bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal associations of lipid profiles with sleep disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ye Meijie , Ji Qianqian , Liu Qi , Kang Xiaoying , Zhan Yiqiang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTo examine the associations of apolipoprotein E (APOE) carrier status and lipid profiles with sleep disorders, including excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (pRBD), among patients with early Parkinson's disease (PD) over 5‐year follow‐up periods. The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative is a multicenter cohort study based on an ongoing and open‐ended registry. Data from baseline and 5‐year follow‐up visits from participants of de novo PD were analyzed. Longitudinal associations of APOE carrier status and lipid profiles with sleep disorders were estimated via linear mixed‐effects models. A total of 657 participants with complete APOE genotypes were enrolled at baseline. Among them, 153 (25.3%) had available lipid profiles at baseline. In the linear mixed‐effects models, baseline APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 carrier status did not exhibit significant associations with EDS and pRBD (all p > 0.05) in all models. However, reduced high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and elevated triglycerides (TG) were associated with developing EDS (β = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.07, −0.00) and pRBD (β = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.02) in PD patients, respectively. In the APOE ε4+ subgroup, decreased HDL and increased TG displayed substantial associations with developing EDS and sleep disorders (all p < 0.05) in all models, respectively, whereas no significant differences were noted in the APOE ε4− subgroup (all p > 0.05). Our study did not demonstrate a clear association between APOE ε2/ε3/ε4 and sleep disorders in PD patients. However, the presence of APOE ε4 was associated with changes in lipid profiles, notably affecting TG and HDL levels.
Exceptional‐Point‐Enhanced Superior Sensing Using Asymmetric Coupled‐Lossy‐Resonator Based Optical Metasurface
Authors: Nag Chowdhury Basudev , Lahiri Pooja , Johnson Nigel P. , De La Rue Richard M. , Lahiri Basudev 
Published: December 2024

AbstractExotic optical responses of designed metasurfaces, including non‐Hermitian photonic systems exhibiting exceptional point (EP)‐singularities, offer diverse applications in the field of quantum sensing, laser technology, gravitational‐wave detection as well as biomedical instrumentation for weak signal detection. However, the sensitivity enhancement of such EP‐sensors is limited by quantum/thermal noises. Here we propose a novel scheme of EP‐based superior photonic sensing of any molecule, using suitably designed asymmetric coupled‐lossy‐resonators (ACLR) with a non‐Hermitian Hamiltonian. Unlike conventional approach of EP‐degeneracy lifting, the perturbing Hamiltonian of the molecular‐vibron, in the present method, generates an EP‐singularity by coupling with the ACLR that does not exhibit EP in the unperturbed condition. Raman spectroscopic measurements performed on such systems provide significantly enhanced peaks at the vibronic modes, thereby exploring a novel method for molecule detection with superior sensitivity. Such EP‐sensing is experimentally demonstrated in the current work by detecting the relevant protein‐vibrons of the recombinant Omicron strain of SARS‐CoV‐2 with 350%‐2200% enhanced Raman intensities, using an optical‐metasurface consisting of an array of Au‐asymmetric split‐ring‐resonators as the ACLRs. This work will open up a novel field of EP‐based superior photonic sensing of any molecule, in general, by appropriately designing the ACLR‐structures for detecting molecular‐vibrons with desired enhanced sensitivity.
On the controllability of an interior set degenerate Schrödinger equation
Authors: Alahyane Mohamed , Chrifi Abderrazak , Echarroudi Younes 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we are interested on the null controllability property of a linear degenerate Schrödinger equation with a degeneracy occurring on an interior subset of , where stands for the quantum diffusion. More precisely, we are concerned with the null controllability phenomenon using the classical procedure founded on a new Carleman estimate and afterward a newfangled observability inequality.
