bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracking control of a flexible‐link manipulator based on an improved barrier function adaptive sliding mode
Authors: Jing Feng , Ma Caiwen , Wang Fan , Xie Meilin , Feng Xubin , Fan Xiao , Wang Xuan , Liu Peng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a novel controller designed for robust tracking control of a flexible‐link manipulator operating in the presence of parameter uncertainties and external disturbances within the joint space is introduced. The proposed controller employs an adaptive sliding mode control approach, incorporating an improved barrier function, to ensure that trajectory errors remain within predefined performance bounds. This design enhances the tracking performance without overestimating control‐switching gains. Additionally, a fixed‐time adaptive sliding mode control, featuring a rapid nonsingular terminal sliding mode variable, is introduced to expedite the convergence rate of the system state during the initial stages. The efficacy of the proposed control scheme is established through the Lyapunov method, demonstrating finite‐time convergence of the trajectory error to a specified neighborhood of zero. Experimental validation on a flexible‐link system supports the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control strategy, as evidenced via comparisons with two existing adaptive control schemes.
An international survey of contemporary practices towards fertility assessment and preservation in patients undergoing radical inguinal orchidectomy for testicular cancer
Authors: Kanthabalan Abi , Emmanuel Anthony , Alexander Cameron , Bhatt Nikita , Chan Vinson , Kalejaiye Odunayo , Narahari Krishna , Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Shabbir Majid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe study aims to assess current international clinician attitudes, practices and barriers towards fertility assessment and preservation in patients undergoing radical inguinal orchidectomy (RIO) for testicular cancer.Materials and methodsAn international online survey of urologists and urologists in training who perform RIO for testicular cancer was developed by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) Sections of Andrology and Oncology and the British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST). The recruitment process used social media and the emailing lists of national urological societies. Responses were collected between 10/02/2021 and 31/05/2021 and stored using password‐protected Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database software. The primary outcome was the proportion of urologists who routinely offer semen cryopreservation prior to RIO. The study was reported according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E‐Surveys platform.ResultsA total of 393 respondents took part in the online survey; of these, the majority were from the United Kingdom (65.9%), with the remaining international respondents (34.1%) from six different continents, which included 45 different countries. Of the respondents, 57.1% reported that they would routinely offer semen cryopreservation to all patients undergoing RIO for testicular cancer. In addition, 36.0% of urologists routinely performed pre‐operative semen analysis, and 22.1% routinely performed pre‐operative testicular serum hormone profile. Of the respondents, 14.4% performed expedited RIO within 48 h; 31.2% of respondents reported that they considered no delay to RIO to allow for semen cryopreservation to be acceptable.ConclusionsA significant proportion of international urologists do not offer pre‐operative fertility assessment and preservation in men undergoing RIO for testicular cancer. Surgery is performed in an expedited fashion within 1 week in the majority of patients. Urologists perceive there to be a lack of access and availability to fertility services, and that delay to RIO to allow for fertility preservation is often not acceptable.
Zur Querkrafttragfähigkeit von dünnwandigen Hohlkästen mit unbewehrten Fugen in den Stegen
Authors: Rath Michael , Untermarzoner Franz , Huber Tobias , Kollegger Johann 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIm Zuge des an der TU Wien in Entwicklung befindlichen LT‐Brückenbauverfahrens (L: Longitudinal, T: Transversal) werden dünnwandige Hohlkästen aus Beton als Längsträger (L) mit Fahrbahnplattenelementen (T) und Ortbeton kombiniert. Aufgrund des Bauablaufs verbleiben unbewehrte Fugen in den Stegen dieser Hohlkästen, während die Boden‐ und Deckplatten aufgrund der Ortbetonschichten durchlaufend bewehrt werden können. Es stellt sich die Frage, wie sich diese Fugenkonstellation auf die Quertragfähigkeit der Hohlkastenträger auswirkt. Um ein grundsätzliches Verständnis zu erlangen, wurden zwei großformatige Versuchskörper, einer mit Fugen in den Stegen und einer ohne, experimentell untersucht. Die Querkrafttragfähigkeit des Trägers mit Fugen entsprach in etwa jener des Trägers ohne Fugen, wodurch es demnach trotz der Fugen möglich war, nennenswerte Querkräfte zu übertragen. Als maßgebend für das Querkrafttragverhalten stellte sich die Fugenöffnung dar, da die an die Fuge angrenzenden Bügel wie eine Aufhängebewehrung agieren. So empfiehlt sich eine lokale Erhöhung der Bügelbewehrung in diesem Bereich. Um die Auswirkungen der Vorspannung, wie im LT‐Verfahren vorgesehen, auf das Tragverhalten zu analysieren, wurden nichtlineare Finite‐Elemente‐Untersuchungen durchgeführt. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass das Tragverhalten des vorgespannten Trägers mit Fugen jenem des Trägers ohne Fugen weitestgehend entspricht.
