bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperbolic metamaterial empowered controllable photonic Weyl nodal line semimetals
Authors: Hu Shengyu , Guo Zhiwei , Liu Wenwei , Chen Shuqi , Chen Hong
Published: March 2024

Motivated by unique topological semimetals in condensed matter physics, we propose an effective Hamiltonian with four degrees of freedom to describe evolutions of photonic double Weyl nodal line semimetals in one-dimensional hyper-crystals, which supports the energy bands translating or rotating independently in the form of Weyl quasiparticles. Especially, owing to the unit cells without inversion symmetry, a pair of reflection-phase singularities carrying opposite topological charges emerge near each nodal line, and result in a unique bilateral drumhead surface state. After reducing radiation leakages and absorption losses, these two singularities gather together gradually, and form a quasi-bound state in the continuum (quasi-BIC) ring at the nodal line ultimately. Our work not only reports the first realization of controllable photonics Weyl nodal line semimetals, establishes a bridge between two independent topological concepts−BICs and Weyl semimetals, but also heralds new possibilities for unconventional device applications, such as dual-mode schemes for highly sensitive sensing and switching.
The thylakoid proton antiporter KEA3 regulates photosynthesis in response to the chloroplast energy status
Authors: Uflewski Michał , Rindfleisch Tobias , Korkmaz Kübra , Tietz Enrico , Mielke Sarah , Correa Galvis Viviana , Dünschede Beatrix , Luzarowski Marcin , Skirycz Aleksandra , Schwarzländer Markus , Strand Deserah D. , Hertle Alexander P. , Schünemann Danja , Walther Dirk , Thalhammer Anja , Wolff Martin , Armbruster Ute
Published: March 2024

Plant photosynthesis contains two functional modules, the light-driven reactions in the thylakoid membrane and the carbon-fixing reactions in the chloroplast stroma. In nature, light availability for photosynthesis often undergoes massive and rapid fluctuations. Efficient and productive use of such variable light supply requires an instant crosstalk and rapid synchronization of both functional modules. Here, we show that this communication involves the stromal exposed C-terminus of the thylakoid K+-exchange antiporter KEA3, which regulates the ΔpH across the thylakoid membrane and therefore pH-dependent photoprotection. By combining in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches, we demonstrate that the KEA3 C-terminus senses the energy state of the chloroplast in a pH-dependent manner and regulates transport activity in response. Together our data pinpoint a regulatory feedback loop by which the stromal energy state orchestrates light capture and photoprotection via multi-level regulation of KEA3.
Genetic associations of protein-coding variants in venous thromboembolism
Authors: He Xiao-Yu , Wu Bang-Sheng , Yang Liu , Guo Yu , Deng Yue-Ting , Li Ze-Yu , Fei Chen-Jie , Liu Wei-Shi , Ge Yi-Jun , Kang Jujiao , Feng Jianfeng , Cheng Wei , Dong Qiang , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: April 2024

Previous genetic studies of venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been largely limited to common variants, leaving the genetic determinants relatively incomplete. We performed an exome-wide association study of VTE among 14,723 cases and 334,315 controls. Fourteen known and four novel genes (SRSF6, PHPT1, CGN, and MAP3K2) were identified through protein-coding variants, with broad replication in the FinnGen cohort. Most genes we discovered exhibited the potential to predict future VTE events in longitudinal analysis. Notably, we provide evidence for the additive contribution of rare coding variants to known genome-wide polygenic risk in shaping VTE risk. The identified genes were enriched in pathways affecting coagulation and platelet activation, along with liver-specific expression. The pleiotropic effects of these genes indicated the potential involvement of coagulation factors, blood cell traits, liver function, and immunometabolic processes in VTE pathogenesis. In conclusion, our study unveils the valuable contribution of protein-coding variants in VTE etiology and sheds new light on its risk stratification.
Carbon redirection via tunable Fenton-like reactions under nanoconfinement toward sustainable water treatment
Authors: Gao Xiang , Yang Zhichao , Zhang Wen , Pan Bingcai
Published: April 2024

The ongoing pattern shift in water treatment from pollution control to energy recovery challenges the energy-intensive chemical oxidation processes that have been developed for over a century. Redirecting the pathways of carbon evolution from molecular fragmentation to polymerization is critical for energy harvesting during chemical oxidation, yet the regulation means remain to be exploited. Herein, by confining the widely-studied oxidation system—Mn3O4 catalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate—inside amorphous carbon nanotubes (ACNTs), we demonstrate that the pathways of contaminant conversion can be readily modulated by spatial nanoconfinement. Reducing the pore size of ACNTs from 120 to 20 nm monotonously improves the pathway selectivity toward oligomers, with the yield one order of magnitude higher under 20-nm nanoconfinement than in bulk. The interactions of Mn3O4 with ACNTs, reactant enrichment, and pH lowering under nanoconfinement are evidenced to collectively account for the enhanced selectivity toward polymerization. This work provides an adaptive paradigm for carbon redirection in a variety of catalytic oxidation processes toward energy harvesting and sustainable water purification.
A multimodal driver monitoring benchmark dataset for driver modeling in assisted driving automation
Authors: Dargahi Nobari Khazar , Bertram Torsten
Published: March 2024

