bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insulin-like growth factor-1 as a potential diagnostic biomarker for non-traumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head: a prospective study
Authors: Wang Xiangjiang , Yang Lang , Han Xianjing , Wen Guohong , Guan Hong , Liu Guiwang , Ru Jiangying , Wang Guiqing , Li Hongyi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The etiopathogenesis of non-traumatic avascular necrosis of femoral head (N-ANFH) is still elusive. Its accurate early diagnosis remains challenging. Aimed to identify potential biomarkers, we evaluated the relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and N-ANFH.
Methods
A prospective study was conducted on the patients with control and N-ANFH cohorts admitted from the orthopedic department of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from July 2020 to February 2023. The control (n = 25) and N-ANFH cohorts (n = 30) were randomly selected using block randomization method. The gender, age, body mass index (BMI), bone metabolism (BM) markers, including IGF-1, type I collagen hydroxyl terminal peptide β special sequence (β-CTX), N-terminal mid-fragment of osteocalcin (N-MID), total aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (T-PINP), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin (D25(OH)D), parathormone and bone density, were compared between the two cohorts. Then Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied. The expression pattern of IGF-1 in bone tissue from control and N-ANFH cohorts was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. Furthermore, the line regression and Pearson correlation analysis were used to analyze the relationship between IGF-1 and BMD, the value of these markers in the diagnosis N-ANFH was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.
Results
The BM markers of the N-ANFH cohort were significantly decrease than those of the control cohort (p < 0.05), and IF revealed that the expression level of IGF-1 in the control cohort was significantly higher than that of the N-ANFH cohort. The expression level of IGF-1 was positively correlated with hip BMD (r = 0.7569, p = 0.0001). Among these BM markers, IGF-1 shown the most significant area under ROC curve (AUC) in the diagnosis of N-ANFH, which was 0.7373, p = 0.0026, with a cutoff value of 139.6, corresponding sensitivity of 80%, and a specificity of 64%.
Conclusions
The level of BM in N-ANFH is significantly decreased. Among these BM markers, IGF-1 was most closely associated with N-ANFH and may serve as potential adjuvant biomarkers in the early diagnosis of N-ANFH.
Clinical Application of T-MIST Acoustic Therapy in Tinnitus Patients
Authors: Lu Dan , Chen Lu , Huang Shui-xian , Chen Xiao-ping , Xue Xiao-cheng , Zhou En-hui , Zhang Yi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with tinnitus and the efficacy of T-MIST through collection of medical history, refined tinnitus detection and acoustic treatment of 2180 patients, and to explore the application value of T-MIST in the treatment of tinnitus. Methods Clinical data from 2180 patients with tinnitus who visited our department between 2018 and 2021 were collected and divided into chronic tinnitus group (1034 cases) and acute tinnitus group (1146 cases). Medical history was collected, indicators related to tinnitus were refined, and the THI scale was filled in. The sex, hypertension, diabetes, cervical spondylosis, long-term exposure history to noise, history of fatigue with onset of tinnitus, sleep disorders, and the correlation between tinnitus were analyzed. At the same time, frequency of tinnitus The correlation between the degree of hearing loss at the sites of tinnitus and slow tinnitus and the efficacy analysis of T-MIST in patients with tinnitus. Results Hypertension, sleep disorder, and tinnitus were correlated, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), while gender, diabetes, cervical spondylosis, history of exposure to noise, history of fatigue at the beginning of tinnitus and tinnitus were not statistically significant (P > 0.05); The appearance of tinnitus was correlated with the frequency of dominant tone of tinnitus and the loudness of dominant tone of tinnitus, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); There was a statistically significant difference in the efficacy of T-MIST acoustic therapy in patients with chronic tinnitus and acute tinnitus (P < 0.05). Conclusions T- MIST has certain clinical advantages in the treatment of chronic tinnitus. It can synchronize the detailed medical history of patients and more precisely detect the tinnitus and hearing of patients with 1/24 octave, which is more accurate than traditional audiological detection methods, and targeted individualized treatment is a new direction in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
An environmental life cycle assessment of electric race car: a well-to-wheel analysis
Authors: Ros Bartosz , Selech Jaroslaw , Kasprzak Jedrzej 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The study concerns the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a prototype electric racing car, Formula Student, developed by students of the Poznan University of Technology under the name of eVarta. The main objective of this study is to identify environmental critical points and indicate key elements of the vehicle's life cycle, along with the impact of the assumptions made.
