by application controls on an accrual basis. This study, like others has limitations on the variables, years, nation and sample. As a result, several restrictions and recommendations for further research investigations are given at the end of this study. Additionally, the market might use the study's conclusions to help management strengthen their financial reporting inadequacies. This is a rare and unique empirical study that examines the relationship between financial reporting quality and governance rules application controls (GRAC) and takes into account both the influence of GRAC on financial reporting quality and the moderating effect of accrual basis application controls (ABAC).
Analysis of the fermentation kinetics and gut microbiota modulatory effect of dried chicory root reveals the impact of the plant-cell matrix rationalizing its conversion in the distal colon
Authors: Puhlmann Marie-Luise , van de Rakt Ember , Kerezoudi Evangelia N. , Rangel Ignacio , Brummer Robert J. , Smidt Hauke , Kaper Frederik S. , de Vos Willem M. 
Published: April 2024

Aim: The cell matrix of plant foods has received little attention in prebiotic fiber research. We aimed to understand the impact of the plant cell matrix in dried chicory root on its breakdown in the human gut to explain its reported beneficial effects on gut and metabolic health.
Methods: We applied in vitro digestion and fermentation models together with an ex vivo gut barrier integrity model. Plant cell matrix intactness in the upper gastrointestinal tract was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Colonic breakdown of inulin, and chicory root cubes and powder was assessed by gut microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and determining the kinetics of changes in pH, gas, and short-chain fatty acid production (SCFA). Finally, effects on gut barrier integrity were explored by exposing colonic biopsies to fermentation supernatants in an Ussing chamber model.
Results: The plant cell matrix of dried chicory root cubes remained intact throughout upper gastrointestinal transit. Dried chicory root fermentation resulted in higher final relative abundances of pectin-degrading Monoglobus and butyrate-producing Roseburia spp. compared to inulin and a seven-fold increase in Bifidobacterium spp. in donors where these species were present. Dried chicory root cubes yielded similar total SCFAs but higher final butyrate levels than chicory root powder or isolated inulin with less gas produced. No uniform but donor-specific effects of fermentation supernatants on the maintenance of gut barrier integrity were detected.
Conclusion: The intact plant cell matrix of dried chicory root affected its colonic breakdown kinetics and microbiota, underpinning its beneficial effect in vivo .
Correction of Equinus Deformity by Ilizarov Frame Using the Matsushita Method and Achilles Tendon Lengthening
Authors: Kanetani Komei , Kimura Tadashi , Yamashita Nori , Kisamori Kazuki , Saito Mitsuru , Kubota Makoto 
Published: April 2024

Case:
The patient was an 18-year-old man who had sustained diaphyseal fractures of the left femur and tibia in a traffic accident and underwent surgery at another hospital. A severe left foot equinovarus deformity developed in the early after surgery. The patient's left foot deformity was addressed using unconstrained gradual external fixator correction (the Matsushita method) in combination with soft-tissue contracture through Achilles tendon lengthening and was maintained after removing the external fixation.

Conclusion:
The Matsushita method can be effective in the correction of post-traumatic equinovarus foot deformities.
Idiopathic Avascular Necrosis of the Capitate Treated with a Medial Femoral Trochlea Vascularized Osteochondral Flap
Authors: Kozusko Steven D. , Hassebrock Jeffrey D. , Chhabra A. Bobby , Freilich Aaron M. , DeGeorge Brent R. 
Published: April 2024

Case:
Capitate avascular necrosis should be entertained in a differential diagnosis of young, active adults with midcarpal wrist pain. We present a case study of a 30-year-old laborer who developed avascular necrosis (AVN) of his right proximal capitate. Grip strength and wrist motion were limited on examination, with advanced imaging confirming AVN. A diagnostic arthroscopy confirmed the pathology. Treatment was completed with a medial femoral trochlea vascularized flap for cartilaginous resurfacing. At 10-month follow-up, the patient's capitate was healed with stable fixation, and he is working full-time as a laborer without restrictions.

