bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Threshold Effects on Outlier Detection: A Comparative Study of MCD and MRCD Estimators in Multivariate Data Analysis
Authors: Yusuf Nafisat , Zachary Bannister Jerry 
Published: November 2023

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of thresholds on the detection of outliers by comparing the performance of two estimators, namely the minimum covariance determinant (MCD) and minimum regularized covariance determinant (MRCD), at different sample sizes. The study uses simulated data generated from the standard normal distribution to assess how varying thresholds affect the ability of these estimators to detect outliers.
Study Design: This study employs a quantitative research design. It involves the generation of simulated data, the application of the MCD and MRCD estimators for outlier detection, and the systematic manipulation of thresholds and sample size as independent variables.
Place and Duration: The study is conducted using computational tools and did not require a physical location.
Methodology: Simulated data is generated from the standard normal distribution to create a controlled environment for outlier detection experiments. The MCD and MRCD estimators are applied to the simulated data to detect outliers. These estimators are sensitive to deviations from the norm in the data. Different thresholds are systematically applied to the data, and the performance of the estimators is assessed at each threshold level. Thresholds may vary in their extremeness. The study investigates the impact of different sample sizes on outlier detection. This involves using datasets with varying numbers of observations. The r programming language and associated packages are used as the statistical tool for data generation, analysis, and visualization.
Results: The study's findings indicate that the choice of thresholds in data analysis significantly affects the performance of the MCD and MRCD estimators in outlier detection. If the thresholds used for both estimators are the same, their performance is similar. However, differences emerge when thresholds differ from each other. Higher thresholds are shown to identify less extreme outliers, while lower thresholds are effective at identifying more extreme outliers. These results provide insights into the behavior of these estimators in outlier detection scenarios, shedding light on their sensitivity to threshold choices and sample size.Conclusion: Our study has shed light on the critical interdependencies among threshold choices, sample sizes, and the performance of the minimum covariance determinant (MCD) and minimum regularized covariance determinant (MRCD) estimators in the context of outlier detection. By conducting a systematic exploration in a controlled environment with simulated data, we have gleaned valuable insights that can inform both researchers and practitioners in the field of organizational science research.
Evaluation of Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging of Polydopamine with Different Nanostructures
Authors: Zheng Yuyi , Chen Xiaojie , Zhang Qi , Yang Lin , Chen Qi , Chen Zhong , Wang Yi , Wu Di 
Published: November 2023

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in cellular metabolism and many oxidative stress‐related diseases, while excessive accumulation of ROS will lead to genetic changes in cells and promote the occurrence of inflammatory diseases or cell death. Nature‐inspired polydopamine (PDA) with tailored nanostructures emerges as an ROS scavenger and is considered as an effective approach to inflammation‐related diseases. However, the effects of nanoparticle structure on PDA scavenging efficacy and efficiency remain uncovered. In this work, three typical PDA nanoparticles including solid PDA, mesoporous PDA, and hollow PDA are synthesized, and of which physiochemical properties are characterized. Furthermore, their ROS scavenging performance is investigated by in vitro evaluation of radical removal. Among the three nanoparticles, mesoporous PDA is demonstrated to have the highest scavenging capability, mainly due to its specific surface area. Finally, the study on three in vivo inflammation models is constructed. The results confirm that mesoporous PDA is the most potent scavenger of ROS and more effective in reducing reperfusion injury, improving renal function, and preventing periodontitis progression, respectively. Together with the good biosafety and biocompatibility profiles, PDA nanoparticles, mesoporous PDA in particular, can be a promising avenue of ROS scavenging in fight against the inflammatory diseases.
