bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet membrane‐derived microparticles may be biomarkers in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and can promote the invasion and metastasis of hepatoma carcinoma cells
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Ma Yiming , Liu Chengdi , Pu Fei , Zhang Yuan , Wang Deqing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundPlatelet membrane‐derived microparticles (PMPs) released by apheresis platelets (APs) during storage are involved in immunomodulatory and tumor processes. However, few studies have emphasized the relationship between PMPs and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsEnzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect PMPs in the plasma of HCC patients and healthy individuals. ELISA and flow cytometry were separately applied to analyze the variation in PMPs from APs prepared after 0, 3, 5, and 7 days of storage. Transwell was used to demonstrate the effects of PMPs on the invasion and migration of HCC cells. HCC‐related indicators and invasion and migration‐related markers were detected in vivo.ResultsWe found the amount of PMPs was significantly increased in HCC patients. There was also a significant difference in the amount of PMPs in APs with prolonged storage time. Further, the PMPs in D5 promoted the invasion and migration of HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Transcriptomics revealed striking differences in the expression of many tumor metastasis associated genes with PMPs treatment. PMPs promoted tumor growth and weight loss in HCC‐bearing mice, and Western blot results showed that invasion and migration‐related indicators also increase.ConclusionThe content of PMPs in the plasma of HCC patients increases, and it can also promote the invasion and migration of HCC.
A Machine Learning Framework for Length of Stay Minimization in Healthcare Emergency Department
Authors: Asuquo Daniel , Umoren Imeh , Osang Francis , Attai Kingsley 
Published: September 2023

The emergency departments (EDs) in most hospitals, especially in middle-and-low-income countries, need techniques for minimizing the waiting time of patients. The application and utilization of appropriate methods can enhance the number of patients treated, improve patients’ satisfaction, reduce healthcare costs, and lower morbidity and mortality rates which are often associated with poor healthcare facilities, overcrowding, and low availability of healthcare professionals. Modeling the length of stay (LOS) of patients in healthcare systems is a challenge that must be addressed for sound decision-making regarding capacity planning and resource allocation. This paper presents a machine learning (ML) framework for predicting a patient’s LOS within the ED. A study of the services in the ED of a tertiary healthcare facility in Uyo, Nigeria was conducted to gain insights into its operational procedures and evaluate the impact of certain parameters on LOS. Then, a computer simulation of the system was performed in R programming language using data obtained from records in the hospital. Finally, the performance of four ML classifiers involved in patients’ LOS prediction: Classification and Regression Tree (CART), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbour (K-NN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), were evaluated and results indicate that SVM outperforms others with the highest coefficient of determination (R2) score of 0.986984 and least mean square error (MSE) value of 0.358594. The result demonstrates the capability of ML techniques to effectively assess the performance of healthcare systems and accurately predict patients’ LOS to mitigate the low physician-patient ratio and improve throughput.
Numerical Computation of Williamson Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Over the Curved Surfaces With Effects of Thermal Radiation
Authors: G Iyyappan , Govindaraj N. , Singh A. K. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The current investigation is based on Williamson's features of a hybrid nanofluid flow over a curved surface made mixture of silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) with engine oil. Under the presumption of a low magnetic Reynolds number, a constant homogenous magnetic field is applied. Consideration is given to the ramping temperature and the time-varying surface concentration. Thermal absorption and first-order consistent chemical reaction are also taken into account. To create a hybrid nanofluid, silver (Ag), and titanium nanoparticles are dispersed in a base fluid made of water and engine oil. Quasi-linearization technique and Finite difference scheme are employed on the nondimensional partial differential equations. All physical parameters of practical importance, such as velocity, temperature, and concentration profile are analyzed and provided in tables and graphs along with the impact of physical parameters. As the Williamson parameter (W) increases, the surface velocity of the steep plate decreases. Also, as the parameter temperature ratio of Nt and Rd increases, the forces opposing the flow field reduce the friction force, and the thermal field increases with temperature effects.
