bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation into microdefects and corrosion resistance of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy using electrical discharge coating process
Authors: Mansor Ahmad Fairuz , Azmi Azwan Iskandar , Ismail Sikiru Oluwarotimi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Nickel-titanium shape memory alloy is a novel material with outstanding properties suitable for biomedical applications such as implantation devices. Unfortunately, the high composition of nickel in this alloy can be harmful to human body, if its exposure exceeds a threshold value. Therefore, an innovative electrical discharge coating technique was investigated and proposed in this study to develop minimal microdefects formation with high corrosion resistance through fractional factorial design of experiment. The results showed that discharge duration mostly dominated the material deposition, microcracks, and porosity fraction up to 72%, due to the impact of the intensity of discharge energy. There was also a pronounced effect of titanium powder concentration in the deionized water on the percentage of titanium and nickel elements, and microcracks formation. The powder suspension enhanced the recast layer formation through the increment of layer density, which covered up the Ni-rich region and diminished the microcrack formation. An optimized substrate recorded the lowest corrosion current, \({\text{I}}_{\text{corr}}\) and highest corrosion voltage, \({\text{E}}_{\text{corr}}\) at 3.43 x \({\text{10}}^{\text{-6}}\) µA/cm² and − 0.07 V respectively, thus exhibited an outstanding corrosion resistance rate at only 8.57 µm/year in phosphate-buffered saline solution, due to the low nickel, microcracks and porosity fraction in the recast layer.
Are personal health literacy and school health literacy environment important to schoolteachers’ health outcomes?
Authors: Liu Rongmei , Yu Mingyang , Zhao Qiuping , Wang Junfang , Bai Yuxi , Chen Hui , Yang Xiaomo , Liu Shuaibin , Okan Orkan , Chen Xinghan , Xing Yuhan , Guo Shuaijun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
While the relationship between an individual’s personal health literacy and health outcomes is well-established, the role of the health literacy environment is often overlooked. This study aimed to examine the associations of personal health literacy and the school health literacy environment with health outcomes among schoolteachers.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 schools in Zhengzhou, Henan, China. Using a self-administered questionnaire, teachers (N = 7364) were surveyed collecting data on their sociodemographics, personal health literacy, the school health literacy environment, and four types of health outcomes (health status, health-compromising behaviours, health service use, and healthcare cost). Besides descriptive statistics, a series of logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results
Overall, more than half of teachers (56.9%) had inadequate or problematic health literacy, while more than three-fifths (69.0%) perceived their school health literacy environment was less supportive. Teachers with inadequate health literacy had higher odds of poor health status (odds ratio (OR) = 5.79, 95% CI = 3.84, 8.73), at least one health-compromising behaviour (OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 2.29, 3.68), at least one health service use (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 2.07, 3.61), and more healthcare cost (OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 2.00, 3.16) than those with excellent health literacy, after adjusting for sociodemographics and school health literacy environment. Similarly, teachers who perceived low levels of supportive school health literacy environment had higher odds of poor health outcomes (ORs ranging from 1.13 to 1.78), after adjusting for sociodemographics and personal health literacy.
Conclusion
Both personal health literacy and school health literacy environment are important to schoolteachers’ health outcomes. Educational programs and organisational change are needed to improve personal health literacy and school environments to improve teachers’ health and well-being.
Heterologous and efficient expression of a new alkaline pectin lyase in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Li Junyi , Han Shuangyan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pectin lyase (PMGL) is an industrially important enzyme with widespread applications in the food, paper, and textile industries, owing to its capacity for direct degradation of highly esterified pectin. In this study, PMGL-Ba derived from Bacillus underwent mining and heterologous expression in P. pastoris. Furthermore, diverse strategies, encompassing the optimization of expression cassette components, elevation of gene dosage, and co-expression of chaperone factors, were employed to augment PMGL-Ba production in P. pastoris. The signaling peptide OST1-pre-α-MF-pro and promoter AOX1 were finally selected as expression elements. By overexpressing the transcription factor Hac1p in conjunction with a two-copy PMGL-Ba setup, a strain yielding high PMGL-Ba production was achieved. In shake flask fermentation lasting 144 hours, the total protein concentration reached 1.81 g/L, and the enzyme activity reached 1821.36 U/mL. For further scale up production, high-density fermentation transpired in a 5 L fermenter for 72 h. Remarkably, the total protein concentration increased to 12.49 g/L, and the enzyme activity reached an impressive 12668.12 U/mL. The successful heterologous and efficient expression of PMGL-Ba not only furnishes a valuable biological enzyme for industrial applications but also contributes to cost reduction in the utilization of biological enzymes in industrial applications.