Improving Atmospheric Water Harvesting in Carbon‐Based Sorbents Through CO2 Activation
Authors: Brassard David , Alavitabari Seyedemad , Raphael Wendell , Boudreault Richard , Girard‐Lauriaut Pierre‐Luc , Tavares Jason R. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAtmospheric water harvesting (AWH) can serve as an alternative fresh water source in regions with scarce access to drinking water. While many techniques are geographically or seasonally limited, sorbent‐based AWH shows the potential for wider application. Low‐cost, carbon‐based sorbents named nanoporous sponges (NPS) are recently developed, exhibiting fast and repeatable water uptake of 0.14 g g−1 at 90% relative pressure. While useful from a cost and daily water yield point of view, there is room for improvement. This article presents an improved production process combining pyrolysis and activation under CO2 in a single step, yielding improved NPS capable of reproducibly reaching a water uptake of 0.47 g g−1 at 95% relative pressure while maintaining fast sorption rates. The NPS show significant endurance and are able to maintain stable performance over numerous humidity cycles. An unexpected time‐dependant sorption behavior is also identified for NPS produced with a modified synthesis formulation, due to an increase in sodium carbonate residual content.
Preparation and property of antibacterial filter membrane by coaxial electro‐spraying/electrospinning technology
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Taiqi , An Xue , Wu Feixiang , Xie Chengxi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHerein, a novel technology named coaxial electro‐spraying/electrospinning was successfully introduced, which can simultaneously prepare nanofibers and nanoparticles. First, the device contains an outer nozzle and an inner nozzle, which combine electrospinning with electro‐spraying technology. Then, the polyamide 6 (PA6) was spun to prepare the nanofibers from the inner nozzle, and the silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) into the PA6 solution were sprayed to prepare the nanoparticles from the outer nozzle. PA6 nanofibers (NFs)/Ag nanoparticles (NPs) antibacterial composite membranes for the filtration of fine particulate pollutants were successfully prepared using coaxial electro‐spraying/electrospinning. The microstructure, physical properties, and antibacterial properties of the composite membrane were investigated. The results show that Ag NPs are successfully loaded in situ onto PA6 NFs of approximately 100 nm to form a three‐dimensional (3D) structure. The filtration efficiency of the 3D structured filtration membrane reaches 90.98%, compared to only 12.78% for the melt‐blown cloth mask filter material when tested with polystyrene microspheres (PS) of 200 nm. The contact angle of the composite membrane decreased from 145.47° to 44.11°, indicating a significant improvement in the hydrophilicity of the membrane. Furthermore, depositing Ag on the surface fibers resulted in an impressive antibacterial rate of 99.75% against Penicillium.
3D Printing of Na1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 Solid Electrolyte via Fused Filament Fabrication for All‐Solid‐State Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kutlu Aycan C. , Nötzel Dorit , Ziebert Carlos , Seifert Hans J. , Ul Mohsin Ijaz 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAll solid‐state batteries pave the way to safer batteries as they do not contain flammable components and allow potentially higher energy densities through the direct use of alkali metals as anode materials. However, the applicability of solid electrolytes is hindered by their slower diffusion kinetics and charge transfer processes compared to liquid electrolytes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the electrochemical performance of 3D printed ceramic electrolyte. Prepared filaments were printed with optimized parameters and the polymeric binders were subsequently removed by solvent/‐thermal debinding followed by a sintering process. The most reliable prints were performed with 58 vol % filled feedstock and the highest densities of sintered specimen were measured at a sintering temperature of 1100 °C with (94.27±0.37)% and (94.27±0.07)% for printed and pressed samples, respectively. The lowest impedances for 3D printed samples were measured for 1100 °C sintered specimen, yielding conductivities of (1.711±0.166)×10−4 S cm−1 at 200 °C. Stripping/plating tests performed at 60 °C confirmed the feasibility of 3D printed electrolytes realized by Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) for the application in solid‐state batteries.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided infectious liver cyst drainage associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in which percutaneous approach is impossible
Authors: Takano Yuichi , Tamai Naoki , Yamawaki Masataka , Noda Jun , Matsubara Dai , Azami Tetsushi , Niiya Fumitaka , Nishimoto Fumiya , Maruoka Naotaka , Yamagami Tatsuya , Nagahama Masatsugu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA man in his 70s on maintenance dialysis for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease was admitted with epigastralgia and a fever lasting for 1 week. Computed tomography showed a thickened liver cyst measuring 121 mm in the caudate lobe, suggesting infection. Percutaneous drainage was impossible because multiple liver cysts and ascites entered the puncture route. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed a huge liver cyst with debris‐like echoes. Transgastric EUS‐guided drainage was performed, and internal and external drainage was performed without adverse events. After the procedure, the symptoms quickly improved, and the external drain was removed after 12 days. The internal drainage stent remained in place, and the patient was discharged from the hospital 53 days after the EUS‐guided drainage. EUS‐guided drainage is an effective alternative treatment for infected liver cysts where a percutaneous approach is impossible.
