bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Solidification Process of Ni-Based Superalloy Castings Manufactured in Industrial Conditions with the Use of Novel Thermal Insulating Module Technique
Authors: Szeliga Dariusz , Motyka Maciej , Ziaja Waldemar , Cygan Rafał , Fuglewicz Sylwester , Gromada Magdalena 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe solidification process of IN713C Ni-based superalloy rod castings made by the investment casting method without and with the use of novel insulating module applied on the ceramic mold was studied in this article. The design of the cone-shaped insulating module was developed based on numerical simulations of the distribution of local solidification parameters, ensuring the lowest centerline shrinkage porosity along the castings. The effectiveness of the design of the insulating module was tested in industrial casting trials. It was found that the use of a novel insulation module increases temperature gradient G and decreases cooling rate v, thus leading to a favorable increase of the Niyama criterion value (Ny = G/√v) and also ensuring directional solidification of the casting rod compared to the process where thermal insulation was not used. In this way, the centerline shrinkage porosity was removed, maintaining the equiaxed grain structure of the castings. The presented results show that it is possible to use the same insulating module multiple times, in the subsequent manufacturing processes, to control the solidification of Ni-based superalloy precision castings in industrial conditions.
Topo-bathymetric behaviour of a beach controlled by a groyne field and a dune-seawall backshore
Authors: Oliveira Filipa S. B. F. , Oliveira João N. C. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The advances in morphodynamics numerical modelling and the free availability of such updated models have made XBeach a powerful tool to predict the hydrodynamic and morphologic processes on sandy coasts. This paper addresses the impact of the sea-structure-sediments interactions in the morphological evolution of a coastal stretch which undergoes erosion and overtopping despite having a combined groyne field-dune-seawall defence scheme. Preliminary tests, tailored to conclude on the model mode-version to be applied in the case study, evidence the importance of considering the NH mode. After calibrated and validated, the model was applied for a set of cases to compute and discuss the effect of the individual defence scheme structural elements and the hydrodynamic driving factors, namely the wave energy and obliquity and the tidal range, on the morphodynamics. The results revealed that the seawall aggravates the erosion of the beach, despite being essential in the protection against overtopping and coastline retreat, and that the present configuration of the groyne field does not provide enough protection at the downdrift part of the stretch. The knowledge acquired can support the interpretation of the topo-bathymetric behaviour in similar coastal defence schemes existent worldwide.
Predictive value and dynamic risk stratification of high sensitive basal or stimulated thyroglobulin assay in a long-term thyroid carcinoma cohort
Authors: Fernández-Velasco Pablo , Díaz-Soto Gonzalo , Pérez López Paloma , Torres Torres Beatriz , de Luis Daniel 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the predictive value of the rhTSH thyroglobulin stimulation test (rhTSH-Tg) compared to basal high-sensitive thyroglobulin (hs-Tg) under TSH suppressive therapy at 12 months after the completion of initial treatment to predict the long-term response and Dynamic Risk Stratification (DRS) at the last follow-up visit in a long-term DTC cohort.

Methods
Prospective study in 114 DTC patients (77.2% women, mean age 46.4 ± 14.1 years old, median/IQR evolution 6.7[3.1–8.0] years) from 2013 to 2020 undergoing total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation in whom hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg was performed 12 months after completing initial treatment. Pearson correlation, receiving operating characteristics (ROC) and DRS at initial and last follow-up visit were analyzed.

Results
hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg show a strong positive linear correlation (r = 0.864, p < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of initial hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg levels were evaluated via ROC-AUC as a predictor of excellent response (ER) in the last follow-up visit. Hs-Tg showed a better AUC (0.969, 95%CI = 0.941–0.997) than rhTSH-Tg (0.944, 95%IC = 0.905–0.984; p < 0.001). The hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg cutoff point of highest sensitivity (S) and specificity (E) was 0.110 and 0.815 ng/dl, respectively. Hs-Tg showed a higher diagnostic accuracy than rhTSH-Tg (S = 100% vs 96.8%, E = 84.3% vs 84.3%, NPV = 100% vs 98.6%, PPV = 70.5% vs 69.7%; p < 0.05). The DRS based on initial hs-Tg showed better ability to predict ER (93.3% vs 86.7%) and biochemical incomplete response (53.3%vs13.3%) in the last follow-up visit compared to rhTSH-Tg.

