bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Single Photon Detectors in Differential
Phase Shift Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Sharma Vishal 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In the current research work, an analysis of differential phase shift quantum key distribution using InGaAs/InP and Silicon-APD (avalanche photodiode) as single photon detectors is performed. Various performance parameters of interest such as shifted key rate, secure key rate, and secure communication distance obtained are investigated. In this optical fiber-based differential phase shift quantum key distribution, it is observed that Si-APD under frequency conversion method at telecommunication window outperforms the InGaAs/InP APD.
Stable Densities, Fractional Integrals and the Mittag-Leffler Function
Authors: Sibisi Nomvelo Karabo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This paper combines probability theory and fractional calculus to derive a novel integral representation of the three-parameter Mittag-Leffler function or Prabhakar function, where the three parameters are combinations of four base parameters. The fundamental concept is the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral of the one-sided stable density, conditioned on a scale factor. Integrating with respect to a gamma-distributed scale factor induces a mixture of Riemann-Liouville integrals. A particular combination of four base parameters leads to a representation of the Prabhakar function as a weighted mixture of Riemann-Liouville integrals at different scales. The Prabhakar function constructed in this manner is the Laplace transform of a four-parameter distribution. This general approach gives various known results as special cases (notably, the two-parameter generalised Mittag-Leffler distribution).
Effect of degalactosylated bovine glycoprotein formulations MAF and M сapsules on lymphopenia and clinical outcomes in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Inui Toshio , Kruglova Oksana , Martynenko Olga , Martynenko Kostiantyn , Tieroshyn Vadym , Gavrylov Anatoliy , Kubo Kentaro , Kutsyn Borys , Kubashko Alla , Veklych Zoryana , Terashima Yurika , Mette Martin , Kutsyna Galyna 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND
Targeting mucosal immunity of the gut, which is known to provide antigen processing, while avoiding excessive or unnecessary inflammation, was tested as a way to modulate Covid-19 severity.

METHODS

Randomized open-label trial in 204 adults hospitalized with non-critical Covid-19 who received for 14 days in addition to standard of care (SOC) degalactosylated bovine glycoproteins formulations of either MAF Capsules (MAF group) or M Capsules (M group) or SOC only (control group).
RESULTS
Median recovery time when patients did not require supplemental oxygen was 6 days in both study groups compared to 9 days in the control (MAF vs. control; P=0.020 and M vs. control; P=0.004). A greater reduction in mortality was seen in the MAF group compared to the control by day 14 (8.3% vs. 1.6%; P=0.121) and by day 29 (15.3% vs. 3.2%; P=0.020), and similarly in the M group by day 14 (8.3% vs. 2.9%; P=0.276) and by day 29 (15.3% vs. 2.9%; P=0.017). The proportion of those who had baseline absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) lower than 0.8x10^9/L was 13/63 (20.6%), 17/69 (27.0%), and 18/72 (25.0%) of patients in MAF, M, and control group respectively. Day 29 mortality among these lymphopenic patients was three times higher than for the intent-to-treat population (21% vs. 7%) and consisted in above subgroups: 2/13 (15%), 2/17 (12%), and 6/18 (33%) of patients. There showed decreased mortality in both study subgroups correlated with greater ALC restoration above 0.8x109/L level seen on day 14 in 77% and 59% of patients in MAF and M subgroups respectively compared to 22% of patients in control subgroup. Incidences of any ALC decrease below the baseline level on day 14 occurred in 25.4% of patients in the MAF group and 29.0% of patients in the M group compared to 45.8% in control and ALC depletion by ≥50% from the baseline level consisted of 7.9%, 5.8%, and 15.3% of cases in these groups respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that both study agents prevented ALC depletion and accelerated its restoration, which is believed one of the mechanisms of improved crucial clinical outcomes in hospitalized Covid-19 patients.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04762628, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04762628.
Carbon dioxide and nitrate co-electroreduction to urea on CuOxZnOy
Authors: Figueiredo Marta , Anastasiadou Dimitra , Ligt Bianca , He Yungyang , de Poll Rim van , Simons Jérôme 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Urea is a commonly used nitrogen fertiliser synthesised from ammonia and carbon dioxide using thermal catalysis. This process results in high CO2 emissions associated with the required amounts of ammonia, Electrocatalysis provides an alternative method to urea production with reduced carbon emissions while utilising waste products like nitrate. This manuscript reports on urea synthesis from the electroreduction of nitrate and carbon dioxide using CuOxZnOy electrodes under mild conditions. Catalysts with different ratios of CuO and ZnO, synthesised via flame spray pyrolysis, were explored for the reaction. The results revealed that all the CuOxZnOy electrocatalyst compositions produce urea, but the efficiency strongly depends on the metal ratio composition of the catalysts. The CuO50ZnO50 composition had the best performance in terms of selectivity (41% at -1.3 V vs Ag/AgCl) and activity (0.27 mA/cm2 at -1.3 V vs Ag/AgCl) towards urea production Thus, this material is within the most efficient electrocatalyst for urea production reported so far. This pioneer study systematically evaluates bimetallic catalysts with varying compositions for urea synthesis from CO2 and nitrate.