Numerical Study on Heat Transfer and Pressure Loss Characteristics of Swirl Cooling in Elliptical Tubes With Tangential Jet Inlets
Authors: Li Fei , Xiong Chenglan , Rao Yu , Luan Yong , Weigand Bernhard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The paper presents a numerical study of the heat transfer, pressure loss, and flow characteristics of swirl cooling in elliptical tubes, which are compared to the counterpart of swirl cooling in a circular tube with a diameter of D = 50.0 mm under equal passage Reynolds numbers and equal jet Reynolds numbers. The swirl tubes with two kinds of fixed tube length of 12D and 20D are compared, where there are sequentially arranged three tangential jet inlets over the leading tube length of 12D. The numerical results show that the swirl tubes with the tube length of 12D has a much better heat transfer performance. Under equal passage Reynolds numbers, the elliptical swirl tubes with the tube length of 12D show appreciably higher Nusselt numbers by up to 22.8% and lower pressure loss coefficients by up to 69.0% than the circular tube. Under equal jet Reynolds numbers, the elliptical tubes can reduce the global heat transfer performance modestly by up to 25.6%, but reduce the pressure loss much significantly by up to 70.6%. Mostly due to much less pressure loss, the elliptical tubes have remarkably higher thermal performance in terms of the obtained heat transfer coefficient per unit pumping power for both L1 = 12D and L2 = 20D. The numerical simulations indicate that the suppression of elliptical tubes on the swirling flow development reduces the heat transfer on the wall between the jet inlets, and decreases the wall shear force and the pressure loss in the tube.
Transient Thermal Performance of Phase-Change Material Infused in Cellular Materials Based on Different Unit Cell Topologies
Authors: Nithyanandam Karthik , Singh Prashant 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Phase change material (PCM) employment in thermal management and energy storage applications is limited due to their inherently low thermal conductivity. Significant enhancement in the thermal performance of PCMs can be obtained when infused in porous media with high porosity and high solid-phase thermal conductivity. Earlier studies typically employ high porosity aluminum foams obtained via a conventional manufacturing process, commonly known as foaming. A typical representative unit cell of metal foams obtained via foaming process can be of tetrakaidecahedron shape. The conventional manufacturing process of high porosity metal foams offers limited flexibility over unit cell shape, porosity, and pore density. Metal additive manufacturing advancements have the potential to address this manufacturing limitation and provides freedom in the above design domain. To this end, we have explored four different unit cell topologies, viz., octet, tetrakaidecahedron, face-diagonal cube, and cube, for their role in enhancing the transient thermal performance when infused with PCMs. An enthalpy-porosity method has been employed to model the phase-change process for wide range of variables. It has been found that the presence of solid media results in significant enhancement in PCM's thermal performance, and the Octet-shaped unit cell outperformed the other unit cell topologies explored in this study.
Experimental Investigation of a Multi Tube Burner for Premixed Hydrogen and Natural Gas Low Emission Combustion
Authors: Jaeschke Alexander , Ćosić Bernhard , Wassmer Dominik , Paschereit Christian Oliver 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Hydrogen as an essential part of future decarbonization of the energy industry makes it a crucial necessity to replace conventional, natural gas based concepts in gas turbine combustion. This paper presents an experimental study of a multi-tube jet flame burner. The study is carried out with natural gas and pure hydrogen fuel at gas turbine relevant conditions at atmospheric pressure. To identify key differences between hydrogen-air and natural gas–air flames on the overall robustness and flame flashback behavior, air bulk velocity (80–120 m/s), adiabatic flame temperature (1235–2089 K) and air inlet temperature (623–673 K) are varied over a wide range, covering a range of Reynolds numbers of 10,000–20,000. Depending on flame temperature, two different flame shapes are observed for natural gas–air flames. The shape of the hydrogen-air flame changes less over the range of flame temperatures tested, but is generally more compact. The process of fuel-air mixing is further investigated by concentration distribution measurements in a water tunnel setup. Therefore, planar laser-induced fluorescence is utilized for visualization. The measured concentration distributions confirm the overall good mixing quality but also give an explanation on the observed flashback behavior of the different burner designs at reacting tests. The findings of the study are composed in a flashback correlation combining the observed flashback drivers for the burner configurations investigated.
