bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitrectomy for Diabetic Macular Edema: Effect of Glycemic Control (HbA<sub>1c</sub>), Renal Function (Creatinine) and Other Local Factors
Authors: Kojima Takeshi , Terasaki Hiroko , Nomura Hideki , Suzuki Toshimitsu , Mori Masako , Ito Yasuki , Miyake Yozo 
Published: June 2003

<i>Aims:</i> To determine the effect of preoperative factors on the foveal thickness following vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema. <i>Methods:</i> Fifty-eight eyes of 47 patients underwent vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema. In all eyes, no clear, visible vitreomacular traction was present. Twelve eyes were pseudophakic before vitrectomy, and 31 eyes underwent concurrent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent effect of age, history of photocoagulation, diabetic retinopathy status, preoperative posterior vitreous detachment, HbA<sub>1c</sub> and serum creatinine levels within 2 weeks before surgery, lens status after surgery and follow-up period on the foveal thickness determined by optical coherence tomography. <i>Results:</i> The median preoperative visual acuity was 20/100 (range from 20/500 to 20/20), and the median postoperative visual acuity was 20/70 (range from 20/500 to 20/13). The preoperative visual acuity (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution; logMAR) was 0.73 ± 0.36 (mean ± SD; 20/107 Snellen acuity), and the mean postoperative logMAR visual acuity was 0.60 ± 0.39 (20/80), which was significantly better than the mean preoperative value (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p = 0.011). The mean ± SD of preoperative foveal thickness was 475.9 ± 172.5 µm, and the mean postoperative foveal thickness was 277.3 ± 171.9 µm. The mean postoperative foveal thickness was significantly thinner than the preoperative thickness (Student’s paired t test, p < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a preoperative low HbA<sub>1c</sub> and postoperative pseudophakia were independently associated with the decrease in foveal thickness (p = 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). <i>Conclusions:</i> The greater reduction in foveal thickness in eyes with an IOL probably resulted from a relatively larger amount of vitreous being removed during the vitrectomy. Because the decrease in foveal thickness may be related to the preoperative glycemic control and the amount of vitreous, these factors should be considered in the planning for vitrectomy.
Adaptive prescribed‐time tracking control for uncertain nonlinear systems with full state constraints
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Jiayi , Ma Ruicheng , Fu Jun 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThis paper investigates the adaptive tracking control in a prescribed‐time for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with a full state constraint. Firstly, in order to restrict the state constraints, the barrier Lyapunov function is employed and parameter uncertainty is handled based on linear‐in‐the‐parameters (LIP). A prescribed‐time adaptive controller is then designed by backstepping to ensure that the closed‐loop system can reach zero in a prescribed finite time under any given initial conditions. The prescribed‐time is independent of the design of the parameters. Finally, two simulation examples verify the effectiveness and usability of the proposed method.
Multiple models for decentralised adaptive control of discrete‐time systems
Authors: Makam Rajini , George Koshy 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates decentralised adaptive control of discrete‐time systems consisting of linear time‐invariant systems and a class of nonlinear systems. The parameters of the subsystems and the interconnection strengths between the subsystems are assumed unknown. Multiple adaptive prediction models with switching are used in this paper to address the relatively poor transient performance that typically results from a single prediction model. However, the application of this methodology requires indirect model reference discrete‐time adaptive control, and there appears to be very little focus in the literature on this. The principal contribution of this paper is to fill this void by arriving at proof of global stability of such decentralised adaptive systems using the theory of Lyapunov and properties of square‐summable sequences. The chosen representation of the system enables the same results to be directly applicable to both linear time‐invariant and linear‐in‐the‐parameters nonlinear subsystems. We consider two parametric update algorithms, one of which has a normalisation factor. Simulation studies included in this paper demonstrate the improvement in transient performance.
