bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic performance optimization of five-axis machine tools based on S-specimen and servo dynamics matching degree indexes
Authors: Guan Liwen , Chen Yanyu , Wang Zijian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
With the advancement of the manufacturing industry, there is a growing need for high-speed five-axis machine tools that offer superior precision. Current research indicates that with the increase in the feed rate of machine tools, the influence of machine tool dynamic performance on precision becomes increasingly significant. In addition to the tracking performance of a single machine axis system, the servo dynamics matching degree (SDMD) between each machine axis system has also been widely recognized as one of the important factors affecting the dynamic performance in recent research. As an ISO standard specimen, the S-specimen has emerged as the frequently utilized specimens for machine tool acceptance testing, owing to its capacity to better reflect the dynamic performance of five-axis machine tools. Nevertheless, the intricate mapping relationship between the factors influencing SDMD and the contour error of the S-specimen constrains the applicability of this standard specimen in error diagnosis and subsequent dynamic performance optimization. Therefore, based on the machining process of the S-specimen, a dynamic performance optimization method by improving SDMD was proposed in this paper. An index of SDMD between two machine axis systems (two-axis SDMDI) was established which clarifies the specific source for error diagnosis. A calculation model of the two-axis SDMDIs of five-axis machine tool was established based on the mapping relationship between the index and the contour error of S-specimen which provided an effective way for optimization of SDMD based on S-specimen machining test. Experiments were carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimization method.
Extracting Regulatory Active Chromatin Footprint from Cell-Free DNA
Authors: Lai Kevin , Dilger Katharine , Cunningham Rachael , Lam Kathy , Boquiren Rhea , Troung Khiet , Louie Maggie , Rava Richard , Abdueva Diana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a pivotal player in precision medicine, revolutionizing the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape. While its clinical applications have significantly increased in recent years, current cfDNA assays have limited ability to identify the active transcriptional programs that govern complex disease phenotypes and capture the heterogeneity of the disease. To address these limitations, we have developed a non-invasive platform to enrich and examine the active chromatin fragments (cfDNAac) in peripheral blood. The deconvolution of the cfDNAac signal from traditional nucleosomal chromatin fragments (cfDNAnuc) yields a catalog of features linking these circulating chromatin signals in blood to specific regulatory elements across the genome, including enhancers, promoters, and highly transcribed genes, mirroring the epigenetic data from the ENCODE project. Notably, these cfDNAac counts correlate strongly with RNA polymerase II activity and exhibit distinct expression patterns for known circadian genes. Additionally, cfDNAac signals across gene bodies and promoters show strong correlations with whole blood gene expression levels defined by GTEx. This study illustrates the utility of cfDNAac analysis for investigating epigenomics and gene expression, underscoring its potential for a wide range of clinical applications in precision medicine.
Polish translation, cultural adaptation, and validity confirmation of the Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment
Authors: Zabłocka-Słowińska Katarzyna , Pieczyńska Joanna , Prescha Anna , Bladowski Maciej , Gajecki Damian , Kamińska Dorota , Neubauer Katarzyna , Ottery Faith , Jager-Wittenaar Harriët 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA©) is a validated nutritional screening, assessment, monitoring, and triage tool. The aim of this study was to perform translation, cultural adaptation, as well as linguistic and content validation of the translated and culturally adapted version of the PG-SGA for the Polish setting.
Methods: The study was performed in concordance with the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Principles. Patients (n=174) and healthcare professionals (HCPs, n=188) participated in the study. Comprehensibility and difficulty were assessed by patients for the PG-SGA Short Form, and by HCPs for the professional component. Content validity was assessed for the full PG-SGA by HCPs only. Evaluations were operationalized by a 4-point scale. Item and scale indices were calculated using the average item ratings divided by the number of respondents. Item indices <0.78 required further analysis of the item, while scale indices ≥0.90 were defined as excellent and 0.80–0.89 as acceptable.
Results: The PG-SGA Short Form was rated as excellent for content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.90) by HCPs and easy to comprehend (Scale-CI = 0.96) and use (Scale-DI = 0.94) by patients. The professional component of the PG-SGA was perceived as acceptable for content validity (Scale-CVI = 0.80), comprehension (Scale-CI = 0.87) and difficulty (Scale-DI = 0.80). The physical exam was rated the least comprehensible, the most difficult, and with the lowest content validity. We found significant differences in scale indices (p<0.05 for all) between HCPs with different professions and between those being familiar with PG-SGA and not.
Conclusion: Translation and cultural adaptation of the PG-SGA for the Polish setting preserved the purpose and conceptual meaning of the original PG-SGA. Validation revealed that the Polish version of PG-SGA is well understood and easy to complete by patients and professionals, and considered relevant by professionals. However, detailed results indicate the need for appropriate training of the Polish HCPs, especially physicians and nurses, mainly in the worksheets related to the metabolic demand and physical exam.
Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms in Tunnel Boring Machine Applications: A Case Study in Mashhad Metro Line 3
Authors: Abbasi Morteza , Namadchi Amir Hossein , Abbasi Mehdi , Abbasi Mohsen , Wang Hongxu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This research explores the prediction of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) performance in the excavation of Mashhad Metro Line 3 using machine learning techniques. The study leverages a robust dataset comprising 113 features recorded over 305 working days. Multiple Linear Regression, Decision Trees, and Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network models are employed to analyze TBM performance, with a specific focus on the penetration rate. The results reveal comparable performance among the models, indicative of a potentially linear relationship between selected features and the penetration rate. Feature importance analyses provide valuable insights into key parameters, contributing to a better understanding of the excavation process. The discussion addresses the interpretability of the Multiple Linear Regression model and potential overfitting concerns, emphasizing the impact of dataset quality on model consistency. The study contributes to the advancement of accurate predictions in TBM performance during tunneling projects, with a particular application to Mashhad Metro Line 3. The findings and methodologies presented in this research offer insights into the field of tunnel construction and excavation.
Historical Analysis of Urban Dust Generated by the Great Salt Lake Playa
Authors: Hansen Jaron , Flowerday Callum , Stanley Rebekah , Brewster Kaitlyn , Paxton Walter 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) has undergone a reduction in size, from 1046.0 miles2 on January 1, 2015, to 940.5 miles2 on January 1, 2022, exposing 105.5 miles2 of playa that was once covered. This emerging playa raises concerns regarding the toxicity of the ensuing dust. While considerable efforts have been made to understand aeolian dust in urban areas along the Wasatch Front, located just east of the GSL, there is still a need to consolidate existing research and conduct a compositional analysis of the dust found in these urban areas. In this study, we investigated the dust reaching urban monitoring sites around the GSL, managed by the Utah Division of Air Quality. By analyzing historical data dating back to 1988, we found no evidence to support the idea that the decrease in the GSL’s surface area has led to an increase in dust events in urban areas. Backwind trajectories align with prior research, indicating that heightened dust levels in urban areas coincide with winds originating from the south or west, passing over identified playas and deserts such as the Milford flats, Sevier Dry Lake, Tule Dry Lake, Great Salt Lake Desert, Dugway Proving Grounds, and the West Desert of Utah. Conducting a compositional analysis of urban dust revealed no concentrations of metals that raise health concerns, with the highest health quotient being four orders of magnitude lower than a level of concern.
Aspirin and NSAIDs are associated with reduced cancer and mortality risk in patients with chronic liver diseases – a Swedish cohort study
Authors: Stokkeland Knut , Villner Pär , Söderberg-Löfdal Karin , Franck Johan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and aims: We explored the effect of exposure to anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with chronic liver disease with regard to adverse liver events, cancers and mortality.
Methods: A population-based cohort of patients with chronic liver disease 2005-2020 (n=21 439) was studied. All patients were hospitalized in Region Stockholm. Data from the Patient Register, Prescribed Drug Register, Death Certificate Register, Cancer Register, two laboratories and Stockholm Center for Health Data primary care database were combined. We analyzed death, adverse liver events, liver cancers and all cancers in relation to drug exposure.
Results: During follow-up 10 279 patients (47.9%) died. There was a reduced risk for all cancers combined when patients were exposed to aspirin (cHR 0.68; 95%CI 0.63-0.73) and NSAIDs (aHR 0.80; 95%CI 0.75-0.86) and a reduced risk of liver cancer in patients exposed to aspirin (aHR 0.48; 95%CI 0.41-0.57) and to NSAIDs (aHR 0.71; 95% CI 0.62-0.82). There was a reduced risk of mortality for all patients exposed to NSAIDs (aHR 0.68; 95%CI 0.64-0.72) and a reduction of mortality risk for patients exposed to aspirin (aHR 0.86; 95%CI 0.82-0.91) after adjusting for comorbidities and severity of the liver disease. Patients with alcohol-associated liver disease exposed to aspirin had reduced mortality risk (aHR 0.82; 95%CI 0.76-0.89) and exposure to NSAIDs also reduced the mortality risk (aHR 0.74; 95%CI 0.69-080).
Conclusions: Exposure to aspirin or NSAIDs in patients with chronic liver diseases was associated with reduced cancer risks including the risk for liver cancer and decreased mortality risk.
