bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of a novel toe–thumb pressure index for assessing arterial status in the lower limb. A reliability and validity study
Authors: Mazzeo Juliana , Banwell Helen A. , Tehan Peta E. , Anderson Grace , Graham Kristin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimsThis study explored the reliability, validity and perceived comfort of a novel thumb pressure measure and calculation of a toe–thumb index to identify their suitability as an adjunct or alternatives to ankle–brachial and toe–brachial indices.Methods and ResultsRepeated manual thumb and toe systolic blood pressures were conducted using two raters, over two time points, on 34 healthy participants. Concurrent automated toe, thumb and brachial systolic blood pressures as well as comfort ratings for these measures (using a 10 mm visual analogue scale) were captured once by a research assistant. Automated thumb and brachial measures showed fair correlation (ρ = 0.36, p = 0.03) and a toe–thumb index and toe–brachial index good correlation (ρ = 0.62, p < 0.01). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) identified moderate intra‐rater reliability for manual thumb pressures for Rater 1 and 2 (ICC 0.57, 95% CI [0.14, 0.79] and ICC 0.74, 95% CI [0.49, 0.87], respectively), while inter‐rater reliability was poor (ICC = 0.16, 95% CI [−0.85, 0.47]). Concurrent validity comparing manual and automated measures for thumb pressure was also poor (ICC −0.05, 95% CI [−1.06, 0.72] and ICC 0.42, 95% CI [−0.16, 0.72] Rater 1 and 2 respectively). Thumb measures were significantly more comfortable than brachial measures (5 mm, p < 0.00).ConclusionThumb systolic pressures are correlated with brachial systolic pressures, with reasonable intra‐rater reliability, however, correlation is only fair and measurement error wider than clinically acceptable. Furthermore, manual measures are poorly correlated with automated units. Consequently, caution is required in applying these techniques. As thumb measures were perceived as significantly more comfortable than brachial measures and have an advantage where brachial pressures cannot, or should not, be obtained, further evaluation is warranted.
Volume and Permeability of White Matter Hyperintensity on Cognition: A DCE Imaging Study of an Older Cohort With and Without Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lim Changmok , Lee Hunwoo , Moon Yeonsil , Han Seol‐Heui , Kim Hee Jin , Chung Hyun Woo , Moon Won‐Jin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe impact of blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage on white matter hyperintensity (WMH) subtypes (location) and its association with clinical factors and cognition remains unclear.PurposeTo investigate the relationship between WMH volume, permeability, clinical factors, and cognition in older individuals across the cognitive spectrum.Study TypeProspective, cross‐sectional.SubjectsA total of 193 older adults with/without cognitive impairment; 128 females; mean age 70.1 years (standard deviation 6.8).Field Strength/Sequence3 T, GE Dynamic contrast‐enhanced, three‐dimensional (3D) Magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo (MPRAGE T1WI), 3D fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR).AssessmentPeriventricular WMH (PWMH), deep WMH (DWMH), and normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) were segmented using FMRIB automatic segmentation tool algorithms on 3D FLAIR. Hippocampal volume and cortex volume were segmented on 3D T1WI. BBB permeability (Ktrans) and blood plasma volume (Vp) were determined using the Patlak model. Vascular risk factors and cognition were assessed.Statistical TestsUnivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with WMH permeability. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between WMH imaging features and cognition, adjusting for age, sex, apolipoprotein E4 status, education, and brain volumes. A P‐value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsPWMH exhibited higher Ktrans (0.598 ± 0.509 × 10−3 minute−1) compared to DWMH (0.496 ± 0.478 × 10−3 minute−1) and NAWM (0.476 ± 0.398 × 10−3 minute−1). Smaller PWMH volume and cardiovascular disease (CVD) history were significantly associated with higher Ktrans in PWMH. In DWMH, higher Ktrans were associated with CVD history and cortical volume. In NAWM, it was linked to CVD history and dyslipidemia. Larger PWMH volume (odds ratio [OR] 1.106, confidence interval [CI]: 1.021–1.197) and smaller hippocampal volume (OR 0.069; CI: 0.019–0.253) were independently linked to worse global cognition after covariate adjustment.Data ConclusionElevated BBB leakage in PWMH was associated with lower PWMH volume and prior CVD history. Notably, PWMH volume, rather than permeability, was correlated with cognitive decline, suggesting that BBB leakage in WMH may be a consequence of CVD rather than indicate disease progression.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 3
