bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of Hepatic Fat Content by Dulaglutide for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Two‐Centre Open, Single‐Arm Trial
Authors: Liu Chuanfeng , Xin Yu , Huang Yajing , Xu Lili , Zhou Ruizhi , Wang Yangang , Wang Wei
Published: December 2024

Background

With the elevated level of NAFLD prevalence, the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and other diseases is also significantly elevated. GLP‐1RA can exert weight loss, glucose‐lowering effects and various nonglycaemic effects. However, the relationship between quantitative reduction in hepatic fat content and improvement of pancreatic islet function by GLP‐1RA is unclear.

Methods

This trial was a single‐arm open cohort study. A total of 38 patients with T2DM and NAFLD were enrolled in the GLP‐1RA treatment group. The included patients were tested for biochemical and blood glucose levels, adiponectin and FGF21 levels, and liver fat content was measured using MRI. Measure the above indicators again after at least 3 months of GLP‐1RA treatment. Divided into Q1 (average decrease of 0.37%) and Q2 (average decrease of 8.6%) groups based on the degree of reduction in liver fat content.

Results

Q2 group showed an average reduction in liver fat content of 8.6%, a decrease in glycated haemoglobin of 18.17%, a weight loss of 7.29% and an increase in fasting c‐peptide release by 1.03%, 1‐h and 2‐h postprandial c‐peptide release by 28.86% and 18.28% respectively. In contrast, Q1 group had an average reduction in liver fat content of 0.37%, a decrease in glycated haemoglobin of only 6.53%, a weight loss of 3.41%, a decrease in fasting c‐peptide release by 1.91% and an increase in 1‐h and 2‐h postprandial c‐peptide release by 19.18% and 11.66% respectively.

Conclusion

Reduction in liver fat content effectively improves pancreatic islet function secretion, particularly postprandial c‐peptide secretion, especially in the first hour after a meal. This improvement leads to a decrease in glycated haemoglobin levels and promotes better compliance with blood glucose control.
Baseline kidney function and the effects of dapagliflozin on health status in heart failure in DEFINE‐HF and PRESERVED‐HF
Authors: Ambrosy Andrew P. , Sauer Andrew J. , Patel Shachi , Windsor Sheryl L. , Borlaug Barry A. , Husain Mansoor , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Kitzman Dalane W. , McGuire Darren K. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Sharma Kavita , Umpierrez Guillermo , Kosiborod Mikhail N.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Sodium–glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve health status and outcomes in the setting of heart failure (HF) across the range of ejection fraction (EF). Baseline kidney disease is common in HF, complicates HF management and is strongly linked to worse health status. This study aimed to assess whether the treatment effects of dapagliflozin on health status vary based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods and Results

We conducted a pooled participant‐level analysis of two double‐blind, randomized trials, DEFINE‐HF (n = 236) and PRESERVED‐HF (n = 324), which evaluated dapagliflozin versus placebo. Both multicentre studies enrolled adults with HF, New York Heart Association Class II or higher, elevated natriuretic peptides, and an EF < 40% in DEFINE‐HF or >45% in PRESERVED‐HF. The primary exposure was eGFR. The main outcome was the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ‐CSS) at 12 weeks. Across both trials, there were 583 (99.3%) participants with a baseline eGFR. The median (25th, 75th) eGFR was 59 (46, 77) mL/min/1.73 m2. Dapagliflozin improved KCCQ‐CSS at 12 weeks [placebo‐adjusted difference, +5.0 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.6–7.5; P < 0.001], and this was consistent in participants with an eGFR ≥ 60 (+6.0 points, 95% CI 2.4–9.7; P = 0.001) and eGFR < 60 (+4.1 points, 95% CI 0.5–7.7; P = 0.025) (P interaction = 0.46). The benefits of dapagliflozin on KCCQ‐CSS remained robust across eGFR when modelled as a continuous variable (P interaction = 0.48).

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin led to early and clinically meaningful improvements in health status in HF patients, regardless of EF or baseline eGFR.
Analysis of Major Chemical Constituents in Jiuwei Decoction Based On Capillary Electrophoresis Coupled With Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Jiayu , Li Jinhong , Xue Hongyu , Ma Qiang
Published: December 2024

An analytical method for identifying the chemical constituents in the Chinese herbal combination Jiuwei decoction was established using capillary electrophoresis coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Nine herbs were extracted with a 60:40 (v/v) ethanol/water solution to prepare the Jiuwei decoction. Electrophoretic separation was carried out using a 50 µm i.d., 125 cm bare fused silica capillary at a constant temperature of 25°C for sample injection. The chemical composition was analyzed and identified in both positive and negative ion modes. In the positive separation mode, a separation voltage of 30 kV was applied, with a 1% aqueous formic acid solution serving as the background electrolyte (BGE), along with a 50:50 (v/v) methanol/water solution containing 0.1% formic acid as the sheath liquid. In the negative separation mode, a separation voltage of −30 kV was employed, utilizing a 50 mM ammonium acetate solution (pH 9.0) as the BGE, combined with a 50:50 (v/v) methanol/water solution containing 5 mM ammonium acetate as the sheath liquid. The MassHunter Qualitative Analysis software (version 10.0) was utilized to identify 52 compounds based on accurate mass, isotope abundance, isotopic patterns, and fragmentation information. The data were compared with the Agilent Personal Compound Database and Library of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as well as multiple online databases (TCMSP, ChemSpider, PubChem, PubMed, and Web of Science) and relevant literature. The fragmentation pathways of representative compounds were also characterized. This study identified the chemical composition of Jiuwei decoction, providing a molecular basis for further exploration of its pharmacological effects and presenting a robust methodology for the compositional analysis of complex TCM mixtures.
Experimental Investigation to Assess the Efficiency of Subsurface Barrier in Heterogeneous Aquifer With a Sloping Ocean‐Aquifer Boundary
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Chakma Sumedha
Published: December 2024

