bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of an α‐L‐fucosidase in marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica: new evidence on the catalytic sites of GH95 family glycosidases
Authors: Shen Jingjing , Li Jiajing , Zhang Yuying , Mei Xuanwei , Xue Changhu , Chang Yaoguang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundα‐l‐Fucose confers unique functions for fucose‐containing biomolecules such as human milk oligosaccharides. α‐l‐Fucosidases can serve as desirable tools in the application of fucosylated saccharides. Discovering novel α‐l‐fucosidases and elucidating their enzyme properties are always worthy tasks.ResultsA GH95 family α‐l‐fucosidase named Afc95A_Wf was cloned from the genome of the marine bacterium Wenyingzhuangia fucanilytica and expressed in Escherichia coli. It exhibited maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 7.5. Afc95A_Wf defined a different substrate specificity among reported α‐l‐fucosidases, which was capable of hydrolyzing α‐fucoside in CNP‐fucose, Fucα1‐2Galβ1‐4Glc and Galβ1‐4(Fucα1‐3)Glc, and showed a preference for α1,2‐fucosidic linkage. It adopted Asp residue in the amino acid sequence at position 391, which was distinct from the previously acknowledged residue of Asn. The predicted tertiary structure and site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that Asp391 participates in the catalysis of Afc95A_Wf. The differences in the substrate specificity and catalytic site shed light on that Afc95A_Wf adopted a novel mechanism in catalysis.ConclusionA GH95 family α‐l‐fucosidase (Afc95A_Wf) was cloned and expressed. It showed a cleavage preference for α1,2‐fucosidic linkage to α1,3‐fucosidic linkage. Afc95A_Wf demonstrated a different substrate specificity and a residue at an important catalytic site compared with known GH95 family proteins, which revealed the occurrence of diversity on catalytic mechanisms in the GH95 family. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improving ballistic limits of UHMWPE laminates by gamma‐ray irradiation induced enhancement of interfacial bonding
Authors: Qi Changjian , Zhao Yan , Wang Zhiyong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThough ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are promising candidates for the design of body armor against ballistic impact, weak interfacial bonding induced by surface inertness of UHMWPE fibers would inevitably result in the fluctuation of impact resistance. Herein, we deploy a scalable 60Co gamma‐ray irradiation strategy to modify the UHMWPE fibers, which not only improves the roughness of the fiber surface, but also creates new chemical bonding between fibers and polyurethane (PU) resin. Surprisingly, the tensile strength of UHMWPE fiber is maintained very well with the introduction of small pores on surface by gamma‐rays, which exhibits greater advantages than other surface modification methods. It should be attributed to the transformation of crystal structures from orthorhombic phase to more stable hexagonal phase in UHMWPE fibers. Because of the improved adhesion between fibers and PU resin, tensile strength of the UHMWPE/PU prepregs is increased by 18.5% after 10 kGy irradiation. Finally, the V50 ballistic performances of UHMWPE/PU laminates are evaluated. Most of the laminates are penetrated at the initial velocity of ~690 m/s except for the UHMWPE/PU laminates irradiated at 10 kGy. In addition, the delamination and back deformation of the irradiated ones are also alleviated significantly, which show great capabilities in not only preventing ballistic impact, but also reducing the injury degree of the wearer.Highlights
A scalable 60Co gamma‐ray irradiation strategy is used to deal with weak interfacial properties of UHMWPE fibers.
The roughness of the fiber surface is increased.
New chemical bonding between fibers and polyurethane (PU) resin is formed.
The tensile strength of UHMWPE fiber is maintained very well.
Interfacial properties and ballistic impact limits of laminates are improved.
Effect and mechanism of thermal aging on mechanical properties of continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced PEEK composite laminates
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Wen Lihua , Wang Shiyu , Lei Ming , Hou Xiao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractContinuous carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) composites (CCF/PEEK) are widely used in aerospace. However, long‐term service to elevated temperatures induces material aging in CCF/PEEK composite structures, significantly reducing their load‐bearing capacity. In this paper, the mechanisms of thermal aging effects on the mechanical properties of CCF/PEEK composites were investigated. Mechanical performance experiments were conducted on three‐point bending, short beam shear, and double cantilever beam specimens after accelerated aging in the range of 250–300°C. The evolution mechanism of crystallization behavior and aging characteristics was revealed through differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that thermal aging primarily impacted the mechanical properties of CCF/PEEK composites through changes in crystallization and interfacial properties, which were highly sensitive to aging temperature, particularly with crystallization exhibiting temperature−/time‐ dependent behaviors during aging. The thermal aging environment promoted the growth and perfection of the crystals. However, at higher temperatures, further aging caused cross‐linking and degradation, resulting in a significant decrease in crystallinity following an initial increase. Moreover, the rate of oxidation and decomposition of the sizing agent escalated with increasing aging temperature, which led to a significant decline in interfacial properties. Generally, thermal aging at 250°C contributed to the improvement of bending and interlaminar shear properties of the composites. However, at 300°C, a significant decrease in both bending and interlaminar shear properties, as well as mode‐I interlaminar fracture toughness.Highlights
