bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
As a phenomenon: Ramadan fasting improves olfactory performance
Authors: Çakan Doğan , Yılmaz Hüseyin Baki , Cansız Harun , Çevik Haluk , Tong Michael C. F. , Yılmaz Begüm Bahar , Çakan Zeliha Kübra 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe present study objectived to investigate the influence of Ramadan fasting (RF) on olfactory function.MethodsSixty‐two participants were included in the current prospective study. The odor threshold and identification performances were determined by using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test initially (day 0) and on the first and last day (30th) of RF. Body weight (BW)s were measured initially and at the end of the study. The results were analyzed statistically.ResultsThe average of baseline and last‐day BWs were 78.38 ± 12.96 and 78.36 ± 12.39 kg, respectively. No significant difference was determined in terms of BWs (p = .932, p > .05). In the evaluation of CCCRC test outcomes, significant differences were observed in the scores of butanol thresholds (p = .0001), odor identification (p = .0001), food‐related odors identification (p = .0001), and the number of normosmic individuals (p = .0001) at different times (p < .05). The thresholds scores (p = .0001, p = .0001), the identification scores (p = .0001, p = .0001), food‐related odors identification scores (p = .0001, p = .0002), and the number of normomic individuals (p = .001, p = .001) detected on 30th day were significantly higher than on 0th and 1st days; respectively (p < .05). Additionally, the threshold scores (p = .0001), the identification scores (p = .003), food‐related odors identification scores (p = .007), and the number of normosmic individuals (p = .018) detected on day 1 were significantly higher than on day 0 (p < .05).ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that Ramadan fasting enhances the olfactory detection threshold and odor identification scores, significantly improving the identification of food‐related odors. The results may indicate that Ramadan fasting improves olfactory performance.Level of evidenceLevel II.
Achieving Broadband Near‐Field Directionality with a 3D Active Janus Antenna
Authors: Xue Bo , Oyesina Kayode Adedotun , Wong Alex M. H. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDirectional sources like the Huygens source enable electromagnetic wavefront forming/shaping with great flexibility and have made impacts in photonics, applied physics, metasurfaces, and antenna engineering. The related Janus source features a strongly directional near‐field and a quasi‐isotropic far‐field, which gives it promising application potentials distinct from, and complementary to, the Huygens source. Nevertheless, most existing Janus sources face strong limitations in efficiency and/or 3D operation, hindering their practical application. This paper introduces a 3D active Janus source that achieves near‐field directionality over a wide bandwidth and a power efficiency much improved over existing passive Janus sources. It is shown that a class of quasi‐isotropic antennas are actually active Janus sources (which is referred to as the Janus antenna). A well‐designed Janus antenna is demonstrated which (a) exhibits near‐field directionality over a broad bandwidth of 28.9%, and (b) in a practical usage environment, achieves a power efficiency ≈60 times higher than a passive Janus source. This work elucidates the connection between the “Janus dipole” concept in physics and the “quasi‐isotropic antenna” concept in antenna design, and paves the way for the design of future directional devices with much improved bandwidth and efficiency.
