bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive modelling and identification of key risk factors for stroke using machine learning
Authors: Hassan Ahmad , Gulzar Ahmad Saima , Ullah Munir Ehsan , Ali Khan Imtiaz , Ramzan Naeem
Published: May 2024

Strokes are a leading global cause of mortality, underscoring the need for early detection and prevention strategies. However, addressing hidden risk factors and achieving accurate prediction become particularly challenging in the presence of imbalanced and missing data. This study encompasses three imputation techniques to deal with missing data. To tackle data imbalance, it employs the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE). The study initiates with a baseline model and subsequently employs an extensive range of advanced models. This study thoroughly evaluates the performance of these models by employing k-fold cross-validation on various imbalanced and balanced datasets. The findings reveal that age, body mass index (BMI), average glucose level, heart disease, hypertension, and marital status are the most influential features in predicting strokes. Furthermore, a Dense Stacking Ensemble (DSE) model is built upon previous advanced models after fine-tuning, with the best-performing model as a meta-classifier. The DSE model demonstrated over 96% accuracy across diverse datasets, with an AUC score of 83.94% on imbalanced imputed dataset and 98.92% on balanced one. This research underscores the remarkable performance of the DSE model, compared to the previous research on the same dataset. It highlights the model's potential for early stroke detection to improve patient outcomes.
Successful cultivation of edible fungi on textile waste offers a new avenue for bioremediation and potential food production
Authors: Hazelgrove Liberty , Moody Suzy Clare
Published: May 2024

Textile waste contains both natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo viscose, and synthetic fibres such as elastane and polyester. As a complex mixture, textiles present a challenging pollution issue as breakdown in landfill results in microplastics entering water and soil environments, and incineration results in particulate air pollution. Here the use of edible fungi as bioremediation agents of waste textiles is described for the first time. Three species of filamentous fungi were shown to colonise and grow on mixed fibre textile waste (underpants made from 28% cotton: 68% bamboo viscose: 4% elastane). All three fungi were able to metabolise the common textile dye Reactive Black 5 to some extent. The metabolome was captured to elucidate the dye remediation pathway utilized and to characterise the volatiles released during bioremediation with a view to assessing the safety profile of this process for future industrial applications. The results suggest that edible fungi may be cultivated on textiles, and that some interesting and useful compounds may be produced in the process. This has great biotechnological potential. No mushrooms were produced in this study, suggesting that further work will be needed to optimise conditions for crop production from waste textiles.
Association between serum cotinine and hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis in adolescent: a population-based study in the United States
Authors: She Dan , Jiang Shangming , Yuan Siqi
Published: May 2024

Tobacco exposure is known to be associated with a higher prevalence and incidence of liver diseases. Cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, is a typical indicator of tobacco exposure. However, the relationship of serum cotinine levels with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis remains controversial and these relationships need more research to explored in American teenagers. Cross-sectional data included 1433 participants aged 12–19 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2020 were thoroughly used for this study. The linear relationships between serum cotinine levels and the Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) were examined using multiple linear regression models. Subgroup analysis, interaction tests, and nonlinear interactions were also carried out. Serum cotinine levels > 2.99 ng/ml [β = 0.41 (0.07, 0.76), p = 0.018] and 0.05–2.99 ng/ml [β = 0.24 (0.00, 0.49), p = 0.048] showed a significant positive connection with LSM in multivariate linear regression analysis when compared to serum cotinine levels ≤ 0.05 ng/ml (p for trend = 0.006). Moreover, we discovered an inverted U-shaped association of log2-transformed cotinine with LSM with an inflection point of 4.53 using a two-stage linear regression model. However, according to multiple regression analysis, serum cotinine and CAP did not significantly correlate (p = 0.512). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that smoking cessation and keep away from secondhand smoking may beneficial for liver health in American teenagers.
Evolutionary trends in the elasmobranch neurocranium
Authors: Gayford Joel H. , Brazeau Martin D. , Naylor Gavin J. P.
Published: May 2024

The neurocranium (braincase) is one of the defining vertebrate characters. Housing the brain and other key sensory organs, articulating with the jaws and contributing to the shape of the anteriormost portion of the body, the braincase is undoubtedly of great functional importance. Through studying relationships between braincase shape and ecology we can gain an improved understanding of form-function relationships in extant and fossil taxa. Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) represent an important case study of vertebrate braincase diversity as their neurocranium is simplified and somewhat decoupled from other components of the cranium relative to other vertebrates. Little is known about the associations between ecology and braincase shape in this clade. In this study we report patterns of mosaic cranial evolution in Elasmobranchii that differ significantly from those present in other clades. The degree of evolutionary modularity also differs between Selachii and Batoidea. In both cases innovation in the jaw suspension appears to have driven shifts in patterns of integration and modularity, subsequently facilitating ecological diversification. Our results confirm the importance of water depth and biogeography as drivers of elasmobranch cranial diversity and indicate that skeletal articulation between the neurocranium and jaws represents a major constraint upon the evolution of braincase shape in vertebrates.
Performance and optimization study of selected 4-terminal tandem solar cells
Authors: shokrollahi Zeinab , Piralaee Mina , Asgari Asghar
Published: May 2024