In driver monitoring various data types are collected from drivers and used for interpreting, modeling, and predicting driver behavior, and designing interactions. Aim of this contribution is to introduce manD 1.0, a multimodal dataset that can be used as a benchmark for driver monitoring in the context of automated driving. manD is the short form of human dimension in automated driving. manD 1.0 refers to a dataset that contains data from multiple driver monitoring sensors collected from 50 participants, gender-balanced, aged between 21 to 65 years. They drove through five different driving scenarios in a static driving simulator under controlled laboratory conditions. The automation level (SAE International, Standard J3016) ranged from SAE L0 (no automation, manual) to SAE L3 (conditional automation, temporal). To capture data reflecting various mental and physical states of the subjects, the scenarios encompassed a range of distinct driving events and conditions. manD 1.0 includes environmental data such as traffic and weather conditions, vehicle data like the SAE level and driving parameters, and driver state that covers physiology, body movements, activities, gaze, and facial information, all synchronized. This dataset supports applications like data-driven modeling, prediction of driver reactions, crafting of interaction strategies, and research into motion sickness.
A fair bed allocation during COVID-19 pandemic using TOPSIS technique based on correlation coefficient for interval-valued pythagorean fuzzy hypersoft set
Authors: Zulqarnain Rana Muhammad , Ma Wen-Xiu , Siddique Imran , Ahmad Hijaz , Askar Sameh
Published: April 2024

The relationship between two variables is an essential factor in statistics, and the accuracy of the results depends on the data collected. However, the data collected for statistical analysis can be unclear and difficult to interpret. One way to predict how one variable will change about another is by using the correlation coefficient (CC), but this method is not commonly used in interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy hypersoft set (IVPFHSS). The IVPFHSS is a more advanced and generalized form of the Pythagorean fuzzy hypersoft set (PFHSS), which allows for more precise and accurate analysis. In this research, we introduce the correlation coefficient (CC) and weighted correlation coefficient (WCC) for IVPFHSS and their essential properties. To demonstrate the applicability of these measures, we use the COVID-19 pandemic as an example and establish a prioritization technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) model. The technique is used to study the problem of optimizing the allocation of hospital beds during the pandemic. This study provides insights into the importance of utilizing correlation measures for decision-making in uncertain and complex situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a robust multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methodology with significant importance. Subsequently, it is planned to increase a dynamic bed allocation algorithm based on biogeography to accomplish the superlative decision-making system. Moreover, numerical investigations deliberate the best decision structures and deliver sensitivity analyses. The efficiency of our encouraged algorithm is more consistent than prevalent models, and it can effectively control and determine the optimal configurations for the study.
Information heterogeneity between progress notes by physicians and nurses for inpatients with digestive system diseases
Authors: Mashima Yukinori , Tanigawa Masatoshi , Yokoi Hideto
Published: April 2024

This study focused on the heterogeneity in progress notes written by physicians or nurses. A total of 806 days of progress notes written by physicians or nurses from 83 randomly selected patients hospitalized in the Gastroenterology Department at Kagawa University Hospital from January to December 2021 were analyzed. We extracted symptoms as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Chapter 18 (R00–R99, hereinafter R codes) from each progress note using MedNER-J natural language processing software and counted the days one or more symptoms were extracted to calculate the extraction rate. The R-code extraction rate was significantly higher from progress notes by nurses than by physicians (physicians 68.5% vs. nurses 75.2%; p = 0.00112), regardless of specialty. By contrast, the R-code subcategory R10–R19 for digestive system symptoms (44.2 vs. 37.5%, respectively; p = 0.00299) and many chapters of ICD codes for disease names, as represented by Chapter 11 K00–K93 (68.4 vs. 30.9%, respectively; p < 0.001), were frequently extracted from the progress notes by physicians, reflecting their specialty. We believe that understanding the information heterogeneity of medical documents, which can be the basis of medical artificial intelligence, is crucial, and this study is a pioneering step in that direction.
Aspirin/amoxicillin loaded chitosan microparticles and polydopamine modified titanium implants to combat infections and promote osteogenesis
Authors: Shi Yun , Lai Yongzhen , Guo Yan , Cai Zhiyu , Mao Chuanqing , Lu Meng , Ren Chengyan , Ong Joo L. , Chen Weihui
Published: April 2024

It is known that titanium (Ti) implant surfaces exhibit poor antibacterial properties and osteogenesis. In this study, chitosan particles loaded with aspirin, amoxicillin or aspirin + amoxicillin were synthesized and coated onto implant surfaces. In addition to analysing the surface characteristics of the modified Ti surfaces, the effects of the modified Ti surfaces on the adhesion and viability of rat bone marrow-derived stem cells (rBMSCs) were evaluated. The metabolic activities of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) biofilms on the modified Ti surfaces were also measured in vitro. Moreover, S. aureus was tested for its antibacterial effect by coating it in vivo. Using water as the droplet medium, the contact angles of the modified Ti surfaces increased from 44.12 ± 1.75° to 58.37 ± 4.15°. In comparison to those of the other groups tested, significant increases in rBMSC adhesion and proliferation were observed in the presence of aspirin + amoxicillin-loaded microspheres, whereas a significant reduction in the metabolic level of biofilms was observed in the presence of aspirin + amoxicillin-loaded microspheres both in vitro and in vivo. Aspirin and amoxicillin could be used in combination to coat implant surfaces to mitigate bacterial activities and promote osteogenesis.
Image convolution techniques integrated with YOLOv3 algorithm in motion object data filtering and detection
Authors: Cheng Mai , Liu Mengyuan
Published: April 2024

