bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective, randomised clinical trial on the necessity of using a silicone intubarium in the context of endonasal-endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) in patients with postsaccal lacrimal duct stenosis
Authors: Bahner Lia , Zebralla Veit , Dietz Andreas , Otto Mathias , Pirlich Markus 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
This prospective clinical study evaluates the effect of a silicone stent tube (SST) on the success rate of endonasal-endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) to treat primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Methods
Patients were randomly assigned to receive EN-DCR with or without SST intubation over a period of 3 months. The surgery was performed using standardized techniques. Patients were assessed at three different timepoints: one day, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after the surgery. The results were compared in order to evaluate statistical differences. Surgical success was determined by means of positive irrigation procedures, as well as by the improvement of symptoms and a high level of patient satisfaction.

Results
A total of 56 randomized cases completed 24 weeks of follow up. 1 Patient dropped out due to malignant genesis of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction. After 24 weeks of follow up no statistically significant differences in levels of epiphora (p > .10) or patency (p > .16) were revealed. Comparisons regarding changes in time did not show levels of significance (p > .28).

Conclusions
This study could not confirm a statistically significant benefit or disadvantage for SST Insertion in EN-DCR.
Apodized slanted teeth grating couplers for LiDAR applications
Authors: Voskerchyan Vahram , Tian Yu , Soares Francisco M. , Outerelo David Álvarez , Diaz-Otero Francisco J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSolid state LiDAR systems traditionally rely on costly active components for efficient beam scanning. In this study, we propose a cost-effective, purely passive steering approach using apodized slanted grating couplers. Through apodization, we achieve a uniform upward emission profile and enhanced upward transmission. Theoretical calculations indicate successful steering of $$91.5^\circ \times 42.8^\circ$$

91
.

5
∘

×
42
.

8
∘

. Experimental results closely match theoretical predictions, validating the capabilities of our passive steering concept. Additionally, the grating couplers, with a length of 3 mm, enable a farfield FWHM of 0.026$$^\circ$$

∘

, further enhancing sensing resolution.
Plasma metabolites in childhood Burkitt lymphoma cases and cancer-free controls in Uganda
Authors: Huang Jiaqi , Nabalende Hadijah , Camargo M. Constanza , Lovett Jacqueline , Otim Isaac , Legason Ismail D. , Ogwang Martin D. , Kerchan Patrick , Kinyera Tobias , Ayers Leona W. , Bhatia Kishor , Goedert James J. , Reynolds Steven J. , Crompton Peter D. , Moore Steven C. , Moaddel Ruin , Albanes Demetrius , Mbulaiteye Sam M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with Plasmodium falciparum and Epstein-Barr virus, both of which affect metabolic pathways. The metabolomic patterns of BL is unknown.

Materials and methods
We measured 627 metabolites in pre-chemotherapy treatment plasma samples from 25 male children (6–11 years) with BL and 25 cancer-free area- and age-frequency-matched male controls from the Epidemiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors study in Uganda using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Unconditional, age-adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the BL association with 1-standard deviation increase in the log-metabolite concentration, adjusting for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate (FDR) thresholds and Bonferroni correction.

Results
Compared to controls, levels for 42 metabolite concentrations differed in BL cases (FDR < 0.001), including triacylglyceride (18:0_38:6), alpha-aminobutyric acid (AABA), ceramide (d18:1/20:0), phosphatidylcholine ae C40:6 and phosphatidylcholine C38:6 as the top signals associated with BL (ORs = 6.9 to 14.7, P < 2.4✕10− 4). Two metabolites (triacylglyceride (18:0_38:6) and AABA) selected using stepwise logistic regression discriminated BL cases from controls with an area under the curve of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.00).

