bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endobronchial valve (EBV) insertion for severe emphysema does not improve skeletal muscle mass or function
Authors: Rubenstein Julia , Benlala Ilyes , Toublanc Anne-Claire , Guecamburu Marina , Maurac Arnaud , Bon Claire , Vergnenegre Charlotte , Grassion Léo , Moucheboeuf Geoffroy , DEHAIL Patrick , Henrot Pauline , zysman maeva 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Endobronchial valve (EBV) insertion for severe emphysema allows to reduce hyperinflation and alleviates respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies investigate their effect on extra-pulmonary manifestations of emphysema. We sought to assess the effect of EBV insertion on skeletal muscle mass and function, as well as determine if skeletal muscle parameters could represent a prognosis factor for response to EBV insertion.
Methods: We conducted a monocentric prospective study including 19 patients. Exhaustive evaluation of lung & skeletal muscle parameters was performed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after EBV insertion. Evaluation included assessment of COPD severity (CAT-score, mMRC, pulmonary function tests, 6-minutes walking test (6MWT)), assessment of body composition with bioimpedance analysis, of thoracic muscles surface and density on CT-scans, and of upper limb force with handgrip test.
Results: EBV insertion led to a significant improvement of lung function after 3 months, that persisted 6 months after the procedure, with a significant decrease in target love volume, residual volume, total lung capacity and a significant increase in forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1). Respiratory symptoms were also alleviated with a significant decrease in mMRC. In contrast, no improvement was observed in skeletal muscle parameters, whether whole-body muscle mass (appendicular skeletal muscle index), thoracic muscles surface or density, or muscle force. Besides, no muscle-related parameter was found to predict response to EBV insertion.
Conclusions: These results strongly advocate for a more thorough referral to pulmonary rehabilitation after the procedure, as well as emphasize the need to find bottom-up drug strategies for COPD-associated sarcopenia.
An Online Rule Set Compaction Strategy for the sUpervised Classifier System UCS
Authors: Ferjani Rahma , Rejeb Lilia , Chetouane Nour 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Learning Classifier Systems (LCS) are an adaptive rule based class of algorithms driven by evolutionary mechanisms combined with machine learning. The goal of LCS is to create an entire population of rules, affording them the ability to learn iteratively and solve a given problem. The evolved population may contain many redundant or poor rules which can make interpretation and knowledge discovery by experts a considerable challenge. Therefore, it becomes essential to use rule compaction methods to achieve a balance between the maximum accuracy and a reduced population size. In an attempt to deal with the rule set reduction problematic, several rule compaction strategies were proposed as a post processing step to the algorithm. The aim of this work is to propose an Online Rule Compaction strategy for the sUpervised Classifier System (UCS). It is mainly based on clustering through the application of an adaptive version of the k-means algorithm.The proposed solution has showed promising results.
The fifth fibronectin type III domain of Tenascin C (Tn fn 5) is anti-fibrotic in its modulation of corneal wound healing
Authors: Shukla Ashu , Suresh Vyshak , Gupta Parul Chawla , Sharma Maryada , Saikia Uma Nahar , Ram Jagat , Luthra-Guptasarma Manni 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Corneal transparency is achieved following an injury, through a well-coordinated process of epithelial reorganization and stromal extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling; corneal scars result from unchecked fibrosis during healing. Tenascin-C (TnC) is an important player in inflammation, healing and ECM remodeling. The fibronectin type III repeat region of TnC (Tn fn) interacts with cell surface receptors and growth factors, generating an array of cell signalling events. We aimed to determine the domain-specific role of Tn fn repeats spanning the region 1–5 (Tn fn 1–5) in the context of corneal wound healing, using corneal epithelial cells, corneal fibroblasts, as well as ex vivo alkali-injured goat corneal cultures. We demonstrate that Tn fn 5 can serve as an anti-fibrotic molecule, promoting effective corneal wound healing through increased proliferation of epithelial cells, and downregulation of expression of fibrotic markers and ECM proteins. Tn fn 5 also inhibits corneal fibroblasts from developing contractile ability in the process of fibrosis. In ex vivo alkali-injured corneas, Tn fn 5 promotes corneal wound healing while inhibiting myofibroblast generation, through inhibition of fibronectin polymerization and matrix assembly. The highlight of our study is that Tn fn 5 has an anti-fibrotic effect and can be useful in corneal wound therapy.
Effect of preservative and preservation methods on physical, chemical and microbiological properties of nipa palm (Nypa fructicans) sap
Authors: Athirah Dayang Nur , Asaruddin Mohd Razip , Bhawani Showkat Ahmad , Simbas Aldrin Felix , Kho Swen Jack 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Nipa palm sap that has undergone fermentation is creamy white in colour with an unpleasant aroma and taste, which makes it unacceptable for consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the E’ food grade preservative – potassium sorbate (E202) and sodium metabisulfite (E223) to extend the shelf-life of nipa palm sap, hence determining the effects of different preservation methods on its sucrose content and total bacterial count (TBC).