Seawater intrusion is an ongoing issue exacerbated internationally by the growing need for freshwater along coastlines, which is affected by shifting sea levels and changing climates, challenging sustainable management. This research primarily focuses on determining intrusion behaviour within a sloping boundary in a heterogeneous aquifer and assessing the efficiency of subsurface barriers. The glass‐box method was incorporated with an inclined permeable barrier. High‐resolution images were taken at defined intervals and enhanced for clear intrusion visuals. Comparing the results of the heterogeneous base case and barrier installed condition, a huge quantity of about 38.93% of groundwater was conserved from being contaminated. Homogeneous media shows a faster rate of intrusion with a progressive rate of contamination, while heterogeneous media, without barrier, shows slower rates of intrusion due to reduced permeability. Longitudinal dispersivity as 0.5 cm and transverse dispersivity as 0.05 cm were considered. The Péclet number was calculated as 3, which comes under the range defined in the literature. Sensitivity analysis for the height of the barrier shows that a higher height is required for remediation by heterogeneous media of higher permeability. Analysis of the toe length using sensitivity analysis in the heterogeneous case shows a range of 24.82 to 75 cm before barrier installation and a range of 13.05–65.24 cm after installation of a barrier (15, 20, and 25 cm height). This implies that a higher toe length had formed with a smaller barrier height, and lower efforts were required for backwashing.
All‐in‐one perovskite memristor with tunable photoresponsivity
Authors: Dun Guan‐Hua , Li Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Hai‐Nan , Wu Fan , Tan Xi‐Chao , Qin Ken , He Yi‐Chu , Wang Ze‐Shu , Wang Yu‐Hao , Lu Tian , Tian Shi‐Wei , Xie Dan , Peng Jia‐Li , Geng Xiang‐Shun , Zhao Xiao‐Tong , Zhang Jia‐He , Zhao Yu‐Han , Wu Xiaoyu , Deng Ning‐Qin , Zhu Zheng‐Qiang , Li Yan , Liu Xian‐Zhu , Wu Xing , Hu Weida , Zhou Peng , Chai Yang , Lanza Mario , Tian He , Yang Yi , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: December 2024

Photoelectric memristors have shown great potential for future machine visions, via integrating sensing, memory, and computing (namely “all‐in‐one”) functions in a single device. However, their hard‐to‐tune photoresponse behavior necessitates extra function modules for signal encoding and modality conversion, impeding such integration. Here, we report an all‐in‐one memristor with Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite, where the Br vacancy doping‐endowed tunable energy band enables tunable photoresponsivity (TPR) behavior. As a result, the memristor showed a large tunable ratio of 35.9 dB, while its photoresponsivity presented a maximum of 2.7 × 103 mA W−1 and a long‐term memory behavior with over 104 s, making it suitable for realizing all‐in‐one processing tasks. By mapping the algorithm parameters onto the photoresponsivity, we successfully performed both recognition and processing tasks based on the TPR memristor array. Remarkably, compared with conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor counterparts, our demonstrations provided comparable performance but had ~133‐fold and ~299‐fold reductions in energy consumption, respectively. Our work could facilitate the development of all‐in‐one smart devices for next‐generation machine visions.

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Advanced Computational Insights Into Cs₂NaScX₆ (X = Cl, Br) ₆ Double Perovskites: Structural Stability, Elastic Properties, and Optical Characteristics for Next‐Generation Photovoltaics
Authors: Khan Junaid , Khan Matiullah , Sharma Tanvi , Boukhris Imed , Al‐Buriahi M. S.
Published: December 2024

We investigate the comprehensive analysis's structural, electronic, optical, and elastic properties of Cs₂NaScX₆ (X = Cl, Br) double perovskites using density functional theory (DFT) implemented by the WIEN2k code. The results show that both compounds are in cubic phases. The calculated tolerance factors show both are stable compounds. The computed optimized lattice parameters are Cs₂NaScX₆ (X = Cl, Br) are 10.72 Å and 12.01 Å, respectively. Employing a modified Becke–Johnson (mBJ) potential electronic nature shows that both compounds are in semiconductor nature, that is, 3.138 eV and 3.977 eV. The calculated elastic constant and perimeters show the Cs₂NaScX₆ (X = Cl, Br) are mechanical stables and also ductile and anisotropic nature. The optical properties described the range of photon energies from 0 to 10 eV, revealing pronounced absorption within the visible spectrum, highlighting their considerable promise for transformative innovations in photovoltaic technology. These double perovskites exhibit superior absorption characteristics compared to their Cs₂NaScX₆ (X = Cl, Br) analogues, thus laying the groundwork for significant advancements in solar energy conversion and photovoltaic applications.
Divergent Perception: Framing Creative Cognition Through the Lens of Sensory Flexibility
Authors: Bellemare‐Pepin Antoine , Jerbi Karim
Published: December 2024