Recent Progress in Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly for the Fabrication of Structural Color Pigments
Authors: Guo Jingjing , Wang Jinwei , Wang Fuzhou , Qiao Shiyi , Yang Yonggang , Zhang Chunxiu , Yu Haifeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe self‐assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) into photonic materials has garnered increasing interest due to the versatility and ease of fabrication offered by the synthesized building blocks. BCPs are highly tunable, with their self‐assembled structures' size being adjustable by modifying the block lengths, molecular weight(Mw), and polymer composition. This review provides a concise summary of the use of BCPs as photonic pigments, which generate color through structural manipulation rather than relying on chemical pigmentation. These photonic crystal pigments manipulate light behavior, including interference, diffraction, and diffusion, to generate specific colors. BCPs are categorized into two types: linear block copolymers (LBCPs) and brush block copolymers (BBCPs), each involving different monomers that form photonic crystals(PCs). The structural evolution and advancements of BCPs in various practical applications are also explored. It concludes by suggesting that structural color(SC) pigments based on eco‐friendly PCs may replace traditional chemical ones in fields such as printing ink, biosensing, chemical sensing, and adaptive photonic materials.
Comment on Copolymer Randomization by End‐Group Interchain Exchange Reactions
Authors: Szymanski Ryszard , Kudryavtsev Yaroslav V. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe recent paper by Y. V. Kudryavtsev (Macromol. Theory Simul., https://doi.org/10.1002/mats.202400072) describes steady state conditions and kinetics of randomization in homopolymer/copolymer melts undergoing interchain exchange. By focusing on the analysis of the model equations, the author applies pseudo‐first order rate coefficients, which can potentially lead to misleading conclusions, especially concerning kinetics of randomization. In this note, an extended approach, accounting for the second order of the exchange reactions and making the model applicable to polymer solutions, is proposed.
Rubber latex‐assisted improvement of nano‐zinc oxide dispersion in high density polyethylene matrix: A study on the effect of latex type and proportioning
Authors: Li J. , Mou W. , Li X. , Zhu J. , Hu C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHerein, the type of latex and its ratio to nano‐zinc oxide have been investigated for the effectiveness of latex‐assisted dispersion of nano‐zinc oxide. By analyzing the mixed state of latex and nano‐zinc oxide after the addition of coagulants, as well as physical and scanning electron microscope of corresponding composite materials, it was determined that natural rubber latex has the best auxiliary dispersion effect. Based on this result, the effect of the ratio of natural latex to zinc oxide nanoparticles was further investigated. Result showed that when the ratio of the two was too small, the nano‐zinc oxide in the rubber particles would cause the natural rubber latex to fail to solidify rapidly. When the ratio of the two was 2 : 1, the natural rubber latex rapidly solidify and encapsulate the nano‐zinc oxide. Eventually dispersed uniformly in the high density polyethylene matrix. Based on these results, the corresponding composites have a corrected notched impact strength of 142.6 kJ⋅m−2 and a tensile strength of 24.2 MPa. They also have excellent electrical insulation properties. These two properties are retained at a high rate after aging., This work further refines the latex‐assisted dispersion method and can improve the potential of the method for industrial applications.
Management of Osteoporosis in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Ó Breasail Mícheál , Singh Karan P. , Lithander Fiona E. , Soh Sze‐Ee , McConvey Victor , McGinley Jennifer , Morris Meg E. , Ebeling Peter R. , Zanker Jesse , Zengin Ayse 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest‐growing neurological disorder globally. Defining features include tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, which in combination with nonmotor symptoms such as cognitive impairment and orthostatic hypotension increase the risk of falls. Along with low bone mineral density, fracture risk is high in PD.ObjectivesThe aims were to identify and appraise clinical practice guidelines, consensus statements, and treatment algorithms containing recommendations for bone health in people with PD (PwP).MethodsWe systematically searched 4 electroninc databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, and Web of Science) (n = 78), in addition to the websites of organizations, societies, and professional bodies focused on PD or osteoporosis (n = 28), up to April 22, 2024.ResultsAfter duplicate removal, screening, and full‐text review, 6 records were included. Included records were appraised using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) tool. All records recognized bone health as a concern in PD, yet recommendations for fracture‐risk screening were inconsistent. Two of six records grouped PD under the broad category of neurological diseases. The acceptability and tolerance of anti‐osteoporosis medications in PwP was discussed only in 1 record, which incorporated national osteoporosis guidelines into a PD‐specific treatment algorithm.ConclusionsThis review highlights that despite the documented high fracture rates of PwP, health professionals do not always have adequate resources to support them when considering how to manage osteoporosis. Osteoporosis screening and management needs to be incorporated into PD treatment guidelines, and equally providing specific recommendations for PwP related to bone health in national osteoporosis guidelines should be a priority given the high burden of fracture in the patient population.
