bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation and sensitivity analysis of fouling resistance in phosphoric acid/steam heat exchanger using artificial neural networks and regression methods
Authors: Jradi Rania , Marvillet Christophe , Jeday Mohamed Razak 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOne of the most frequent problem in phosphoric acid concentration plant is the heat exchanger build-up. This problem causes a reduction of the performance of this equipment and an increase of energy losses which lead to damage the apparatus. In this study, estimation of fouling resistance in a cross-flow heat exchanger was solved using a linear [Partial Least Squares (PLS)] and non linear [Artificial Neural Network (ANN)] methods. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Step Wise Regression (SWR) were preceded the modeling in order to determine the highest relation between operating parameters with the fouling resistance. The values of correlation coefficient (r2) and predictive ability which are equal to 0.992 and 87%, respectively showed a good prediction of the developed PLS model. In order to improve the results obtained by PLS method, an ANN model was developed. 361 experimental data points was used to design and train the network. A network containing 6 hidden neurons trained with Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) algorithm and hyperbolic tangent sigmoid transfer function for the hidden and output layers was selected to be the optimal configuration. The Garson’s equation was applied to determine the sensitivity of input parameters on fouling resistance based on ANN results. Results indicated that acid inlet and outlet temperatures were the high relative important parameters on fouling resistance with importance equal to 56% and 15.4%, respectively.
Quantification of dilated deep capillaries in diabetic retinopathy on optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Terada Noriko , Murakami Tomoaki , Ishihara Kenji , Nishikawa Keiichi , Kawai Kentaro , Tsujikawa Akitaka 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMorphological changes in capillaries are one of major clinical signs in diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, we quantified the dilated deep capillaries on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images. Central 3 × 3 mm en face images were obtained using a swept source OCTA device in 105 eyes of 99 patients with DR. Capillaries with a greater diameter in the deep layers were defined as the dilated deep capillaries, using stepwise image processing. The relative areas of automatically selected capillaries with a great diameter were calculated as the index of the dilated deep capillaries. Most eyes with DR had string-like or dot-like dilated deep capillaries in the OCTA images, which appeared to be dilated capillary segments or microaneurysms histologically. They were distributed more densely in the parafovea than in the central sector, while there were no differences between individual quadrants. The index of the dilated deep capillaries was higher in eyes with DR than in nondiabetic eyes. The index in the central subfield was modestly associated with visual acuity, diabetic macular edema, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The quantitative dilated deep capillaries are designated as a biomarker of vision-threatening DR.
A high-efficiency primary-side regulation control strategy for half-bridge LLC resonant converter with wide input voltage range
Authors: Dai Mian , Sun Daying , Wei Xinyu , Cong LiHui , Wang Chong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe requirement of the half-bridge LLC resonant converter with a wide input voltage range is becoming higher in photovoltaic applications because of its simple structure and low switching loss. Conventional frequency modulation (FM) requires a wide switching frequency range and a high-quality factor circuit design, leading to reduced efficiency and large component volumes at light loads. To solve the problems, a high-efficiency control strategy using adaptive pulse-width and frequency modulation (APWFM) is proposed. APWFM adjusts the gain by changing the switching frequency and duty cycle simultaneously. When the output power is below the reference value, the switching frequency decreases linearly as the output power decreases, and the duty cycle is simultaneously modulated to achieve constant output voltage, so the switching frequency variation range is smaller than FM. This results in improved light or medium load efficiency in a limited frequency range while keeping a small volume of magnetic components. Also, the proposed control strategy is realized with primary-side regulation (PSR) to eliminate the optocoupler and simplify the control circuit. Experimental results demonstrate a significant improvement in efficiency at medium and light loads compared to FM, and the average efficiency is improved by 5% based on low cost and simple operation.
Opsin 5 mediates violet light-induced early growth response-1 expression in the mouse retina
Authors: Jeong Heonuk , Lee Deokho , Jiang Xiaoyan , Negishi Kazuno , Tsubota Kazuo , Kurihara Toshihide 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMyopia is an abnormal vision condition characterized by difficulties in seeing distant objects. Myopia has become a public health issue not only in Asian countries but also in Western countries. Previously, we found that violet light (VL, 360–400 nm wavelength) exposure effectively suppressed myopia progression in experimental chick and mice models of myopia. The inhibitory effects of VL on myopia progression are reduced in retina-specific opsin 5 (Opn5) knockout (KO) mice. Furthermore, VL exposure upregulated early growth response-1 (Egr-1) expression in the chorioretinal tissues of chicks. However, the expression of EGR-1 and role of OPN5 in mice following VL exposure remain unclear. In this study, we examined whether VL exposure-induced EGR-1 upregulation depends on Opn5 expression in the mouse retina. EGR-1 mRNA and protein expressions increased in the mouse retina and mouse retinal 661W cells following VL exposure. These increases were consistently reduced in retina specific Opn5 conditional KO mice and Opn5 KO 661W cells. Our results suggest that OPN5 mediates VL-induced EGR-1 upregulation in mice. These molecular targets could be considered for the prevention and treatment of myopia.
Widening area-based socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality in Germany between 2003 and 2019
Authors: Tetzlaff Fabian , Nowossadeck Enno , Jansen Lina , Michalski Niels , Barnes Ben , Kraywinkel Klaus , Hoebel Jens 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCancer mortality has declined in recent decades, but—due to a lack of national individual-level data—it remains unclear whether this applies equally to all socioeconomic groups in Germany. Using an area-based approach, this study investigated socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality and their secular trends on a German nationwide scale for the first time. Official cause-of-death data from 2003 to 2019 were linked to the district-level German Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation. Age-standardised mortality rates for all cancers combined and the most common site-specific cancers were calculated according to the level of regional socioeconomic deprivation. To quantify the extent of area-based socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality, absolute (SII) and relative (RII) indices of inequality were estimated using multilevel Poisson models. On average, cancer mortality was 50% (women) and 80% (men) higher in Germany’s most deprived than least deprived districts (absolute difference: 84 deaths per 100,000 in women and 185 deaths per 100,000 in men). As declines in cancer mortality were larger in less deprived districts, the socioeconomic gap in cancer mortality widened over time. This trend was observed for various common cancers. Exceptions were cancers of the lung in women and of the pancreas in both sexes, for which mortality rates increased over time, especially in highly deprived districts. Our study provides first evidence on increasing socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality on a nationwide scale for Germany. Area-based linkage allows to examine socioeconomic inequalities in cancer mortality across Germany and identify regions with high needs for cancer prevention and control.
Intracellular Zn(ii) induced turn-on fluorescence of an l-phenylalanine-derived pseudopeptide
Authors: Tamrakar Arpna , Kumar Praveen , Garg Neha , Luis Santiago V. , Pandey Mrituanjay D. 
Published: October 2023