Creativity is a cornerstone of human evolution and is typically defined as the multifaceted ability to produce novel and useful artifacts. Although much research has focused on divergent thinking, growing evidence underscores the importance of perceptual processing in fostering creativity, particularly through perceptual flexibility. The present work aims to offer a framework that relates creativity to perception, showing how sensory affordances, especially in ambiguous stimuli, can contribute to the generation of novel ideas. In doing so, we contextualize the phenomenon of pareidolia, which involves seeing familiar patterns in noisy or ambiguous stimuli, as a key perceptual mechanism of idea generation—one of the central stages of the creative process. We introduce “divergent perception” to describe the process by which individuals actively engage with the perceptual affordances provided by ambiguous sensory information, and illustrate how this concept could account for the heightened creativity observed in psychedelic and psychotic states. Moreover, we explore how divergent perception relates to cognitive mechanisms crucial in creative thinking, particularly focusing on the role of attention. Finally, we discuss future paths for the exploration of divergent perception, including targeted manipulation of stimulus characteristics and the investigation of the intricate interplay between bottom‐up and top‐down cognitive processes.
Mechanism of pyrazines and thioethers formation promoted by high oxygen concentration in the methionine‐glucose Maillard reaction system
Authors: Yuan Yuxia , Hayat Khizar , Cai Jibao , Xu Da , Xia Shuqin , Cui Heping , Yu Jingyang
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

The typical aroma compounds in methionine‐glucose Maillard products often undergo further degradation and polymerization during storage and thermal processing, leading to flavor dispersion and aroma distortion. It is crucial to identify measures that enhance typical aroma substances in such flavor matrices.

RESULTS

The effect of oxygen on the flavor formation of methionine‐glucose thermal reaction system was explored by determining typical flavor substance contents and flavor differences. Compared with the oxygen concentration in the air (21%), a high oxygen concentration (30% and 40%) effectively promoted the formation of typical flavor substances. Pyrazines increased by 44% and thioethers increased by 13%. The reaction process and the content of key substances were both measured to explain the involvement of oxygen. It was found that high oxygen concentration increased the reaction efficiency of glucose and methionine and promoted the formation of α‐dicarbonyl compounds, including glyoxal, methylglyoxal and 3‐deoxyglucosinone. Moreover, a glyoxal‐methylglyoxal‐methionine model system was established to verify the effect of oxygen intervention on the formation of pyrazines and thioethers generating from α‐dicarbonyl compounds. It was confirmed that a high oxygen concentration promoted the consumption of glyoxal and methylglyoxal, which were more readily converted into pyrazines and thioethers without forming melanoidins.

CONCLUSION

A high concentration of oxygen promoted the formation of pyrazines and thioethers during the Maillard reaction of methionine and glucose, and effectively inhibited the occurrence of browning. The present study provides a new concept for the typical flavor enhancement of methionine‐glucose Maillard reaction products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction versus traditional Soxhlet apparatus for the obtention of polyphenols, carotenoids and tocopherols from Tagetes erecta L. flowers
Authors: Núñez Sonia , Valero Marta Sofía , Mustafa Ahmed M , Caprioli Giovanni , Maggi Filippo , Gómez‐Rincón Carlota , López Víctor
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Tagetes erecta L., commonly known as American marigold, serves as a food plant used for the extraction of carotenoids such as lutein, employed both as culinary ingredient in certain dishes and for its ornamental and medicinal applications. Two extraction techniques, Soxhlet and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), were used on two cultivars (yellow and orange) of T. erecta. Polyphenols were quantified using HPLC‐tandem mass spectrometry, whereas carotenoids and tocopherols were determined using HPLC‐diode array detection. Biological activity for antioxidant and antiglycation properties was carried out.

RESULTS

The best extraction yield was obtained for UAE (7.51% and 6.83% for yellow and orange flowers), corresponding with the largest amounts of polyphenols quantified. The highest content of tocopherols was obtained in the yellow cultivar extracted by Soxhlet (6499.3 ± 21.2 and 4671.0 ± 92.9 mg kg−1 dry extract for α‐ and γ‐tocopherol). The antioxidant potential resulted higher in the orange Soxhlet extract, whereas the yellow Soxhlet extract displayed the best antiglycation activity (median 50% inhibitory concentration of 25.3 ± 3.3 μg mL−1).

CONCLUSION

Both extraction techniques showed interesting results in terms of bioactivity and compounds obtention. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Gaze Patterns During Evaluation of Facial Attractiveness: An Eye‐Tracking Investigation
Authors: Fearington Forrest W. , Pumford Andrew D. , Awadallah Andrew S. , Dey Jacob K.
Published: December 2024

Background

Objective, controlled eye‐tracking measurement of gaze patterns during layperson evaluation of facial attractiveness is currently lacking.

Objectives

To objectively investigate (1) where on the face laypeople direct their attention when assessing attractiveness compared with a control group, and (2) whether increased fixation on certain facial regions is associated with high attractiveness ratings.

Methods

Lay observers viewed a cohort of 40 faces with a diverse age, sex, and racial distribution. Observers were either allowed to free‐gaze without a specific task or rate facial attractiveness for 10 seconds per face while their gaze was recorded by an eye‐tracking system.