Multiple Fault Tolerant PUC Multilevel Inverter Using the Concept of Redundancy with Low Total Blocking Voltage, Device Count and High Post-Fault Efficiency for Five Switches Fault
Authors: Phukan Hillol , Tiwari Dinesh Kumar , Singh Jiwanjot , Pati Avadh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this article, a fault-tolerant Packed U Cell MLI (FT-PUC-MLI) is presented, which utilizes two DC sources with nine main switches and eight redundant switches for creating 7-level across the output. The proposed topology uses phase disposition sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PD-SPWM) for the generation of gate signals. A detailed analysis of the proposed topology is done with respect to efficiency, power loss and total harmonics distortions (THD). A brief comparative analysis in terms of device count, total blocking voltage, post and pre fault efficiency, post and pre fault voltage levels is being done. The proposed topology can tolerate single-switch and multiple-switch failures, thus enabling it to be used for emergency loads. The proposed topology maintains a constant output voltage level in the post-fault period. The simulation of FT-PUC-MLI topology is carried out by using the MATLAB/SIMULINK platform with all possible switch fault combinations and real time simulation is also being done in OPAL RT 4510.
Real Time Parking System using ML
Authors: Kokate Rohan , Kohad Dishant , Hiwarkar Amita , Godbole Pooja , Bhasarkar Rutik 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In response to the exponential growth of vehicles in the last two decades, we propose a Machine Learning-based Smart Parking System designed to address the challenges of parking management without the need for sensors or IoT technology. This system leverages cloud computing and a cyber-physical framework to streamline parking operations, providing real-time information to users about parking slot availability, efficient management of reserved and unreserved slots, detection of anomalies, and intelligent traffic management. With a user-friendly interface, the system minimises human intervention, resulting in time, cost, and energy savings, offering an enhanced and efficient solution for urban parking management.In response to the exponential growth of vehicles in the last two decades, we propose a Machine Learning-based Smart Parking System implemented as a web application using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, without the need for sensors or IoT technology. This web-based system leverages cloud computing and a cyber-physical framework to streamline parking operations, providing real-time information to users about parking slot availability, efficient management of reserved and unreserved slots, detection of anomalies, and intelligent traffic management. With a user-friendly interface, the system minimises human intervention, resulting in time, cost, and energy savings, offering an enhanced and efficient solution for urban parking management.
Analysis of 26 STRs loci (PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System) in Mestizos from the Mexico City
Authors: López-Armenta Mauro , Álvarez-Sánchez María Elizbeth , León-Campos Carolina , Gonzalez-Sobrino Blanca Zoila , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor , Muñoz-Valle José Francisco , Sánchez-Méndez Astrid Desireé , Aguilar-Velázquez José Alonso 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Short tandem repeats (STRs) are the most widely used genetic markers in forensic genetics. Therefore, it is essential to document genetic population data of new kits designed for human identification purposes, in order to enable laboratories to use these genetic systems to interpret and solve forensic caseworks. However, in Mexico, there are not studies with the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System, which included 26 STRs (23 autosomal STRs and 3 Y-STRs).
Methods and Results
A total of 600 DNA samples from Mexico City were subjected to genotyping using the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System. For autosomal STRs, 321 different alleles were observed, while combined PE and PD were 99.999999809866 and 99.99999999999999999999999818795%, respectively. Genetic distances and AMOVA test showed low but significant differentiation between Mexican populations.
Conclusions
The results reported in this work demonstrate the efficacy of this system for human identification purposes in the population studied, and justify its possible application in other Mexican Mestizo populations.
