bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Algorithm for Computing Entanglements in an Ensemble of Linear Polymers
Authors: Patel Pramod Kumar , Basu Sumit
Published: July 2024

The entanglement length plays a key role in deciding many important properties of thermoplastics. A number of computational techniques exist for the determination of entanglement length. In Ahmad et al.,[1] a method is proposed that treats a macromolecular chain as a 1D open curve and identifies entanglements by computing the linking number between two such interacting curves. If the curves wind around each other, a topological entanglement is detected. However, the entanglement length that is measured in experiments is assumed to be between rheological entanglements, which are clusters of such topological entanglements that collectively anchor the interacting chains strongly. In this article, the method of clustering topological entanglements into rheological ones is further elaborated and the robustness of the method is assessed. It is shown that this method estimates an entanglement length that depends on the forcefield chosen and is reasonably constant for chain lengths longer than the entanglement length. For shorter chain lengths, the method returns an infinite value of entanglement length indicating that the sample is unentangled. Moreover, in spite of using a geometry‐based algorithm for clustering topological entanglements, the estimated entanglement length retains known empirical connections with physical attributes associated with the ensemble.
What can we learn from nested IoT low‐cost sensor networks for air quality? A case study of PM2.5 in Birmingham, UK
Authors: Cowell Nicole , Baldo Clarissa , Chapman Lee , Bloss William , Zhong Jian
Published: July 2024

Low‐cost sensing and the Internet of Things (IoT), present new possibilities for unconventional monitoring of environmental parameters. This paper describes a series of intersecting networks of particulate matter sensors that were deployed across the Birmingham conurbation for a 12‐month period. The networks consisted of a combination of commercially available sensors and University developed sensors. Data from these networks were assimilated with data from a third‐party Zephyr deployment, along with the DEFRA AURN network, which was hosted on an open‐source online platform. This nesting of sensor networks allowed for new insights into sensor performance, including the accuracy of a large network to detect regional concentrations and the number of sensors needed for effective monitoring beyond indicative measurements. After comprehensive data validation steps, the sensors were shown to perform well during co‐location with reference instrumentation (exhibiting slopes of 0.74–1.3). The sensors demonstrated good capability of detecting temporal patterns of regional PM2.5 with the mean of the entire sensor network recording an annual mean PM2.5 concentration within 0.2 μgm−3 of the regulatory network annual mean observation. Network‐derived statistics for estimating urban background concentrations compared to a reference site increase in‐line with the number of sensors available, however when assessing this for near‐source concentrations the importance of sensor location rather than the number of sensors is highlighted. Overall, the network provided novel insights into local concentrations, detecting similar hotspots to those identified by a high‐resolution model. The increased spatial coverage afforded by the sensor network has the potential to support higher resolution evaluation of models and provide unprecedented spatial evidence for air pollution management interventions.
Ecophysiological responses of native and introduced coastal tree species parasitized by Cassytha filiformis in Brunei
Authors: Rosli Roshanizah , Tennakoon Kushan U. , Metali Faizah
Published: July 2024

Hemiparasitic Cassytha filiformis commonly infects native host (Dillenia suffruticosa and Melastoma malabathricum) and introduced host (Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium) species in threatened heath forests in Brunei. This study aims to investigate the impact of parasitism on the ecophysiology of these host species. This study addresses the research gap in understanding the ecophysiology of C. filiformis–host associations, particularly when native and introduced hosts were infected. We generated CO2 and light response curves to examine the effects of increasing CO2 and light levels of infected and uninfected hosts and examined gaseous exchange, mineral nutrients, and secondary bioactive compounds of host–parasite associations. Infected hosts were negatively impacted by C. filiformis as exhibited in the CO2 and light response curves, with C. filiformis–native host association performing better than introduced species. There were no significant differences in photosynthetic parameters between infected and uninfected hosts, except in D. suffruticosa. Certain nutrient contents showed significant differences, but total N, Ca, and K in uninfected hosts were similar to infected hosts. Total phenols and tannins were significantly higher in introduced hosts than native hosts. Our findings asserted that this hemiparasitic vine relies on both its photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient acquisition from its hosts. The parasitism did not significantly hinder the ecophysiological performance of infected hosts, suggesting a plausible co‐existence between the hosts and C. filiformis. This study provides essential ecophysiological information for future research on how C. filiformis can establish itself without negatively impacting the co‐habitating native hosts.
Influence of CMC, HPMC, and CNF on Performance of Corrugated Base Paper
Authors: Gao Lihong , Zhao Xinpeng , Zhou Qingbo , Li Huaying , Yu Haibin
Published: July 2024