Sustainable strategies towards better utilization of synthetic polymers
Authors: Shanthi G. , Beula Isabel J. , Thankachan Rosbin , Premalatha M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe abstract provides an overview of a study focused on analyzing diverse strategies to achieve sustainable utilization of synthetic polymers through effective waste management. The escalating global consumption of synthetic polymers has precipitated a concerning increase in plastic waste and environmental degradation. To address this challenge, novel materials with specified application goals, such as engineered plastic, have been developed and are intended for recycling and reuse. Despite the reuse and recycling, when plastic gets disposed into the environment, the degradation properties of plastics render a direct disposal hazard, posing a significant environmental threat. To mitigate these issues, the concept of replacing specific monomers of engineered synthetic plastics with bio‐alternatives or blending them with other polymers to enhance sustainability and environmental compatibility has emerged. In this study, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) plastic is the focal material, and three distinct investigations were conducted. First, replacing ABS plastic's butadiene monomer with natural rubber was explored for its properties and environmental impact. Second, ABS plastic was blended with virgin, recycled, and bio‐alternatives of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) polymers. Lastly, recycled ABS blended with recycled PET and PVC was analyzed for mechanical properties. Comparative assessments of these blends were made based on mechanical properties, carbon emissions, and cost‐effectiveness. The study determined that the r‐ABS/r‐PVC (recycled) blend exhibited the most favorable characteristics for practical application.
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as carrier for improved drug delivery and biosensing applications
Authors: Younas Rida , Jubeen Farhat , Bano Nargis , Andreescu Silvana , Zhang Hongxia , Hayat Akhtar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPorous organic frameworks (POFs) represent a significant subclass of nanoporous materials in the field of materials science, offering exceptional characteristics for advanced applications. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), as a novel and intriguing type of porous material, have garnered considerable attention due to their unique design capabilities, diverse nature, and wide‐ranging applications. The unique structural features of COFs, such as high surface area, tuneable pore size, and chemical stability, render them highly attractive for various applications, including targeted and controlled drug release, as well as improving the sensitivity and selectivity of electrochemical biosensors. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the methods employed in creating COFs with specific properties that can be effectively utilized in biomedical applications. To address this indispensable fact, this review paper commences with a concise summary of the different methods and classifications utilized in synthesizing COFs. Second, it highlights the recent advancements in COFs for drug delivery, including drug carriers as well as the classification of drug delivery systems and biosensing, encompassing drugs, biomacromolecules, small biomolecules and the detection of biomarkers. While exploring the potential of COFs in the biomedical field, it is important to acknowledge the limitations that researchers may encounter, which could impact the practicality of their applications. Third, this paper concludes with a thought‐provoking discussion that thoroughly addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with leveraging COFs for biomedical applications. This review paper aims to contribute to the scientific community's understanding of the immense potential of COFs in improving drug delivery systems and enhancing the performance of biosensors in biomedical applications.
