bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
M-plane GaN terahertz quantum cascade laser structure design and doping effect for resonant-phonon and phonon-scattering-injection schemes
Authors: Ye Fan , Wang Yiyang , Wang Li , Lin Tse-Tung , Zeng Fantai , Ji Yue , Zhang Jinchuan , Liu Fengqi , Zheng Youdou , Hirayama Hideki , Zhang Rong , Shi Yi , Wang Ke 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Non-equilibrium Green’s function method has been employed to solve carrier distribution, current density and gain properties for non-polar m-plane GaN terahertz quantum cascade laser (THz-QCL) structures. One is traditional three-wells resonant-phonon (RP) design scheme. The other is two-wells phonon scattering injection (PSI) design scheme. The peak gain of 41.8 and 44.2 cm-1 have been obtained at 8.2 and 7.7 THz respectively at 300 K according to the self-consistent calculation. Different from the usual GaAs two-wells design, the upper and lower lasing levels are both ground states in the GaN quantum wells for the PSI scheme, mitigating the severe broadening effect for the excited states in GaN. To guide the fabrication of such devices, the doping effect on the peak gain has been analyzed. The two designs have demonstrated distinct doping density dependence and it is mainly attributed to the very different doping dependent broadening behaviors. The results reveal the possibility of GaN based THz-QCL lasing at room temperature.
Innovation in an Aging Economy
Authors: Lehr Nils Haakon 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The US and other developed nations have experienced two concurrent phenomena over the previous two decades: Slow productivity growth and rapid workforce aging. In this paper I argue that both phenomena are linked through a demand channel. Following an instrumental variable strategy I provide evidence for a causal link between workforce aging and lower innovation. I then investigate the mechanisms leveraging export data and find that commuting zones exposed to aging international demand reduce their innovation activities. Jointly this evidence suggests that demand for innovation is a key channel linking workforce aging to lower innovation.
Reconnection of infinitely thin antiparallel vortices and coherent structures
Authors: Iakunin Sergei , Vega Luis 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
One of the characteristic features of turbulent flows is the emergence of many vortices which interact, deform, and intersect, generating chaotic movement. The evolution of a pair of vortices, e.g. condensation trails of a plane, can be considered as a basic element of a turbulent flow. This simple example nevertheless demonstrates very rich behavior which still lacks a complete explanation. We present a new model describing these phenomena based on the approximation of an infinitely thin vortex, which allows us to focus on the chaotic movement of the vortex center line. The main advantage of the developed model consists in the ability to go beyond the reconnection time and to see the coherent structures. They turn to be very reminiscent to the ones obtained from the local induction approximation applied to a polygonal vortex. It can be considered as an evidence that a pair of vortices creates a corner singularity in the reconnection point.
A Ductile Seismic Design Strategy for the Cross-aisle Direction of Racking Systems
Authors: Tsarpalis Dimitrios , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Natali Agnese , Morelli Francesco , Delladonna Filippo , Vantusso Emanuele 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Due to their lightness and simple connectivity, steel racking systems are typically considered as “low-dissipative” structures, which is reflected in the modern seismic codes by the absence of capacity design and the adoption of low behaviour factors. This limited capability of stress redistribution significantly increases the vulnerability of racks under beyond-design seismic hazards and raises the demand for more resilient designs. Along these lines, the proposed Plastic Ovalization Strategy (POS) attempts to increase the ductility of the individual upright frames comprising the cross-aisle direction of racks, and at the same time to preserve their low-cost and easy-to-assemble nature. This is achieved by tasking the bearing failure mechanism of the diagonal bolt hole to absorb seismic deformations, while capacity design is employed to keep the rest of the structure in the elastic zone. Following a detailed discussion on the motives and basic principles of the strategy, two high-rise racking systems are designed twice by professional engineers, once using standard approaches and then by additionally employing the proposed POS rules. Finally, the two design solutions are compared by conducting a comprehensive seismic assessment, which employs a phenomenological macro-model comprising elastic elements and nonlinear springs to simulate the bearing failure mechanism.