Tandem solar cells owing to their layered structure in which each sub-cell utilizes a certain part of the solar spectrum with reduced thermal losses, are promising applicants to promote the power conversion efficiency beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells. This study delves into the performance and optimization of 4-terminal organic/silicon tandem solar cells through numerical simulations using SCAPS-1D software. The tandem architecture combining organic, perovskite, and silicon materials, shows potential in enhancing light absorption across the solar spectrum with complementary absorption spectra. Through innovative material exploration, optimization techniques are explored to advance the performance boundaries of organic/silicon tandem solar cells. The study employs the Beer–Lambert law to assess the impact of varied physical parameters on tandem solar cell efficiency, aiming to propose optimal configurations. Results indicate a maximum efficiency of 25.86% with P3HT:PC70BM organic active layer (150 nm thickness) and 36.8% with Cs2AgBi0.75Sb0.25Br6 active layer (400 nm thickness) in the studied 4-terminal tandem structures. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex physics of these tandem solar cells, for developing high-performance and commercially practical photovoltaic devices.
Exogenous melatonin prolongs raspberry postharvest life quality by increasing some antioxidant and enzyme activity and phytochemical contents
Authors: Rahmanzadeh-Ishkeh Shirin , Shirzad Habib , Tofighi Zahra , Fattahi Mohammad , Ghosta Youbert
Published: May 2024

There is a growing trend towards enhancing the post-harvest shelf life and maintaining the nutritional quality of horticultural products using eco-friendly methods. Raspberries are valued for their diverse array of phenolic compounds, which are key contributors to their health-promoting properties. However, raspberries are prone to a relatively short post-harvest lifespan. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of exogenous melatonin (MEL; 0, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 mM) on decay control and shelf-life extension. The results demonstrated that MEL treatment significantly reduced the fruit decay rate (P ≤ 0.01). Based on the findings, MEL treatment significantly increased titratable acidity (TA), total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC). Furthermore, the MEL-treated samples showed increased levels of rutin and quercetin content, as well as antioxidant activity as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reduction activity potential (FRAP). Additionally, the samples exhibited higher levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and catalase (CAT) enzymes compared to the control samples. Moreover, the levels of pH, total soluble solids (TSS), and IC50 were decreased in the MEL-treated samples (P ≤ 0.01). The highest amount of TA (0.619 g/100 ml juice), rutin (16.722 µg/ml juice) and quercetin (1.467 µg/ml juice), and PAL activity (225.696 nm/g FW/min) was observed at 0.001 mM treatment, while, the highest amount of TAC (227.235 mg Cy-g/100 ml juice) at a concentration of 0.01 mM and CAT (0.696 u/g FW) and TAL activities (9.553 nm/100 g FW) at a concentration of 0.1 mM were obtained. Considering the lack of significant differences in the effects of melatonin concentrations and the low dose of 0.001 mM, this concentration is recommended for further research. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) divided the treatments into three groups based on their characteristics. Based on the Pearson correlation between TPC, TFC, TAC, and TAA, a positive correlation was observed with antioxidant (DPPH and FRAP) and enzyme (PAL and CAT) activities. The results of this study have identified melatonin as an eco-friendly compound that enhances the shelf life of raspberry fruits by improving phenolic compounds, as well as antioxidant and enzyme activities.
Evaluating the associations between compliance with CKD guideline component metrics and renal outcomes
Authors: Nyma Zannatun , Kitaoka Kaori , Yano Yuichiro , Kanegae Hiroshi , Bayaraa Nomin , Kishi Seiji , Nagasu Hajime , Nakano Toshiaki , Wada Jun , Maruyama Shoichi , Nakagawa Naoki , Tamura Kouichi , Yokoo Takashi , Yanagita Motoko , Narita Ichiei , Yamagata Kunihiro , Wada Takashi , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Nakashima Naoki , Isaka Yoshitaka , Nangaku Masaomi , Kashihara Naoki , Okada Hirokazu ,   J-CKD-DB study collaborative, Terada Yoshio , Araki Shin-ichi , Emoto Masanori , Suzuki Yusuke , Ohe Kazuhiko , Okada Mihoko , Kanda Eiichiro , Kataoka Hiromi
Published: May 2024