Synthesized arsenic nanoparticles and their high potential in biomedical applications: A review
Authors: Hosseininasab Seyed Soheil , Naderifar Mahin , Akbarizadeh Majid Reza , Hashemi Nooshin , Ghaderi Mehdi , Pajavand Hamid , Satarzadeh Naghmeh , Dousari Amin Sadeghi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractArsenic with the scientific name AS is an element that exists everywhere. It is the fourth among the abundant elements in water, the twelfth in the human body, and the twentieth in the earth's crust. This element exists in sulfide, carbonate, and elemental forms. Different names of arsenic are known as white arsenic (As2O3), yellow arsenic (As2S3), and red arsenic (As4S4). Nowadays, due to its unique properties, arsenic has received much attention from researchers for use in the synthesis of arsenic nanoparticles. According to various studies, arsenic nanoparticles are synthesized by various methods, including biological, physical, and chemical, and it has been shown that the synthetic method used is very important because it has a significant effect on their shape, size, and biological function. Arsenic nanoparticles are among the nanoparticles that have attracted the attention of researchers due to their particle potential as well as their anticancer, antitumor, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial applications. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate arsenic nanoparticles biosynthesized by different physical, biological, and chemical methods and their biomedical applications.
Comprehensive review of Transformer‐based models in neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry
Authors: Cong Shan , Wang Hang , Zhou Yang , Wang Zheng , Yao Xiaohui , Yang Chunsheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis comprehensive review aims to clarify the growing impact of Transformer‐based models in the fields of neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry. Originally developed as a solution for analyzing sequential data, the Transformer architecture has evolved to effectively capture complex spatiotemporal relationships and long‐range dependencies that are common in biomedical data. Its adaptability and effectiveness in deciphering intricate patterns within medical studies have established it as a key tool in advancing our understanding of neural functions and disorders, representing a significant departure from traditional computational methods. The review begins by introducing the structure and principles of Transformer architectures. It then explores their applicability, ranging from disease diagnosis and prognosis to the evaluation of cognitive processes and neural decoding. The specific design modifications tailored for these applications and their subsequent impact on performance are also discussed. We conclude by providing a comprehensive assessment of recent advancements, prevailing challenges, and future directions, highlighting the shift in neuroscientific research and clinical practice towards an artificial intelligence‐centric paradigm, particularly given the prominence of Transformer architecture in the most successful large pre‐trained models. This review serves as an informative reference for researchers, clinicians, and professionals who are interested in understanding and harnessing the transformative potential of Transformer‐based models in neuroscience, neurology, and psychiatry.
Assessing the use of ChatGPT as a psychoeducational tool for mental health practice
Authors: Maurya Rakesh K. , Montesinos Steven , Bogomaz Mikhail , DeDiego Amanda C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundPsychoeducation is an important part of mental health services offered by counsellors. This study used qualitative content analysis to explore ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool, as a resource for psychoeducation in the context of mental health.MethodResearchers created carefully crafted prompts based on common psychoeducational themes provided to clients, covering seven critical areas: depression, anxiety, general health, substance abuse, religious/spiritual issues, lifestyle, routine health habits and interpersonal matters. A coding manual was developed encompassing six criteria to assess the quality of psychoeducational responses of ChatGPT: accuracy, clarity, relevance, empathy, engagement and ethical considerations.FindingsThe reviewers assessed ChatGPT's responses to 21 psychoeducational prompts as accurate, clear and relevant, with an empathic tone in responses to emotionally challenging queries. ChatGPT engages users by offering actionable steps and suggestions. The tool consistently demonstrated ethical considerations by advising users to consult qualified professionals when necessary. The findings suggested ChatGPT's potential as a reliable source of psychoeducation, particularly for individuals with very limited access to mental health resources.ConclusionThis research underscores ChatGPT's potential as a valuable psychoeducational resource for mental health concerns while emphasising the need for ongoing assessment and user feedback to address its limitations and ensure responsible practice in the dynamic field of AI‐powered mental health support. Future studies should explore user experiences and incorporate diverse perspectives to further enhance our understanding of ChatGPT's utility in real‐world mental health contexts.