Impact of Oxygen Enrichment and CO2-H2O Dilution on Stability and Pollutant Emissions of Non-Premixed Swirling Turbulent Flames
Authors: Boushaki Toufik , Zaidaoui Hajar , Chakchak Sawssen , Ghabi Ahlem , El-Rahman Ahmed I. Abd , Ghoniem Ahmed. F. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR: water vapor and CO2), with and without O2 enrichment, on non-premixed turbulent flames stabilized on a swirl burner. The motivations include CO2 capture applications using O2 and CO2, combustion of biogas that contains CO2 and the use of EGR or H2O in certain industrial applications to reduce pollutant emissions. Experiments were carried out on a coaxial swirl burner placed in a combustion chamber of 25 kW of nominal power. The oxidant (air-O2, +H2O, +CO2) is introduced in the annular part though a swirler. The fuel (CH4) is fed though the central tube and injected radially at the exit section. The study focused on laminar burning velocity, pollutant emissions, flame stability, and flow fields measurements with different fractions of O2, H2O and CO2 in the mixture. The fraction of diluents varied from 0 to 20%, O2 concentration from 21 to 25% (in vol.) and the swirl number from 0.8 to 1.4. Different measurements were recorded: OH* chemiluminescence to locate the flame front, Stereo-PIV to analyze the flow field, pollutant emissions analysis (NOx and CO) and temperatures in the combustion chamber. Results show that dilution significantly influences flame characteristics. Dilution increases the lift-off height and reduces flame stability especially with high fractions (16-20%). O2 enrichment decreases lift-off height and enhances flame stability. Increase dilution reduces NOx and increases CO emissions. Stereo-PIV measurements highlight the turbulent coherent structure of the swirling flow and the effect of dilution on axial and tangential velocities. The effect of dilution on the underlying laminar burning velocity were determined by 1D calculation using COSILAB with GRI3.0 mechanism.
Development and validation of an Emoji Sticker Scale from the Patient-Reported Outcome Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events for patients with breast cancer
Authors: Suzuki Yoko , Iwamoto Takayuki , Uno Maya , Hatono Minami , Kajiwara Yukiko , Takahashi Yuko , Kochi Mariko , Shien Tadahiko , Kikawa Yuichiro , Uemura Yukari , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Taira Naruto , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Toyooka Shinichi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Emojis are commonly used for daily communication and may be useful in assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate an Emoji Sticker Scale (ESS) as a new PRO measurement.
Methods: Eighteen original ESS items were developed from the PRO-CTCAE. In cohort one, the ESS validity and reliability were examined in patients with breast cancer, using a semi-structured five-question survey to investigate content validity. PROs with PRO-CTCAE and ESS were examined twice to determine criteria validity and test-retest reliability. In cohort two, the responsiveness of the scales were examined in patients treated with anthracycline, docetaxel, paclitaxel, and endocrine therapy. PROs with PRO-CTCAE and ESS were investigated two or three times, depending on the therapy.
Results: Patients were enrolled from August 2019 to October 2020. In cohort one (n=70), most patients had no difficulties with the ESS, but 16 patients indicated that it was difficult to understand severities in the ESS. For criterion validity, Spearman rank correlation coefficients (rs) between PRO-CTCAE and ESS items were ≥0.41, except for “Decreased appetite.” For test-retest reliability, κ coefficients of the ESS were ≥0.41 for 16/18 items (88.9%). Response time was significantly shorter for the ESS than for PRO-CTCAE (p<0.001). In cohort two (n=106), score changes between PRO-CTCAE and ESS for relevant symptoms all had correlations with rs≥0.41.
Conclusion Parts of the original ESS developed from PRO-CTCAE require updating. However, this study provides a comprehensive confirmation of the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the ESS.
