bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in Bioreceptor Layer Engineering in Nanomaterial‐based Sensing of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and its Metabolites
Authors: Lapitan Lorico DS. , Felisilda Bren Mark B. , Tiangco Cristina E. , Rosin Jose Ammu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that infects wounds and burns and causes severe infections in immunocompromised humans. The high virulence, the rise of antibiotic‐resistant strains, and the easy transmissibility ofP. aeruginosanecessitate its fast detection and control. The gold standard for detectingP. aeruginosa, the plate culture method, though reliable, takes several days to complete. Therefore, developing accurate, rapid, and easy‐to‐use diagnostic tools forP. aeruginosais highly desirable. Nanomaterial‐based biosensors are at the forefront of detectingP. aeruginosaand its secondary metabolites. This review summarises the biorecognition elements, biomarkers, immobilisation strategies, and current state‐of‐the‐art biosensors forP. aeruginosa. The review highlights the underlying principles of bioreceptor layer engineering and the design of optical, electrochemical, mass‐based, and thermal biosensors based on nanomaterials. The advantages and disadvantages of these biosensors and their future point‐of‐care applications are also discussed. This review outlines significant advancements in biosensors and sensors for detectingP. aeruginosaand its metabolites. Research efforts have identified biorecognition elements specific and selective towardsP. aeruginosa. The stability, ease of preparation, cost‐effectiveness, and integration of these biorecognition elements onto transducers are pivotal for their application in biosensors and sensors. At the same time, when developing sensors for clinically significant analytes such asP. aeruginosa, virulence factors need to be addressed, such as the sensor‘s sensitivity, reliability, and response time in samples obtained from patients. The point‐of‐care applicability of the developed sensor may be an added advantage since it enables onsite determination. In this context, optical methods developed forP. aeruginosaoffer promising potential.
GAN‐Based Multi‐Decomposition Photo Cartoonization
Authors: Zhao Wenqing , Zhu Jianlin , Huang Jin , Li Ping , Sheng Bin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundCartoon images play a vital role in film production, scientific and educational animation, video games, and other fields, and are one of the key visual expressions of artistic creation. However, since hand‐crafted cartoon images often require a great deal of time and effort on the part of professional artists, it is necessary to be able to automatically transform real‐world images into different styles of cartoon images. Although cartoon images vary from artist to artist, cartoon images generally have the unique characteristics of being highly simplified and abstract, with clear edges, smooth color shading, and relatively simple textures. However, existing image cartoonization methods tend to create a number of problems when performing style transfer, which mainly include: (1) the resulting generated images do not have obvious cartoon‐style textures; and (2) the generated images are prone to structural confusion, color artifacts, and loss of the original image content. Therefore, it is also a great challenge in the field of image cartoonization to be able to make a good balance between style transfer and content keeping.MethodsIn this paper, we propose a GAN‐based multi‐attention mechanism for image cartoonization to address the above issues. The method combines the residual block used to extract deep network features in the generator with the attention mechanism, and further strengthens the perceptual ability of the generative model to cartoon images through the adaptive feature correction of the attention module to improve the cartoon features of the generated images. At the same time, we also introduce the attention mechanism in the convolution block of the discriminator, which is used to further reduce the image visual quality problem caused by the style transfer process. By introducing the attention mechanism into the generator and discriminator models of the generative adversarial network, our method enables the generated images to have obvious cartoon‐style features while effectively improving the image's visual quality.ResultsA large number of quantitative, qualitative, and ablation experiments are conducted to demonstrate the advantages of our method in the field of image cartoonization and the role of each module in the method.
Investigation of the Effect of the Passivation on the Charge Transfer from MAPbI3 to Electron Transport Layer Using a Heterodyne Transient Grating Spectroscopic Technique
Authors: Jeong Seung Hyeon , Choi Seung Heon , Kim Young Hyun , Sohn Woon Yong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe fabricated MAPbI3 perovskite thin films with ZnO on a glass substrate, in which a passivation layer (Phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI); p‐methoxyphenethylammonium iodide (CH3O‐PEAI); 2‐methoxyethylammonium iodide (MEAI)) was inserted between two layers. In order to understand the effect of the insertion of each passivation material on the transfer efficiency of the photo‐generated electrons from MAPbI3 to ZnO, we observed the near‐field heterodyne transient grating (NF‐HD‐TG) responses of each film and investigated the component arising from the recombination of the trapped electrons at the ZnO surface. Based on the accelerated recombination between photo‐generated holes remaining in the MAPbI3 layer and surface‐trapped electrons in ZnO and the increase in the number of the trapped electrons in ZnO when either CH3O‐PEAI or PEAI was applied, we successfully revealed that the charge transfer efficiency was enhanced by the insertion of the passivation materials including a benzene ring stabilizing the defect states. Particularly, it was demonstrated that CH3O‐PEAI showed the highest increase in the charge transfer efficiency, which could be attributed to the high electron density in the benzene ring, resulting from the existence of the electron donating group, CH3O, and its role in the effective transition from 3D to 2D perovskite phases.