Seismic responses and vibration control of offshore wind turbines considering hydrodynamic effects based on underwater shaking table tests
Authors: He Rui , Pan Lijun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe recent construction of numerous offshore wind turbines (OWTs) in seismically active areas worldwide has stimulated research on seismic evaluation and vibration control design for OWTs. Unlike the onshore counterparts, the hydrodynamic effects on the seismic responses of OWTs need to be studied. Besides, the equipment in the nacelle of an OWT is highly sensitive to acceleration. Significant dynamic amplification on the nacelle under horizontal earthquake excitation can cause the malfunction of power generation and even seriously threaten the safety of OWTs. As a promising solution, tuned mass dampers (TMDs) based on the first mode of OWTs need to be tested by various earthquake excitations. In this paper, the seismic amplification effect, the hydrodynamic effects, and the vibration control by a single TMD are investigated through a series of underwater shaking table tests based on a 1:20 scaled model of a 5 MW OWT. The “no water”, “with water”, and “with water and TMD” tests are evaluated and compared. The accelerations of OWTs can be amplified or reduced by the hydrodynamic effects, depending on the natural frequencies and vibration modes of the OWT and the frequency spectrum of the seismic excitation. The earthquake‐induced hydrodynamic damping ratio and hydrodynamic added mass are carefully measured. For the TMD's effect, the single TMD performs reasonably well in seismic vibration control in most cases. Finally, the interaction between hydrodynamic effects and TMD's effect is discussed, and the hydrodynamic damping effect is suggested to be ignored when designing TMDs for OWTs.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in health and disease
Authors: Ji Jing , Jin Weilin , Liu Shuang‐Jiang , Jiao Zuoyi , Li Xiangkai 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe gut microbiota and its homeostasis play a crucial role in human health. However, for some diseases related to the gut microbiota, current traditional medicines can only relieve symptoms, and it is difficult to solve the root causes or even cause side effects like disturbances in the gut microbiota. Increasing clinical studies and evidences have demonstrated that probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can prevent and treat various diseases, but currently they can only be used as dietary supplements rather than medicines, which restricts the application of probiotics in the field of medicine. Here, this review analyzes the importance of gut microbiota in human health and the current problems of traditional medicines, and systematically summarizes the effectiveness and mechanisms of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in maintaining health and treating diseases based on animal models and clinical trials. And based on current research outcomes and development trends in this field, the challenges and prospects of their clinical application in maintaining health, alleviating and treating diseases are analyzed. It is hoped to promote the application of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in disease treatment and open up new frontiers in probiotic research.
Evaluation of Pacific Lamprey statoliths for age estimation across their life cycle
Authors: Pelekai K. N. , Hess J. E. , Weitkamp L. A. , Lampman R. T. , Miller J. A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
The anadromous Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus is an ecologically and culturally important fish that has experienced declines in abundance and distribution throughout large portions of its range. However, the lack of fundamental biological information, such as age and growth, impedes management and conservation efforts.

Methods
We used known-age hatchery and wild Pacific Lamprey to evaluate the potential of statoliths (apatite concretions found within the auditory capsules) to provide estimates of individual size and age throughout ontogeny. Statolith size and growth were assessed with comparisons of morphometrics (area, perimeter, length, and width) in relation to fish length. Traditional band-reading methods and random forest (RF) analysis were evaluated for their utility in estimating age.