Aggregation of titanium‐oxo clusters
Authors: Xie Yu‐Long , Fang Wei‐Hui , Zhang Jian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCompared with nanoparticle‐aspect relatives titanium dioxide (TiO2), titanium‐oxo clusters (TOCs) are atomically structural‐determined and can be further precisely modified through coordination and supramolecular chemistry. Another parallel research direction is titanium‐based metal‐organic frameworks, and those based on TOC have attracted particular attention because of their high optical performances resulting from the cluster aggregation effect. Though challenging, assembling macro‐materials from specific clusters helps establish the assembly chemistry of clusters and incorporates porous and flexible characteristics into a single bulk material. Although separate reviews are reported in these two branches, no comprehensive review is available to highlight the bridges between them. Herein, we review and summarize the development and progress of new aggregation of TOCs, from intramolecular unique cluster aggregation to hierarchical intermolecular aggregation via covalent forces, coordination bonds, and non‐covalent forces using the specific clusters as precursors. We hope this review fills the gap in the methodology of assembling particular‐aggregated TOCs and their derived frameworks, providing general guidance to researchers interested in this area.
Development and validation of an individualized and weighted Myeloma Prognostic Score System (MPSS) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Mao Xuehan , Yan Wenqiang , Mery David , Liu Jiahui , Fan Huishou , Xu Jingyu , Xu Yan , Sui Weiwei , Deng Shuhui , Zou Dehui , Du Chenxing , Yi Shuhua , van Rhee Frits , Barlogie Bart , Shaughnessy John D. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Zhan Fenghuang , Qiu Lugui , An Gang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCurrent standard predictive models of disease risk do not adequately account for the heterogeneity of survival outcomes in patients with new‐diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). In this retrospective, multicohort study, we collected clinical and genetic data from 1792 NDMM patients and identified the prognostic impact of all features. Using the top‐ranked predictive features, a weighted Myeloma Prognostic Score System (MPSS) risk model was formulated and validated to predict overall survival (OS). In the training cohort, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH), International Staging System (ISS) Stage III, thrombocytopenia, and cumulative high‐risk cytogenetic aberration (HRA) numbers were found to have independent prognostic significance. Each risk factor was defined as its weighted value respectively according to their hazard ratio for OS (thrombocytopenia 2, elevated LDH 1, ISS III 2, one HRA 1, and ≥2 HRA 2, points). Patients were further stratified into four risk groups: MPSS I (22.5%, 0 points), II (17.6%, 1 points), III (38.6%, 2–3 points), and IV (21.3%, 4–7 points). MPSS risk stratification showed optimal discrimination, as well as calibration, of four risk groups with median OS of 91.0, 69.8, 45.0, and 28.0 months, for patients in MPSS I to IV groups (p < .001), respectively. Importantly, the MPSS model retained its prognostic value in the internal validation cohort and an independent external validation cohort, and exhibited significant risk distribution compared with conventional prognostic models (R‐ISS, R2‐ISS, and MASS). Utilization of the MPSS model in clinical practice could improve risk estimation in NDMM patients, thus prompting individualized treatment strategies.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Direct Synthesis by Organic Acid‐Etching and Reconstruction Disclosure as Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhou Wei , Zhai Shengliang , Chen Xiaokang , Peng Zheng , Liu Zhi , Deng Wei‐Qiao , Wu Hao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. Chemically bonded MOFs on supports are desirable yet lacking in routine synthesis, as they may allow variable structural evolution and the underlying structure‐activity relationship to be disclosed. Herein, direct MOF synthesis is achieved by an organic acid‐etching strategy (AES). Using π‐conjugated ferrocene (Fc) dicarboxylic acid as the etching agent and organic ligand, a series of MFc‐MOF (M=Ni, Co, Fe, Zn) nanosheets are synthesized on the metal supports. The crystal structure is studied using X‐ray diffraction and low‐dose transmission electron microscopy, which is quasi‐lattice‐matched with that of the metal, enabling in situ MOF growth. Operando Raman and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy disclose that the NiFc‐MOF features dynamic structural rebuilding during OER. The reconstructed one showing optimized electronic structures with an upshifted total d‐band center, high M−O bonding state occupancy, and localized electrons on adsorbates indicated by density functional theory calculations, exhibits outstanding OER performance with a fairly low overpotential (130 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and good stability (144 h). The newly established approach for direct MOF synthesis and structural reconstruction disclosure stimulate the development of more prudent catalysts for advancing OER.