This study aims to comprehensively examine the influence of three distinct additives, namely carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF), on the performance enhancement of corrugated base paper. For this purpose, steam‐exploded rice straw was treated with varying concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt%) of CMC, HPMC and CNF. Analysis of the rice straw pre and post expansion, as well as the modified corrugated base paper, was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), tensile performance testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that adding CMC, CNF, and HPMC to corrugated base paper significantly improved bonding between paper layers, particularly at 2 %, 6 %, and 8 % concentrations, respectively. This enhancement notably increased tensile strength and elastic modulus of the corrugated base paper. Tensile performance saw increases of 57.76 %, 59.01 %, and 60.25 %, while elastic modulus showed increments of 52.7 %, 9.4 %, and 136.69 %, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights for the preparation of corrugated base paper and highlight the potential of CMC, HPMC, and CNF in enhancing paper mechanical properties.
Synthesis, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Studies of New 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole Derivatives Linked to Benzoquinoline
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , El‐Sawy Eslam R. , Zidan T. A. , Abdel‐Rahman Adel A.‐H. , El‐Sayed Wael A. , Emam Dalia R.
Published: July 2024

A series of some new 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives was synthesized. Hydrazide derivative 4 was reacted with some sugar aldehydes to give the corresponding sugar hydrazones 5 a–c. Acetylation of 5 a–c with acetic anhydride in pyridine, managed the per‐O‐acetyl derivatives 6 a–c while refluxing in acetic anhydride gave the corresponding 1,3,4‐oxadiazolines 7 a–c. On the other hand, 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles 8 a,b, 9, 10, 12, 14, and 15 were synthesized via the reaction of 4 with different reagents including p‐chlorobenzoic acid, nicotinic acid, methyl iodide, morpholine, phenyl isothiocyanate, potassium iodide, chloroacetyl chloride, and phosphorus oxychloride, respectively. The new compounds were assessed for their anticancer and antioxidant activities. Compounds 8 a,b, 10, and 12–15 displayed the most antioxidant activity. In addition, compounds 8 a, 8 b, and 13 showed strong cytotoxic activity.
Simultaneous Removal of NOx and SO2 from Smelting Flue Gas Using Thermally Modified Copper Slag: Factor Optimization via Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Wang Xueqi , Li Kai , Wang Fei , Shi Lei , Bao Shuangyou , Bao Jiacheng , Sun Xin
Published: July 2024

In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the experimental factors influencing the simultaneous removal of NOx and SO2 in a spray tower wet scrubbing experiment. Thermally modified copper slag (CS‐CaO‐900) was prepared by heat treating the original copper slag. The performance of CS‐CaO‐900 in the synchronized removal of NOx and SO2 was then evaluated in an expanded experimental setup. Based on single‐factor experimental results, the Box‐Behnken design of RSM was used to optimize the reaction parameters in a two‐stage sequential reactor (bubbling reactor + spray tower). NOx removal efficiency was modeled as a function of reaction temperature, pH, and H2O2 concentration. Regression curves provided a visual representation of the interaction effects among these parameters on NOx removal efficiency in the thermally modified copper slag/H2O2 composite slurry. This study elucidates the characteristics of each parameter under wet scrubbing conditions and provides essential data for industrial applications.
Catalysts for Biomass Upgrading: Transforming 5‐Hydroxymethyl Furfural into 2,5‐Furan Dicarboxylic Acid for Fine Chemicals, Featuring Mil‐100(Fe) Mof as a Novel Catalyst
Authors: Manyepedza Thapelo , Makuve Nyasha
Published: July 2024

This review underscores the potential of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), exemplified by MIL‐100(Fe), as catalysts in the conversion of 5‐Hydroxymethyl Furfural to 2,5‐Furan Dicarboxylic Acid, which is crucial in bioplastics and value‐added chemical production. MOFs exhibit advantages, including recyclability, stability, and catalytic potential under mild conditions. Despite promising results, MOFs in this application are underexplored compared to traditional metal catalysts. Noble metal catalysts (Au, Pt, and Pd) face challenges such as cost and limited recyclability. Mechanistic studies favor the DFF route, highlighting the oxidation of HMF's hydroxyl group as predominant. Molecular oxygen proves effective for HMF to FDCA transformation, with gold‐based catalysts noted for selectivity. Ongoing industrial efforts by companies like Avantium indicate a shift towards sustainable alternatives. This review highlights research gaps concerning the necessity for custom Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF) catalysts in the transformation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The study recommends, among other things, 1) the adoption of base‐free conversion systems, 2) a focus on large‐scale FDCA manufacturing, prioritizing environmental sustainability despite prevailing cost challenges, and 3) fostering multidisciplinary collaboration. Utilizing advanced engineering software, such as ASPEN HYSYS, is proposed for optimizing these processes and paving the way for the successful industrialization of FDCA in the future.
Direct C−H Alkylation of Naphthoquinone with Acetone and 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds via Radical Cross Dehydrogenation Coupling
Authors: Ou Jiankang , Liu Haoyu , Fang Zeguo , Zhang Qian , Li Dong
Published: July 2024

A direct C−H alkylation of naphthoquinones with acetone and 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds was developed to construct C−C bonds of alkyl‐substituted naphthoquinone derivatives. It proceeded through an oxidative radical cross dehydrogenation coupling process under simple and mild conditions. This method provides a facile and efficient route for synthesis of functionalized naphthoquinones from readily available feedstocks.
The controllable of BODIPY dimers without installing blocking groups as both fluorescence and singlet oxygen generators
Authors: Cao Jianfang , Zhang Tianci , Chen Xinyu , Ma Xue , Fan Jiangli
Published: July 2024