In order to address the challenges of identifying, detecting, and tracking moving objects in video surveillance, this paper emphasizes image-based dynamic entity detection. It delves into the complexities of numerous moving objects, dense targets, and intricate backgrounds. Leveraging the You Only Look Once (YOLOv3) algorithm framework, this paper proposes improvements in image segmentation and data filtering to address these challenges. These enhancements form a novel multi-object detection algorithm based on an improved YOLOv3 framework, specifically designed for video applications. Experimental validation demonstrates the feasibility of this algorithm, with success rates exceeding 60% for videos such as “jogging”, “subway”, “video 1”, and “video 2”. Notably, the detection success rates for “jogging” and “video 1” consistently surpass 80%, indicating outstanding detection performance. Although the accuracy slightly decreases for “Bolt” and “Walking2”, success rates still hover around 70%. Comparative analysis with other algorithms reveals that this method’s tracking accuracy surpasses that of particle filters, Discriminative Scale Space Tracker (DSST), and Scale Adaptive Multiple Features (SAMF) algorithms, with an accuracy of 0.822. This indicates superior overall performance in target tracking. Therefore, the improved YOLOv3-based multi-object detection and tracking algorithm demonstrates robust filtering and detection capabilities in noise-resistant experiments, making it highly suitable for various detection tasks in practical applications. It can address inherent limitations such as missed detections, false positives, and imprecise localization. These improvements significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of target detection, providing valuable insights for researchers in the field of object detection, tracking, and recognition in video surveillance.
Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation versus surgical sympathectomy in palmar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Zhong Yiyue , Zhu Yanwen , Li Jiayan , Yang Xiaowei , Feng Zhiying , Liu Haipeng , Liang Zhu , Lin Baoquan , Liu Zhifeng , Wang Xin , Luo Weibin , Zhu Jian , Li Bin , Lai Shangdao , Jiang Weize , Wu Jiayuan , Li Daheng , Zhang Liangqing , Huang Bing , Tang Jing
Published: April 2024

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) comparative efficacy of treatments using video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathectomy (VATS) in the long term remains uncertain in patients with palmar hyperhidrosis (PHH). This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of RFA and VATS in patients with PHH. We recruited patients aged ≥ 14 years with diagnosed PHH from 14 centres in China. The treatment options of RFA or VATS were assigned to two cohort in patients with PHH. The primary outcome was the efficacy at 1-year. A total of 807 patients were enrolled. After propensity score matching, the rate of complete remission was lower in RFA group than VATS group (95% CI 0.21–0.57; p < 0.001). However, the rates of palmar dryness (95% CI 0.38–0.92; p = 0.020), postoperative pain (95% CI 0.13–0.33; p < 0.001), and surgery-related complications (95% CI 0.19–0.85; p = 0.020) were lower in RFA group than in VATS group, but skin temperature rise was more common in RFA group (95% CI 1.84–3.58; p < 0.001). RFA had a lower success rate than VATS for the complete remission of PHH. However, the symptom burden and cost are lower in patients undergoing RFA compared to those undergoing VATS.

Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000039576, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.
A methodology for image-based measurement of plate movement in disengaged wet clutches
Authors: Pointner-Gabriel Lukas , Flamm Simon , Schneider Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: April 2024

The drag loss behavior of a disengaged wet clutch is influenced, among other things, by the movement of the plates. Therefore, knowledge about the plate movement is essential for investigating and optimizing the drag loss behavior. This paper presents a methodology for image-based measurement of plate movement in disengaged wet clutches. A drag torque test rig is equipped with a camera to create the image series. The oil displacement from the measuring zone is crucial to obtain permanent optical access to the clutch pack. The rough plate positions are determined by segmentation using thresholding and template matching. Using the Canny edge detector significantly improves the accuracy of the position evaluation. The plate positions are finally converted into a metric unit based on the real plate thicknesses. The clearances are calculated from the determined positions of two adjacent plates. In the ideal case, an evaluation accuracy in the range of a few micrometers can be achieved. The image evaluation methodology is universally applicable to different clutch sizes, friction systems, plate types, and plate numbers. The methodology enables researchers to generate fundamental knowledge and derive design guidelines based on this, for example. In the development phase, it can also be used to optimize the design and operating parameters.
Dynamics of the time-fractional reaction–diffusion coupled equations in biological and chemical processes
Authors: Ghafoor Abdul , Fiaz Muhammad , Hussain Manzoor , Ullah Asad , Ismail Emad A. A. , Awwad Fuad A.
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to demonstrate a numerical strategy via finite difference formulations for time fractional reaction–diffusion models which are ubiquitous in chemical and biological phenomena. The time-fractional derivative is considered in the Caputo sense for both linear and nonlinear problems. First, the Caputo derivative is replaced with a quadrature formula, then an implicit method is used for the remaining part. In the linear case, the proposed strategy reduces the time fractional models into linear simultaneous equations. In nonlinear cases, Quasilinearization is utilized to tackle the nonlinear parts. With this strategy, solutions of the fractional system transform into linear algebraic systems which are easy to solve. Next, the Von Neumann method is implemented to examine the stability of the scheme which discloses that the scheme is unconditionally stable. Further, the applicability of the presented scheme is tested with different linear and nonlinear models which include the one dimensional Schnakenberg and Gray–Scott models, and one and two dimensional Brusselator models. To analyze the accuracy of the present technique two norms namely, $$\mathbb {L}_{\infty }$$