Present and Future of the South Asian Summer Monsoon’s Rainy Season over Northeast India
Authors: Goswami B.N. , saha Prolay , Mahanta Rahul 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
An iconic aspect of the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR), a rainy season that lasts longer than June to September over Northeast India (NEI) and considerably shorter over Northwest India, is expected to be significantly altered by climate change. The lack of a physically based objective definition of the monsoon rainy season over the NEI introduces significant uncertainty in impact assessment, variability, and predictability studies of ISMR. Here, we objectively define the ‘Length of the Rainy Season’ (LRS) for NEI and show that the El Nino and Southern Oscillation is a primary drivers of LRS over NEI. In contrast to a significant decreasing trend of LRS and LRS-rainfall during the historical period over NEI, the projected LRS under SSP5-8.5 continues to decrease while the LRS rainfall acquires a significant increasing trend. Implications of the findings on variability and predictability of NEI-rainfall and in the context of large-scale ISMR are discussed.
Changes in Health Human Resources Allocation in Ethnic Areas of China Before and After Implementation of “Healthy China 2030” Strategy
Authors: Fan Hailong , Shi Junbao , Wang Yanan , Wang Bi-Yang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We analyze the changes in health human resources in ethnic areas of China before and after the implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” strategy and forecast its development trend to provide a basis and suggestions for optimizing the allocation of health human resources. Taking the release time of “Healthy China 2030” as a node, the Gini coefficient and agglomeration analysis method were used to measure the fair changes in health human resources allocation before and after the policy. GM(1,1) model was used to predict the development trend of health human resources in ethnic areas of China. Since the implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” strategy in 2016, the number of health human resources in ethnic areas in China has increased rapidly, with the number of medical technical personnel, licensed (assistant) doctors, and registered nurses per thousand population increasing by 24.08, 25.27 and 35. 74%, respectively. By the end of 2020, the Gini coefficient of various health human resources indicators in ethnic areas was < 0.2 (higher fairness), the HARD value of each index < 1 (lack of fairness), medical technical personnel's HARD/PAD > 1 (relatively fair), and license (assistant) doctors and registered nurses' HARD/PAD values < 1 (lack of fairness). The GM (1,1) model predicts that by 2030, the total number of medical technical personnel, licensed (assistant) doctors, and registered nurses in China's ethnic areas will increase to 1,446,346, 500,576, and 761,126 respectively. With the implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” strategy, the fairness of health human resources in ethnic areas of China has been improved, but the problem of insufficient allocation of health human resources according to geography and population still exists, and the improvement of fairness has encountered bottlenecks.
Lymphatic spread patterns in young vs. elderly stage III colon cancer patients
Authors: Jihyung Song , Kataoka Kozo , Inoue Manabu , Yamada Takeshi , Beppu Naohito , Kuriyama Sho , Suto Takeshi , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Sakura Yusuke , Kanazawa Akiyoshi , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Ceelen Wim , Ikeda Masataka 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: It currently remains unclear whether the anatomical pattern of lymph node (LN) spread differs between young (≤ 45 years, Y) and elderly (≥ 80 years, E) patients with stage III colon cancer (CC).Materials and Methods: Two groups of patients (Y and E) with stage III CC who underwent extensive (D3) lymphadenectomy at Japanese centers were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was the proportion of positive central LN. The planned sample size was at least 210 (Y) based on an expected value of 9.1% and threshold of 5%, and 230 (E) based on an expected value of 2% and threshold of 5%.Results: Two-hundred and ten Y patients and 348 E patients were identified and compared. The total number of LN harvested and the total number of invaded LN were significantly higher in group Y (median of 31.5 (3-151) vs. 21 (3-116), P < 0.001 and median of 3 (1–21) vs. 2 (1–25), P < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of positive central LN was higher in group Y than the prespecified threshold of 5% (9.52% (95% CI: 6.24–14.2%), p = 0.007); however it was similar to the threshold in group E (4.59% (95% CI:2.84–7.31%), p = 0.351). In multivariate models, central LN invasion was identified as a poor prognostic factor in group Y (HR3.66 (95% CI (1.29–8.87)), but not in group E (HR2.02 (0.95–4.27)).Conclusions: Young stage III colon cancer patients have a higher risk of central LN invasion, suggesting a more aggressive disease biology. The presence of central LN invasion is associated with a worse outcome.
