bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sodium phenylbutyrate–taurursodiol access, adherence and adverse event in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Experience at one center in the United States
Authors: Mamarabadi Mansoureh , Fafoutis Eleni , Geronimo Andrew , Walsh Susan , Simmons Zachary 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSodium phenylbutyrate–taurursodiol (PB‐TURSO) was recently approved for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Third‐party payors' coverage policies are evolving, and adverse events are just being fully assessed. The goals of this study were to evaluate patients' experiences in obtaining and continuing PB‐TURSO and assess adverse events and medication adherence.MethodsMedical records of 109 ALS patients who were considered PB‐TURSO candidates by the treating physician at a tertiary ALS clinic from October 2022 to May 2023 were reviewed. Data was recorded for demographics, clinical, and insurance information. A survey was e‐mailed to patients asking about out‐of‐pocket expenses for PB‐TURSO, financial assistance, medication start and (if applicable) stop dates, and reasons for discontinuation.ResultsInsurance information was available for 91 patients [57 males (62%); mean age 64.8 years (range 25.7–88)]. Of 79 who applied for insurance approval, 71 (90%) were approved; however, 19 required 1–3 appeals. Among 73 patients with available data about medication status, 54 started PB‐TURSO and 19 did not, most commonly due to personal choice or out‐of‐pocket expenses. About 44% of patients (24/54) stopped taking PB‐TURSO, primarily due to adverse events. Monthly out‐of‐pocket expenses varied from $0 to $3500 and 36 patients qualified for financial assistance. Administrative and nursing staff devoted 7.2 hours/week to the insurance authorization process.DiscussionMost patients received insurance approval for PB‐TURSO, but one‐fourth required appeals. Some out‐of‐pocket costs were very high. Investment of staff time was substantial. These findings have implications for insurance coverage of, and adherence to, future ALS treatments.
TikTok misinformation and user engagement in female pelvic floor conditions
Authors: Stephan Alicia P. , Hauc Sacha C. , Marks Victoria A. , Bercik Richard , Rickey Leslie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractImportanceSocial media platforms are increasingly utilized to distribute medical information. Our study emphasizes the need for accuracy in pelvic health education on social media and the involvement of female pelvic floor (FPF) specialists in content creation.AimsIn this cross‐sectional study, we assessed the FPF TikTok videos with the highest engagement for quality of information and misinformation and investigated the relationship between misinformation and user engagement.MethodsWe collected all TikTok videos on the US app with hashtags related to FPF conditions, including 76 on pelvic organ prolapse, 323 on urinary tract infection, 84 on overactive bladder, and 972 on incontinence. The top 20 videos for each FPF condition were selected based on highest engagement, and 74 videos total met inclusion criteria. TikTok videos were scored with the validated DISCERN instrument for quality of consumer health information and a 5‐point Likert scale for misinformation. The correlation between misinformation and user engagement was assessed.ResultsOur analysis revealed positive correlations among higher average misinformation scores and shares (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), likes (r = 0.23, p = 0.004), and overall engagement (r = 0.25, p = 0.002) in FPF TikTok videos as a group, likely driven by the #UTI category. Most TikTok videos (96%) had poor quality of information (DISCERN score < 3), and 18% of TikTok videos contained misinformation.ConclusionThe poor quality and prevalence of misinformation in FPF‐related TikTok videos with the highest engagement raise concerns about the propagation of nonevidence‐based health information.
Screen‐shooting resistant robust document watermarking in the Discrete Fourier Transform domain
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Huang Chaoyue , Liu Shaoteng , Huang Leichao , Yang Tianshu , Zhang Xinpeng , Wu Hanzhou 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMetaverse's augmented reality (AR) function allows virtual information to be seamlessly superimposed onto real scenes through the camera of a head‐mounted device. However, this raises concerns about privacy protection and copyright authentication when transmitting cross‐media information. Additionally, there is a risk of secret information leakage due to screen candid shooting in the real world. Ensuring information security and copyright authentication in case of unauthorized screen capturing is crucial. To prevent information loss and interference from cross‐media transfer between screens and cameras, we implement digital watermarking for copyright protection. We have proposed an innovative framework for automatic document watermarking that can resist screen‐shooting. Our approach involves embedding a ring watermark in the document underlay. On the extraction side, the watermark extraction process is divided into three key steps: automatic location, automatic correction, and automatic extraction. First, the document image is located in the covert photography. Then, perspective correction is performed based on the text line features of the document. Finally, the watermark information is extracted by combining the ring watermark features. Our method is capable of automatically extracting watermarks from covert photography while considering aspects such as concealment, robustness, and visual quality. The watermark is embedded in the document underlay, which ensures good visual quality and does not affect the normal reading and editing. We also propose various embedding strength schemes that can adapt to different usage scenarios, providing resistance to screen‐shooting or screenshot attacks, as well as various noise attacks. Through extensive experiments, we have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed automated framework and the robustness of the watermarking algorithm, as well as the superiority and broad application prospects of our method.