Results
The result showed that samples during post-sap collection were found more susceptible to microbial growth and contamination than those samples for pre-sap collection. Upon collecting, the initial pH of Sample A was higher (6.33) than Sample B (5.52) and control sample (5.52). Meanwhile, the TBC were the highest in the control sample (2.83 x 105), followed by Sample B (1.14 x 105) and the lowest TBC were in Sample A (1.03 x 105).
Conclusion
Compared to utilizing either potassium sorbate or sodium metabisulfite alone, the combination of the two proved to be far more successful in preserving the palm sap and adding it during pre-sap collection was found more effective to slow down the natural fermentation, rendering longer keeping quality up to 8 hours ensuring colour, flavour and aroma.
Mechanical properties and polishing performance of force rheological polishing slurry under vibration
Authors: Shao Qi , Lyu Binghai , Guo Luguang , Dai Weitao , Wang Jiahuan , Zhao Ping , Yuan Julong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To explore the influence of vibration on the rheological properties and polishing effectiveness of slurry in vibration-assisted force rheological polishing process, the changes in forces on the vibrating plate under different vibration parameters are simulated using FLUENT software. The simulation results show a similar trend to the experimental results, indicating that the pressure on the workpiece surface under vibration is positively correlated with the amplitude and frequency. The apparent morphology of the slurry under vibration is observed, the slurry undergoes a transition from liquid-like to solid-like state under vibration. The effect of different amplitudes and frequencies on the polishing of stainless steel sheet is investigated. When the polishing speed of 40 rpm, the amplitude of 0.35 mm, and the frequency of 80 Hz, the surface roughness Sa of the workpiece decreases from (80 ± 10) nm to (7.1 ± 0.9) nm after 30 minutes of processing, with a material removal rate of 68 nm min− 1.
Study on the instability of FC-72 vapor-liquid interface in a rectangular channel under different gravity conditions
Authors: Zhang Leigang , Xu Bo , Chen Zhenqian , Li Guopei , Zhang Yonghai , Wu Xuehong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the instability of FC-72 vapor-liquid interface in a rectangular channel under different gravity conditions employing short-term microgravity experimental systems designed based on the drop tower platform. Visual observations and numerical simulations were conducted to monitor the behavior of vapor-liquid interface. The study reveals significant fluctuations, with liquid climbing along both sides of the channel after drop cabin releases. Higher initial liquid levels result in increased maximum liquid phase heights and decreased minimum values, with noticeable fluctuations. In microgravity, the maximum height gradually rises with significant fluctuations, while minimum height remains relatively stable. Increasing contact angle leads to reduced variation in maximum and minimum heights, with a distinctive upward slope of vapor-liquid interface observed at a 90° contact angle. The temporal evolution of the vapor-liquid interface observed in simulations closely aligns with experimental findings. This study highlights the importance of considering various factors in designing experiments involving fluid systems with low surface tension, particularly in aerospace applications, and calls for further research to develop more sophisticated models and techniques for understanding and controlling vapor-liquid interface instability.
P-SIRT1/Nrf2 is linked to oxidative stress in alleviating hidden hearing loss
Authors: Zheng Zeyu , Zhang Peng , Fu Yang , Jiang Yihong , Zhu Jing , Wang Fei , Li Shaoheng , Zhang Zhuoru , Chang Tong , Zhang Min , Ruan Bai , Wang Xiaocheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Hidden hearing loss (HHL) is characterized by normal audiometric thresholds but impaired auditory function, particularly in noisy environments. Unfortunately, the unclear pathogenesis of HHL hinders accurate diagnosis and treatment. According to our research, audiological assessment of HHL mouse model showed a significant increase in the auditory brainstem response threshold, a decrease and delay in the I wave amplitude and latency, respectively, on the first day after noise exposure (NE). Histological observation showed a significant loss of ribbon synapses by immunofluorescence and stereocilia lodging by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, mice with HHL showed a significant oxidative stress damage, which was reduced by pretreatment with SRT1720 (SIRT1 specific agonist) through round-window injection. Additionally, cell experiments clarified that SRT1720 could reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress levels in House Ear Institute Organ of Corti cells and may be associated with activating the P-SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway. Subsequent experiments with Nrf2 knockdown confirmed the importance of this pathway. In conclusion, our findings highlight oxidative stress as the primary contributor to HHL, with the P-SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway emerging as a promising therapeutic target for mitigating oxidative stress and alleviating HHL.
