bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat Transfer Characteristics of Particle and Air Flow Through Additively Manufactured Lattice Frame Material Based on Octet-Shape Topology
Authors: Aider Youssef , Kaur Inderjot , Mishra Ashreet , Li Like , Cho Heejin , Martinek Janna , Ma Zhiwen , Singh Prashant 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Particle-to-supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) heat exchanger is a critical component in next-generation concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. The inherently low heat transfer between falling particles and sCO2 imposes a challenge toward economic justification of levelized cost of electricity produced through solar energy. Introduction of integrated porous media with the walls bounding particle flow has the potential to enhance the overall particle-to-sCO2 heat exchanger performance. This paper presents an experimental study on heat transfer characterization of additively manufactured lattice frame material based on Octet-shaped unit cell with particles and air as working fluids. The lattice structures were additively manufactured in stainless steel (SS) 316L and SS420 (with 40% bronze infiltration) via Binder jetting process, where the lattice porosities were varied between 0.75 and 0.9. The mean particle diameters were varied from 266 μm to 966 μm. The effective thermal conductivity and averaged heat transfer coefficient were determined through steady-state experiments. It was found that the presence of lattice enhances the effective thermal conductivity by 2–4 times when compared to packed bed of particles alone. Furthermore, for gravity-assisted particle flow through lattice panel, significantly high convective heat transfer coefficients ranging from 200 W/m2K to 400 W/m2K were obtained for the range of particle diameters tested. The superior thermal transport properties of Octet-shape-based lattice frame for particle flow makes it a very promising candidate for particle-to-sCO2 heat exchanger for CSP application.
Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Phase-Change Material and High-Density Polyethylene Functional Composites for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Messenger Melissa A. , Troxler Casey J. , Melendez Isabel , Freeman Thomas B. , Reed Nicholas , Rodriguez Rafael M. , Boetcher Sandra K. S. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Phase-change materials (PCMs) can be used to develop thermal energy storage systems as they absorb large amount of latent heat nearly at a constant temperature when changing phase from a solid to a liquid. To prevent leakage when in a liquid state, PCM is shape stabilized in a polymer matrix of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The present research explores the injection-molded mechanical and thermal properties of different PCM/HDPE composite ratios. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity at room temperature and with the PCM fully melted within the composite are measured. Additionally, the hardness, latent heat of fusion, phase-change temperature, and thermal conductivity are investigated. An analysis of microstructures of the composite is used to support the findings. The PCM within the PCM/HDPE composite gives it the benefit of thermal storage but causes a decrease in mechanical properties.
Design and Performance Analysis of Wavy Nonrotating Pneumatic Soft Actuator
Authors: Lv Zhongming , Xiao Feiyun , Chen Baoliang , Dong Ruonan , Liu Zhengshi , Wang Yong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Soft robots can accomplish hand rehabilitation training to ensure better safety and compliance for hand rehabilitation. In this study, a wavy nonrotating soft actuator structure was proposed for hand rehabilitation, and an axial stiffener was added to the main structure of the actuator according to the function of the bamboo fiber. A physical model of the actuator was fabricated using a multistep casting molding method, and the performance of the designed soft actuator was tested experimentally. The results showed that the bending angle and contact force gradually increased with increasing pressure. The average maximum bending angle and contact force can reach 286 ± 14.3 deg and 1.04 ± 0.051 N, with a pressure of 72 kPa. Meanwhile, the bending torques of the soft actuator at each joint of the finger were tested, to verify that it can meet the needs of soft actuators for hand applications. Furthermore, the load lifting of the soft actuator with axial stiffeners can increase by 6 mm on average compared with a soft actuator without axial stiffeners under negative pressure. In conclusion, the pneumatic soft actuator can produce two different motion functions under the action of one cavity. In addition, a soft actuator with an axial stiffener can improve the load capacity under negative pressure. By assembling the actuators, a three-finger gripper was manufactured. The gripper could grasp and lift objects. Therefore, this work provides a new route for the development of pneumatic soft actuators and soft robots, which has efficient driving.