L
∞

and $$\mathbb {L}_{2}$$

L
2

, and relative error are addressed. Moreover, the obtained outcomes are shown tabulated and graphically which identifies that the scheme properly works for the time fractional reaction–diffusion systems.
Speeding up the classical simulation of Gaussian boson sampling with limited connectivity
Authors: Yang Tian-Yu , Wang Xiang-Bin
Published: April 2024

Gaussian boson sampling (GBS) plays a crucially important role in demonstrating quantum advantage. As a major imperfection, the limited connectivity of the linear optical network weakens the quantum advantage result in recent experiments. In this work, we introduce an enhanced classical algorithm for simulating GBS processes with limited connectivity. It computes the loop Hafnian of an$$n \times n$$n×nsymmetric matrix with bandwidthwin$$O(nw2^w)$$O(nw2w)time. It is better than the previous fastest algorithm which runs in$$O(nw^2 2^w)$$O(nw22w)time. This classical algorithm is helpful on clarifying how limited connectivity affects the computational complexity of GBS and tightening the boundary for achieving quantum advantage in the GBS problem.
Contrasting responses of Thermocyclops crassus and T. oithonoides (Crustacea, Copepoda) to thermal stress
Authors: Nowakowski Kacper , Sługocki Łukasz
Published: April 2024

Thermal tolerance is a critical factor influencing the survival of living organisms. This study focuses on the thermal resistance of copepod species, Thermocyclops crassus (Fischer, 1853) and T. oithonoides (Sars G.O., 1863), with overlapping distribution ranges in Europe. Short-term heat shock experiments were conducted to assess the thermal resistance of these copepods, considering various temperature increments and exposure durations. Additionally, the study explored the influence of heat shock on egg sac shedding, a vital indicator of population dynamics. Results indicate that widely distributed T. crassus exhibits higher thermal tolerance compared to narrowly distributed T. oithonoides, with survival rates varying under different heat shock conditions. Furthermore, T. crassus demonstrated a quicker response in dropping egg sacs in response to thermal stress, suggesting a potential adaptive mechanism for the survival of adults. However, rapid egg sac droppings pose high risks for eggs facing unfavorable conditions. T. crassus, inhabiting environments with greater temperature fluctuations such as the littoral and pelagial zones, exhibited better survival mechanisms compared to T. oithonoides, which predominantly resides in the pelagic zone. The findings have implications for understanding copepod responses to global warming and thermal pollution. This research contributes insights into the adaptive strategies of thermophilic copepod species and their ecological consequences.
In vivo evaluation of safety and performance of a tapered nitinol venous stent with inclined proximal end in an ovine iliac venous model
Authors: Wu Zhongjian , Zhou Zhengtong , Bian Chunjing , Guo Lianrui , Tong Zhu , Guo Jianming , Qi Lixing , Cui Shijun , Zhang Chengchao , Chen Yilong , Huang Wei , Gu Yongquan
Published: April 2024

A tapered stent with inclined proximal end is designed for fitting the iliac anatomically. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the new stent in ovine left iliac veins. The experiment was performed in 30 adult sheep, and one nitinol-based VENA-BT® iliac venous stent (KYD stent) was implanted into each animal’s left common iliac vein. Follow-up in all sheep consisted of angiographic, macroscopic, and microscopic examinations at Day 0 (< 24 h), Day 30, Day 90, Day 180 and Day 360 post-stenting (six animals per each time-point). 30 healthy ~ 50 kg sheep were included in this study and randomly divided into five groups according to the follow-up timepoint. All stents were implanted successfully into the left ovine common iliac vein. No significant migration occurred at follow-up. There is no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05), indicating no serious lumen loss occurred during the follow-up period. Common iliac venous pressure was further measured and the results further indicated the lumen patency at follow-up. Histological examinations indicated that no vessel injury and wall rupture, stent damage, and luminal thrombus occurred. There was moderate inflammatory cell infiltration around the stent in Day-0 and Day-30 groups with the average inflammation score of 2.278 and 2.167, respectively. The inflammatory reaction was significantly reduced in Day-90, Day-180 and Day-360 groups and the average inflammation scores were 0.9444 (p < 0.001, Day-90 vs Day-0), 1.167 (p < 0.001, Day-180 vs Day-0) and 0.667 (p < 0.001, Day-90 vs Day-0), respectively. The microscopic examinations found that the stents were well covered by endothelial cells in all follow-up time points. The results suggested that the KYD stent is feasible and safe in animal model. Future clinical studies may be required to further evaluate its safety and efficacy.
LncRNA GAS5 restrains ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis by modulating mir-217 regulation of SIRT1
Authors: Zhang Yan-hong , Sun Ting-ting , Liu Zhen-hua , Li Xu , Fan Xiao-Fang , Han Li-ping
Published: April 2024