Timing of Laser Intervention on Facial Scars: A 3D Imaging and Scar Scale Analysis in a Retrospective Study
Authors: Qiang Shuai , Fan Xing , Yin Yue , Xue Ping , Dou Wen‐Jie , Li Tong , Yang Qing 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesScars resulting from injuries or surgical procedures often present both physical and aesthetic challenges. Recent studies have indicated promising results in improving postoperative scar outcomes through the combined use of specific laser technologies. Nevertheless, there remains a crucial need for further exploration to ascertain the optimal timing for initiating such treatments.MethodsIn this retrospective investigation, a cohort of 47 adult patients who did not require hospitalization was analyzed. These patients were divided into two distinct groups: Group A, which received intervention beginning 2 weeks after their respective operations, and Group B, which commenced intervention 4 weeks postoperation. Each group underwent a comprehensive treatment protocol consisting of five laser sessions. Initially, patients underwent three sessions of V‐beam pulsed‐dye laser (PDL) therapy followed by two sessions of ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFL) therapy. Evaluation of outcomes was conducted using advanced imaging techniques such as Antera 3D imaging, in conjunction with established scar assessment tools including the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the University of North Carolina “4P” Scar Scale (UNC4P).ResultsAll patients successfully completed the full course of five treatment sessions, with no dropouts and no reported adverse events. Baseline cosmetic assessments of scars were equivalent across both groups. In Group A, the mean VSS scores decreased from 7.04 before treatment to 5.29 at 3 months posttreatment and further to 4.33 at 6 months posttreatment. Meanwhile, in Group B, scores decreased from 7.52 to 6.83 at 3 months and 6.17 at 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline VSS scores between the two groups (p = 0.34). At both the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up points, mean VSS scores were significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.05). Similar trends were observed in UNC4P scores. Statistically significant differences were noted across all time points (baseline, 3 months, and 6 months posttreatment) for both VSS and UNC4P scores (p < 0.05). Subset analysis revealed greater improvements in texture and depression volume at 3 months posttreatment, while improvements in depression area, depth, elevation variation, and area were more pronounced at the 6‐month mark.ConclusionsEarly intervention using the combined 595‐nm pulse dye laser and CO2 ablative fractional laser (AFL) 2‐ and 4‐weeks post‐surgery proves to be an effective and safe method for improving scar outcomes, particularly for facial surgical scars when treatment starts 2 weeks after surgery. However, further research is needed to refine our understanding and address potential study limitations.
Termination Kinetics of N‐Vinyl Formamide Radical Polymerization in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Drawe Patrick , Kattner Hendrik , Buback Michael 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTermination kinetics of radical polymerization of N‐vinyl formamide (NVF) in aqueous solution has been measured via SP–PLP–NIR, i.e., single pulse (SP) initiation of pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) in conjunction with microsecond time‐resolved near‐infrared (NIR) detection of monomer concentration. Experiments are performed at initial NVF weight fractions from 0.20 up to bulk NVF, at monomer conversions up to 40%, and at temperatures from 40 to 70 °C as well as pressures from 500 to 2500 bar. Applying high pressure improves signal‐to‐noise quality. Data obtained upon pressure variation allow for extrapolation toward ambient pressure. The primary quantity from SP–PLP–NIR is kp/<kt>, i.e., the ratio of propagation rate coefficient, kp, to apparent chain‐length‐averaged termination rate coefficient, <kt>. With kp being available from literature, kp/<kt> yields <kt>. This quantity is relevant for modeling polymerization rate and polymer properties. Termination in the initial polymerization period turns out to be controlled by segmental diffusion and, at higher degrees of monomer conversion up to 40%, by translational diffusion.
A 25 Gb/s burst‐mode TIA+CDR optical receiver with 4.5 ns total reconfiguration time
Authors: Wang Ka'nan , Tang Renjie , Ye Zhengyang , Zhao Zhen , He Yukun , Yuan Zhao , Wei Shangjie , Gui Xiaoyan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe present a high‐speed burst‐mode optical receiver operating at 25‐Gb/s with the shortest reconfiguration time of 4.52‐ns reported up to date. The receiver consists of a burst‐mode trans‐impedance amplifier (TIA) with 1/8‐rate clock‐assisted DC offset cancellation loop as well as automatic gain control loop, and a burst‐mode clock‐data recovery (CDR) with two‐stage injection‐locking architecture. Both designed and fabricated in a 28‐nm CMOS process, the TIA + CDR optical receiver consumes 101‐mW from a 0.9‐V supply. With a continuous‐time linear equalizer, series inductive peaking and shunt inductive peaking, the 3‐dB bandwidth of ZT(O‐E) of TIA is 20 GHz with 14‐dB gain dynamic range (45–59 dB). The sensitivity of the burst‐mode receiver is −10.1 dBm at BER = 1E‐12.
