bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertically asymmetric channels of graphene oxide membrane for ultrafast ion sieving
Authors: Chen Liang , Han Changdao , Zhao Wenhui , Liu Junfan , Lan Jian , Hu Shouyuan , Yang Huan , Zhou Feng , Fan Yan , Duan Xiangmei , Li Pei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The high performance of two-dimensional (2D) channel membranes is generally achieved by preparing ultrathin or forming short channels with less tortuous transport through self-assembly of small flakes, demonstrating potential for highly efficient water desalination and purification, gas and ion separation, and organic solvent waste treatment. Here, we report the construction of vertical channels in graphene oxide (GO) membrane based on a substrate template with asymmetric pores. The membranes achieve an unprecedented water permeance of 2647 L m-2 h-1 bar-1 while still maintaining an ultrahigh rejection rate of 99.9% for heavy metal ions, which is far superior to the state-of-the-art 2D membranes reported. Furthermore, the membranes exhibit excellent stability during long-term filtration experiments for at least 48 hours, as well as resistance to ultrasonic treatment for over 100 minutes. The vertical channels possess very short pathway for almost direct water transport and a high effective channel area, meanwhile the asymmetric porous template enhance the packing of the inserted GO nanosheets to avoid the swelling effect of membrane. Our work provides a simple way to fabricate vertical channels of 2D nanofiltration membranes with outstanding water purification performance.
A queueing system with Erlang-distributed replenishment time, multiple vacations and continuous-type inventory
Authors: Li Linhong , Liu Liwei , Xu Wei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we consider a continuous-type inventory system with positive service time, Erlang distributed leading time, and multiple vacations. The inventory policy is (r, Q). Once the inventory level is less than r, the manager sends a replenishment request to the external supplier. After a replenishment time obeying the Erlang distribution, a fixed replenishment quantity Q arrives in the system. If, during this period, the inventory is depleted, the server takes multiple vacations. We assume that the lost sale occurs while the server is on vacation. Normal service begins once the server returns from a vacation and sees that the system inventory is Q. We introduce a continuous-type inventory model with zero service time. We also prove that the steady-state probability distribution of the original model can be decomposed into the product of the distribution of the queue length of the classical M/M/1 queueing model and the inventory distribution of the continuous-type inventory model with zero service time. Numerica examples display the effects of parameters on the performance measures and the optimal system cost.
Protein and lipid expansion microscopy with trypsin and tyramide signal amplification for 3D imaging
Authors: Wang Ueh-Ting Tim , Tian Xuejiao , Liou Yae-Huei , Lee Sue-Ping , Lu Chieh-Han , Lin Po-Ting , Cheng Ya-Jen , Chen Peilin , Chen Bi-Chang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Expansion microscopy, whereby the relative positions of biomolecules are physically increased via hydrogel expansion, can be used to reveal ultrafine structures of cells under a conventional microscope. Despite its utility for achieving super-resolution imaging, expansion microscopy suffers a major drawback, namely reduced fluorescence signals caused by excessive proteolysis and swelling effects. This caveat results in a lower photon budget and disfavors fluorescence imaging over a large field of view that can cover an entire expanded cell. Here, we modify expansion microscopy by deploying trypsin digestion to reduce protein loss and tyramide signal amplification to enhance fluorescence signal We name our new methodology TT-ExM to indicate dual trypsin and tyramide treatments. TT-ExM displayed enhanced protein retention for endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial markers in COS-7 cell cultures. Importantly, TT-ExM-based lipid staining clearly revealed the complex 3D membrane structures in cells. Through combined lipid and DNA staining, our TT-ExM methodology highlighted mitochondria by revealing their DNA and membrane structures in cytoplasm, as well as the lipid-rich structures formed via phase separation in nuclei at interphase and lipid-rich chromosome matrices in the mitotic cells. Thus, readily available reagents can be deployed in TT-ExM to significantly enhance fluorescence signals and generate high-quality and ultrafine-resolution images.
RC-Columns Subjected to Lateral Cyclic Force with Different FRCM-Strengthening Schemes: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: John Shaise K , Cascardi Alessio , Verre Salvatore , Nadir Yashida 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures against seismic events has prompted extensive research into retrofitting techniques aimed at enhancing their seismic performance. Among these, Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems have gained prominence as promising solutions for strengthening RC-columns. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the seismic strengthening of RC columns using FRCM, combining experimental and numerical approaches to assess their effectiveness. The experimental phase of this research involved the fabrication of scaled RC-column specimens representing typical real-world conditions. These columns were subjected to a series of cyclic loading tests to simulate seismic forces. Multiple FRCM configurations, including different fiber types and dosages, were applied to these specimens. The experimental results revealed a substantial increase in the ductility, stiffness, and ultimate strength of the strengthened RC-columns, indicating the potential of FRCM systems as effective seismic retrofit solutions. In parallel, a numerical analysis was conducted using finite element modeling (FEM) to simulate the behavior of the strengthened RC-columns under seismic loading conditions. The FEM simulations were validated against the experimental data, demonstrating good agreement. This numerical investigation allowed for a more in-depth understanding of the stress distribution and deformation patterns within the strengthened columns, aiding in the optimization of FRCM reinforcement strategies. The integrated experimental and numerical investigation presented in this study contributes valuable insights into the seismic strengthening of RC-columns using FRCM systems. It provides a holistic understanding of their performance, including their enhanced load-carrying capacity, as well as improved ductility guiding the adoption of FRCM systems as a viable solution for mitigating seismic risk in existing RC-structures.
