bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi isotope analysis of seasonal variations and sources of sulfate in a typical thermal stratified reservoir
Authors: Li Li , Zhou Zhongfa , Kong Jie , Wang Cui , Wang Yanbi , Xie Ru kai , Ding Caixia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Seasonal stratification can alter the redox environment of lakes and reservoirs, and affect their water quality and biogeochemical cycles. Bacterial dissimilarity sulfate reduction (BSR) in anaerobic produces significant isotope fractionation. However, it is currently unclear whether the thermal stratification will lead to similar isotope fractionation characteristics in karst reservoirs. For this problem, samples were collected from Pingzhai Reservoir, a karst drinking water source reservoir in southwestern China, in April (spring), August (summer), November (autumn) of 2023, and January (winter) of 2024. By measuring the dissolved sulfate (SO2- 4) concentrations and multiple isotopes values (δ34S-SO2- 4, δ18O-SO2- 4and δ18O-H2O) in the inflow water, reservoir surface water, profile water, and outflow water, to trace the sources of SO2- 4 and analyze the biogeochemical processes in the reservoir. The results showed that SO2- 4 concentrations in the study area ranged from 11.76 to 132.52 mg/L, and the compositions of δ34S-SO2- 4 and δ18O-SO2- 4 values ranged from-7.66 to 7.52‰ and -5.94 to 5.05 ‰ ,respectively. The thermal stratification occurred between spring and autumn, but the BSR process mainly occurred in reservoir profiles from summer to winter. The enrichment coefficients of ɛ34S and ɛ18O were about 3.86‰ and 1.51‰, respectively, and no large isotope fractionation effect was found. The δ18O- SO2- 4 and δ18O-H2O values showed that sulfide oxidation processes occurred in all four seasons, and 37% to 95% of the oxygen atoms in the produced sulfates came from the surrounding water. Bayesian stable isotope mixing model showed that the sources of reservoir sulfate input were stable and that sulfide oxidation and soil sulfate dissolution were the main sources. The results of this study can help further understand the related effects of water chemistry and sulfur cycle processes in karst reservoirs.
Effect and Mechanism of Coal Desulfurization Using a Surfactant-Assisted NaClO System
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Yunming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study utilized both experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the desulfurization implications and mechanisms of surfactants within the NaClO + NaOH system. It analyzed the effects of five different surfactants on the coal desulfurization rate, wettability, electrostatic potential, and chemical bonding. The findings demonstrated that all five surfactants enhanced the coal desulfurization rate and significantly improved its wettability. Notably, wettability was not the sole determinant of the desulfurization effectiveness of these surfactants. For individual surfactants, improved wettability was associated with a greater desulfurization effect. Electrostatic potential analysis indicated that regions containing oxygen functional groups within the surfactants exhibited high electron density, attracting weakly electrophilic chlorine and carbon atoms. This increased the interaction between ClO⁻ and compounds such as benzenethiol or dibenzothiophene, making these areas preferential sites for reaction. The presence of more oxygen-containing functional groups in a surfactant correlated with enhanced desulfurization outcomes. AEC-9Na proved most effective for desulfurization by a high content of oxygen functional groups. The study also noted that surfactants influenced the bond lengths of Cl-O, S-H, and S-C to varying extents. These findings are instrumental in enhancing the understanding of the microscopic mechanisms underlying surfactant-promoted coal oxidation desulfurization and improving overall reaction efficiency.
