bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexural Performance of Steel-GFRP strips-UHPC Composite Beam in Hogging Moment Region
Authors: Zeng Dan , cao lei , luo xiaochen , Liu Yang , Li Zhaochao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the longitudinal flexural cracking characteristics in hogging moment regions, and propose the practical calculation method of cracking load and ultimate bearing capacity for steel-GFRP strips-UHPC composite deck structure. The longitudinal flexural behavior of two steel-GFRP strips-UHPC composite beams in the hogging moment regions are conducted through a three-point loading test method. Their failure modes and mechanism, cracks propagation and distribution characteristics are analyzed considering the influence of reinforcement ratio. Variation law of mid-span displacement, maximum crack width, strains and interface slip with load are discussed. Calculation method of cracking load and ultimate bending capacity of steel-GFRP strips-UHPC composite beams are proposed. The results show that with the increase of reinforcement ratio, the cracking load, ultimate bending capacity and interface slip value corresponding to the ultimate load are improved effectively. However, the development of cracks is inhibited, the crack width, average crack spacing and strain of reinforcement bars are reduced as the reinforcement ratio increased. The strain distribution along the height of mid-span section satisfies the plane cross-section assumption. Theoretical cracking load and ultimate bearing capacity of composite beams considering the tensile contribution of UHPC achieve good agreement with the experimental values.
Allelopathic interference of six alfalfa varieties at different harvesting stages on the germination, seedling and root growth of green foxtail and barnyardgrass
Authors: Gai Xiaohan , Xu Fanru , Bai Qian , Cheng Shipu , Miao Fuhong , Liang Qingwei , Sun Juan , Xu Yufang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In order to evaluate the allelopathic interference of different varieties of alfalfa on notorious weeds, the sensitivity of green foxtail and barnyardgrass to the extracts from the first, second, and three stubbles of six varieties were investigated through plate culture. The germination rate, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, root length, and root fresh weight of weeds were measured in this study to comprehensively elucidate allelopathic effects. The results suggested that: (1) The allelopathy of six alfalfa varieties tested showed obvious interspecific differences, the inhibition of Zhongmu No.3 on weeds was weaker than other cultivars. (2) The inhibitory effect of alfalfa extracts on green foxtail was enhanced with the increase of stubble times, while the differences between three stubble times on barnyardgrass were not clear, especially between the first and second stubbles. (3) Compared with barnyardgrass, green foxtail was generally more susceptible to the extracts. (4) The inhibitory effect of alfalfa extract on root was stronger than seedlings in the same weeds. The study may help to comprehensively reveal the allelopathic effect of different alfalfa varieties in the first three stubbles on green foxtail and barnyardgrass, providing scientific evidence for weed control based on natural plant extracts in the future.
JNK and PI3K signaling pathways mediate synapse formation and network spontaneous activities in primary neurons
Authors: Jia Xiaoli , Jiang Xian , Zhu Qiuyan , Wu Shaohua , Zhou Zhihong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background

Cellular signals orchestrating synapse formation and neuronal network function remain poorly understood. To explore the critical signaling pathways in neurons and their influence on network development, pharmacological assays were employed to inhibit multiple signaling pathways in cultured neurons.

Methods

Immunofluorescence and western blotting are applied to identify the expression of synapse-related proteins within neurons. micro-electrode arrays (MEAs) are employed to study the developmental characteristics of neuronal networks. RNA sequencing is utilized to determine the gene expression profiles pertaining to multiple signaling pathways.

Results

Canonical c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) pathway is necessary for pre- and post-synaptic specializations, while phosphatidylinositide3-kinases (PI3K) is a key to postsynaptic specialization and affects the puncta sizes of presynaptic marker. Unexpectedly, pharmacological inhibition of JNK pathway significantly suppressed the mean firing rate (MFR), network burst frequency (NBF) and regularity of network firing after 4 weeks, but did not alter the synchrony of the network. During network development, PI3K pathway regulates the longer burst duration and lower network synchrony. Gene sets associated with neurodevelopmental processes and myelination was disturbed during restraining these signal pathways. Furthermore, inhibition of the PI3K signaling pathway obviously transformed voltage-gated ion channel activity, synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity of neurons.