Understanding the association between compliance to the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) guidelines in real-world clinical settings and renal outcomes remains a critical gap in knowledge. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using data from a national, multicenter CKD registry. This study included 4,455 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measurement on the index date and eight additional metrics recorded within six months. These metrics comprised serum electrolyte levels, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hemoglobin, and the use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors. The primary outcome was a composite of renal events, defined by a decline in eGFR to < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a reduction of ≥ 30% in eGFR, confirmed by follow-up tests. Over a median follow-up of 513 days, 838 renal events were observed. High serum potassium levels (> 5.4 mmol/L) were associated with increased event rates compared to lower levels. Similarly, low serum sodium-chloride levels (< 33) correlated with higher event rates. Usage of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, low serum calcium (< 8.4 mg/dL), and high uric acid levels (> 7.0 mg/dL) were also linked to increased events. Conversely, higher hemoglobin levels (≥ 13 g/dL) were associated with lower event rates. Compliance to guidelines, categorized into quartiles based on the number of met metrics, revealed a significantly reduced risk of events in the highest compliance group (meeting 8 metrics) compared to the lowest (0–5 metrics). Compliance to CKD guidelines in clinical practice is significantly associated with improved renal outcomes, emphasizing the need for guideline-concordant care in the management of CKD.
A person-centered approach to characterizing longitudinal ambulatory impairment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Briggs Farren B. S. , Gunzler Douglas D. , Gunzler Steven A.
Published: May 2024

Loss of ambulation is common and highly variable in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and poorly understood from the perspectives of those with PD. Gaining insights to the anticipated perceived trajectories and their drivers, will facilitate patient-centered care. Latent class growth analysis, a person-centered mixture modelling approach, was applied to 16,863 people with PD stratified by early (N = 8612; < 3 years), mid (N = 6181; 3–10 years) and later (N = 2070; > 10 years) disease to discern clusters with similar longitudinal patterns of self-reported walking difficulty, measured by EuroQoL 5D-5L that is validated for use in PD. There were four clusters in early and mid-disease strata, with a fifth identified in later disease. Trajectories ranged from none to moderate walking difficulty, with small clusters with severe problems. The percentage of subjects with moderate (early = 17.5%, mid = 26.4%, later = 32.5%) and severe (early = 3.8%, mid = 7.4%, later = 15.4%) walking difficulty at baseline increased across disease duration groups. The trajectories tended to be stable with variability in moderate and severe groups. Across strata, clusters with moderate to severe problems were associated with more severe impairment, depression, anxiety, arthritis, higher BMI, lower income, and lower education, but no consistent race or gender differences. The findings reveal distinct longitudinal patterns in perceived difficulties in walking in PD.
Effect of enzymatic modification on the structure and rheological properties of diluted alkali-soluble pectin fraction rich in RG-I
Authors: Kaczmarska Adrianna , Pieczywek Piotr M. , Cybulska Justyna , Zdunek Artur
Published: May 2024

This study focuses on pectin covalently linked in cell walls from two sources, apples and carrots, that was extracted using diluted alkali, and it describes changes in the rheological properties of diluted alkali-soluble pectin (DASP) due to enzymatic treatment. Given DASP’s richness of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), RG-I acetyl esterase (RGAE), rhamnogalacturonan endolyase (RGL), and arabinofuranosidase (ABF) were employed in various combinations for targeted degradation of RG-I pectin chains. Enzymatic degradations were followed by structural studies of pectin molecules using atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as measurements of rheological and spectral properties. AFM imaging revealed a significant increase in the length of branched molecules after incubation with ABF, suggesting that arabinose side chains limit RG-I aggregation. Structural modifications were confirmed by changes in the intensity of bands in the pectin fingerprint and anomeric region on Fourier transform infrared spectra. ABF treatment led to a decrease in the stability of pectic gels, while the simultaneous use of ABF, RGAE, and RGL enzymes did not increase the degree of aggregation compared to the control sample. These findings suggest that the association of pectin chains within the DASP fraction may rely significantly on intermolecular interactions. Two mechanisms are proposed, which involve side chains as short-range attachment points or an extended linear homogalacturonan conformation favoring inter-chain interactions over self-association.
Study on the mechanism of methane “solid–liquid–gas” conversion controlled by the evolution of coal micro- and nanopore structure
Authors: Sui Hao , Li Xijian , Cai Junjie , Deng Sen , Xu Enyu , Xue Feng , Xie Honggao
Published: May 2024

Currently, the utilization of coalbed methane resources in the Guizhou region faces challenges such as complex reservoir structure, high gas content, and microporous development. Based on these, the pore structure and adsorption capacity of Guizhou tectonic deformed coals (TDCs) were evaluated using a suite of integrated diagnostic techniques including low-temperature nitrogen adsorption (LT-N2A), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), methane isothermal adsorption. Through the above methods, the pore structure and adsorption characteristics of the samples were characterized; The samples were divided into the range of joint pores by combining the results of MIP and LT-N2A; Using the molecular simulation software, the 2 nm, 4 nm, 10 nm pores affecting the methane endowment state were investigated respectively, and from the perspective of the heat of adsorption and energy, the concept of the three-phase transition of methane was proposed, and explore the change of the pore spacing affecting the endowment state of methane from the solid state pore to the gas state pore. The results provide new ideas for the in-depth study of gas storage in tectonic coal reservoirs in Guizhou Province.
Characteristics of pebble shape and the amount of pebble abrasion measured with a replica reproduced on a curling rink
Authors: Yanagi Satoshi , Kameda Takao , Harada Yasuhiro , Sado Kimiteru
Published: May 2024