Digital Content Provision Under Virtual Tipping
Authors: Wang Wenche 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe proliferation of digital technology has introduced innovative engagement features between content producers and viewers. Virtual tipping, a novel form of revenue generation, allows viewers to award producers with virtual currency in real‐time. In this paper, we develop a model where content producers generate revenue from both advertisements and virtual tips, aiming to explore how virtual tipping influences the differentiation of digital content. Unlike previous models, we assume that content producers make prior product decisions before entering the platform and can adjust their content in response to platform incentives and viewer demand. Content producers face a trade‐off between expanding market coverage for higher advertisement revenue and prioritizing viewer satisfaction for increased virtual tipping. We derive a platform‐streamer contract involving two incentive devices: a share of virtual tipping revenue and mediated search. Our results suggest that virtual tipping reduces content differentiation, except in cases where differentiation is already minimal. Consequently, virtual tipping encourages both the platform and content producers to prioritize viewer satisfaction, which can be welfare improving. However, the integration of mediated search amplifies virtual tipping's downward force on differentiation, which may counteract the welfare gains.
The Neuroprotective Effect of Rooibos Herbal Tea Against Alzheimer's Disease: A Review
Authors: Chipofya Elias , Docrat Taskeen F. , Marnewick Jeanine L. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe world is experiencing a demographic shift toward an increasing proportion of elderly persons. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders are far more likely to develop as people age. AD is a gradual, irreversible, and degenerative brain disorder that progressively deteriorates memory and cognitive function, eventually leading to death. Treatment for AD is the most significant unmet clinical need in neurology. There are no effective treatment options to prevent or reverse the degenerative process. The current medical management focuses primarily on temporarily easing symptoms, with little or no overall improvement. Although genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors influence the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, recent research suggests that dietary polyphenols with solid antioxidant capacities play crucial roles in determining brain health and aging. Aspalathus linearis is used to produce Rooibos, a popular South African herbal tea, which may modulate neurodegenerative mechanisms such as oxidative stress, tau protein, amyloid plaques, inflammation, and metals, all of which have been associated with AD. We reviewed the literature to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effects of Rooibos and its major flavonoids and to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Kinetics of the Aqueous‐Phase Copolymerization of AA and HPEG Macromonomer in Acidic Media
Authors: Palma‐Lemus Kevin , Hamzehlou Shaghayegh , Froidevaux Vincent , Boustingorry Pascal , Leiza Jose Ramon 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWater‐soluble monomers are extensively used in the production of polymeric materials in aqueous media for various applications. Acrylic acid–polyethylene glycol 2‐methyl‐2‐propenyl ether (AA‐HPEG) copolymers belong to the class of comb‐like polycarboxylate ether (PCE) polymers, employed as superplasticizers for cementitious materials. Due to different reactivity ratios of AA and HPEG, semibatch operations with optimized monomer addition profiles are required to enhance the incorporation of HPEG into the copolymer. The kinetics of this system is complex and, like other water‐soluble monomers, depends on monomer concentration, pH, and ionic strength. Despite its high‐volume industrial usage, the kinetics of this system have received little attention in the literature. Furthermore, the presence of the HPEG, with 55 ethylene oxide (EO) units in the side chain, complicates the precise determination of individual monomer conversions. To address this, various characterization methods are evaluated, including proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Results show that HPEG conversion is determined more accurately using 1H‐NMR signals from the polymer than unreacted monomer signals or SEC traces. Aqueous semibatch AA‐HPEG copolymerization experiments are conducted in acidic media to investigate the effects of comonomer feeding time, initiator and chain‐transfer agent concentrations on the copolymerization kinetics, HPEG incorporation, and molar mass.