Unilateral fovea plana with reduced visual acuity: a case report
Authors: Bouladi Mejda , Othmen Amal Ben , Fekih Lamia El , Wady Ben Jalel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Fovea plana, defined as a lack of the foveal pit, is usually bilateral, and may be associated with a variable visual acuity depending on accompanying pathologies. We present the case of a unilateral foveal plana with reduced visual acuity.
Case presentation:
A 16 -year-old boy presented with low vision in the left eye. The best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the right eye and 8/10 in the left eye. Fundus examination appeared normal in the right eye and revealed less delimited foveal reflex in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed normal foveal depression in the right eye and asymmetry between the nasal and temporal parts of foveolar depression in the left eye. Fluoresceine angiography showed normal foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in the right eye, significantly smaller FAZ and vessels crossing the central zone in the left eye. optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) showed absent FAZ in the superficial and deep capillary.
Conclusion
fovea plana should be considered in patients with unilateral reduced visual acuity, the diagnosis is more evident with OCTA that has become the most useful tool for the diagnosis this disease.
Enhanced Convergence in p-bit Based Simulated Annealing with Partial Deactivation for Large-Scale Combinatorial Optimization Problems
Authors: Onizawa Naoya , Hanyu Takahiro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This article critically investigates the limitations of the simulated annealing algorithm using probabilistic bits (pSA) in solving large-scale combinatorial optimization problems. The study begins with an in-depth analysis of the pSA process, focusing on the issues resulting from unexpected oscillations among p-bits. These oscillations hinder the energy reduction of the Ising model and thus obstruct the successful execution of pSA in complex tasks. Through detailed simulations, we unravel the root cause of this energy stagnation, identifying the feedback mechanism inherent to the pSA operation as the primary contributor to these disruptive oscillations. To address this challenge, we propose two novel algorithms, time average pSA (TApSA) and stalled pSA (SpSA). These algorithms are designed based on partial deactivation of p-bits and are thoroughly tested using Python simulations on maximum cut benchmarks that are typical combinatorial optimization problems. On the 16 benchmarks from 800 to 5,000 nodes, the proposed methods improve the normalized cut value from 0.8% to 98.4% on average in comparison with the conventional pSA.
Radiomics unleashed: the power of DCE+DWI MRI models in predicting breast cancer recurrence and metastasis
Authors: Wang Haotian , Yu Tao , Deng Ning , Zhao Nannan , Cui Tingting , Xu Shu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to explore the predictive capability of the multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) model, which combines Dynamic Contrast Enhancement (DCE) and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) (referred to as the DCE + DWI model), for recurrence and metastasis in breast cancer patients.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 703 patients who underwent breast MRI examination at Liaoning Cancer Hospital and were diagnosed with breast cancer. After a rigorous screening process, 137 patients were ultimately included in the study. MRI scans were performed using a 1.5 Tesla (T) MRI scanner (Signa HD, GE, USA). From the DCE and DWI scans, eight radiomics features were extracted, leading to the establishment of the DCE + DWI model.
Results
The Radscore of the DCE + DWI model was able to approximately differentiate breast cancer patients based on the presence or absence of recurrence and metastasis. The multiparametric MRI model (DCE + DWI model) produced the highest Area Under the Curve (AUC) and accuracy values compared to other models. Diagnostic curves revealed that, at the same threshold, the model had the highest net benefit in predicting recurrence and metastasis.
Conclusions
The multiparametric MRI model (DCE + DWI model) demonstrates superior performance in predicting recurrence and metastasis in breast cancer patients.
Clinical usefulness of coronary non-contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography for selected patients with renal dysfunction or past allergic reaction to iodinated contrast medium
Authors: Takekawa Shoichi D. , Munechika Hirotsugu , Saginoya Toshiyuki , Liu Wen-Han , Ono Masahiro , Kawamura Keiichi , Kanno Megumu , Midorikawa Hirofumi , Nakazawa Makoto , Morishima Shigehiro , Yamazaki Hidekazu , Konno Takashi , Chiba Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective: To verify the usefulness of coronary non-contrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography (coronary MRA) for selected patients with disadvantageous physical conditions.