A prediction model of nonclassical secreted protein based on deep learning
Authors: Zhang Fan , Liu Chaoyang , Wang Binjie , He Yiru , Zhang Xinhong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMost of the current nonclassical proteins prediction methods involve manual feature selection, such as constructing features of samples based on the physicochemical properties of proteins and position‐specific scoring matrix (PSSM). However, these tasks require researchers to perform some tedious search work to obtain the physicochemical properties of proteins. This paper proposes an end‐to‐end nonclassical secreted protein prediction model based on deep learning, named DeepNCSPP, which employs the protein sequence information and sequence statistics information as input to predict whether it is a nonclassical secreted protein. The protein sequence information and sequence statistics information are extracted using bidirectional long‐ and short‐term memory and convolutional neural networks, respectively. Among the experiments conducted on the independent test dataset, DeepNCSPP achieved excellent results with an accuracy of 88.24%, Matthews coefficient (MCC) of 77.01%, and F1‐score of 87.50%. Independent test dataset testing and 10‐fold cross‐validation show that DeepNCSPP achieves competitive performance with state‐of‐the‐art methods and can be used as a reliable nonclassical secreted protein prediction model. A web server has been constructed for the convenience of researchers. The web link is https://www.deepncspp.top/. The source code of DeepNCSPP has been hosted on GitHub and is available online (https://github.com/xiaoliu166370/DEEPNCSPP).
Nickel‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydrosilylation of Alkynes: Embracing Conventional and Electrochemical Routes
Authors: Reboli Mathias , Kassamba Seydou , Durandetti Muriel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNickel‐catalyzed intramolecular hydrosilylation can be efficiently achieved with high regio‐ and stereoselectivities through two distinct methodologies. The first approach utilizes a conventional method, involving the reduction of nickel salt (NiBr2‐2,2’‐bipyridine) using manganese metal. The second method employs a one‐step electrochemical reaction, utilizing the sacrificial anode process and NiBr2bipy catalysis. Both methods yield silylated heterocycles in good to high yields through a syn‐exo‐dig cyclization process. Control experiments and molecular electrochemistry (cyclic voltammetry) provided further insights into the reaction mechanism.
Peri‐Alkylated Terrylenes and Ternaphthalenes Building‐Blocks Towards Multi‐Edge Nanographenes**
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Khan Hassan , Walker Michael , Ahmad Hamid , Thanai Anmol , Marszalek Tomasz , Schollmeyer Dieter , Baumgarten Martin , Evans Emrys W. , Keerthi Ashok 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSince its first synthesis by Clar in 1948, terrylene – a fully connected ternaphthalene oligomer via naphthalene's peri‐positions – has gained special focus within the rylene family, drawing interest for its unique chemical, structural, optoelectronic and single photon emission properties. In this study, we introduce a novel synthetic pathway that enhances the solubility of terrylene derivatives through complete peri‐alkylation, while also facilitating extensions at the bay‐positions. This approach not only broadens the scope of terrylene's chemical versatility but also opens new avenues for developing solution processable novel multi‐edge nanographenes and tailoring electronic energy levels through topological edge structures. Our findings include a comprehensive structural and spectroscopic characterization along with transient absorption spectroscopy and photophysics of both the synthesized peri‐alkylated terrylene and its phenylene‐fused derivative.
Synthesis and Medicinal Applications of N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes Based on Caffeine and Other Xanthines
Authors: Francescato Giulia , Leitão Maria Inês P. S. , Orsini Giulia , Petronilho Ana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractXanthines are purine derivatives predominantly found in plants. These include compounds such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine and exhibit a variety of pharmacological properties, demonstrating efficacy in treating neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory dysfunctions, and also cancer. The versatile attributes of these materials render them privileged scaffolds for the development of compounds for various biological applications. Xanthines are N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors that combine a pyrimidine and an imidazole ring. Owing to their biological relevance, xanthines have been employed as N‐heterocyclic carbenes in the development of metallodrugs for anticancer and antimicrobial purposes. In this conceptual review, we examine key examples of N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes derived from caffeine and other xanthines, elucidating their synthetic methods and describing their pertinent medicinal applications.