Within-Subject Variability and the Influence of Exercise Training History on the Resting Plasma Metabolome in Men
Authors: Darragh Ian A.J. , O’Driscoll Lorraine , Egan Brendan 
Published: March 2023

This study investigated within-subject variability in the circulating metabolome under controlled conditions, and whether divergent exercise training backgrounds were associated with alterations in the circulating metabolome assessed in resting samples. Thirty-seven men comprising of endurance athletes (END; body mass, 71.0 ± 6.8 kg; fat-free mass index, 16.9 ± 1.1 kg/m2), strength athletes (STR; 94.5 ± 8.8 kg; 23.0 ± 1.8 kg/m2), and recreationally active controls (CON; 77.6 ± 7.7 kg; 18.1 ± 1.0 kg/m2) provided blood samples after an overnight fast on two separate occasions controlled for time of day of sampling, recent dietary intake, time since last meal, and time since last exercise training session. A targeted profile of metabolites, performed using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry on plasma samples, identified 166 individual metabolites and metabolite features, which were analyzed with intraclass correlation coefficients, a multilevel principal component analysis, and univariate t tests adjusted for multiple comparisons. The median intraclass correlation coefficient was .49, with 46 metabolites displaying good reliability and 31 metabolites displaying excellent reliability. No difference in the abundance of any individual metabolite was identified within groups when compared between visits, but a combined total of 44 metabolites were significantly different (false discovery rate <0.05) between groups (END vs. CON, 42 metabolites; STR vs. CON, 10 metabolites; and END vs. STR, five metabolites). Under similar measurement conditions, the reliability of resting plasma metabolite concentrations varies largely at the level of individual metabolites with ∼48% of metabolites displaying good-to-excellent reliability. However, a history of exercise training was associated with alterations in the abundance of ∼28% of metabolites in the targeted profile employed in this study.
Community-specific diffusion characteristics determine resistance of biofilms to oxidative stress
Authors: Zhang Yuzhen , Cai Yumin , Chen Zhaoyuan 
Published: March 2023

Biofilms are multicellular communities with a spatial structure. Different from single-cell scale diffusion in planktonic systems, the diffusion distance becomes the dimension of multicellular clusters in a biofilm. Such differences in diffusion behavior affect the tolerance and response to exogenous stress. Here, we found that at the same doses of exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
), planktonic
Escherichia coli
were completely killed within two hours, whereas the biofilm resumed growth in six hours by building a catalase barrier to block H
2
O
2
penetration, despite the growth burden. Unexpectedly, when we changed the carbon source from glucose to glycerol, H
2
O
2
instantly counterintuitively boosted biofilm growth due to supplemental oxygen, which was the growth-limiting factor. We further demonstrated that the energy metabolism modes determined the growth-limiting factor, which then determined the two patterns of biofilms resistances to H
2
O
2
.
The primary gas phase hydration shell of hydroxide
Authors: Cao Wenjin , Wen Hui , Xantheas Sotiris S. , Wang Xue-Bin 
Published: March 2023

The number of water molecules in hydroxide’s primary hydration shell has been long debated to be three from the interpretation of experimental data and four from theoretical studies. Here, we provide direct evidence for the presence of a fourth water molecule in hydroxide’s primary hydration shell from a combined study based on high-resolution cryogenic experimental photoelectron spectroscopy and high-level quantum chemical computations. Well-defined spectra of OH
−
(H
2
O)

n

clusters (
n
= 2 to 5) yield accurate electron binding energies, which are, in turn, used as key signatures of the underlying molecular conformations. Although the smaller OH
−
(H
2
O)
3
and OH
−
(H
2
O)
4
clusters adopt close-lying conformations with similar electron binding energies that are hard to distinguish, the OH
−
(H
2
O)
5
cluster clearly has a predominant conformation with a four-coordinated hydroxide binding motif, a finding that unambiguously determines the gas phase coordination number of hydroxide to be four.