Conclusion

This study reveals that JNK and PI3K signaling pathways play different roles during synapse formation, and these signaling pathways have a lasting impact on the development of neuronal networks. Thus, this study provides further insights into the intracellular signaling pathways associated with synapse formation in the development of neuronal networks.
Hydrodynamic adjustment of mean flow and turbulence around a sinking boulder during local scouring
Authors: Ye Chen , Zhang Qing-Yu , Wang Xie-Kang , Lei Ming , Gomes Pattiyage , Yan Xu-Feng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The fact that on a live bed, boulders tend to sink during scouring is usually ignored, weakening the true understanding of hydrodynamics in boulder beds. In this paper, flume experiments were conducted to investigate the hydrodynamics around a boulder over a movable bed with a particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) system. By measuring the velocity field, the major flow characteristics, such as velocity distribution, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and bed shear stress, were analyzed. The results show that the sinking boulder apparently mediates the local flow structure and turbulence pattern. The near wake region is located in the range of 2D (D is the particle size of the boulder) downstream of the boulder. There is a near-bed countercurrent in the near-wake region, the TKE increase sharply, and the velocity distribution deviates from the logarithmic distribution. Compared with the flat bed, the turbulent kinetic energy extreme point of the boulder riverbed in the near wake area deviate from the bed surface to the water depth at the top of the boulder, and the direction reversal and extreme point appear at the top of the boulder. The bed shear stress increases sharply in the near-wake region of 1.5 ~ 2D.
RETRACTED: The Influence of Tobacco Use, Hazardous Drinking, and Other Risk Factors on HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Risk and Screening Perceptions among Gay and Bisexual Men: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Zoschke I. Niles , Bennis Sarah L. , Tang Yi , Wilkerson J. Michael , Stull Cynthia L. , Nyitray Alan G. , Khariwala Samir S. , Nichols C. Mark , Rosser B. R. Simon , Flash Charlene , Ross Michael W. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Parameter Optimization Methodology of Modular EIT System for Noninvasive Imaging
Authors: Sharma Vaishali , Goswami Mayank 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This work presents an empirically obtained novel mutual relation between the hardware design and operating parameters, namely: (a) molarity of the coupling media, (b) scanning duration, (c) size of the object, and parameters defining the size of the scanning assembly (d) Number of electrodes, (e) the area of the vessel, and (f) the percentage periphery covered by the electrodes, affecting its performance. The expression suggests that by maintaining these six parameters within a specified range, it's anticipated that the reconstruction error can be limited to less than 10%. The minimum root mean square error between the experiment values and predicted values from the presented equation is 1.4053. Additionally, the parameter selection and optimization are done using the help of the obtained relation. The capability of discriminating Impedance profiles in recovery is around 73%. However, similar to other modalities, EITs’ performance depends on its hardware design, operating parameters and recovery algorithm. It is observed that scanning time significantly affects the recovery process compared to other optimizing parameters thus characterizing dynamically varying profile imaging. The accepted molarity value for the presented system is also found to be 0.5M.
Clinicopathological characteristics and outcome analysis of patients with double primary ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer
Authors: Li Fangyu , Guo Yongzhen , Zhang Xiwen , Dong Xing , Pei Xiaoyin , Ban Zhenying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ovarian cancer (OC) and endometrial cancer (EC) are two female reproductive system tumors with high incidence rates. However, the clinicopathological characteristics of double primary OC and EC have been less studied. In this study, we aimed to identify some predictive and prognostic factors for synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer (SEOC) by comparing survival outcomes between SEOC and single-primary OC patients.Clinical data were collected from 447 patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database who were diagnosed with OC as the first primary tumor and EC (8380/3, 8382/3, 8383/3) as the second primary tumor from 2010 to 2015. Survival outcome was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted utilizing COX models to identify their independent prognostic factors. A total of 447 SEOC patients and 20,769 single primary OC patients between 2010 and 2015 were included in this study. dual-primary group has more survival benefits than single-primary group. Age, marital status, histological typing, tumor size and tumor SEER stage and AJCC stage were independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with double primary. Our study demonstrated that the clinicopathologic features of OC patients in the dual-primary group were young (43–55 years old), highly/moderately differentiated endometrioid ovarian cancer, and early-stage tumors. The prognosis of these patients was better than that of the single-primary group. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the differences between SEOC and single primary OC, and can help inform the development of more precise treatment guidelines to improve prognosis.
Patterns of male-female and male-male social bonds within Rwenzori Angolan colobus monkey core units
Authors: Adams Frances Victoria , Mujjuzi Edward , Teichroeb Julie Annette 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Understanding the evolution of multilevel societies is important for elucidating our own social evolution. The Rwenzori Angolan colobus (Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii) multilevel society is unique in its high prevalence of multi-male/multi-female core units and rare occurrence of all-male units. However, little is known about male-male social behaviour within multi-male core units or how male-female bonds are distributed among the males. We used social network analysis to examine spatial-proximity networks for identifiable colobus within eight multi-male/multi-female core units at Nabugabo, Uganda. Over a 12-month period, we found variation in the structure of male-female relationships, showing one of three patterns; (1) one male was preferred by females while others remained peripheral to the network (N = 3 units), (2) males and females were divided into social clusters where each male monopolized the social relationships of two to three females (N = 2 units), (3) all males invested equally in their associations with females and more significantly in each other (N = 3 units). Importantly, each of these social structures showed evidence of strong male-male bonds. Pairing these data with co-residency and parallel dispersal data from five subsequent years showed that males with more equitable patterns of proximity to females stayed together significantly longer and transferred together more in the future. We conclude that the variation in social network structure between core units reflects different strategies used by males to access the benefits of group-living and defend resources, mates, and offspring. Our study demonstrates that male Rwenzori colobus form lasting bonds that can transcend multiple dispersals between units.
Unique continuation at the boundary for divergence form elliptic equations on quasiconvex domains
Authors: Cai Yingying 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Let Ω ⊂ Rd be a quasiconvex Lipschitz domain and A(x) be a d × d uniformly eliiptic, symmetric matrix with Lipschitz coefficients. Assume nontrivial u solves −∇ · (A(x)∇u) = 0 in Ω, and u vanishes on Σ = ∂Ω ∩ B for some ball B. The main contribution of this paper is to demonstrate the existence of a countable collection of open balls (Bi)i such that the restriction of u to Bi ∩ Ω maintains a consistent sign. Furthermore, for any compact subset K of Σ, the set difference K\ Ui Bi is shown to possess a Minkowski dimension that is strictly less than d−1−ϵ. As a consequence, we prove Lin’s conjecture in quasiconvex domains.