Metastatic tongue squamous cell carcinoma at a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy site via introducer technique
Authors: Takaoka Shohei , Yanagawa Toru , Saito Hitoaki , Ishibashi‐Kanno Naomi , Yamagata Kenji , Bukawa Hiroki 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) site metastases from head and neck cancers have been reported many times using the pull technique, in which a catheter passes through the oral cavity and pharynx.Case presentationA 69‐year‐old man with recurrent tongue squamous cell carcinoma underwent PEG placement using the introducer technique before chemoradiotherapy. After 6 months, the patient developed a metastasis of tongue carcinoma at the PEG site.ConclusionThe risk of PEG site metastasis is not eliminated even with the introducer technique, which is not in direct contact with the tumor.
Multi‐parameter design optimization of crash box for crashworthiness analysis
Authors: Borse Aditya , Gulakala Rutwik , Stoffel Marcus 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on the optimization process of crash box design. The design optimization process is resource‐intensive and requires multiple dynamic simulations. Numerous design parameters can be varied to satisfy the crashworthiness objectives. Therefore an intelligent and robust machine learning (ML) framework has been developed. This framework can be employed to assist in the optimization of various crashworthiness components with different crashworthiness objectives.Here, a reinforcement learning‐based (RL) machine learning framework is developed. It consists of a finite element method (FEM) surrogate and RL environment. The FEM surrogate is trained using data from FEM simulations as well as synthetic data generated by a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). An inverse problem is solved for optimizing the geometrical parameters of the boundary value problem while the RL is receiving input from the FEM surrogate. RL has proven to be accurate in many fields due to its ability to explore and exploit the learned dynamics. Conventional algorithms require numerous iterations and tuned functions to achieve appropriate results and need to be initialized after a slight change in the problem. Due to an optimization of input parameters in an inverse problem, RL is chosen for the present investigation.For the simulation data needed, the crash box is designed with linear first‐order accurate four nodal shell elements. Also, bilinear elastoplastic material along with geometrical nonlinearity is used to simulate the dynamic deformation process.The RL agents learn to vary the crash box design parameters and search for the optimal parameters. The optimal parameters are based on the user‐defined crashworthiness objectives.
Understanding stakeholders' perspectives behind wildfires in Sicily: A Q‐methodology approach
Authors: Piroli Erika , La Mela Veca Donato Salvatore , Mistry Jay , Kountouris Yiannis 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Mediterranean wildfires persistently challenge regions due to climatic factors, changing land use, and abandonment of rural areas, posing threats to both ecosystems and human well‐being.

Current fire management emphasizes fire exclusion, neglecting traditional methods and socio‐ ecological processes, thereby elevating the risk of catastrophic events and negatively impacting ecosystems.

Collaborative efforts among stakeholders and decision makers are essential for effective wildfire mitigation; lack of engagement perpetuates conflicts, underscoring the need to integrate diverse perspectives to enhance environmental management policies.

Focusing on Monreale, Sicily, as a representative of fire‐prone Mediterranean landscapes, this study uses Q‐Methodology to investigate stakeholder attitudes toward the causes and drivers of wildfires.

Using Q‐Methodology, the research identifies shared values and discrepancies among stakeholders, revealing information on acceptable wildfire policies by discerning areas of consensus.

The paper delves into various perspectives on socioeconomic and political dimensions in Sicily, unravelling conflicts and consensus areas for advancing fire management objectives. It concludes with policy insights and recommendations for future research.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The interface dewetting process of particulate filled polymer composite
Authors: Zou Zijie , Qiang Hongfu , Zhang Fengtao , Pei Baolin , Wang Xueren , Li Yiyi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDewetting is one of the most common damage modes in particulate filled polymer composite, which greatly damages the structural integrity of the composite and leads to the deterioration of its mechanical properties. Studying the dewetting evolution process of composite is of great significance for evaluating the meso damage degree of composite and suppressing the development of dewetting damage. This article constructs an axisymmetric cylindrical cell model of a single particle inclusion matrix, derives the interface dewetting evolution process of the model under uniaxial tensile loading condition, and analyzes the influence of model geometric parameters and external loading conditions on the dewetting process. Subsequently, numerical models were constructed at both micro and meso scales, and dynamic tensile calculations were performed to analyze the correlation between the dewetting rate, porosity, and mechanical performance. Finally, a cylindrical cell specimen was designed to observe the interface dewetting evolution under uniaxial tensile conditions, confirming the conclusions of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation.Highlights
Constructed a theoretical model for the dewetting process of interface.