Assessment of risk prediction scores for venous thromboembolism in ambulatory cancer patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy: A comparative analysis
Authors: Muthukumar Hamsaveni , Jose Wesley Mannirathil , Haridas Nikhil Krishna , Nair Anjali Sajikumar , Pavithran Keechilat 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveCancer patients have a 4−7‐fold increased risk of thrombotic complications due to cancer as well as chemotherapy‐induced hypercoagulable state. This study compared the different risk assessment models (Khorana, PROTECHT, CONKO, and COMPASS‐CAT scores) that help predict venous thromboembolism (VTE) in ambulatory cancer patients. Early identification of high‐risk patients would benefit from thromboprophylaxis, thereby improving the mortality and morbidity due to thrombotic events.MethodsThis is a single‐center, prospective, cross‐sectional study on ambulatory patients with solid malignancy. The study was conducted over six months, from March 2022 to August 2022. Data on VTE predictors were gathered from 230 ambulatory cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.ResultsAmong the 230 patients receiving chemotherapy, 20 were diagnosed with VTE, with the majority of this population being either diagnosed with gynecological cancer or lung cancer, constituting 25% of VTE‐diagnosed patients. The Khorana score, with a VTE accuracy of 83.04%, was found to be the highest, followed by the CONKO (80.00%), PROTECHT (69.57%), COMPASS‐CAT Ⅱ (54.35%), and COMPASS‐CAT Ⅰ (38.26%) scores. The cumulative incidence of VTE among high‐risk patients showed that the PROTECHT score had the highest cumulative incidence (CI = 14.28), and the CONKO score had the lowest (CI = 9.40).ConclusionThe Khorana score was the most accurate, followed by the CONKO, PROTECHT, and COMPASS‐CAT Ⅱ scores, while the COMPASS‐CAT Ⅰ score was the least accurate. Hence, the Khorana scoring is essential for diagnosing VTE in patients with ambulatory cancer treated with chemotherapy.
Are We Able to Optimize Outcomes and Predict Complications in Pelvic Floor Surgery With a Better Understanding of Hormonal, Microbial and Other Factors? A Report From the ICI‐RS 2024
Authors: Taithongchai A. , Reid F. , Agro E. Finazzi , Rosato E. , Bianchi D. , Serati M. , Da Silva A. S. , Giarenis I. , Robinson D. , Abrams P. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionPelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition, affecting women worldwide and is known to have a significant impact on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Although there are various treatment options available, including pelvic floor muscle training and support pessaries, many women opt for or require surgery, with a lifetime risk of needing surgery of 12%–19%. As with any operation, this does not come without its complications and the reoperation rate following POP surgery is up to 36%.This International Consultation on Incontinence–Research Society (ICI‐RS) report aims to look at the different factors which may play a role in objective and subjective outcomes following pelvic floor surgery and to summarize the evidence and uncertainties regarding prediction of POP surgical outcomes, how to optimize them and the tools available to predict them. Research question proposals to further this field have been highlighted.MethodsAt ICI‐RS 2024, the evidence for predicting the outcomes from POP surgery and methods to optimize outcomes were discussed and presented in this paper.ResultsThere are many reasons why POP surgery may fail, such as variations in lifestyle and occupation, persistent constipation, failure in the perineal body, connective tissue types or the shape of the pelvis. There may also be inherent conditions of the vagina, such as hormonal or microbial features. The literature lacks evidence about the potential use of advanced statistical modeling or supervised machine learning in the development of management plans for patients with POP. Furthermore, future research is needed to determine the role of UDS in the preoperative evaluation of POP patients.ConclusionsHigh‐quality powered studies are required to assess optimization for long‐term outcomes of pelvic surgery and then, once these are well established, and possible interventions are elucidated, prediction modeling can have a real impact clinically.