Usefulness and safety of new ultrasmall-diameter colonoscope for cases with difficult insertion: A retrospective study
Authors: Terada Rie , Ichijima Ryoji , Iwao Aya , Kinebuchi Hiroshi , Okada Yuta , Sugita Tomomi , Ogura Kanako , Haruta Akiko , Kogure Hirofumi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Colonoscopies are widely available, but there are cases where insertion can be difficult, even for experienced endoscopists. EC-760XP/L, a new ultrasmall-diameter long scope, may be useful in such cases.
This single-center retrospective study included 39 cases where colonoscope insertion was difficult even when previously conducted by an experienced endoscopist. The primary outcome was the cecal intubation time using EC-760XP/L compared to a previous examination with a standard scope. The secondary outcomes were the cecum intubation rate, intestinal cleanliness level, adenoma detection rate, polyp detection rate, sedative use rate, occurrence of adverse events, and pain experience.
A comparison of cecal intubation times between EC-760XP/L and the standard scope showed that insertion times were significantly reduced with EC-760XP/L (9.5 minutes) compared to the standard scope (19 minutes) (p < 0.01). The standard scope achieved cecal intubation in 30 cases (76.9%), whereas EC-760XP/L reached the cecum in all cases (p < 0.01). Pain was observed in 3 cases (8.3%) with the EC-760XP/L, significantly lower than the 22 cases (56.4%) with the standard scope (p < 0.01).
In conclusion, EC-760XP/L proved to be useful in cases where colonoscope insertion was difficult.
Inducing the expression of ICOS-L by oncolytic adenovirus to enhance tumor-specific bi-specific antibody efficacy
Authors: Saffarzadeh Neshat , Foord Emelie , O'Leary Eoghan , Mahmoun Rand , Hansen Thomas , Levitsky Victor , Poiret Thomas , Uhlin Michael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background. Intratumoral injection of oncolytic viruses (OVs) shows promise in immunotherapy: ONCOS-102, a genetically engineered OV that encodes Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) demonstrated efficacy in early clinical trials, enhancing T cell infiltration in tumors. This suggests OVs may boost various forms of immunotherapy, including tumor-specific bi-specific antibodies (BsAbs).
Methods. Our study investigated in vitro, how ONCOS-204, a variant of ONCOS-virus expressing the ligand of inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOSL), modulates the process of T cell activation induced by a BsAb. ONCOS-102 was used for comparison. Phenotypic and functional changes induced by combination of different OVs, and BsAb in T cell subsets were assessed by flow cytometry, viability, and proliferation assays.
Results. Degranulation and IFNγ and TNF production of T cells, especially CD4+ T cells was the most increased upon target cell exposure to ONCOS-204. Unexpectedly, ONCOS-204 profoundly affected CD8+ T cell proliferation and function through ICOS-L/ICOS interaction. The effect solely depended on cell surface expression of ICOS-L as soluble ICOSL did not induce notable T cell activity.
Conclusions. Together, our data suggests that oncolytic adenoviruses encoding ICOSL may enhance functional activity of tumor-specific BsAbs thereby opening a novel avenue for clinical development in immunotherapeutics.
Effects of phosphorous and antimony doping on thin Ge layers grown on Si
Authors: Yu Xueying , Jia Hui , Yang Junjie , Masteghin Mateus G , Beere Harvey , Mtunzi Makhayeni , Deng Huiwen , Huo Suguo , Chen Chong , Chen Siming , Tang Mingchu , Sweeney Stephen J , Ritchie David , Seeds Alwyn , Liu Huiyun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Suppression of threading dislocations (TDs) in thin germanium (Ge) layers grown on silicon (Si) substrates has been critical for realizing high-performance Si-based optoelectronic and electronic devices. An advanced growth strategy is desired to minimize the TD density within a thin Ge buffer layer in Ge-on-Si systems. In this work, we investigate the impact of P dopants in 500-nm thin Ge layers, with doping concentrations from 1 to 50 × 1018 cm− 3. The introduction of P dopants has efficiently prevented TD formation, whose potential mechanism has been explored by comparing it to the well-established Sb-doped Ge-on-Si system. P and Sb dopants reveal different defect-suppression mechanisms in Ge-on-Si samples, inspiring a novel co-doping technique by exploiting the advantages of both dopants. The surface TDD of the Ge buffer has been further reduced by the co-doping technique to as low as 107 cm− 2 with a thin Ge layer (of only 500 nm), which could provide a high-quality platform for high-performance Si-based semiconductor devices.