Structural control of Cambrian paleotopography and patterns of transgression in western Laurentia
Authors: Myrow Paul M. , Hasson Michael , Taylor John F. , Tarhan Lidya G. , Ramirez Gerardo , Fowlkes George , Chen Jitao 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Cambrian transgression across the Great Unconformity produced one of the largest expansions of shallow marine habitats and associated diversification of marine invertebrate faunas in Earth history. However, identification of the underlying controls on the pattern of transgression of Cambrian seas has been hampered by imprecise or inaccurate age assignments for many formations. Recovery of an Ehmaniella Zone trilobite fauna from the Lodore Formation in northwestern Colorado (United States) revises the age of this unit to be significantly older, specifically middle Miaolingian (upper Wuliuan). This expands the established distribution of thick Miaolingian deposits of the northern Rocky Mountains to within 90 km of a broad region of central Colorado where Miaolingian strata are missing and Furongian successions rest directly on basement. The boundary between these two regions marks the position of an ~200 km east-west offset within the generally north-south–trending Cambrian paleoshoreline of western North America. The offset is co-located with a Precambrian continental suture zone (Cheyenne belt) at the northern Yavapai terrane margin and is directly east of an offset of similar magnitude and latitude in the early to middle Paleozoic shelf edge in Nevada. We thus posit that Precambrian deep-seated crustal-scale features controlled the Cambrian paleotopography of western Laurentia, strongly influencing the patterns of Cambrian transgression and structure of the shallow marine ecosystem established during continental submergence. These continental-scale structural elements remained a major control on marine paleogeography for &gt;200 m.y. into the late Paleozoic.
Acceptability of multiple coated mini-tablets in comparison to syrup in infants and toddlers: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Klingmann Viviane , Hinder Markus , Langenickel Thomas H , Chen Fabian , Khder Yasser , Breitkreutz Jörg , Bosse Hans Martin 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesDrug treatment of children is often limited to liquid formulations or manipulation of adult solid oral dosage forms because of the lack of age-appropriate formulations, concerns around particle aspiration and paediatric acceptability. Recent research revealed that the administration of mini-tablets has substantial advantages in improving dose accuracy and avoiding issues related to drug stability, storage conditions, potentially toxic excipients and taste masking (especially effective when the mini-tablets are coated). Most trials were performed with single and multipleuncoatedmini-tablets. This study here aimed to investigate young children’s acceptability and swallowability of multiplecoatedplacebo mini-tablets compared with glucose syrup.DesignThis clinical trial was conducted as a single-centre randomised cross-over study.SettingProspective cross-over study performed at the Children′s University Hospital Düsseldorf.PatientsThis study was conducted on 50 children in five age groups from 1 to <6 years.InterventionsAn age-adapted amount of 16–28 mini-tablets and 3–6 mL syrup was administered in randomised order.Main outcome measuresAcceptability and swallowability of multiple coated mini-tablets and syrup.ResultsIn all age groups, administration of multiple coated mini-tablets and syrup showed good acceptability (mini-tablets 80%–100%, syrup 90%–100%) and swallowability (mini-tablets 30%–70%, syrup 20%–80%) without any clinically meaningful difference. This is consistent with results from large studies with uncoated mini-tablets.ConclusionMultiple coated mini-tablets are a suitable age-appropriate alternative to liquid formulations in the paediatric population. No safety concerns with the use of coated mini-tablets were observed in the study.Trial registration numberDRKS00010395.
Hypothalamic hamartoma: a cause of precocious puberty
Authors: Castro Carolina , Machado Morais Joana , Correia Ana Luísa , Espada Filipa 
Published: March 2023

Hypothalamic hamartomas are uncommon congenital malformations that present as precocious puberty, gelastic seizures and/or psychiatric disorders. Characteristic changes in MRI scans lead to a diagnosis. Treatment may include surgery or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) depending on clinical manifestations.Here, we describe a case of hypothalamic hamartoma diagnosed in a girl in middle childhood, who presented with early development of secondary sexual characteristics. Physical examination, hormonal study, bone age and pelvic ultrasound findings were consistent with those of precocious puberty. The investigation also included a brain MRI scan, which revealed a small nodule with regular limits in the left hypothalamic region/tuber cinereum. GnRHa treatment and neurosurgical follow-ups were initiated promptly. The patient showed a reversal of secondary sexual characteristics and stable hamartoma size. This case illustrates the importance of brain MRI scans as part of the assessment of suspected precocious puberty because clinical features do not identify patients with an underlying pathology.