Acoustic and Optical Investigations of the Flame Dynamics of Rich and Lean Kerosene Flames in the Primary Zone of an Air-Staged Combustion Test-Rig
Authors: March Martin , Renner Julian , Sattelmayer Thomas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this study, the thermoacoustic behavior of nonpremixed kerosene flames from rich to lean combustion conditions is investigated. Flame-transfer-functions (FTF) measured purely acoustically are compared with results based on flame chemiluminescence. OH*, CH*, C2*, and CO2* were selected as potential measures for representing steady and fluctuating heat release when burning nonpremixed kerosene. In addition, their ability for the quantification of equivalence ratio fluctuations will be highlighted. The measurements were performed in the primary zone of an atmospheric rich-quench-lean (RQL) combustion test-rig. The new experimental approach allows a characterization of the primary zone independent of the secondary zone. Rich and lean operating points were analyzed by fueling an aero-engine prototype injector with and without acoustic excitation. To improve the quality of the acoustic wavefield reconstruction a thermocouple correction method was implemented. The flame dynamics determined with the multimicrophone method (MMM) exhibit a frequency and equivalence ratio depending effect of rich combustion conditions. The results for the steady behavior of the chosen radicals by altering equivalence ratio and thermal power indicate proportionality of the chemiluminescence to thermal power. Furthermore, the CH*/C2* ratio is found to be a promising indicator for the global equivalence ratio in the combustion chamber. The flame-transfer-functions based on chemiluminescence show a good qualitative agreement with the multimicrophone method. Based on the experimental findings a calibration curve for the different radicals to obtain quantitatively correct flame-transfer-functions from chemiluminescence is presented.
Synergies and Trade-Offs in Hybrid Propulsion Systems Through Physics-Based Electrical Component Modeling
Authors: Bermperis Dimitrios , Ntouvelos Elissaios , Kavvalos Mavroudis D. , Vouros Stavros , Kyprianidis Konstantinos G. , Kalfas Anestis I. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Hybrid-electric propulsion is recognized as an enabling technology for reducing aviation's environmental impact. In this work, a serial/parallel hybrid configuration of a 19-passenger commuter aircraft is investigated. Two underwing-mounted turboprop engines are connected to electrical branches via generators. One rear fuselage-mounted electrically driven ducted fan is coupled with an electric motor and respective electrical branch. A battery system completes the selected architecture. Consistency in modeling accuracy of propulsion systems is aimed for by development of an integrated framework. A multipoint synthesis scheme for the gas turbine and electric fan is combined with physics-based analytical modeling for electrical components. Influence of turbomachinery and electrical power system design points on the integrated power system is examined. An opposing trend between electrical and conventional powertrain mass is driven by electric fan design power. Power system efficiency improvements in the order of 2% favor high-power electric fan designs. A trade-off in electrical power system mass and performance arises from oversizing of electrical components for load manipulation. Branch efficiency improvements of up to 3% imply potential to achieve battery mass reduction due to fewer transmission losses. A threshold system voltage of 1 kV, yielding 32% mass reduction of electrical branches and performance improvements of 1–2%, is identified. This work sets the foundation for interpreting mission-level electrification outcomes that are driven by interactions on the integrated power system. Areas of conflicting interests and synergistic opportunities are highlighted for optimal conceptual design of hybrid powertrains.