The shape of pebbles on a curling rink was measured using a replica of the ice surface of the rink to understand the characteristics of pebbles after being in contact with stones. We focused on pebbles with flat tops for which the average shape was 3.81 mm in diameter at the lower base, 1.16 mm in diameter at the upper surface, 0.12 mm in maximum height, and 5.4° in contact angle. A scratch of about 1 µm in depth and 40 µm in width (traces of pebbles cut by a running band at the bottom of the stone) was observed on the upper surface. The pebbles were also found to have a moderate lower base diameter that preferentially contacted the nipper or stone due to its large maximum height value immediately after formation. Experiments to determine the amount of pebble abrasion associated with the passing of stones revealed that the average height of their upper surface decreased by 1 µm and the area of the upper surface increased by 0.21 mm2 for each stone passing as the stone cut the pebbles.
Epidemiological trends and age-period-cohort effects on cardiovascular diseases burden attributable to ambient air pollution across BRICS
Authors: Nawsherwan  , Khan Shahzad Ali , Mubarik Sumaira , Le Zhang , Akbar Fazli , Wang Yan
Published: May 2024

Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution raises the risk of deaths and morbidity worldwide. From 1990 to 2019, we observed the epidemiological trends and age-period-cohort effects on the cardiovascular diseases (CVD) burden attributable to ambient air pollution across Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS). The number of CVD deaths related to ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution increased nearly fivefold in China [5.0% (95% CI 4.7, 5.2)] and India [5.7% (95% CI 5.1, 6.3)] during the study period. The age-standardized CVD deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to ambient PM pollution significantly increased in India and China but decreased in Brazil and Russia. Due to air pollution, the relative risk (RR) of premature CVD mortality (< 70 years) was higher in Russia [RR 12.6 (95% CI 8.7, 17.30)] and India [RR 9.2 (95% CI 7.6, 11.20)]. A higher period risk (2015–2019) for CVD deaths was found in India [RR 1.4 (95% CI 1.4, 1.4)] followed by South Africa [RR 1.3 (95% CI 1.3, 1.3)]. Across the BRICS countries, the RR of CVD mortality markedly decreased from the old birth cohort to young birth cohorts. In conclusion, China and India showed an increasing trend of CVD mortality and morbidity due to ambient PM pollution and higher risk of premature CVD deaths were observed in Russia and India.
Research on overburden structural characteristics and support adaptability in cooperative mining of sectional coal pillar and bottom coal seam
Authors: Feng Du , Xuan Fan , Zhenhua Li , Zhengzheng Cao , Wenqiang Wang , Feifei Lu , Yufei Jiang
Published: May 2024

In the mining process of the II1 coal seam at Zhaogu No. 2 coal mine, a method of stratified mining is employed, leaving relatively wide coal pillars in sections. To enhance the resource recovery rate, the mine carries out the cooperative mining of the sectional coal pillars and the lower layer coal seam. The 14,022 cooperative working face of fully-mechanized and fully-mechanized top-coal caving at Zhaogu No. 2 coal mine is taken as the research object. Through numerical simulation, theoretical calculations, and on-site industrial trials, a comprehensive analysis of the overburden structural characteristics and the support adaptability at the working face is conducted. It is clarified that a stress arch bearing structure can be formed above the sectional coal pillars during cooperative mining, and this structure is controlled by key strata. The formation of a stress arch bearing structure in the overburden above the sectional coal pillars provides protection for the underlying mining area. A formula for calculating the working resistance of hydraulic supports under the stress arch in sectional coal pillar is derived. Based on these results, the working resistance of hydraulic supports in the coal pillar area is calculated and selected. Field application shows that the working resistance of the support is 10,000 kN in the fully-mechanized top-coal caving working face, and is 9000 kN in fully-mechanized working face, meeting the support requirements and ensuring safe mining at the working face. This study provides a valuable engineering reference for achieving cooperative mining of abandoned sectional coal pillars and lower layer coal seam in stratified mining method.
Using blood routine indicators to establish a machine learning model for predicting liver fibrosis in patients with Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Liu Yang , Xie Shudong , Zhou Jie , Cai Yu , Zhang Pengpeng , Li Junhui , Ming Yingzi
Published: May 2024

This study intends to use the basic information and blood routine of schistosomiasis patients to establish a machine learning model for predicting liver fibrosis. We collected medical records of Schistosoma japonicum patients admitted to a hospital in China from June 2019 to June 2022. The method was to screen out the key variables and six different machine learning algorithms were used to establish prediction models. Finally, the optimal model was compared based on AUC, specificity, sensitivity and other indicators for further modeling. The interpretation of the model was shown by using the SHAP package. A total of 1049 patients’ medical records were collected, and 10 key variables were screened for modeling using lasso method, including red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hematocrit (HCT), Red blood cells, Eosinophils, Monocytes, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, Age. Among the 6 different machine learning algorithms, LightGBM performed the best, and its AUCs in the training set and validation set were 1 and 0.818, respectively. This study established a machine learning model for predicting liver fibrosis in patients with Schistosoma japonicum. The model could help improve the early diagnosis and provide early intervention for schistosomiasis patients with liver fibrosis.
Self-supervised learning of accelerometer data provides new insights for sleep and its association with mortality
Authors: Yuan Hang , Plekhanova Tatiana , Walmsley Rosemary , Reynolds Amy C. , Maddison Kathleen J. , Bucan Maja , Gehrman Philip , Rowlands Alex , Ray David W. , Bennett Derrick , McVeigh Joanne , Straker Leon , Eastwood Peter , Kyle Simon D. , Doherty Aiden
Published: May 2024