Conclusion
Our findings warrant further examination of plasma metabolites as potential biomarkers for BL risk/diagnosis.
Pilot Evaluation of S-(3-[18F]Fluoropropyl)-d-Homocysteine and O-(2-[18F]Fluoroethyl)-d-Tyrosine as Bacteria-Specific Radiotracers for PET Imaging of Infection
Authors: Betts Helen M. , Luckett Jeni C. , Hill Philip J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
There is currently no ideal radiotracer for imaging bacterial infections. Radiolabelled d-amino acids are promising candidates because they are actively incorporated into the peptidoglycan of the bacterial cell wall, a structural feature which is absent in human cells. This work describes fluorine-18 labelled analogues of d-tyrosine and d-methionine, O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-d-tyrosine (d-[18F]FET) and S-(3-[18F]fluoropropyl)-d-homocysteine (d-[18F]FPHCys), and their pilot evaluation studies as potential radiotracers for imaging bacterial infection.

Procedures
d-[18F]FET and d-[18F]FPHCys were prepared in classical fluorination-deprotection reactions, and their uptake in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was evaluated over 2 h. Heat killed bacteria were used as controls. A clinically-relevant foreign body model of S. aureus infection was established in Balb/c mice, as well as a sterile foreign body to mimic inflammation. The ex vivo biodistribution of d-[18F]FPHCys in the infected and inflamed mice was evaluated after 1 h, by dissection and gamma counting. The uptake was compared to that of [18F]FDG.

Results
In vitro uptake of both d-[18F]FET and d-[18F]FPHCys was specific to live bacteria. Uptake was higher in S. aureus than in P. aeruginosa for both radiotracers, and of the two, higher for d-[18F]FPHCys than d-[18F]FET. Blocking experiments with non-radioactive d-[19F]FPHCys confirmed specificity of uptake. In vivo, d-[18F]FPHCys had greater accumulation in S. aureus infection compared with sterile inflammation, which was statistically significant. As anticipated, [18F]FDG showed no significant difference in uptake between infection and inflammation.