Methods
In the first part of the work, a literature review and standards review is conducted to organise the information and methodological steps for LCA components and their application in the subsequent stages of the study. The work focusses on defining the right assumptions, the process of data collection, and its appropriate aggregation, as well as the creation of a functional structure for the object under study. SimaPRO software is used to perform the assessment.
Results
The results of the evaluation show the high importance of the vehicle transportation phase in the entire life cycle and the significant impact of the transport-related processes, mostly considering the fact, that eVarta is a concept racing car, used only in specific conditions of Formula Student races all over the world. Most of the distances between races are covered using external transport means, and eVarta is used only for racing. The second main source of environmental impacts is related with the use of resources associated with the production of the high-voltage traction battery and the use of aluminium and related processes.
Conclusions
eVarta is a customized concept racing car, designed and built by the team of students of different faculties at Poznan University of Technology (Poland). As a prototype, eVarta demonstrates high levels of environmental burdens related with production materials and techniques. The ratio of these impacts may be limited by using a 3D CAD models to improve the information flows regarding the production of all parts. Moreover, the reduction of the environmental impacts may be reached by enhancement of production of traction battery, substitution of construction materials and improvements during use phase, e.g. implementation of energy recovery systems during braking.
Degradation and repair/resynthesis rates of chlorophyll in response to oxidative stress and complete darkness differ between annual and perennial flax
Authors: Nisbett Kenyon J. , Alokozai Abida , Ko Su Hyun (Elizabeth) , Mott G. Adam , Brown Jason C. L. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Among plants, there is considerable variation in maximum lifespan, with annuals living less than one year and perennials living up to 43 600 years. This lifespan variation may reflect differential investment of limited energy resources, with perennials investing more energy into biomolecular damage prevention and/or repair than annuals in order to ensure their persistence over multiple seasons. The present study evaluated this prediction using chlorophyll from annual and perennial flax (Linum L.). We investigated the degradation and repair/resynthesis rates of chlorophyll in response to two different stressors: oxidative stress and complete darkness. Chlorophyll levels were measured using two different techniques: image colour analysis and spectrophotometry. While chlorophyll degradation rates in response to oxidative stress did not differ between annuals and perennials, chlorophyll repair rates following such exposure were significantly higher in perennials, for both chlorophyll a and b, consistent with our predictions. When plants were subjected to complete darkness, chlorophyll degradation rates were significantly lower in perennials than annuals, as predicted; however, when plants were subsequently reintroduced to natural photoperiod, chlorophyll resynthesis rates did not consistently differ between annuals and perennials, though they tended to be higher in the latter, as expected. Overall, our study illuminates that evolutionary transitions between life history strategies in plants have been accompanied by some physiological modifications to chlorophyll dynamics that permit perennial species to better maintain chlorophyll levels in the face of exogenous stressors, which may contribute to their increased longevity.
Edge-Computing-Assisted Intelligent Processing of AI-Generated Image Content
Authors: Wang Suzhen , Deng Yongchen , Hu Lisha , Cao Ning 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Artificial intelligence-generated image content (AIGIC) is produced through the extraction of features and patterns from a vast image dataset, requiring substantial computational resources for training. This study aims to enhance image processing and response time on terminal devices by utilizing edge computing technology to offload specific training tasks to edge nodes. Additionally, task offloading and resource allocation strategies are developed to effectively generate image content on terminal devices. Edge computing aims to execute computing tasks in close proximity to data sources; however, the computing resources of edge devices are limited. Therefore, the development of suitable resource allocation strategies for resource-constrained environments is crucial in edge computing research. Serverless computing, which heavily relies on container technology for program hosting, is recognized as one of the most suitable architectures for edge computing. WebAssembly (WASM) is a binary instruction format that operates on a stack and enables the execution of computing tasks on both client and server sides. Its advantages encompass reducing cold start time, enhancing efficiency, and improving portability, thereby addressing challenges encountered by container technology in Serverless deployments. This paper commences with an introduction and analysis of the research status of Serverless and WASM, subsequently delving into the investigation of task offloading and resource allocation in edge computing within the Serverless architecture supported by WASM. To facilitate collaboration among edge nodes, an enhanced deep reinforcement learning algorithm, called entropy-based Proximal Policy Optimization (E-PPO2), is employed. This algorithm allows edge devices to share a global reward and continuously update parameters, leading to an optimized response strategy and maximizing the utilization of edge device resources.