TiO2, ZnO carbon composite for the removal of benzotriazole from water by a combination of sorption and photocatalytic processes
Authors: Buchtelík Stanislav , Chrastný Vladislav , Sochacki Adam , Veselská Veronika , Filip Jan , Lacina Petr , Lev Jaroslav , Dvořák Ondřej , Felis Ewa , Trakal Lukáš 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Organic xenobiotic substances are emitted into the environment from a number of preparations used in industry and households. Some are relatively persistent and difficult to biodegrade, so they pass relatively easily through wastewater treatment plants into the surface waters and contaminate drinking water sources. The goal of this study is to develop an innovative technological material that will be able to eliminate organic xenobiotics in water effectively. The principle of our method is to combine carbon-based sorbent (biochar and hydraffine) with a semiconductor layer (TiO2, ZnO) to synthesize a photoreactive nanocomposite material which in conjunction with UV/VIS exposure, can efficiently and safely degrade captured organic xenobiotics (benzotriazole, BTR) in water through the processes of sorption and consequent photocatalytic degradation. This nanocomposite should act as more effective alternative to the widely discussed composite biochar-TiO2. Specifically, the composite coated with ZnO provided the highest degradation efficiency of the photochemical process and it also had the highest sorption capacity for BTR because of the interactions with Zn.
In this study, nevertheless, both types of composites are tested and compared their efficiency during removal of selected micropollutant representatives from waters.
The Application Value of CT Perfusion Imaging Combined with suPAR and Mac-2BP in the Prognosis Evaluation of Branch Atherosclerotic Disease: a prospective study
Authors: Hu Shengjie , Shengqi Fu , Li Haoran , Zhu Lili , Qin Haiqiang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background and objective Branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is highly susceptible to early neurological deterioration (END), resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. However, there is no reliable serum biomarker for BAD. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between CT perfusion imaging combined with serum soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and Mac-2 binding protein (Mac-2BP) with END and poor prognosis in patients with BAD. Methods Between June 2019 and March 2024, We prospectively recruited eligible BAD patients admitted to the neurology department. END is defined as an increase of ≥ 2 points in the total score of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or an increase of ≥ 1 point in the exercise score within 72 hours after admission; Using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients at 90 days, poor outcomes were defined as mRS scores ≥ 3 points at 90 days after onset; Define cerebral perfusion damage based on CTP imaging parameters. Compare suPAR and Mac-2BP levels between END and non END patients, as well as patients with different clinical outcomes. Use multivariate logistic regression to analyze independent influencing factors of END in patients with BAD, and use receiver operation characteristic curve (ROC) to analyze the accuracy of serum suPAR and Mac-2BP in predicting END and poor outcomes. Results A total of 176 patients with BAD were included, of which 90 had significant cerebral perfusion damage, 42 developed END, and 47 had poor outcomes at 90 days of onset. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that suPAR (OR 0.706, 95% CI 0.573 ~ 0.868)、Mac-2BP (OR 0.674,95% CI 0.486 ~ 0.935),、Cerebral perfusion impairment (OR 6.083, 95% CI 1.318 ~ 28.080)、deep WMHs (OR 1.967, 95% CI 0.884 ~ 2.751) and deep CMBs (OR 2.249, 95% CI 1.113 ~ 3.126) are independent risk factors for END in patients with BAD; suPAR(OR 6.702,95% CI 2.776 ~ 16.182)、Mac-2BP (OR 1.707, 95% CI 1.132 ~ 2.576)、NIHSS score at END (OR 0.529, 95% CI 0.339 ~ 0.824)、END (OR 1.286, 95% CI 1.016 ~ 1.628)、Cerebral perfusion impairment (OR 12.873, 95% CI 2.744 ~ 60.385) and basal ganglia EPVS (OR 1.509, 95% CI 1.019 ~ 2.233) are independent risk factors for poor outcomes. The ROC curve shows that the AUC of suPAR and Mac-2BP combined for detecting END is 0.8844 (95% CI: 0.822–0.947), with sensitivity and specificity of 76.2% and 85.1%, respectively; The AUC of the combined detection of two indicators for poor outcomes was 0.8742 (95% CI: 0.810 ~ 0.938), with a sensitivity and specificity of 74.5% and 83.9%, respectively. Conclusions Among BAD patients, Cerebral perfusion impairment, suPAR, and Mac-2BP are independent risk factors for poor outcome at END and 90 days. Combined detection can help evaluate the patient's condition and predict prognosis.