The effect and mechanism of thermal aging on the mechanical properties of continuous carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) composites are investigated within the temperature range of 250–300°C.
Thermal aging significantly influences the mechanical properties of the composites primarily by inducing alterations in both crystallization and interfacial properties.
The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experimental results reveal that the crystallization of the PEEK matrix exhibits temperature−/time‐ dependent behaviors during thermal aging.
Further aging at 300°C induces oxidation and decomposition of components such as sizing agents, resulting in interfacial debonding.
The experimental results indicate that aging at 250°C is conducive to improving the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites.
Revisit the heavy quarkonium double-gluon hybrid mesons with exotic quantum numbers
Authors: Lian Ding-Kun , Wang Qi-Nan , Chen Xu-Liang , Yang Peng-Fei , Chen Wei , Chen Hua-Xing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
We revisit the masses of heavy quarkonium double-gluon hybrid mesons with exotic quantum numbers JPC = 1−+ and 2+− in the framework of the QCD sum rules. Considering the double-gluon hybrid meson operators in the octet-octet color structure, we have constructed two independent interpolating currents with JPC = 1−+ and five independent currents with JPC = 2+−. For the interpolating currents with antisymmetric glueball operator, there exist non-local divergences in one kind of additional Feynman diagrams of the tri-gluon condensate, which will give important contributions to the sum rule stabilities and mass predictions. We use the diagrammatic renormalization to cancel out such divergences. At the leading order of αs, the two-point correlation functions and spectral densities can be expressed in the analytic form of the generalized hypergeometric functions and Meijer’s G-functions. After performing the numerical analysis, we predict the masses of the 1−+ and 2+− charmonium double-gluon hybrid mesons to be around 6.1 − 7.2 GeV and 6.3 − 6.4 GeV, respectively. For the bottomonium systems, their masses are predicted to be 13.7 − 14.3 GeV and 12.6 − 13.3 GeV for the 1−+ and 2+− channels, respectively. Besides, it is possible to hunt for these charmonium hybrids in the radiative decays of bottomonium mesons in BelleII experiment. Further investigations on these hybrid states in various theoretical and phenomenological methods are also anticipated in the future.
Optimal energy distribution in hydraulic hammer forging for minimizing total energy and forging load
Authors: Kitayama Satoshi , Sugita Reo , Amano Masaharu , Miyoshi Koji , Kondo Shuhei , Aono Eri 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHammer forging is an important manufacturing technology in heavy industry to produce high stiffness product. Forging using mechanical press produces the product by controlling the distance between dies whereas the hydraulic hammer forging utilizes the energy given by the sum of hydraulic energy and potential energy of die, and the product is then produced through several blows. The energy at each blow is conventionally determined through the trial-and-error method. The process to produce the product is simple and the response of hammer foundations and anvil is mainly discussed in the literature, but the optimal energy distribution to successfully produce the product is rarely discussed. In this paper, the optimal energy distribution in hydraulic hammer forging is determined using numerical simulation coupled with design optimization technique. To determine the optimal energy distribution through the process, multi-objective design optimization for minimizing both the total energy and the maximum forging load is performed. High dimensional accuracy is generally required in the forged product, and the underfill is handled as the design constraint. The numerical simulation in hydraulic hammer forging is computationally so expensive that sequential approximate optimization that response surface is repeatedly constructed and optimized is adopted to identify the pareto-frontier between the total energy and the maximum forging load. It is clarified through the numerical result that the total energy is drastically reduced without the underfill in comparison with the conventional one. The experiment is also conducted to examine the proposed approach.
Seismic hazard assessment for Iran in terms of macroseismic intensity