Fertility behavior and self-rated health of migrant women of childbearing age——an analysis of moderating effects based on socioeconomic status
Authors: Yang Xue , Xie Lei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
As fertility rate continues to decline and negative population growth emerges, China has sequentially introduced encouraging fertility policies to raise fertility levels. The impact of fertility behaviors on women's health remains inconclusive. It is essential to explore further the correlation between fertility behaviors and the health status of 113 million migrant women of childbearing age in China.
Methods
Using a nationally representative dataset from the 2018 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), we examined the effects of fertility behaviors on the self-rated health of migrant women of childbearing age. An ordinary least squares regression model with moderating effects was used for the empirical study, and robustness tests were conducted based on the ordered probit model and propensity score matching to address endogeneity.
Results
The empirical results indicated that a rise in the number of children born significantly reduces the self-rated health of migrant women of childbearing age. An increase in years of schooling and household income can significantly mitigate the negative impact of childbearing behaviors on the health of migrant women. The robustness of the above results was validated through alternative models and propensity score matching (PSM) methods. The heterogeneity analysis revealed that fertility behavior exerts a negative impact on the health status of migrant women with rural household registration and on the health status of inter-provincial and inter-city migrant women. Further investigation found that the occurrence of childbirth during migration and an increase in the number of girls significantly negatively impacted the health status of migrant women. In contrast, the increase in the number of boys did not show a significant effect. Improving the health of migrant women of childbearing age significantly positively impacted their future childbearing intentions.
Conclusions
Migrant women of childbearing age bear the dual burden of migration and childbirth. Our findings showed the rise in the number of children born and the occurrence of childbirth during migration posed greater challenges to the health status of female migrants, particularly among those with lower socioeconomic status. Government and community efforts for enhancing health among migrant women of childbearing age are recommended.
Predicting high-risk pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension: An echocardiographic multiparameter scoring index
Authors: Zhai Yanan , Li Aili , Tao Xincao , Gao Qian , Xie Wanmu , Zhang Yu , Chen Aihong , Wang Chi , Lei Jieping , Zhai Zhenguo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background The risk stratification of pulmonary arterial hypertension proposed by the European Society of Cardiology /European Respiratory Society guidelines in 2015 and 2022 included two to three echocardiographic indicators. However, the specific value of echocardiography in risk stratification of pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (pcPH) has not been efficiently demonstrated. Given the complex geometry of the right ventricular (RV) and influencing factors of echocardiographic parameter, there is no single echocardiographic parameter that reliably informs about PH status. We hypothesize that a multi-parameter comprehensive index can more accurately evaluate the severity of the pcPH. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an echocardiographic risk score model to better assist clinical identifying high risk of pcPH during initial diagnosis and follow-up.Methods We studied 197 consecutive patients with pcPH. A multivariable echocardiographic model was constructed to predict the high risk of pcPH in the training set. Points were assigned to significant risk factors in the final model based on β-coefficients. We validated the model internally using bootstrapping.Results The echocardiographic score was constructed by multivariable logistic regression, which showed that pericardial effusion, right atrial (RA) area, RV outflow tract proximal diameter (RVOT-Prox), the velocity time integral of the right ventricular outflow tract (TVIRVOT) and S’ were predictors of high risk of pcPH. The area under curve (AUC) of the training set of the scoring model was 0.882 (95%CI: 0.809–0.956, p < 0.0001), and the AUC of the validation set was 0.884. A 10-point score risk score was generated, with scores ranging from 0 to 10 in the training cohort. The estimate risk of high risk of pcPH ranged from 25.1–94.6%.Conclusions The echocardiographic risk score using five echocardiographic parameters could be comprehensive and useful to predict the high risk of pcPH for initial assessment and follow-up.