Comparative effectiveness of different types of exercise in reducing arterial stiffness in children and adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Sequi-Dominguez Irene , Mavridis Dimitris , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Saz-Lara Alicia , Martinez-Vizcaino Vicente , Núñez de Arenas-Arroyo Sergio 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveArterial stiffness is an early and detectable marker of vascular changes leading to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD). Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of different types of exercise in reducing arterial stiffness in children and adolescents.DesignA systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted including experimental studies reporting the effects of exercise interventions on pulse wave velocity (PWV) in children and adolescents.Data sourcesCochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE (via Scopus), PubMed (via Medline) and Web of Science from database inception to 25 March 2022.Eligibility criteriaExperimental studies reporting the effects of exercise interventions on PWV in children and adolescents.ResultsFourteen studies were included in the NMA, all of them were randomised controlled trials except one quasi-experimental study, with an overall risk of bias of some concern. Regarding PWV reduction, all exercise modalities were more effective than control, with standardised mean difference ranging from −1.93 (95% CI: −2.84 to –1.02) and −1.11 (95% CI: −2.01 to –0.21) for aerobic exercise and high intensity interval training (HIIT), respectively, to −0.59 (95% CI: −1.39 to 0.22) for combined exercise. Only sensorimotor training was not superior to the control group 0.11 (95% CI: −1.10 to 1.32).ConclusionOur results support that exercise interventions, especially aerobic exercise or HIIT, can improve arterial stiffness at early ages. The potential to address ACVD early and mitigate long-term consequences via exercise interventions in children and adolescents with higher arterial stiffness requires further investigation.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022322536.
Vestibular syndromes, diagnosis and diagnostic errors in patients with dizziness presenting to the emergency department: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Comolli Lukas , Korda Athanasia , Zamaro Ewa , Wagner Franca , Sauter Thomas C , Caversaccio Marco D , Nikles Florence , Jung Simon , Mantokoudis Georgios 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the frequency of vestibular syndromes, diagnoses, diagnostic errors and resources used in patients with dizziness in the emergency department (ED).DesignRetrospective cross-sectional study.SettingTertiary referral hospital.ParticipantsAdult patients presenting with dizziness.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe collected clinical data from the initial ED report from July 2015 to August 2020 and compared them with the follow-up report if available. We calculated the prevalence of vestibular syndromes and stroke prevalence in patients with dizziness. Vestibular syndromes are differentiated in acute (AVS) (eg, stroke, vestibular neuritis), episodic (EVS) (eg, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, transient ischaemic attack) and chronic (CVS) (eg, persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) vestibular syndrome. We reported the rate of diagnostic errors using the follow-up diagnosis as the reference standard.ResultsWe included 1535 patients with dizziness. 19.7% (303) of the patients presented with AVS, 34.7% (533) with EVS, 4.6% (71) with CVS and 40.9% (628) with no or unclassifiable vestibular syndrome. The three most frequent diagnoses were stroke/minor stroke (10.1%, 155), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (9.8%, 150) and vestibular neuritis (9.6%, 148). Among patients with AVS, 25.4% (77) had stroke. The cause of the dizziness remained unknown in 45.0% (692) and 18.0% received a false diagnosis. There was a follow-up in 662 cases (43.1%) and 58.2% with an initially unknown diagnoses received a final diagnosis. Overall, 69.9% of all 1535 patients with dizziness received neuroimaging (MRI 58.2%, CT 11.6%) in the ED.ConclusionsOne-fourth of patients with dizziness in the ED presented with AVS with a high prevalence (10%) of vestibular strokes. EVS was more frequent; however, the rate of undiagnosed patients with dizziness and the number of patients receiving neuroimaging were high. Almost half of them still remained without diagnosis and among those diagnosed were often misclassified. Many unclear cases of vertigo could be diagnostically clarified after a follow-up visit.