We compared a range of BODIPY dimer derivatives without installing blocking groups by optimizing geometry structures and analyzing energies, frontier molecular orbitals, Chole&Cele map, electron density difference, spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) matrix and decay rate constants from excited states. The dihedral angles of the β‐β‐linked BODIPY dimer and the α‐α‐linked BODIPY dimer tend to flatten in the T1 state, which is detrimental to the occurrence of the intersystem crossing (ISC). Conversely, the dihedral angle of the meso‐β‐linked BODIPY dimer, the meso‐meso‐linked BODIPY dimer and α‐γ‐linked BODIPY dimer is within the range of 125°–143° in the T1 state, facilitating ISC and the generation of singlet oxygen. Notably, the transition from S1 to S0 involving lowest unoccupied molecular orbital to highest occupied molecular orbital with long‐wavelength emission and moderate oscillator strength underpins the remarkable long emission peaks observed experimentally for α‐γ‐linked BODIPY dimer. Moreover, the apparent SOC matrix enhances the ISC process, resulting in a respectable efficiency in generating singlet oxygen for this dimer. In meso‐β‐linked BODIPY, meso‐meso‐linked BODIPY, and α‐γ‐linked BODIPY, the S1→T1 process is characterized by a significant charge transfer, specifically transitioning from the 1CT state to the 3LE state, indicative of a spin‐orbit charge transfer ISC (SOCT‐ISC) mechanism. The ability to regulate the photosensitivity of BODIPY dimers by adjusting the dihedral angle between the two units in the T1 state unveils new avenues for designing high‐performance photosensitizers for both therapeutic and imaging applications.
Reliability design for bearing capacity of steel plate strengthened RC beams based on the improved design value method
Authors: Tong Yuting , Yao Jitao , Zhang Luyang
Published: July 2024

The partial factor method is widely employed as a design approach for structural reliability and serves as a crucial foundation for structural design codes. However, in practical applications, this method has gradually revealed shortcomings, such as issues with generality and insufficient precision in reliability control. In this article, an improved design value method for the bearing capacity design of steel plate strengthened RC beams was established. Additionally, considering the impact of the live‐to‐dead load effect ratio on the partial safety factor of resistance, a simplified expression for the ultimate limit state design of bearing capacity was proposed. The results show that the reliability index calculated using the partial factor method for the bearing capacity of steel plate strengthened RC beams has a significantly larger relative error. In contrast, the reliability indexes calculated based on the improved design value method are all greater than the target reliability index, ensuring the requirements of reliability design and providing a higher degree of precision in reliability control.
Kusturizatsia and Dolya: Business-makingscapes and Interethnic Patronage Networks in Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Ismailbekova Aksana
Published: July 2024

In this article, I investigate the multifaceted landscape of Kyrgyzstan’s business environment, exploring the strategies, ethics, and morality employed by businessmen in both the Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities. This exploration is set against the backdrop of Kyrgyzstan’s precarious political situation, drawing from extensive long-term research conducted in the region. But, in response to a weak rule of law and the forces of capitalism, new forms of informal practices emerged in Kyrgyzstan, given the country’s own unique circumstances. Kusturizatsia, literally translates as ‘vomiting’. Under this practice, corrupt individuals can repay a fraction of stolen proceeds to the state and then go about their business. The question remains, who knows where the money goes?
Women and Bazaars: Gendering Entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan
Authors: Yusupova Binazirbonu
Published: July 2024

Despite the developmentalist prediction that with growth bazaars will give way to modern firm-type marketplaces (Geertz in JAMA 68:28–32, 1978), bazaars continue to thrive and play an important role in the lives of Central Asian people. Sites of both rent extraction and economic survival, bazaars comprise around 90% of the retail sector in Uzbekistan (Otajonova in Itogi: kak pomenyalsya riteyl i chto s nim budet v 2022 godu. [Results: how retail has changed and what will happen to it in 2022]. Spot.uz. 2021). Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, bazaars emerged as crucial sources of employment, particularly amongst women facing limited economic opportunities in the post-Soviet era. The shift from a planned to a market economy, coupled with weakened legal frameworks and a frayed welfare system, drove women into bazaar trade. Whilst some regarded this shift as a tradition revived, others viewed it as a transgression of gender norms.

Whilst prior research on post-Soviet bazaars primarily focused on their institutional roles and functions, recent scholarship has shifted towards exploring the lived experiences of bazaar dwellers. Unfortunately, women’s voices often remain marginalised in these accounts. Drawing upon Scott’s concept of infrapolitics and Kandiyoti’s patriarchal bargain, I delve into the lived experiences of women traders in bazaars, showcasing the ways in which they challenge, renegotiate, and reconstruct prevailing patriarchal norms and gender roles. The bazaar, I argue, serves as a locus of gender norm contestation and norm building.
Introduction: Documenting Vietnam over the Long Twentieth Century—Becoming Modern, Going Global
Authors: Kelley Liam C. , Sasges Gerard
Published: July 2024