Conclusion:
AVN of the capitate is a unique and challenging articular pathology that requires a thoughtful preoperative evaluation and meticulous surgical technique to reconstruct. The medial femoral trochlea (MFT) vascularized bone transfer with cartilaginous resurfacing is 1 available treatment option. This flap is harvested from the medial femur using microsurgical techniques, based on the descending genicular artery. Using a 2-surgeon approach, simultaneous dissection of the AVN is completed at the wrist. This flap is a vascularized option that can be used for both AVN and nonunion with structural deformity before salvage surgeries.
Chemoproteomics validates selective targeting of Plasmodium M1 alanyl aminopeptidase as an antimalarial strategy
Authors: Creek Darren , Giannangelo Carlo , Challis Matthew , Siddiqui Ghizal , Edgar Rebecca , Malcolm Tess , Webb Chaille , Drinkwater Nyssa , Vinh Natalie , MacRaild Christopher , Counihan Natalie , Duffy Sandra , Wittlin Sergio , Devine Shane , Avery Vicky , de Koning-Ward Tania , Scammells Peter , McGowan Sheena 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

New antimalarial drug candidates that act via novel mechanisms are urgently needed to combat malaria drug resistance. Here, we describe the multi-omic chemical validation of Plasmodium M1 alanyl metalloaminopeptidase as an attractive drug target using the selective inhibitor, MIPS2673. MIPS2673 demonstrated potent inhibition of recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (PfA-M1) and Plasmodium vivax (PvA-M1) M1 metalloaminopeptidases, with selectivity over other Plasmodium and human aminopeptidases, and displayed excellent in vitro antimalarial activity with no significant host cytotoxicity. Orthogonal label-free chemoproteomic methods based on thermal stability and limited proteolysis of whole parasite lysates revealed that MIPS2673 solely targets PfA-M1 in parasites, with limited proteolysis also enabling estimation of the binding site on PfA-M1 to within ~5 Å of that determined by X-ray crystallography. Finally, functional investigation by untargeted metabolomics demonstrated that MIPS2673 inhibits the key role of PfA-M1 in haemoglobin digestion. Combined, our unbiased multi-omic target deconvolution methods confirmed the on-target activity of MIPS2673, and validated selective inhibition of M1 alanyl metalloaminopeptidase as a promising antimalarial strategy.
Improved longevity of actomyosin in vitro motility assays for sustainable lab-on-a-chip applications
Authors: Melbacke Andreas , Salhotra Aseem , Usaj Marko , Månsson Alf 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the in vitro motility assay (IVMA), actin filaments are observed while propelled by surface-adsorbed myosin motor fragments such as heavy meromyosin (HMM). In addition to fundamental studies, the IVMA is the basis for a range of lab-on-a-chip applications, e.g. transport of cargoes in nanofabricated channels in nanoseparation/biosensing or the solution of combinatorial mathematical problems in network-based biocomputation. In these applications, prolonged myosin function is critical as is the potential to repeatedly exchange experimental solutions without functional deterioration. We here elucidate key factors of importance in these regards. Our findings support a hypothesis that early deterioration in the IVMA is primarily due to oxygen entrance into in vitro motility assay flow cells. In the presence of a typically used oxygen scavenger mixture (glucose oxidase, glucose, and catalase), this leads to pH reduction by a glucose oxidase-catalyzed reaction between glucose and oxygen but also contributes to functional deterioration by other mechanisms. Our studies further demonstrate challenges associated with evaporation and loss of actin filaments with time. However, over 8 h at 21-26 oC, there is no significant surface desorption or denaturation of HMM if solutions are exchanged manually every 30 min. We arrive at an optimized protocol with repeated exchange of carefully degassed assay solution of 45 mM ionic strength, at 30 min intervals. This is sufficient to maintain the high-quality function in an IVMA over 8 h at 21-26 oC, provided that fresh actin filaments are re-supplied in connection with each assay solution exchange. Finally, we demonstrate adaptation to a microfluidic platform and identify challenges that remain to be solved for real lab-on-a-chip applications.
Exosomal PD-L1 induces MDSCs accumulation through IL-6/STAT3 pathway in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Huaizhi , Chen Xu , Zheng Shanshan , Han Bo , Zhang Xiang , Zheng Xiaoxia , Lu Yujia , Sun Qingmin , Hu Xufeng , Wu Jian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the major factor in gastric cancer (GC) immune evasion. Nevertheless, the molecular process behind the expansion of MDSCs brought by tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) remains elusive.
Methods.
Ninety GC patients had their levels of exosomal and soluble PD-L1 examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA) to determine their prognostic value. To investigate the correlation between exosomal PD-L1 and MDSCs, the percentage of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of 57 GC patients was assessed by flow cytometry. Through the application of ultracentrifugation, exosomes were separated from the GC cell supernatant and detected via Western blotting, NTA, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The function of exosomal PD-L1 in MDSCs was evaluated using immunofluorescence, western blotting and flow cytometry in GC cells-derived xenograft (CDX) model.