A C2 symmetric l-phenylalanine-derived pseudopeptide enables selective and sensitive detection of Zn(ii) ion in aqueous-organic media. It holds potential biological applications involving intracellular Zn(ii) ion detection
Infrared view of the multiphase ISM in NGC 253
Authors: Beck André , Lebouteiller Vianney , Madden Suzanne C. , Bryant Aaron , Fischer Christian , Iserlohe Christof , Kaźmierczak-Barthel Maja , Krabbe Alfred , Latzko Serina T. , Pérez-Beaupuits Juan-Pablo , Ramambason Lise , Zinnecker Hans 
Published: October 2023

Context. Multi-wavelength studies of galaxies and galactic nuclei allow us to build a relatively more complete picture of the interstellar medium (ISM), especially in the dusty regions of starburst galaxies. An understanding of the physical processes in nearby galaxies can assist in the study of more distant sources at higher redshifts that cannot be resolved.
Aims. We aimed to use observations presented in the first part of this series of papers to model the physical conditions of the ISM in the nuclear region of NGC 253, in order to obtain primary parameters such as gas densities and metallicities. From the model we created, we further calculated secondary parameters, such as gas masses of the different phases, and estimated the fraction of [C II]158 μ m from the different phases, which allowed us to probe the nuclear star formation rate.
Methods. To compare theory with our observations we used MULTIGRIS, a probabilistic tool that determines probabilities for certain ISM parameters from a grid of Cloudy models together with a set of spectroscopic lines.
Results. We find that the hypothetical active galactic nucleus within NGC 253 has only a minor impact, compared to the starburst, on the heating of the ISM, as probed by the observed lines. We characterise the ISM and obtain parameters such as a solar metallicity, a mean density of ∼230 cm−3, an ionisation parameter of log U ≈ −3, and an age of the nuclear cluster of ∼2 Myr. Furthermore, we estimate the masses of the ionised (3.8 × 106 M⊙), neutral atomic (9.1 × 106 M⊙), and molecular (2.0 × 108 M⊙) gas phases as well as the dust mass (1.8 × 106 M⊙) in the nucleus of NGC 253.
Single-atom catalysis in space: Computational exploration of Fischer–Tropsch reactions in astrophysical environments
Authors: Pareras G. , Cabedo V. , McCoustra M. , Rimola A. 
Published: October 2023