Conclusions
Both initial hs-Th and rhTSH-Tg were good predictors of long-term ER. In patients with hs-Tg, the rhTSH-test did not provide relevant prognosis information. An ER after initial treatment was associated with a very high NPV at subsequent follow-up.
Diversifying the Industry, The Urban Concentration of the Canadian English Language Publishing Industry
Authors: Barroso José Antonio Martínez Díez 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDue to the large number of English speakers and heterogeneous subjectivities that constitute Canada, this paper examines the cultural diversity of the Canadian English-language publishing industry. It relies on information collected by Statistics Canada and Canadian Heritage, and by three trade associations. The Association of Canadian Publishers, The Literary Press Group, and The Publisher’s Archive. The present work also argues that book production and distribution, as well as federal government subsidies, are concentrated in urban Ontario, particularly in Toronto. In addition, it compares this information with that of the other two large English-speaking provinces, British Columbia and Alberta, to point out that the concentration of the publishing industry in urban areas harms cultural diversity. Finally, this paper suggests that, apart from supporting established publishers, government subsidies could foster emerging publishing projects.
Determination of the sensible heat effectiveness and pressure loss of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger using CFD
Authors: Zmrhal Vladimír , Zelenský Petr , Boháč Jindřich , Barták Martin , Kučera Miroslav , Vavřička Roman 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe paper presents a new method to determine the sensible effectiveness and pressure loss of rotary regenerative heat exchangers using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It is based on CFD simulations of a single thermal wheel microchannel with a small cross-sectional area and thin walls, with cyclic inlet and outlet boundary conditions. Two unique measurement set-ups were designed and built for the experimental measurement of the heat exchanger characteristics. Five different types of thermal wheels were manufactured, measured, and simulated in ANSYS Fluent. All wheels achieve an effectiveness greater than 73% under certain (air flow) conditions, which is the minimum effectiveness required by Ecodesign (in the EU). For the examined exchangers, the effectiveness ranges from 66.5% to 83.3%, depending on the boundary conditions and geometric parameters of the rotors. The highest sensible effectiveness is achieved by heat exchangers with the largest heat exchange surfaceAc; on the other hand, these wheels have the largest pressure loss. The paper discusses the use of a simplifiedε-NTU correlation model for the HVAC systems (typicallyC* = 1). The correlation model and CFD results were compared and found to be different from each other. The results of the CFD simulation were compared with measurements to prove that the proposed simulation method can predict the behaviour of the real heat exchanger as a whole. It was demonstrated that the sensible effectiveness and pressure loss of the rotary heat exchanger predicted by the CFD simulations correspond well to the measured values within the measurement uncertainty ±1.3%. The proposed method can be used for the comparison of different rotary regenerative heat exchangers before their manufacturing and for verification that they meet the EU Ecodesign requirements set by the current legislation. It reduces the cost of the initial optimisation and testing of new designs.
The Impact of Corticosteroids on the Outcome of Fungal Disease: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhaolun , Denning David W. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review
Corticosteroids have a complex relationship with fungal disease — risk for many, benefit for others. This systematic review aims to address the effect of corticosteroids on mortality and visual outcome in different fungal diseases.

Recent Findings
Corticosteroids are a risk factor of aspergillosis for patients who have COVID-19, and they also led to a worse outcome. Similarity, corticosteroids are a risk factor for candidemia and mucormycosis. Some researchers reported that using topical corticosteroid in keratitis was associated with worse visual outcome if fungal keratitis. Some studies showed that corticosteroids are linked to a negative outcome for non-HIV patients with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), in contrast to those with HIV and PCP.