Sonographic Measurement of Median Nerve Cross‐Sectional Area to Determine Severity of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Savage Nathan J. , McKell John S. 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesEvaluate the diagnostic accuracy of median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA) to determine the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) vs the presence of CTS across existing electrodiagnostic‐based (EDX) classification systems.MethodsRetrospective analysis of cross‐sectional patient data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine CSA cutoff values and associated diagnostic likelihood ratios for all consolidated and binary EDX‐based classifications of CTS severity. Identification of CSA cutoff values associated with likelihood ratios capable of achieving conclusive (but at least moderate) shifts in diagnostic probability.ResultsBinary categorizations of CTS (ie, “Normal” vs “Absent”) were statistically superior to consolidated categorizations of CTS severity (ie, “Normal,” “Mild,” “Moderate,” or “Severe”). Binary categorizations established consistent CSA cutoff values across all EDX‐based classifications examined and achieved conclusive shifts in diagnostic probability based on the following values of distal CSA or delta CSA: <7 or <1 mm2 to rule out and >13 or >7 mm2 to rule in CTS, respectively. Additionally, the following values of distal CSA and delta CSA may be used in certain circumstances because they produce only small shifts in diagnostic probability: ≤10 or ≤3 mm2 to rule out and ≥11 or ≥4 mm2 to rule in CTS, respectively.ConclusionsUsing median nerve CSA to categorize the severity of CTS is not recommended based on lack of consistent and meaningful shifts in diagnostic probability. Rather, binary categorizations to rule out or rule in CTS based on the proposed CSA cutoff values consistently provided conclusive shifts in diagnostic probability across all EDX‐based classifications examined.
Employing Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, and In Silico Research to Investigate the Interaction of Ofloxacin, Antibacterial Drug With the Haemoglobin
Authors: Yadav Sandeep , Sewariya Shubham , Babu Singh Madhur , Sachdeva Bhoomi , Singh Prashant , Chandra Ramesh , Kukreity Srikant , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Kumari Kamlesh 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the intricate interplay between proteins and ligands is pivotal for rational drug development. This study investigates the binding of Ofloxacin to Hb using diverse biophysical techniques: fluorescence spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and electrochemical analysis. Spectrophotometric data confirm a static quenching mechanism in ofloxacin‐Hb binding. Notably, ofloxacin‐Hb binding exhibits a significant change in free energy (−17.134 kJ/mol) and strong affinity via molecular docking was also observed (−8.2 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations validated these results, showing a change in free energy of −91.093 kJ/mol with minimal error of 13.508 kJ/mol, supporting a plausible interaction. Additionally, cyclic voltammetry elucidated dynamic interactions between Hb and ofloxacin. This comprehensive approach provides insights into drug‐protein binding dynamics, crucial for refining drug development strategies.
Imidazopyridine Hydrazine Conjugates as Potent Anti‐TB Agents with their Docking, SAR, and DFT Studies
Authors: Soumyashree D. K. , Reddy Dinesh S. , Sunitha Kumari M. , Ravikumar R. , Kumar Amit , Nagarajaiah H. , Vidya G. , Naik Lohit , Al‐Asbahi Bandar Ali , Kadam Nikhil , Shanavaz H. , Padmashali Basavaraj 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNovel imidazopyridines hydrazine conjugates were designed and synthesized for their anti‐tubercular (anti‐TB) activity. A cytotoxicity assay was conducted with Vero cells to determine the safety profile of the most effective compounds. It was found that compound (IA3) (MIC=0.78 μM) and (IA8) (MIC=1.12 μM) were nearly 3.7 and 2.5 times more active than pyrazinamide. Based on Density functional theory (DFT), these molecules exhibited better charge transfer between molecular orbital's, which made them suitable for biological applications. Molecular docking on Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA bound to NITD‐916 (PDB: 4R9S) revealed that compounds possessed greater binding affinity towards proteins. In addition, the most active anti‐TB compounds (IA3) and (IA8) exhibited high levels of interaction with the target protein and exceptional safety profile, suggesting they may prove to be effective leads for new drugs.