This chapter places the chapters in this volume in the context of the evolution of scholarship from Area Studies to Global Studies,and the accompanying transition from a nation-focused and language-based approach to a transnational perspective that leverages Western-language sources. Combining the best of both approaches, the authors in this volume emphasize the importance of language-based research while still remaining attentive to the global dimensions of the Vietnamese past.
Another Kind of Vietnamization: Language Policies in Higher Education in the Two Vietnams
Authors: Le Hieu Nam Trung
Published: July 2024

The reform and expansion of higher education was a priority for both of Vietnam’s postcolonial regimes, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) in the nation’s north and the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) in the south. “Vietnamization,” or the adoption of Vietnamese as the language of instruction, was seen as a central part of that reform. However, the two regimes pursued Vietnamization by different means and on different timelines. This chapter argues that the history of the Vietnamization of higher education reflects the different political systems of the two regimes. In the DRV, Vietnamization would be initiated by the central authorities and carried out by decree. By contrast, in the south Vietnamization was shaped by the efforts of individual educators and linguists, associations, and student participation. Exploring the process of Vietnamization thus sheds light on a crucial aspect of the process of decolonization and highlights the divergent paths to independence taken by the two Vietnams after 1945.
Not so Honest Relations: Top-Level Polish-Vietnamese Contacts 1965–1970
Authors: Słowiak Jarema
Published: July 2024

At the beginning of May 1970, the First Secretary of the Vietnamese Workers’ Party, Lê Duẩn, met in Warsaw with his Polish counterpart, Władysław Gomułka. During the meeting, numerous topics were discussed, including the American invasion of Cambodia, which had begun only a few days earlier. The meeting did not take place in a vacuum; it had been preceded by several visits to Warsaw by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thanh Nghị and was chiefly centered on Polish support for embattled North Vietnam. Gomułka’s meeting with Lê Duẩn and previous visits by Lê Thanh Nghị serve as an interesting case study that reveals the dynamics between smaller communist states, hidden from the outside world. While they showed outward unity and mutual support, there was a much more complex, and sometimes tense, relationship.
New Voices in a New World—Media Portrayal of the Experiences of German Reunification in 1990 by Vietnamese Contract Workers in East Germany
Authors: Behrens Julia L. , Okunew Nikolai
Published: July 2024

This paper uses media reports to explore how Vietnamese migrant workers in East Germany experienced German reunification. The article shines a spotlight on the kaleidoscopic meaning of this year, integrating the experiences of a neglected community into the historiography of 1990. By analyzing the radio program “Tiếng quê hương” (Voice of Home), a Vietnamese-language radio program, along with East German print media and TV reports, we show that displacement, citizenship, and democracy were topics of concern for Vietnamese labor migrants. For these workers, 1990 became a year of deep-rooted transformation characterized by insecurity and fear but also by agency. We furthermore show how reporting changed in 1990 as programs like Tiếng quê hương for the first time addressed issues of racial discrimination in East Germany.
Traumaassoziierte Gefäßverletzungen und deren gefäßchirurgische/interventionelle Rekonstruktionsmöglichkeiten
Authors: Barth U. , Piatek S. , Stojkova M. , Krause H. , Meyer F. , Halloul Z.
Published: July 2024

Ziel

Ziel der Arbeit ist die Darstellung der Diversität von Gefäßverletzungen in Bezug auf Gefäßsegmente bzw. Körperregionen, Unfallmechanismen und spezifische Patientenkonstellationen.

Methode

Es erfolgte eine repräsentative Fallsammlung(-serie).

Ergebnisse

Die Diagnostik von Gefäßverletzungen im Rahmen von Traumata und Frakturen beginnt mit einer gründlichen körperlichen Untersuchung. Zusätzlich sollten die von der Western Trauma Association präferierten harten und weichen Zeichen in die Entscheidung mit einbezogen werden. Die Ultraschall-Doppler-Untersuchung ist durch vergleichende Messungen das sicherste und schonendste nichtinvasive Untersuchungsverfahren beim Verdacht auf eine Gefäßverletzung. Die Stabilisierung einer Fraktur, ideal mittels Fixateur externe, sollte möglichst vor der Gefäßrekonstruktion erfolgen, es sei denn, dass massive Blutung, hypovolämischer Schock oder ein sich rasch ausbreitendes Hämatom eine sofortige Indikation zum Eingriff darstellen. Bei kindlichen suprakondylären Frakturen wird häufig eine Gefäßverletzung ohne relevante Ischämie beschrieben („pink pulseless hand“). Hier sollte zunächst die Reposition der Fraktur erfolgen, weil es häufig wieder zu einer Erholung des Pulses kommt. Aufgrund der zunehmenden Verfügbarkeit, der guten technischen Handhabung und der hohen technischen Erfolgsquote sowie des eher limitierten Interventionstraumas hat sich eine endovaskuläre Versorgung traumatisch bedingter Gefäßverletzungen weitgehend durchgesetzt. Traumatische Aortenrupturen sind mit einer hohen Mortalität bereits am Unfallort behaftet. Die schnelle endovaskuläre Versorgung mittels einer Stentprothese erhöht die Überlebenschancen des Verletzten deutlich.