Results.
The overall survival (OS) of GC patients in the high exosomal PD-L1 group was significantly lower than that in the low exosomal PD-L1 group, however, there was no a significant correlation between soluble PD-L1 and OS in GC patients. Furthermore, we found that the expression of exosomal PD-L1 was positively correlated with the proportion of polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs, r = 0.4944, P < 0.001) and monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs, r = 0.3663, P = 0.005) in GC patients, indicating that exosomal PD-L1 might induce immune suppression by promoting the aggregation of MDSCs. In addition, we found that exosomal PD-L1 might stimulate MDSC proliferation by triggering the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in vitro. The CDX model confirmed that exosomal PD-L1 could stimulate tumor development and MDSC amplification.
Conclusions.
Exosomal PD-L1 is linked to a poor prognosis for GC patients, which is due to the stronger activation to MDSCs by exosomal PD-L1 through the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Synthesizing and Simulating Look-Ahead Clock Gating Technique
Authors: Pradeep Jinka 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Clock gating serves as an effective means to diminish the power consumption of digital systems. Among the three recognized gating methods—data-driven, latch-based, and And-gate-based—the data-driven approach stands out as the most prevalent. However, it often renders a significant portion of clock pulses driving the flip-flops (FFs) redundant. While it delivers substantial power savings, its implementation complexity and dependence on specific applications pose challenges. Conversely, the and-gate-based method offers simplicity but results in comparatively minor power reductions. This paper introduces a pioneering approach known as the Look-Ahead Clock Gating Technique, which amalgamates all three methods. Leveraging latch-based FFs, this technique calculates the clock enabling signals for each FF one cycle in advance, based on the current cycle data of dependent FFs.
Biodegradation of polypropylene in presence of chromium mediated by Stenotrophomonas sp. and Lysinibacillus sp. isolated from wetland sediments
Authors: Denaro María Azul , Olivelli Melisa , Bernabeu Pamela Romina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The advance of industrialization and globalization has been deteriorating nature by introducing components that compromise the holistic functioning of the environment. Plastics and heavy metals are widely integrated into our daily lives, and both production and consumption generate waste whose final disposal is not adequately managed. In the present work, two bioremediation mechanisms mediated by native microorganisms isolated from wetland sediments were studied. The presence of both contaminants has been reported at these sites. Bacteria were grouped according to their morphology and metabolic characteristics. The decisive criterion for choosing the bacteria for further tests was biofilm formation. This capacity is reported to be the initial step in the biodegradation of plastics. The best 5 bacteria that showed high biofilm formation were evaluated for their ability to biodegrade polypropylene and, in separate systems, their ability to grow at different chromium concentrations and to bioreduce the heavy metal to its harmless form. The three best-performing bacteria were selected to evaluate their growth in batch systems containing both pollutants. Polypropylene was biodegraded under the established conditions, and results indicated that two of the bacteria responsible for this degradation belong to the genus Stenotrophomonas and the third to Lysinibacillus. These genera have been reported as polypropylene biodegraders, but not in the presence of other contaminants. The results presented in this work may serve as a starting point for new studies that will allow the future application of native microorganisms from contaminated environments in bioremediation processes.
Cooking Robot Mastery: Learning Online Motion Generation with Active Perception
Authors: Saito Namiko , Tatsumi Mayu , Kubo Ayuna , Suzuki Kanata , Ito Hiroshi , Sugano Shigeki , Ogata Tetsuya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To support humans in their daily lives, robots are required to autonomously learn, adapt to objects and environments, and perform the appropriate actions. We tackled cooking scrambled eggs using real ingredients, in which the robot needs to perceive the states of the egg and adjust stirring movement on the fly, while the egg is heated and the state changes continuously. In previous works, handling changing objects was found to be challenging because sensory information includes dynamical, both important or noisy information, and the modality which should be focused on changes every time, making it difficult to realize both perception and motion generation in real-time. We propose a predictive recurrent neural network with an attention mechanism that can weigh the sensor input, distinguishing how important and reliable each modality is, and that realizes quick and efficient perception and motion generation. We validated the proposed technique using the physical humanoid robot, Dry-AIREC.