bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The environment quality of metals in surface sediments in Hangzhou Bay
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Liu Shengfa , Zhang Hui , Jiang Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hangzhou Bay is facing the environmental pressure brought by the economic development of the surrounding areas, but the comprehensive and systematic study of heavy metals in the sediments was still insufficient. In this study, heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni and V) in 231 surface sediments in Hangzhou Bay were analyzed to evaluate their spatial distribution and pollution status and their controlling factors. The contents of metals in sediments had a low level and were not facing serious ecological risk on the whole. However, most metals exhibited higher concentrations in the central and northeastern parts of Hangzhou Bay, while Zn and Cr showed elevated contents in the adjacent area of the Qiantang River mouth, where the environmental quality assessment of metals showed low-to-moderate pollution, which was worthy of attention. The heavy metals in the sediments were primarily from natural sources and their distribution was mainly dominated by the grain size of the sediments. However, Pb in the northern coastal areas and Cr and Zn in the Qiantang River mouth were found to have high contents and indicated relatively serious pollution potentially caused by human activities. This study is of great scientific significance for understanding the accumulation and source-sink process of heavy metals in the sediments of the Bay of intense human activities.
High-Performance Supercapacitors Utilising PEDOT Composite Electrodes; Synthesis, Characterisation and Electrochemical Performance Analysis
Authors: Ljubek Gabrijela , Roković Marijana Kraljić 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The aim of this work was to prepare poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) electrodes from an electrolyte containing graphene oxide (GO) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) (PEDOT/GO/SDS) or poly(4-styrene sulphonate) (PSS) (PEDOT/GO/PSS) solutions. The synthesis was also carried out without GO presence (PEDOT/SDS, PEDOT/PSS). PEDOT and PEDOT/GO were synthesised at glassy carbon support, while PEDOT/GO-R was synthesised at GO support, all were prepared by applying 1.0 V vs. SCE during 300 s. After PEDOT synthesis, the electrode with GO support was additionally polarised at -1.4 V vs. SCE in 0.1 mol dm− 3 KCl solution for 600 s, to obtain reduced graphene oxide (rGO). In this way, PEDOT/GO/SDS-R and PEDOT/GO/PSS-R electrodes were prepared. Prepared electrodes were used to assemble symmetric supercapacitors tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The stability of the supercapacitors was determined by charging/discharging at constant current during 1000 cycles, and the specific capacitance (Cs), energy (Ws) and power (Ps) were calculated. The presence of GO in synthesis solution or as support decreased synthesis rate and resulted in a more compact layer with a lower specific capacitance value. However, the successful reduction of GO resulted in a significant improvement of capacitive properties, making this electrode suitable for high-energy applications.
Calibrating resolver for LEO satellite ground stations utilizing Deep Neural Network
Authors: Sancar Yasin , Birdal Ramiz Görkem 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ground stations rely on precise rotational position feedback systems, such as resolvers, to accurately track and communicate with satellites. Nevertheless, resolvers often suffer from calibration errors due to mechanical misalignments, temperature variations, and other environmental factors. This study proposes a method for calibrating 16-bit resolvers using Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) to enhance accuracy and reliability in LEO ground station applications. In traditional calibrations, known errors are compensated for by mechanically aligning the resolver. This process often requires manual intervention and periodic recalibration to maintain accuracy. Instead, proposed automated calibration reduces the need for frequent manual calibration, which saves time and resources. Error profiles and characteristics of resolver were easily revealed by DNN's multiple layers of neurons, capable of learning complex input-output mappings. As a result of this software-based error compensation method, target distortion ratio of 16-bit resolver was improved from ~ ±%10 to ~ ±%2. This means the error in the target angle, which can be as high as 1°, can be decreased to a level of 0.2° by using the DNN for calibration. It is also possible to overcome nonideal characteristics of a resolver such as amplitude imbalance, quadrature error, and inductive harmonics with the method presented in this study.