Fabrication and operation analysis of a surface-plasmon sensor using a non-propagating mode
Authors: Motogaito Atsushi , Harada Akitaka , Hiramatsu Kazumasa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Our research focuses on the development of a surface-plasmon sensor that uses a stationary surface plasmon, referred to as a “non-propagating mode.” This mode is observed when light is incident perpendicularly on a surface-plasmon sensor based on a metal diffraction grating. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the behavior of the surface-plasmon resonances within this non-propagating mode, employing the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) method. Using electron-beam lithography, sputtering, and a lift-off process, we fabricated such a surface-plasmon sensor and evaluated its optical properties rigorously. By combining simulations and experiments, we successfully utilized the non-propagating mode to detect a liquid medium with a refractive index of 1.70. Simulations show that the non-propagating mode arises due to a Fano resonance; i.e., to a resonant interaction between a localized surface plasmon generated at the edge of a metal grating strip during normal incidence and a propagating surface plasmon that occurs at the boundary between the metal diffraction grating and the measurement medium. The present results provide useful information for the advancement of surface-plasmon sensing technologies.
Use of Group Contribution Methods, Hansen’s Theory of Solubility and Microsoft Excel in the Selection of Solvents for the Extraction of Natural Products
Authors: Ríos Manuel Díaz de los , Pérez Evelyn Faife 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Usually, Hansen's theory and the COSMO continuous solvation models have been used for the selection of solvents related to a solute, using the HSPiP and COSMO-RS computational tools, respectively. Those tools are not always available to many researchers; for this reason, Microsoft Excel has been used for the estimation of good solvents in the extraction of natural products of high value and interesting for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This method is applicable to cases where there is little, or practically no information about the compound of interest, for which functional group contribution methods are used, among them, the Joback method for the estimation of properties necessary for the determination of solubility models, and Van Krevelen method for the initial estimation of the Hansen solubility parameters. For solubility estimates, the Flory-Hugging model is used, from which and its classification, according to the North American Pharmacopeia, the good and bad solvents are defined in the selected database for the final estimation of Hansen's parameters and the solubility region. The methodology was validated with ten study cases reported in the literature.
Computational markers for personalized prediction of outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases
Authors: Benzekry Sébastien , Schlicke Pirmin , Mogenet Alice , Greillier Laurent , Tomasini Pascale , Simon Eléonore 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background:
Intracranial progression after curative treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) occurs from 10 to 50% and is difficult to manage, given the heterogeneity of clinical presentations and the variability of treatments available. The objective of this study was to develop a mechanistic model of intracranial progression to predict survival following a first brain metastasis (BM) event.
Methods:
Data included early-stage NSCLC patients treated with a curative intent who had a BM as the first and single relapse site (N=31).
We propose a mechanistic mathematical model to estimate the amount and sizes of (visible and invisible) BMs. The two key parameters of the model are α, the proliferation rate of a single tumor cell; and μ, the per day, per cell, probability to metastasize. The predictive value of these individual computational biomarkers was evaluated.
Findings:
The model was able to correctly describe the number and size of metastases at the time of first BM relapse for 20 patients. Parameters α and μ were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (HR 1.65 (1.07-2.53) p=0.0029 and HR 1.95 (1.31-2.91) p=0.0109, respectively). Adding the computational markers to the clinical ones significantly improved the predictive value of OS (c-index increased from 0.585 (95% CI 0.569-0.602) to 0.713 (95% CI 0.700-0.726), p<0.0001).
Interpretation:
We demonstrated that our model was applicable to brain oligoprogressive patients in NSCLC and that the resulting computational markers had predictive potential. This may help lung cancer physicians to guide and personalize the management of NSCLC patients with intracranial oligoprogression.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder During COVID-19: Analysis from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Baser Onur , Zeng Yixuan , Baser Isabel Eda 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Recent guidelines recommend improved treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD), yet little is known about the factors associated with treatment use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the use of treatments among US adults with AUD and assesses the factors associated with their use.
Methods
We used 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data for the study. AUD was identified using diagnostic criteria based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, employment status, health insurance type, family income, residential area, receipt of mental health care, and illicit drug use disorder were compared descriptively between treated and untreated adults with AUD. Multinomial logistic regression modeling was applied to examine associations of these factors with different treatments and no treatments.
Results
The 2021 NSDUH files included 47,291 adults (55.8% females). The past-year prevalence of AUD among US adults was 11.4% in 2021. In 2021, 3.7% of adults with AUD received non-medication treatment, and 0.9% received medication treatment. Male adults receiving mental health care and those engaged in illicit drug use were more likely to receive treatment for AUD. Age and education level were also significant factors. Living in a non-metropolitan area was more likely associated with non-medication treatment. We found no evidence of treatment disparities by race/ethnicity, employment status, family income, or health insurance type.