Research and application of Rayleigh wave imaging based on the Born–Jordan time‐frequency distribution
Authors: Min Xiang , Xuhui Zhang , Xiaoyong Yao , Zhongxiang Jiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCurrently, the horizontal resolution of Rayleigh wave exploration is low. In this study, we propose the Born–Jordan time‐frequency distribution to analyse Rayleigh waves. The seismic signal was filtered with a wavelet transform for denoising, and the Rayleigh wave was separated in the time domain. Using the Born–Jordan time‐frequency distribution, the time waveform of each frequency comprising the Rayleigh wave from every seismic channel was obtained, and the time difference of the Rayleigh wave with the same frequency was calculated, based on which the dispersion curve between the two channels was obtained. Combined with the multichannel Rayleigh wave dispersion curve, phase velocity and frequency imaging under the seismic arrangement were obtained. Applying this method to detect abnormal geological bodies in engineering investigations showed that hard geologic bodies, such as comcrete rocks, have high velocity and frequency, whereas weak ones have low velocity and frequency. This strategy facilitated the detection of fractured zones, underground goafs and obstacles during pipe‐jacking construction near the surface.
Polyetherimide nanocomposite with enhanced mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties by incorporating synergistically exfoliated‐chemical functionalization induced hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Ni Ke Yang , Zhao Wei , Bian Jun , Li Xin Kang , Yang Ke Cheng , Jing Si Yi , Wei Cong , Lin Hai Lan , Chen Dai Qiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe present study aims to improve the mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of polyetherimide (PEI) nanocomposite via simplified method, involving the creation of a nanocomposite using PEI incorporated with exfoliated‐chemical functionalization induced hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS). XRD, FTIR and Raman elucidated the chemical structure of functionalized BNNS and indicated the success preparation of functionalized BNNS. Functionalization effectively improved the compatibility of nanocomposites and contributed to the property improvements. Morphological analysis unveiled a compact and dense microstructure within the nanocomposites in correlation with functionalized BNNS. Broad band dielectric spectroscopy revealed excellent dielectric properties of produced PEI nanocomposite. DMA testing verified a noteworthy enhancement in both Tg and storage modulus upon incorporating of BNNS. In summary, this comprehensive investigation highlights the impact of functionalized BNNS on mechanical, thermal and dielectric properties of developed PEI dielectric nanocomposite and is expected to expand the application of PEI in the field of high‐temperature energy storage.Highlights
Polyetherimide (PEI) was used as polymer matrix and boron nitride derivatives as dielectric fillers to prepare PEI dielectric nanocomposite.
Due to the influences of dielectric properties by interface polarization effect and the local distribution of electric field of the fillers in PEI matrix, the dielectric constant, breakdown strength and energy storage density of PEI nanocomposites were obviously improved compared with pure PEI.
The effects of interfacial interactions between PBNNS and PEI contributes to the uniform dispersion and comprehensive property improvements of PEI dielectric nanocomposites.
This work presents a systematic investigation into the fabrication of PEI/BNNS nanocomposite using a one‐step solution blending method, inspiring the research and development of PEI in the energy storage applications areas in the future.
Impact of single versus multiple dose lithium on renal dysfunction in bipolar patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Harada Hiroyuki , Kato Tadafumi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimBipolar disorder significantly affects social functioning and maintenance treatment is crucial. Lithium is considered as a first‐line maintenance treatment in all treatment guidelines, but careful administration is necessary due to concerns about renal dysfunction caused by its use. Lithium can be administered in divided doses from two to three times a day or once a day. However, it is controversial which regimen, single or multiple dose, should be recommended in light of adverse effects. This study aims to clarify the difference in renal dysfunction due to the number of divided lithium doses using data from the electronic medical record in a retrospective cohort.MethodsWe targeted 72 patients who were prescribed lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder in the Juntendo University Hospital electronic medical record from April 2021 to March 2023. There were 35 cases in the single‐dose group and 37 cases in the multiple‐dose group. The outcome was the change in creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during the observation period. The effect of the regimen was evaluated using multiple regression analysis.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the change in creatinine and eGFR between the single‐ and the multiple‐dose group, though renal function measured by creatinine and eGFR significantly worsened depending on the duration of treatment or aging.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in renal dysfunction between the single‐dose group and the multiple‐dose group; thus, considering the expected positive effect on adherence, a once‐daily regimen is recommended in maintenance lithium treatment.