Phase behavior and synergistic gelation of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonad hydrolysates and gellan gum driven by pH
Authors: Liu Jia‐Cheng , Nie Bin , Wang Yu‐Qiao , Yan Jia‐Nan , Wu Hai‐Tao 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrevious studies have investigated complexation and coacervation of scallop Patinopecten yessoensis male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) and polysaccharides influenced by pH and blending ratio. It has been found that SMGHs/polysaccharide composite shows better gel properties under strongly acidic conditions. Thus, the complexation and coacervation of SMGHs and gellan gum (GG) were investigated via turbidimetric titration at different pH values (1–12) and biopolymer blending ratios (9.5:0.5–6:4).RESULTSBoth pHc and pHφ1 exhibited ratio‐independent behavior with constant values at approximately pH 5.8 and pH 3.8, respectively, dividing SMGHs/GG blends into three phases named mixed polymers, soluble complexes and insoluble coacervates, respectively. Overall, SMGHs and GG exhibited synergistic gelation under neutral and acidic conditions, with the initial storage modulus (G') increasing by approximately 42.5‐, 573.7‐ and 3421‐fold and 97.7‐, 550.3‐ and 0.5‐fold, respectively, at pH 7, 5 and 3, compared with SMGHs and GG. As pH decreased from 7 to 3, the initial G' and viscosity η values of SMGHs/GG gels increased by 20.1‐ and 2.3‐fold, respectively, exhibiting the greatest increase in gel strength. Moreover, the free water in the SMGHs/GG system significantly shifted toward lower relaxation times attributed to the immobilization of the outer hydration layers. SMGHs/GG gels in the insoluble phase exhibited denser networks and rougher surfaces, supporting the enhanced rheological properties and water retention capacity of the gel.CONCLUSIONThis work provides a basic foundation for the development of pH‐driven SMGHs/GG gelation by examining complexation and coacervation processes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Bridged Ethylene Polyethylene Oxide Surfaces to Improve Packing Materials for Widepore Size Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Camacho Kristine Joy , Tchoul Oksana , Xu Yuehong , Finny Abraham , Kizekai Lavelay , McLaughlin Justin , Byrd Steven , Addepalli Balasubrahmanyam , Xu MingCheng , Lauber Matthew 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTHere, we describe the preparation of bridged ethylene polyethylene oxide (BE‐PEO) surface‐modified silica packing materials for size exclusion chromatography. BE‐PEO surface‐modified silica was hydrolyzed and subsequent 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of hydrolysis products confirmed the successful formation of BE‐PEO bonded surface. Silica particles exhibiting 3 µm diameters and 1000 Å nominal pore diameters were selected as a base material for this work out of the critical need to improve analytical capabilities for the testing of cell and gene therapy drug products. Accelerated high pH aging study revealed significant enhancement in column stability. Multi‐angle light scattering noise measurements showed inordinately lower baseline noise. Moreover, we evaluated the chromatographic performance of BE‐PEO silica‐packed columns through separations of a protein test mixture, DNA ladder, monoclonal antibody‐based therapeutics, and adeno‐associated viruses. BE‐PEO silica columns demonstrated high resolution, high recovery separations that were confirmed to be reproducible and capable of extended column lifetimes and exhibited low ionic and hydrophobic secondary interactions. In summary, BE‐PEO silica particles have yielded a new level of performance, improved base stability, and inherently lower baseline noise. These novel widepore particles will facilitate more sensitive size‐based detection and characterization of large biologics in the form of advanced gene therapy products.
