bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer learned deep feature based crack detection using support vector machine: a comparative study
Authors: Bhalaji Kharthik K. S. , Onyema Edeh Michael , Mallik Saurav , Siva Prasad B. V. V. , Qin Hong , Selvi C. , Sikha O. K.
Published: June 2024

Technology offers a lot of potential that is being used to improve the integrity and efficiency of infrastructures. Crack is one of the major concerns that can affect the integrity or usability of any structure. Oftentimes, the use of manual inspection methods leads to delays which can worsen the situation. Automated crack detection has become very necessary for efficient management and inspection of critical infrastructures. Previous research in crack detection employed classification and localization-based models using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs). This study suggests and compares the effectiveness of transfer learned DCNNs for crack detection as a classification model and as a feature extractor to overcome this restriction. The main objective of this paper is to present various methods of crack detection on surfaces and compare their performance over 3 different datasets. Experiments conducted in this work are threefold: initially, the effectiveness of 12 transfer learned DCNN models for crack detection is analyzed on three publicly available datasets: SDNET, CCIC and BSD. With an accuracy of 53.40%, ResNet101 outperformed other models on the SDNET dataset. EfficientNetB0 was the most accurate (98.8%) model on the BSD dataset, and ResNet50 performed better with an accuracy of 99.8% on the CCIC dataset. Secondly, two image enhancement methods are employed to enhance the images and are transferred learned on the 12 DCNNs in pursuance of improving the performance of the SDNET dataset. The results from the experiments show that the enhanced images improved the accuracy of transfer-learned crack detection models significantly. Furthermore, deep features extracted from the last fully connected layer of the DCNNs are used to train the Support Vector Machine (SVM). The integration of deep features with SVM enhanced the detection accuracy across all the DCNN-dataset combinations, according to analysis in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score.
The effect of mobility reductions on infection growth is quadratic in many cases
Authors: Paltra Sydney , Bostanci Inan , Nagel Kai
Published: June 2024

Stay-at-home orders were introduced in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting the time people spent outside their home and the attendance of gatherings. In this study, we argue from a theoretical model that in many cases the effect of such stay-at-home orders on incidence growth should be quadratic, and that this statement should also hold beyond COVID-19. That is, a reduction of the out-of-home duration to, say, 70% of its original value should reduce incidence growth and thus the effective R-value to $$70\% \cdot 70\% = 49\%$$

70
%
·
70
%
=
49
%

of its original value. We then show that this hypothesis can be substantiated from data acquired during the COVID-19 pandemic by using a multiple regression model to fit a combination of the quadratic out-of-home duration and temperature to the COVID-19 growth multiplier. We finally demonstrate that many other models, when brought to the same scale, give similar reductions of the effective R-value, but that none of these models extend plausibly to an out-of-home duration of zero.
Circulating C-reactive protein levels as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer across body mass index groups
Authors: Holm J. B. , Baggesen E. , Cronin-Fenton D. , Frystyk J. , Bruun J. M. , Christiansen P. , Borgquist S.
Published: June 2024

Obesity and systemic inflammation are associated with breast cancer (BC) outcomes. Systemic inflammation is increased in obesity. We examined the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) overall, and according to body mass index (BMI). We assembled a cohort of women with BC (stage I–III) seen at Aarhus University Hospital between 2010 and 2020 who donated blood at BC diagnosis (N = 2673). CRP levels were measured and divided into quartiles. We followed patients from surgery to recurrence, contralateral BC, other malignancy, death, emigration, or end-of-follow-up. We used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to compare outcomes across CRP quartiles, overall and stratified by BMI (normal-weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2), and obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2)). During follow-up, 368 events (212 recurrences, 38 contralateral BCs, and 118 deaths) occurred (median follow-up 5.55 years). For DFS, high CRP (CRP ≥ 3.19 mg/L) was associated with an increased risk of events (HRadj:1.62 [95% CI = 1.14–2.28]). In BMI-stratified analyses, high CRP was associated with elevated risk of events in normal-weight and overweight (HRadj:1.70 [95% CI = 1.09–2.66]; HRadj:1.75 [95% CI = 1.08–2.86]), but in obesity, the estimate was less precise (HRadj:1.73 [95% CI = 0.78–3.83]). For OS, high CRP was associated with increased risk of death (HRadj:2.47 [95% CI = 1.62–3.76]). The association was strong in normal-weight and overweight (HRadj:3.66 [95% CI = 1.95–6.87]; HRadj:1.92 [95% CI = 1.06–3.46]), but less clear in obesity (HRadj:1.40 [95% CI = 0.64–3.09]). To sum up, high CRP levels at BC diagnosis were associated with inferior prognosis in early BC irrespective of BMI, although less clear in patients with obesity.
Neutrophil NLRP3 promotes cardiac injury following acute myocardial infarction through IL-1β production, VWF release and NET deposition in the myocardium
Authors: Heger Lukas A. , Schommer Nicolas , Van Bruggen Stijn , Sheehy Casey E. , Chan William , Wagner Denisa D.
Published: June 2024

NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in neutrophil polarization and extrusion of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in vitro and facilitates secretion of Il1-beta (IL-1β). Permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery was used to induce MI in WT and NLRP3−/− mice as well as in NLRP3−/− recipient mice transfused with either WT or NLRP3−/− neutrophils. NLRP3 deficiency reduced infarct size to roughly a third of WT heart injury and preserved left ventricular (LV) function at 12 h after MI as assessed by echocardiography and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining of live tissue. Transfusion of WT but not NLRP3−/− neutrophils after MI increased infarct size in NLRP3−/− mice and significantly reduced LV function. The key features of myocardial tissue in WT neutrophil transfused recipients were increased H3Cit-positive deposits with NET-like morphology and increased tissue levels of IL-1β and plasma levels of von Willebrand Factor (VWF). Flow cytometry analysis also revealed that neutrophil NLRP3 increased the number of labeled and transfused neutrophils in the bone marrow of recipient mice following MI. Our data suggest a key role for neutrophil NLRP3 in the production of IL-1β and deposition of NETs in cardiac tissue exacerbating injury following MI. We provide evidence for a link between neutrophil NLRP3 and VWF release likely enhancing thromboinflammation in the heart. Neutrophil NLRP3 deficiency conferred similar cardioprotective effects to general NLRP3 deletion in MI rendering anti-neutrophil NLRP3 therapy a promising target for early cardioprotective treatment.
Coarse-graining Hamiltonian systems using WSINDy
Authors: Messenger Daniel A. , Burby Joshua W. , Bortz David M.
Published: June 2024

Weak form equation learning and surrogate modeling has proven to be computationally efficient and robust to measurement noise in a wide range of applications including ODE, PDE, and SDE discovery, as well as in coarse-graining applications, such as homogenization and mean-field descriptions of interacting particle systems. In this work we extend this coarse-graining capability to the setting of Hamiltonian dynamics which possess approximate symmetries associated with timescale separation. A smooth $$\varepsilon$$
ε
-dependent Hamiltonian vector field $$X_\varepsilon$$

X
ε

possesses an approximate symmetry if the limiting vector field $$X_0=\lim _{\varepsilon \rightarrow 0}X_\varepsilon$$

X
0

=

lim

ε
→
0

X
ε

possesses an exact symmetry. Such approximate symmetries often lead to the existence of a Hamiltonian system of reduced dimension that may be used to efficiently capture the dynamics of the symmetry-invariant dependent variables. Deriving such reduced systems, or approximating them numerically, is an ongoing challenge. We demonstrate that WSINDy can successfully identify this reduced Hamiltonian system in the presence of large perturbations imparted in the $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

regime, while remaining robust to extrinsic noise. This is significant in part due to the nontrivial means by which such systems are derived analytically. WSINDy naturally preserves the Hamiltonian structure by restricting to a trial basis of Hamiltonian vector fields. The methodology is computationally efficient, often requiring only a single trajectory to learn the global reduced Hamiltonian, and avoiding forward solves in the learning process. In this way, we argue that weak-form equation learning is particularly well-suited for Hamiltonian coarse-graining. Using nearly-periodic Hamiltonian systems as a prototypical class of systems with approximate symmetries, we show that WSINDy robustly identifies the correct leading-order system, with dimension reduced by at least two, upon observation of the relevant degrees of freedom. While our main contribution is computational, we also provide a contribution to the literature on averaging theory by proving that first-order averaging at the level of vector fields preserves Hamiltonian structure in nearly-periodic Hamiltonian systems. This provides theoretical justification for our approach as WSINDy’s computations occur at the level of Hamiltonian vector fields. We illustrate the efficacy of our proposed method using physically relevant examples, including coupled oscillator dynamics, the Hénon–Heiles system for stellar motion within a galaxy, and the dynamics of charged particles.
Analyzing the impact of deep learning algorithms and fuzzy logic approach for remote English translation
Authors: Han Xiuying
Published: June 2024