Materials and Methods:
Between July 2016 and May 2023, 55 cases were examined by coronary MRA for selected patients with decreased renal function, past allergic reaction to iodinated contrast medium (ICM), heavy calcification of the coronary arteries on the plain CT or patient refusal of ICM and suspected coronary artery disease.
Those patients did not have comparable examination methods such as CTA or CAG, to calculate sensitivity and specificity.
Therefore, clinical follow-up studies were performed in 47 out of 55 cases to verify that there had been no acute coronary syndrome in the intervening period when MRA excluded or could not identify significant stenosis.
Excluded cases were poor image (1), lost case (1), preceded CTA (3 cases), repeated examination (1 case), and early death (2).
The average follow-up period was 39.8 months (1-83 months).
The MRA was taken by a 1.5T MRI machine with 3D whole-heart magnetic resonance angiography and a 32-channel cardiac coil, utilizing a steady-state free precession MR sequence, respiration navigation and cardiac gating
Acquired MR data were processed by Fujifilm Synapse Vincent.
Results:
The follow-up studies showed no occurrence of acute coronary syndrome in any of the patients after coronary MRA.
Conclusion:
Coronary MRA was useful for the patients with disadvantageous physical conditions such as decreased renal function or past allergic reaction to ICM, although there are some limitations for MRA.
Note: CAG stands for coronary angiography.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation and previous crop influence pearl millet growth and yields in a Mediterranean arid environment
Authors: Labidi Sonia , Jerbi Maroua , Khanfir Marwa , Hammami Sofiène , Balti Afef , Hammami Zied , Chamekh Zoubeir , Trifa Youssef , Sahli Ali , Baazaoui Narjes , Jeddi Faysal Ben , Sahraoui Anissa Lounès- Hadj , Sghaier-Hammami Besma 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Pearl millet is one of the most important cereal crops for food security and livelihood of many rural population in semi-arid and arid environments. Beneficial microorganisms play key roles in sustainable crop productivity. We investigated the potential of biofertilization using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on pearl millet production after different preceding crops in arid region. In this study, a field experimental trial was performed in a completely randomized factorial design with three replications. Two AMF treatments: without inoculation (-M) and inoculated with a commercial inoculum containing six AMF species of Glomus (+ M), were tested after three previous crops barley (B), fenugreek (F) and the mixture barley/fenugreek (B/F). Growth, yield traits and some grain quality parameters in pearl millet were evaluated. Our findings revealed that AMF inoculation significantly increased pearl millet root colonization by 3 and 4-fold after B and B/F, respectively. Inoculated pear millet plants presented a significant increase in fresh and dry biomasses, chlorophyll contents, as well as in yield parameters. The highest grain yield was obtained when pearl millet was grown after B (196.9 g/m2) and B/F (186.7 g/m2) as preceding crops. Regarding the grain quality of pearl millet, the highest concentrations of polyphenol and flavonoid were recorded for plants cultivated after B and B/F, with 36 and 28% increases, respectively, as compared to the control. This study demonstrated the important role of AMF and preceding crop as strategic tools in enhancing pearl millet productivity in arid environment.
Affective Commonsense Knowledge Enhanced Dependency Graph for Aspect Sentiment Triplet Extraction
Authors: Sun Xiaowen , Zhu Zhenfang , Qi Jiangtao , Zhao Zhen , Pei Hongli 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Most existing aspect sentiment triplet extraction models emphasize the adoption of novel tagging scheme to jointly extract three elements of sentiment triplets, but they overlook the intrinsic information of individual words, including the implicit relationships between words, which results in the inaccurate triplet extraction. In this paper, we propose a novel method named Affective Commonsense Knowledge Enhanced Dependency Graph, which considers the sentiment information contained in each word and the relative positional distance relationships between them. Specifically, a dependency graph is generated, incorporating the sentiment information obtained through an external knowledge base called SenticNet. This dependency graph is integrated into a multi-layer Graph Convolutional Network to enhance the sentiment dependency relationships between words. Additionally, an attention mechanism with relative position embeddings is utilized to acquire word representations which incorporate contextual and syntactic information. Furthermore, an expanded Grid Tagging Scheme is employed to provide more accurate description of the relationships between words. Experimental results on SemEval and ASTE-Data-V2 demonstrate its superior performance of our method.