Result
We observed a strong, positive relationship between statolith size and fish length for larvae that were hatchery reared. However, there were no positive relationships between statolith size and fish length for any of the postmetamorphic life stages, which indicates that statolith growth slows dramatically or ceases after metamorphosis. Band-reading methods of statoliths from known-age lamprey (1- and 2- to 9-year-olds) resulted in accurate age estimates for 28% of the fish, and 57% of mean age estimates fell within 1 year of the true age. While we found that the statolith was not very useful for traditional age estimation techniques, its inclusion in morphometric-based age classifications was promising. A RF model based on body length, collection river, and statolith area accurately assigned 76% of the larval and freshwater juveniles to their known age. Additionally, an RF model using only body length and river of origin correctly classified 70% of the known-age samples.

Conclusion
Multivariate approaches, including those that include lethal and nonlethal predictor variables, provide potential approaches to estimate age in larval and early juvenile Pacific Lamprey.
From haemadin to haemanorm: Synthesis and characterization of full‐length haemadin from the leech Haemadipsa sylvestris and of a novel bivalent, highly potent thrombin inhibitor (haemanorm)
Authors: Acquasaliente Laura , Pierangelini Andrea , Pagotto Anna , Pozzi Nicola , De Filippis Vincenzo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHirudin from Hirudo medicinalis is a bivalent α‐Thrombin (αT) inhibitor, targeting the enzyme active site and exosite‐I, and is currently used in anticoagulant therapy along with its simplified analogue hirulog. Haemadin, a small protein (57 amino acids) isolated from the land‐living leech Haemadipsa sylvestris, selectively inhibits αT with a potency identical to that of recombinant hirudin (KI = 0.2 pM), with which it shares a common disulfide topology and overall fold. At variance with hirudin, haemadin targets exosite‐II and therefore (besides the free protease) it also blocks thrombomodulin‐bound αT without inhibiting the active intermediate meizothrombin, thus offering potential advantages over hirudin. Here, we produced in reasonably high yields and pharmaceutical purity (>98%) wild‐type haemadin and the oxidation resistant Met5 → nor‐Leucine analogue, both inhibiting αT with a KI of 0.2 pM. Thereafter, we used site‐directed mutagenesis, spectroscopic, ligand‐displacement, and Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange‐Mass Spectrometry techniques to map the αT regions relevant for the interaction with full‐length haemadin and with the synthetic N‐ and C‐terminal peptides Haem(1–10) and Haem(45–57). Haem(1–10) competitively binds to/inhibits αT active site (KI = 1.9 μM) and its potency was enhanced by 10‐fold after Phe3 → β‐Naphthylalanine exchange. Conversely to full‐length haemadin, haem(45–57) displays intrinsic affinity for exosite‐I (KD = 1.6 μM). Hence, we synthesized a peptide in which the sequences 1–9 and 45–57 were joined together through a 3‐Glycine spacer to yield haemanorm, a highly potent (KI = 0.8 nM) inhibitor targeting αT active site and exosite‐I. Haemanorm can be regarded as a novel class of hirulog‐like αT inhibitors with potential pharmacological applications.
Enhancing thermal stability in the CH2 domain to suppress aggregation through the introduction of simultaneous disulfide bonds in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Oyama Kosuke , Nakakido Makoto , Ohkuri Takatoshi , Nakamura Hitomi , Tsumoto Kouhei , Ueda Tadashi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractProtein aggregations decrease production yields and impair the efficacy of therapeutics. The CH2 domain is a crucial part of the constant region of human IgG. But, it is also the least stable domain in IgG, which can result in antibody instability and aggregation problems. We created a novel mutant of the CH2 domain (T250C/L314C, mut10) by introducing a disulfide bond and expressed it using Pichia pastoris. The mut10 variant exhibited enhanced thermal stability, resistance to enzymatic degradation, and reduced aggregation in comparison to the original CH2 domain. However, it was less stable than mut20 (L242C/K334C), which is the variant prepared in a previous study (Gong et al., J. Biol. Chem., 2009). A more advanced mutant, mut25, was created by combining mut10 and mut20. Mut25 artificially contains two disulfide bonds. The new mutant, mut25, showed enhanced thermal stability, increased resistance to enzymatic digestion, and reduced aggregation in comparison to mut20. According to our knowledge, mut25 achieves an unprecedented level of stability among the humanized whole CH2 domains that have been reported so far. Mut25 has the potential to serve as a new platform for antibody therapeutics due to its ability to reduce immunogenicity by decreasing aggregation.