A remote English translation is used for assisting with on-demand support for adaptable sentence conversion and language understanding. The problem with on-demand translations is the precision verification of the words used. This article addresses the precision problem by assimilating deep learning and fuzzy decision algorithm for remote translation support. The method named Fusion-dependent Precision Translation Approach (FPTA) conducts a series of recurrent validations on word usage and sentence completion for the given inputs. First, the completed sentences are verified using the understandability and meaning intended using deep learning in two recurrent layers. The first layer is responsible for identifying word placement and understandability and the second is responsible for meaning verification. The recurrent training is tuned using a fuzzy decision algorithm by selecting the maximum best-afford solution. The constraint’s understandability and meaning are augmented for tuning the outputs by preventing errors consequently. In precise, the error sequences are identified from the first layer for fuzzification across various inputs. This process improves the word adaptability from different languages reducing errors (12.49%) and improves the understandability (11.57%) for various translated sentences.
Constructing and implementing a performance evaluation indicator set for artificial intelligence decision support systems in pediatric outpatient clinics: an observational study
Authors: Wang Yingwen , Fu Weijia , Zhang Yuejie , Wang Daoyang , Gu Ying , Wang Weibing , Xu Hong , Ge Xiaoling , Ye Chengjie , Fang Jinwu , Su Ling , Wang Jiayu , He Wen , Zhang Xiaobo , Feng Rui
Published: June 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) decision support systems in pediatric healthcare have a complex application background. As an AI decision support system (AI-DSS) can be costly, once applied, it is crucial to focus on its performance, interpret its success, and then monitor and update it to ensure ongoing success consistently. Therefore, a set of evaluation indicators was explicitly developed for AI-DSS in pediatric healthcare, enabling continuous and systematic performance monitoring. The study unfolded in two stages. The first stage encompassed establishing the evaluation indicator set through a literature review, a focus group interview, and expert consultation using the Delphi method. In the second stage, weight analysis was conducted. Subjective weights were calculated based on expert opinions through analytic hierarchy process, while objective weights were determined using the entropy weight method. Subsequently, subject and object weights were synthesized to form the combined weight. In the two rounds of expert consultation, the authority coefficients were 0.834 and 0.846, Kendall's coordination coefficient was 0.135 in Round 1 and 0.312 in Round 2. The final evaluation indicator set has three first-class indicators, fifteen second-class indicators, and forty-seven third-class indicators. Indicator I-1(Organizational performance) carries the highest weight, followed by Indicator I-2(Societal performance) and Indicator I-3(User experience performance) in the objective and combined weights. Conversely, 'Societal performance' holds the most weight among the subjective weights, followed by 'Organizational performance' and 'User experience performance'. In this study, a comprehensive and specialized set of evaluation indicators for the AI-DSS in the pediatric outpatient clinic was established, and then implemented. Continuous evaluation still requires long-term data collection to optimize the weight proportions of the established indicators.
Railway track settlement patterns and control measures for multi-tunnel construction underneath a station track group: a case study
Authors: Li Pinpin , Lu Feng , Huang Haiyun , Qiu Wenge
Published: June 2024

This paper is based on the proximity engineering project of the Baishiyi tunnel group passing under the Chongqing West Station track group. Considering the train load and the spatial relationship of the tunnel and track groups, the settlement patterns, horizontal displacement, and differential settlement of the tunnel–strata–tracks system during the excavation process are studied through theoretical calculations and numerical simulation methods. The results indicate that the tunnel vault, strata, and track settlement deformation patterns are similar. Throughout the tunnel construction process, the tracks underwent uplift, settlement, and eventually stabilized. The settlement trough formed by the excavation of the three tunnels below the track group has an impact range of 25–145 m. Between 35 and 75 m, the differential settlement of the double track gradually increases with excavation. As the tunnel face reaches 75 m, the track differential settlement gradually converges and tends to stabilize. To minimize the impact of underpass tunnel construction on track groups, it is recommended to use a combination of full-section hole grouting and surface reinforcement grouting for ground reinforcement. Additionally, optimizing the construction parameters, including the step length and primary support closure time, and strengthening the locking anchor can further reduce the impact.
LLIN Evaluation in Uganda Project (LLINEUP)–effects of a vector control trial on Plasmodium infection prevalence and genotypic markers of insecticide resistance in Anopheles vectors from 48 districts of Uganda
Authors: Lynd Amy , Gonahasa Samuel , Staedke Sarah G. , Oruni Ambrose , Maiteki-Sebuguzi Catherine , Hancock Penelope A. , Knight Erin , Dorsey Grant , Opigo Jimmy , Yeka Adoke , Katureebe Agaba , Kyohere Mary , Hemingway Janet , Kamya Moses R. , McDermott Daniel , Lucas Eric R. , Donnelly Martin J.
Published: June 2024

Pyrethroid bednets treated with the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) offer the possibility of improved vector control in mosquito populations with metabolic resistance. In 2017–2019, we conducted a large-scale, cluster-randomised trial (LLINEUP) to evaluate long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) treated with a pyrethroid insecticide plus PBO (PBO LLINs), as compared to conventional, pyrethroid-only LLINs across 104 health sub-districts (HSDs) in Uganda. In LLINEUP, and similar trials in Tanzania, PBO LLINs were found to provide greater protection against malaria than conventional LLINs, reducing parasitaemia and vector density. In the LLINEUP trial, we conducted cross-sectional household entomological surveys at baseline and then every 6 months for two years, which we use here to investigate longitudinal changes in mosquito infection rate and genetic markers of resistance. Overall, 5395 female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from 5046 households. The proportion of mosquitoes infected (PCR-positive) with Plasmodium falciparum did not change significantly over time, while infection with non-falciparum malaria decreased in An. gambiae s.s., but not An. funestus. The frequency of genetic markers associated with pyrethroid resistance increased significantly over time, but the rate of change was not different between the two LLIN types. The knock-down resistance (kdr) mutation Vgsc-995S declined over time as Vgsc-995F, the alternative resistance mutation at this codon, increased. Vgsc-995F appears to be spreading into Uganda. Distribution of LLINs in Uganda was previously found to be associated with reductions in parasite prevalence and vector density, but here we show that the proportion of infective mosquitoes remained stable across both PBO and non-PBO LLINs, suggesting that the potential for transmission persisted. The increased frequency of markers of pyrethroid resistance indicates that LLIN distribution favoured the evolution of resistance within local vectors and highlights the potential benefits of resistance management strategies.