Creating advanced photonics AI assistants
Authors: Tepper Erez , Suchowski Haim 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe AI assistants that have emerged in the past couple of years open up new domains of knowledge, allowing us to be educated and guided in many new and versatile domains. However, for domain experts such as optical designers, scientists, and photonics engineers, they often have limitations in their information accuracy and scope. 3DOptix has developed a dynamic approach to overcome these limitations that enables the creation of a proficient optical design copilot. This copilot assists experts in every step of the design process, including conducting precise calculations, searching for components, and simulating actions.
A Novel and Economical Approach for the Fusarium Oxysporum Mediated Myco‐Synthesis of Mesoporous Floral‐Shaped Silica Nanoparticles from Coal Fly Ash Waste
Authors: Yadav Virendra Kumar , Choudhary Nisha , Ali Daoud , Alarifi Saud , Dwivedi Vinay , Patel Ashish , Fulekar M. H. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNanotechnological applications involving the fabrication of potential nanomaterials and novel strategies for mitigation of contaminants have helped a lot in environmental cleanup. The chemical route for silica nanoparticle (NPs) synthesis using tetra ethyl oxy silicone and tetramethyl oxy silicone is expensive and energy intensive. Silica NPs synthesis from coal fly ash waste could prove to be economical. In this study, the investigators have used coal fly ash for silica NPs synthesis via a noble and economical approach. This biosynthetic approach involved two steps: (1) extraction of crude sodium silicate by using alkali treatment of fly ash and (2) the addition of crude sodium silicate to the supernatant of Fusarium oxysporum for fabrication of silica NPs. The developed silica NPs are analyzed by the analytical instruments where the microscopic techniques revealed 10–50 nm‐sized floral‐shaped mycogenic silica NPs. The X‐ray diffraction revealed the amorphous nature of the silica NPs with a broad spectrum starting from 8º and ending at 23º having centered at 13.1°. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, in region 400–1200 cm−1, exhibited three distinguishing bands for silica NPs. The current study reports a novel and effective method for the development of silica NPs with a high yield and purity of about 95%.
Exploring ligands that target von Willebrand factor selectively under oxidizing conditions through docking and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Interlandi Gianluca 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe blood protein von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large multimeric protein that, when activated, binds to blood platelets, tethering them to the site of vascular injury and initiating blood coagulation. This process is critical for the normal hemostatic response, but especially under inflammatory conditions, it is thought to be a major player in pathological thrombus formation. For this reason, VWF has been the target for the development of anti‐thrombotic therapeutics. However, it is challenging to prevent pathological thrombus formation while still allowing normal physiological blood coagulation, as currently available anti‐thrombotic therapeutics are known to cause unwanted bleeding, in particular intracranial hemorrhage. This work explores the possibility of inhibiting VWF selectively under the inflammatory conditions present during pathological thrombus formation. In particular, the A2 domain of VWF is known to inhibit the neighboring A1 domain from binding to the platelet surface receptor GpIbα, and this auto‐inhibitory mechanism has been shown to be removed by oxidizing agents released during inflammation. Hence, finding drug molecules that bind at the interface between A1 and A2 only under oxidizing conditions could restore such an auto‐inhibitory mechanism. Here, by using a combination of computational docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy perturbation calculations, a ligand from the ZINC15 database was identified that binds at the A1A2 interface, with the interaction being stronger under oxidizing conditions. The results provide a framework for the discovery of drug molecules that bind to a protein selectively in the presence of inflammatory conditions.
Study of pesticide transformation processes in different wheat varieties and their effects on plant metabolism
Authors: Pszczolińska Klaudia , Płonka Joanna , Perkons Ingus , Bartkevics Vadims , Drzewiecki Sławomir , Strzałka Kazimierz , Barchanska Hanna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study aims to obtain systematic understanding of the way by which pesticides are metabolized in plants and the influence of this process on plants' metabolism as this process has a key impact on plant‐based food safety and quality. The research was conducted under field conditions, which enabled to capture metabolic processes taking place in plants grown under multihectare cultivation conditions.RESULTSResearch was conducted on three wheat varieties cultivated under field conditions and treated by commercially available preparations (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and growth regulator). Plant tissues with distinctions in roots, green parts, and ears were collected periodically during spring–summer vegetation period, harvested grains were also investigated. Sample extracts were examined by chromatographic techniques coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for: dissipation kinetics study, identification of pesticide metabolites, and fingerprint‐based assessment of metabolic changes.CONCLUSIONTissue type and wheat varieties influenced pesticide dissipation kinetics and resulting metabolites. Metabolic changes of plants were influenced by type of applied pesticide and its concentration in plants tissues. Despite differences in plant metabolic response to pesticide stress during cultivation, grain metabolomes of all investigated wheat varieties were statistically similar. 4‐[cyclopropyl(hydroxy)methylidene]‐3,5‐dioxocyclo‐hexanecarboxylic acid and trans‐chrysantemic acid – metabolites of crop‐applied trinexapac‐ethyl and lambda‐cyhalothrin, respectively, were identified in cereal grains. These compounds were not considered to be present in cereal grains up to now. The research was conducted under field conditions, enabling the measurement of metabolic processes taking place in plants grown under large‐scale management conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
How fair is machine learning in credit lending?