Schlussfolgerung

Gefäßverletzungen im Zusammenhang mit Frakturen oder Mehrfachverletzungen erfordern ein interdisziplinäres Zusammenspiel der beteiligten Fachgebiete.
Baseline hepatobiliary MRI for predicting chemotherapeutic response and prognosis in initially unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Chen Yazheng , Lu Tao , Zhang Yongchang , Li Hang , Xu Jingxu , Li Mou
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of hepatobiliary MRI parameters as predictors of clinical response to chemotherapy in patients with initially unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM).

Methods

Eighty-five patients with initially unresectable CRLM were retrospectively enrolled from two hospitals and scanned using gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced MRI before treatment. Therapy response was evaluated based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1. Conventional parameters (i.e., signal intensity [SI]) and radiomics features of portal venous phase (PVP) and hepatobiliary phase (HBP) images were analyzed between the responders and non-responders. Next, the combined model was constructed, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was calculated. The relationship between the combined model and progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed using Cox regression.

Results

Of the 85 patients from two hospitals, 42 were in the response group, and 43 were in the non-response group. Upon conducting five-fold cross-validation, the normalized relative enhancement (NRE) of CRLM during the PVP yielded an AUC of 0.625. Additionally, a radiomics feature derived from the tumor area in the HBP achieved an AUC of 0.698, while a separate feature extracted from the peritumoral region in the HBP recorded an AUC of 0.709. The model that integrated these three features outperformed the individual features, achieving an AUC of 0.818. Furthermore, the combined model exhibited a significant correlation with PFS (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The combined model, based on baseline hepatobiliary MRI, aids in predicting chemotherapeutic response and PFS in patients with initially unresectable CRLM.
Liposomal irinotecan (HR070803) in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with advanced solid tumors: a phase 1b dose-escalation and expansion study
Authors: Ji Dongmei , Shen Weina , Li Ting , Wang Huan , Bai Jianling , Cao Junning , Hu Xichun
Published: July 2024

This phase 1b study aimed to evaluate the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of HR070803, a novel nanoliposomal formulation of irinotecan, in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in patients with pretreated advanced solid tumors. This study consisted of dose-escalation and expansion stages. Dose escalation was performed with a traditional 3 + 3 design; patients received intravenous infusion of HR070803 from 60 to 80 mg/m2, followed by leucovorin (200 mg/m2) and 5-fluorouracil (2000 mg/m2) every 2 weeks. In the expansion stage, patients received treatments at selected tolerable dose. Fifteen patients received treatments at 60 mg/m2 (n = 12) and 80 mg/m2 (n = 3). DLTs occurred in 2 patients at 80 mg/m2 (grade 2 neutropenia that resulted in a dose delay of ≥ 7 days, n = 1; grade 3 febrile neutropenia, n = 1). The MTD was determined to be 60 mg/m2. The most frequent HR070803related adverse events included anorexia, leukopenia, neutropenia, nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan, exhibited lower maximum plasma concentrations and a prolonged terminal half-life when irinotecan was administered via nanoliposome compared to conventional injection. Overall, 4 patients achieved a partial response (confirmed, n = 2), and 9 had stable disease. The MTD of HR070803 was 60 mg/m2 when infused with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin. Nanoliposomal encapsulation modified the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and SN-38. HR070803 with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin demonstrated a manageable safety profile and promising antitumor efficacy in advanced solid tumors.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05086848. Retrospectively registered on Oct. 12, 2021.
Comparison of clinical outcomes of a corneal wavefront- and topography-guided platforms for laser in situ keratomileusis on virgin eyes: an expanded cohort study
Authors: Li Li , Xiong Lu , Wang Zheng
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of myopiacorrected with corneal-wavefront-guided (CWG) laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with AMARIS 1050S (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH & Co. KG) and corneal-topography-guided (CTG) LASIK with WaveLight EX500 (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX).

Methods

In this prospective, pseudo-randomized expanded cohort study, a total of 266 patients were subjected to binocular LASIK surgery, either with WaveLight EX500 (WaveLight group) or Amaris 1050S (AMARIS group) platforms. Data related to right eyes were selected for analysis. Corneal higher-order aberration (HOA) was selected as the primary endpoint; while visual acuity and refraction were the secondary endpoints. All the endpoints were assessed at 3 months postoperatively.

Results

There were 134 eyes in the AMARIS group and 132 eyes in the WaveLight group. After 3 months of postoperative follow-up, spherical and coma aberrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the WaveLight group (spherical aberration: − 0.104 ± 0.199 µm; coma aberration: − 0.117 ± 0.202 µm) in comparison with the AMARIS group (spherical aberrations: 0.254 ± 0.146 µm; coma aberrations: 0.316 ± 0.297 µm). In the AMARIS group, 96.3% of the eyes achieved an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 while in the WaveLight group, 96.2% of the eyes achieved an UDVA of 20/20. Furthermore, the mean postoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) was − 0.02 ± 0.28 in the AMARIS group and − 0.05 ± 0.21 in the WaveLight group (P = 0.34).