A 15-day biodiversity intervention with horses in a farm system leads to acquisition of health-promoting features in the gut microbiome of 10 urban Italian children
Authors: Candela Marco , Scicchitano Daniel , Foresto Lucia , Laczny Cédric , Cinti Nicoló , Vitagliano Rosalba , Halder Rashi , Morri Gaja , Turroni Silvia , D'Amico Federica , Palladino Giorgia , Fiori Jessica , Wilmes Paul , Rampelli Simone 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In order to evaluate the possibility to shape the human gut microbiome (GM) through the interaction with natural ecosystems, we explored the impact of a 15-day biodiversity intervention with horses on the GM of 10 urban-living Italian children. The children GM was metagenomically assessed before and after 10hr/day daily interaction with horses in an educational farm. The horses’ skin, oral, and fecal microbiomes were similarly assessed as well. We found that the interaction with horses facilitates the acquisition of health promoting features in the children GM, such as a higher diversity, an enhanced production of butyrate and the increase of several health-promoting species, generally considered as next-generation probiotics. Amongst these, the butyrate producers Facecalibacterium prausnitzii and F. ducaniae and a species belonging to the anti-inflammatory Christensenellales. Moreover, the interaction with horses were also associating with the increase of GM components exerting important roles in the bioconversion of dietary plant polyphenols to health promoting and protective metabolites, as Eggerthella lenta, Gordonibacter pamelae and G. urolithifacens. Supporting the microbiological safety of the interaction process, we did not observe any increases pathogenic features in the children GM following the interaction with horses. Overall, our pilot study provides insights into the existence of possible health-promoting variations in the GM from urban-living children thanks to the interactions with horses. This lays the foundations to explore the full extent of the beneficial interaction process occurring between the human GM and the natural microbiomes.
Harnessing chemical functionality of xylan hemicellulose towards bio-based pH/magnetic dual-responsive nanocomposite hydrogel for drug delivery
Authors: Yong Qiwen , Zhou Guangliang , Yu Xiaomeng , Xu Jiayun , Hu Liqiu , Pranovich Andrey , Long Jilan , Xie Zhihui , Xu Chunlin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study reports for the first time an innovative pH/magnetic dual-responsive hemicellulose-based nanocomposite hydrogel with a nearly 100% bio-based and biodegradable compositions. We synthesized pure Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs) using co-precipitation, then engineering xylan hemicellulose (XH), acrylic acid (AA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), and Fe3O4 MNPs to synthesize the pH/magnetic dual-responsive hydrogel (Fe3O4@XH-Gel), through free radical graft polymerization on natural XH with in-situ doping Fe3O4 MNPs initiated by the ammonium persulfate/tetramethylethylenediamine (APS/TMEDA) redox system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), dynamic light scattering (DLS), swelling gravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were employed to analyze the hydrogel’s chemical structures, surface morphologies, pH-responsive behaviors, and magnetic responsiveness characteristics. The results indicate that the Fe3O4@XH-Gel nanocomposite hydrogel exhibited excellent dual responsiveness to pH and magnetism. Furthermore, an emphasis was placed on the in-depth analysis of the pH response mechanism and drug release control. Finally, we utilized this cutting-edge hydrogel to investigate the controlled-release behavior of two model drugs, Acetylsalicylic acid and Theophylline, within the simulated gastrointestinal tract. The Fe3O4@XH-Gel nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrated exceptional controlled release attributes, positioning it as a potential carrier for targeted drug delivery, particularly to the gastrointestinal conditions.
Plasmon-Driven Chemical Transformation of a Secondary Amide Probed by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Bald Ilko , Dutta Anushree , Ončák Milan , Izadi Farhad , Arthur-Baidoo Eugene , Ameixa João , Denifl Stephan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Plasmon-driven chemical conversion is gaining burgeoning interest in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we study the reactivity of N-methyl-4-sulfanylbenzamide (NMSB) at the nanocavities of gold and silver nanoparticle aggregates under plasmonic excitation to gain an understanding of the reaction mechanism. NMSB is a secondary amide, which is a frequent binding motive found in peptides and common coupling products of organic and biomolecules. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is used as a two-in-one in-situ spectroscopic tool to initiate the molecular transformation process and simultaneously monitor and analyse the reaction products. Supported by dissociative electron attachment (DEA) studies with the gas phase molecule, a hot electron-mediated conversion of NMSB to p-mercaptobenzamide and p-mercaptobenzonitrile is proposed at the plasmonic nanocavities. Importantly, the reaction rate showed negligible dependence on the external temperature excluding the dominant role of heat in the chemical transformation at the plasmonic interface. This is also reflected by the lack of superlinear dependence of the reaction rate constant on the laser power density. Although DEA studies and the nature of power dependence on the reaction rate reflect the hot-electron mediated pathway, the overall reaction rate is limited by the electron transfer probability to the NMSB molecule generating the reaction products.
Incidental detection of congenital heart disease by neonatologist performed cardiac ultrasound in extreme preterm infants.
Authors: MacDonald Bradley , Yim Deane , Ramsay James , Gill Andrew 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to assess the frequency of neonatologist-performed cardiac ultrasound (NPCU) in detecting de novo congenital heart disease (CHD) in premature infants born at < 30 weeks of gestation.