Advances in Microfluidic Paper‐Based Analytical Devices (µPADs): Design, Fabrication, and Applications
Authors: Chen Jian Lin , Njoku Demian Ifeanyi , Tang Cui , Gao Yaru , Chen Jiayu , Peng Yung‐Kang , Sun Hongyan , Mao Guozhu , Pan Min , Tam Nora Fung‐Yee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMicrofluidic Paper‐based Analytical Devices (µPADs) have emerged as a new class of microfluidic systems, offering numerous advantages over traditional microfluidic chips. These advantages include simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, stability, storability, disposability, and portability. As a result, various designs for different types of assays are developed and investigated. In recent years, µPADs are combined with conventional detection methods to enable rapid on‐site detection, providing results comparable to expensive and sophisticated large‐scale testing methods that require more time and skilled personnel. The application of µPAD techniques is extensive in environmental quality control/analysis, clinical diagnosis, and food safety testing, paving the way for on‐site real‐time diagnosis as a promising future development. This review focuses on the recent research advancements in the design, fabrication, material selection, and detection methods of µPADs. It provides a comprehensive understanding of their principles of operation, applications, and future development prospects.
An automated geometry generation procedure for CWE applications in OpenFOAM: the case study of a thunderstorm downburst moving over Genoa city
Authors: Žužul Josip , Ricci Alessio , Burlando Massimiliano 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSince a decade, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for Wind Engineering (WE) on large-scale environments became a norm. Meso-$$\gamma$$
γ
scales and microscale can be characterized by a large number of structures as well as complex terrain topographies. CFD simulations over such an area would commonly imply the involvement of a time-consuming geometry preparation in the pre-processing stage. This is also the innovative goal of the present paper for which an automated geometry generation procedure for Computational Wind Engineering (CWE) applications is developed in open-source environments. This paper further expands on the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulation of a thunderstorm downburst immersed in a background Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) wind moving over Genoa city, Italy. Recommendations for geometry and grid generation of the present case study are also proposed. The study considers two simultaneous approaching wind conditions, a background ABL wind and a moving downburst (DB), the latter modeled as an impinging jet. The simulated results are compared with available full-scale LiDAR profiler data in terms of the vertical profiles of outflow velocity, showing relatively good agreement in terms of magnitude and profile shape.
Newton vs. Euler–Lagrange approach, or how and when beam equations are variational
Authors: Babilio Enrico , Lenci Stefano 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThere is a clear and compelling need to correctly write the equations of motion of structures in order to adequately describe their dynamics. Two routes, indeed very different from a philosophical standpoint, can be used in classical mechanics to derive such equations, namely the Newton vectorial approach (i.e., roughly, sum of forces equal to mass times acceleration) or the Euler–Lagrange variational formulation (i.e., roughly, stationarity of a certain functional). However, it is desirable that whichever derivation strategy is chosen, the equations are the same. Since many structures of interest often consist of slender and highly flexible beams operating in regimes of large displacement and large rotation, we restrict our attention to the Euler-Bernoulli assumptions with a generic initial configuration. In this setting, the question that arises is: What conditions must the constitutive assumptions satisfy in order for the equations of motion obtained by Newton’s approach to be identical to the Euler–Lagrange equations derived from an appropriate Lagrangian, natural or virtual, for any arbitrary initial configuration? The aim of this paper is to try to answer this basic question, which indeed does not have an immediate and simple answer, in particular as a consequence of the fact that bending moment could be related to two different notions of flexural curvature.
Generating terahertz multiple vortex beams using graphene metasurfaces
Authors: Zainud-Deen Anas S. , Malhat Hend A. , Sebak Abdel-Razik , Badawy Mona M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the generation of orbital angular momentum vortex beams using a graphene metasurface in the terahertz frequency band. The proposed design consists of 20 × 20 unit-cell elements to operate in 1.2 THz applications. Each element is a graphene ring patch printed on a silicon dioxide substrate backed with a polysilicon ground plane of size 75 × 75 × 25 µm3. The graphene reconfigurable surface conductivity is used to control the beam shape, direction, and directivity radiated from the metasurface, through the application of DC biasing voltages. A parametric study on the effect of graphene chemical potential, relaxation time and temperature on the unit-cell reflection properties is introduced. The reflection magnitude varies from − 2.1 dB to -0.8 dB with a 350-degree phase variation for µc ranging from 0.25 eV to 1.6 eV at $$\tau$$ =5 ps, and T = 300 K. The effect of graphene relaxation time from 0.3 ps to 10 ps on the reflection coefficient at µc = 0.7 eV, and T = 300 K is investigated. The metasurface radiation characteristics are investigated under the illumination of two types of incidence sources, plane-wave, and focused-waves. A depiction of a single vortex beam in various orientations θ = 0, 30o, 50o, and 70o, φ = 90o for l = 1 is presented. The purity of the OAM single beam shows that 94% of the power is concentrated in the designed mode. A graphene metasurface can to convert linearly polarized input into multiple beams exhibiting orthogonal modes. Two/four vortex beams in different directions are demonstrated. The capacity for wireless communication in the terahertz band can be enhanced by utilizing a graphene metasurface.