Conclusions

Both WaveLight EX500 and Amaris 1050S LASIK showed excellent refractive and visual outcomes. In addition, the WaveLight group showed minimal spherical and coma aberrations when compared to the AMARIS group.
Predicting sit-to-stand motions with a deep reinforcement learning based controller under idealized exoskeleton assistance
Authors: Ratnakumar Neethan , Akbaş Kübra , Jones Rachel , You Zihang , Zhou Xianlian
Published: July 2024

Maintaining the capacity for sit-to-stand transitions is paramount for preserving functional independence and overall mobility in older adults and individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Lower limb exoskeletons have the potential to play a significant role in supporting this crucial ability. In this investigation, a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) based sit-to-stand (STS) controller is developed to study the biomechanics of STS under both exoskeleton assisted and unassisted scenarios. Three distinct conditions are explored: 1) Hip joint assistance (H-Exo), 2) Knee joint assistance (K-Exo), and 3) Hip-knee joint assistance (H+K-Exo). By utilizing a generic musculoskeletal model, the STS joint trajectories generated under these scenarios align with unassisted experimental observations. We observe substantial reductions in muscle activations during the STS cycle, with an average decrease of 68.63% and 73.23% in the primary hip extensor (gluteus maximus) and primary knee extensor (vasti) muscle activations, respectively, under H+K-Exo assistance compared to the unassisted STS scenario. However, the H-Exo and K-Exo scenarios reveal unexpected increases in muscle activations in the hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles, potentially indicating a compensatory mechanism for stability. In contrast, the combined H+K-Exo assistance demonstrates a noticeable reduction in the activation of these muscles. These findings underscore the potential of sit-to-stand assistance, particularly in the combined hip-knee exoskeleton scenario, and contribute valuable insights for the development of robust DRL-based controllers for assistive devices to improve functional outcomes.
The Impact of HCl on Alkali-Induced Corrosion of Stainless Steels/FeCrAl Alloy at 600 °C: The Story After Breakaway
Authors: Ssenteza Vicent , Jonsson Torbjörn , Nockert Johanna , Liske Jesper
Published: July 2024

The impact of Cl on alkali-induced high-temperature corrosion of stainless steels/FeCrAl alloys after breakaway oxidation was investigated in a simulated biomass- and waste-fired boiler environment at 600 °C. For this investigation, three alloys were exposed to low Cl load environment (H2O+KCl) and to high Cl load (H2O+KCl+HCl). Post-exposure analysis showed that the stainless steel SVM12 experiences fast oxidation and forms thick double-layered Fe-rich oxide scales. The corrosion attack is further accelerated with addition of HCl for this material with the effect being more pronounced in the inward-growing scale. The FeCrAl and FeCrNi alloys exhibit slower oxidation kinetics after the breakaway corrosion compared to SVM12 in the H2O+KCl exposure. Furthermore, in contrast with SVM12, the addition of HCl did not accelerate the corrosion attack on these alloys. It is argued that the properties of the secondary oxide layer formed after breakaway corrosion are important in the continued corrosion resistance against chlorine-induced corrosion attack. Especially, the Cr content in the inner scales is suggested to be important in corrosion mitigation.
“A dim recognition.” Religion as a font of psychological innovation
Authors: Mazur Lucas B.
Published: July 2024

While religion constituted one of the main topics of interest for early social scientists, faith traditions have silently slipped from this central role. When religion now appears in psychological research, it is usually relegated to the position of either the object of psychological investigation (which psychology purports to “explain”) or a static piece in the empirical puzzle (as one variable among many when explaining clinical or social outcomes). In either case, religion is generally no longer seen as an equal partner to the social sciences in our attempts to better understand of the human condition. However, there are and have been voices within psychology that see this as unnecessarily myopic. James Jackson Putnam (1846–1918), an early supporter of the emerging field of psychoanalysis, advocated that psychology take seriously philosophy, metaphysics, and religion. Putnam’s objections to the narrowing of our view of human life in the spirit of scientism fell largely on deaf ears, and his call for psychology to include that which lies beyond the walls of empirical naturalism and reductionism remains relevant today. In as far as theoretical innovation in psychology is more of a creative recognition than true scientific discovery, philosophy and religion constitute tremendously rich, and unfortunately underappreciated, fonts of inspiration. Putnam saw in religion the “dim recognition” of “the creative spirit of the universe.” We briefly reflect on the example of obsessive–compulsive disorder and the much older religious concept of scruples, including approaches to mindfulness. This example is suggestive of the richness of psychological insights to be found in religion.
C-phycocyanin reinforces autophagy to block pulmonary fibrogenesis by inhibiting lncIAPF biogenesis
Authors: Hu Wenjie , Wang Yujie , Yang Huiling , Zhang Leiming , Liu Bo , Ji Yunxia , Song Xiaodong , Lv Changjun , Zhang Songzi
Published: July 2024