Fever and Hypotension Vs. Frank Septic Shock: Elderly Patients Taking Vasodilators Who Present with Fever and Hypotension Have a Higher Incidence of Negative Blood Cultures. A Retrospective Analysis of 3,726 Patients.
Authors: Dumanis Guy , Vaisman Adva , Issawy Mariana , Gilboa Mayan , Zenilman Chava Landau , Itelman Edward , Segal Gad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background. Septic shock is a leading cause of mortality. Yet, blood cultures are negative in many cases, questioning the diagnosis. In the quest for characterization of “culture negative septic shock”, the impact of chronic vasodilating medications was questioned.
Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of patients with vital signs compatible with septic shock (fever > 37.9 or < 36ºC and systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg).
Results. The study included 3,726 patients (ages 65 to 90). Of these, 1,382 (37.1%) took chronic vasodilators. This group of patients had a lower rate of positive blood cultures compared to the group that did not receive vasodilators (28.5% vs. 32%; P = 0.026). They were older (median 80 vs. 78 years; P = 0.001), and their background included more cardiovascular diseases (P < 0.001). Their total length of hospital stay was shorter (median 4 vs. 6 days; P < 0.001) yet, they had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (39% vs. 35.1%; P = 0.019). Taking chronic vasodilators was associated with decreased risk for bacteremia by 16% (P = 0.023). Older age, positive bacterial culture, and chronic vasodilation treatment were independently associated with increased risk for in-hospital mortality by 3% (P < 0.001), 36% (P < 0.001), and 21% (P = 0.009) respectively.
Conclusion. Chronic use of vasodilators amongst elderly patients presenting with fever and hypotension is associated with a higher incidence of negative blood cultures. We suggest these patients exhibit a combination of sepsis and shock rather than frank septic shock.
Association of eGFR slopes with Cardiorenal outcomes in Chronic kidney disease patients before and after Multidisciplinary education
Authors: Matsui Masaru , Kokubu Maiko , Nishimoto Masatoshi , Kosugi Takaaki , Eriguchi Masahiro , Samejima Ken-ichi , Tsuruya Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Multidisciplinary education has been shown to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reduce cardiovascular (CV) risk, although its effects depend partly on patient characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess how patients categorized on the basis of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) responded to multidisciplinary education in terms of cardiorenal outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, we included 447 CKD patients who received multidisciplinary education between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2020, at Nara Prefecture General Medical Center. Exposure was four categories according to eGFR slopes before and after multidisciplinary education. The primary outcomes were renal events defined as the composite of dialysis initiation, transplantation, and 30% eGFR decline, and CV events defined as the composite of heart failure requiring hospitalization, coronary or leg revascularization, cardiac sudden death, and stroke. Multidisciplinary education decreased the median eGFR slope from − 5.00 to − 0.65 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. In fully adjusted models, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for total renal events relative to slow–slow eGFR decline were 1.02 (0.50–2.06) for fast–slow decline, 5.30 (2.82–9.97) for slow–fast decline, and 7.53 (4.02–14.1) for fast–fast decline. Only fast–fast eGFR decline was associated with a high risk of CV events. Subgroup analyses showed similar trends. Fast decline after education was independently associated with increased proteinuria and decreased hemoglobin levels. Fast eGFR decline after but not before multidisciplinary education was significantly associated with renal and CV events in CKD patients. Attention should be paid to CKD patients with limited benefit from multidisciplinary education.
Unveiling the Distinctive Mechanical and Thermal Properties of γ-GeSe
Authors: Park Jinsub , Je Yugyeong , Kim Joonho , Park Je Myoung , Jung Joong-Eon , Cheong Hyeonsik , Lee Sang Wook , Kim Kwanpyo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