Optimizing the microbial synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Gloeophyllum striatum and their antimicrobial potential evaluation
Authors: Tończyk Aleksandra , Niedziałkowska Katarzyna , Lisowska Katarzyna 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The search for new sources of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is being continued. Microbial synthesis seems to be the most advantageous solution for large scale production. The use of brown rot fungi is scarcely described, but it might be a promising solution due to their known enzymatic abilities. In the present study, the synthesis of AgNPs with the use of Gloeophyllum striatum DSM 9592 was performed in various process conditions. The obtained silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis, FT-IR, SEM and NTA techniques. Antimicrobial potential of all synthesized nanoparticles was tested against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. P. aeruginosa occurred to be the most sensitive with MIC value of 1.56 µg/ml. The research was extended by the biofilm formation assay for the selected strain. The haemolytic and cytotoxic activity of obtained AgNPs was also tested. It was established that the toxicity of synthesized AgNPs did not reach the LC50 level in the concentration equal to the MIC90 value against P. aeruginosa. These results highlight the possible utility of mycogenic silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent in antiseptics or other external treatments.
Investigating the use of 3-component - 2-dimensional particle image velocimetry fields as inflow boundary condition for the direct numerical simulation of turbulent channel flow
Authors: Kannadasan Ezhilsabareesh , Atkinson Callum , Soria Julio 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulent wall-bounded flows requires long streamwise computational domains to establish the correct spatial evolution of large-scale structures with high fidelity. In contrast, experimental measurements can relatively easily capture large-scale structures but struggle to resolve the dissipative flow scales with high fidelity. One methodology to overcome the shortcomings of each approach is via a data assimilation process which combines the strengths of DNS with experimental measurements by using experimental velocity field measurements as the inflow to a DNS of a convective turbulent wall-bounded shear flow to reduce the spatial streamwise domain and accelerate the DNS to the proper development of the large-scale structures. To this end, this paper reports the results of an investigation to establish the impact of limited spatial resolution and limited near-wall experimental inflow data on the DNS of a wall-bounded turbulent shear flow. Specifically, this study investigates the spatial extent required for the DNS of a turbulent channel flow to recover the turbulent velocity fluctuations and energy when experimental inflow data is typically unable to capture fluctuations down to the viscous sub-layer or the smallest viscous scales (i.e. the Kolmogorov scale or their surrogate viscous scale in wall-bounded turbulent shear slows) is used as the inflow to a DNS. A time-resolved numerically generated experimental field is constructed from a periodic channel flow DNS (PCH-DNS) at Reτ = 550 and 2,300, which is subsequently used as the inflow velocity field for an inflow-outflow boundary conditions DNS (IOCH-DNS). The time-resolved experimental inflow field is generated by appropriately filtering the small scales from the PCH-DNS velocity by integrating over a spatial domain that is representative of a particle image velocimetry (PIV) interrogation window. This study shows that the recovery of small scales requires a longer domain as the spatial resolution at the inflow decreases with all flow scales recovered and their correct scale-dependent energy is re-established once the flow has developed for 3 channel heights.
Sequence- and Temperature-Dependent Intrastrand Photocrosslinking of 5-Fluoro-2’-O-methyl- 4-thiouridine Modified Oligonucleotides
Authors: Nowak-Karnowska Joanna , Taras-Goślińska Katarzyna , Haider Shozeb , Skalski Bohdan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

DNA photocrosslinking reactions occur widely in biological systems and are often used as a valuable tool in molecular biology. With regard to the latter, highly efficient and selective photoactive DNA crosslinking agents are of particular interest. 4-Thiouridine is one of the most frequently used photoactivatable DNA crosslinking agents. Our previous studies revealed that it’s 5-halogeno derivatives, namely 5-fluoro- and 5-chloro-4-thiouridines (FSU and ClSU, respectively), incorporated into double stranded DNA oligonucleotide form highly fluorescent interstrand crosslink with thymidine in nearly quantitative yield. Here we reported the sequence- and temperature dependent formation of intrastrand crosslink products from the irradiation of single stranded oligodeoxynucleotides bearing FSU. Our results showed that two types of intrastrand crosslink products could be formed, namely the fluorescent one with T and nonfluorescent with C. Moreover, partial photooxidation of FSU residue to 5-fluorouridine was also observed. Our studies confirm the possibility of intrastrand photocrosslinking of nonadjacent bases in short oligodeoxynucleotides. The results were supported by molecular dynamics simulations and are valuable for the future designing of FSU-labeled probes for fluorescence-based detection of specific DNA sequences.
Regularity of Hele-Shaw Flow with Source and Drift
Authors: Kim Inwon , Zhang Yuming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this paper we study the regularity property of Hele-Shaw flow, where source and drift are present in the evolution. More specifically we consider H\"{o}lder continuous source and Lipschitz continuous drift. We show that if the free boundary of the solution is locally close to a Lipschitz graph, then it is indeed Lipschitz, given that the Lipschitz constant is small. When there is no drift, our result establishes $C^{1,\gamma}$ regularity of the free boundary by combining our result with the obstacle problem theory. In general, when the source and drift are both smooth, we prove that the solution is non-degenerate, indicating higher regularity of the free boundary.