Conducted numerical analysis of dewetting process at both meso and micro scales.
Designed interface dewetting experiment and analyzed the dewetting process.
Improved interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite by in‐situ self‐assembled mental‐phenolic networks
Authors: Xia Anqi , Zhang Kaining , Wang Yining , Yao Zhiqiang , Wang Dongzhi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe chemical modification of carbon fiber surface often uses toxic reagents and harsh reaction conditions, while the preparation process of metal‐phenol networks (MPNs) is simple, rapid, non‐toxic and harmless, which provides a direction for alleviating environmental problems. In this study, tannic acid (TA) was coordinated with Fe3+ to form MPNs, which was coated on the surface of carbon fibers through π‐π interaction. The results indicated that oxygen functionalities on the surface of the MPN coating can facilitate better adhesion between the carbon fiber and the epoxy resin, when the molar ratio of TA to Fe3+ is 1:3 and the pH is 4, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) performance of the composite material reaches its optimal level. In addition, a green and non‐destructive method is provided for the surface modification of carbon fiber, which can effectively optimize the interfacial properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites.
Role of Ag Addition on the Microscopic Material Properties of (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 Absorbers and Their Effects on Losses in the Open‐Circuit Voltage of Corresponding Devices
Authors: Thomas Sinju , Witte Wolfram , Hariskos Dimitrios , Gutzler Rico , Paetel Stefan , Song Chang‐Yun , Kempa Heiko , Maiberg Matthias , Abou‐Ras Daniel 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTAg alloying of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) absorbers in thin‐film solar cells leads to improved crystallization of these absorber layers at lower substrate temperatures than for Ag‐free CIGSe thin films as well as to enhanced cation interdiffusion, resulting in reduced Ga/In gradients. However, the role of Ag in the microscopic structure–property relationships in the (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells as well as a correlation between the various microscopic properties of the polycrystalline ACIGSe absorber and open‐circuit voltage of the corresponding solar cell device has not been reported earlier. In the present work, we study the effect of Ag addition by analyzing the differences in the various bulk, grain‐boundary, optoelectronic, emission, and absorption‐edge properties of ACIGSe absorbers with that of a reference CIGSe absorber. By comparing thin‐film solar cells with similar band‐gap energies ranging from about 1.1 to about 1.2 eV, we were able to correlate the differences in their absorber material properties with the differences in the device performance of the corresponding solar cells. Various microscopic origins of open‐circuit voltage losses were identified, such as strong Ga/In gradients and local compositional variations within individual grains of ACIGSe layers, which are linked to absorption‐edge broadening, lateral fluctuations in luminescence‐energy distribution, and band tailing, thus contributing to radiative VOC losses. A correlation established between the effective electron lifetime, average grain size, and lifetime at the grain boundaries indicates that enhanced nonradiative recombination at grain boundaries is a major contributor to the overall VOC deficit in ACIGSe solar cells. Although the alloying with Ag has been effective in increasing the grain size and the effective electron lifetime, still, the Ga/In gradients and the grain‐boundary recombination in the ACIGSe absorbers must be reduced further to improve the solar‐cell performance.
Elektronenstruktur angelernt
Authors: von Rudorff Guido Falk 
Published: September 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Dichtefunktionaltheorie (DFT) ist spätestens seit den 1990er‐Jahren ein gängiges Werkzeug der Quantenchemie und der Materialforschung. Inzwischen kommt Maschinelles Lernen als weiteres Werkzeug hinzu, das sich mit der DFT kombinieren lässt. Dieser Beitrag stellt verschiedene Strategien hierfür vor. Vor allem ergänzt das Maschinelle Lernen die empirische Seite, zum Beispiel bei der Entwicklung neuer Funktionale als zentrale Bausteine. Auch in der Verfeinerung der DFT‐Ergebnisse kann Maschinelles Lernen gewinnbringend eingesetzt werden.