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and irreversible progressive lung disease caused by various factors, such as age and environmental pollution. With countries stepping into an aging society and the seriousness of environmental pollution caused by global industrialization, the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis is annually increasing. However, no effective drug is available for pulmonary fibrosis treatment. C-phycocyanin (C-PC), extracted from blue-green algae, has good water solubility and antioxidation. This study elucidated that C-PC reinforces autophagy to block pulmonary fibrogenesis by inhibiting long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) biogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Cleavage under targets and release using nuclease (CUT & RUN)-PCR, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and nuclear–cytoplasmic separation experiments clarified that C-PC blocked the nuclear translocation of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) to prevent the binding between ATF3 and transcription factor Smad3, thereby hindering lncIAPF transcription. Human antigen R (HuR) truncation experiment and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) were then performed to identify the binding domain with lncIAPF in the 244–322 aa of HuR. lncIAPF exerted its profibrogenic function through the binding protein HuR, a negative regulator of autophagy. In summary, C-PC promoted autophagy via down-regulating the lncIAPF–HuR-mediated signal pathway to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis, showing its potential as a drug for treating pulmonary fibrosis. Exploring how C-PC interacts with biological molecules will help us understand the mechanism of this drug and provide valuable target genes to design new drugs.
Cardiogenic shock in takotsubo syndrome: etiology and treatment
Authors: Kato Ken , Di Vece Davide , Kitagawa Mari , Yamamoto Kayo , Aoki Shuhei , Goto Hiroki , Kitahara Hideki , Kobayashi Yoshio , Templin Christian
Published: July 2024

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) can mimic acute coronary syndrome despite being a distinct disease. While typically benign, TTS can lead to serious complications like cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock occurs in 1–20% of TTS cases. Various mechanisms can cause shock, including pump failure, right ventricular involvement, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and acute mitral regurgitation. Because treatment depends on the mechanism, early identification of the mechanism developing cardiogenic shock is essential for optimal treatment and improved outcomes in TTS patients with cardiogenic shock. This review summarizes current knowledge on causes and treatment of cardiogenic shock in patients with TTS.
Exposure to Synthetic Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Relation to Maternal and Fetal Sex Steroid Hormones: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hansel Megan C. , Rosenberg Abigail M. , Kinkade Carolyn W. , Capurro Camila , Rivera-Núñez Zorimar , Barrett Emily S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

Many synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment and highly detected among pregnant people. These chemicals may disrupt maternal and/or fetal sex steroid hormones, which are critical to pregnancy maintenance and fetal development. Here, we review the epidemiological literature examining prenatal exposure to common synthetic EDCs in relation to maternal and fetal sex steroid hormones.

Recent Findings

We performed a literature search using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Embase, ultimately identifying 29 articles for full review. Phenols, parabens, and persistent organic pollutants generally showed inverse associations with androgens, estrogens, and progesterone. Phthalates and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances tended to be inversely associated with progesterone, while evidence regarding androgens and estrogens was mixed. Inconsistent, but noteworthy, differences by fetal sex and timing of exposure/outcome were observed.

Overall, the literature suggests EDCs may disrupt maternal and fetal sex steroid activity, though findings are mixed. Given the pervasive, high-volume production of these synthetic chemicals and the critical functions sex steroid hormones play during gestation, additional research is warranted.
Effect of moisture content in polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) filament on 3D printed parts
Authors: Wang Zezheng , Chen Xiangxin , Chen Xiaolei , Liang Junjie , Zeng Da , Gan Yiliang
Published: July 2024

Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is a recently commonly used high-performance thermoplastic material with high heat resistance, high chemical resistance, high water resistance, and high wear resistance. Polyether-ether-ketone products with complex structures manufactured through the 3D printing process of fused filament fabrication (FFF) are emerging in the medical field. However, similar to other plastics, PEEK materials are also hygroscopic. This may have an impact on 3D printed products. The effect of storage time of filament on 3D printed PEEK products under specific temperature and humidity conditions has not been further explored. This study is mainly to explore the moisture absorption of PEEK filament for different storage time and the effect of moisture absorption on the performance of 3D printed PEEK products. The correlation between storage time and moisture absorption is verified by experiment. It is found that moisture will affect the surface quality of PEEK products. In addition, the mechanical test results show that the increase in the amount of water absorbed leads to the decrease of material properties, such as tensile strength, density, and hardness. Therefore, it is recommended to store unused or leftover PEEK filaments under vacuum drying conditions. For PEEK filaments that are being printed, it should be ensured to replace them every less than 24 h.
Multi-class Breast Cancer Classification Using CNN Features Hybridization
Authors: Chakravarthy Sannasi , Bharanidharan N. , Khan Surbhi Bhatia , Kumar V. Vinoth , Mahesh T. R. , Almusharraf Ahlam , Albalawi Eid
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer has become the leading cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide. The timely diagnosis of such cancer is always in demand among researchers. This research pours light on improving the design of computer-aided detection (CAD) for earlier breast cancer classification. Meanwhile, the design of CAD tools using deep learning is becoming popular and robust in biomedical classification systems. However, deep learning gives inadequate performance when used for multilabel classification problems, especially if the dataset has an uneven distribution of output targets. And this problem is prevalent in publicly available breast cancer datasets. To overcome this, the paper integrates the learning and discrimination ability of multiple convolution neural networks such as VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, and DenseNet121 architectures for breast cancer classification. Accordingly, the approach of fusion of hybrid deep features (FHDF) is proposed to capture more potential information and attain improved classification performance. This way, the research utilizes digital mammogram images for earlier breast tumor detection. The proposed approach is evaluated on three public breast cancer datasets: mammographic image analysis society (MIAS), curated breast imaging subset of digital database for screening mammography (CBIS-DDSM), and INbreast databases. The attained results are then compared with base convolutional neural networks (CNN) architectures and the late fusion approach. For MIAS, CBIS-DDSM, and INbreast datasets, the proposed FHDF approach provides maximum performance of 98.706%, 97.734%, and 98.834% of accuracy in classifying three classes of breast cancer severities.
CLESR: Context-Based Label Knowledge Enhanced Span Recognition for Named Entity Recognition
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Wei , Pan Shuai
Published: July 2024