Authors: Shabani E. , Albarello D. , Mahsuli M. , Eghbali N. , Varzandeh S. Hosseini , Farnetani F. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWe present the results of probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for Iran based on a statistical procedure specifically developed to manage macroseismic intensity data. This method takes into careful consideration the specific features of such data, which are characterized as ordinal, discrete, and confined within a finite interval, ensuring a logically coherent approach throughout the analysis. The results of our assessment are then compared with hazard maps generated using a standard approach, putting in evidence significant differences both on a national scale and relative to individual cities. This comparative analysis will be useful in identifying areas of utmost concern, where further studies are strongly recommended to yield hazard estimates of greater robustness and reliability. By pinpointing these critical scenarios, we aim to guide future research endeavors towards providing more accurate and reliable seismic hazard estimates. Identifying these critical situations facilitates the prioritization of resources and interventions, ultimately enhancing seismic risk mitigation efforts across Iran.
Associations between epigenetic aging and diabetes mellitus in a Swedish longitudinal study
Authors: Wikström Shemer Daniel , Mostafaei Shayan , Tang Bowen , Pedersen Nancy L , Karlsson Ida K , Fall Tove , Hägg Sara 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDiabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) is associated with accelerated biological aging and the increased risk of onset of other age-related diseases. Epigenetic changes in DNA methylation levels have been found to serve as reliable biomarkers for biological aging. This study explores the relationship between various epigenetic biomarkers of aging and diabetes risk using longitudinal data. Data from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA) was collected from 1984 to 2014 and included 536 individuals with at least one epigenetic measurement. The following epigenetic biomarkers of aging were employed: DNAm PAI-1, DNAmTL, DunedinPACE, PCHorvath1, PCHorvath2, PCHannum, PCPhenoAge, and PCGrimAge. Firstly, longitudinal analysis of biomarker trajectories was done. Secondly, linear correlations between the biomarkers and time to diabetes were studied within individuals developing diabetes. Thirdly, Cox proportional hazards (PH) models were used to assess the associations between these biomarkers and time of diabetes diagnosis, with adjustments for chronological age, sex, education, smoking, blood glucose, and BMI. The longitudinal trajectories of the biomarkers revealed differences between individuals with and without diabetes. Smoothened average curves for DunedinPACE and DNAm PAI-1 were higher for individuals with diabetes around the age 60–70, compared to controls. Likewise, DunedinPACE and DNAm PAI-1 were higher closer to diabetes onset. However, no significant associations were found between the epigenetic biomarkers of aging and risk of diabetes in Cox PH models. Our findings suggest the potential value of developing epigenetic biomarkers specifically tailored to T2D, should we wish to model and explore the potential for predicting the disease.
Testing the amount of nicotinamide mononucleotide and urolithin A as compared to the label claim
Authors: Sandalova E , Li H , Guan L , Raj SD , Lim TG , Tian E , Kennedy BK , Maier AB 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHealthy Longevity Medicine aims to optimize health by targeting aging processes across the lifespan. Addressing accelerated aging involves adaptation of lifestyle and the use of geroprotective drugs and supplements, including nutritional supplements and bioactive compounds. The Food and Drug Administration, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, categorizes bioactive compounds and medicinal products as dietary supplements. While numerous companies sell ingredients that can be deemed geroprotectors, there's limited oversight in their quality control. Governmental safety authorities only verify the presence of prohibited compounds, not the accuracy of ingredients listed on labels.Here, Nicotinamide mononucleotide and Urolithin A supplements, easily accessible online or in pharmacies, were tested for their active ingredient content. Results showed a significant deviation from the labeled amounts, ranging from + 28.6% to -100%. This indicates a considerable disparity in the quality of geroprotective supplements.To address this variability, collaboration between and within societies representing healthcare professionals, industry and regulatory bodies is imperative to ensure the quality of geroprotective supplements.
Modified One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass Following Sleeve Gastrectomy for Severe Reflux and Delayed Gastric Emptying: A Prospective Trial with Clinical and Physiological Outcome Measures
Authors: Wickremasinghe Anagi C. , Leang Yit J. , Johari Yazmin , Laurie Cheryl , Nadebaum David , Yue Helen , Yap Kenneth S. , Hebbard Geoffrey S. , Brown Wendy A. , Burton Paul R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Gastro-esophageal reflux (GORD) following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is a central challenge, and precise indications for revisional surgery or the physiology have not been precisely defined. We aimed to determine whether OAGB performed for reflux post-SG (1) accelerates gastric emptying half-time, (2) reduces the frequency and severity of reflux events, and (3) improves reflux symptoms.