Sleep is essential to life. Accurate measurement and classification of sleep/wake and sleep stages is important in clinical studies for sleep disorder diagnoses and in the interpretation of data from consumer devices for monitoring physical and mental well-being. Existing non-polysomnography sleep classification techniques mainly rely on heuristic methods developed in relatively small cohorts. Thus, we aimed to establish the accuracy of wrist-worn accelerometers for sleep stage classification and subsequently describe the association between sleep duration and efficiency (proportion of total time asleep when in bed) with mortality outcomes. We developed a self-supervised deep neural network for sleep stage classification using concurrent laboratory-based polysomnography and accelerometry. After exclusion, 1113 participant nights of data were used for training. The difference between polysomnography and the model classifications on the external validation was 48.2 min (95% limits of agreement (LoA): −50.3 to 146.8 min) for total sleep duration, −17.1 min for REM duration (95% LoA: −56.7 to 91.0 min) and 31.1 min (95% LoA: −67.3 to 129.5 min) for NREM duration. The sleep classifier was deployed in the UK Biobank with ~100,000 participants to study the association of sleep duration and sleep efficiency with all-cause mortality. Among 66,262 UK Biobank participants, 1644 mortality events were observed. Short sleepers (<6 h) had a higher risk of mortality compared to participants with normal sleep duration 6–7.9 h, regardless of whether they had low sleep efficiency (Hazard ratios (HRs): 1.36; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.18 to 1.58) or high sleep efficiency (HRs: 1.29; 95% CIs: 1.04–1.61). Deep-learning-based sleep classification using accelerometers has a fair to moderate agreement with polysomnography. Our findings suggest that having short overnight sleep confers mortality risk irrespective of sleep continuity.
Historical climate change and vicariance events contributed to the intercontinental disjunct distribution pattern of ash species (Fraxinus, Oleaceae)
Authors: Li Enze , Wang Yushuang , Liu Kangjia , Liu Yanlei , Xu Chao , Dong Wenpan , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: May 2024

The Northern Hemisphere temperate forests exhibit a disjunct distributional pattern in Europe, North America, and East Asia. Here, to reveal the promoter of intercontinental disjunct distribution, Fraxinus was used as a model organism to integrate abundant fossil evidence with high-resolution phylogenies in a phytogeographic analysis. We constructed a robust phylogenetic tree using genomic data, reconstructed the geographic ancestral areas, and evaluated the effect of incorporating fossil information on the reconstructed biogeographic history. The phylogenetic relationships of Fraxinus were highly resolved and divided into seven clades. Fraxinus originated in western North America during Eocene, and six intercontinental dispersal events and five intercontinental vicariance events were occured. Results suggest that climate change and vicariance contributed to the intercontinental disjunct distribution pattern of Fraxinus. Moreover, results highlight the necessity of integrating phylogenetic relationship and fossil to improve the reliability of inferred biogeographic events and our understanding of the processes underlying disjunct distributions.
Race to the bottom: Bayesian optimisation for chemical problems
Authors: Wu Yifan , Walsh Aron , Ganose Alex M.
Published: May 2024

Bayesian optimisation can navigate complex parameter spaces by iteratively selecting experiments to balance exploration with exploitation. Here, we outline the successes and challenges of Bayesian optimisation for molecular and materials discovery.
Fabrication of nanoparticle array membranes by integrating semi-crystalline polymer self-assembly with NIPS for water treatment
Authors: Ma Yu , Zhao Xiaoli , He Bin
Published: May 2024

Constructing PVDF nanoparticle array membranes by integrating semi crystalline polymer self assembly with NIPS for water treatment.
Synthesis and optimization of Ni/Mo-impregnated kaolin-based ZSM-5 as a catalytic hydrocracking catalyst for heavy petroleum distillates
Authors: Dhaneswara Donanta , Fatriansyah Jaka Fajar , Sudiro Toto , Harjanto Sri , Mastuli Mohd Sufri , Federico Andreas , Ulfiati Ratu
Published: May 2024

Enhancing the Zeolite Socony Mobil-5 (ZSM-5) catalytic hydrocracking performance has been of interest in petrochemical processes.
Chronic consumption of a bergamot-based beverage does not affect glucose, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy subjects: a randomised controlled intervention study
Authors: Maggiolo Giulia , Aldigeri Raffaella , Savini Cecilia , Mengani Martina , Maggi Marta , Frigeri Giulia , Spigoni Valentina , Cinquegrani Gloria , Fantuzzi Federica , Di Donna Leonardo , Tosi Nicole , Bergamo Federica , Bresciani Letizia , Rosi Alice , Mena Pedro , Scazzina Francesca , Del Rio Daniele , Bonadonna Riccardo C. , Dei Cas Alessandra
Published: May 2024

