bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiscale Pore Structure Evolution of Different Rank Coals Induced by Chelating Agent Intrusion
Authors: Chen Shuya , Dang Zheng , Deng Chuanjie , Chen Zexin , Tan Shuhao , Yang Xianyu , Cai Jihua , Chen Zhangxin 
Published: April 2024

Summary
China’s coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs are characterized by low permeability (&lt;1 md). Stimulation with conventional acids is facing the problems of secondary precipitation, high corrosion rates, and fines migration. Chelating agent intrusion was proposed as a promising alternative for conventional acids, while the pore structure evolution induced by it needs to be further clarified. In this study, coal samples with three different ranks were selected and treated with L-glutamic acid N, N-diacetic acid (GLDA). Low-temperature Ar and N2 adsorption tests, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were applied to investigate nanoscale to macroscale pore structure changes. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy tests were conducted to determine the mineralogical change of coal. The results show that chelating agent intrusion can widen fracture width, connect micropores, and create void space in macropores by dissolving carbonate minerals, while the nanoscale pore volumes (PVs) showed a slight decrease due to clay minerals collapse. The fractal dimensions Dm calculated by the MIP results of lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite coal decreased by 0.2735, 0.1734, and 0.1444, respectively. It is indicated that a pore structure with a diameter of &gt;100 nm of the coal became more unified, which favors the seepage of gas/water. The chelating agent intrusion shows a significant effect on lignite, followed by bituminous and anthracite coal. However, the metal element reduction rate of anthracite coal presents the highest, followed by bituminous coal and lignite. There can be a risk that a long intrusion time would loosen the skeleton of lignite, leading to further reservoir damage. Therefore, bituminous and anthracite coal samples are preferred, as the skeletons of higher-rank coals are more compact. These research findings introduced a potential stimulation method for enhancing CBM recovery and provided references for field application.
Design and evaluation of a novel multi-epitope antigen for evaluate the diagnostic immunity responses against Leishmania infantum infection
Authors: Hashemzadeh Pejman , Bandehpour Mojgan , Kheirandish Farnaz , Dariushnejad Hassan , Mohamadi Mohsen , Rouzbahani Arian Karimi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BackgroundLeishmania infantumis the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean region. The diagnosis of complex visceral leishmaniasis and delays in the diagnosis of the infection are associated with the death of patients. Proper diagnosis of infection is an important measure in controlling and preventing the disease. However, studies have shown that the accuracy of antigens used in current diagnostic tests is insufficient, for this reason, researchers are trying to identify multi-epitope antigens as diagnostic markers to increase the specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests. In this study, the design and expression ofLeishmania infantummulti-epitope antigens were carried out in two parts of the structure design using bioinformatics tools and the laboratory part for the production of the recombinant protein. Materials and Methods The aim of this study was to design and computationally analyze and expressLeishmania infantummulti-epitope antigens. In this study, nine antigenic proteins (CPB, H1, KMP11, GP63, HASPB, A2, K39, LACK, and PSA) were selected. Bioinformaticsanalyzessuch as prediction of immune cell epitopes, design of recombinant structure, antigenicity, allergenicity, evaluation of physicochemical properties, solubility, prediction of secondary structure and tertiary structure, refinement and validation of 3D model structure and finally in silico cloning optimization of protein construct were performed. After synthesis of the designed recombinant gene fusion sequence in pUC57 cloning vector, its subcloning was performed in pET26b prokaryotic expression vector using BamHI/ HindIII restriction enzymes. The expression of recombinant multi-epitope antigen was performed inE. coliB (BL21) strain using IPTG inducer and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting techniques. Results The results of computational analysis showed that the complete structure, which is suitable for immunogenicity and is non-allergenic, was successfully cloned into pET-26b and expressed as a complete protein. Conclusion Finally, the protein was approved. Based on the expression of recombinant proteins and bioinformatics analysis, this structure can be studied in mouse models and its safety can be evaluated.
Validity of tremor analysis using smartphone-compatible computer vision frameworks – a comparative study
Authors: Wolke Robin , Welzel Julius , Maetzler Walter , Deuschl Günther , Becktepe Jos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Computer vision (CV)-based approaches hold a promising potential for the classification and quantitative assessment of movement disorders. To fully utilize these, pipelines have to be validated against established clinical and electrophysiological gold standards. This study examines the validity of the Mediapipe (by Google) and Vision (by Apple) smartphone-compatible hand detection frameworks for tremor analysis. Both frameworks were tested in virtual experiments with simulated tremulous hands to determine the optimal camera position for hand tremor assessment and the minimal detectable tremor amplitude and frequency. Then, both frameworks were compared with optical motion capture (OMC), accelerometry and clinical ratings in 20 tremor patients. Both CV frameworks measured tremor peak frequency accurately. Significant correlations were found between the CV-assessed tremor amplitudes and the Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale ratings (TETRAS). However, the accuracy of amplitude estimation compared to OMC as ground truth was insufficient for a clinical application. In conclusion CV-based tremor is an accurate and simple clinical assessment tool to determine tremor frequency. Further enhancements are necessary regarding the amplitude estimation.