Considering the effect of SIRT1 on improving myocardial fibrosis and GAS5 inhibiting occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis at the cellular level, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether LncRNA GAS5 could attenuate cardiac fibrosis through regulating mir-217/SIRT1, and whether the NLRP3 inflammasome activation was involved in this process. Isoprenaline (ISO) was given subcutaneously to the male C57BL/6 mice to induce myocardial fibrosis and the AAV9 vectors were randomly injected into the left ventricle of each mouse to overexpress GAS5. Primary myocardial fibroblasts (MCFs) derived from neonatal C57BL/6 mice and TGF-β1 were used to induce fibrosis. And the GAS5 overexpressed MCFs were treated with mir-217 mimics and mir-217 inhibitor respectively. Then the assays of expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1β and SIRT1 were conducted. The findings indicated that the overexpression of GAS5 reduced the expression levels of collagen, NLRP3, Capase-1, IL-1β and SIRT1 in ISO treated mice and TGF-β1 treated MCFs. However, this effect was significantly weakened after mir-217 overexpression, but was further enhanced after knockdown of mir-217. mir-217 down-regulates the expression of SIRT1, leading to increased activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent pyroptosis. LncRNA GAS5 alleviates cardiac fibrosis induced via regulating mir-217/SIRT1 pathway.
Machine learning-based survival prediction nomogram for postoperative parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Huang Zongwei , Chen Zihan , Li Ying , Lin Ting , Cai Sunqin , Wu Wenxi , Wu Lishui , Xu Siqi , Lu Jun , Qiu Sufang
Published: April 2024

Parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma (P-MEC) is a significant histopathological subtype of salivary gland cancer with inherent heterogeneity and complexity. Existing clinical models inadequately offer personalized treatment options for patients. In response, we assessed the efficacy of four machine learning algorithms vis-à-vis traditional analysis in forecasting the overall survival (OS) of P-MEC patients. Using the SEER database, we analyzed data from 882 postoperative P-MEC patients (stages I–IVA). Single-factor Cox regression and four machine learning techniques (random forest, LASSO, XGBoost, best subset regression) were employed for variable selection. The optimal model was derived via stepwise backward regression, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), and Area Under the Curve (AUC). Bootstrap resampling facilitated internal validation, while prediction accuracy was gauged through C-index, time-dependent ROC curve, and calibration curve. The model’s clinical relevance was ascertained using decision curve analysis (DCA). The study found 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS rates of 0.887, 0.841, and 0.753, respectively. XGBoost, BSR, and LASSO stood out in predictive efficacy, identifying seven key prognostic factors including age, pathological grade, T stage, N stage, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and marital status. A subsequent nomogram revealed a C-index of 0.8499 (3-year), 0.8557 (5-year), and 0.8375 (10-year) and AUC values of 0.8670, 0.8879, and 0.8767, respectively. The model also highlighted the clinical significance of postoperative radiotherapy across varying risk levels. Our prognostic model, grounded in machine learning, surpasses traditional models in prediction and offer superior visualization of variable importance.
Competitive adsorption of CO2, N2, and CH4 in coal-derived asphaltenes, a computational study
Authors: Valadi Farshad Mirzaee , Pasandideh-Nadamani Mohammad , Rezaee Mozafar , Torrik Abdolhalim , Mirzaie Mohammad , Torkian Ayoob
Published: April 2024

Greenhouse gases are major contributors to global warming, and their concentration is increasing due to the widespread use of fossil fuels. Coal bed methane (CBM) offers a potential solution to this issue. However, the gas adsorption mechanisms of CBM, particularly in the context of coal-derived asphaltenes, are not fully understood. This study provides a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the competitive adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO$$_2$$

2

), methane (CH$$_4$$

4

), and nitrogen (N$$_2$$

2

) in the processes of CO$$_2$$

2

- and N$$_2$$

2

-enhanced coalbed methane recovery, with a focus on coal-derived asphaltenes functionalized with CH$$_4$$

4

, NH, O, and S groups. Using the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation method and performing Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, we studied the adsorption process. To investigate the electronic effects and nature of the interactions, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption energy values and non-covalent interactions (NCI) for the adsorption of gases signify the physical adsorption (van der Waals interaction), with CO$$_2$$

2

exhibiting the highest (absolute) adsorption energy. The Monte Carlo results indicated that elevated temperatures led to a reduction in adsorption capacity. Coal-derived asphaltenes demonstrated greater selectivity for CO$$_2$$

2

compared to CH$$_4$$

4

and N$$_2$$

2

in competitive adsorption, especially at elevated temperatures. Our findings highlight the significant potential of our asphaltene model, not only in mitigating CO$$_2$$

2

greenhouse gas emissions but also in recovering CH$$_4$$

4

, which is a valuable resource.
Neonatal intestinal mucus barrier changes in response to maturity, inflammation, and sodium decanoate supplementation
Authors: Mortensen Janni Støvring , Bohr Søren S.-R. , Krog Lasse Skjoldborg , Bøtker Johan Peter , Kapousidou Vaya , Saaby Lasse , Hatzakis Nikos S. , Mørck Nielsen Hanne , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Rønholt Stine
Published: April 2024