The role of gut microbiota involved in prostate microenvironment and symptoms improvement in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients treated with low‐intensity extracorporeal shock wave
Authors: Kong Xiangbin , Dong Zhilong , Hu Weiwei , Mi Jun , Xiao Jie , Wang Yiran , Chen Wenfang , Pei Zixu , Hao Zongyao , Liang Chaozhao , Wang Qi , Wang Zhiping 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundLow‐intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li‐ESWT) is emerging as a promising and safe treatment for Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiota involved in the prostate microenvironment and symptom improvement during the Li‐ESWT for CP/CPPS patients.MethodsCP/CPPS patients not taking antibiotics or other treatments were included. NIH‐Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Li‐ESWT at the end of treatment. Visual analogue scale/score was used to evaluate the pain during procedure. Stool and semen samples were collected before and after Li‐ESWT. Shotgun metagenomics analyzed gut microbiota, while ELISA and other diagnostic kits detected biochemical changes in seminal plasma.ResultOf the 60 enrolled patients, 52 completed treatment. Li‐ESWT response rate was 78.8% (41/52) at end of treatment. Among responders, the subitems of the NIH‐CPSI; IPSS; and IIEF‐5 scores improved significantly, and the seminal plasma analysis showed decreased TNF‐a and MDA levels and increased SOD and Zn2+ levels posttreatment. Gut microbiome analysis indicated that posttreatment, both α and β diversity increased, and the abundance of certain specific species significantly increased. Fifty‐eight pathways significantly enriched posttreatment, notably in branched‐chain amino acid synthesis and butyrate synthesis. The abundance of several specific species was found to be significantly higher in non‐responders than responders. Among responders, at the species level, some bacteria associated with NIH‐CPSI and its subscales, IPSS, IIEF‐5, and prostate microenvironment markers (TNF‐a, MDA, Zn2+, and SOD) were identified.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates for the first time that Li‐ESWT improves the prostate microenvironment and gut microbiota in CP/CPPS patients. Treatment nonresponse may be associated with a high abundance of specific pathogens before treatment. The gut microbiota could have a significant impact on Li‐ESWT response and the prostate microenvironment.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the factor XIa‐inhibiting antibody osocimab in healthy male East Asian volunteers: Results from two phase 1 studies
Authors: Dong Zhili , Hashizume Kensei , Friedrichs Frauke , Liu Pei , Tanaka Toshiaki , Liao Yuqin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and safety of osocimab single doses in healthy Chinese and Japanese volunteers over 149 days were evaluated. Two phase 1 single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled studies with 27 Japanese and 50 Chinese participants were conducted. Osocimab was investigated with IV doses of 0.3, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/kg (Chinese study) and 0.3, 1.25, and 5.0 mg/kg (Japanese study), as well as SC doses of 3.0 and 6.0 mg/kg (Chinese study) and 6.0 mg/kg (Japanese study). The maximum plasma concentration was reached 1–3 h and 4–6 days after IV and SC administration, respectively. Osocimab exhibited a deviation from dose‐proportional pharmacokinetics for AUC but not Cmax; higher doses had higher apparent clearance and disproportionately lower total exposure. A slightly lower exposure was observed in Japanese compared with Chinese volunteers after IV administration; conversely, relatively higher exposure in Japanese volunteers with SC dosing was identified. Osocimab was associated with a dose‐dependent increase in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Maximal aPTT prolongations were observed 1–4 h and 2–6 days after IV and SC administration, respectively. Anti‐drug antibodies of low titer were detected in 1/9 (11.1%) Japanese volunteers administered placebo and 26/40 (65.0%) Chinese volunteers administered osocimab. Adverse events were reported in 8/18 (44.4%) Japanese and 28/40 (70.0%) Chinese volunteers who received osocimab, as well as in 1/9 (11.1%) Japanese and 6/10 (60.0%) Chinese volunteers who received placebo. In conclusion, data did not suggest a clear dose‐proportionality for osocimab within the investigated dose range. The effect of osocimab on aPTT was expected per its mechanism of action. Osocimab was generally well tolerated.