Trial registration: This study is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN17516395. Registered 14 February 2017, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17516395.
Peracetic acid treatment of squid eggs infected with parasitic copepod (Ikanecator primus gen. et sp. nov.)
Authors: Zoral Mehmet Arif , Lajbner Zdenek , Zifcakova Lucia , Miller Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Having been successfully bred in semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture systems, oval squids of the Sepioteuthis lessoniana species complex are emerging as promising candidates for research and industry. Nevertheless, information about pathogens and diseases that may affect squid aquaculture remains sparse. In this study, we identify new parasitic copepod species that causes squid mortality and decreases squid hatching rates, and we also offer a solution to eliminate the pathogen during incubation of squid eggs. The newly discovered copepod Ikanecator primus gen. et sp. nov. was identified on oval squid eggs for the first time using both morphological and molecular diagnostic markers. In the genomes of the copepod and associated microbiome, we identified multiple genes for enzymes involved in cephalopod eggshell degradation in genomes of the copepod and associated microbiome. Furthermore, we conducted experiments to assess efficacy of peracetic acid in inhibiting the I. primus gen. et sp. nov. both in vitro and in vivo using immersion treatment. We established that a 2-min exposure to a concentration of 250 μl/L of peracetic acid containing product (PAA-product; 35 mg/L PAA and 15 mg/L H2O2) inhibited the development of nauplii in vitro. All parasites exposed to a concentration of 500 μl/L of PAA-product (70 mg/L PAA and 30 mg/L H2O2) were eliminated within two minutes. On top of this, the immersion treatment with 500 μl/L of PAA-product (70 mg/L PAA and 30 mg/L H2O2) improved survival of squid embryos and increased size of squid hatchlings compared with control and the immersion treatment with 125 μl/L of PAA-product (17.5 mg/L PAA and 7.5 mg/L H2O2) and the immersion treatment with 250 μl/L of PAA-product (35 mg/L PAA and 15 mg/L H2O2). These findings suggest that PAA holds a great potential as inhibitor and controller of parasitic copepod infections and for overall health management in cephalopod culture.
Silica nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in A549 cell lines
Authors: Peivandi Zahra , Shirazi Farshad H. , Teimourian Shahram , Farnam Golrokh , Babaei Vahid , Mehrparvar Neda , Koohsari Nasim , Ashtarinezhad Azadeh
Published: June 2024

Among the myriad of nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles (SiO2NPs) have gained significant attention since they are extensively produced and used across several kinds of industries. Because of its widespread usage, there has been increasing concern about the potential health effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of SiO2NPs on Interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression in human lung epithelial cell lines (A549). In this study, A549 cells were exposed to SiO2NPs at concentrations of 0, 1, 10, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h. The IL-6 gene expression was assessed using Real-Time RT-PCR. Additionally, the impact of SiO2NPs on the viability of A549 cells was determined by MTT assay. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software 8.0. MTT assay results indicated a concentration-dependent impact on cell survival. After 24 h, survival decreased from 80 to 68% (1–100 µg/mL), rising to 77% at higher concentrations. After 48 h, survival dropped from 97 to 80%, decreasing to 90% at higher concentrations. RT-PCR showed a dose–response relationship in cellular toxicity up to 10 µg/mL. At higher concentrations, there was increased IL-6 gene expression, mitigating SiO2NP-induced cytotoxic effects. The study shows that the viability and proliferation of A549 cells are impacted by different SiO2NPs concentrations. There may be a potential correlation between IL-6 gene expression reduction and a mechanism linked to cellular toxicity. However, at higher concentrations, an unknown mechanism increases IL-6 gene expression, reducing SiO2NPs' cytotoxic effects. These effects are concentration-dependent and not influenced by exposure times. Further investigation is recommended to determine this mechanism's nature and implications, particularly in cancer research.
Mechanism of oxymatrine in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis through TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Shi Jie , Lu Yilong , Ji Rui , Guan Zhiyu , Peng Fujun , Zhao Chunzhen , Gao Wei , Gao Feng
Published: June 2024

Cryptosporidiosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease. Oxymatrine, an alkaloid extracted and isolated from the plant bitter ginseng, has been reported to have therapeutic effects on cryptosporidiosis. However, the underlying mechanism of its action remains unclear. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology and experimental validation to investigate the mechanism of oxymatrine in the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. First, the potential targets of drugs and diseases were predicted by TCMSP, Gene Cards, and other databases. Following the intersection of drug-disease targets, the DAVID database was used to implement the enrichment analysis of GO functions and KEGG pathways, and then the network diagram of "intersected target-KEGG" relationship was constructed. Autodock 4.2.6 software was used to carry out the molecular docking of core targets to drug components. Based on the establishment of a mouse model of cryptosporidiosis, the validity of the targets in the TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway was confirmed using Western blot analysis and Quantitative Rea-ltime-PCR. A total of 41 intersectional targets of oxymatrine and Cryptosporidium were generated from the results, and five core targets were screened out by network analysis, including RELA, AKT1, ESR1, TNF, and CASP3. The enrichment analysis showed that oxymatrine could regulate multiple gene targets, mediate TNF, Apoptpsis, IL-17, NF-κB and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking experiments revealed that oxymatrine was tightly bound to core targets with stable conformation. Furthermore, we found through animal experiments that oxymatrine could regulate the mRNA and protein expression of IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α in the intestinal tissues of post-infected mice through the TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, it can be concluded that oxymatrine can regulate the inflammatory factors TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-6 through the TNF/NF-κB signaling pathway for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. This prediction has also been validated by network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Virulence and resistance profiling of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from subclinical bovine mastitis in the Pakistani Pothohar region
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Armaghan , Yousaf Arfan , Ahsan Aitezaz , Irshad Hamid , Riaz Aayesha , Khan Asghar , Ullah Inayat , Sattar Sadia , Bostan Nazish , Javed Sundus
Published: June 2024

Mastitis is considered one of the most widespread infectious disease of cattle and buffaloes, affecting dairy herds. The current study aimed to characterize the Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from subclinical mastitis animals in Pothohar region of the country. A total of 278 milk samples from 17 different dairy farms around two districts of the Pothohar region, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, were collected and screened for sub clinical mastitis using California Mastitis Test. Positive milk samples were processed for isolation of Staphylococcus aureus using mannitol salt agar. The recovered isolates were analyzed for their antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence genes using disc diffusion and PCR respectively. 62.2% samples were positive for subclinical mastitis and in total 70 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered. 21% of these isolates were determined to be methicillin resistant, carrying the mecA gene. S. aureus isolates recovered during the study were resistant to all first line therapeutic antibiotics and in total 52% isolates were multidrug resistant. SCCmec typing revealed MRSA SCCmec types IV and V, indicating potential community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) transmission. Virulence profiling revealed high prevalence of key genes associated with adhesion, toxin production, and immune evasion, such as hla, hlb, clfA, clfB and cap5. Furthermore, the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin, that is often associated with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections, was present in 5.7% of isolates. In conclusion, the increased prevalence of MRSA in bovine mastitis is highlighted by this study, which also reveals a variety of virulence factors in S. aureus and emphasizes the significance of appropriate antibiotic therapy in combating this economically burdensome disease.
A microscopic mechanism study of the effect of binary surfactants on the flotation of Wiser bituminous coal
Authors: Zhang Chun , Qian Xianju , Song Hailong , Jia Jinzhang
Published: June 2024

Investigating surfactant effects on the floatability of Wiser bituminous coal holds significant importance in improving coal cleanliness and utilization value. Using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulation methods, this study constructed models of Wiser bituminous coal and examined the impact of different surfactants, including the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, the cationic surfactant hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and the non-ionic surfactant fatty alcohol ethoxylated ether. The focus was on investigating the charge distribution characteristics of these molecules and the modifying effect of binary surfactants on the hydrophobicity of bituminous coal. Results revealed that the maximum electrostatic potential was concentrated near oxygen/nitrogen/sulfur-containing functional groups like sulfonic acid groups, quaternary ammonium cations, ethylene oxide, hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and sulfur bonds. These functional groups exhibited a propensity for accepting/delivering electrons to form hydrogen bonds. Among the surfactants tested, CTAB revealed the slightest difference in frontier orbital energy, measuring 3.187 eV, thereby demonstrating a superior trapping ability compared with the other two surfactants. Adsorption reactions within the system were determined to be spontaneous, with over 60% of the interaction force attributed to electrostatic forces. Moreover, the repulsive force magnitude with water molecules followed the trend: sulfonate group (2.20 Å) < ethylene oxide (2.43 Å) < quaternary ammonium cation (2.57 Å), indicating more excellent water repellency of CTAB. Findings showed that CTAE binary surfactants proved most effective in modifying the hydrophobicity of bituminous coal. This study offers valuable insights into reducing waste, pollution, and resource wastage.
First-line serplulimab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy in PD-L1-positive esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Liang Xueyan , Meng Mingyu , Qin Shiran , Chen Xiaoyu , Li Yan
Published: June 2024

Patients with PD-L1-positive esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) were significantly more likely to survive when treated with serplulimab plus cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (serplulimab-CF). At this point, it is unknown whether this expensive therapy is cost-effective. From the Chinese healthcare system's perspective, we aimed to evaluate serplulimab-CF versus CF alone for cost-effectiveness. A partitioned survival model was constructed based on the ASTRUM-007 trial. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. A further analysis of subgroups and scenarios was conducted. The willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $38,258/QALY or $84,866/QALY is defined as three times the per capita gross domestic product value of the general region or affluent region. Compared with CF alone, in the overall (scenario 1), patients with PD-L1 expression level of 1 ≤ CPS < 10 (scenario 2), and patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10 (scenario 3) populations, the ICERs were $69,025/QALY, $82,533/QALY, and $75,436/QALY for serplulimab-CF. Nevertheless, the probability of serplulimab-CF becoming cost-effective based on scenarios 1, 2, and 3 is only 2.71%, 0.94%, and 2.84%, respectively, at a WTP threshold of $38,258/QALY. When serplulimab costs < $4.84/mg, serplulimab-CF may be cost-effective at the WTP threshold of $38,258/QALY; otherwise, CF was preferred. Similar results were obtained from sensitivity analyses, suggesting the robustness of these findings. There was no cost-effectiveness in general regions of China for serplulimab-CF in PD-L1-positive ESCC compared to CF, although it is probably considered cost-effective in affluent regions. Serplulimab-CF may achieve favorable cost-effectiveness by lowering the price of serplulimab.
Kinetic nitrogen isotope effects of 18 amino acids degradation during burning processes
Authors: Zhu Ren-Guo , Xiao Hua-Yun , Yin Meiju , Xiao Hao , Zhou Zhongkui , Wei Guo , Liu Cheng , Hu Caixia
Published: June 2024