Conclusions
d-[18F]FPHCys uptake was higher in infected tissues than inflammation, and represents a fluorine-18 labelled d-AA with potential to detect a S. aureus reference strain (Xen29) in vivo. Additional studies are needed to evaluate uptake of this radiotracer in clinical isolates.
Green low-cost synthesis of zero-valent iron nanoparticles from Palm Petiole Extract for Cr(VI) removal from water
Authors: Tesnim Dhiss , Hédi Ben Amor , Ridha Djellabi , Cid-Samamed Antonio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOne of the hottest research topics over the last decades was the valorization or/and recycling of agro-industrial wastes into different valuable liquid or solid products, which is considered a sustainable and low-cost approach. In this study, we developed zero-valent iron nanoparticles from Palm Petiole Extract (P-NZVI) using a green and straightforward approach. The as-synthesized P-NZVI was used to adsorb Cr(VI) in water. The physico-chemical characterizations of P-NZVI, including the particle size, crystalline structure, surface area, morphology, and functional groups, were investigated via several techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, AFM, DLS, pHZPC measurement, and BET analysis. The adsorption performance of P-NZVI was studied under different operational parameters, including pollutant concentration, pH, temperature, and adsorbent mass. The adsorption rate was found to be 89.3% within 40 min, corresponding to the adsorption capacity of 44.47 mg/g under the following conditions: initial Cr(VI) concentration of 40 mg/L, pH 5, and a P-NZVI dosage of 1 g/L. It was found that the adsorption pattern follows the Langmuir and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models, indicating a combination of monolayer adsorption and chemisorption mechanisms. The thermodynamic study shows that the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The reusability of P-NZVI was carried out four times, showing a slight decrease from 89.3 to 87%. These findings highlight that P-NZVI’s could be an effective green adsorbent for removing Cr(VI) or other types of toxic pollutants from water.
Elucidating the Environmental and Health Risks of Trace Element Pollution in Red Sea Fish from Nuweiba City, Aqaba Gulf, Egypt
Authors: El-Shorbagy Mohamed A. , Abdel-Moniem Shimaa M. , Ghanem Mohamed H. , Embaby Mohamed A. , Kourany Mohamed S. , El-Kady Ahmed A. , Abbas Mahmoud Mahrous M. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTrace element bioaccumulation in marine organisms is a rising international issue due to possible health concerns for humans. Thirteen trace elements were analyzed in the sediment, water, and muscular tissue of Red Sea fish. Additionally, the average daily intake (EDI), the cancer risk (CR), the hazard index (HI), and the target hazard quotient (THQ) of those elements have been taken into consideration when evaluating any possible health concerns related to their consumption. All species presented quantifiable values in muscle for all the analyzed elements (arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), boron (B), iron (Fe), barium (Ba), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg), except for Cd and Hg, being Fe and Zn the most accumulated elements in all species. Conversely, in water samples, most elements were undeleted except for aluminum, boron, iron, and zinc. All Red Sea fish, however, had concentrations of Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu, and Mn below the upper limit allowed, although most species had higher levels of As, Cr, and Pb (0.48 ± 0.83–5.10 ± 0.79, 1.97 ± 0.46–5.25 ± 0.67 and 2.12 ± 1.01–6.83 ± 0.93 µg/g, respectively).The studied Red Sea fish showed contamination degrees (CD) of Mn, Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Pb were ≤ 1, indicating minimal contamination, with As and Cr showing higher contamination degrees. However, the pollution index values (MPI-elements) can be represented according to ascending order: Lethrinus ramak < Cephalopholis hemistiktos < Pagellus affinis < Trachurus japonicus < Cheilinus lunulatus < Siganus luridus < Parupeneus forsskali < Caesio suevica. The study found that edible tissues are safe for human consumption, with HI values for children and adults less than ten, indicating negligible non-cancer hazards. However, fish consumption presents health risks due to chromium, lead, and arsenic, with THQ values several times greater than 1, and CR-Ni, CR-Cr, and CR-As values exceeding the acceptable 10−4 value in all studied species. This study provides critical insights into trace element contamination in marine fish species, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and proactive measures to ensure safe marine fish consumption in the Aqaba Gulf.