Results

Forty‐seven observers assessed facial attractiveness (mean age 35.1 years (range 21–76), 62% female) and 57 observers free‐gazed at the facial photos without a specific task (mean age 35.5 years (range 22–66), 54% female). Preliminary analysis showed that sex of both the face and observer substantially influence gaze‐attractiveness associations (p < 0.05). Mixed effects analysis suggests that when males assessed female facial attractiveness, increased fixation time at the mouth correlated most strongly with high attractiveness (p = 0.001), whereas when females assessed male faces, increased fixation at the eyes (p < 0.001) and hair (p = 0.002) were most strongly associated with high ratings of attractiveness.

Conclusions

Increased gaze at the mouth in females and eyes and hair in males is associated with significantly higher ratings of attractiveness by observers of the opposite sex. Practitioners may want to pay special attention to these areas when designing an evidence‐based aesthetic treatment plan.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 2024
Local Well‐Posedness of Kolmogorov'S Two‐Equation Model of Turbulence in Fractional Sobolev Spaces
Authors: Kosewski Przemysław
Published: December 2024

We study Kolmogorov's two‐equation model of turbulence on ‐dimensional torus. First, the local existence of the solution with the initial data from non‐homogeneous fractional Sobolev spaces (Bessel potential spaces) with is proven using energy methods. Next, we show that solutions are unique in the class of solutions guaranteed by the local existence theorem.
Long Time Existence of Smooth Solutions to 3D Euler–Poisson System of Electrons With Nonzero Vorticity
Authors: Shiyu Li
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we investigate the long‐term stability of classical solution to 3D one‐fluid Euler–Poisson system of electrons with nonzero vorticity. It is shown that the classical solution is well‐posed for a lifesapn at least , where is the size of the initial perturbed density and velocity, is the size of the initial vorticity. This implies that the lifespan only essentially depends on the size of the initial vorticity.
Exploring Congruence Between Patient and Clinician Expectations of Benefit in the Non‐Surgical Management of Common Musculoskeletal Conditions in Tertiary Care
Authors: Marks Darryn , Window Peter , Raymer Maree , Kelly Patrick Swete , Smith Alison , MacGregor Graham , O'Gorman Helen , Jang Ellen , Erceg Steve , Wickins Daniel , Milne Grahame , Cooper Helen , Seels Ian , Diplock Brendan , Taneja Nikhil , McLoughlin Ian , McPhail Steven M. , O'Leary Shaun
Published: December 2024

Background

Patient and clinician expectations of benefit from recommended management approaches may potentially impact the success of managing musculoskeletal conditions.

Methods

This was a multisite study in an advanced practice musculoskeletal service across Queensland, Australia. Relationships between patient and clinician (advanced physiotherapy practitioner) expectations of benefit, patient characteristics, and clinical outcome recorded 6 months later were explored with regression analysis in 619 patients undergoing non‐surgical multidisciplinary care for either knee osteoarthritis (n = 286), low back pain (n = 249) or shoulder impingement syndrome (n = 84).

Results

Patient and clinician expectation ratings had a weak positive association (standardized coefficient (β) 0.28, adjusted R2 0.09). Higher patient expectation ratings were associated with higher readiness for change scores (β 0.31, model adjusted R2 = 0.18), while higher clinician expectation ratings were associated with the condition managed, higher patient education level, lower potential presence of neuropathic pain or yellow flags, and more favourable radiological findings (model adjusted R2 0.4). Patient expectations and self‐reported engagement with care were poorly correlated. Higher patient (β 0.33, adjusted R2 0.12) and clinician (β 0.32, adjusted R2 0.14) expectations were associated with better clinical outcomes. This positive association was stronger when patient and clinician expectation ratings were congruent.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that expected benefits from recommended care may impact outcomes and should be considered in the initial phases of management. In particular, congruence between patient and clinician expectations appears to have relevance to outcomes.
Generating Copula‐Correlated Random Variables: A Sequential Acceptance‐Rejection Method
Authors: Dai Weimin , Hu JianQiang , Lei Lei
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we consider the problem of generating a random vector whose joint distribution is characterized by a copula function and their marginal distribution functions. We propose a sequential acceptance‐rejection method, which avoids the inversion of both marginal distributions and conditional distributions of the copula function which are needed in traditional generation methods. In our method, we first generate samples based on the marginal distributions and then use an acceptance‐rejection procedure to construct samples with the desired dependence structure. The method is also applicable in generating time series random variables. We prove that the computational cost of our method only grows linearly to their dimensionality for several types of copulas. Finally, we provide extensive numerical experiments which show our method is quite efficient in comparison with traditional methods.
Optimal Control for a Mathematical Model of Cancer Disease via Dynamic Programming Approach
Authors: Gueridi D. , Bouremani T. , Slimani Y. , Ghebouli M. A. , Fatmi M. , Metwally Ahmed Sayed M.
Published: December 2024

The objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of optimal control models in the context of cancer treatment. We will explore how these mathematical models are used to optimize the administration of anticancer drugs. By understanding the principles behind optimal control models, we can appreciate their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and contribute to personalized medicine. We utilize recent advancements in dynamic programming method to achieve a rigorous solution for a cancer disease model proposed by Neilan as an unsolved problem. Beginning with a certain refinement of Cauchy's method of characteristics for stratified Hamilton–Jacobi equations allows us to delineate a broad range of admissible trajectories. This, in turn, leads to the identification of a domain wherein the value function not only exists but is also generated by a certain admissible control. While the optimality is checked by using one of the well‐known verification theorems taken as sufficient optimality conditions.