The Impact of Thermal Load and Turbulent Flow on Minimum Film Thickness of a Large Tilting-Pad Journal Bearing
Authors: Vetter Daniel , Hagemann Thomas , Schwarze Hubert 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Thermal loads induced by internal fluid friction significantly influence the operating behavior of high-speed journal bearings. These loads increase on average if critical Reynolds numbers are exceeded. This paper presents a detailed thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) analysis of a large five-pad tilting-pad journal bearing operating up to surface speeds of 94 m/s. The structure mechanical analysis is conducted by a FE-Code that is implemented as a submodule of the bearing code to improve computational efficiency. The nonlinear structure model includes the pads, their aligning ring, and the housing while the journal's thermal expansion is approximated analytically. The contact of pads and ring is modeled with a contact algorithm. Validation with test data from literature indicates the relevance of structure model's complexity. Besides the pad deflection, in particular, the consideration of the ring and housing thermal expansion is decisive in predicting the effective clearance properly. Furthermore, comparisons between measurement and simulation show that the experimentally identified nonlinear speed-dependent characteristic of minimum film thickness that features an increase due to turbulent flow is well predicted by the theoretical model. Generally, results provide an insight on the impact of the different effects dominating the behavior of the bearing in the respective speed ranges, and therefore, improve the understanding of complex bearing systems. Finally, the quality of results of approximation formulas that are easier to implement and more time efficient than the complex FE-code is investigated.
In vitro
activity of sanitizers against mono- and polymicrobial biofilms of
C. parapsilosis
and
S. aureus
Authors: Castro Vitor de Paula , Thomaz Danilo Yamamoto , Vieira Kayro de Lima , Lopes Leonardo Guedes , Rossi Flavia , Del Negro Gilda M. B. , Benard Gil , Pires Regina Helena 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

The emergence of disinfectant-resistant microorganisms poses a significant threat to public health. These resilient pathogens can survive and thrive in hospital settings despite routine disinfection practices, leading to persistent infections and the potential for outbreaks. In this study, we investigated the impact of 11 different commercial sanitizers at various concentrations and exposure times on biofilms consisting of clinical and nosocomial environmental isolates of
Candida parapsilosis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
. Among the sanitizers tested, 0.5% and 2.0% chlorhexidine (CLX), 10% polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP-I), a disinfectant based on quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), 2% glutaraldehyde, and 0.55% orthophthalaldehyde (OPA) demonstrated efficacy against both
C. parapsilosis
and
S. aureus
in monospecies and mixed biofilms. Analysis showed that 0.5% CLX and 10% PVP-I had fungicidal and bactericidal activity against all biofilms. However, the sanitizer based on QAC and 0.55% OPA proved to be bacteriostatic and fungicidal against both monospecies and mixed biofilms. In mixed biofilms, despite the last four sanitizers exerting fungicidal action, the reduction of fungal cells was approximately 4 log
10
CFU/mL compared to monospecies biofilms, showing that the interaction provided more resistance of the yeast to the sanitizer. Formation of mixed biofilms in hospital settings can create an ecological niche that enhances the survival of pathogens against routine sanitization procedures. Therefore, effective sanitization practices, including regular cleaning with effective sanitizers, should be implemented to prevent
C. parapsilosis/S. aureus
biofilm formation in healthcare settings.
Broadly neutralizing antibody epitopes on HIV-1 particles are exposed after virus interaction with host cells
Authors: Rao Priyanka Gadam , Lambert Gregory S. , Upadhyay Chitra 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
The envelope (Env) glycoproteins on HIV-1 virions are the sole target of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) and the focus of vaccines. However, many cross-reactive conserved epitopes are often occluded on virus particles, contributing to the evasion of humoral immunity. This study aimed to identify the Env epitopes that are exposed/occluded on HIV-1 particles and to investigate the mechanisms contributing to their masking. Using a flow cytometry-based assay, three HIV-1 isolates, and a panel of antibodies, we show that only select epitopes, including V2i, the gp120-g41 interface, and gp41-MPER, are accessible on HIV-1 particles, while V3, V2q, and select CD4bs epitopes are masked. These epitopes become accessible after allosteric conformational changes are induced by the pre-binding of select Abs, prompting us to test if similar conformational changes are required for these Abs to exhibit their neutralization capability. We tested HIV-1 neutralization where the virus-mAb mix was pre-incubated/not pre-incubated for 1 hour prior to adding the target cells. Similar levels of neutralization were observed under both assay conditions, suggesting that the interaction between virus and target cells sensitizes the virions for neutralization via bNAbs. We further show that lectin-glycan interactions can also expose these epitopes. However, this effect is dependent on the lectin specificity. Given that, bNAbs are ideal for providing sterilizing immunity and are the goal of current HIV-1 vaccine efforts, these data offer insight on how HIV-1 may occlude these vulnerable epitopes from the host immune response. In addition, the findings can guide the formulation of effective antibody combinations for therapeutic use.