WITHDRAWN: Assessment of Professional Behaviour: An Imperative Need in the Medical Curriculum
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Siddique , Mushtaq Mazhar , Usman Muhammad Ahmed , Jihwaprani Muhammad Candragupta , Siddique Rahemeen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To assess the implications of teaching professionalism in medical students through an organized, professional behaviour course in a medical curriculum.
It was a retrospective study of an academic cohort of 2018-2020 medical students. In the early stages of university admission, students are introduced to the philosophy concepts of professionalism in health care and are given clear instructions about strict compliance with standards of professional behaviour. This is continued in an organized way throughout the medical program. Pre-designed grading criteria are implemented in all the medical years. Tutors are made aware of this grading and receive training through faculty development sessions. Each tutor grades a group of students who are in direct contact with them during the block/rotation.
We observed that the professional behaviour grades tend to improve with each passing academic year in the medical program. It was seen that male students scored higher grades in professionalism, but also the reporting of critical incidents related to professional behavior is highest amongst the males.
The effectiveness of teaching professional behaviour via an organized course curriculum is observed at ABCD University. We strongly advocate this approach in teaching and achieving high standards of Professionalism in medical graduates.
A Comparative Study on the Compressive Strength of Cement-Based Composites Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Yang Wenyi , Anwar Aftab , Jiang Yuanjun , Naz Wania , Yanwei Wang , Jing Wang , Li Jing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This work aims to compare the compressive strength of CNFs reinforced concrete, cement paste, and cement mortar utilizing machine learning models for prediction before construction. To obtain this goal, the ten supervised regression ML models were executed. The datasets with an experimental foundation consisting of 266, 233, and 196 data points for cement paste, cement mortar, and concrete respectively were set and split into training and testing groups for the model’s execution. There were seven input parameters: cement, water, CNFs, superplasticizer, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and age, and one output parameter: compressive strength fc. The results declared that seven models for cement paste, six models for cement mortar, and eight models for concrete had a strong ability to predict compressive strength. According to the sensitivity analysis, water, and cement were the parameters with the largest impacts on predicting the CNFs reinforced cement-based composites, while coarse aggregate was the smallest. It can be concluded that the three XGBR, GBR, and RF models for concrete, three XGBR, DT, and GBR models for cement paste, and three KNN, BR, and RF models for cement mortar were the best prediction models.
Ground improvement with single treatment using Mg 2+ modified all-in-one MICP solution: 1m sand column
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Mohammad Javad , Guan Dawei , Cheng Liang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The potential of microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for soil bio-improvement has been widely studied as an alternative to traditional cementation by Portland cement. While multiple-phase injection techniques are commonly used for MICP treatment, they impose complexities and require a high number of injections. One of the latest developments in the biocementation research area is using the one-phase-low-pH MICP method as a more effective and efficient alternative to the traditional two-phase method. The published studies in one-phase MICP used 1M concentration and injected all-in-one solution several times. So, this study primarily investigated the possibility of soil improvement by a single injection of high-concentration all-in-one solution in 1m columns. This high concentration can impose a toxic effect on bacterial activity and hinder urea conversion. Also, a high concentration of salts such as calcium or magnesium chloride can increase the ionic strength and decrease the uniformity of carbonate precipitation. The effect of 20% magnesium substitution and decreasing the initial temperature of substances were studied. The experiments in aquatic steps demonstrated that these magnesium cations and low temperatures can prolong the lag phase. The collected precipitation from magnesium-included solutions showed an enhancement in the crystal structure of calcium carbonate formations. The transportability of all-in-one solutions was examined by injection of 6 pore volume solution through a 20 cm sand column and comparing the optical density of effluent to the influent. Solutions with magnesium contents and low temperature demonstrated a higher transportability. Eventually, 1 m sand columns were treated with all-in-one solution and the most homogeneous urea conversion and calcium carbonate precipitation were observed in the column injected with a low temperature of magnesium substituted solution.
Inequitable Distribution of Heat Exposure Risks Driven by Trade
Authors: Geng Yong , Li Meng , Meng Bo , Tong Fan , Gao Yuning , Yamano Norihiko , Lim Sunghun , Guilhoto Joaquim , Uno Kimiko 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The exposure to extreme heat at workplaces may result in great risks to the involved labour. This issue becomes more prominent due to the global dispersion of labour-intensive work via trade. Here we combine a high-resolution climate model with an input–output model to investigate the exposure to extreme heat at work due to global trade. We find an 89% surge in trade-related labour exposure to extreme heat, escalating from 221.5 to 419.0 billion person-hours between 1995 and 2020. The lower-middle-income and low-income economies constituted 53.7% and 18.3% of global exposure, while only 5.7% and 1.0% in global labour compensation. In countries highly susceptible to extreme heat conditions, workers could spend up to about 50% of their working hours in heated conditions. Our findings uncover the disproportionate trade effects in redistributing global benefits and costs, which leads to the inequality in heat exposure between rich and poor economies. In striving for equitable and safe work conditions and social justice, workers vulnerable to heat extremes should be protected through the development of climate adaptation infrastructure in developing economies, especially those engaged in international trade.