JEL Classification: 2000 MSC: 49J15, 49L20, 35F21
The Association Between Longitudinal Changes in Body Mass Index and Longitudinal Changes in Hours of Screen Time, and Hours of Physical Activity in German Children
Authors: Hoehne Sophie , Pollatos Olga , Warschburger Petra , Zimprich Daniel
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The association of screen time and physical activity with body weight in children has been investigated in cross‐sectional and prospective studies, as well as randomized controlled trials. The present study extends previous research by examining how longitudinal within‐person changes in screen time and physical activity relate to changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) in children, and how changes in screen time and physical activity relate to each other.

Methods

The data for the present study came from the PIER Youth Study. Data were collected from 971 children and their parents at two time points approximately 1 year apart. A multilevel modeling approach with measurement occasions nested within children was used to model changes in BMI across age.

Results

Within a child, a change in daily hours of TV viewing was associated with a corresponding change in BMI, whereas a change in daily hours of physical activity was associated with an opposite change in BMI. Within‐person correlations between changes in screen time and physical activity were small but positive.

Conclusion

The present findings have important implications for interventions to reduce and prevent childhood overweight and obesity. Specifically, interventions should focus on both reducing daily TV viewing and promoting physical activity.
Inelastic Scattering in Weak Localization for Single‐Layer Graphene
Authors: Fujimoto Akira , Terasawa Daiju , Fukuda Akira , Jiang Zhigang , Vogel Eric M.
Published: December 2024

Chemical‐vapor‐deposited graphene is used extensively to fabricate devices. However, the charge‐neutral point (CNP) of this material appears at a relatively high back‐gate voltage (VG) because of molecular adsorption and impurities on the graphene surface. In this study, a Ti‐cleaning process is used to remove contaminants from the transferred graphene. Two contributions to the magnetoresistance are investigated: weak localization (WL) and inhomogeneous charge transport near the Dirac point. One of the most important parameters for clarifying the quantum transport properties is the inelastic scattering time. Fitting of the experimental results with a theoretical WL expression is performed to investigate the temperature and VG dependence of the inelastic scattering and intervalley scattering rates. Small momentum transfer due to Nyquist scattering is dominant in the CNP region, while large momentum transfer processes of direct electron–electron interaction dominate the electron and hole‐transport regions.
Enhancing Lot Sentencing Through a Capability Index‐Based Skip‐Lot Sampling Scheme
Authors: Liu Shih‐Wen , Wu Chien‐Wei , Wei I‐Ting
Published: December 2024

An acceptance sampling plan (ASP) is a commonly used tool in quality assurance that allows business partners to make decisions about lot disposition. To enhance the efficiency and applicability of inspection, various ASPs have been constructed to meet different circumstances in practical applications. One of these ASPs is the skip‐lot sampling plan (SkSP), which reduces inspection time and cost for a series of product lots from a supplier with excellent quality records. Based on the structure of the SkSP, we propose an improved variables SkSP that uses a repetitive group sampling (RGS) plan based on the most commonly used capability index Cpk as the reference plan, designated as Cpk‐based SkSP‐RGS. This plan is optimized using a model that ensures the operating characteristic function meets a two‐point condition and minimizes the average sample number (ASN). Additionally, two main performance measures of sampling plans, ASN and discriminatory power, are investigated. The results reveal the superiority of the proposed plan over conventional Cpk‐based sampling plans. Lastly, a case study from the liquid crystal module industry is demonstrated using the proposed plan to show its applicability and practicality.
A Respiratory Signal Monitoring Method Based on Dual‐Pathway Deep Learning Networks in Image‐Guided Robotic‐Assisted Intervention System
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhu Jianjun , Wang Yong , Wang Cheng , Chen Peng , Lyu Pengju , Xu Jun , Teng Gao‐Jun
Published: December 2024

Background

Percutaneous puncture procedures, guided by image‐guided robotic‐assisted intervention (IGRI) systems, are susceptible to disruptions in patients' respiratory rhythm due to factors such as pain and psychological distress.

Methods

We developed an IGRI system with a coded structured light camera and a binocular camera. Our system incorporates dual‐pathway deep learning networks, combining convolutional long short‐term memory (ConvLSTM) and point long short‐term memory (PointLSTM) modules for real‐time respiratory signal monitoring.

Results

Our in‐house dataset experiments demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed network in accuracy, precision, recall and F1 compared to separate use of PointLSTM and ConvLSTM for respiratory pattern classification.

Conclusion

In our IGRI system, a respiratory signal monitoring module was constructed with a binocular camera and dual‐pathway deep learning networks. The integrated respiratory monitoring module provides a basis for the application of respiratory gating technology to IGRI systems and enhances surgical safety by security mechanisms.
Predictive Capacities of a Machine Learning Decision Tree Model Created to Analyse Feasibility of an Open or Robotic Kidney Transplant
Authors: Martinino Alessandro , Khanolkar Ojus , Koyuncu Erdem , Petrochenkov Egor , Bencini Giulia , Olazar Joanna , Di Cocco Pierpaolo , Almario‐Alvarez Jorge , Spaggiari Mario , Benedetti Enrico , Tzvetanov Ivo
Published: December 2024

Background

Machine learning has emerged as a potent tool in healthcare. A decision tree model was built to improve the decision‐making process when determining the optimal choice between an open or robotic surgical approach for kidney transplant.

