bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical note: Characterization, validation, and spectral optimization of a dedicated breast CT system for contrast‐enhanced imaging
Authors: Pautasso Juan J. , Michielsen Koen , Sechopoulos Ioannis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe development of a new imaging modality, such as 4D dynamic contrast‐enhanced dedicated breast CT (4D DCE‐bCT), requires optimization of the acquisition technique, particularly within the 2D contrast‐enhanced imaging modality. Given the extensive parameter space, cascade‐systems analysis is commonly used for such optimization.PurposeTo implement and validate a parallel‐cascaded model for bCT, focusing on optimizing and characterizing system performance in the projection domain to enhance the quality of input data for image reconstruction.MethodsA parallel‐cascaded system model of a state‐of‐the‐art bCT system was developed and model predictions of the presampled modulation transfer function (MTF) and the normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS) were compared with empirical data collected in the projection domain. Validation was performed using the default settings of 49 kV with 1.5 mm aluminum filter and at 65 kV and 0.257 mm copper filter. A 10 mm aluminum plate was added to replicate the breast attenuation. Air kerma at the isocenter was measured at different tube current levels. Discrepancies between the measured projection domain metrics and model‐predicted values were quantified using percentage error and coefficient of variation (CoV) for MTF and NNPS, respectively. The optimal filtration was for a 5 mm iodine disk detection task at 49, 55, 60, and 65 kV. The detectability index was calculated for the default aluminum filtration and for copper thicknesses ranging from 0.05 to 0.4 mm.ResultsAt 49 kV, MTF errors were +5.1% and −5.1% at 1 and 2 cycles/mm, respectively; NNPS CoV was 5.3% (min = 3.7%; max = 8.5%). At 65 kV, MTF errors were ‐0.8% and ‐3.2%; NNPS CoV was 13.1% (min = 11.4%; max = 16.9%). Air kerma output was linear, with 11.67 µGy/mA (R2 = 0.993) and 19.14 µGy/mA (R2 = 0.996) at 49 and 65 kV, respectively. For iodine detection, a 0.25 mm‐thick copper filter at 65 kV was found optimal, outperforming the default technique by 90%.ConclusionThe model accurately predicts bCT system performance, specifically in the projection domain, under varied imaging conditions, potentially contributing to the enhancement of 2D contrast‐enhanced imaging in 4D DCE‐bCT.
Numerical simulation of the coupled dynamics model of the projectile engraving process
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Rui Xiaoting , Yu Hailong , Dong Xiaoli 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe projectile engraving process directly influences the projectile motion in‐bore and impacts the firing accuracy, firing safety, and barrel life of the gun. For this reason, attention has been focused on this research topic. To address the limitations of the “instantaneous engraving” hypothesis adopted in the classical interior ballistic theory, the VUAMP user subroutine, one of ABAQUS's secondary development interfaces, is utilized in this paper to realize the modeling and numerical simulation of a coupled dynamics model of the projectile engraving process. In addition to facilitating engineering applications, a polynomial fitting formula of the engraving resistance obtained by simulation is proposed and then used as a supplement to establish a closed and solvable interior ballistic model considering the projectile engraving process. By comparing with test data, the simulation accuracy of the coupled dynamics model is verified. Simulation results reveal that the engraving process takes 3.8 ms, accounting for 26% of the whole launch process, which takes 14.6 ms, demonstrating that the process is not instantaneous. The results of this paper can serve as a reference for future studies on the coupled solution of the projectile engraving process and interior ballistics of guns or gun‐like equipment.
Study on the formation mechanism and preventive measure of pot cover effect for subgrade in seasonal frozen soil area under freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Zhang Ruiling , Chou Yaling , Zhang Mingli , Liu Hongbo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe presence of an impervious cover layer inhibits the free evaporation of moisture in the soil during seasonal freeze–thaw cycles, leading to a phenomenon known as the pot cover effect. This can result in severe frost heave issues in airport runways, highway subgrades, railway subgrades, and other similar infrastructure. In this study, a disease investigation was conducted at a gas transmission station situated in an area with seasonally frozen soil. Meanwhile, the causes of moisture accumulation and frost heave in the lower part of concrete pavement slabs were analyzed. A coupled water–vapor–heat model for unsaturated frozen soil is then established to analyze the formation mechanism of the pot cover effect in the subgrade. Finally, the preventive effect of the impervious layer on moisture migration in the pot cover effect was analyzed. The results indicate that the pot cover effect causes a significant accumulation of moisture beneath the concrete pavement at the gas transmission station, resulting in a moisture content increase of 5%–35%. During the freezing period, the vapor of shallow soil migrates upward, while the liquid water remains unchanged. During the melting period, both vapor and liquid water migrate downward. The laying of the impervious layer can prevent moisture migration of the pot cover effect. When the impervious layer is placed on the freezing front (0°C), the prevention effect of the pot cover effect is the best.