Named entity recognition (NER) stands as a pivotal task in natural language processing, bearing profound implications for diverse downstream applications. Recent scholarship underscores the substantial performance gains attainable by integrating label knowledge into token representations, effectively treating named entity recognition as a machine reading comprehension task. Nevertheless, extant methodologies often inadequately leverage the potential of label knowledge. In response to this limitation, we introduce the Context-based Label Knowledge Enhanced Span Recognition (CLESR) architecture, designed to augment label knowledge through the assimilation of contextual information. We formulate an annotation paradigm tailored to nested scenarios, concurrently training external context-based label knowledge using conventional word association learning algorithms. The ensuing context-based label knowledge is seamlessly integrated into the model via a dedicated label attention module, thereby fortifying label learning capabilities during training. To adeptly manage both flat and nested entities, we implement a global pointer as our decoding strategy, enabling direct predictions of the positions and corresponding categories of named entities. Rigorous experimentation across six widely recognized benchmarks substantiates the efficacy of CLESR in both flat and nested tasks. Impressively, our model achieves performance enhancements surpassing those of the baseline BERT-MRC model, with gains of + 0.29%, + 0.77%, + 0.39%, + 1.9%, and + 0.47% on English CoNLL2003, English OntoNotes 4.0, Chinese MSRA, English ACE2004, and English ACE2005, respectively.
Epidemiological Insights into Autoimmune Bullous Diseases in China: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Chen Zihua , Wang Lanting , Ma Li , Yang Fanping , Chen Shengan , Yang Jin , Gao Haiqing , Tang Chang , Zhao Ying , Zhang Zhen , Tang Lin , Xue Haiyu , Ying Jian , Xu Yu , Zhang Wenhong , Shao Lingyun , Liu Hanqiu , Luo Xiaoqun
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to conduct an extensive analysis of autoimmune bullous diseases, particularly pemphigus vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid, in Shanghai, China, from 2016 to 2023. It seeks to understand the demographic profiles, comorbidities, mortality rates, risk factors, and socioeconomic impacts associated with autoimmune bullous disease.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was employed, enrolling 1,072 patients. Diagnostic measures included clinical manifestations, histopathology, direct immunofluorescence, and serologic tests. The study also involved a detailed socioeconomic analysis and evaluation of occupational risks.

Results

The findings highlight a significant occupational risk in industries requiring enhanced safety measures, with a notable prevalence of autoimmune bullous disease among workers in these sectors. A considerable portion of the patients were from low-income backgrounds with limited literacy, indicating the economic burden of autoimmune bullous disease. A key discovery of the study is the potential pathological link between autoimmune bullous disease and interstitial lung disease.

Conclusion

This research, one of the first comprehensive studies on autoimmune bullous disease in China, underscores the need for targeted healthcare strategies and further investigation into autoimmune bullous disease, particularly its relationship with interstitial lung disease.
The work-lives of Canadian Registered Dietitians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive analysis of survey data
Authors: Hewko Sarah J. , Freeburn Julia
Published: July 2024

Background

Healthcare workers experienced significant disruptions to both their personal and professional lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. How healthcare workers were impacted varied, depending on area of specialization, work setting, and factors such as gender. Dietetics is a female-dominated profession and the differential impact on women of the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely reported. While researchers have explored Registered Dietitians’ (RDs) experiences during the pandemic, none have looked explicitly at their experiences of redeployment. The objectives of this study were to better understand: (i) the impact of COVID-19 (and related redeployments) on the work-lives of RDs, (ii) what types of COVID-19 related supports and training were made available to these RDs, and (iii) the impact of RD redeployment on access to RD services.

Methods

An online survey was administered in June 2022. Any RD that that was publicly-employed in Canada during the pandemic was eligible to participate. The survey included questions related to respondent demographics, professional details, redeployment and training. We conducted descriptive analyses on the quantitative data.

Results

The survey was completed by 205 eligible RDs. There were notable differences between public health and clinical RDs’ redeployment experiences. Only 17% of clinical RDs had been redeployed, compared to 88% of public health RDs. Public health RDs were redeployed for longer and were more likely to be redeployed to roles that did not required RD-specific knowledge or skills. The most commonly reported mandatory training was for proper use of personal protective equipment. The most commonly reported reasons for a lengthy absence from work were anxiety about contracting COVID-19, school closures and limited child care availability.

Conclusions

Public health RDs are at the forefront of campaigns to reduce the burden of chronic disease, improve health equity and enhance the sustainability of food systems. Close to 90% of these RDs were redeployed, with many seeing their typical work undone for many months. More research is needed to quantify the consequences of going without a public health nutrition workforce for an extended period of time and to understand the differential impact gender may have had on work experiences during the pandemic.