A bergamot-based beverage does not affect glucose, lipid and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in healthy subjects.
Construction of a coumarin-based fluorescent probe for accurately visualizing hydrogen sulfide in live cells and zebrafish
Authors: Wei Xiao , Mi Long , Dong Shenglong , Yang Hui , Xu Shiyuan
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an important gas signaling molecule, is a regulator of many physiological processes, and its abnormal levels are closely related to the onset and progression of disease.
Photo-electrochemical activation of persulfate for the simultaneous degradation of microplastics and personal care products
Authors: Huang Jiacheng , Wang Wanyue , Wu Tao , Ren Xin , Zhao Xuesong
Published: May 2024

The recent widespread use of microplastics (MPs), especially in pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), has caused significant water pollution.
Architectural design and affecting factors of MXene-based textronics for real-world application
Authors: Repon Md. Reazuddin , Mikučionienė Daiva , Paul Tamal Krishna , Al-Humaidi Jehan Y. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Islam Tarekul , Shukhratov Sharof
Published: May 2024

New emerging 2D transition metal carbide and nitride, known as MXene, nanomaterials are highly considered for developing textronics. This review summarizes the recent advancements in the architectural design of MXene-based fibers, yarn, and fabric.
Recent developments in synthesis of attapulgite composite materials for refractory organic wastewater treatment: a review
Authors: Zhang Ting , Huang Xiaoyi , Qiao Jiaojiao , Liu Yang , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Yi
Published: May 2024

A comprehensive review of preparations, characterization methods and mechanisms of attapulgite-based composite materials, as well as their applications in refractory organic wastewater treatment were provided.
Characterization of key aroma compounds of fried pepper sauce under different pretreatment processes
Authors: Luo Hao , Wu Yongjun , Jin Jing , Zhang Lincheng , Tong Shuoqiu , Li Cen , Tan Qibo , Han Qiqin
Published: May 2024

Analysis of the aroma characteristics of fried pepper sauce, a condiment that is widely favored by consumers.
Injectable, self-healing and degradable dynamic hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and stability by thermal-induced micellization
Authors: Lin Chunqing , Chen Leniu , He Yuan , Xiang Wenlong , Nie Yujing , Cai Baixue , Guo Zanru
Published: May 2024

Dynamic hydrogels were created based on ABA triblock copolymers with acylhydrazone bonds crosslinking. The hydrogels displayed injectability, self-healing and biocompatibility. And their mechanics and stability could be tuned by temperature.
A new Schiff base 2-benzoylpyridine-based copper complex on boehmite nanoparticles as a recoverable nanocatalyst for the homoselective synthesis of 5-substituted tetrazoles
Authors: Mohseni Elham , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Tahmasbi Bahman , Norouzi Masoomeh
Published: May 2024

In this research, the surface of boehmite NPs were modified and functionalized by 2-benzoylpyridine toward the immobilization of copper ions as a practical catalyst in the synthesis of tetrazoles.
Efficient and stable photocatalytic degradation of PET waste textiles through Ni2P–Cu3P/TiO2/C NFs facilitated by the synergistic effect of CTAB and p–n heterojunctions
Authors: Qu Wenbin , Peng Guixiang , Song Lixin , Guo Wen , Chen Yijian , Du Pingfan , Xiong Jie
Published: May 2024

A photocatalyst and CTAB synergistically catalyze the degradation of PET waste textiles under visible light.
Network architecture for single image super‐resolution: A comprehensive review and comparison
Authors: Zhang Zhicun , Han Yu , Zhu Linlin , Xi Xiaoqi , Li Lei , Liu Mengnan , Tan Siyu , Yan Bin
Published: May 2024

Single image super‐resolution (SISR) is a promising research direction in computer vision and image processing for improving the visual perception of low‐quality images. In recent years, deep learning algorithms have driven tremendous development in SR, and SR methods based on various network architectures have significantly improved the quality of reconstructed images. Although there has been a large amount of reviews focusing on SISR, few studies have focused specifically on network architectures for SISR. This paper aims to provide a systematic overview of the design ideas of SISR using multiple architectures, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), Transformer, and Diffusion model. In addition, an experimental analysis and comparison of state‐of‐the‐art SR algorithms have been performed on publicly available quantitative and qualitative datasets. Finally, some future directions are discussed that may help other community researchers.
Study on uniformity of multi‐needle electrostatic spinning by auxiliary flow field
Authors: Zhang Rongguang , Chen Xun , Wang Han , Zeng Jun , Zhang Xuanzhi , Chen Xiaojie
Published: May 2024