Statistical representation of wave in free-surface elevation time series
Authors: Mankle Hannah , DuPont Bryony , Robertson Bryson 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Designing wave energy converters (WECs) rely on numerical simulations extensively in the early design phase due to the expenses associated with physical testing and prototyping. However, model assumptions and simplifications are often made to decrease computational expenses with numerical models which can decrease the realistic representation and accuracy of the simulation and increase overall uncertainty of WEC performance. As wave energy technology advances towards commercialization, realistic representation of wave resources and WEC performance will be essential for at-sea testing and applications such as grid integration. Misrepresenting projected power variability could lead to system failures. The conventional time series generation method used in WEC modeling, the random-phase method, doesn’t capture the true variability of real waves and under-represents extreme waves. Performance outputs obtained from simulations featuring more realistic, statistically accurate wave scenarios will yield a more comprehensive analysis of WECs, enabling more informed design decisions for physical prototyping and testing. Prior work using the random-amplitude method has demonstrated improved representation of realistic waves and shown the impact this representation has on increasing the power variability of WECs. In our study, a statistical analysis is conducted to determine the number of time series required to represent key wave height percentiles from artificial time series. Here, we focus on larger wave percentiles to better understand WEC performance in extreme wave conditions, key to the survival and operation of WECs. Additionally, we investigate whether the time series duration impacts the overall time required to represent desired wave percentiles most effectively.
C-PsyD: A Chinese text classification model for detecting psychological problems
Authors: Zhang Chaoqun , Yi Yunheng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 epidemic has had significant direct and psychological impacts. This study introduces a Chinese text classification model, C-PsyD, which combines BiGRU, Attention, Self-Attention, and convolutional neural network (CNN) techniques. The model utilizes TextCNN and BiGRU outputs in the Attention module, generating result A. Furthermore, the outputs of Self-Attention and BiGRU are used in the Attention mechanism, producing result B. By averaging the results of A and B, a final text feature vector is obtained and passed through a dropout layer. A fully connected neural network layer processes the text feature vector to obtain the classification result. Experimental evaluations were conducted using a Chinese psychological text dataset from GitHub. The results, including loss function value, classification accuracy, recall result, false positive rate, and confusion matrix, indicate that C-PsyD outperforms six competing models. Notably, C-PsyD achieves a classification accuracy of 79.5%, surpassing TextCNN (78.2%), BiLSTM (76.4%), LSTM (74.9%), Simple-RNN (55.7%), FastText (50.1%), and ST_MFLC (44.8%), as well as FastText (50%). These findings confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed psychological text classification model. Its implementation can enhance doctors' ability to classify patients, promptly detect psychological problems, and facilitate effective treatment, thus optimizing the utilization of medical resources.
Robot-assisted axillary lymph node dissection in patients with node-positive breast cancer: Techniques, learning curve, and preliminary results
Authors: Wu Zhijie , Chen Zuxiao , Li Zongyan , Fu Xiaoyan , Liu Qiwen , Wei Lina , Luo Yunxiang , Huang Ze , Hu Qiongyu , Li Haiyan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Robot-assisted axillary lymph node dissection (RALND) has little application experience. In patients with breast cancer that has positive lymph nodes, we present the initial outcomes of RALND.
Methods.
We examined the medical records of individuals with breast cancer from a single institution that underwent RALND treatment between March 2024 and August 2024. The clinicopathological characteristics, learning curve, and consequences of RALND were investigated to determine the efficacy and safety of RALND.
Result
A total of 21 patients with RALND were included in the analysis. we reported that the Docking time took 8–10 minutes, and the average operation duration was 56.1 ± 14.6 min. After the accumulation of experience in 6 patients, the time required to complete RALND stabilized at about 60 minutes. The mean blood loss was 4.1 ± 2.1mL, and the number of lymph nodes was 17.1 ± 5.6, of which 2.2 ± 3.5 were positive. All 21 patients had good shoulder joint movement (DASH score 10.82 ± 2.46), and no wound infection and lymphatic leakage were observed.