Clinical Use of Bedside Portable Low-field Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients on ECMO: The Results from Multicenter SAFE MRI ECMO Study
Authors: Cho Sung-Min , Khanduja Shivalika , Wilcox Christopher , Dinh Kha , Kim Jiah , Kang Jin Kook , Chinedozi Ifeanyi David , Darby Zachary , Acton Matthew , Rando Hannah , Briscoe Jessica , Bush Errol , Sair Haris I , Pitts John , Arlinghaus Lori R , Wandji Audrey-Carelle N , Moreno Elena , Torres Glenda , Akkanti Bindu , Gavito-Higuera Jose , Keller Steven , Choi HuiMahn A , Kim Bo Soo , Gusdon Aaron , Whit Glenn JR 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose: Early detection of acute brain injury (ABI) is critical for improving survival for patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. We aimed to evaluate the safety of ultra-low-field portable MRI (ULF-pMRI) and the frequency and types of ABI observed during ECMO support.
Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study (NCT05469139) at two academic tertiary centers (August 2022-November 2023). Primary outcomes were safety and validation of ULF-pMRI in ECMO, defined as exam completion without adverse events (AEs); secondary outcomes were ABI frequency and type.
Results: ULF-pMRI was performed in 50 patients with 34 (68%) on venoarterial (VA)-ECMO (11 central; 23 peripheral) and 16 (32%) with venovenous (VV)-ECMO (9 single lumen; 7 double lumen). All patients were imaged successfully with ULF-pMRI, demonstrating discernible intracranial pathologies with good quality. AEs occurred in 3 (6%) patients (2 minor; 1 serious) without causing significant clinical issues.
ABI was observed in ULF-pMRI scans for 22 patients (44%): ischemic stroke (36%), intracranial hemorrhage (6%), and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (4%). Of 18 patients with both ULF-pMRI and head CT (HCT) within 24 hours, ABI was observed in 9 patients with 10 events: 8 ischemic (8 observed on ULF-oMRI, 4 on HCT) and 2 hemorrhagic (1 observed on ULF-pMRI, 2 on HCT).
Conclusions: ULF-pMRI was shown to be safe and valid in ECMO patients across different ECMO cannulation strategies. The incidence of ABI was high, and ULF-pMRI may more sensitive to ischemic ABI than HCT. ULF-pMRI may benefit both clinical care and future studies of ECMO-associated ABI.
Satellite Constellation Method to Achieve Desired Revisit Performance for Multiple Targets
Authors: Lee Soung Sub , Jong Pil Kim , You Eungnoh , Youn Jae Hyuk , Shin Ho-Hyun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study proposes a method for optimizing satellite constellations and a series of process strategies to achieve the desired revisit performance for each target in the area of interest. Using a repeat ground track orbit of periodic characteristics, a tailored regional-satellite-constellation method is developed to achieve the desired revisit performance for each target. The study consists of four parts representing four programs: finding orbit elements through optimization techniques; producing an access matrix between targets and satellites; deriving the number of satellites for each target for the desired revisit performance; and deploying satellite groups by minimizing the orbital plane. Then, the superiority of this optimization method is verified through numerical comparisons and contour distributions for revisit performance compared to the existing conventional Walker method.
The Real-Time Shadow Detection of the PV Module by Computer Vision based on Histogram Matching and Gamma Transformation Method
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Xia Haonan , Li Ke , Zhao Qinghe , Lv Shanshan , Lu Yinghui , Song Weixian , Wang Lishu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Solar energy plays an important role in renewable energy generation, with the advantages of low pollution, easy installation, and relatively easy access. However, photovoltaic (PV) modules are susceptible to cause localized shading from external factors such as leaves in the canopy, surrounding buildings, etc., which would affect power generation efficiency and even pose safety risks. Existing methods cannot perform well in real-time conditions. This paper proposes a real-time shading monitoring method for the PV module based on computer vision. The gamma transform and histogram matching were adopted to enhance key features and adjust the global gamut strength distribution in the image of the PV module; then the gray-level slicing method finished the segmentation to detect the shadow from the video. All processing can be realized in the real-time monitor camera and the detection results can be displayed on the HMI in PC with high efficiency and low cost. According to tests in the practical complex environment, the method can have enough detection performance and high real-time performance with an accuracy of 0.98, and the F0.5 and F2 values are 0.87 and 0.85, respectively. The metrics of the proposal method are higher than those of existing Canny monitoring methods.