Summary
In 59 references, we found that corticosteroid therapy showed a worse clinical outcome in invasive aspergillosis (IA) (HR: 2.50, 95%CI: 1.89–3.31, p < 0.001) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) (HR: 2.74, 95%CI: 1.48–5.06, p = 0.001), PCP without HIV infection (OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.09–1.53, p = 0.003), invasive candidiasis and candidaemia (OR: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.85–2.46, p < 0.001), mucormycosis (OR: 4.19, 95%CI: 1.74–10.05, p = 0.001) and early in the course of fungal keratitis (OR: 2.99, 95%CI: 1.14–7.84, p = 0.026). There was equivocal outcome in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in AIDS and primary coccidioidomycosis, while corticosteroid therapy showed a better outcome in PCP in HIV-infected patients (RR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.46–0.83, p=0.001) and fungal keratitis patients after keratoplasty surgery (OR: 0.01, 95%CI: 0.00–0.41, p = 0.041) and probably in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in non-immunocompromised patients. A sub-analysis in invasive aspergillosis and CPA showed that use of more than 2 mg/kg/day of prednisolone equivalents per day is a significant factor in increasing mortality (HR: 2.94, 95%CI: 2.13–4.05, p < 0.001). Corticosteroid therapy during invasive fungal disease was usually associated with a slightly or greatly increased mortality or worse visual outcome (in fungal keratitis), with two disease exceptions. Avoiding the addition of corticosteroids, or minimising dose and duration in those who require them, is likely to improve the outcome of most life- and vision-threatening fungal diseases. This review provides a cornerstone for further research in exploring the accuracy of suitable dose and duration of corticosteroids treatment in fungal diseases.
Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulates Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Healthy Adults
Authors: Mao Haian , Xiao Wenwu , Hao Zengming , Wen Shengjun , Yang Huaichun , Sultan Fahad , Wang Chuhuai 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
During forward swinging of the arm, the central nervous system must anticipate the effect of upraising upon the body. Little is known about the cerebellar network that coordinates these anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs). Stimulating different cerebellar regions with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and with different polarities modulated the APAs. We used surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure muscle activities in a bilateral rapid shoulder flexion task. The onset of APAs was altered after tDCS over the vermis, while the postural stability and the kinematics of arm raising were not affected. To our knowledge, this is the first human cerebellar-tDCS (c-tDCS) study to separate cerebellar involvement in core muscle APAs in bilateral rapid shoulder flexion. These data contribute to our understanding of the cerebellar network supporting APAs in healthy adults. Modulated APAs of the erector spinae by tDCS on the vermis may be related to altered cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI), suggesting the importance of the vermal-cerebral connections in APAs regulation.
High dose isoleucine stabilizes nuclear PTEN to suppress the proliferation of lung cancer
Authors: Wang Haiqing , Chen Sen , Kang Wenhui , Ding Bojiao , Cui Shulan , Zhou Li , Zhang Na , Luo Huiying , Wang Mingjuan , Zhang Fan , Zhao Zezhou , Guo Zihu , Wang Chao , Li Liang , Wang Zhengzhong , Chen Xuetong , Wang Yonghua 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Cancer cells require a supply of amino acids, particularly essential amino acids such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs, i.e., valine, leucine, and isoleucine), to meet the increased nutrient demands of malignant tumors. The cell-autonomous and non-autonomous roles of altered BCAA supply have been implicated in cancer progression. The critical proteins involved in BCAA uptake, transport, metabolism, etc. serve as potential therapeutic biomarkers in human cancers. Here, we summarize the potential anti-tumor mechanism of BCAA by exploring the chain reaction triggered by increased BCAA supply in the tumor.

Method
A system-wide strategy was employed to provide a generic solution to establish the links between BCAA and cancer based on comprehensive omics, molecular experimentation, and data analysis.

Results
BCAA over-supplementation (900 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced tumor burden, with isoleucine having the most pronounced effect. Surprisingly, isoleucine inhibited tumor growth independently of mTORC1 activation, a classical amino acid sensor. Exploratory transcriptome analysis revealed that Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is the critical factor in the anti-tumor effect of isoleucine. By inhibiting PTEN ubiquitination, isoleucine can promote PTEN nuclear import and maintain PTEN nuclear stability. Interestingly, this process was regulated by isoleucine-tRNA ligase, cytoplasmic (IARS), a direct target of isoleucine. We demonstrated the enhanced interaction between IARS and PTEN in the presence of excess isoleucine. At the same time, IARS knockout leads to loss of isoleucine tumor suppressor ability.

Conclusion
Overall, our results provide insights into the regulation of the IARS-PTEN anti-tumor axis by isoleucine and reveal a unique therapeutic approach based on enhancing cellular isoleucine supply.
Desiccation Avoidance and Hummock Formation Traits of rich fen Bryophytes
Authors: Jabłońska Ewa , Kotowski Wiktor , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to understand the variation in traits relevant for desiccation avoidance among bryophyte species dominant in rich fens and to assess whether these traits explain the formation of a hummock-hollow gradient within peatlands. In samples of 10 species (Aulacomnium palustre, Calliergonella cuspidata, Climacium dendroides, Hamatocaulis vernicosus, Helodium blandowii, Marchantia polymorpha, Plagiomnium ellipticum, Sphagnum teres, S. warnstorfii, Tomentypnum nitens) collected in rich fens of NE Poland, we calculated: canopy bulk density of wet (CDW) and dry (CDD) colonies, maximum water content of bryophyte colonies (WCmax), desiccation rate (K), shoot area index (SAI), canopy dry mass per surface-projected area (CMA), and specific leaf area of a whole living bryophyte part (SLA). The hummock-forming frequency was quantified for each species in the field. Sphagna had the highest WCmax, SAI and CDW, T. nitens and C. dendroides had the lowest WCmax and SLA, P. ellipticum had the highest K, the lowest CMA and CDD. Hummock-forming frequency was positively correlated with CMA and generally negatively related to K, with exception of H. vernicosus showing a high water-retaining ability (low K) despite a hollow or lawn form of growth.
Prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa in orphans and street children in Mwanza city, Northern Tanzania
Authors: Franz Anemone , Fuss Antje , Mazigo Humphrey D. , Ruganuza Deodatus , Müller Andreas 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Parasitic infections are highly prevalent in low-income environments worldwide. While orphans and street children represent a particularly vulnerable population group, they are often exempt from preventive interventions such as Mass Drug Administration. In part, this could be due to a lack of data showing the burden of disease in this group. This study aims to address this gap.