Multi‐needle electrospinning is a simple and general method for mass preparation of nanofiber membrane, which has great industrial potential. However, the bending instability produced in the electrospinning process makes that the deposition uniformity of the nanofiber is still a big concern, resulting in non‐uniform nanofiber membrane, which seriously affects the application of electrospun membrane in environmental filtration, new energy and medical fields. In order to improve the uniformity of nanofiber deposition in multi‐needle electrospinning, an auxiliary flow field system (AFF) is proposed, which can effectively improve the uniformity of nanofiber deposition. After image processing, the uniformity of nanofiber deposition is quantified with the index of grey distribution, and the effectiveness of this method is verified. Combined with the multi‐physical field analysis, the influence mechanism of cross‐wind field on the uniformity of fibre deposition was revealed. By optimizing the experimental parameters, the non‐uniformity of nanofiber deposition was reduced by 49.19%. Based on multi‐needle electrospinning technology, a reliable idea (AFF) and experimental basis are provided for the uniform preparation of nanofiber membrane.
Morphology reconstruction of nickel cobalt layered double hydroxides induced by electrolyte concentrations triggers high performance of supercapattery storage
Authors: Lei Wentao , Liu Shaobo , Liu Qi , Zou Xingjian , Xia Hui
Published: May 2024

Nickel cobalt layered double hydroxides (NiCo LDHs) have emerged as ideal electrode materials for supercapattery due to their high specific surface area and excellent cycling stability. Morphology control plays a unique role in regulating the performance of the NiCo LDHs. Herein, the morphology of NiCo‐LDHs electrode is optimized for enhancing energy storage by a simple activation process with different concentrations of the electrolyte. During the activation process, electrochemical morphology reconstruction occurs on the electrode surface. With a 2 m KOH electrolyte, the NiCo‐LDH electrode transforms from nanosheets to nanoflower, which aids in reducing the distance of ion transport. The reconstructed NiCo‐LDH exhibits an ultra‐high specific capacity of 2809 C g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, outperforming most of NiCo LDHs. At a high current density of 10 A g−1, the capacity retention rate remains above 72.7% after 3000 cycles. An asymmetric supercapacitor is fabricated with activated carbon material as the negative electrode, the energy density is 36 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 732 W kg−1. The strategy proposed in the study, which involves concentration‐controlled morphology optimization for energy storage enhancement, holds great practical significance for the field of supercapatteries.
Over 200 globular clusters in the Milky Way and still none with super-Solar metallicity
Authors: Garro E. R. , Minniti D. , Fernández-Trincado J. G.
Published: May 2024

Context. A large number of globular clusters in the Milky Way have been studied in recent years, especially in hidden regions such as those of the Galactic bulge.

Aims. The main goal of this work is to understand what we can learn if we include these new objects into the Milky Way globular cluster (GC) system that we know today. We compiled a catalog of 37 recently discovered globular clusters. Most of them are located in the Galactic bulge, but we also included some of the GCs for comparison.

Methods. We used a range of distributions for investigating the Galactic GC system based on the metallicity, luminosity function, and age. We considered three samples. We first treated the new GC sample separately from the known and well characterized GCs. Consequently, we merged these two samples, thereby upgrading the Milky Way GC system. Furthermore, we performed a comparison between our clusters sample and the field star population.

Results. We found a double-peaked distribution for the luminosity function, which shows an elongated faint end tail. Considering the “merged” sample, the luminosity function peaks at MVup = −7.00 ± 1.3 mag and at MVup = −4.1 ± 0.48 mag. The metallicity distributions also display a bimodality trend. In this case, we compare our new sample compilation with previously published ones, finding that the distributions are in good general agreement. We also constructed the metallicity distribution for the field star sample and, by comparing it with that of the GCs, we learned that a high percentage of field stars show [Fe/H] > 0; whereas we did not detect any GCs in the same metallicity range. To understand this inconsistency, we constructed the age–metallicity diagram for both samples, noting that the old and metal-poor population (age ≥ 8 Gyr and [Fe/H] ≤ −1.0) is represented by Gcs, while the young and metal-rich population (age < 8 Gyr and [Fe/H] > −1.0) corresponds to field stars.

Conclusions. From the analysis of the GC luminosity function and metallicity distribution, we can conclude that many GCs, probably those that are very faint, have survived strong dynamical processes that are typical of the bulge regions. Moreover, we cannot exclude the possibility that some of them have been accreted during past merging events, especially the metal-poor component, whereas the metal-rich population may be related to the formation of the bulge and/or disk. Finally, the difference that we notice between the cluster and field star samples should be explored in the context of the evolutionary differences among these two stellar populations.
Secondary ion mass spectrometry helps semiconductor manufacturing
Authors: Shapiro Maura
Published: May 2024

Adapting SIMS to monitor rapid thermal anneal enables more accurate and reliable semiconductor device manufacturing.
Prediction of mechanical properties and fatigue life of nanosilver slurry in chip interconnection
Authors: Yang Hui , Cheng Shuai
Published: May 2024