γ-GeSe is a newly identified polymorph among group-IV monochalcogenides, characterized by a distinctive interatomic bonding configuration. Despite its promising applications in electrical and thermal domains, the experimental verification of its mechanical and thermal properties remains unreported. Here, we experimentally characterize the in-plane Young’s modulus (E) and thermal conductivity (\(\kappa\)) of γ-GeSe. The mechanical vibrational modes of freestanding γ-GeSe flakes are measured using optical interferometry. Nano-indentation via atomic force microscopy is also conducted to induce mechanical deformation and to extract the E. Comparison with finite-element simulations reveals that the E is 97.3\(\pm\)7.5 GPa as determined by optical interferometry and 109.4\(\pm\)13.5 GPa as established through the nano-indentation method. Additionally, optothermal Raman spectroscopy reveals that γ-GeSe has a lattice thermal conductivity of 2.3\(\pm\)0.4 Wm−1K−1 and a total thermal conductivity of 7.5\(\pm\)0.4 Wm−1K−1 in the in-plane direction at room temperature. The notably high \(E/\kappa\) ratio in γ-GeSe, compared to other layered materials, underscores its distinctive structural and dynamic characteristics.
A Simulation Study for Optimal Pinhole Collimator Design in Gamma Camera Systems
Authors: Ghoneim M. A. , Elsharkawy Wafaa B. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A pinhole collimator was designed and simulated to achieve the desired level of resolution and sensitivity in a gamma camera by utilizing a CdTe semiconductor detector. To conduct this objective, a simulation toolkit based on the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE) was employed. The image capabilities of the proposed system were assessed by varying the magnification factor and pinhole diameter to estimate spatial resolution and sensitivity. Moreover, a hot rod phantom was designed to evaluate the system's overall imaging functionality. Results revealed that an increase in the pinhole diameter was correlated with an increase in sensitivity, while the spatial resolution was decreasing. There were distinct variations in sensitivity and spatial resolution depending on changes in the magnification factor as well. Finally, by analyzing trade-off curves, 1.38 ± 0.081 mm was approximately the optimal pinhole diameter for our proposed system.
The Positive Effect of Retirement Pensions on Mental Health in Older Adults A nationally representative cross-sectional survey
Authors: zuo xinyi , chen yifang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, there are 95 million people have symptoms of depression in China, and the rate of the old adults is 25.55%. Over the years, the Chinese government has introduced numerous social security programs including the social pension.Retirement pensions have been widely applied for older adults. To date, no evidence regarding the correlation between retirement pensions and depression in older adults in China has been published.
Objective: This cross-sectional survey aimed to examine the relationship between retirement pensions and depression in older people.
Methods: Province-level socioeconomic characteristics were merged with microdata for respondents over 60 years from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS2020) Wave 5 (N = 8692). Respondents were asked if they were received retirement pension. Mental health was assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. The chi-square test was used to explore whether retirement pensions were associated with mental health status. A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate this association further after controlling for confounding factors.
Results: Overall, 81% (7039/8692) of the participants over 60 years had retirement pensions. Regression analyses revealed that older adults with retirement pensions (OR = 0.677, 95% CI: 0.563–0.815, p < .001) had a lower risk of depression than did those without retirement pensions. In addition, older adults who were female, single, illiterate, and living in rural areas, had 2 chronic diseases and had very poor self-related health(SRH) had a greater risk of depression. For province-level characteristics, older adults living in provinces in the first quartile of the number of beds per 10,000 persons in medical institutions were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, while there was no significant effect(OR = 0.822, 95% CI: 0.664–1.018, p = .072) (OR = 0.752, 95% CI: 0.594–0.953, p = .018)(OR = 0.877, 95% CI: 0.703–1.093, p = .242) of GDP on depression.
Conclusions: Retirement pensions had a positive effect on the mental health of older adults who participated in this study. Older adults with a retirement pension have a lower risk of depression than those without a retirement pension. However, the ownership rate of retirement pensions remains low among older Chinese people. Therefore, the retirement pension penetration rate should be a priority.
Study of Amino-Modified Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Aerogels for Odorous Gas Removal
Authors: Zhu Xingna , Liu Yuan , Wu Xueling , Wang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhihua , Shen Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

When it comes to owning pets, pet odor is a major concern for many individuals. Ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are the primary odor components that have negative effects on human life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a deodorizing material with high NH3 and H2S adsorption capacity. In this study, Resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogels containing amine groups (RF-Mx) were prepared using the sol-gel method and atmospheric pressure drying technique. Melamine was used as a modifier. The specific surface area of the modified aerogel was 119 m2/g with an average pore size of 12 nm when the melamine addition was 20%. The adsorption capacity of RF-M20 for odor was the highest (NH3: 593.8 mg/g, H2S: 640 mg/g), which was significantly superior to the unmodified sample. In addition, the adsorption capacity of RF-M20 for H2S exceeded that of commercial activated carbon. The results concluded that the introduction of amine groups and the higher microporous specific surface area benefited the chemical and physical adsorption of gases, effectively improving the adsorbent's capacity to capture NH3 and H2S. The preparation method is not only efficient in enhancing the odor adsorption capacity but also simple and cost-effective to operate, showing promising potential for industrial applications.