The integrity of the intestinal mucus barrier is crucial for human health, as it serves as the body's first line of defense against pathogens. However, postnatal development of the mucus barrier and interactions between maturity and its ability to adapt to external challenges in neonatal infants remain unclear. In this study, we unveil a distinct developmental trajectory of the mucus barrier in preterm piglets, leading to enhanced mucus microstructure and reduced mucus diffusivity compared to term piglets. Notably, we found that necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with increased mucus diffusivity of our large pathogen model compound, establishing a direct link between the NEC condition and the mucus barrier. Furthermore, we observed that addition of sodium decanoate had varying effects on mucus diffusivity depending on maturity and health state of the piglets. These findings demonstrate that regulatory mechanisms governing the neonatal mucosal barrier are highly complex and are influenced by age, maturity, and health conditions. Therefore, our results highlight the need for specific therapeutic strategies tailored to each neonatal period to ensure optimal gut health.
Effect of hydroxychloroquine blood concentration on the efficacy and ocular toxicity of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu Peng-Cheng , Luo Shui-Lin , Lv Meng-Na , Wang Yan , Li Jian-Bin , Yu Shu-Jiao , Wu Rui
Published: April 2024

In the absence of evidence-based guidance on the impact of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blood concentration on efficacy and ocular toxicity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the clinical monitoring of HCQ blood concentration is not yet widely performed, which raised concerns about the necessity of conducting HCQ blood concentration monitoring. In this retrospective study, we consecutively enrolled 135 patients with SLE who received HCQ treatment for more than 6 months from July 2022 to December 2022. Ocular toxicity was evaluated by collecting relevant retinal parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and relevant clinical parameters. HCQ blood concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the cumulative dose of HCQ was positively correlated with the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) perimeter and FAZ area (r = 0.734, P < 0.001; r = 0.784, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the treatment duration of HCQ was positively correlated with FAZ perimeter and FAZ area (r = 0.761, P < 0.001; r = 0.882, P < 0.001). The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that HCQ blood concentration was associated with the disease activity of patients with SLE (odds ratio 0.994, 95% CI 0.990–0.999). HCQ blood concentration may be an important factor in assessing the therapeutic effectiveness of SLE patients. The HCQ-related ocular toxicity was a long-term effect related to long term exposure, rather than the blood concentration of HCQ at the time of testing. More importantly, when addressing HCQ-related ocular toxicity, it may be crucial to pay attention to the cumulative dose and treatment duration of HCQ.
Analysis of post-market adverse events of istradefylline: a real-world study base on FAERS database
Authors: Jiang Ying , Lu Rongrong , Zhou Qin , Shen Yuan , Zhu Haohao
Published: April 2024

Analyze the adverse event (AE) signals of istradefylline based on the FAERS database. By extracting large-scale data from the FAERS database, this study used various signal quantification techniques such as ROR, PRR, BCPNN, and MGPS to calculate and evaluate the ratio and association between istradefylline and specific AEs. In the FAERS database, this study extracted data from the third quarter of 2019 to the first quarter of 2023, totaling 6,749,750 AE reports. After data cleansing and drug screening, a total of 3633 AE reports related to istradefylline were included for analysis. Based on four calculation methods, this study unearthed 25 System Organ Class (SOC) AE signals and 82 potential preferred terms (PTs) related to istradefylline. The analysis revealed new AEs during istradefylline treatment, including reports of Parkinsonism hyperpyrexia syndrome (n = 3, ROR 178.70, PRR 178.63, IC 1.97, EBGM 165.63), Compulsions (n = 5, ROR 130.12, PRR 130.04, IC 2.53, EBGM 123.02), Deep brain stimulation (n = 10, ROR 114.42, PRR 114.27, IC 3.33, EBGM 108.83), and Freezing phenomenon (n = 60, ROR 97.52, PRR 96.76, IC 5.21, EBGM 92.83). This study provides new risk signals and important insights into the use of istradefylline, but further research and validation are needed, especially for those AE that may occur in actual usage scenarios but are not yet explicitly described in the instructions.
Intensity-tunable achromatic cascade liquid crystal Pancharatnam-Berry lens
Authors: Mo Zhichang , Zhao Yuanan , Wang Jianguo , Liu Xiaofeng , Cheng Changjie , Chen Yi , Zhu Xiangyu , Zhao Yadi , Wang Kun , Ou Shaozhong , Zhang Zhouhao , Cao Zhaoliang , Cao Qing , Shao Jianda
Published: April 2024

In the current solution for multiwavelength achromatic flat lenses, a one-to-one correspondence exists between the number of writing phase distributions and the number of achromatic wavelengths. Breaking this correspondence requires a complex phase design and parameter optimization. Here, we show that a dual-layer cascade liquid crystal Pancharatnam-Berry lens (CLCPBL) with two writing phase distributions and a specific coupled phase distribution between the layers can achieve three wavelength achromaticity without any parameter optimization process. Similarly, in a three-layer cascade, the number of achromatic wavelengths increases to seven through the permutations of the layers, with adjustable amplitude factors. We fabricate a three-layer CLCPBL with the design wavelengths of 396.8 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm, which theoretically allows the light at 632.8, 532.8, 3383 and 450 nm to form a common focus, and test such structure. Our CLCPBL enables a wider range of applications than conventional achromatic flat lenses.
Sulfide saturation and resorption modulates sulfur and metal availability during the 2014–15 Holuhraun eruption, Iceland
Authors: Nicholson Emma J. , Wieser Penny E. , Hartley Margaret E. , Jenner Frances E. , Kunz Barbara E. , Ilyinskaya Evgenia , Thordarson Thorvaldur , Edmonds Marie
Published: March 2024