Methods

822 patients (OKT) and 169 (RKT) underwent kidney transplantation at our centre during the study period. A decision tree model was built in a two‐step process consisting of: (1) Creating the model on the training data and (2) testing the predictive capabilities of the model using the test data.

Results

Our model correctly predicted an OKT in 148 patients out of 161 test cases who received an OKT (accuracy 91%) and predicted an RKT in 19 out of 25 test cases of patients receiving an RKT (accuracy 76%).

Conclusion

Our model represents the inaugural data‐driven model that furnishes concrete insights for the discernment between employing robotic and open surgery techniques.
Nonequilibrium Self‐Assembly of Microtubules Through Stepwise Sequential Interactions of DNA
Authors: Keya Jakia Jannat , Akter Mousumi , Yamasaki Yuta , Kageyama Yoshiyuki , Sada Kazuki , Kuzuya Akinori , Kakugo Akira
Published: December 2024

The assembly of biological systems forms nonequilibrium patterns with different functionalities through molecular‐level communication via stepwise sequential interaction and activation. The mimicking of this molecular signaling offers extensive opportunities to design self‐assemblies of bioinspired synthetic nonequilibrium systems to develop molecular robots with active, adaptive, and autonomous behavior. Herein, the design and construction of biomolecular motor system, microtubule (MT)‐kinesin based molecular swarm system, are reported through stepwise sequential interactions of DNA. DNA signals are exchanged between three different DNA‐tethered MTs, whereby the DNA signal from the first MT can activate the DNA strand on the second MT by communicating through physical contact, which facilitates assembly formation between the second and third DNA‐tethered MTs. The DNA strands on the MTs can recognize the specific sequences of other DNA strands in the system and communicate with the complementary DNA on other MTs. This work will pave the way for developing autonomous molecular machines with advanced functionalities for complex nanotechnological applications.
Macro‐ and Nano‐Porous Ag Electrodes Enable Selective and Stable Aqueous CO2 Reduction
Authors: Nourmohammadi Khiarak Behnam , da Silva Gelson T. S. T. , Grange Valentine , Gao Guorui , Golovanova Viktoria , de García de Arquer F. Pelayo , Mascaro Lucia H. , Dinh Cao‐Thang
Published: December 2024

Electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction from aqueous solutions offers a promising strategy to overcome flooding and salt precipitation in gas diffusion electrodes used in gas‐phase CO2 electrolysis. However, liquid‐phase CO2 electrolysis often exhibits low CO2 reduction rates because of limited CO2 availability. Here, a macroporous Ag mesh is employed and activated to achieve selective CO2 conversion to CO with high rates from an aqueous bicarbonate solution. It is found that activation of Ag surface using oxidation/reduction cycles produces nanoporous surfaces that favor CO2‐to‐CO conversion. Notably, it is found that a combination of dissolved CO2 in bicarbonate solution with CO2 generated in situ from bicarbonate ions enables increased CO2 availability and a CO2‐to‐CO conversion rate over 100 mA cm−2. By optimizing the oxidation/reduction cycles to fine‐tune the structure of Ag surface, CO2‐to‐CO conversion is reported from a bicarbonate solution with CO Faradaic efficiency of over 85% at current density of 100 mA cm−2, high concentration of 24.7% at outlet gas stream and stability of over 100 h with maintaining CO FE over 85% during whole reaction time.
Reduction of Tundish Stopper Rod Corrosion Caused by Covering Powder
Authors: Klug Jeferson L. , Bielefeldt Wagner V. , Ferreira José A. C. , Maranhão Edson A. , Silva Thaisa F. , Apolinario Giovani D.
Published: December 2024

Using tundish covering powders based on the Ca–aluminate system can be advantageous since they present better performance regarding absorption of inclusions and prevention of steel reoxidation by the atmosphere. However, producing ultralow‐carbon steel can lead to severe corrosion of the tundish stopper rod at the slag line when using this material. The corrosion rate can be so high that the stopper rod fractures, causing an interruption in the production sequence. Considering that corrosion is primarily a chemical process, and the potential for corrosion can be estimated through chemical equilibria calculations, simulations using computational thermodynamics are performed to design tundish‐covering powders to reduce the stopper rod corrosion rate at the slag line. Then, a new Ca–aluminate material is produced and tested at a steel mill. The stopper rod wear rate decreased more than six times on average with the optimized tundish covering powder. Steel cleanliness is not affected by the change in the covering powder.
Wear Properties and Characterization of T15 High‐Speed Steel Prepared by Hot Isostatic Pressing, Forging, and Vacuum Heat Treatment
Authors: Jiang Jipeng , Liang Shujin , Lai Yunjin , Li Shaoqiang
Published: December 2024