This article investigates the failure mode and mechanism of copper pillar solder joints in temperature cycling experiments, focusing on a Cu/nano Ag/Cu solder joint structure. The hot pressing bonding condition at 300 °C with insulation for 10 s is chosen for the experiments. Based on the life test results, the thermal cycling fatigue life of the nanosilver solder joint is determined to be 2050 cycles. To gain further insights, finite element software ANSYS is employed to simulate nanosilver solder joints in flip chips, revealing the stress–strain distribution within the solder joints. The simulation utilizes the Anand viscoplastic constitutive model for the solder joint, providing a reasonable representation of the stress–strain behavior under thermal cycling load. Notably, the simulation highlights that the maximum stress and strain occur in the contact area between the solder joint and the copper column. To enhance accuracy, the calculation equation is refined using relevant experience, resulting in a prediction of the thermal fatigue life of nanosilver solder joints. This prediction aligns closely with the experimental results. The research outcomes not only contribute valuable insights into the behavior of nanosilver solder but also serve as a reference for its application in electronic packaging.
Plasma propagation velocity dependence on driving and restricting forces
Authors: Yambe Kiyoyuki , Ohyama Iwao , Sato Yamato
Published: May 2024

According to the time-averaged expression for an alternating electric field, the normalized electromagnetic pressure is proportional to the square of the voltage intensity and inversely proportional to the square of the voltage repetition frequency. Moreover, the plasma propagation velocity is either directly proportional, inversely proportional, or nonproportional to the normalized electromagnetic pressure at all neutral gas flow rates. Because the plasma current is only directly proportional to the normalized electromagnetic pressure at all neutral gas flow rates, the dependence of the plasma density on the electromagnetic pressure changes to obtain a balance of dependence. In the momentum transfer equation, plasma density does not originally depend on electromagnetic pressure, but the dynamic pressure associated with the neutral gas flow also exerts a force on the plasma through collisions. Therefore, when the ionization generation of plasma by collisions between the plasma and neutral particles is dominant over recombination by collisions, the plasma density is square proportional or directly proportional to the electromagnetic pressure.
Impact of 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid) and Postn protein regulation on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy: Experimental insights and potential therapeutic implications
Authors: Li Naiwei , Yang Zhou , Wang Fang , Aloahd Mustafa Sawsan , Nang Lui
Published: May 2024

Background: Cardiac hypertrophy is characterized by an enlarged heart muscle, often due to increased workload or chronic heart diseases. Postn protein (periostin) plays a significant role in cardiac hypertrophy by influencing cardiomyocyte proliferation, inflammatory response, and fibrosis. The TGF-β and NF-κB pathways exacerbate inflammatory responses and structural changes in the heart during cardiac hypertrophy. Chlorogenic acid, found in plants, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential candidate for inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy. Method: We used angiotensin II-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes to construct a cell model of cardiac hypertrophy. Cells were categorized into control, model, shPostn, chlorogenic acid, and shPostn+chlorogenic acid groups. Various parameters, including cell surface area, activity, apoptosis rate, and expression levels of Postn, TGF-β/NF-κB pathway-related proteins, and mRNA, were evaluated. Results: Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited increased cell surface area and apoptosis rate, along with decreased cell activity. However, intervention with shPostn or chlorogenic acid led to significant reductions in cell surface area and apoptosis rate, coupled with increased cell viability. The shPostn+chlorogenic acid group showed further improvements. In addition, protein and mRNA expressions related to Postn, TGF-β/NF-κB pathways, and cardiac hypertrophy markers were upregulated in the model group but downregulated in the intervention groups, particularly the shPostn+chlorogenic acid group. Conclusion: Chlorogenic acid exerts its inhibitory effect on cardiac hypertrophy by modulating the TGF-β/NF-κB pathway through Postn protein. This study sheds light on potential therapeutic strategies for mitigating cardiac hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II and highlights chlorogenic acid as a promising candidate for further exploration in treating this condition.
Causal emergent principles and relations for mechanical properties of covalent and ionic crystals
Authors: Hu Zhijie , Yu Jian
Published: May 2024

A knowledge and data-synergized intelligent computation architecture for materials was proposed within the data science paradigm. As a vital operation, two digital ensemble descriptors implying chemical composition and structural trend for crystals were created using the features contained in the Periodic Table of elements without a priori assumption, which affords causal emergence and regulation principles for the mechanical response of covalent and ionic solids. In addition to a linear correlation among structural state/mechanical response parameters, causal analytic relations in an exponential form between structural and thermodynamic state/mechanical response parameters and a digital ensemble descriptor were unveiled through least squares regression, in which the coefficients are classified in accordance with symmetry principles on the atom and lattice. Thereafter, the underlying physicochemical mechanisms of chemical pressure and chemical bonding are found responsible for the mechanical responses of bulk modulus and hardness of solids. At last, a physical prediction model was established for crystalline solids and demonstrated the feasibility of the predictive design of novel superhard materials. It is believed that by constructing suitable digital ensemble descriptors, this intelligent computation architecture and consequent physical prediction models on the basis of causal analytic relations are able to generalize by depicting crystalline solids with covalent and ionic bonds in other crystallographic structures.