Deep Learning Applications in Orthopaedics: A Systematic Review and Future Directions
Authors: Pola Ramon Gonzalez , Lozano Alberto Herrera , Nieto Luis Felipe Graham , Garcia Gabriela Zermeño 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial intelligence and deep learning in orthopaedics had gained mass interest over the last years. In prior studies, researchers have demonstrated different applications, from radiographic assessment to bone tumor diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to provide an analysis of the current literature for AI and deep learning tools to identify the most used application in risk assessment, outcomes assessment, imaging, and basic science fields. Method: Searches were conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE and Google scholar up to October 31st, 2023. We identified 717 studies, of which 595 were included in the systematic review. 281 studies about radiographic assessment, 102 about spine-oriented surgery, 95 about outcomes assessment 84 about fundamental AI orthopedic education, and 33 about basic science application were included for review. Primary outcomes were measures of diagnostic accuracy, study design and reporting standards in the literature. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: 153 different imagenology measurements for radiographic aspects were identified. 185 different machine learning algorithms were used, being the convolutional neural network architecture the most common one (73%). To improve diagnostic accuracy and speed were the most commonly used (62%). Conclusion: Heterogeneity was high between studies and extensive variation in methodology, terminology and outcome measures were noted. This can lead to an overestimation of the diagnostic accuracy of DL algorithms on medical imaging. There is an immediate need for the development of artificial intelligence-specific guidelines, to provide guidance around key issues in this field.
Shikimate pathway-Dependent Catabolism: enabling near-to-maximum production yield of aromatics
Authors: Santos Vitor Martins dos , Bruinsma Lyon , Batianis Christos , Moreno-Paz Sara , Kurnia Kesi , Dirkmaat Job , Müller Alexandra , Nuñez Jose Juncosa , Weusthuis Ruud 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Catabolism is a complex network of tightly regulated metabolic reactions that provides energy and carbon to fuel anabolism in all living organisms. Rewiring catabolism is essential for harnessing industrial biotechnology but remains a substantial metabolic engineering challenge due to its high genetic stability and tight regulation acquired through evolution. In this study, by combining metabolic modeling, rational engineering, and adaptive laboratory evolution, we fundamentally redesigned bacterial catabolism. We created a new-to-nature shikimate pathway-dependent catabolism (SDC) in the industrial bacterium Pseudomonas putida by reprogramming the shikimate pathway as the primary catabolic route instead of its native glycolytic one. SDC supports growth by supplying the glycerol catabolic end-product pyruvate, thereby enabling superior production of shikimate pathway-derived molecules. Through SDC, production of aromatics reached 89% of the pathway’s maximum theoretical yield, setting a new benchmark for their microbial synthesis. Our study successfully repurposed an anabolic pathway for catabolism, exemplifying the high metabolic plasticity of microbes and providing a bacterial chassis for the efficient production of fine and bulk chemicals.
Oxidized phosphatidylcholines induce chronic neurodegeneration partly through IL-1β mediated positive feedback
Authors: Yu Ruoqi , Lozinski Brian , Seifert Ally , Ta Khanh , Zandee Stephanie , Kaushik Deepak , Park Jian , Klement Wendy , Larouche Sandra , Tsimikas Sotirios , Witztum Joseph , Prat Alexandre , Dong Yifei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Oxidized phosphatidylcholines (OxPC) are neurotoxic byproducts of oxidative stress elevated in the central nervous system (CNS) during progressive multiple sclerosis (P-MS). How OxPC contribute to the pathophysiology of P-MS is unclear. Here, we report that OxPC deposition in the CNS of mice induces a chronic compartmentalized lesion with pathological features similar to chronic active lesions found in P-MS. Using this new model, we found that while microglia protected the CNS from chronic neurodegeneration, they were also replaced by monocyte derived macrophages in chronic OxPC lesions. Aging, a risk factor for P-MS, altered microglial composition and exacerbated neurodegeneration in chronic OxPC lesions. Amelioration of disease pathology in caspase 1/4 deficient mice and by blockade of IL-1R1 indicate IL-1β signaling contributes to chronic OxPC accumulation and neurodegeneration. These results highlight OxPC and IL-1β as potential drivers of chronic neurodegeneration in MS and suggest that their neutralization may be effective for treating P-MS.