Evaluating Quality of Service for Bicyclists on Rural Highways: Insights from a Comprehensive User Survey and Mixed-Logit Analysis
Authors: Moreno Ana Tsui , Cai Yangqian , Linares-Ramirez Santiago , Washburn Scott S. , Al-Kaisy Ahmed , Barrios Jorge , Schroeder Bastian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cycling on rural highways presents comfort and safety concerns due to the large speed differentials between bicyclists and automobiles. A shortcoming of the current operational methods for rural highways is the limited consideration of quality of service for non-motorized users. This research aims to determine which variables are most relevant to bicyclists cycling (or not) on rural highways and their operational cycling preferences.
An online survey collected 982 responses from individuals who cycle on rural highways in the United States. Eight choice tasks were presented with six factors: pavement quality, automobile traffic level, posted speed limit, roadside design, context class, and grade. These factors were obtained from a preliminary survey targeting highway analysis and design practitioners. The results of a mixed-logit model analysis suggest that the presence of a shoulder and its width are the most critical factors to a cyclist's perceived quality of service on a rural highway. We found that the difference between rural-town and suburban contexts was minor compared to rural contexts.
The results demonstrate how cyclist types influence their overall willingness to cycle and their preferences for scenario-specific attributes. This opens the discussion to include different sets of thresholds to assess service levels as a function of cyclist type, following the level of traffic stress approach, and separate perception models by cyclist type. These results should inform recommendations for future research on improving existing evaluations related to bicycling on rural highways.
Approaching the adiabatic infimum of topological pumps on thin-film lithium niobate waveguides
Authors: Li Tao , Wu Shengjie , Song Wange , Sun Jiacheng , Li Jian , Lin Zhiyuan , Liu Xuanyu , Zhu Shining 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Topological pumps reveal topological insights of adiabatic mode evolution, in which the adiabaticity plays a crucial role. However, the adiabatic infimum, i.e., the possible shortest evolution duration of an adiabatic topological pumping process, has remained elusive. In this study, we report the approaching of adiabatic infimum in topological pumps in photonic waveguides based on lithium niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) platform. Besides the most common way to achieve adiabaticity by slowing down the evolution of the system, the adiabaticity of a topological pump is also contingent on effective Berry connection between instant eigenstates, which can be controlled by selection of specific pump loops. Specifically, we develop a strategy to identify a pump loop with a minimized effective Berry connection, corresponding to the adiabatic infimum of a topological pump. As such, it is experimentally demonstrated that topological pumps can happen even with rapid evolution speed, at which the conventional pump would completely fail. The adiabatic infimum accelerates the topological pumps from the constraints of slow evolution and facilitates the design of compact topological devices.
Evaluation value of miR-26a/b-5p on survival prognosis of endometrial carcinoma and identification of its relationship with epigenetic modifier gene EZH2
Authors: Luo Yanlu , Fan Jiangtao , Huang Yanrong , Yang Jiahuang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
Investigate the prognostic value of miR-26a/b-5p in endometrial carcinoma (EC), and to analyze the relationship between miR-26a/b-5p and target gene EZH2.
Methods
The expression levels of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p were detected by RT-PCR in 60 cases of EC patients with cancer and normal endometrial tissue adjacent to cancer; Collect medical records of EC patients. To compare the expression difference of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in cancer tissues and normal endometrial tissues adjacent to cancer, and to compare the expression difference of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in EC patients with different clinical and pathological characteristics, and to analyze the impact of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p expression levels on survival and prognosis of EC patients. In addition, the target genes of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis to explore their possible mechanisms in the occurrence and development of EC.
Results
The expression levels of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in cancer tissues were lower than those in adjacent normal endometrial tissues (P < 0.001); In EC patients, the low expression of miR-26a-5p was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, poor differentiation of tumor tissue, and positive ascitic heterotypic cells. The low expression of miR-26b-5p was significantly correlated with advanced patients and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The overall survival rate and tumor free survival rate of the miR-26a-5p overexpression group and the miR-26b-5p overexpression group were higher than those of the corresponding low expression group (P < 0.05); The lower expression levels of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p, the late FIGO stage and the age ≥ 55 years old are independent risk factors for the overall survival rate of EC cancer patients, while the lower expression level of miR-26a-5p and lymph node metastasis are independent risk factors for the tumor free survival rate of EC patients (P < 0.05). EZH2 is the key target gene of miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p in EC. EZH2 is highly expressed in EC patient samples (P < 0.05), and can affect the survival rate of EC patients.