Atomic-level direct imaging for Cu(Ⅰ) multiple occupations and migration in 2D ferroelectric CuInP2S6
Authors: Hu Wanbiao , Guo Changjin , Liang Xiali , Xie Jiyang , Wen Caifu , Gu Chengding 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

CuInP2S6 (CIPS) is an emerging 2D ferroelectric material known for disrupting spatial inversion symmetry due to Cu(I) position switching. Its ferroelectricity strongly relies on the Cu(I) atom/ion occupation ordering and dynamics. Nevertheless, the accurate Cu(I) occupations and correlated migration dynamics under the electric field, which are key to unlocking ferroelectric properties, remain controversial and unresolved. Herein, an atomic-level direct imaging through aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy is performed to precisely trace the Cu(I) dynamic behaviours under electron-beam irradiation along (100)-CIPS. It clearly demonstrates that Cu(I) possesses multiple occupations, and Cu(I) could migrate to the lattice, vacancy and interstitial sites between the InS6 octahedral skeletons of CIPS to form local CuxInP2S6 (x = 2–3) structure. Cu(I) multi-occupations induced lattice stress results in a layer sliding along the b-axis direction with generating a sliding size of 1/6 b axis. The CuxInP2S6 (x = 2–3) exists in a type of dynamic structure, only metastable with electron dose over 50 e− Å−2, thus generating a dynamic process of CuxInP2S6 (x=2-3) ⇌ CuInP2S6, a completely new phenomenon. These findings shed light on the novel mechanism underlying the Cu(I) migration in CIPS, providing crucial insights into the fundamental processes governing its ferroelectric properties.
Investigating the Impact of Gamification Components on Online Learners’ Engagement
Authors: Meng Chen , Zhao Mengyuan , Pan Zilong , Pan Qianqian , Bonk Curtis J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As online learning and teaching are becoming an educational trend, online students’ engagement will directly impact the learning and teaching effects and outcomes. A scientific application of gamification in online learning, teaching, and online course design will improve online learners’ learning experience and help build a better virtual learning context for online learners worldwide. This study focuses on how gamification can engage online students from skills, emotional, participation, and performance perspectives. A mixed method has been applied to further explore the relationships between gamification components and online students’ engagement and how online students perceive the impacts of gamification on their online learning experience. This study extended the research about the gamification mechanics that foster online learner engagement and offered guidelines for future online course design and development.
Effusion Cytology of Dysgerminoma: A Case Report with Review of Literature
Authors: Balakrishnan Meera , George Smiley Annie , Mallik Anupama Arora , Mallik Mrinmay Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Ovarian dysgerminoma is a rare malignant ovarian germ cell tumor (MOGT) with its peak incidence in women younger than 20 years. Peritoneal and pleural dissemination of ovarian tumors is a major prognostic parameter in ovarian malignancies. Effusion cytology of germ cell tumors are not frequently reported in the literature. We report a case of a MOGT in a 15 year old female who presented with severe painful abdominal distention and respiratory distress. Ascitic and pleural fluid cytology were positive for malignant cells which on immunocytochemistry supported the diagnosis of metastatic dysgerminoma. The histopathology of the ovarian mass was confirmed to be dysgerminoma FIGO stage IVA. This case report highlights the salient cytomorphologic features of metastatic dysgerminoma in ascitic and pleural fluid discussing the differential diagnoses.
Drug-Drug Interaction Potential of Remimazolam: CYP 450, Transporters, and Protein Binding
Authors: Petersen Karl-Uwe , Schmalix Wolfgang , Pesic Marija , Stöhr Thomas 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine, remimazolam, is a new treatment modality for procedural sedation and general anesthesia. Its activity is terminated by carboxylesterase 1 (CES1).

Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the drug-drug interaction (DDI) potential of remi-mazolam through mechanisms unrelated to its metabolizing enzyme, CES1.

Methods:
Conventional in vitro co-exposure experiments were conducted to study possible interactions of remimazolam and its primary metabolite, CNS7054, mediated by competitive binding to plasma protein or reactions with cytochrome P450 isoforms or drug transporters.

Results:
No relevant interactions of remimazolam or its metabolite with cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms at clinically relevant concentrations were identified. Likewise, standard experiments revealed no clinically relevant interactions with drug transporters and plasma proteins.

Conclusion:
The present data and analyses suggest a very low potential of remimazolam for pharmacokinetic DDIs mediated by CYP isoforms, drug transporters, and protein binding.