Unveiling eccDNA Dynamics in Rice: Insights into Adaptation to Nutritional Stress
Authors: Herrera-Estrella Luis , Ni Hanfang , Yong-Villalobos Lenin , Gu Mian , López-Arredondo Damar , Chen Min , Geng Liyan , Xu Guohua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) have been identified in various eukaryotic organisms and play a crucial role in genomic plasticity. However, in crop plants, the role of eccDNAs in responses to environmental cues, particularly nutritional stresses, remains unexplored. Rice (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica), a vital crop for more than half the world's population and an excellent plant model for genomic studies, faces numerous environmental challenges during growth. Therefore, we conducted comprehensive studies investigating the distribution, sequence information, and potential responses of rice eccDNAs to nutritional stresses. We described the landscape of rice eccDNAs during optimal growth phase change and identified the specific induction on gene-overlapped eccDNAs (ecGenes), Transposable Element-overlapped eccDNAs (ecTEs), and the full-length repeat units-overlapped eccDNAs (full-length ecRepeatUnits) in response to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiency. Furthermore, we analyzed multiple-fragment eccDNAs and proposed a TE-mediated homologous recombination mechanism as the origin of rice multiple-fragment eccDNAs. Our studies provide direct evidence of the role of eccDNAs in rice genome plasticity under nutritional stresses and highlight the significance of their abundance and specificity.
The Impact of a Befriending Service on Health-related Quality of Life in Older Adults: An Interventional N-of-1 Pilot Study.
Authors: Power Joanna McHugh , Holton Eimile , Lawlor Brian , Kee Frank , Scharf Thomas , Kelly Michelle , Hannigan Caoimhe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Befriending interventions are unlikely to reduce loneliness, but they may provide social support which buffers the negative impact of loneliness on health outcomes of older adults. An interventional N-of-1 design was used to assess the impact of a befriending intervention on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among older adults, and whether such intervention attenuated the impact of loneliness on HR-QoL.
Methods: Participants were n = 33 new users of the service, aged 60+. Outcomes were measured at 13 timepoints across 26 weeks, and data were analysed using generalised additive modelling (GAM) with a subset of data analysed using visual analysis.
Results: Results indicate that the befriending service may reduce decline of HR-QoL (i.e., health declined in the baseline phase over time: edf = 3.893, F = 3.0, p=0.002, while in the treatment phase, health remained more stable: edf = 5.98, F = 2.98, p=.008). The befriending intervention also suppressed the association between loneliness and HR-QoL. Conclusion: We supported our hypothesis, that befriending interventions may moderate the impact of loneliness on HR-QoL. Interventional N-of-1 designs however carry considerable recruitment and participant burden, which should be considered prior to onset. This research provides an insight into practical difficulties when evaluating existing community-based services, particularly in relation to adhering to best practice design guidelines.
Effect of varying HVL values on dose output of plain X-ray machines at a fixed kV of 80.
Authors: Rukundo Wellen , Natharius  , Luwalira  
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
HVL in diagnostic X-ray machine is an important property that is used to define the penetrating ability of an X-ray beam and hence can be used to determine the component of beam hardness.
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of HVL on the dose output of diagnostic X-ray machine and to determine the different corrective actions for the cases which did not comply the established dose limits.
Material and Methods
The study utilized the findings of the radiation safety inspections conducted between 2021–2022 by Atomic Energy Council to investigate different Half value layer (HVL) ranges for diagnostic X-ray machines. A number of 64 X-ray machines were selected for the study based on a set criterion.