Study Design
In this cross-sectional study (2004-2023) clinicians completing NPCU flagged de novo suspected CHD. All flagged NPCUs were cross-checked with cardiologists to confirm CHD diagnosis.
Results
There were 2088 out of 3739 infants (56%) with at least one NPCU; 294 (14%) with cardiology referral. CHD was confirmed in 109 of 2088 (5.2%) babies. All major and critical CHD with NPCU were suspected on scans and care promptly taken over by cardiology.
Conclusion
De novo presentation of significant CHD still occurs in the preterm population and needs to be recognized by those performing NPCU. Optimizing NPCU may provide benefits in the early cardiology referral of patients with CHD in centers where services are able to collaborate.
Validation and Optimal Cut-Off Score of the World Health Organization Well- being Index (WHO-5) as a Screening Tool for Depression among Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Mouzakzak Fadila Al , Abilmona Ghinwa , Dahdouh Oussama , Hallit Souheil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The utility of the World Health Organization Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) as rapid screening tool for depression has not yet been researched in the context of schizophrenia. The goal of this study was twofold: (1) examine the validity and reliability of the WHO-5 in schizophrenia; (2) estimate the optimal cut-off point for the WHO-5 to screen depression in this population.
Methods
Chronic, remitted patients with schizophrenia took part in this study. The Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia was included as index of validity.
Results
The results of CFA supported the originally proposed unidimensional structure of the measure, with good internal consistency reliability (α = .80), concurrent validity, and cross-sex measurement invariance. The WHO-5 showed a sensitivity of 0.81 and a specificity of 0.70 in the detection of depression with a cut-off point of 9.5. The validity of the WHO-5 as a screening tool for depression was supported by the excellent discrimination AUC value of .838. Based on this WHO-5 cut-off value, 42.6% of the patients were screened as having a depression.
Conclusion
The study contributes to the field by showing that the WHO-5 is a concise and convenient self-report measure for quickly screening and monitoring depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Comparison of Transconjunctival and Transnasal approaches for orbital decompression: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sun Rou , Sun Jing , Song Xuefei , Zhang Shuo , Li Yinwei , Zhou Huifang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To compare the effectiveness of endoscopic orbital decompression by two surgical approaches for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
Methods
A prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed on 48 moderate-to-severe or sight-threatening TAO orbits. All patients, who were randomly assigned into transconjunctival group or transnasal group, underwent endoscopic orbital decompression according to the surgical design. Clinical and radiological data were collected at baseline and 3 months after surgery by a masked investigator. The main outcome was the effective rate. If the postoperative proptosis measured by computed tomography (CT) was below 18 mm or the value of proptosis reduction was over 8 mm, it would be defined as effective. The secondary outcomes included surgical accuracy, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular motility grade, diplopia grade, and safety.
Results
48 orbits of 41 patients were enrolled in the study, with 24 orbits each in transconjunctival and transnasal group. The effective rate was 87.5% in the transconjunctival group and it was 79.2% in the transnasal group (P = 0.087). The proptosis reduction was 5.38 ± 2.60 mm in the transconjunctival group and 4.40 ± 1.66 mm in the transnasal group (P = 0.435). A significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative proptosis in both groups (P < 0.01). In the transconjunctival group, a higher surgical accuracy in the medial wall was found (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in both groups between preoperative and postoperative BCVA and ocular motility grade. Complications showed no significant difference between two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Both transconjuntival and transnasal endoscopic orbital decompression were feasible, and could be utilized by surgeons.
This study was registered with Chinese clinical trial registry (Trial registration number: ChiCTR-INR-17013268; date of access and registration: November 3, 2017).
First-Year Engineering Student Persistence Amidst COVID-19 Interruptions: Evidence from Two Diverse Institutions
Authors: Amin Syahrul , Rambo-Hernandez Karen E. , Pedersen Blaine , Burnett Camille S. , Nepal Bimal , Diaz Noemi V. Mendoza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study examined first-year engineering students' persistence pre- and mid-COVID-19 interruptions and whether their characteristics (race/ethnicity, financial need status, first-generation status, SAT scores) predicted their persistence at a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). We employed logistic regression modeling to compare the persistence of three cohorts (i.e., cohorts 1 and 2: pre-COVID-19 cohorts; cohort 3: mid-COVID-19 cohort) at both institutions. Results revealed that engineering students at the HSI in cohorts 1 and 2 were less likely to exit engineering compared to those in cohort 3. Controlling for other variables, Asian students were more likely to persist compared to their White counterparts in cohort 3, but not in cohort 1. Persistence at the HBCU was not related to cohort, financial need, or first-generation status and these relationships were consistent across cohorts. Additionally, students with higher SAT math scores (HSI) and higher SAT composite scores (HBCU) were less likely to exit engineering.