Context. Gas-phase chemistry at extreme conditions (low densities and temperatures) is difficult, so the presence of interstellar grains is especially important for the synthesis of molecules that cannot form in the gas phase. Interstellar grains are advocated to enhance the encounter rate of the reactive species on their surfaces and to dissipate the energy excess of largely exothermic reactions, but less is known of their role as chemical catalysts that provide low activation energy pathways with enhanced reaction rates. Different materials with catalytic properties are present in interstellar environments, like refractory grains containing space-abundant d-block transition metals.
Aims. In this work we report for first time mechanistic insights on the Fischer–Tropsch methanol (CH3OH) synthesis under astrophysical conditions using single-atom Fe-containing silica surfaces as interstellar heterogeneous catalysts.
Methods. Quantum chemical calculations considering extended periodic surfaces were carried out in order to search for the stationary points and transitions states to finally construct the reaction potential energy surfaces. Binding energy and kinetic calculations based on the Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) scheme were also performed to evaluate the catalytical capacity of the grain and to allocate those reaction processes within the astrochemical framework.
Results. Our mechanistic studies demonstrate that astrocatalysis is feasible in astrophysical environments. Thermodynamically the proposed process is largely exergonic, but kinetically it shows energy barriers that would need from an energy input in order to go through. Kinetic calculations also demonstrate the strong temperature dependency of the reaction process as tunnelling is not relevant in the involved energetic barriers. The present results can explain the presence of CH3OH in diverse regions where current models fail to reproduce its observational quantity.
Conclusions. The evidence of astrocatalysis opens a completely new spectrum of synthetic routes triggering chemical evolution in space. From the mechanistic point of view the formation of methanol catalysed by a single atom of Fe0 is feasible; however, its dependency on the temperature makes the energetics a key issue in this scenario.
Potentials of Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells: Applications in Hemostasis and Thrombosis Disorders, from Unveiling Disease Pathophysiology to Cell Therapy
Authors: Schwarz Nadine , Yadegari Hamideh 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEndothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are endothelial progenitor cells circulating in a limited number in peripheral blood. They can give rise to mature endothelial cells (ECs) and, with intrinsically high proliferative potency, contribute to forming new blood vessels and restoring the damaged endothelium in vivo. ECFCs can be isolated from peripheral blood or umbilical cord and cultured to generate large amounts of autologous ECs in vitro. Upon differentiation in culture, ECFCs are excellent surrogates for mature ECs showing the same phenotypic, genotypic, and functional features. In the last two decades, the ECFCs from various vascular disease patients have been widely used to study the diseases' pathophysiology ex vivo and develop cell-based therapeutic approaches, including vascular regenerative therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy. In the current review, we will provide an updated overview of past studies, which have used ECFCs to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hemostatic disorders in basic research. Additionally, we summarize preceding studies demonstrating the utility of ECFCs as cellular tools for diagnostic or therapeutic clinical applications in thrombosis and hemostasis.
Kognitive Dysfunktion nach Schlaganfall
Authors: Kraft Peter , Häusler Karl Georg 
Published: October 2023