Conclusion
According to our initial experience, RALND is a safe surgical procedure that can decrease intraoperative bleeding and the effect on upper limb function, lower the incidence of complications, and potentially be an alternative technique for treating patients with positive axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer.
Distribution and clinicopathological characteristics of G-CSF expression in tumor cells and stromal cells in upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Go , Sekino Yohei , Nakahara Hikaru , Kobatake Kohei , Goto Keisuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Sentani Kazuhiro , Hinata Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common type of malignant disease, but little is known about the diagnostic and prognostic markers of upper urinary tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) because of its rarity.
Methods
To clarify the clinicopathological significance of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in UTUC, we analyzed the expression and distribution of G-CSF in 112 upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) samples with immunohistochemistry.
Results
In normal urothelium, G-CSF expression was weak or absent, whereas high expression of G-CSF was observed in UTUC tissues, both in tumor cells (TCs) and stromal cells (SCs). G-CSF expression in the TCs and SCs was associated with nodular/flat morphology, high grade, advanced T stage, and lymphovascular invasion in UTUC. G-CSF expression in SCs was associated with poor prognosis and was an independent prognostic factor. Public data showed that G-CSF expression was also associated with decreased progression-free survival and disease-specific survival. A prognostic model was constructed by incorporating the presence or absence of G-CSF expression along with clinicopathologic factors, which allowed for a more accurate prediction of poor prognosis. We further showed that G-CSF expression was associated with a high Ki-67 labeling index and with PD-L1, HER2, and p53 expression in UTUC.
Conclusion
G-CSF expression in TCs and SCs may play a crucial role in UTUC tumor progression. Notably, stromal G-CSF expression showed significant prognostic value, even when compared to major clinicopathological factors, suggesting that the evaluation of G-CSF expression could be helpful for clinical decision-making in patients with UTUC.
Estimation of Unsaturated Soil Characteristics And Shear Strength of the Compacted Clay Soil of the Maga Earthfill Dam Using Physical Properties
Authors: WOUNABAISA Olivier , Mahamat Harouna , Hamidou Franck , Adamou Paul , Setchokbé Venceslas , MEYING Arsène , Leroy Mambou Ngueyep Luc 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Tropical soils of the Sub-Saharan area mainly include expansive clay soils and are widely used as compacted materials in geotechnical applications such as earthfill dam construction in the Far North of Cameroon. Since the unsaturated properties of expansive soils are highly related to their physical properties, the present study investigated unsaturated soil property estimation based on their physical features through the existing estimation model equations. Data from twelve (12) compacted soil specimens were obtained and used to carry out predictions of unsaturated soil variations along with the entire suction range (0 kPa–106 kPa), for the main drying process. The soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), shrinkage curve, permeability and diffusivity coefficient functions, water storage capacity, void ratio and incremental and total strain variations were estimated over the entire suction range and water content variations. The model equations by Fredlund and Xing, Brooks and Corey, Gardner and Fick’s law were used for SWCC and volume–mass unsaturated property estimation. Two (2) samples with different fine content, i.e., different plasticity, were particularly considered for a drying path simulation. It was found that predicted incremental and total volumetric deformations increase with a decrease in the degree of saturation. According to simulation results, air-entry occurrence and a net stress increase in compacted specimens under unsaturated conditions appear to contribute to their shear strength value. Estimation results from most of the estimation models used generally show an increase in shear strength for low (wet state) to medium suctions and a decrease for higher suctions (dry state). Physicals properties-based correlations models, for estimation of SWCC parameters have been then proposed. Predictions obtained from the models used were compared with experimental data and the test results of the literature. There was a good agreement. The results obtained in this paper provide another way of understanding the physical and mechanical behavior of the expansive clay soils of the Sub-Saharan area and constitute a simple and powerful tool for geotechnical engineers in the soil behavior of geotechnical man-made structures in unsaturated conditions, at initial phases or along an entire engineering project.