Results
A total of 26 X-ray machines failed the HVL test though produced different descriptions of measured dose output. Fifteen (15) X-ray machines produced doses within the permissible range of 0.025 mGy/mAs – 0.080 mGy/mAs, eight (08) X-ray machines produced doses below the lower limit of the dose range of 0.025 mGy/mAs, while three (03) X-ray machines produce doses above the upper limit of the dose range of 0.080 mGy/mAs. The other 38 X-ray machines passed the HVL test but failed the dose output test. These were classified in different HVL groups that exceeded the recommended regulatory limit, that is, moderate (5), high (19), very high (10) and extreme high (4) X-ray machines. The corrective action made was either adding or removing filter plates to enhance or minimize the filtration for machines that failed the HVL test and the ones that passed HVL test but failed the dose output test respectively. However, this should only be after a conclusive investigation of checking the accuracy of tube current (mA), timer (s) and tube potential (kVp) parameters.
Conclusion
Therefore, the corrective action for HVL should not be done in isolation from other machine dose contributing parameters like tube current potential parameters and exposure time. The regulatory body recommends that HVL tests should be part of the acceptance and commissioning tests for the new machines and done routinely for the machines in use as specified in the quality control program for each facility.
Respiratory virome convergence precedes Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in critically ill patients
Authors: Josset Laurence , Anani Hussein , Destras Grégory , Bulteau Simon , Castain Louise , Semanas Quentin , Burfin Gwendolyne , Martin Florian , Poulain Cecile , Dickson Robert , Bressollette-Bodin Céline , Roquilly Antoine 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is one of the most common nosocomial infections, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. HAP has been previously associated with a dysbiosis of the intestinal and respiratory microbiota. However, the composition of the respiratory virome and its role in HAP pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we longitudinally analysed the endotracheal virome in 87 critically ill patients, including 47 with HAP. The endotracheal virome was dominated by lytic Caudoviricetes bacteriophages and displayed higher inter- than intra-patient variability. Beta diversity analyses revealed a specific viral convergence toward lower diversity prior to the onset of HAP. Specifically, we identified viral signatures and significant changes in bacteriophages interactions with the core lung microbiome before HAP onset. These results were validated in an independent prospective cohort of 43 patients. Our results demonstrate that changes in the lung virome and in the virus-bacterial interactome precedes HAP induction. These findings suggest an uncovered pathophysiological mechanism of HAP with virome involvement in lung microbiota dysbiosis.
The Mediating Role of Vengeful Tendencies in the Relationship between Moral Identity and Effortful Control with Antisocial Behaviors in Adolescents
Authors: Taravian Sara , Nikdel Fariborz , nia Ali Taghvaee 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for the onset of risky behaviors, including antisocial behavior. Antisocial behavior, which peaks during adolescence, is costly to both society and the individual, hindering positive adolescent development. The consequences of adolescent antisocial behavior negatively impact not only society but also all those who interact with the individual. Understanding adolescent risk-taking and recognizing that antisocial behavior is a normal part of adolescence can make it easier to identify and prevent such behaviors.
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of vengeful tendencies in the relationship between moral identity and effortful control with antisocial behaviors in adolescents in Shiraz, Iran.
Method: The statistical population included all high school students. A sample of 567 participants was selected using a multistage cluster random sampling method. The questionnaires of moral identity (Aquino & Reed, 2002), effortful control (Ellis & Rothbart, 2001), vengeful tendencies (Flores-Camacho et al., 2022), and antisocial behaviors (Burt & Donnellan, 2009) were distributed among the participants. The proposed model was evaluated using path analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that the direct path coefficients from effortful control to antisocial behavior, effortful control to vengeful tendencies, vengeful tendencies to antisocial behavior, and moral identity to vengeful tendencies were significant. However, the path coefficient from moral identity to antisocial behavior was not significant. Furthermore, regarding the indirect paths, the findings indicated that vengeful tendencies was significant in the relationship between moral identity and antisocial behavior and between effortful control and antisocial behavior.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is recommended to consider educational programs focusing on strengthening moral identity and effortful control and reducing vengeful tendencies to prevent antisocial behavior of teenagers.