Authors: Babaei Golnoosh , Giudici Paolo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMachine learning models are widely used to decide whether to accept or reject credit loan applications. However, similarly to human‐based decisions, they may discriminate between special groups of applicants, for instance based on age, gender, and race. In this paper, we aim to understand whether machine learning credit lending models are biased in a real case study, that concerns borrowers asking for credits in different regions of the United States. We show how to measure model fairness using different metrics, and we explore the capability of explainable machine learning to add further insights. From a constructive viewpoint, we propose a propensity matching approach that can improve fairness.
Finite‐time and fixed‐time consensus of nonlinear multi‐agent systems: A unified two‐phase control
Authors: Zhuang Jiawei , Peng Shiguo , Peng Hao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper is devoted to achieving finite‐time and fixed‐time average consensus of nonlinear multi‐agent systems (NMASs). Different from the majority of finite‐time and fixed‐time controllers, a novel unified two‐phase control (UTPC) strategy is proposed to drive NMASs to achieve average consensus in finite/fixed time, which cleverly combines aperiodically intermittent impulsive control and unified feedback control. Furthermore, a pivotal lemma is put forward to provide guidance for selecting controller parameters and estimating the settling time. In the light of the developed control framework, meanwhile, several sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee that all agents can reach finite/fixed‐time average consensus. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the effectiveness of our derived results.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Studies of Metal Oxides Coupled Nanocomposites
Authors: Ayyakannu Sundaram Ganeshraja , Murugesan Deepak , Kanniah Rajkumar , raj Muniyandi Govinda , Ramesh Lavanya , Kumar Alagarsamy Santhana Krishna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, we present a one‐pot synthetic approach for the preparation of metal oxide nanocomposites. Our investigation combines various analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD, UV‐vis DRS, PL, XPS, SEM, EDX, and XANES, to comprehensively identify heterogeneous structures: SnO2‐CuO, CuO‐SnO2, NiO‐TiO2, and TiO2‐NiO. These metal oxide‐linked semiconductor solids serve as catalysts for dye photodegradation and exhibit remarkable biological activity. Our research is centered on exploring the photocatalytic potential of SnO2‐CuO nanocomposites while emphasizing the optimization of their photocatalytic and biological activities. This optimization is achieved through the careful incorporation of an ideal quantity of SnO2, as confirmed by EDX data, which reveals the composition as follows: O: 78.58 weight percent (0.525 keV), Cu: 12.61 weight percent (0.954 keV), and Sn: 8.81 weight percent (0.400 keV). Notably, under direct sunlight irradiation, the degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B dye surpasses that of pristine CuO, SnO2, TiO2, and NiO nanoparticles. Additionally, we explore the antimicrobial properties of these prepared samples at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 150 μl) against the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Our findings highlight their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents. This research offers a promising method for developing highly active metal‐oxide‐linked nanomaterials, suitable for efficiently removing organic dye contaminants from water systems and showing great potential in antimicrobial applications.
Growth of Size‐Tunable Ag2O Polyhedra and Revelation of Their Bulk and Surface Lattices
Authors: Chang Pin‐Shiuan , Chen Bo‐Hao , Lin Yu‐Chang , Dai Wan‐Ting , Kumar Gautam , Lin Yan‐Gu , Huang Michael H. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBy primarily adjusting the reagent amounts, particularly the volume of AgNO3 solution introduced, Ag2O cubes with decreasing sizes from 440 to 79 nm, octahedra from 714 to 106 nm, and rhombic dodecahedra from 644 to 168 nm are synthesized. 733 nm cuboctahedra are also prepared for structural analysis. With in‐house X‐ray diffraction (XRD) peak calibration, shape‐related peak shifts are recognizable. Synchrotron XRD measurements at 100 K reveal the presence of bulk and surface layer lattices. Bulk cell constants also deviate slightly. They show a negative thermal expansion behavior with shrinking cell constants at higher temperatures. The Ag2O crystals exhibit size‐ and facet‐dependent optical properties. Bandgaps red‐shift continuously with increasing particle sizes. Optical facet effect is also observable. Moreover, synchrotron XRD peaks of a mixture of Cu2O rhombicuboctahedra and edge‐ and corner‐truncated cubes exposing all three crystal faces can be deconvoluted into three components with the bulk and the [111] microstrain phase as the major component. Interestingly, while the unheated Cu2O sample shows clear diffraction peak asymmetry, annealing the sample to 450 K yields nearly symmetric peaks even when returning the sample to room temperature, meaning even moderately high temperatures can permanently change the crystal lattice.