Mafic magmas may experience multiple stages of sulfide saturation and resorption during ascent and differentiation. Quenched tephra erupted during the 2014–15 Holuhraun eruption preserve abundant evidence for sulfide resorption, offering a rare opportunity to explore the sulfide life cycle from nucleation to resorption. Specifically, we combine detailed textural and chemical analyses of sulfides and silicate melts with geochemical models of sulfide saturation and degassing. This integrative approach demonstrates that sulfides began nucleating in melts with ~8 wt% MgO, persisted during fractionation to 6.5 wt% MgO, before resorbing heterogeneously in response to sulfur degassing. Sulfides are preserved preferentially in confined geometries within and between crystals, suggesting that kinetic effects impeded sulfur loss from the melt and maintained local sulfide saturation on eruption. The proportion of sulfides exhibiting breakdown textures increases throughout the eruption, coincident with decreasing magma discharge, indicating that sulfide resorption and degassing are kinetically limited. Sulfides likely modulate the emission of sulfur and chalcophile elements to the atmosphere and surface environment, with implications for assessing the environmental impacts and societal hazards of basaltic fissure eruptions.
An efficient electrochemical sensor based on the Ce-MOF/g-C3N5 composite for the detection of nitrofurazone
Authors: Gu Jianxia , Jia Yiqiong , Jin Zhanbin , Wei Tingting , Li Yongxia
Published: April 2024

The Ce-MOF/g-C3N5 composite was first constructed using a simple reflux method in an oil bath, and the electrochemical sensor fabricated based on this composite shows excellent detection performance in nitrofurazone detection in practical samples.
New iodate fluoride Rb2Ce(IO3)5F with nonlinear optical properties
Authors: Grigorieva Oksana P. , Shatalova Tatiana B. , Kuznetsov Alexey N. , Berdonosov Peter S. , Stefanovich Sergey Yu. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Dolgikh Valery A.
Published: April 2024

New noncentrosymmetric cerium(iv) iodate fluoride Rb2Ce(IO3)5F was prepared employing a hydrothermal technique.
Reversible solid bromine complexation into Ti3C2Tx MXene carriers: a highly active electrode for bromine-based flow batteries with ultralow self-discharge
Authors: Tang Luyin , Li Tianyu , Lu Wenjing , Li Xianfeng
Published: April 2024

The robust and reversible solid bromine complexation effect was incorporated into electrodes, endowing bromine-based flow batteries with ultralow self-discharge.
Photocatalytic activity of dual defect modified graphitic carbon nitride is robust to tautomerism: machine learning assisted ab initio quantum dynamics
Authors: Agrawal Sraddha , Wang Bipeng , Wu Yifan , Casanova David , Prezhdo Oleg V.
Published: April 2024

Transformations between multiple tautomeric forms of defective graphitic carbon nitride occur on nanosecond timescales, but these transformations have little influence on charge carrier lifetimes.
Catalytic asymmetric construction of helicenes via transformation of biaryls
Authors: Fan Peiling , Li Lun , Qian Deyun
Published: April 2024

Chiral helicenes can be built by catalytic asymmetric transformation of pre-existing, easily accessible biaryl precursors using conceptually novel strategies such as olefin metathesis, alkyne hydroarylation, C–X coupling, and C–H functionalization.
Self-assembled poly[2]catenanes based on non-covalent and dynamic covalent bonds
Authors: Li Jinsa , Hu Ziqing , Xu Shaoyu , Quan Xinyi , Ji Xiaofan
Published: April 2024

We report totally self-assembled poly[2]catenanes from M1 and M2 based on non-covalent and dynamic covalent bonds. M1 first self-assembled into SPs. Then, the addition of M2 induced dynamic covalent assembly with SPs to form poly[2]catenanes.
Nanosheet floral clusters of Fe-doped Co3O4 for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Congcong , Yang Yu , Li Songjun , Zhu Maiyong
Published: April 2024

A straightforward hydrothermal process followed by thermal treatment is developed for constructing Fe-doped Co3O4 nanosheet floral clusters, which exhibit excellent electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrodes.
Robust vibrational coherence protected by a core–shell structure in silver nanoclusters
Authors: Kong Jie , Kuang Zhuoran , Zhang Wei , Song Yongbo , Yao Guo , Zhang Chunfeng , Wang He , Luo Yi , Zhou Meng
Published: April 2024

Ultrafast spectroscopy proves that a core–shell structure can protect the vibrational coherence in silver nanoclusters.
Seeing is believing: what is on the surface of silver nanocrystals suspended in their original reaction solution
Authors: Huang Qijia , Qin Dong , Xia Younan
Published: April 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering was used to resolve the chemical species, including chloride ions, on the surface of Ag nanocrystals in their original reaction solution, avoiding changes to the surface while eliminating possible artifacts.
Multiple physical crosslinked highly adhesive and conductive hydrogels for human motion and electrophysiological signal monitoring
Authors: Wu Qirui , Chen Anbang , Xu Yidan , Han Songjiu , Zhang Jiayu , Chen Yujia , Hang Jianren , Yang Xiaoxiang , Guan Lunhui
Published: April 2024