Learning‐based collision avoidance and robust H∞ optimal formation control for uncertain quadrotor UAV systems
Authors: Li Ning , Wang Hongbin , Luo Qianda , Zheng Wei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates the robust optimal formation control for the position subsystem of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) subject to external disturbances and collision constraints. To prevent collision with both members of the formation and external obstacles, a collision avoidance potential function is constructed using relative position and velocity information. The basic bounded control input can ensure the stable flight and collision avoidance of a quadrotor UAV system. Based on the approximate dynamic programming (ADP) framework and two‐player zero‐sum differential game theory, the optimal controller is designed to further enhance the control performance of the system. The optimal value function is approximated by a single layer neural network, which avoids solving complex nonlinear Hamilton‐JacobiIsaac (HJI) equation. The stability of the closed loop system is proved. The effectiveness of the robust optimal formation controller based on learning is validated through MATLAB simulation in two distinct scenarios.
Shrinkage cracking in restrained FRC members containing conventional reinforcement
Authors: Tang Porsiem , Amin Ali , Gilbert R. Ian , Kaufmann Walter 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a rational approach for describing the cracking behavior of fully‐ and partially restrained fiber reinforced concrete members co‐reinforced with conventional reinforcement subjected to an axial force imparted by shrinkage. The proposed analytical model extends the approach developed by Gilbert for fully restrained reinforced concrete members to account for the post‐cracking strength offered by the fibers at each of the cracks as the concrete ages and dries. The effects of partial end‐restraint are also studied to gain a clearer understanding of the mechanism of direct tension cracking caused by restrained shrinkage and the factors affecting it.
Inorganic metal salts as additives in the design of cellulose/arabinogalactan hydrogels for prolonged delivery of simvastatin in simulated bio‐fluids
Authors: Agrawal Reshu , Yadav Harsh , Patel Jwala , Sulakhiya Kunjbihari , Maiti Sabyasachi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, carboxymethylcellulose and arabinogalactan were used to create an interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel system in the presence of AlCl3 alone or in combination with ZnSO4 salts. Ionotropic gelation caused the polymer sol droplets to transform into hydrogel particles in the presence of salts. The impact of salts on hydrogel properties was evaluated in terms of morphology, drug entrapment efficiency, swelling, and drug release kinetics. The cellulose IPN hydrogel particles containing 50% arabinogalactan looked spherical with evidence of surface folding when treated with AlCl3. Surface folding was reduced by an additional treatment with ZnSO4. Following treatment of the IPN particles with dual salts, a maximum drug entrapment efficiency of 88.77% was obtained. Surface erosion, as seen with aluminum‐IPN hydrogel particles, was minimized with the use of mixed salts as gelation medium. Furthermore, the use of mixed salts allowed the hydrogel particles to swell and consistently release simvastatin in simulated gastrointestinal fluids for up to 9 h. Thermal and x‐ray analyses revealed that the crystallinity of the drug reduced considerably after entrapment in the IPN hydrogel matrix. The infrared spectra analysis did not indicate any evidence of drug polymer interaction. The release of drug from the IPN hydrogel particles followed non‐Fickian diffusion mechanism. The dual metallic salts were found to be effective in creating physically stable cellulose‐arabinogalactan IPN hydrogel particles for sustained release of simvastatin in a varying pH environment of gastrointestinal tract.Highlights
Dual inorganic salts allowed synthesis of cellulose/arabinogalactan hydrogel
Additional use of ZnSO4 improved surface morphology of hydrogel particles
Compatible environment of hydrogels allowed more than 88% drug entrapment
Concentration of neutral arabinogalactan was crucial in dictating drug release
Mixed salts controlled swelling and release of simvastatin from hydrogels