Methods
For this cross-sectional study, 144 orphans and 112 street children were screened for Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), soil-transmitted helminths and intestinal protozoa using POC-CCA testing, urine filtration, and Kato-Katz technique. Nutritional status, water- and washing patterns were determined using a standardised questionnaire. Ultrasonography was performed to screen for organ abnormalities.

Results
The prevalence of S. mansoni determined by POC-CCA-test was 65.9% for orphans and 94.5% for street children. 19.2% of the orphans tested positive for S. mansoni in Kato Katz. Of the street children, 77.1% showed positive test results in Kato-Katz. Only 1.3% of the orphans stated in the questionnaire that they use the lake to wash, whereas 91.1% of the street children named the lake as at least one of their options for washing. Microscopy showed positive results for Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis) in 8.2% and for Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (E. histolytica/dispar) in 23% of orphans and 8.1% for G. intestinalis, and 23.8% for E. histolytica/dispar in street children. In the ultrasonography, we did not observe patterns that indicate severe periportal fibrosis.

Conclusion
The results indicate a significantly higher rate of infections with S. mansoni in street children compared with orphans. This might be explained by the lack of access to adequate sanitation for street children as well as regular contact with the water of Lake Victoria. However, we did not find similar results concerning infection rates with protozoa. The study results show overall inadequate living conditions in this study population, which could be addressed by public health interventions.
Soil microbial community diversity and distribution characteristics under three vegetation types in the Qilian Mountains, China
Authors: Tong Shan , Cao Guangchao , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Jinhu , Yan Xin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractQilian Mountains in Northwest China is a significant ecological security barrier due to its distinctive geographic setting, which has significant biological resource and gene pool. In order to assess the soil quality and ecosystem health in this area, we identified the structural characteristics and functional groups of soil microbial communities. This study focused on Amidongsuo, a typical watershed of the Qilian Mountains, and researched the vertical distribution and dominant populations of soil microorganisms in different habitats, and the relationship between soil microorganisms and environmental factors. Soil microorganisms from three grassland plots, five shrubland plots, and five forest plots in Amidongsuo were studied using high-throughput sequencing. The Venn diagram showed that the types of bacteria were fewer than those of fungi in Amidongsuo. Soil bacteria Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Methylomirabilota as well as fungi Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Mortierellomycota played dominant roles in Amidongsuo, according to the LEfSe (linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size) and community structure analyses. According to the ANOSIM (analysis of similarities) result, for both bacteria and fungi, R values of grassland and shrubland were small (R2=0.045 and R2=0.256, respectively), indicating little difference between these two ecosystems. RDA (redundancy analysis) showed a closer relationship between soil nutrients and fungi, and a gradually decreasing correlation between soil nutrients and microorganisms with increasing soil depth. Bacteria were mainly affected by pH, nitrogen (N), and potassium (K), while fungi were mainly affected by K. Overall, fungi had more effect on soil quality than bacteria. Therefore, adjustment of soil K content might improve the soil environment of Amidongsuo in the Qilian Mountains.
A efficient and robust privacy-preserving framework for cross-device federated learning
Authors: Du Weidong , Li Min , Wu Liqiang , Han Yiliang , Zhou Tanping , Yang Xiaoyuan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTo ensure no private information is leaked in the aggregation phase in federated learning (FL), many frameworks use homomorphic encryption (HE) to mask local model updates. However, the heavy overheads of these frameworks make them unsuitable for cross-device FL, where the clients are a huge number of mobile and edge devices with limited computing resources. Even worse, some of them also fail to manage the dynamic changes of clients. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a threshold multi-key HE scheme tMK-CKKS and design an efficient and robust privacy-preserving FL framework. Robustness means that our framework allows clients to join in or drop out during the training process. Besides, because our tMK-CKKS scheme can pack multiple messages in a single ciphertext, our framework significantly reduces the computation and communication overhead. Moreover, the threshold mechanism in tMK-CKKS ensures that our framework can resist collusion attacks between the server and no more than t (threshold value) curious internal clients. Finally, we implement our framework in FedML and conduct extensive experiments to evaluate our framework. Utility evaluations on 6 benchmark datasets show that our framework can protect privacy without sacrificing the model accuracy. Efficiency evaluations on 4 typical deep learning models demonstrate that: our framework can speed up the computation by at least 1.21$$\times $$
×
over xMK-CKKS-based framework, 15.84$$\times $$
×
over Batchcrypt-based framework, and 20.30$$\times $$
×
over CRT-Paillier-based framework. Our framework can reduce the communication burden by at least 8.61 MB over Batchcrypt-based framework, 35.36 MB over xMK-CKKS-based framework and 42.58 MB over CRT-Paillier-based framework. The advantages in both computation and communication expand with the size of deep learning models.