Ionic conducting hydrogel (ICHgel) was synthesized by doping fumed SiO2, which exhibited superior stretchability, conductivity, and adhesiveness, making it a promising bridge for effective communication between electronic devices and human tissues.
A Preliminary Study of Voluntary Cough Motor Performance and Learning With Skill Training and Biofeedback
Authors: Borders James C. , Lowell Emilie R. , Huber Jessica E. , Quinn Lori , Michelle S. Troche
Published: April 2024

Purpose:

Sensorimotor cough skill training (CST) has been shown to improve cough strength, as well as facilitate changes during training (i.e., motor performance) and generalization to untrained tasks (i.e., motor learning). However, there is a gap in our understanding of the effects of voluntary CST (without sensory stimuli) on motor performance and learning. Furthermore, the contribution of physiologic factors, such as lung volume, a driver of cough strength in healthy adults, and treatment-specific factors, such as biofeedback, remains unexamined.

Method:

Twenty individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) completed pre- and post-CST single voluntary, sequential voluntary, and reflex cough testing. Participants were randomized to
biofeedback
or
no biofeedback
groups. They completed one CST session involving 25 trials of voluntary coughs, with the treatment target set 25% above baseline peak flow. Participants were instructed to “cough hard” to exceed the target. In the

biofeedback group, participants received direct visualization of the target line in real time.

Results:

Cough peak flow showed positive improvements in motor performance (β = .02; 95% credible interval [CI]: 0.01, 0.03) and learning (β = .26; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.47). Changes in lung volume from pre- to post-CST did not predict treatment response. No differences in treatment response were detected between the biofeedback groups.

Conclusions:

A single session of voluntary CST improved voluntary cough motor performance and learning. Although lung volume increased during CST, changes to lung volume did not predict treatment response. These findings demonstrate the potential of voluntary CST to improve motor performance and motor learning among individuals with PD and cough dysfunction.

Supplemental Material and Open Science Form:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25447444
Elite‐guided equilibrium optimiser based on information enhancement: Algorithm and mobile edge computing applications
Authors: Wang Zong‐Shan , Li Shi‐Jin , Ding Hong‐Wei , Dhiman Gaurav , Hou Peng , Li Ai‐Shan , Hu Peng , Yang Zhi‐Jun , Wang Jie
Published: April 2024

The Equilibrium Optimiser (EO) has been demonstrated to be one of the metaheuristic algorithms that can effectively solve global optimisation problems. Balancing the paradox between exploration and exploitation operations while enhancing the ability to jump out of the local optimum are two key points to be addressed in EO research. To alleviate these limitations, an EO variant named adaptive elite‐guided Equilibrium Optimiser (AEEO) is introduced. Specifically, the adaptive elite‐guided search mechanism enhances the balance between exploration and exploitation. The modified mutualism phase reinforces the information interaction among particles and local optima avoidance. The cooperation of these two mechanisms boosts the overall performance of the basic EO. The AEEO is subjected to competitive experiments with state‐of‐the‐art algorithms and modified algorithms on 23 classical benchmark functions and IEE CEC 2017 function test suite. Experimental results demonstrate that AEEO outperforms several well‐performing EO variants, DE variants, PSO variants, SSA variants, and GWO variants in terms of convergence speed and accuracy. In addition, the AEEO algorithm is used for the edge server (ES) placement problem in mobile edge computing (MEC) environments. The experimental results show that the author’s approach outperforms the representative approaches compared in terms of access latency and deployment cost.
Lexicon‐based fine‐tuning of multilingual language models for low‐resource language sentiment analysis
Authors: Dhananjaya Vinura , Ranathunga Surangika , Jayasena Sanath
Published: April 2024

Pre‐trained multilingual language models (PMLMs) such as mBERT and XLM‐R have shown good cross‐lingual transferability. However, they are not specifically trained to capture cross‐lingual signals concerning sentiment words. This poses a disadvantage for low‐resource languages (LRLs) that are under‐represented in these models. To better fine‐tune these models for sentiment classification in LRLs, a novel intermediate task fine‐tuning (ITFT) technique based on a sentiment lexicon of a high‐resource language (HRL) is introduced. The authors experiment with LRLs Sinhala, Tamil and Bengali for a 3‐class sentiment classification task and show that this method outperforms vanilla fine‐tuning of the PMLM. It also outperforms or is on‐par with basic ITFT that relies on an HRL sentiment classification dataset.
Pruning‐guided feature distillation for an efficient transformer‐based pose estimation model
Authors: Kim Dong‐hwi , Lee Dong‐hun , Kim Aro , Jeong Jinwoo , Lee Jong Taek , Kim Sungjei , Park Sang‐hyo
Published: April 2024

The authors propose a compression strategy for a 3D human pose estimation model based on a transformer which yields high accuracy but increases the model size. This approach involves a pruning‐guided determination of the search range to achieve lightweight pose estimation under limited training time and to identify the optimal model size. In addition, the authors propose a transformer‐based feature distillation (TFD) method, which efficiently exploits the pose estimation model in terms of both model size and accuracy by leveraging transformer architecture characteristics. Pruning‐guided TFD is the first approach for 3D human pose estimation that employs transformer architecture. The proposed approach was tested on various extensive data sets, and the results show that it can reduce the model size by 30% compared to the state‐of‐the‐art while ensuring high accuracy.