Understanding the nitrogen isotopic variations of individual amino acids (AAs) is essential for utilizing the nitrogen isotope values of individual amino acids (δ15N-AA) as source indicators to identify proteinaceous matter originating from biomass combustion processes. However, the nitrogen isotope effects (ε) associated with the degradation of individual amino acids during combustion processes have not been previously explored. In this study, we measured the nitrogen isotope values of residual free amino acids -following a series of controlled combustion experiments at temperatures of 160–240 °C and durations of 2 min to 8 h, as described in Part 1. δ15N values of proline, aspartate, alanine, valine, glycine, leucine, and isoleucine are more positive than their initial δ15N values after prolonged combustion. Variations in δ15N values of the most AAs conform to the Rayleigh fractionation during combustion and their nitrogen isotope effects (ε) are greatly impacted by their respective combustion degradation pathways. This is the first time the ε values associated with the degradation pathways of AAs during combustion have been characterized. Only the ε values associated with Pathway 1 (dehydration to form dipeptide) and 2 (simultaneous deamination and decarboxylation) are found to be significant and temperature-dependent, ranging from + 2.9 to 6.4‰ and + 0.9‰ to + 3.8‰, respectively. Conversely, ε values associated with other pathways are minor. This improves the current understanding on the degradation mechanisms of protein nitrogen during biomass burning.
The substitute ENSO 16 has low impact on glucose metabolism in healthy humans: a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, cross-over trial
Authors: Lutnik Martin , Weisshaar Stefan , Mussbacher Lena M. , Steiner Daniel , Wolzt Michael
Published: June 2024

High sugar consumption is associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Current sugar substitutes may cause taste sensations and gastrointestinal symptoms. ENSO 16 is a combination of 16 different sugar substitutes and plant fibers and has been designed as a sugar alternative. The impact on plasma glucose metabolism as well as on gastrointestinal tolerance has not been investigated yet. 17 healthy participants were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind trial. Participants received a single oral dose of 30 g glucose or 30 g ENSO 16 and crossed over to the alternate treatment after a 7 day wash out period. The study endpoint was the effect on plasma glucose, insulin, C-peptide concentrations and gastrointestinal disorders. A questionnaire regarding gastrointestinal symptoms was used for individual subjective scoring. The mean baseline adjusted plasma glucose AUC0–180 min was significantly greater after glucose administration compared to ENSO 16 (n = 15, p = 0.0128, paired t-test). Maximum plasma glucose elevation over baseline was 117 mg*dl−1 and 20 mg*dl−1 after oral glucose or ENSO 16, respectively. Insulin and C-peptide AUC0−180 min were significantly greater after glucose compared to ENSO 16 intake (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The mean maximal concentrations of plasma glucose, insulin and C-peptide after glucose intake were 1.5, 4.6 and 2.7-fold greater after glucose intake compared to ENSO 16 intake, respectively. Adverse reactions were mostly mild and not different between treatments. Conclusion. ENSO 16 has only a small impact on plasma glucose metabolism. This may be of interest in a dietary context and may help to reduce calory intake.

Trail registration NCT05457400. First registration: 14/07/2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05457400.
Boundary quantitative characterization of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone in fully mechanized top-coal caving stope along the strike direction of working face
Authors: Lang Ding , Wu Xiaobo , Wu Yongping , Xie Panshi , Yan Zhuangzhuang , Chen Shuaiming
Published: June 2024