Supporting Educators and Students: A University–Community Partnership to Implement Trauma-Informed Practices in Schools
Authors: Sharkey Jill D. , Mullin Alice , Felix Erika D. , Maier Desirae , Fedders Andrew 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith the growing recognition of the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences, building trauma-informed service systems is critical. Although there are many online resources to help school systems become more trauma informed, how much they meet the needs of educators is not well understood. To help schools implement trauma-informed practices (TIPS) to support both educators (all school-based certificated staff) and students, a partnership among a California research university, a local foundation, and three school districts was developed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership envisioned a three-phase study to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes of an intervention supporting TIPS. First, two local districts were engaged in a mixed method needs assessment to explore educators’ wellbeing and use of trauma-informed resources. Input from district-level advisory committees guided a needs assessment that informed the development of trainings to (1) help administrators best support their staff, and (2) teach educators how to best support themselves and their students with traumatic stress and related symptoms. Second, researchers curated freely available resources to develop a 3-module administrator training and an 8-module teacher training. Finally, university-based psychologists and teacher educators delivered the curricula in two school districts and the university’s teacher education program. Researchers implemented a pretest–posttest evaluation design and gathered in-session feedback after each module. Results indicated that participants found the sessions helpful and relevant and they had greater knowledge of TIPS. Future directions include scaling up implementation, understanding outcomes from multiple perspectives, and integrating follow-up activities to help with skill retention.
Monitoring an Emergent Pathogen at Low Incidence in Wastewater Using qPCR: Mpox in Switzerland
Authors: Julian Timothy R. , Devaux Alexander J. , Brülisauer Laura , Conforti Sheena , Rusch Johannes C. , Gan Charles , Bagutti Claudia , Stadler Tanja , Kohn Tamar , Ort Christoph 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWastewater-based epidemiology offers a complementary approach to clinical case-based surveillance of emergent diseases and can help identify regions with infected people to prioritize clinical surveillance strategies. However, tracking emergent diseases in wastewater requires reliance on novel testing assays with uncertain sensitivity and specificity. Limited pathogen shedding may cause detection to be below the limit of quantification or bordering the limit of detection. Here, we investigated how the definition of limit of detection for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) impacts epidemiological insights during an mpox outbreak in Switzerland. 365 wastewater samples from three wastewater treatment plants in Switzerland from 9 March through 31 October 2022 were analyzed for mpox DNA using qPCR. We detected mpox DNA in 22% (79 of 365) wastewater samples based on a liberal definition of qPCR detection as any exponentially increasing fluorescence above the threshold. Based on a more restrictive definition as the lowest concentration at which there is 95% likelihood of detection, detection was 1% (5 of 365). The liberal definition shows high specificity (90%) and accuracy (78%), but moderate sensitivity (64%) when benchmarked against available clinical case reporting, which contrasts with higher specificity (98%) but lower sensitivity (10%) and accuracy (56%) of the 95% likelihood definition. Wastewater-based epidemiology applied to an emergent pathogen will require optimizing public health trade-offs between reporting data with high degrees of uncertainty and delaying communication and associated action. Information sharing with relevant public health stakeholders could couple early results with clear descriptions of uncertainty.Impact Statement: When a novel pathogen threatens to enter a community, wastewater-based epidemiology offers an opportunity to track its emergence and spread. However, rapid deployment of methods for to detect a novel pathogen may rely on assays with uncertain sensitivity and specificity. Benchmarking the detection of mpox DNA in Swiss wastewaters with reported clinical cases in 2022, we demonstrate how definitions of detection of a qPCR assay influence epidemiological insights from wastewater. The results highlight the need for information sharing between public health stakeholders that couple early insights from wastewater with descriptions of methodological uncertainty to optimize public health actions.
„We are skipping our lessons to teach you one“
Authors: Jergus Kerstin , Schmidt Melanie 
Published: May 2024

ZusammenfassungDieser Beitrag fragt danach, wie in den aktuellen jugendlichen Klimaprotestbewegungen ökologische Anliegen des Klimaschutzes und der nachhaltigen Zukunftsgestaltung mit gleichermaßen politischen wie pädagogischen Aktivitäten verschränkt werden. Ausgehend von der Beobachtung, dass klimaaktivistische Gruppierungen als Teil ihrer Protestpraxis eigene Bildungsräume einrichten, interessieren wir uns für den Stellenwert einer bewegungsbezogenen Bildungsprogrammatik aus erziehungswissenschaftlicher Sicht. Am Beispiel der aus den Reihen der Klimaprotestbewegung heraus organisierten Veranstaltungsreihe Public Climate School werden die pädagogischen Motive und Argumentationen der Gruppierungen untersucht. Im Zentrum der analytischen Vorgehensweise und des theoretischen Arguments steht die Frage danach, wie die Inszenierung und Befragung eines Generationenverhältnisses zum Schauplatz einer politischen Subjektivierung der Protestierenden wird.