Application of Light Image Enhancement Technology Based on Infrared Thermal Image Sensor in Sports Training Guidance
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Liu Jingjing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Technological progress has rapidly propelled a new generation of science and technology into the field of sports, continuously affecting and challenging traditional sports equipment. However, the design of existing traditional sports equipment is not perfect, and the training guidance strategies are outdated, resulting in the inability to provide effective and scientific sports guidance, resulting in overall poor performance. Therefore, this article studies the motion training guidance system using the optical image enhancement technology of infrared thermal image sensors. Firstly, this article applies relevant knowledge of infrared physics and infrared radiation to establish an infrared thermal image sensor model. The use of infrared thermal imaging sensors can recognize and extract images from motion training. Next, we will delve into the application of light image enhancement technology, as environmental lighting conditions may lead to insufficient contrast between light and dark, color distortion, and noise during the photography process. In response to this issue, this article optimizes traditional image enhancement methods and proposes a light image enhancement strategy that can maintain brightness. Finally, a motion training guidance system was designed by analyzing the optical image enhancement technology of infrared thermal image sensors. The system can real-time query the recent motion status and formulate training plans, effectively improving motion efficiency.
Association between preoperative osteopenia and prognosis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Omori Sachie , Ijichi Hideki , Wakasugi Ayako , Shigechi Tomoko , Oki Eiji , Kubo Makoto , Yoshizumi Tomoharu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Osteopenia, the loss of bone mineral density (BMD), was recently reported as a prognostic factor in various cancers. However, the prognostic significance of preoperative osteopenia in breast cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of preoperative osteopenia in breast cancer.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between osteopenia and clinical factors and prognosis in 532 patients with pathological Stage I–III primary breast cancer between 2009 and 2017. Osteopenia was assessed by measuring the average pixel density (Hounsfield unit) in the midvertebral core of the 11th thoracic vertebra on enhanced preoperative computed tomography.
Results: Osteopenia was diagnosed in 186 (35.0%) patients. The relapse-free survival (RFS) rate was significantly lower in the osteopenia group than in the non-osteopenia group (p = 0.0275), but there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between the two groups. When evaluated by menopausal status, RFS and OS were significantly lower in the osteopenia group than in the non-osteopenia group (P=0.0094 and P=0.0264, respectively) in premenopausal patients. However, there were no significant differences in RFS and OS between the two groups among postmenopausal patients. In premenopausal patients, osteopenia was an independent prognostic factor for RFS in a multivariate analysis (P = 0.0266).
Conclusions: Preoperative osteopenia was independently associated with recurrence of breast cancer.
Evaluation of β and γ-Cyclodextrins as a promising Bisoprolol drug carrier: docking, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA free energy calculations
Authors: Boorboor Mohammad Reza , Fazli Mostafa , Mahdavifar Zabiollah , Bagheri Ahmad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this research work, the binding mechanism of Bisoprolol (BIS) drug into the beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) nanopores were investigated using docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and MM-PBSA free energy calculations. Also, we assessed the energetic aspects within the BIS-CDs complex under different thermal conditions in four stages from 298 to 334 K, which includes mammalian body temperature in order to approximate physiological conditions. The computational results reveal that the encapsulation of the BIS into the cavities of CDs is reinforced by hydrogen bonds (HBs) and van der Waals (vdW) interactions in the aqueous phase. Next, we analyzed the degree of complexation between BIS and CDs at four different temperatures. The findings revealed that the degree of complexation is decreased as the temperature is increased. The β-CD complex exhibits greater stability compared to the other complex in the aqueous medium. The MM-PBSA free energy approach also confirms more binding affinity of BIS drug into the β-CD cavity.