Novel Isoforms of Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor B1 (ADGRB1/BAI1) Generated from an Alternative Promoter in Intron 17
Authors: Parag Rashed Rezwan , Yamamoto Takahiro , Saito Kiyotaka , Zhu Dan , Yang Liquan , Van Meir Erwin G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBrain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1 (BAI1) belongs to the adhesion G-protein-coupled receptors, which exhibit large multi-domain extracellular N termini that mediate cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. To explore the existence of BAI1 isoforms, we queried genomic datasets for markers of active chromatin and new transcript variants in the ADGRB1 (adhesion G-protein-coupled receptor B1) gene. Two major types of mRNAs were identified in human/mouse brain, those with a start codon in exon 2 encoding a full-length protein of a predicted size of 173.5/173.3 kDa and shorter transcripts starting from alternative exons at the intron 17/exon 18 boundary with new or exon 19 start codons, predicting two shorter isoforms of 76.9/76.4 and 70.8/70.5 kDa, respectively. Immunoblots on wild-type and Adgrb1 exon 2-deleted mice, reverse transcription PCR, and promoter-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that the shorter isoforms originate from an alternative promoter in intron 17. The shorter BAI1 isoforms lack most of the N terminus and are very close in structure to the truncated BAI1 isoform generated through GPS processing from the full-length receptor. The cleaved BAI1 isoform has a 19 amino acid extracellular stalk that may serve as a receptor agonist, while the alternative transcripts generate BAI1 isoforms with extracellular N termini of 5 or 60 amino acids. Further studies are warranted to compare the functions of these isoforms and examine the distinct roles they play in different tissues and cell types.
Exploring the role of dysfunctional attitudes and unhelpful thoughts in the relationship between personality traits and psychological distress in Australian University students
Authors: Galloghly Ronan J. , Apputhurai Pragalathan , Knowles Simon R. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe impact of dysfunctional attitudes and unhelpful thinking upon clients presenting with personality-related psychological distress is an important clinical area of investigation as it informs psychological interventions. Despite this, there is limited research in this area. Thus, this study had two main aims: (1) examine the interrelationships between maladaptive personality traits, dysfunctional attitudes, unhelpful thinking, and psychological distress; and (2) explore the potential mediating roles of dysfunctional attitudes and unhelpful thinking on the relationship between maladaptive personality traits and psychological distress. A convenience sample of 728 undergraduate psychology students (mean age: 31.57 years; 76% female) completed an online questionnaire for course credit. The results supported the first hypothesis that after controlling for gender and age, there would be significant positive correlations among maladaptive personality traits, dysfunctional attitudes, and psychological distress. A structural equation model with an excellent fit (CMIN/df = 2.23, p = .063, TLI = 0.98, CFI = 0.99, SRMR, = 0.01, and RMSEA = 0.04) provided partial support for the second hypothesis in that dysfunctional attitudes and unhelpful thoughts mediated the relationship between maladaptive personality traits and psychological distress. Specifically, negative affectivity and detachment’s relationship with psychological distress were partially mediated via dysfunction attitudes and unhelpful thoughts, and dysfunctional attitudes respectively. These findings suggest that while dysfunctional attitudes and unhelpful thinking contribute to the relationship between personality traits and psychological distress, identification of other factors are required to improve theoretical understanding and subsequently psychological interventions.
New transformation formulas for the fourth Lauricella function II
Authors: Ernst Thomas , Karlsson Per W. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this our second article on the fourth Lauricella function, we start with some lemmas where Lauricella functions with m equal variables or with m copies of 1 can be reduced to a similar function. In the same way, Lauricella functions with m parameters equal to $$-1$$