IMPORTANCE
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) envelope (Env) glycoprotein mediates viral entry and is the sole target of neutralizing antibodies. Our data suggest that antibody epitopes including V2q (e.g., PG9, PGT145), CD4bs (e.g., VRC01, 3BNC117), and V3 (2219, 2557) are masked on HIV-1 particles. The PG9 and 2219 epitopes became accessible for binding after conformational unmasking was induced by the pre-binding of select mAbs. Attempts to understand the masking mechanism led to the revelation that interaction between virus and host cells is needed to sensitize the virions for neutralization by broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). These data provide insight on how bNAbs may gain access to these occluded epitopes to exert their neutralization effects and block HIV-1 infection. These findings have important implications for the way we evaluate the neutralizing efficacy of antibodies and can potentially guide vaccine design.
Deletion of a 7-amino-acid region in the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus envelope protein induces higher type I and III interferon responses and results in attenuation
in vivo
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Ma Zhiqian , Han Weiguo , Chang Chuanzhe , Li Yang , Guo Xuyang , Zheng Zifang , Feng Yingtong , Xu Lele , Zheng Haixue , Wang Xinglong , Xiao Shuqi 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) leads to enormous economic losses for the pork industry. However, the commercial vaccines failed to fully protect against the epidemic strains. Previously, the rCH/SX/2016-S
HNXP
strain with the entire E protein and the rCH/SX/2015 strain with the deletion of 7-amino-acid (7-aa) at positions 23–29 in E protein were constructed and rescued. The pathogenicity assay indicated that rCH/SX/2015 is an attenuated strain, but rCH/SX/2016-S
HNXP
belongs to the virulent strains. Then, the recombination PEDV (rPEDV-E
Δaa23–aa29
)strain with a 7-aa deletion in the E protein was generated, using the highly virulent rCH/SX/2016-S
HNXP
strain (rPEDV-E
wt
) as the backbone. Compared with the rPEDV-E
wt
strain, the release and infectivity of the rPEDV-E
Δaa23–aa29
strain were significantly reduced
in vitro
, but stronger interferon (IFN) responses were triggered both
in vitro
and
in vivo
. The pathogenicity assay showed that the parental strain resulted in severe diarrhea (100%) and death (100%) in all piglets. Compared with the parental strain group, rPEDV-E
Δaa23–aa29
caused lower mortality (33%) and diminished fecal PEDV RNA shedding. At 21 days, all surviving pigs were challenged orally with rPEDV-E
wt
. No pigs died in the two groups. Compared with the mock group, significantly delayed and milder diarrhea and reduced fecal PEDV RNA shedding were detected in the rPEDV-E
Δaa23–aa29
group. In conclusion, the deletion of a 7-aa fragment in the E protein (E
Δaa23–aa29
) attenuated PEDV but retained its immunogenicity, which can offer new ideas for the design of live attenuated vaccines and provide new insights into the attenuated mechanism of PEDV.

IMPORTANCE

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes high mortality in neonatal piglets and remains a large challenge to the pork industry. Unfortunately, no safe and effective vaccines are available yet. The pathogenesis and molecular basis of the attenuation of PEDV remain unclear, which seriously hinders the development of PEDV vaccines. This study found that the rPEDV carrying E
Δaa23–aa29
mutation in the E protein induced significantly higher IFN responses than the parental virus, partially attenuated, and remained immunogenic in piglets. For the first time, PEDV E was verified as an IFN antagonist in the infection context and identified as a virulence factor of PEDV. Our data also suggested that E
Δaa23–aa29
mutation can be a good target for the development of live attenuated vaccines for PEDV and also provide new perspectives for the attenuated mechanism of PEDV.