Conclusion
miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p are related to the occurrence and progress of EC, and can affect the survival and prognosis of EC patients. They may be used as biological markers to monitor the progress and prognosis of EC, and have the potential to be new targets for treatment of EC, and miR-26a-5p and miR-26b-5p may regulate the occurrence and development of EC by targeting EZH2.
Unilateral Molar Incisor Hypomineralization influences the chewing side? An observational study in children
Authors: Cardoso-Silva Lana , Gomes Bianca Caroline , Melo Roberta Paula de Faria , Catananti Isabela Silva , Lopes Beatriz Kelly Barros , de Almeida Izadora Ramos , de Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino , de Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia , Manton David John , de Carvalho Fabrício Kitazono 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: This observational study aims to compare the chewing patterns of children with Unilateral Mild and Severe MIH to those without MIH, based on the hypothesis that children with unilateral MIH may prefer to chew on the side opposite to the defect.
Methods: A total of 121 children were included in the study and evaluated for their Preferred Chewing Side (PCS). This comprised 45 children with Unilateral Mild MIH (G1), 42 with Unilateral Severe MIH (G2), and 34 children in the control group (CG) who lacked MIH but had unilateral chewing complaints.
Results: The PCS pattern differed among the groups, with 31% of children with MIH and 55.9% of the CG showing bilateral chewing. Chewing deviation prevalence was 24% in the CG and 52% in G2 (χ2 test; p = 0.03). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that both severities of MIH influenced the likelihood of chewing deviation (χ2 = 7.33, p = 0.026). Children with Unilateral Severe MIH were found to have 3.57 times higher odds of experiencing chewing deviation than those without MIH.
Conclusions: Unilateral MIH affects children's masticatory patterns, increasing the risk of chewing deviation.
Clinical Relevance: Unilateral chewing may be associated with various health issues, such as temporomandibular disorders (DTM), decreased hearing, and vision problems. Unilateral MIH could be considered a potential risk factor for unilateral chewing.
Effectiveness of electrocardiogram interpretation education program using mixed learning methods and webpage
Authors: Lee Sunhee , Kim hyo jeong , Choi Young , Kim ji yeung , Shin ji sun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to develop an electrocardiogram education program that incorporates an HTML webpage and blended learning methods to enhance electrocardiogram interpretation skills. Through continual and efficient education, the program aims to assist nurses in providing appropriate care and treatment to patients.
Design: Pre-post design study
Methods: We developed electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage based on electrocardiogram interpretation algorithm and implemented an 18-week (2023.5.15~2023.9.22) electrocardiogram education program, which included daily 5-minute training sessions. Twenty-seven ward nurses were provided with the URL (https://ecgweb.github.io/ECGweb) to the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and were shared one electrocardiogram case daily for self-interpretation. The Electrocardiogram interpretation performance and confidence were evaluated through questionnaires at three phases: before the program, after 6 weeks of basic electrocardiogram and arrhythmia education, and after 12 weeks of application of the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and case-based lecture education.
Results: The average score for electrocardiogram interpretation performance before electrocardiogram education program was 11.89, after 6 weeks of basic electrocardiogram and arrhythmia education, it was 14.15, and after 12 weeks of application of the electrocardiogram interpretation HTML webpage and case-based lecture education, it was 15.56. This shows that electrocardiogram interpretation performance significantly improved over time (p<.001). Additionally, post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in electrocardiogram interpretation performance at each stage, i.e., before, during, and after the application of an electrocardiogram education program. Furthermore, electrocardiogram interpretation confidence questionnaire score (pre-Median=18, post-Median=23) was improved significantly after the completion of the 18-week education program (p<.001).
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, I believe that an electrocardiogram education program using HTML webpages and a blended teaching method would be very beneficial in maintaining and improving electrocardiogram interpretation skills of clinical nurses. Such a program can help nurses interpret electrocardiogram more effectively and assist them in making important decisions in patient care.