In the process of fully mechanized top-coal caving mining, the top-coal is affected by mining-induced stress, and the stress varies along the strike direction of working face, so the boundary position of its entering the limit equilibrium state changes accordingly. The determination of the boundary along the strike direction of working face can provide scientific guidance for the stability control of support-surrounding rock in fully mechanized top-coal caving face. Using the research methods of theoretical analysis, physical similarity simulation experiment and numerical simulation experiment, the stress state analysis model of the boundary position of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone under macro-scale conditions was established, the stress state characterization method of the boundary of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone along the strike direction of working face was given, and the quantitative characterization of the boundary of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone along the strike direction of working face was realized by combining with the mining-induced stress path, and the distance relationship between the boundary of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone and the langwall face along the strike direction of working face was revealed. The results show that after critical mining in fully mechanized top-coal caving face, the distance between the boundary of top-coal limit equilibrium zone and the langwall face along the strike direction of working face presents a relationship of increasing from top to bottom. The distance between the top-coal upper boundary and the langwall face was 2.85 m and the distance between the top-coal lower boundary and the langwall face was 5.39 m. The boundary of top-coal limit equilibrium zone along the strike direction of working face was verified by the top-coal elastic–plastic zone boundary and the boundary of the peak position of front abutment pressure in different layers of top-coal. The results show that the quantitative characterization of the top-coal limit equilibrium zone boundary along the strike direction of working face was reasonable. In order to improve mine production efficiency, optimization measures were put forward for hard coal seam and soft coal seam respectively.
Biomechanical analysis of trunk and lower limbs during stair activity in patients with scoliosis
Authors: Gou Yanyun , Tao Jing , Huang Jia , Lei Huangwei , Chen Xiang , Wang Xiangbin
Published: June 2024

Staircases are a frequently encountered obstacle in daily life, requiring individuals to navigate ascending and descending movements that place additional demands on the trunk and lower limbs compared to walking on level surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the biomechanical characteristics of the trunk and lower limbs in individuals with scoliosis during stair activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical differences in trunk and lower limbs during daily stair activities between patients with scoliosis and a healthy population. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the relationship between trunk abnormalities and lower limb biomechanics, providing a clinical and objective assessment basis for scoliosis. The Qualisys system, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, was employed for data collection in this study, with a sampling frequency of 150 Hz. It captured the kinematics of the trunk and lower limbs, as well as the kinetics of the lower limbs during stair ascent and descent for both the 28 individuals with scoliosis and the 28 control participants. The results indicate that scoliosis patients demonstrated significantly higher asymmetry compared to the control group in various measures during ascent and decent. These include different parts of kinematics and kinetics. Scoliosis patients demonstrate noticeable variations in their movement patterns compared to the healthy population when engaging in stair activities. Specifically, during stair ascent, scoliosis patients exhibit a seemingly more rigid movement pattern, whereas descent is characterized by an unstable pattern.
An electrochemical H2S sensor based on the screen printing Fe@Pt/C/PTFE sensing electrode
Authors: Liu Dandan , Deng Xukun , Du Chunhui , Zheng Lu , Guo Yanting , Cheng Yanmei , Nie Guangming
Published: June 2024

A novel electrochemical gas sensor for sensitive detection of H2S is constructed based on the Fe@Pt/C composite material.
Functional porous protein nanofibrils/polysaccharides aerogel beads for efficient dyes removal from water
Authors: Dilamian Mandana , Montazer Majid , Yousefi Hossein , Otzen Daniel E. , Morshedi Dina
Published: June 2024

The multiple transport paths provided by the linked pore channels in CPCs aerogel facilitate the effective separation and elimination of dye molecules. Furthermore, these channels' functional groups improve their performance when they interact with particular substances.
Designing a photocatalytic and self-renewed g-C3N4 nanosheet/poly-Schiff base composite coating towards long-term biofouling resistance
Authors: Wu Saijun , Yan Minglong , Wu Yinghao , Wu Yangmin , Lan Xijian , Cheng Jianjun , Zhao Wenjie
Published: June 2024

A new long-term anti-biofouling composite coating combining g-C3N4 nanosheets with degradable green poly-Schiff base resins, which integrates the dual functions of enhanced dynamic self-renewal and photocatalytic antibacterial activities.
Copper indium sulfide quantum dots enabling quantitative visible light photoisomerisation of (E)-azobenzene chromophores
Authors: Ziani Zakaria , Bellatreccia Caterina , Battaglia Filippo Piero , Morselli Giacomo , Gradone Alessandro , Ceroni Paola , Villa Marco
Published: June 2024

This research introduces the synthesis and photophysical characterization of CuInS2 quantum dots decorated with azobenzene units showing complete (E) to (Z) isomerization with visible light.
Accurate identification of 8-oxoguanine in RNA with single-nucleotide resolution using ligase-dependent qPCR
Authors: Ye Xidong , Li Zengguang , Ye Shangde , Liang Xinqi , Bao Chenyu , He Mingyang , Wang Hailan , Xia Laixin , Cao Xin
Published: June 2024

Here, we establish a single-nucleotide resolution method to identify 8-oxoguanine in RNA based on its ability to hinder ligation.
Optimizing stability through conformational locking and ring fusion modulation in organic semiconductors
Authors: Attar Salahuddin S. , Bademci Bahattin , Barłóg Maciej , Sredojević Dušan , Al-Thani Hessa , Dudley Sandra , Kakosimos Konstantinos , Bazzi Hassan S. , Sajjad Muhammad Tariq , Al-Hashimi Mohammed
Published: June 2024

S,N-Heteroacene-type fused tetrathienophenanthroline monomer was synthesized via intramolecular cyclization, an alternative to the raditional benzodithiophene-4,8-dione units in high-performance photovoltaic materials.
Zeolitic imidazolite framework derived bifunctional N,P-codoped hollow carbon sphere electrocatalysts decorated with Co2P/Fe for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zhao Songlin , Liu Maolin , Wang Chengcai , Cai Luhang , Sun Wei , Zhu Zhihong
Published: June 2024