Biogas Residue Carbonization Rather Than Biogas Residue Promoted the Yield of Pakchoi and Reduced the N2O Production Potential in Horticultural Soil
Authors: Ouyang Hao , Song Yufeng , Yu Qianqian , Zhou Yindi , Zhang Feifan , Wang Hongyue , Zhong Lei 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBiogas residue (BR) and biogas residue‐derived biochar (BRC) are widely used as substitute for inorganic Nitrogen (N) fertilizers in vegetable production. Yet, their comparative research on vegetable production and N2O production was still lacking. Here, the pot experiment of pakchoi (Brassica chinensis) with a gradient of BR or BRC application rates (0, 30%, 60%, 100% w/w) was carried out to simulate different N fertilizer substitution rates. The results showed that the pakchoi yield had no difference between BR or BRC and control treatments; BRC had more advantages than BR in maintaining or increasing the pakchoi yield. BR and BRC could all reduce N2O production potential in vegetable soils. But BRC had a stronger ability to inhibit denitrification while BR had a stronger ability to inhibit nitrification compared with each other. The results showed that BR and BRC had different regulatory pathways for pakchoi yield and N2O production. BR regulated the pakchoi yield majorly through nitrification, but BRC majorly through denitrification. It suggested that BR and BRC could partially or completely replace inorganic fertilizers without reducing pakchoi yield. BRC combined with chemical fertilizers was a higher intelligence strategy in vegetable systems to improve pakchoi yield and N2O production compared with BR. It provided a theoretical basis for the application of BR and BRC to nutrient cycling and microbial processes in the soil‐vegetable system.
Acylated Anthocyanins From Black Carrots and Their Related Phenolic Acids Diminish Priming and Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in THP‐1 Monocytes
Authors: Behrendt Inken , Becker Katharina , Steingass Christof Björn , Schweiggert Ralf , Michel Gabriela , Friedrich Elvira , Grote Daniela , Martin Zoe , Dötzer Hanna Pauline , Fasshauer Mathias , Speckmann Martin , Kuntz Sabine 
Published: October 2024

ScopeExcessive activation of the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to chronic inflammation. Thus, targeting NLRP3 inflammasome activation by anthocyanins may prevent inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the present study determines the influence of a black carrot extract (BCE) with high amounts of acylated anthocyanins and their related phenolic acids on the NLRP3 inflammasome.Methods and resultsTHP‐1 monocytes are pretreated with a BCE, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G), or hydroxycinnamic acids. NLRP3 inflammasome assembly is initiated by priming THP‐1 monocytes with lipopolysaccharide and/or activating the NLRP3 inflammasome with nigericin. Flow cytometry is used to assess apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC) speck formation, as well as ASC and NLRP3 protein expression. Caspase‐1 activity is measured using a bioluminescent assay, and cytokine concentrations are determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). C3G and phenolic acids diminish ASC and NLRP3 protein expression. In addition, C3G and phenolic acids attenuate ASC speck formation. Furthermore, the BCE and C3G decline caspase‐1 activity. Consistently, IL‐1β and IL‐18 secretion are reduced upon NLRP3 inflammasome activation.ConclusionThe present study shows that a BCE with high amounts of acylated anthocyanins and their related phenolic acids diminish priming and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in THP‐1 monocytes.
Design and investigation of an ultra‐wideband microstrip patch antenna for biomedical on‐body applications
Authors: Krishnan Rahul , Cheggour Selina , Meher Priya R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMicrostrip antennas are increasingly utilized in space‐borne applications, spanning areas such as RFID, mobile communication, and healthcare. This paper introduces a novel wearable ultra‐wideband (UWB) microstrip patch antenna, distinctively designed in a star shape. The antenna, with a total volume of 1172 mmÂş, is crafted on a semiflexible substrate using RT/duroid 5880. It exhibits a low loss tangent of 0.0004 and a relative permittivity of 2.2. The proposed design achieves a resonant frequency of 3.4 GHz, an impressive reflection coefficient of −39 dB, and an extensive bandwidth of 5.6 GHz, ranging from 2.8 to 8.4 GHz. Although the antenna demonstrates modest gain and directivity, its expansive bandwidth is a significant attribute. This wideband antenna is proposed as an ideal candidate for wearable biomedical applications, leveraging its substantial bandwidth and unique design characteristics.
Investigating the effects of wild olive Olea europaea leaf extract on growth, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, hematological parameters, and immune function in Nile Tilapia
Authors: Naz Saira , Majeed Saima , Tasleem Samiyah , Renuka Jyothi S. , Thakur Himani , Anuradha J. , Ujan Javed Ahmed , Ullah Mujeeb , Zahid Muhammad , Attaullah Sobia , Mohany Mohamed , Habib Syed Sikandar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study investigated the effects of supplementing Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus diets with wild olive Olea europaea leaf extract (WLE) on growth performance, digestive enzymes, and antioxidant and immunological parameters.