Controlling stabilization of oil‐in‐water emulsions with lignins through fractionation, functionalization, and formulation
Authors: Hadjiefstathiou Caroline , Manière Audrey , Attia Joan , Pion Florian , Ducrot Paul‐Henri , Gore Ecaterina , Grisel Michel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLignins, heterogeneous assemblies of polyphenolic oligomers present in lignocellulosic plant biomass, are valorized mainly by combustion because of their low solubility in commonly used solvents. However, in addition to antioxidant, anti‐UV and antimicrobial properties, and marked interfacial properties are part of lignins physicochemical properties, thus making them good candidates for sustainable colloids. It is hypothesized that lignins solubility and emulsifying performances could be modulated by fractionation, functionalization, and formulation strategies. The importance of the solvent, and of the pH on lignins solubilization in aqueous phase was investigated. Accordingly, simple O/W emulsions stabilized by different lignins were designed and characterized. The whole results demonstrated that lignins solubility in water can be optimized using appropriate co‐solvent and pH readjustment resulting in a homogeneous dispersion with only 7.2 ± 1.8% wt/wt of insoluble lignins. Both fractionation and biocatalytic modification of lignins allowed increasing stabilization of the oil–water interface by limiting coalescence (23%–24% of relative increase of the D90) compared with non‐fractionated lignins (32%), thus advocating their potential use as multifunctional emulsion stabilizers. As a result, a direct link between the molar mass profile of lignins and their ability to stabilize the oil–water interface as well as to reduce emulsion's sedimentation could be established.
Immunomodulatory activities and biomedical applications of melittin and its recent advances
Authors: Jafari Zohreh , Sadeghi Sahar , Dehaghi Mahsa Mirzarazi , Bigham Ashkan , Honarmand Shokouh , Tavasoli Afsaneh , Hoseini Mostafa Haji Molla , Varma Rajender S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMelittin (MLT), a peptide containing 26 amino acids, is a key constituent of bee venom. It comprises ∼40%–60% of the venom's dry weight and is the main pricing index for bee venom, being the causative factor of pain. The unique properties of MLT extracted from bee venom have made it a very valuable active ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry as this cationic and amphipathic peptide has propitious effects on human health in diverse biological processes. It has the ability to strongly impact the membranes of cells and display hemolytic activity with anticancer characteristics. However, the clinical application of MLT has been limited by its severe hemolytic activity, which poses a challenge for therapeutic use. By employing more efficient mechanisms, such as modifying the MLT sequence, genetic engineering, and nano‐delivery systems, it is anticipated that the limitations posed by MLT can be overcome, thereby enabling its wider application in therapeutic contexts. This review has outlined recent advancements in MLT's nano‐delivery systems and genetically engineered cells expressing MLT and provided an overview of where the MLTMLT's platforms are and where they will go in the future with the challenges ahead. The focus is on exploring how these approaches can overcome the limitations associated with MLT's hemolytic activity and improve its selectivity and efficacy in targeting cancer cells. These advancements hold promise for the creation of innovative and enhanced therapeutic approaches based on MLT for the treatment of cancer.
Research and innovation of engineering simulation practice teaching platform based on the civil engineering talent training
Authors: Li Nan , Gao Mengjin , Liu Shuaijie , Han Yiming , Xi Yajun , Gao Feng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe traditional experimental teaching and practical teaching cannot meet the requirements of experimental practice teaching under the new situation, and virtual simulation technology has made great progress in teaching. Based on this, a new teaching mode—engineering simulation practices teaching platform—is proposed. In this regard, the methodology research is carried out, and the implementation scheme is proposed. The teaching design, implementation, and improvement have received good application results, which effectively improve the training level of applied talents for civil engineering majors in colleges and universities.