Genotyped Cluster Investigations versus Standard Contact Tracing: Comparative Impact on Latent Tuberculosis Infection Cascade of Care in a Low-Incidence Region
Authors: Asare-Baah Michael , Séraphin Marie Nancy , Salmon-Trejo LaTweika A.T. , Johnston Lori , Dominique Lina , Ashkin David , Vaddiparti Krishna , Kwara Awewura , Maurelli Anthony T. , Lauzardo Michael 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Cluster and contact investigations aim to identify and treat individuals with tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI). Although genotyped cluster investigations may be superior to contact investigations in generating additional epidemiological links, this may not necessarily translate into reducing infections. Here, we investigated the impact of genotyped cluster investigations compared to standard contact investigations on the LTBI care cascade in a low incidence setting.
Methods
A matched case-control study nested within a cohort of 6,921 TB cases from Florida (2009–2023) was conducted. Cases (n = 670) underwent genotyped cluster investigations, while controls (n = 670) received standard contact investigations and were matched 1:1 by age. The LTBI care cascade outcomes were compared using Pearson’s chi-square tests.
Results
Among 1,340 TB cases in our study population, 866 were investigated, and 5,767 contacts were identified. Of these contacts, 4,800 (83.2%) were evaluated, with 73 (1.5%) diagnosed with active TB and 1,005 (20.9%) with LTBI. Among LTBI-diagnosed contacts, 948 (94.3%) initiated TB preventive therapy (TPT), and 623 (65.7%) completed treatment. A higher proportion of contacts were evaluated in the control group (85.5%) than in the case group (81.5%, p < 0.001). While the proportion of evaluated contacts diagnosed with LTBI did not significantly differ between groups (case: 20.4%, control: 21.5%, p = 0.088), a higher percentage of LTBI-diagnosed contacts initiated TPT in the control group (95.9%) than the case group (92.9%, p = 0.029). TPT completion rates were similar, with 65.2% in the case group and 66.3% in the control group completing treatment (p = 0.055).
Conclusion
Genotyped cluster investigations identified more contacts, with no significant difference in contact diagnosed with LTBI, but were less effective than standard contact investigations in evaluating contacts, initiating LTBI treatment, and ensuring completion.
Treatment of effluent from a malting processing plant using bio-coagulants
Authors: Murisa V. , Ncube S. , Moyo L. B. , Danha Gwiranai , Mamvura T. A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The effectiveness of treating effluent from a malting processing plant using bio-coagulants (Aloe vera, Cactus opuntia and Okra seeds) was determined in this study and compared to that of a chemical coagulant (Alum). In investigating effectiveness of the coagulants water quality parameters were analysed i.e. turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, temperature and pH. The experiments were designed using Simplex Centroid Experimental Design from MINTAB 19, which provides 10 possible blends for the three biocoagulants. The results showed that Alum was the most effective coagulant as it reduced the turbidity from 734 NTU to 68.3 NTU and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from 19800 ppm to 880 ppm at a dosage of 40 mg/L. Okra seeds had an optimum dosage was 35 mg/L with a turbidity and TDS removal of 88.83% and 95.25% respectively. Cactus opuntia was able to reduce electrical conductivity from 66.7 mS/m to 1.4 mS/m at a dosage of 55 mg/L. Aloe Vera had an optimum dosage of 40 mg/l with a turbidity and TDS removal of 74.25% and 95.40% respectively. For Cactus opuntia it was 50 mg/L obtaining turbidity and TDS removal of 74.66% and 95% respectively. The best blend of the biocoagulants had a ratio of (0.17, 0.17, and 0.67) for Aloe vera, Cactus opuntia and Okra seeds respectively. At a dosage of 40 mg/L the turbidity removal was 83.92% and TDS removal was 95.12%. Most of the results obtained were within the standard limits accepted by Enviromental Management Agency (EMA). It is important to blend the biocoagulants so as to increase effectiveness and to reduce the amount of each coagulant used. These results support the application of biocoagulants blends in the treatment of malting processing plant effluent.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Apert Syndrome due to A De novo FGFR2 Mutation at the Second Trimester: a case report
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Jin Pengzhen , Chen Min , Zuo Juan , Liu Jie , Zhu Jin , Lin Miaochun , Li Zhaohui , Dong Minyue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Craniosynostosis is one of the symptoms of Apert syndrome which is largely attributed to the disruptions of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. The prenatal diagnosis of Apert syndrome typically depends on the ultrasound imaging at the late pregnancy, which is unfavorable for the early diagnosis.
Case presentation: In this pedigree, craniosynostosis, oligohydramnios and syndactyly of hands and feet were observed at the 20th week of gestation. Whole-exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing was performed on the affected fetus. A de novo FGFR2 mutation was identified which was classified pathogenic. Apert syndrome was diagnosed on the basis of fetal ultrasound imaging and whole-exome sequencing as early as the 20th week of gestation.
Conclusions: The combination of ultrasound scans and Whole-exome sequencing made it available to diagnose Apert syndrome at the second trimester.