Methods
Wild olive leaf extract was added at different concentrations (WLE 0.0 [control], 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) and fed to triplicate fish groups for 12 weeks. At the end of the trial period, growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activities, and hematological, biochemical, antioxidant, and immunological parameters were evaluated.

Result
According to the results, fish that were fed with WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0% exhibited significantly improved weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed intake. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly reduced in fish supplied with WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0%. Additionally, weight gain and FCR showed significance at both the linear and quadratic levels, as indicated by polynomial contrasts. However, the experimental diets did not impact fish body composition, digestive enzyme activity, or survival rate. Fish that received WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0% showed significantly higher levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared with the WLE 1.0% and control groups. Moreover, significant enhancements were observed in serum parameters, including total protein, albumin, globulin, lysozyme, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and total immunoglobulins, for the WLE 1.5% and WLE 2.0% groups compared with the control. Fish that were fed WLE 1.5% exhibited the lowest serum cortisol level.

Conclusion
In conclusion, experimental diets with WLE levels of 1.5% and 2.0% effectively enhanced both the growth and immunological parameters of Nile Tilapia.
Near‐Infrared Nanoparticle‐Mediated Photothermal Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of Advances in Monitoring and Controlling Thermal Effects for Effective Cancer Treatment
Authors: Oudjedi Fatma , Kirk Andrew G. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPhotothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. PTT uses light‐absorbing nanomaterials to induce localized hyperthermia and selectively eliminate cancer cells, thus offering advantages over traditional interventions. This literature review focuses on nanoparticles for PTT, their heating properties, and their functions in theragnostic applications for photothermal cancer treatment. It highlights the fundamental principles, recent spectroscopic developments for diagnosis and treatment monitoring, clinical advancements in near‐infrared (NIR) nanoparticle‐mediated PTT, and emerging numerical methods for preclinical planning of PTT.
Layered Graph Models for the Electric Vehicle Routing Problem With Nonlinear Charging Functions
Authors: Bruni Maria Elena , Cubillos Maximiliano , Jabali Ola 
Published: October 2024

AbstractElectric vehicle routing problems (EVRPs) involve the routing of a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to visit a set of customers while typically minimizing the total travel and charging time. Due to their limited autonomy, EVs may need to recharge their batteries en‐route at charging stations (CSs). Thus, routing decisions also include which CSs to visit, and how much energy to charge during those visits. These decisions are compounded by the fact that charging times follow a nonlinear charging function with respect to the EV's state of charge (SoC). We propose a layered graph representation for the EVRP with nonlinear charging functions (EVRP‐NL). Specifically, the layers correspond to discretized SoC values. Therefore, the arcs' energy consumption is approximated to match those values. We develop two compact formulations based on the layered graph. Furthermore, we introduced two charging policies that facilitate aligning charging duration with practical considerations. Computational results demonstrate the effectiveness of our formulations. Our best formulation effectively handles instances with up to 40 customers. On those instances, compared to the state‐of‐the‐art compact formulation, our formulation solves 13 more instances to optimality with less than half of the computational time. Considering instances solved by both formulations to optimally, the approximation entailed by our formulation yields a 0.94% deviation on average. Since our best performing formulation is compact, it may be readily used by a broad audience. Furthermore, as the majority of algorithms for the EVPR and its variants are heuristics, our formulation could be beneficial in evaluating the performance of these methods.
Recoverable Robust Shortest Path Problem Under Interval Budgeted Uncertainty Representations
Authors: Jackiewicz Marcel , Kasperski Adam , Zieliński Paweł 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis article deals with the recoverable robust shortest path problem under interval uncertainty representations. In this problem, a first‐stage path is computed, which can be modified to some extent after observing changes in the cost structure. The uncertain second‐stage arc costs are modeled by intervals, and the robust min–max criterion is used to compute an optimal solution. The problem is known to be strongly NP‐hard and also hard to approximate in general digraphs. However, until now its complexity for acyclic digraphs was unknown. In this article, it is shown that the problem in acyclic digraphs can be solved in polynomial time for the traditional interval uncertainty and all natural neighborhoods known from the literature. More efficient algorithms for layered and arc series‐parallel digraphs are constructed. Hardness results for general digraphs are also strengthened. Finally, some exact and approximate methods of solving the problem under interval budgeted uncertainty are proposed.