Machine Learning Risk Estimation and Prediction of Death in Continuing Care Facilities using Administrative Data
Authors: Shahidi Faezehsadat , D’Souza Adam G. , Crocker Alysha , May Elissa Rennert , Faris Peter , Leal Jenine 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In this study, we aimed to identify the factors that were associated with mortality among continuing care residents in Alberta, during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Then, we examined pre-processing methods in terms of prediction performance. Finally, we developed several machine learning models and compared the results of these models in terms of performance. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all continuing care residents in Alberta, Canada, from March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021. We used a univariate and a multivariate logistic regression (LR) model to identify predictive factors of 60-day mortality by estimating odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% of a confidence interval. To determine the best sensitivity-specificity cut-off point, the Youden index was employed. We examined the pre-processing methods and then developed several machine learning models to acknowledge the best model regarding performance. In this cohort study, increased age, male sex, symptoms, previous admissions, and some specific comorbidities were associated with mortality. Machine learning and pre-processing approaches offer an assuring method for improving risk prediction for mortality, but more work is needed to show improvement beyond standard risk factors.
Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Involves in Ischemic Postconditioning Effect through Maintaining Depolarization of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Prevents Cell Death Caused by Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Injury in Mouse
Authors: Sasaki Hiromitsu , Nakagawa Ichiro , Furuta Takanori , Yokoyama Shohei , Morisaki Yudai , Saito Yasuhiko , Nakase Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Ischemic postconditioning (PostC) phenomenon is known as the neuroprotection against ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. One of the key processes in PostC is opening of mitochondrial ATP dependent potassium (mito-KATP) channel and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, which triggers the release of calcium ion from mitochondria through the low conductance opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is known as the highly sensitive transporter for uptake of Ca2+ inwardly existed on the inner mitochondrial membrane. Furthermore, it has attracted attention as a new target of treatments in disease such as neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and ischemic stroke. Thus, we considered that MCU may involve in PostC and trigger its mechanism. In this research, we used the whole-cell patch clamp technique to hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from C57BL mice and measured changes in spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs), intracellular Ca2+ concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) currents under the inhibition of MCU by Ruthenium red 265 (Ru265) in PostC. Inhibition of MCU increased sEPSCs occurrence (p = 0.008), NMDAR currents (p < 0.001), intracellular Ca2+ concentration (p < 0.001) and dead cells (p < 0.001) significantly after reperfusion, indicating the removal of the neuroprotective effects in PostC. Moreover, mitochondrial depolarization in PostC with Ru265 was gradually decreased after reperfusion (p < 0.001). These results suggest that MCU plays an important role in PostC by maintaining mitochondrial depolarization, which suppresses hyperactivation of NMDARs and prevents the elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration against I/R injury.
Could pre-laminectomy extension effectively prevent spinal cord injury due to spinal shortening after 3-column osteotomy?