Synchrotron X‐ray Characterization Techniques for the Development of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Gu Long , Zhang Yuying , Kong Qingyu , Yang Chunzhen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDeveloping low‐cost and safe batteries with high energy density is promising for large‐scale energy storage applications. Currently, aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) using Zn metal as the anode have attracted tremendous research attention as the next generation of energy storage devices due to their advantages of high energy density, environmental friendliness, and natural Zn abundance. The utilization of synchrotron X‐ray analytical techniques for in situ/ex situ characterizations offers a comprehensive understanding of the atomic local structure, crystalline structure, chemical states, coordination environment, interface properties, morphologies, and other physicochemical properties of materials on a variety of temporal and length scales, providing valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms of AZIBs. This review highlights the recent advances and accomplishments of various synchrotron X‐ray techniques, which have been employed to investigate different components of AZIBs and show great promise for battery research and development.
Tuning the crystallinity of titanium nitride on copper‐embedded carbon nanofiber interlayers for accelerated electrochemical kinetics in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Xiang Yinyu , Lu Liqiang , Yan Feng , Sengupta Debarun , Rudolf Petra , Kottapalli Ajay Giri Prakash , Pei Yutao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe development of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is hindered by the disadvantages of shuttling of polysulfides and the sluggish redox kinetics of the conversion of sulfur species during discharge and charge. Herein, the crystallinities of a titanium nitride (TiN) film on copper‐embedded carbon nanofibers (Cu‐CNFs) are regulated and the nanofibers are used as interlayers to resolve the aforementioned crucial issues. A low‐crystalline TiN‐coated Cu‐CNF (L‐TiN‐Cu‐CNF) interlayer is compared with its highly crystalline counterpart (H‐TiN‐Cu‐CNFs). It is demonstrated that the L‐TiN coating not only strengthens the chemical adsorption toward polysulfides but also greatly accelerates the electrochemical conversion of polysulfides. Due to robust carbon frameworks and enhanced kinetics, impressive high‐rate performance at 2 C (913 mAh g−1 based on sulfur) as well as remarkable cyclic stability up to 300 cycles (626 mAh g−1) with capacity retention of 46.5% is realized for L‐TiN‐Cu‐CNF interlayer‐configured Li–S batteries. Even under high loading (3.8 mg cm−2) of sulfur and relatively lean electrolyte (10 μL electrolyte per milligram sulfur) conditions, the Li–S battery equipped with L‐TiN‐Cu‐CNF interlayers delivers a high capacity of 1144 mAh g−1 with cathodic capacity of 4.25 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 C, providing a potential pathway toward the design of multifunctional interlayers for highly efficient Li–S batteries.
Mn(II) Promoted Divergent‐Convergent Domino Reaction Giving Dinuclear Tetrasubstituted Pyrrole Complex
Authors: Cai Jin , Zhao Bing , Zhang Qi , Wang Ao‐Hua , Zhang Jia‐Hao , Liu Bin , Zeng Ming‐Hua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDomino reaction of benzo[d]thiazole‐2‐methylamine (S1) has been developed in the presence of MnCl2 ⋅ 4H2O, leading to tetrasubstituted pyrrole coordinated dinuclear Mn(II) complex 1 ([MnClP]2, P−=2,3,4,5‐tetrakis(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)pyrrol‐1‐ide). The reaction process has been studied by assigning a series of intermediates based on time‐dependent mass spectrometry, control experiments, crystallography, and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculation. A plausible mechanism involving an unprecedented divergent‐convergent domino sequence has been proposed. Compound S1 could be activated by MnCl2 ⋅ 4H2O via coordination, which divergently produces two intermediates imine II (1‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐N‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylmethyl)methanimine) and alkene C (1,2‐bis(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)ethene) through oxidative self‐condensation and free radical coupling followed by elimination, respectively. They could then react with each other convergently via formal [3+2] cycloaddition to give deprotonated tetrasubstituted pyrrole coordinated intermediate [MnClP] after aromatization. Dimerization of [MnClP] produces the final product 1. Three C−C bonds and one C−N bond are formed through this six‐step domino sequence. The corresponding organic skeleton (HP: 2,2′,2′′,2′′′‐(1H‐pyrrole‐2,3,4,5‐tetrayl)tetrakis(benzo[d]thiazole)) has been obtained from 1 and shows a higher fluorescent quantum yield (52 %) than the reported 3,4‐diphenyl substituted analogue 2,2′‐(3,4‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐diyl)bis(benzo[d]thiazole) (DPB) (42 %).