Effect of heat treatment (HT) on T15 high‐speed steel (HSS) prepared by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and forging processes using electrode induction melting gas atomization powder is successfully studied; their microstructure, friction, and wear properties are in comparison. The lowest friction coefficient and wear rate are achieved in the forging plus HT T15 HSS. Simultaneously, the minimum wear profile depth and dimension are also obtained in the forging plus HT one. The prior particle boundaries produced by HIP are overtly eliminated, and the grains are refined and evenly distributed after forging and HT processes. The refined microstructure after forging plus HT promotes improvement of friction and wear performance. Wear mechanisms for samples prepared by different processes are discussed. The microstructure is characterized by high‐angle angular dark field‐scanning transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and white light interferometer. This work proves that HSS products with high wear properties can be prepared by appropriate HIP + forging + HT processes.
Solitary pulmonary metastasis at presentation in a dog with anal sac adenocarcinoma without nodal metastasis
Authors: Cotnoir Katelyn , Cook Matthew R. , Lapsley Janis , Grossman Elliot , Selmic Laura E.
Published: December 2024

A 10‐year‐old, male, neutered labrador retriever was diagnosed with a left‐sided anal sac adenocarcinoma. At diagnosis, staging with an abdominal computed tomography revealed no intraabdominal lymph node enlargement. Thoracic radiographs revealed a soft tissue pulmonary nodule with cytology consistent with a carcinoma. The dog underwent a left anal sacculectomy, and re‐presented 24 days later for a lung lobectomy in which histopathology represented primary anal sac adenocarcinoma metastasis. Forty‐nine days after initial presentation, the dog was referred for a right distal radial lytic lesion in which cytology was concerning for osteosarcoma. After 132 days of initial presentation, an abdominal ultrasound revealed normal‐sized iliosacral lymph nodes. The dog was humanely euthanased 446 days after initial diagnosis. This case report describes a dog who had a solitary metastatic pulmonary nodule from apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma at the time of presentation with no nodal metastasis identified, which is atypical compared to previous reports.
Optimal botulinum toxin therapy of dystonia in Germany: what would it cost?
Authors: Dressler Dirk , Altenmüller Eckart , Pan Lizhen , Saberi Fereshte Adib
Published: December 2024

Botulinum toxin (BT) therapy is the therapy of choice for most forms of dystonia. We want to describe its costs, if all dystonia patients in Germany would have access to optimal BT therapy. For this, we combined the latest data on epidemiology of dystonia and dosing of BT therapy for dystonia. Missing data were generated for this study. Based on official German pharmacy sales prices, optimal treatment for all dystonia patients in Germany with a population of 84.1 million would generate annual drug costs of €155.5 million (cervical dystonia 89.3, tardive dystonia 22.1, generalised dystonia 17.9, blepharospasm 9.3, segmental dystonia 5.9, writer’s cramp 5.3, arm dystonia 3.2, oromandibular dystonia 2.3, musician’s dystonia 0.3, spasmodic dysphonia 0.1) This is €1.85 annually per capita or 0.3% of the total 2021 drug budget and 42% of the 2021 Parkinson drug budget of German public insurance companies. Actual costs for the health care system are considerably lower, as there are various discounts to consider. Further reductions would be possible. BT therapy’s individual costs are high. Its costs for the health care system, however, are marginal. Comparing projected and actual costs, would allow estimating availability and quality of BT therapy of dystonia in Germany.
Novel antibiotic resistance profiles in bacteria isolated from oil fly larvae Helaeomyia petrolei living in the La Brea Tar Pits
Authors: Durso Lisa M. , Shamimuzzaman Md. , Dillard Brian , Nickerson Kenneth W.
Published: December 2024

Larvae from the petroleum oil fly, Helaeomyia petrolei, live in the asphaltene and polyaromatic hydrocarbon rich asphalt seeps of Rancho La Brea, Los Angeles, California. These larvae pass high amounts of viscous asphalt through their digestive system, and their gut microbiota is exposed to these extreme conditions. Environmental stress response mechanisms can co-select for antibiotic resistance, and in the current study we used 16S rRNA and genomic sequencing along with the Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) tools to characterize antibiotic resistance profiles from six bacteria previously isolated from the oil fly larval intestinal tract, linking phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles. The isolates contain a core set of antibiotic resistance determinants along with determinants that are rarely found in these species. Comparing these oil fly isolates to the phenotypic prevalence data generated by the CARD Resistance Gene Identifier revealed sixteen instances where the oil fly bacteria appeared to carry a resistance not seen in related taxa in the database, suggesting a novel suite of resistance families in the oil fly isolates compared to other members of the same taxa. Results highlight the functional duality of genes that simultaneously code for antibiotic resistance and survival under extreme conditions, and expand our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary role of antibiotic resistance genes in environmental habitats.
Compensated velocity feedback for non-collocated active vibration control
Authors: Hirschfeldt Natasha , Furtmüller Thomas , Adam Christoph , Maderebner Roland
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses non-collocated vibration control of multi-modal structures such as plates. The challenges of applying this non-collocated configuration in real systems are tackled by proposing a second-order compensator using velocity feedback control. The compensator design aims to use uncontrolled data only, where its parameters are obtained from a measurement of the point-frequency response function at the actuator attachment point (anti-resonance assignment). Compared to other control strategies such as optimal control, no plant model or state estimation is required in the hardware implementation of the controller, making this approach relatively simple. The compensator design is outlined for a generic three-degree-of-freedom system, as its simplicity allows for deeper investigation of the effects of the compensator itself. The proposed design is then experimentally validated by vibration control of a cross-laminated timber panel, considering three closely spaced natural frequencies. Further difficulties encountered in dealing with real world systems are discussed by comparing experimental data with simulations. To achieve this, a model of the electromechanical system composed of the panel and two electrodynamic shakers is used. The parameters of the compensator for the system are then obtained and a sensitivity study to these parameters is carried out by calculating a control performance taking into account filters and the effects of time delay.
Evaluation and Dissection of Sensory Quality Traits for Potato Taste
Authors: Wang Ying , Yang Wan-lin , Zeng Fan-kui , Lei Chun-ni , Yang Qiong-fen , Wang Jian
Published: December 2024