ZusammenfassungEine kognitive Dysfunktion nach Schlaganfall besteht häufig und
korreliert mit der Lokalisation und dem Ausmaß des Schlaganfalls sowie
mit dem Zeitpunkt der Erhebung, die anhand standardisierter und etablierter
Testverfahren erfolgen sollte. Eine kognitive Dysfunktion nach Schlaganfall ist
im Kontext einer so genannten post-stroke dementia für das funktionelle
Outcome relevant. Zudem ist das Bestehen einer kognitiven Dysfunktion mit einer
erhöhten Wahrscheinlichkeit für ein Schlaganfallrezidiv
assoziiert. Kognitive Defizite als mögliche Folge eines Schlaganfalls
sollte daher auch abseits von Komplex- und Rehabilitationsbehandlungen Beachtung
finden, zumal in Deutschland bis dato kein ambulantes Nachsorgekonzept nach
stattgehabtem Schlaganfall etabliert wurde. Nicht nur zerebrovaskuläre
Ereignisse selbst, sondern auch das Bestehen vaskulärer Risikofaktoren
wie Herzinsuffizienz, Vorhofflimmern, Hypercholesterinämie und
Niereninsuffizienz können zur Entwicklung einer kognitiven
Funktionsstörung beitragen und eine kognitive Dysfunktion nach
Schlaganfall verstärken. Die bestmögliche Therapie bekannter
vaskulärer Risikofaktoren und eine gesunde Lebensweise sind im Kontext
bis dato fehlender spezifischer medikamentöser Therapien einer
kognitiven Dysfunktion nach Schlaganfall angezeigt. Eine gezielte Rehabilitation
kann zur Erhaltung und Verbesserung kognitiver Funktionen bei kognitiver
Dysfunktion nach Schlaganfall beitragen. Prospektive (randomisierte)
Schlaganfallstudien sollten eine standardisierte Erfassung kognitiver Endpunkte
einschließen und bestenfalls auf die Entwicklung präventiver
Therapiestrategien für die kognitive Dysfunktion abzielen.
Stability estimates for the expected utility in Bayesian optimal experimental design
Authors: Duong Duc-Lam , Helin Tapio , Rojo-Garcia Jose Rodrigo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We study stability properties of the expected utility function in Bayesian optimal experimental design. We provide a framework for this problem in a non-parametric setting and prove a convergence rate of the expected utility with respect to a likelihood perturbation. This rate is uniform over the design space and its sharpness in the general setting is demonstrated by proving a lower bound in a special case. To make the problem more concrete we proceed by considering non-linear Bayesian inverse problems with Gaussian likelihood and prove that the assumptions set out for the general case are satisfied and regain the stability of the expected utility with respect to perturbations to the observation map. Theoretical convergence rates are demonstrated numerically in three different examples.
Stability estimates for an inverse problem for Schrödinger operators at high frequencies from arbitrary partial boundary measurements
Authors: Zhao Xiaomeng , Yuan Ganghua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we study the partial data inverse boundary value problem for the Schrödinger operator at a high frequencyk⩾1in a bounded domain with smooth boundary inRn,n⩾3. Assuming that the potential is known in a neighborhood of the boundary, we obtain the logarithmic stability when both Dirichlet data and Neumann data are taken on arbitrary open subsets of the boundary where the two sets can be disjointed. Our results also show that the logarithmic stability can be improved to the one of Hölder type in the high frequency regime. To achieve those goals, we used a method by combining the CGO solution, Runge approximation and Carleman estimate.
Radiological protection in human research ethics using a case study: toward update of the ICRP Publication 62
Authors: Kurihara Chieko , Applegate Kimberly E , Jeong Jee Hyang , Akahane Keiichi , Kang Keon Wook 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe benefits of biomedical research involving humans are well recognised, along with the need for conformity to international standards of science and ethics. When human research involves radiation imaging procedures or radiotherapy, an extra level of expert review should be provided from the point of view of radiological protection. The relevant publication of the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP) is now three decades old and is currently undergoing an update. This paper aims to provoke discussions on how the risks of radiation dose and the benefits of research should be assessed, using a case study of diagnostic radiology involving volunteers for whom there is no direct benefit. Further, the paper provides the current understanding of key concepts being considered for review and revision—such as the dose constraint and the novel research methods on the horizon, including radiation biology and epidemiology. The analysis revisits the perspectives described in the ICRP Publication 62, and considers the recent progress in both radiological protection ethics and medical research ethics.
Dose-response dependencies of OSL dosimeters in conventional linacs and 1.5T MR-linacs: an experimental and Monte Carlo study
Authors: Episkopakis Anastasios , Margaroni Vasiliki , Kanellopoulou Stamatiki , Marinos Nikolas , Koutsouveli Efi , Karaiskos Pantelis , Pappas Eleftherios P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective. This work focuses on the optically stimulated luminescence dosimetry (OSLD) dose–response characterization, with emphasis on 1.5T MR-Linacs. Approach. Throughout this study, the nanoDots OSLDs (Landauer, USA) were considered. In groups of three, the mean OSLD response was measured in a conventional linac and an MR-Linac under various irradiation conditions to investigate (i) dose–response linearity with and without the 1.5T magnetic field, (ii) signal fading rate and its dependencies, (iii) beam quality, detector orientation and dose rate dependencies in a conventional linac, (iii) potential MR imaging related effects on OSLD response and (iv) detector orientation dependence in an MR-Linac. Monte Carlo calculations were performed to further quantify angular dependence after rotating the detector around its central axis parallel to the magnetic field, and determine the magnetic field correction factors,

k

B
,
Q

,

for all cardinal detector orientations. Main results. OSLD dose–response supralinearity in an MR-Linac setting was found to agree within uncertainties with the corresponding one in a conventional linac, for the axial detector orientation investigated. Signal fading rate does not depend on irradiation conditions for the range of 3–30 d considered. OSLD angular (orientation) dependence is more pronounced under the presence of a magnetic field. OSLDs irradiated with and without real-time T2w MR imaging enabled during irradiation yielded the same response within uncertainties.

k

B
,
Q

values were determined for all three cardinal orientations. Corrections needed reached up to 6.4%. However, if OSLDs are calibrated in the axial orientation and then irradiated in an MR-Linac placed again in the axial orientation (perpendicular to the magnetic field), then simulations suggest that

k

B
,
Q

can be considered unity within uncertainties, irrespective of the incident beam angle. Significance. This work contributes towards OSLD dose–response characterization and relevant correction factors availability. OSLDs are suitable for QA checks in MR-based beam gating applications and in vivo dosimetry in MR-Linacs.