Effects of Polyphenols from Water Chestnut (Trapa japonica) on Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Yasuda Midori , Yasutake Kenichiro , Oikawa Daichi , Yoshinaga Iori , Nakashima Kanako , Mitsuta Ai , Saiki Madoka , Kishikawa Yuki , Miyabara Hiroya 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Water chestnut (Trapa japonica), a uniquely shaped floating plant with thorns, contains many peculiar polyphenols. These polyphenols have been shown to exhibit high antioxidant activity and suppress postprandial blood glucose level rise. In recent years, obesity and lipid metabolism disorders have become a worldwide problem. Therefore, with the aim of investigating the effects of water chestnut polyphenols on lipid metabolism, we conducted in vitro studies, animal experiments, and human clinical studies (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group comparative studies). Water chestnut polyphenol exhibited lipase inhibitory activity and inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. In contrast, animal experiments using mice revealed that triglycerides and free fatty acids in the blood plasma of the polyphenol-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Human clinical studies showed that the consumption of water chestnut tea significantly reduced visceral fat area and abdominal circumference; however, no significant difference was observed from the results for the placebo group. These results suggest a possible preventive effect of water chestnut polyphenols on the development of metabolic syndrome. This study was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000038165, October 4, 2019).
Safety and environmental impact control of cross passage construction in soft soil strata using tunnel boring machine method
Authors: Yunkang Ma , Wei Yan , Yanjie Song , Meiqin Zhang , Sheng Zhou , Tianfang Xiong , Jia Geng , Xiaofan Li , Xuesong Cheng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The Tianjin area is covered by soft, water-bearing silt and silty sand strata and has a high groundwater table. The excavation of a cross passage in this area entails a high risk of water and sand inflows and a significant impact on the structural integrity of the mainline tunnels—particularly during the excavation of the break-out and break-in openings. However, few cross passages have been excavated in water-bearing soft soil strata using the tunnel boring machine (TBM) method, and the necessary safety control techniques and environmental impact of TBM tunnelling of cross passages in such soil strata remain unclear, which limits the application of this tunnelling method. In this study, a cross passage excavated using the TBM method—the first of its kind in the Tianjin area—was investigated. We identified the key risk control measures for the construction process, particularly the excavation of the break-out and break-in openings, and analysed the TBM operating parameters, monitoring ground and building settlements, and monitored mainline tunnel deformations and mechanical responses at key points of the construction process, revealing the ground and tunnel structure deformation patterns during the cross passage excavation. Our major conclusions are as follows. 1) The ground surrounding the cross passage break-out opening was stabilised by performing two rounds of grouting and small-range freezing, and the break-in opening was excavated using a completely enclosed steel sleeve. These measures effectively prevented the risk of water and sand inflows during the excavation of the break-out and break-in openings in the silt and silty sand strata. 2) The thrust of the TBM was approximately 2000 kN during the break-out phase, and it increased to 3500 kN after the break-out opening was excavated. The torsional moment of the cutter disc was large during the break-out phase. Break-out mainline tunnel displacement monitoring data indicated that the thrust had a significant effect on the mainline tunnel during the break-out phase. 3) The TBM tunnelling of the cross passage caused ground loss, and the ground settlement increased as the excavation proceeded. The ground settlement exhibited a U-shaped distribution along the cross passage axis, with the maximum settlement being 10 mm. During the break-out phase, the deformation of the break-out mainline tunnel exhibited a duck-egg-shaped distribution. The clearance convergence of the break-out mainline tunnel was within ± 4, and the displacement and clearance convergence of the break-in mainline tunnel were controlled within ± 1 mm.
Distinct microbial taxa are associated with LDL-cholesterol reduction after 12 weeks of Lactobacillus plantarum intake in mild hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Kerlikowsky Felix , Müller Mattea , Greupner Theresa , Amend Lena , Strowig Till , Hahn Andreas 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Probiotic microbes such as Lactobacillus may reduce serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum strains CECT7527, CECT7528 and CECT7529 (LP) on the serum lipids, cardiovascular parameters and fecal gut microbiota composition in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 86 healthy adult participants with untreated elevated LDL cholesterol ≥ 160 mg/dL was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to either placebo or LP (1.2 x109 CFU/d) for 12 weeks. LDL, HDL, TC and triglycerides (TG), cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, arterial stiffness) and fecal gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Both groups were comparable regarding age, sex and LDL-C at baseline. LDL-C decreased (mean decrease − 6.6 mg/dl ± -14.0 mg/dl, Ptime*intervention = 0.006) in the LP group but not in the placebo group. No effects were observed on HDL, TG or cardiovascular parameters or overall gut microbiota composition. Responders to LP intervention (> 5% LDL-C reduction) were characterized by higher BMI, pronounced TC reduction, higher abundance of fecal Roseburia and lower abundance of Oscillibacter. In conclusion, 12-week of L. plantarum intake moderately reduced LDL-C and TC as compared to placebo. LDL-C lowering efficacy of L. plantarum strains may potentially be dependent on individual difference in the gut microbiota. Trial registration: DRKS00006189, dated 17/12/2019.