Minimum loss optimization of flywheel energy storage systems via distributed adaptive dynamic programming
Authors: Xiao Feng , Ding Zikang , Wei Bo , Zhang Cong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this article, a distributed controller based on adaptive dynamic programming is proposed to solve the minimum loss problem of flywheel energy storage systems (FESS). We first formulate a performance function aiming to reduce total losses of FESS in power distribution applications. Then we use the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation to solve this optimal control problem. The solution of the HJB equation is approximated by neural networks. To achieve distributed control, we estimate the global variables in the HJB equation by using the dynamic average consensus algorithm. A barrier Lyapunov function and a saturation function are introduced to handle the issue of state and input constraints, respectively. Then the stability of the system is proved through the Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified by simulations. Simulation results show that FESS can track the power command while minimizing total power losses by interacting with neighbors. The proposed algorithm leads to a loss reduction of compared to the equal power distribution strategy.
An Iridium Complex as Bidentate Halogen Bond‐Based Anion Receptor Featuring an IncreasedOptical Response
Authors: Kampes Robin , Chettri Avinash , Sittig Maria , Yang Guangjun , Zechel Stefan , Kupfer Stephan , Hager Martin D. , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe present a luminescent Ir(III) complex featuring a bidentate halogen bond donor site capable of strong anion binding. The tailor‐made Ir(III)(L)2 moiety offers a significantly higher emission quantum yield (8.4 %) compared to previous Ir(III)‐based chemo‐sensors (2.5 %). The successful binding of chloride, bromide and acetate is demonstrated using emission titrations. These experiments reveal association constants of up to 1.6×105 M−1. Furthermore, a new approach to evaluate the association constant by utilizing the shift of the emission was used for the first time. The experimentally observed characteristics are supported by quantum chemical simulations.
Strategies to improve diagnosis and access to treatment of retinoblastoma in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Rabelo Bruna Salgado , de Alvarenga Kevin Augusto Farias , Fernando Lopes Luiz , Guimarães Ribeiro Adeylson , de Sá Rodrigues Karla Emilia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRetinoblastoma, the most common intraocular tumor in childhood, still faces challenges in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Identifying strategies to improve the time to diagnosis and access to treatment is crucial to enhance survival rates and preserve ocular health. We conducted a systematic review to identify interventions that have demonstrated potential in addressing these challenges. We performed a comprehensive search across databases until March 2023. Out of the studies reviewed, 21 met the inclusion criteria and were categorized into five main areas: surveillance strategies, genetic counseling, education, public assistance, and international partnership. Despite the obstacles faced, the initiatives identified in this review present acts toward improving the time to diagnosis and access to treatment for retinoblastoma. Based on the extracted data, we propose a comprehensive chain of initiatives. We firmly believe that implementing this chain of initiatives can lead to improved clinical outcomes for retinoblastoma patients.
Honeycomb networks of boron nitride/nanodiamond with interlocking interfaces enhance the application reliability of silicone rubber thermal conductivity composites
Authors: Liu Haitao , Hu Jueke , Yang Wulin , Zhu Jiajun , Fu Licai , Li Deyi , Zhou Lingping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe three‐dimensional (3D) boron nitride (BN) thermal conductive networks, crafted through layer‐by‐layer assembly, hold tremendous potential for the development of insulating thermal interface materials (TIMs) with exceptional thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, maintaining the thermal conductive stability of this structure type during application remains a considerable challenge. Herein, initially, the honeycomb networks of boron nitride/nanodiamond (ND/kBN) with interlocking interfaces were prepared by electrostatic self‐assembly and ice template method. Subsequently, thermal conductivity composites of flexible silicone rubber (VQM) were acquired through vacuum‐assisted infiltration. The composites demonstrated improved through‐plane thermal conductivity with 1.03 W/(m K) at a 9.9 vol% content of ND/kBN while exhibiting relatively ideal dielectric properties. More importantly, the thermal conductive properties of the composites still maintain at 96.1% and 91.9%, respectively, even after undergoing 30% compressive deformation for 1 h and being bent 300 times. This study presents a novel strategy that not only improves the thermal conductivity of composites but also ensures the reliability of their applications.Highlights
Nanodiamond (ND) is anchored onto the kBN surface by electrostatic self‐assembly.
ND/kBN filler honeycomb network with an interlocking interface was prepared.
Flexible composites with high thermal conductivity (TC) were prepared.
The composites exhibit excellent TC stability after experiencing deformation.