Conclusions
Effective medication and non-medication-based treatments for AUD are consistently underutilized despite several recent guideline recommendations that encourage treatments. There are opportunities for treatment optimization by educating healthcare providers and establishing assistance programs dedicated to adults with AUD.
Asynchronous Quantum Random Walks
Authors: Harringer Manfred 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
I build random walks on finite graphs Γ(V,E) with vertices V and directed edges E by sequences of randomly selected edges. Edge selection may also be organized by a curve on a torus, observing circuits in both directions of the course at a single circle. The edges trigger state changes of the vertices for particles, bosons or fermions due to the state spaces at the vertices. As a statistical result, I obtain a quantum canonical ensemble together with a vacuum. There are two kinds of process steps, acceptions and rejections, corresponding to stimulated and spontaneous emissions. Such processes are asynchronous versions of time evolution in quantum mechanics.
Fire resistance of one-sided surface-charred silver fir and European ash timber
Authors:   David Hans Ebner1,   Marius-Catalin Barbu2, Prokop Ondřej , Čermák Petr 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the fire resistance of silver fir (Abies alba L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) boards charred by the traditional yakisugi method and to compare the results with the fire resistance of non-charred boards as a reference. After the boards were surface charred on one side, specimens with different char thicknesses were selected from each wood species and subjected to analysis. Specimens with dimensions of 250×90 mm underwent a small flame test, those of 220×170 mm received indirect flame exposure by constant heat flux radiation from an infra-red emitter and those of 600×600 mm were subjected to a fire resistance test according to EN 1363-1:2020. The results of the small flame tests showed significant fire-resistance enhancement of specimens with a 6 and 3 mm char-layer thickness in fir and ash wood, respectively, and a 110% and 75% improvement when compared to reference specimens. The constant heat flux radiation tests did not reveal any significant differences between the reference and charred specimens. The up-scaled fire resistance test, in which an assembled panel was exposed to flame, also indicated significant improvement. The reference burn-through time of fir and ash specimens was improved significantly with increasing char layer thickness, resulting in 10–26% of fire resistance improvement for fir and 5–12% for ash wood specimens. These results suggest that one-sided surface charring of wood can enhance its fire resistance; however, this was mostly achieved in boards with the thickest char layer in both wood species studied. Further in-depth studies are required to better understand the complex behaviour of charred wood in response to fire.
Fostering sustainable Development Through Artificial Intelligence in Education (ESD): A Comprehensive Evaluation Framework and Key Criteria Analysis
Authors: yman chemlal , Mohamed AZZOUAZI 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The good implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) for Education Sustainability Development (ESD) in Higher Education (HE) will be a relevant factor in the successful ranking of universities. Therefore, Higher Education must evaluate the performance of this implementation and integrate adequate criteria of performance in its Quality Assurance System. This research paper aims to identify relevant evaluation criteria of the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) for Education Sustainability Development (ESD) in Higher Education (HE) and propose how HE can integrate those criteria into their quality assurance systems. The study utilizes a combination of qualitative content analysis and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify criteria for assessment and generate a weight matrix of those criteria. Based on the findings, a framework of evaluation is proposed to assess the performance of integrating AI to promote sustainable learning outcomes by elucidating the relationship between key elements, such as the SKE (Skills, Knowledge, Ethics) Model, Learning Objectives, Learning Outcomes, and Key Performance. Continuous improvement is a vital element in our framework to maintain its relevance in fostering quality in implementing AI in education for sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of a feedback loop involving stakeholders to identify areas for enhancement and ensure ethical and inclusive AI application.
IRS-Assisted Downlink Throughput Performance Improvement in 6G Wireless Networks
Authors: Mahbub Mobasshir , Shubair Raed M. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The notion of redesigning wireless propagation conditions using Intelligent Reflective Surface (IRS) has evolved to answer the demand for green and resilient future cellular networks. It is a realistic alternative to use intelligent surfaces that can be reconfigured (RISs) to increase the coverage as well as data throughput of wireless networks in the future. These surfaces are made up of a large number of passive as well as nearly passive elements that interact with incoming signals in an intelligent manner, such as by illuminating them, to improve the effectiveness of the wireless framework, giving rise to the concept of a smart broadcasting environment. The study sought to increase coverage for services using IRS in micro-cellular transmissions. As a result, the article examined the effectiveness of IRS-enhanced small cellular communication in regards to downstream throughput while taking into account the 6G cellular context.