Mechanical and wave absorption properties of Fe3O4‐deposited Buckypaper reinforcing epoxy resin composites
Authors: Xia Zhiqiang , Dai Ruxi , Wang Rui , Gao Jianhong , Qu Bo , Chen Shaoyun , Cai Cuifang , Zhuo Dongxian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThere are increasing need for the development of electromagnetic wave‐absorbing materials since the growing concern about electromagnetic interference. However, materials with integrated structure and function are difficult to attain due to the high content of functional fillers. In this paper, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were formed into a three‐dimensional porous framework, known as Buckypaper (BP), which was subsequently in situ deposited with iron tetraoxide (Fe3O4) through the sol–gel method and incorporated into epoxy resin to create Fe3O4/BP/EP composites by hot pressing. The three‐dimensional porous structure of Fe3O4/BP facilitates the high‐content incorporation and uniform dispersion of CNTs and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The results indicate that the 33%Fe3O4/BP/EP composite achieved an optimal reflection loss of −38.41 dB and an absorption bandwidth of 3.28 GHz at the optimal matching thickness of 1.5 mm. This performance primarily stems from Fe3O4 adjusting the impedance matching of BP and enhancing the magnetic loss capability of CNTs. Furthermore, the deposition of Fe3O4 on BP improves the mechanical strength of BP/EP, The 17% Fe3O4/BP/EP composite achieves a tensile strength of 35.09 MPa, which is 46.27% higher than that of BP/EP and 92.38% higher than pure EP.Highlights
Fe3O4/BP was prepared by deposition of Fe3O4 onto surfaces of the CNTs framework.
Fe3O4/BP/EP composites with different Fe3O4/BP were fabricated.
Fe3O4 adjusts impedance matching of BP, and forms heterogeneous interfaces.
Fe3O4/BP/EP composites exhibit excellent wave absorption performance.
Fe3O4/BP/EP composites possess improved mechanical properties.
Construction of “organic–inorganic” hierarchical structure of carbon fibers and the effect on the properties of epoxy composites
Authors: Han Chen , Ma Jie , He Hongwei , Yu Wenwen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe demand for epoxy (EP) in semiconductor, aerospace, and other applications is currently on the rise. However, pure epoxy is difficult to meet these requirements, such as low thermal conductivity and poor toughness. Therefore, in this paper, sulfonamides (SAs) and core‐shell silica (SLC‐SiO2) were grafted onto the surface of short carbon fibers (SCF) with sizes of 0.1–6 mm by the chemical grafting method. As a result, the surface activity of SCF was improved and the interfacial properties of the EP composites were enhanced. The interfacial compatibility of SCF grafted with SAs and SLC‐SiO2 in EP is greatly improved, resulting in stronger mechanical interlocking and chemical bonding ability between EP and SCF. The results showed that when the content of SCF@SAs@SLC‐SiO2/EP composites reached 0.3 wt% of SCF@SAs@SLC‐SiO2, the impact and tensile strengths were increased from 12.15 kJ·m−2 and 43.4 MPa to 16.93 kJ·m−2 and 74.97 MPa compared with the pure epoxy, which were improved 39.3% and 72.7%. In addition, the thermal conductivity of SCF@SAs@SLC‐SiO2/EP composites was also improved by 12.5% from 0.205 W·(m·K)−1 to 0.2306 W·(m·K)−1 compared with the pure EP. This is due to improved chemical interactions and mechanical interlocking at the fiber‐epoxy interface. This study provides a new method for the preparation of high‐performance SCF/EP composites.Highlights
The amino group of sulfonamides was grafted with short carbon fiber to increase the surface active group of short carbon fiber.
Sulfonamides react with carboxyl groups on the surface of core‐shell silica to form an “organic–inorganic” structure.
Improve the surface roughness of short carbon fiber, and make it evenly dispersed in epoxy resin, so as to improve the performance of epoxy composite materials.