Experimental investigation on effect of tool geometry on thermal and crystallization characteristics in drilling of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composite
Authors: Yuan Wenhui , Liu Chang , Yang Tao , Du Yu , Liu Sinan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper comprehensively investigated the effect of the tool geometries on heat transfer and special crystallization characteristics in the drilling of carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (CF/PEEK) composite for the first time. Three tools with different geometries (twist, brad, and dagger drill) are carried out on CF/PEEK drilling experiments, and temperature, as well as crystallinity and surface roughness, are introduced to make a comparative evaluation on the effect of the tool geometries. The results show that the drilling temperature is determined by the contact length of the profile between the drill and the material. Correspondingly, better surface quality with lower surface roughness and smoother surface is obtained by using a twist drill due to the heat‐induced PEEK smearing effect. Further, in situ XRD and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) were used to characterize the crystallization characteristics where crystal phase transformation at different temperatures was measured. The occurring temperature of the strongest crystallization characteristics for CF/PEEK is basically not affected by tool geometries, all at 300°C, and the limiting crystallization temperature is 344.5 ± 0.7°C. The crystallinity is found to be affected by drilling temperature and cooling rate and gradually decreases along the heat transfer direction. This work provides a new sight into the improvement of CF/PEEK drilling.Highlights
The effect of tool geometries on thermal and crystallization for CF/PEEK is provided.
In situ XRD and DSC are used to characterize crystallization characteristics.
The drilling temperature and cooling rate are both determinants of crystallinity.
The limiting crystallization temperature of the CF/PEEK composite is 344.5 ± 0.7°C.
Heat‐induced PEEK smearing effect improves the surface quality of CF/PEEK drilling.
Wood flour and hazelnut shells polylactide‐based biocomposites for packaging applications: Characterization, photo‐oxidation, and compost burial degradation
Authors: Baiamonte Marilena , Rapisarda Marco , Mistretta Maria Chiara , Impallomeni Giuseppe , La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Rizzarelli Paola 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this work, polylactide (PLA) was loaded with wood flour (WF) or hazelnut shells (HSs) (10% and 20% of fillers). The matrix and biocomposites were fully characterized from a mechanical and rheological point of view to test their processability and mechanical performance. Compost burial degradation test (30 days), with or without a prior photo‐oxidation step, assessed their biodegradability after an outdoor application, and was monitored by weight loss (WL). The viscosity of the biocomposites was lower than that of the matrix and this unusual result can be attributed to a limited adhesion between the PLA and fillers. Both fillers increased the elastic modulus but decreased the tensile strength and elongation at break. As for the weathering, the degradation of PLA was mostly due to hydrolytic chain scission due to the presence of humidity. Resistance of PLA to UV irradiation improved in presence of both the two fillers. Their lignocellulosic nature was responsible for this behavior. Both fillers induced a high resistance and lower degradation in compost: WL percentages of virgin PLA was about 26%, biocomposites with 20% of WF or HS showed WL of about 10% and 14%, respectively. Photo‐oxidation (36 h with condensation cycle) increased the compost degradation rate of both biocomposites and WL of PLA with 20% of WF or HS were about 15% and 21%, respectively, after 30 days.Highlights
Poor adhesion between the matrix and fillers reduced the biocomposites viscosity.
Fillers increased the elastic modulus but decreased the properties at break.
Both fillers improved the resistance of PLA to UV irradiation.
Biocomposites showed a lower susceptibility to compost degradation than PLA.
Photo‐oxidation increased the compost degradation rate of biocomposites.
Screening of leaf extraction and storage conditions for eco‐metabolomics studies
Authors: Lang Jakob , Ramos Sergio E. , Smohunova Marharyta , Bigler Laurent , Schuman Meredith C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMass spectrometry‐based plant metabolomics is frequently used to identify novel natural products or study the effect of specific treatments on a plant's metabolism. Reliable sample handling is required to avoid artifacts, which is why most protocols mandate shock freezing of plant tissue in liquid nitrogen and an uninterrupted cooling chain. However, the logistical challenges of this approach make it infeasible for many ecological studies. Especially for research in the tropics, permanent cooling poses a challenge, which is why many of those studies use dried leaf tissue instead. We screened a total of 10 extraction and storage approaches for plant metabolites extracted from maize leaf tissue across two cropping seasons to develop a methodology for agroecological studies in logistically challenging tropical locations. All methods were evaluated based on changes in the metabolite profile across a 2‐month storage period at different temperatures with the goal of reproducing the metabolite profile of the living plant as closely as possible. We show that our newly developed on‐site liquid–liquid extraction protocol provides a good compromise between sample replicability, extraction efficiency, material logistics, and metabolite profile stability. We further discuss alternative methods which showed promising results and feasibility of on‐site sample handling for field studies.
Analysing urban integration through place attachment: How do university students contribute to the formation of an integrated urban space?