Cigarettes Contain Arsenic: A Study of Arsenic in Tobacco in New Delhi Region Using AAS-VGA
Authors: Kanojia Rohit , Khurana Niyati , Jaiswal AK , Bhagat Sunita 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Arsenic (As), a very toxic metalloid, presents significant health hazards from multiple environmental exposures, including the inhalation of arsenic-laden tobacco smoke. This pertains to the accumulation of arsenic in combustible tobacco and the related health hazards for smokers and anyone exposed to second hand smoke. Inorganic arsenic, the predominant substance in tobacco, is converted into less harmful metabolites. Nonetheless, the methylation process in smokers is suboptimal, resulting in increased concentrations of harmful arsenic compounds.
Methodology: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy with a Vapor Generator Assembly (AAS-VGA) was utilized to assess arsenic level in tobacco, owing to its superior sensitivity and cost-effectiveness. The process entailed closed vessel digestion of tobacco samples using Microwave Digestion System (MDS-10) and after that the concentration of As was analyzed.
Result: The findings revealed elevated arsenic concentrations in ppm, yet no threshold for tobacco as such by WHO or any organization. This elevates the danger of developing arsenic-related health issues, such as lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic ailments, to not only to active smokers but also to passive smokers. It is a potential cause of indoor pollution as well.
Conclusion: It underscores the need for more stringent public health measures to diminish arsenic exposure from smokable tobacco, while promoting the implementation of advanced detection techniques such as AAS-VGA for efficient monitoring and reduction of contamination.
Modified Synthesis, Characterization and Serum Assessments of Oral Doses of Calcium Carbonate Aragonite Nanoparticles
Authors: Suleiman Kolawole Yusuf , Okediran Babatunde Samuel , Danmaigoro Abubakar , Ahmed Hamidu , Onwuama Kenechukwu Tobechukwu , Solomon Kigir Esther , Ibraheem Gbadebo Hakeem , Amid Sadudeen Adetayo , Isiaku Abdulmajeed , Nwachukwu Raymond Chinedu , Matymza Ntombozuko C. , Beukes Lorika S. , Abubakar Adamu Abdul , Bakar Md Zuki Abu , Jaji Alhaji Zubair 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This investigation centers on the refined synthesis, characterization, and serum evaluations of orally administered calcium carbonate aragonite nanoparticles (CAN) derived from the shells of the cockle (Anadara granosa). Cockle shells constitute a plentiful and cost-effective source of calcium carbonate, thereby positioning them as a promising candidate for biomaterials in orthopedic and biomedical applications. The synthesis of CAN was accomplished through an optimized protocol including mechanical grinding, purification with lime juice, and regulated precipitation, culminating to the production of highly uniform spherical nanoparticles with dimensions below 50 nm, as corroborated by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. The stability and purity of the synthesized nanoparticles were additionally substantiated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), which indicated their thermal endurance up to 295°C. In vivo toxicity assessments were performed adhering to OECD protocols (425 and 407 guidelines) utilizing Wistar rats to investigate both acute and sub-chronic toxicological implications across various dosage levels (300, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg for acute studies and 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg for sub-chronic evaluations). Serum biochemical assays were employed to evaluate hepatic and renal functionalities, oxidative stress indicators, glucose metabolism, and lipid profiles. Findings indicated that while lower concentrations of CAN displayed negligible toxic effects, elevated doses precipitated significant oxidative stress, impairment of liver and kidney functions, as well as modifications in lipid and glucose metabolism, thus suggesting potential nephrotoxicity, hepatocellular injury, and cardiovascular hazards. In conclusion, despite the promising biomedical characteristics of CAN for applications in drug delivery and bone repair, it is imperative that dosage is meticulously regulated to alleviate potential cytotoxic consequences, oxidative stress, and disturbances in metabolic pathways.