Non‐Covalent Functionalization of Magnetic Carbon Nanotubes with Fmoc Amino Acid‐Modified Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Sevval Murat Fusun , Güner‐Yılmaz Ö. Zeynep , Bozoglu Serdar , Batirel Saime , Baysak Elif , Hizal Gürkan , Karatepe Nilgun , Seniha Güner Fatma 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOnce dispersion and cytotoxicity issues are resolved, it has been proven that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have great advantages in biomedical applications due to their unique properties. In this study, the superiority of carbon nanotubes was combined with magnetic targeting strategies, and a solution to the distribution problem in the aqueous media of the resulting CNTs decorated with iron oxide (mCNTs) was sought. A non‐covalent functionalization approach has been utilized to overcome this fundamental drawback of mCNTs. Conjugates of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether and 9‐ fluorenyl methyl chloroformate (Fmoc) amino acids were used to coat the lateral surfaces of mCNTs, making them more water‐soluble. The selected Fmoc amino acids have different numbers of aromatic rings, which is known to affect the coating efficiency in non‐covalent functionalization and therefore, the dispersion behavior of the CNTs. Their coating yields, dispersion behaviors, magnetism, charge, and size properties have been determined. All coated mCNT samples displayed superparamagnetic behavior. Dispersion tests showed a promise to increase the stability of mCNTs with this approach. Moreover, we demonstrated that the functionalization of mCNTs affects cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner. The main finding of this study is that mCNTs can be successfully functionalized with Fmoc amino acid‐modified polyethylene glycol.
Autohesion Mechanisms at Interfaces Between Random Copolymer Melts: Mesoscopic Simulations with Realistic Coarse‐Grained Models
Authors: Nkepsu Mbitou R. L. , Goujon F. , Dequidt A. , Latour B. , Devémy J. , Martzel N. , Hauret P. , Malfreyt P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe increase in welding time during the interdiffusion of a pair of non reacting random copolymer melts favors the strength rate of healing at the interface. Furthermore, the diffusion kinetic during the interpenetration of copolymer chains across the interface is strongly dependent on molecular weight. In this paper we perform mesoscopic simulations with realistic coarse grain models to study the autohesion mechanism across the interface between slightly entangled styrene‐butadiene random copolymer melts.
The Effect of Spin Relaxation on Magnetic Compass Sensitivity in ErCry4a
Authors: Grüning Gesa , Gerhards Luca , Wong Siu Y. , Kattnig Daniel R. , Solov'yov Ilia A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study explores the impact of thermal motion on the magnetic compass mechanism in migratory birds, focusing on the radical pair mechanism within cryptochrome photoreceptors. The coherence of radical pairs, crucial for magnetic field inference, is curbed by spin relaxation induced by intra‐protein motion. Molecular dynamics simulations, density‐functional‐theory‐based calculations, and spin dynamics calculations were employed, utilizing Bloch‐Redfield‐Wangsness (BRW) relaxation theory, to investigate compass sensitivity. Previous research hypothesized that European robin's cryptochrome 4a (ErCry4a) optimized intra‐protein motion to minimize spin relaxation, enhancing magnetic sensing compared to the plant Arabidopsis thaliana’s cryptochrome 1 (AtCry1). Different correlation times of the nuclear hyperfine coupling constants in AtCry1 and ErCry4a were indeed found, leading to distinct radical pair recombination yields in the two species, with ErCry4a showing optimized sensitivity. However, this optimization is likely negligible in realistic spin systems with numerous nuclear spins. Beyond insights in magnetic sensing, the study presents a detailed method employing molecular dynamics simulations to assess for spin relaxation effects on chemical reactions with realistically modelled protein motion, relevant for studying radical pair reactions at finite temperature.