Prevalence of self-medication in Ghana: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Opoku Richmond , Dwumfour-Asare Bismark , Agrey-Bluwey Lawrencia , Appiah Nana Esi , Ackah Michael , Acquah Francis , Asenso Priscilla Fordjour , Issaka Abdul-Aziz 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesThis study estimates the prevalence of self-medication and provides an understanding of the reasons for self-medication in Ghana through the synthesis of relevant literature.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct and African Journals Online to identify observational studies published from inception to March 2022. Google scholar and institutional websites were searched for grey literature. We included studies reporting primary data on the prevalence and/or reasons for self-medication in Ghana. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence of self-medication. Subgroup analysis was performed with the study population (pregnant women, patients and students), geopolitical zone (coastal, middle and northern) and study setting (rural and urban). Using inductive thematic analysis, reasons for self-medication were classified and tallied under key themes.ResultsThirty studies involving 9271 participants were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of self-medication in Ghana was 53.7% (95% CI 46.2% to 61.0%; I²=98.51%, p<0.001). Prevalence of self-medication was highest among pregnant women (65.5%; 95% CI 58.1% to 72.5%; I2=88%), in the middle belt of the country (62.1%; 95% CI 40.9% to 82.0%; I²=98%; p<0.001) and in rural settings (61.2%; 95% CI 36.5% to 84.5%; I²=98%; p<0.001). The most cited reasons for self-medication included long waiting time at health facilities (73.3%), previous use of drugs (66.7%) and the perceived unseriousness of diseases (53.3%).ConclusionThis study has revealed that self-medication is still an unresolved public health challenge in Ghana, with a high prevalence estimate. Self-medication is influenced by inconveniences associated with accessing healthcare coupled with poor health seeking behaviours. There is the need for improved access to quality healthcare and the promotion of appropriate health-seeking behaviours.
Older people’s experience of the partial lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Märki-Germann Daphné , Seematter-Bagnoud Laurence , Fustinoni Sarah , Spaltenstein Julia , Bula Christophe , Henchoz Yves 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate older people’s experience of a COVID-19 partial lockdown (16 March–11 May 2020) in Lausanne, Switzerland.Setting and participantsCommunity-dwelling participants of the Lausanne cohort (Lc65+) in 2020, aged 71–86 years (n=2642).Design and outcomeThis cross-sectional study was nested within the Lc65+ longitudinal study. A specific COVID-19 questionnaire was sent on 17 April 2020 to evaluate participants’ experience of the lockdown (outcome). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the sociodemographic, living environment, health and social factors associated.ResultsOut of 2642 participants, 67.8% described the lockdown as ‘somewhat’ difficult (reference group), 21.5% as ‘not at all’ difficult (positive) and 10.7% as ‘very or extremely’ difficult (negative). The relative risk of a positive experience was higher in participants living alone (relative risk ratio, RRR=1.93, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.46) or in a house (RRR=1.49, 1.03 to 2.16); lower in those who reported fear of falling (RRR=0.68, 0.54 to 0.86), functional difficulties (RRR=0.78, 0.61 to 0.99), feeling of loneliness (RRR=0.67, 0.49 to 0.91), unfamiliarity with communication technologies (RRR=0.69, 0.52 to 0.91), usual social support (RRR=0.71, 0.50 to 0.93), previous participation in group activities (RRR=0.74, 0.59 to 0.92) and among women (RRR=0.75, 0.59 to 0.95). The relative risk of a negative experience was higher in participants with fear of falling (RRR=1.52, 1.07 to 2.15), and lower in those who had a terrace/garden (RRR=0.66, 0.44 to 0.99) and owned a dog (RRR=0.32, 0.11 to 0.90).ConclusionsOnly one in 10 participants experienced the lockdown as very or extremely difficult. Specific interventions targeting vulnerability factors, such as fear of falling, could lessen the impact of any future similar situation.