The sensory qualities of potatoes significantly influence consumer preference. This study evaluated the sensory qualities of 66 potato varieties, focusing on representatives of distinct taste types for detailed analysis: sensory evaluation, taste, nutritional components, texture properties, physicochemical characteristics of starch, and volatile aroma compounds. Sensory evaluation of these potato varieties identified the landrace “Kaihua Yangyu” as the most favoured by consumers. The favourable taste of Kai Hua Yang Yu was attributed to (1) soft, dry, and non-sticky texture; (2) starch with higher peak viscosity, easier gelatinisation (below 70 ℃), higher setback value (2776 RVU), and larger granule size (41.63 ± 9.90 μm) compared with other such as YS105 and Cooperation88; and (3) distinctive umami flavour, a trait notably associated with elevated levels of aspartic acid and glutamic acid.
Flint, 10 Years Later
Authors: van Deelen Grace
Published: December 2024

In the decade since the start of the Flint water crisis, policymakers and communities have made improvements to the lives of residents, but opportunities for progress remain.
Magma Ocean Evolution at Arbitrary Redox State
Authors: Nicholls Harrison , Lichtenberg Tim , Bower Dan J. , Pierrehumbert Raymond
Published: December 2024

Interactions between magma oceans and overlying atmospheres on young rocky planets leads to an evolving feedback of outgassing, greenhouse forcing, and mantle melt fraction. Previous studies have predominantly focused on the solidification of oxidized Earth‐similar planets, but the diversity in mean density and irradiation observed in the low‐mass exoplanet census motivate exploration of strongly varying geochemical scenarios. We aim to explore how variable redox properties alter the duration of magma ocean solidification, the equilibrium thermodynamic state, melt fraction of the mantle, and atmospheric composition. We develop a 1D coupled interior‐atmosphere model that can simulate the time‐evolution of lava planets. This is applied across a grid of fixed redox states, orbital separations, hydrogen endowments, and C/H ratios around a Sun‐like star. The composition of these atmospheres is highly variable before and during solidification. The evolutionary path of an Earth‐like planet at 1 AU ranges between permanent magma ocean states and solidification within 1 Myr. Recently solidified planets typically host ‐ or ‐dominated atmospheres in the absence of escape. Orbital separation is the primary factor determining magma ocean evolution, followed by the total hydrogen endowment, mantle oxygen fugacity, and finally the planet's C/H ratio. Collisional absorption by induces a greenhouse effect which can prevent or stall magma ocean solidification. Through this effect, as well as the outgassing of other volatiles, geochemical properties exert significant control over the fate of magma oceans on rocky planets.
Anion exchange polymer modified electrodes for detection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC): a potential electrochemical sensor for point-of-care and roadside testing
Authors: Oddy Artemis , Holdcroft Steven , Hernandez-Aldave Sandra
Published: December 2024

The effect of a polybenzimidazolium anion exchange polymer on improving sensitivity and selectivity toward the electrochemical detection of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) has been investigated.
NIR-II upconversion nanomaterials for biomedical applications
Authors: Luo Ranran , Zhang Chenxi , Zhang Zening , Ren Pengchen , Xu Zhongsheng , Liu Yun
Published: December 2024

This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent biomedical applications of upconversion nanomaterials specifically within the near-infrared two-region (NIR-II) window (1000–1700 nm).
Probing the influence of imidazolylidene- and triazolylidene-based carbenes on the catalytic potential of dioxomolybdenum and dioxotungsten complexes in deoxygenation catalysis
Authors: Neururer Florian R. , Heim Florian , Baltrun Marc , Boos Philipp , Beerhues Julia , Seidl Michael , Hohloch Stephan
Published: December 2024

We report the synthesis of molydenum and tungsten NHC and MIC complexes with the general formula (OCO)MO2 (OCO = bis-phenolate NHC/MIC; M = Mo, W) and their utility in the catalytic deoxygenation of nitroarenes.
Evaluation of arobiological characteristics of persimmon varieties
Authors: Nazarov Abduqodir , Nazarov Abduqahhor , Khakimova Malokhat , Khakimova Mavjuda
Published: December 2024

In this scientific article, the persimmon palm is a subtropical plant of which there are many species. More than 800 varieties of persimmons have been studied and propagated around the world. Such varieties and forms are effective as large-fruited, fertile, seed-bearing and pollinating trees with flowering at the same time. Today, the drying of persimmon fruits in the world is common in China, Japan, Korea and Brazil. Ripe, but not yet softened hard fruits are peeled off and hung on a string.