The Importance of Power in Photobiomodulation, a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of High Intensity Laser Therapy
Authors: Penberthy William Todd , Vorwaller Charles E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Low-level light therapy (LLLT; ≤0.5 Watts; W) has advanced to the stage of guideline recommended treatment with payer coverage for treating shallow tissue oral mucositis. However, LLLT often fails in trials treating deeper tissue pathologies due to an inability to penetrate and deliver sufficient therapeutic light. By contrast, Class IV high-intensity laser therapy (HILT; 0.5-80W) typically at 100-fold higher powers has proven successful for treating these same deeper tissue pathologies. To evaluate the range of indications responding favorably to Class IV HILT, we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases from 2018 to March 2024 using the keywords "laser" AND "photobiomodulation" OR "therapy" AND "high" AND "patients" NOT "surgical", focusing on controlled trials. Effect sizes were determined using Cohen’s d. Fifty-six identified studies (n=1,486 HILT vs n=1,494 controls) reported zero serious adverse events. HILT reduced pain in 100% of the trials focused on the knee (n=10), spine, shoulder/arm, and wounds with large effect sizes (>90%). Positive outcomes were demonstrated for the hand/wrist (n=5), feet, face/jaw, bone osteoporosis, and endometriosis. Improvements in range of motion (94%; n=16), functional outcomes (84%; n=37), quality of life (80%; n=20), knee cartilage thickness, rotator cuff tear size, and nerve conduction were demonstrated. Larger effect sizes occurred in follow-up measurements made after cessation of treatment (n=18) indicating that benefits were sustained and not merely transient. The average (median, range) power used was 9.5W (10.5, 0.5-30) and the average power density was 9.1W/cm2 (8; 1-30). We conclude that Class IV HILT is an exceptionally safe, effective, and increasingly recognized treatment that is in a promising discovery phase of research for an expanding list of indications with deep-tissue pathologies. The medical and payer communities should include HILT as a viable treatment option for indications showing positive outcomes in the published research.
Methodologies for the benefit-risk analysis of medical devices: A systematic review
Authors: Freyer Oscar , Jahed Fatemeh , Ostermann Max , Feig Mirko , Gilbert Stephen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The use of medical devices (MDs) by patients carries both benefits and risks. Regulatory frameworks such as the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and the US Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) mandate the systematic weighing of these benefits and risks through a benefit-risk analysis (BRA). This systematic review aims to identify existing BRA methodologies for MDs, and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar, covering publications from 2000 onwards using a search string that contained the search terms (1) methodologies AND (2) benefit-risk analysis AND (3) medical device OR in vitro diagnostic medical device. Peer-reviewed publications were included when they described BRA methodologies for MDs. The exclusion criteria included records on unrelated technologies, pharmaceuticals, non-English publications, and insufficient descriptions. The quality assessment was performed using a method proposed by Hawker et al. (2002). The methods and their characteristics were narratively summarised. Each method was assessed for its degree of objectivity and for using numerical calculations on a scale from 0 to 5.
Results: The search identified 622 records, with six meeting the inclusion criteria. The included studies described ten BRA methodologies: Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), Health Outcomes Modelling (HOM), Stated-Choice Surveys (SCS), Composite Net Clinical Outcome (CNCO), Pairwise Comparisons (PC), Complete Profile of Benefits and Risks (CPBR), Net Benefit Score and Benefit-Risk Ratio (NBS & BRR), Quantitative Benefit-Risk Assessment (qBRA), Quantitative Benefit-Risk Determination (QBRD), and the FDA’s Benefit-Risk Framework (BRF). Methods varied in their reliance on numerical calculations and their degree of objectivity, with a significant correlation between both. The average level of objectivity was assessed as medium (2.1/5).
Discussion: This review describes the ongoing debate between qualitative and quantitative BRA methods. While qualitative methods are often criticised for being subjective and biased, our findings reveal that quantitative methods, though more objective, still exhibit subjectivity, especially in endpoint identification and relevance assignment. Despite the rise of quantitative methods, often originating from the pharmaceutical industry, qualitative methods are often still used by MD decision-makers. Additionally, several quantitative methods are unsuited for certain difficult-to-quantify risks of MDs. Integrating both qualitative and quantitative elements may offer a more comprehensive BRA framework for MDs.