Optimizing 3D‐Printing Parameters for Enhanced Mechanical Properties in Liquid Crystalline Polymer Components
Authors: Battistelli Chiara , Seriani Stefano , Lughi Vanni , Slejko Emanuele Alberto 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the influence of three critical 3D‐printing parameters—layer height, print speed, and extrusion temperature—on the mechanical properties of liquid crystalline polymer 3D‐printed specimens, using a low‐end 3D‐printer. The extrusion process during 3D‐printing can further align the molecular domains within the material along a common direction, leading to a reinforced polymer structure with superior properties. Specifically, the tensile strength, deformation at rupture, and flexural elastic modulus were evaluated to determine how layer height, print speed, and extrusion temperature affect the structural integrity of the printed components. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in both tensile strength and flexural modulus with the reduction of layer height from 0.16 to 0.08 mm. The study highlights the challenges associated with interlayer adhesion in liquid crystalline polymers 3D‐printing, which is crucial for optimizing the mechanical performance of printed parts. Post‐processing annealing was conducted over a wide temperature range (100°C–250°C), revealing its potential to further enhance material strength, though molecular diffusion emerged as a limiting factor in its effectiveness. By successfully demonstrating these advancements with a low‐end 3D printer, this research paves the way for wider adoption of liquid crystalline polymers in additive manufacturing. The use of accessible and cost‐effective equipment ensures that these high‐performance materials can be integrated into diverse applications, promoting democratization of advanced polymer technologies.
Development and Investigation of Biodegradable Hybrid Fiber Sandwiched Composites Using Ultrasonication
Authors: Kartik Shubham S , Pandey Ajay , Purohit Rajesh 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTLightweight and highly strong polymer composites are popular and used in a variety of industries, such as consumer products, electronics, packaging, healthcare, textiles, and aviation. This study examines the production of hybrid polymer nano composites (HPNCs) and their mechanical and physical characterization. HPNCs were developed by embedding eight layers of bidirectional Banana and Kevlar fiber along with nano‐graphene oxide (GO) and epoxy as the matrix material. The novelty in this research was done by employing an ultrasonication machine for uniform dispersion of nano‐sized GO particles and varying the stacking sequence of fiber (KKBKKBKK) followed by variation in GO (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1) wt.% in HPNCs. The optimum values of various mechanical properties such as flexural strength, tensile strength, hardness, and inter‐laminar shear strength were found for the 0.50 wt.% of GO which are 532.13, 552.42, 88.12, and 53.08 MPa, respectively. The optimum impact strength of 878.87 J/m was obtained at 0.25 wt.% of GO. Densities, void content, and water absorption tests were done under physical characterization. The surface morphology and homogeneity of HPNC were done using the FE‐SEM test.
A Whole MED12 Gene Deletion in a Female Fetus With Features Encountered in Hardikar Syndrome
Authors: Wu Liping , Xu Jinmao , Cong Xiaoyi , Zhang Tong , Pei Yuanyuan , Liu Jinghua , Zheng Hongping , Liu Weiqiang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTChromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), methylation‐specific multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MS‐MLPA), and trio‐whole exome sequencing (WES) were performed in a female fetus with omphalocele. A de novo heterozygous 300‐kb deletion in the Xq13.1 region, which includes the MED12 gene, was identified. Follow‐up ultrasound at 18+4 weeks of gestation revealed features consistent with Hardikar syndrome (HS), including a right‐sided cleft lip and palate, an omphalocele with intestines, a diaphragmatic hernia with the stomach in the left thoracic cavity, and displacement of the heart to the right. Phenotypic evaluation confirmed the presence of a cleft lip and palate as well as umbilical hernia. These findings suggest that a heterozygous deletion of the entire MED12 gene may contribute to the HS phenotype. This case extends the possible damaging effects of haploinsufficiency of the MED12 gene in the pathogenesis of HS.