Application of ionic liquids in ion‐selective electrodes and reference electrodes: A review
Authors: Morawska Klaudia , Wardak Cecylia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIonic liquids (ILs) are organic chemical compounds that are composed only of ions, a large organic cation and a smaller inorganic or organic anion. These are salts whose melting point is lower than the boiling point of water. ILs have many interesting properties, thanks to which they find great practical applications in analytics, electrochemistry, separation techniques, catalysis and others. One of the many areas of application of ionic liquids is sensors especially electrochemical sensors including ion‐selective electrodes. In this case, the properties of ILs that are particularly useful include very good electrical conductivity, high electrochemical stability, good extraction properties, hydrophobic character and compatibility with other materials, e. g. polyvinyl chloride plasticizers or carbon nanomaterials. ILs were used as components of ion‐selective membranes, both polymeric ones based on PVC and membranes in carbon paste electrodes. ILs performed various functions in these membranes, including lipophilic ionic additive, ionophore/ion exchanger, plasticizer, transducer media and matrix. They were also used as a component of the intermediate layer in solid contact ISEs. The last chapter presents examples of the use of ILs in reference electrodes. This review discusses the use of ionic liquids in ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) and reference electrodes over the last ten years.
Thermodynamic evaluation of a novel renewable energy system that simultaneously provides electricity, freshwater, and syngas using a multiobjective optimization approach
Authors: Naderihagh Mehrdad , Ahmadi Abolfazl 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis research entails the simulation and thermodynamic evaluation of a combined solar‐powered system that is intended to achieve the energy necessary to construct factories in areas where other sources of energy are not available. The system comprises five major circuits: (1) a parabolic trough that collects solar energy and passes it to downstream circuits via an evaporator, (2) an organic Rankine cycle that generates electricity for devices and factories, (3) a proton exchange membrane electrolysis unit that produces hydrogen from pure water, (4) a methanation unit that produces gas by combining hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and (5) a reverse osmosis (RO) unit that purges seawater to produce freshwater. This investigation studies the efficiency of energy and exergy, the destruction rate of exergy, and the economic value of system components as a whole. The system is represented by the technical equation solver, and the results are obtained as a result. This research employs the genetic algorithm and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method to locate the most effective point. The achieved outcomes include a maximum total system efficiency of 54.935% and a minimum total cost of 2.578 $/GJ. Dated to the optimal point, the power generated is 305.5 kW, the required power of a single‐cell electrolyzer is 293.8 W, the mass flow rate of methane and hydrogen production is 448.92 and 225.64 kg/h, respectively. The water volume generated by RO is 35.25 m3/h, and the total cost of the investment is 85.57 $/h.
Physician responses to insurance benefit restrictions: The case of ophthalmology
Authors: Abiona Olukorede , Haywood Phil , Yu Serena , Hall Jane , Fiebig Denzil G. , van Gool Kees 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of social insurance benefit restrictions on physician behaviour, using ophthalmologists as a case study. We examine whether ophthalmologists use their market power to alter their fees and rebates across services to compensate for potential policy‐induced income losses. The results show that ophthalmologists substantially reduced their fees and rebates for services directly targeted by the benefit restriction compared to other medical specialists' fees and rebates. There is also some evidence that they increased their fees for services that were not targeted. High‐fee charging ophthalmologists exhibited larger fee and rebate responses while the low‐fee charging group raise their rebates to match the reference price provided by the policy environment.