Methods
We undertook a prospective trial (ACTRN12616001089426). There were 22 participants who underwent measurement before and after revisional surgery with 29 optimal SG (patients with optimal outcome from their primary surgery) as controls. All participants underwent a protocolized nuclear scintigraphy, 24-h pH monitoring, and gastroscopy and completed objective questionnaires.

Results
Trial patients were 90.9% female, age 44.4 years. Conversion from SG to OAGB was at a median of 45.2 ± 19.6 months. Scintigraphy showed an increased rate of gastric emptying post-OAGB 34 (IQR 14) vs 24 (IQR 10.3) min, p-value 0.008, with decreased number of reflux events post-prandially (39 (IQR 13) vs 26 (IQR 7), p-value 0.001). This data correlated with the pH analysis; total acid events substantially reduced post-OAGB 58.5 (IQR 88) vs 12 (IQR 9.4) events, p-value 0.017. Endoscopic findings indicated a reduction in incidence of bile stasis 72.7% vs 40.9% post-OAGB, p-value < 0.00010. Post-OAGB, patients experienced less frequent regurgitation (12 ± 4.1 vs. 5.5 ± 3, p-value 0.012) and reflux (37.1 ± 15.7 vs. 16.8 ± 12.6, p-value 0.003).

Conclusions
We found OAGB is an effective treatment for reflux associated with delayed gastric emptying post-SG. The likely mechanisms is by, an increase in the rate of gastric clearance and reduced reflux events and overall esophageal acid exposure. This suggests that some forms of post-SG reflux are driven by slower emptying of the residual stomach and are amenable to treatment with drainage above the incisura.