-
1

can be reduced to a sum of Lauricella functions times elementary symmetric polynomials of the variables. These formulas are used in the proofs, as well as transformation formulas for Lauricella functions from the first paper. Our method gives a transformation with Kampé de Fériet functions, which could possibly be extended. Also summation formulas for the first Appell function are proved. Because of the symmetric proofs, some q-analogues of these formulas can be found at the end of paper. All proofs use Eulerian (q-)integrals. Several formulas are generalizations of Kummer’s second summation formula. In particular, the Euler–Pfaff transformation formula can be generalized to Lauricella functions. The sections are ordered according to the respective substitutions, and the recurring theme is again the reduced roots, which turn up as variables in the formulas. The power substitutions lead to formulas with complex function arguments, only one example is given.
Development of a human cognition inspired condition management system for equipment
Authors: Singh Maneesh , Øvsthus Knut , Kampen Anne-Lena , Dhungana Hariom 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBiomimicry is an approach for solving industrial challenges by studying similar cases in nature and emulating bio-organisms’ responses. Thus, it helps to solve modern day technological problems using the solutions that bio-organisms have successfully used over the course of millions of years. In an ongoing research project, investigations are being carried out to explore the use of biomimicry approach for developing a framework for a human-centric condition management system. This framework is inspired by the knowledge of human cognition. It is expected that the system will be able to utilize various data and integrate it with analytical models and knowledge-based systems to help an equipment diagnose and recommend optimised operation and maintenance programs. This paper describes the proposed framework for this human-centric condition management system.
Search and Harvesting across NFDI Consortia – Gaps and Challenges
Authors: Mathiak Brigitte , Heyer Gerhard , Widmann Heinrich , Henzen Christin , Czerniak Andreas 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSearch and harvesting use cases on harmonised metadata play an important role in several activities on National Research Data Infrastructures (NFDI). The working group Search and Harvesting of the NFDI section (meta)data, terminologies and provenance works on a common understanding of user needs (for search) and service requirements (for harvesting), analysis of the data sources landscape, and recommendations concerning common and specific needs, e.g., for spatial or sensitive data. Here, we present search and harvesting gaps and challenges across NFDI consortia and beyond, which were identified and structured in the Search and Harvesting Working Group, and the recommendations for the NFDI we derive from them. Our goal is to foster a common vision for search and harvesting in the NFDI.
Experimental investigation on hydrogen-rich syngas production via gasification of common wood pellet in Bangladesh: Optimization, mathematical modeling, and techno-econo-environmental feasibility studies
Authors: Hossain Md. Sanowar , Riad Mujahidul Islam , Bhowmik Showmitro , Das Barun K. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSince hydrogen produces no emissions, there is increasing interest in its production throughout the world as the need for clean and sustainable energy grows. Bangladesh has an abundance of biomass, particularly wood pellets, which presents a huge opportunity for gasification to produce hydrogen. Gasification of mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni-SM) and mango (Mangifera indica-MI) wood is performed in a downdraft gasifier to evaluate the impact of particle size, equivalence ratio, and temperature on hydrogen gas composition and gasifier performance. Under the optimal conditions determined by central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) optimization, gasification of SM and MI wood can greatly increase hydrogen yield and cold gas efficiency, offering a workable, environmentally friendly, and long-term solution to Bangladesh's energy shortage and pollution problems. Through RSM analysis the best operating conditions for gasification of SM wood include a feed size of 22.5 mm, equivalence ratio of 0.34, and operating temperature of 1176 K, where a total yield of hydrogen 11.2% was obtained. In the case of MI wood gasification, the optimum condition was found at feed size 22.5 mm, equivalence ratio 0.34, and operating temperature of 1132.47 K, where a total yield of hydrogen 12.85% was obtained. The economic study provides an LCOE of 0.1116 $/kWh, the project payback period is determined to be 10.7 years. By reusing wood waste from nearby sawmills, this study helps to manage waste sustainably by lowering pollution levels and deforestation. It also highlights wider sustainability effects by assisting international initiatives to fight climate change and advance energy independence.
Crop recommendation and forecasting system for Maharashtra using machine learning with LSTM: a novel expectation-maximization technique
Authors: Mahale Yashashree , Khan Nida , Kulkarni Kunal , Wagle Shivali Amit , Pareek Preksha , Kotecha Ketan , Choudhury Tanupriya , Sharma Ashutosh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAgriculture in Maharashtra has immense importance in India, acting as the back-bone of the economy and a primary livelihood source for a significant population. Being the third largest state in India, Maharashtra has a high scale crop production in the country which also has an important impact on the economy. Initially the study focus on developing predictive models that guide farmers in selecting suitable crops for the divisions in the state of Maharashtra. This study presents a Crop Recommendation System (CRS) designed to support Maharashtra’s agricultural sector by utilizing a comprehensive dataset from 2001 to 2022 provided by the India Meteorological Department. This study helps in improvising technical efficiency and productivity of the farmers. Harvesting crops in optimal condition can help to produce efficient harvest hence the research concentrates on providing best crop recommendation system (CRS) with the help of Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques. The data, enhanced for accuracy using expectation-maximization optimization, underpins predictive models that guide crop selection. EM contributes to a more robust and reliable dataset for subsequent analyses and modeling by iterative estimating and updating missing values based on probabilistic expectations. Key findings show that the Random Forest algorithm excels in predicting suitable crops with 92% accuracy. Further precision is achieved through a Long Short-Term Memory network forecasting weather patterns three months ahead, accommodating temporal data variations. Subsequently, the proposed system leverages these forecasts to recommend five ideal crops per division within Maharashtra, aiding farmers’ decision-making and adapting to regional climatic conditions. A supplementary crop calendar offers monthly district-specific planting guidance. An intuitive Graphical User Interface delivers this information effectively, ensuring practical and informed agricultural choices across the state. In essence, the study provides an innovative tool for enhancing economic stability and sustenance in Maharashtra through technology-driven agriculture recommendations aligned with future weather expectations.
Atmospheric Escape From Earth and Mars: Response to Solar and Solar Wind Drivers of Oxygen Escape
Authors: Peterson W. K. , Brain D. A. , Schnepf N. R. , Dong Y. , Chamberlin P. , Yau A. W. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHabitability at the surface of a planet depends on having an atmosphere long enough for life to develop. The loss of atmosphere to space is an important component in assessing planetary surface habitability. Current models of atmospheric escape from exoplanets are not well constrained by observations. Atmospheric escape observations from the terrestrial planets are available in public data archives. We recast oxygen escape rates from Earth derived from an instrument on Dynamics Explorer‐1 as function of solar wind and compare them to similar data from Mars. Analysis demonstrates that oxygen escape rates from Mars are not as sensitive to variations in solar power components as those from Earth. Available data from Venus can confirm or refute the assertion that oxygen escape from magnetized planets is more sensitive than that from unmagnetized planets.