Co2P nanoparticles and Fe–Nx species were anchored on N,P codoped hollow carbonized spheres by structural and active site engineering. This work provides a facile strategy for the construction of bifunctional electrocatalysts for Zn–air batteries.
Facile activation of an unconjugated zwitterionic squaraine dye for tunable fluorescence and morphology behaviors
Authors: Guo Weihan , Qu Yinhe , Wang Mingda , Xia Guomin , Wang Hongming
Published: June 2024

We present a facile method of synthesizing zwitterionic squaraine microcrystals with tunable fluorescence and morphology behaviors by in situ activation of π conjugation.
Real-time analysis and prediction method of ion concentration using the effect of O–H stretching bands in aqueous solutions based on ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Baek So Hyun , Yun Jeungjai , Lee Seung-Hwan , Lee Hyun-Woo , Kwon Yongbum , Park Kee-Ryung , Song Yoseb , Kim Bum Sung , Kwak Rhokyun , Hwang Haejin , Jeong Da-Woon
Published: June 2024

ATR-FTIR can be utilized to instantly and economically analyze changes in the concentration of a desired ion in solution. This method can be utilized as an indicator for automated control of ion concentration systems.
Divergent catalytic behaviors of assembled organogold(i) clusters derived from enyne cyclization
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhai Xiao-Yi , Jian Rui-Jun , Zhao Liang
Published: June 2024

We achieve a dicarbanion-centered Au4 cluster and three assembled Au11 (net-like), Au28 (dumbbell-like), Au14 (closed) clusters. Spectral monitoring, kinetic and theoretical investigations reveal four structure-dependent distinct catalytic pathways.
Controlled nanocrystallization of gold nanoclusters within surfactant envelopes: enhancing aggregation-induced emission in solution
Authors: Saito Yuki , Suda Ayano , Sakai Maki , Nakajima Shogo , Shichibu Yukatsu , Kanai Hayato , Ishida Yasuhiro , Konishi Katsuaki
Published: June 2024

Sphere-shaped amorphous aggregates of Au8 clusters entrapped within SDS nanoenvelopes are transformed into rhombic single nanocrystals upon simple sonication in solution, where the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) from Au8 is notably enhanced.
Correction: Neutral inverse-sandwich rare-earth metal complexes of the benzene tetraanion
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Yurou , Liang Jiefeng , Tan Bowen , Deng Chong , Huang Wenliang
Published: June 2024

Correction for ‘Neutral inverse-sandwich rare-earth metal complexes of the benzene tetraanion’ by Yi Wang et al., Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 8740–8749, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC02491E.
Sustainable dissolution of collagen and the formation of polypeptides in deep eutectic solvents for application as antibacterial agents
Authors: Kaur Harmandeep , Singh Manpreet , Kaur Navdeep , Pati Pratap Kumar , Rani Monika , Kang Tejwant Singh
Published: June 2024

Collagen is a protein that is hard to dissolve in water and many other solvents, which limits its applications.
A demonstration trajectory segmentation approach for wheelchair‐mounted assistive robots
Authors: Chi Mingshan , Liu Yaxin , Zhang Qiang , Zeng Chao
Published: June 2024

Segmentation of demonstration trajectories and learning the contained motion primitives can effectively enhance the assistive robot's intelligence to flexibly reproduce learnt tasks in an unstructured environment. With the aim to conveniently and accurately segment demonstration trajectories, a novel demonstration trajectory segmentation approach is proposed based on the beta process autoregressive hidden Markov model (BP‐AR‐HMM) algorithm and generalised time warping (GTW) algorithm aiming to enhance the segmentation accuracy utilising acquired demonstration data. This approach first adopts the GTW algorithm to align the multiple demonstration trajectories for the same task. Then, it adopts the BP‐AR‐HMM algorithm to segment the demonstration trajectories, acquire the contained motion primitives, and establish the related task library. This segmentation approach is validated on the 6‐degree‐of‐freedom JACO robotic arm by assisting users to accomplish a holding water glass task and an eating task. The experimental results show that the motion primitives within the trajectories can be correctly segmented with a high segmentation accuracy.
Finite‐time control of DC–AC boost converter: The limit cycle approach
Authors: Azhdari Meysam , Binazadeh Tahereh
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a novel finite‐time limit cycle controller for DC to AC conversion in power boost converters. The stable limit cycle is categorized as a positive limit set. Achieving the control law, based on the concepts of set stability and finite‐time stability, is a challenging problem. To fulfill the control objective, a novel sliding manifold is suggested concerning the structure of the wanted limit cycle which facilitates conditions for the development of finite‐time stability for the limit cycle. By utilizing the sliding mode control method, a control strategy is proposed that guarantees the desired stable limit cycle is created in the phase plane of the closed‐loop system and the phase trajectories reach it in a finite time and remain on it for all future times. This ensures the finite‐time generation of the biased sinusoidal oscillations in the output of the power boost converter from a DC input source. The simulation results of a practical boost converter have validated the effectiveness and feasibility of the presented algorithm.