Graphical Abstract
Mercury Levels in Selected Medicines and Dietary Supplements in Poland
Authors: Brodziak-Dopierała Barbara , Fischer Agnieszka , Ahnert Bożena 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCurrent trends are promoting youth, beauty, health, and fitness. Individuals often seek out remedies, such as medicines or dietary supplements (DS), to achieve these goals. However, highly processed foods, chronic stress, and environmental pollution contribute to the development of civilization diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mercury (Hg) content in medicines and DS that are available in Poland. A total of 139 preparations were tested (75 drugs, 64 DS). The medicines contained preparations belonging to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal; analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory; heart and blood vessel disease preventatives; respiratory tract infections treatment; diuretics; aiding digestion; supplements; antidiarrhoeals; anti-allergics; anti-rheumatics; antibiotics; and others. The tested dietary supplements had an effect on the following: improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails; vitamins; minerals; probiotics; weight loss; special for women; and others. The Hg content of the samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The Hg content of all the preparations varied widely (0.1–57.4 µg/kg), with a median Hg concentration of 1.2 µg/kg. The median Hg concentration for medicines was 0.8 µg/kg, prescription medicines having higher Hg concentrations (0.9 µg/kg) than over-the-counter (OTC) drugs (0.5 µg/kg). For DS, the Hg content was found to be higher than for drugs, at 2.0 µg/kg. The herbal preparations showed the highest Hg content among the individual DS groups (3.4 µg/kg). The Hg concentrations in the tested drug and DS samples did not exceed acceptable standards. However, if multiple pharmaceutical preparations are taken simultaneously over a long period of time, and there is existing environmental exposure, there is a possibility of Hg concentration accumulation and adverse health effects.
Student Interpretations of Eigenequations in Linear Algebra and Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Wawro Megan , Pina Andi , Thompson John R. , Topdemir Zeynep , Watson Kevin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis work investigates how students interpret various eigenequations in different contexts for $$2 \times 2$$

2
×
2

matrices: $$A\vec {x}=\lambda \vec {x}$$

A

x
→

=
λ

x
→

in mathematics and either $$\hat{S}_x| + \rangle _x=\frac{\hbar }{2}| + \rangle _x$$

S
^

x

|
+
⟩

x

=

ħ
2

|
+
⟩

x

or $$\hat{S}_z| + \rangle =\frac{\hbar }{2}| + \rangle$$

S
^

z

|
+
⟩

=

ħ
2

|
+
⟩

in quantum mechanics. Data were collected from two sources in a senior-level quantum mechanics course; one is video, transcript and written work of individual, semi-structured interviews; the second is written work from the same course three years later. We found two principal ways in which students reasoned about the equal sign within the mathematics eigenequation and at times within the quantum mechanical eigenequations: with a functional interpretation and/or a relational interpretation. Second, we found three distinct ways in which students explained how they made sense of the physical meaning conveyed by the quantum mechanical eigenequations: via a measurement interpretation, potential measurement interpretation, or correspondence interpretation of the equation. Finally, we present two themes that emerged in the ways that students compared the different eigenequations: attention to form and attention to conceptual (in)compatibility. These findings are discussed in relation to relevant literature, and their instructional implications are also explored.
An empirical likelihood approach for detecting spatial clusters of continuous data
Authors: Mathews Maria , Guddattu Vasudeva , Binu V. S. , Rao K. Aruna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSpatial scan statistics are an important tool for detecting and evaluating the statistical significance of spatial clusters and have widespread applications in various fields. The study proposes a new nonparametric spatial scan statistic based on the empirical likelihood method as an alternative to existing methods, for detecting clusters for continuous outcomes from unknown or skewed probability distributions. The existing methods are either based on distribution-free methods or likelihood ratio tests assuming a probability distribution. The proposed spatial scan statistic is based on the empirical likelihood method which remains distribution-free while allowing the use of likelihood methods. The performance of the proposed method was compared to the Mann–Whitney-based nonparametric scan statistic and the normal model-based scan statistic through a simulation study under varied scenarios as well as application on a real data. The proposed method had better positive predictive value compared to the Mann–Whitney-based scan statistic, and better sensitivity than the normal-based scan statistic. The methods had little to no difference in terms of power, with the proposed method performing much better in most scenarios. The number, order, location, and extent of the potential clusters detected from the rape crime data from India for the year 2011 varied across methods with certain similarities and differences. The Mann–Whitney and normal scan statistics detected more clusters in common with the proposed method than with each other. The proposed method serves as a good alternative and/or complementary method to existing spatial scan statistics for continuous outcomes when the underlying distribution is unknown or asymmetric.