Authors: Chen Yuyue , Yang Haozhi , Xie Ningling , Zhang Shuang , Zou Xiaobao , Deng Chenfu , Wang Binbin , Li Hengrui , Ma Xiangyang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the pre-laminectomy extension can effectively prevent spinal cord injury (SCI) due to spinal shortening after 3-column osteotomy in goat model.METHODS A total of twenty healthy goats were included and done with 3-column osteotomy of T13 and L1 under the somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring. The samples were divided into two groups. The first group with ten goats was the control group; the second group with ten goats (the pre-laminectomy extension group): a laminectomy extension was performed on 10 mm cranial to L2. The SSEP measured after 3-column osteotomy was set as the baseline, and the SSEP decreased by 50% from the baseline amplitude and/or delayed by 10% relative to the baseline peak latency was set as positive results, which indicated spinal cord injury. The vertebral column was gradually shortened until the SSEP monitoring just did not show a positive result. The height of the initial osteotomy gap (the distance from the lower endplate of T12 to the upper endplate of L2), the shortened distance (△H), the number of spinal cord angulated and the changed angle of the spinal cord (△α) were measured and recorded in each group. Neurologic function was evaluated by the Tarlov scores on day 2 postoperatively.RESULTS All the goats except one of the first group due to changes in the SSEP during the osteotomy were included and analyzed. In the first group, the height of the initial osteotomy segment and the safe shortening distances were 61.6 ± 2.6 mm and 35.2 ± 2.6 mm, respectively; the spinal cord of 5 goats was angulated (46.4 ± 6.6°), the other four goats were kinked and not angulated. In the second group, the height of the initial osteotomy segment and the safe shortening distances were 59.8 ± 1.5mm and 43.3 ± 1.2mm, respectively, and the spinal cord of ten goats were angulated (97.6 ± 7.2°). There was no significant difference in the height of the initial osteotomy segment between the two groups by using Independent-Samples T-Test, P = 0.095 (P > 0.05); there were significant difference in the safe shortening distance and the changed angle of the spinal cord between the two groups by using Independent-Samples T-Test (both △H and △α of P < 0.001), the difference between their mean were 8.1mm and 51.2°. Significant difference was found in the number of spinal cord angulation between the two groups through Fisher's exact test, P = 0.033 (bilateral).CONCLUSIONS After 3-column osteotomy, the pre-laminectomy extension can effectively prevent spinal cord injury in the process of spinal shortening by facilitating spinal cord angulation rather than spinal cord kinking and increasing the safe shortening distance.
Therapeutic targeting of chronic lymphocytic leukemia by silver nanoparticles
Authors: Adamo Francesco Maria , Barcelos Estevao Carlos Silva , Falco Filomena , Dorillo Erica , Rompietti Chiara , Sorcini Daniele , Stella Arianna , Papa Beatrice Del , Baldoni Stefano , Esposito Angela , Geraci Clelia , Arcaleni Roberta , Pennetta Chiara , Ragonese Francesco , Moretti Lorenzo , Mameli Mariagrazia , Ianni Mauro , Rosati Emanuela , Fioretti Bernard , Sportoletti Paolo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable disorder associated with alterations in several pathways essential for survival and proliferation. Despite the advances obtained in CLL therapy with the new target agents, in some cases relapses and resistances could occur making necessary the finding of new alternatives to manage CLL refractoriness. To provide new therapeutic strategies for CLL, we investigated the anti-leukemic activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), whose impact on CLL cells has been poorly explored.Methods We studied the action mechanisms of AgNPs in vitro by flow-cytometry and molecular analyses. To improve bioavailability of AgNPs, we generated AgNPs coated with the anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab (AgNPs@Rituximab) and carried out imaging-based approaches and in vivo experiments to evaluate specificity, drug uptake and efficacy.Results AgNPs reduced viability of CLL primary cells and HG-3 cell line by activating intrinsic apoptotic pathway characterized by Bax/Bcl-2 unbalance, caspase activation and PARP degradation. Early apoptotic events triggered by AgNPs included enhanced Ca2+ influx and ROS overproduction. AgNPs synergistically potentiated the cytotoxicity of Venetoclax, Ibrutinib and Bepridil. In vitro, AgNPs@Rituximab conjugates were rapidly internalized within CLL cells and in vivo, they strongly prolonged survival of CLL xenograft models compared to each unconjugated single agent.Conclusions AgNPs showed a strong anti-leukemic activity in CLL with the potential to clinical translation in combination with agents used in CLL. The increased specificity of AgNPs@Rituximab toward CLL cells could be relevant for overcoming in vivo AgNPs non-specific distribution and for increasing their efficacy.