Investigation of the Structural, Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Vanadium Substituted Mn-Zn Ferrites
Authors: Jyoti Atanu Sarker , Biswas G G , Rana Md. Rasel , Islam Shariful , Hossain Md. Emran , Khan Nazrul Islam , Hoque K. , Ali Md. Ashraf 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This work revealed the role of altering vanadium (V) content in Mn–Zn ferrites. We used the traditional solid-state reaction method to prepare the Mn_0.5 Zn_0.5 V_x Fe_(2 - x) O_4 (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) ferrites. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the samples' crystal structures, revealing the prepared sample's spinal cubic crystal structure. With increasing Vanadium concentration, the lattice constant drops proportionately. We used Debye-Scherrer (D-S), Williamson-Hall (W-H) Plot, Halder-Wagner (H-W) Langford, and Size Strain Plot (SSP) methods to compare different structural properties. We also used the impedance analyzer to investigate the samples' dielectric characteristics and AC conductivity at room temperature over a frequency range of 1 KHz to 100 MHz. The magnetic properties, i.e., Saturation magnetization (Ms), Coercive field (Hc), and Remanent magnetization (Mr), were estimated from the ferromagnetic hysteresis behavior of the samples measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The saturation magnetization was observed to decrease with an increase in V content. The Mr and HC vary non-linearly with V contents. The prepared samples' initial permeability was tested, and a reasonably constant complex permeability (µ') was recorded over a wide frequency range (~ 1000 Hz).
Transcriptional activity of the long control region in human papillomavirus type 33 intratype variants
Authors: Gyöngyösi Eszter , László Brigitta , Szalmás Anita , Kónya József , Veress György 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for the development of cervical and other anogenital cancers. Intratype sequence variants of certain high-risk HPV types (e. g. 16, 18 and 31) are thought to have different oncogenic potential, partly due to nucleotide sequence variation in the viral long control region (LCR). The LCR has an important role in the regulation of viral replication and transcription. The purpose of this study was to explore sequence variation in the LCR of HPV 33 intratype variants in Hungary and to see whether there are differences in the transcriptional activities of the variants.Methods The complete HPV 33 LCR was amplified from HPV 33 positive cervical samples. After sequencing the LCR variants, multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. Representative HPV 33 LCR sequence variants were selected for cloning and functional analysis. After transient transfection of HeLa cells, luciferase reporter assays were used to analyse the transcriptional activities of different LCR variants.Results Altogether 10 different variants were identified by sequence analysis of the HPV 33 LCR. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that 3 variants belonged to sublineage A1, while the other 7 variants clustered with sublineage A2. Variants belonging to sublineage A2 have significantly lower transcriptional activities than variants belonging to sublineage A1. Within sublineage A2, the two variants analysed had significantly different transcriptional activities, which was shown to be caused by the A7879G variation.Conclusions Nucleotide variation in the HPV 33 LCR can result in altered transcriptional activity of the intratype variants. Our results can help to understand the correlation between LCR polymorphism and the oncogenic potential of HPV 33 variants.
Assessment of climate change impact on thermal bioclimatic indicators in a tropical region with the climate projections from CMIP6 modele Dynamics
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Islam H. M. Touhidul , Ahmed Sharif , Bhattacharjya Debu Kumar , Khan Md. Shah Kamal , Mahmud Golam Iftekhar , Shahid Shamsuddin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The global mean surface temperature is expected to continue to rise as a result of climate change. However, the effects of this transformation are not uniformly distributed across the globe, making regional analysis essential. As a monsoon region with tropical and low-lying terrain, Bangladesh is especially susceptible to the effects of climate change. Despite this, no effort has been made to evaluate the potential changes in thermal bioclimatic indicators (TBIs) in practical applications, which is crucial. Using a multi-model ensemble (MME) of 18 CMIP6 GCMs, this study projected the variations in 11 TBIs across Bangladesh for the near (2015–2044), mid (2045–2074), and far (2075–2100) futures under three SSPs: low (SSP126), medium (SSP245), and high (SSP585). The study revealed that in the future, the average annual temperature in Bangladesh will increase by 0.62 to 1.85°C for SSP126, by 0.51 to 2.81°C for SSP245, and by 0.54 to 4.88°C for SSP585, indicating a rise in temperature that is consistent with the global average. In addition, the study predicted that the diurnal temperature range (DTR) could decrease by -0.17 to -2.50°C, and that isothermality could decrease by as much as -0.30% at many stations. The projected temperature rise would be highly variable, ranging from 0.14 to 0.39°C in the northeast and southeast to 0.17 to 2.66°C in the northwestern, central, and southwestern regions. In addition, the study revealed a considerable increase in average temperature between the coldest and warmest quarters. The average temperature would increase significantly more in the drier quarter than in the wettest quarter. These findings are crucial for establishing mitigation goals and adapting to climate change in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgency of taking the necessary steps to combat the negative effects of global warming.