Authors: Birsens Joe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAn increasing number of scholars acknowledge the complexity of urban integration. Analysing how a large‐scale urban development project integrates existing urban structures cannot be limited to urbanistic preoccupations of ensuring functional connections between these areas. To offer a larger conception of urban integration, this paper suggests a user‐centred approach. By considering the development of person‐place relationships as an original way to measure urban integration, it analyses the emergence of place attachment among the student population of the University of Luxembourg in Belval, a newly built knowledge district developing in Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg. The aim is to provide scientific evidence on the multidimensional relationship between the students and the city, and how it is influenced by their place of residence and by sociodemographic characteristics. The paper uses a combination of survey results and qualitative insights from focus groups. Findings draw a nuanced overall picture. Place attachment is significantly influenced by place of residence. While most of the students only develop limited ties to their university location, a significant number establishes a certain form of attachment that is less characterised by spatial practices in the city than by the creation of an intangible student identity linked to Esch/Alzette. This mainly concerns older, international students who have a clearer vision of their post‐student life and consider making Esch/Alzette their home. The missing elements of the campus, such as green areas or an urban atmosphere, were recurrently mentioned by the focus group participants as factors leading them to explore the city centre.
Construction of a prognostic model based on memory CD4+ T cell–associated genes for lung adenocarcinoma and its applications in immunotherapy
Authors: Li Yong , Ye Xiangli , Huang Huiqin , Cao Rongxiang , Huang Feijian , Chen Limin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe association between memory CD4+ T cells and cancer prognosis is increasingly recognized, but their impact on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) prognosis remains unclear. In this study, using the cell‐type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts algorithm, we analyzed immune cell composition and patient survival in LUAD. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis helped identify memory CD4+ T cell–associated gene modules. Combined with module genes, a five‐gene LUAD prognostic risk model (HOXB7, MELTF, ABCC2, GNPNAT1, and LDHA) was constructed by regression analysis. The model was validated using the GSE31210 data set. The validation results demonstrated excellent predictive performance of the risk scoring model. Correlation analysis was conducted between the clinical information and risk scores of LUAD samples, revealing that LUAD patients with disease progression exhibited higher risk scores. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate regression analyses demonstrated the model independent prognostic capability. The constructed nomogram results demonstrated that the predictive performance of the nomogram was superior to the prognostic model and outperformed individual clinical factors. Immune landscape assessment was performed to compare different risk score groups. The results revealed a better prognosis in the low‐risk group with higher immune infiltration. The low‐risk group also showed potential benefits from immunotherapy. Our study proposes a memory CD4+ T cell–associated gene risk model as a reliable prognostic biomarker for personalized treatment in LUAD patients.
Designated‐time stabilizing strategy for a class of time‐varying nonlinear systems and its application to pendulum system
Authors: Li Jiao‐Jiao , Sun Zong‐Yao , Wen Changyun , Chen Chih‐Chiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a new scheme is proposed to stabilize a class of nonlinear systems within a designated time, mainly motivated by two unsolved problems: the singularity caused by infinity control magnitudes at the prescribed time instant and the lack of formulating/manipulating state responses after the prescribed time. Under the proposed scheme, an exquisite controller is constructed by entailing both the state scaling approach and a finite‐time stabilizing procedure. It is shown that the obtained control is well defined with bounded magnitude on the whole‐time horizon and ensures the existence of the solutions of the closed‐loop system. Superior to the existing prescribed time stabilization results, the proposed method is capable of ensuring that the states of the closed‐loop system converge to a small compact set within the designated time, stay inside it thereafter and perform finite‐time convergence eventually. Simulation examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Enzymatic Synthesis of 3‐Hydroxy Bisindoles and Further C‐3 Sulfenylation via Combining a Carbocatalytic Approach in the Same Pot
Authors: Kamboj Priya , Bhardwaj Mahipal , Sahu Pooja , Bajaj Priyanka , Tyagi Vikas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHerein, we report the selective synthesis of 3‐hydroxy bisindoles via an engineered myoglobin‐catalyzed Friedel–Crafts reaction of isatin and indole. Initially, the reaction was carried out using wild‐type myoglobin as a catalyst, but the conversion was low. Therefore, a library of Mb‐variants was generated utilizing a site‐directed mutagenesis technique and obtained the double‐mutated Mb(H64V, V68A) variant as a highly reactive and selective biocatalyst for this transformation. Additionally, the robustness and generality of this protocol have been demonstrated by setting up scale‐up reactions of variously substituted isatins and indoles which produce the desired 3‐hydroxy bisindoles in 66–93 % isolated yield. Next, the enzymatic approach was combined with an carbocatalytic protocol by using graphene oxide as a catalyst to generate C‐3 sulfenylated bisindole derivatives in a one‐pot manner.