bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a new class of stable and adaptable free-standing fibre mats with high room-temperature hydroxide-ion conductivity
Authors: Hérou Servann , Kasongo-Ntumba Pauline , Periasamy Arun Prakash , King James , McVea Molly , Doszczeczko Szymon , Bushby Andy , Jorge Sobrido Ana Belen , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Szilágyi Petra Ágota 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFor alkaline anion-exchange membrane electrolysers and fuel cells to become a technological reality, hydroxide-ion (OH−) conducting membranes that are flexible, robust, affording high OH− conductivity, and synthesised in a low-cost and scalable way must be developed. In this paper, we engineer a stable, self-supporting, and flexible fibre mat using a low-cost ZIF-8 metal–organic framework composited with ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium hydroxide and widely used polyacrylonitrile as polymeric backbone. We obtain mats with a high intrinsic OH− conductivity for a metal–organic framework-based material already at room temperature, without added ion-conductor polymers. This approach will contribute to the development of low-cost and tuneable ion-conducting membranes.
Cervical spinal cord stimulation exerts anti-epileptic effects in a rat model of epileptic seizure through the suppression of CCL2-mediated cascades
Authors: Okazaki Yosuke , Sasaki Tatsuya , Hosomoto Kakeru , Tanimoto Shun , Kawai Koji , Nagase Takayuki , Sugahara Chiaki , Yabuno Satoru , Kin Kyohei , Sasada Susumu , Yasuhara Takao , Tanaka Shota , Date Isao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEpidural spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is indicated for the treatment of intractable pain and is widely used in clinical practice. In previous basic research, the therapeutic effects of SCS have been demonstrated for epileptic seizure. However, the mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of SCS and the influence of epileptic seizure. First, SCS in the cervical spine was performed. The rats were divided into four groups: control group and treatment groups with SCS conducted at 2, 50, and 300 Hz frequency. Two days later, convulsions were induced by the intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid, followed by video monitoring to assess seizures. We also evaluated glial cells in the hippocampus by fluorescent immunostaining, electroencephalogram measurements, and inflammatory cytokines such as C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Seizure frequency and the number of glial cells were significantly lower in the 300 Hz group than in the control group. SCS at 300 Hz decreased gene expression level of CCL2, which induces monocyte migration. SCS has anti-seizure effects by inhibiting CCL2-mediated cascades. The suppression of CCL2 and glial cells may be associated with the suppression of epileptic seizure.
Bmi-1 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibits cell apoptosis of human retinoblastoma cells via RKIP
Authors: Li Qian , Fu Te , Wei Ning , Wang Qiaoling , Zhang Xin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRetinoblastoma is one of the most common ocular malignancies in children. Bmi-1, a member of the Polycomb group family of transcriptional repressors, is expressed in a variety of tumors. The purpose of our study was to explore the role of Bmi-1 in retinoblastoma. RT-qPCR and western blot were used for calculating the mRNA and protein levels of Bmi-1 and RKIP. MTT, Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to measure the proliferation, migration and invasion in retinoblastoma cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The volume and mass of transplanted tumors were detected in nude mice. Bmi-1 was over expressed, and RKIP was low expressed in retinoblastoma cells. Bmi-1 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion and suppressed cell apoptosis of Y79 and SO-RB50 cells. Downregulation of Bmi-1 and overexpression of RKIP inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased cell apoptosis. The functions of Bmi-1 knockdown on retinoblastoma cells were blocked by RKIP knockdown, but promoted by RKIP. Down-regulated Bmi-1 inhibited xenograft tumor growth, and RKIP exacerbated this inhibitory effect. Bmi-1 served as a potential therapeutic target for improving the efficacy of clinical treatment in retinoblastoma. All the findings revealed the functions of Bmi-1/RKIP axis in retinoblastoma tumorigenesis.
Soil methane emissions from plain poplar (Populus spp.) plantations with contrasting soil textures
Authors: Ma Xuehong , Feng Huili , Guo Jiahuan , Peng Changhui , Kneeshaw Daniel , Wang Weifeng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe forest soil methane (CH4) flux exhibits high spatiotemporal variability. Understanding these variations and their driving factors is crucial for accurately assessing the forest CH4 budget. In this study, we monitored the diurnal and seasonal variations in soil CH4 fluxes in two poplar (Populus spp.) plantations (Sihong and Dongtai) with different soil textures using the static chamber-based method. The results showed that the annual average soil CH4 flux in the Sihong and Dongtai poplar plantations was 4.27 ± 1.37 kg CH4-C ha–1 yr–1 and 1.92 ± 1.07 kg CH4-C ha–1 yr–1, respectively. Both plantations exhibited net CH4 emissions during the growing season, with only weak CH4 absorption (–0.01 to –0.007 mg m–2 h–1) during the non-growing season. Notably, there was a significant difference in soil CH4 flux between the clay loam of the Sihong poplar plantation and the sandy loam of the Dongtai poplar plantation. From August to December 2019 and from July to August and November 2020, the soil CH4 flux in the Sihong poplar plantation was significantly higher than in the Dongtai poplar plantation. Moreover, the soil CH4 flux significantly increased with rising soil temperature and soil water content. Diurnally, the soil CH4 flux followed a unimodal variation pattern at different growing stages of poplars, with peaks occurring at noon and in the afternoon. However, the soil CH4 flux did not exhibit a consistent seasonal pattern across different years, likely due to substantial variations in precipitation and soil water content. Overall, our study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal variations in forest soil CH4 flux with different soil textures. This understanding is vital for developing reasonable forest management strategies and reducing uncertainties in the global CH4 budget.
Distribution and prevalence of refractive error in Iranian adult population results of the PERSIAN eye cohort study PECS
Authors: Alipour Fateme , Mohammadzadeh Maryam , Jafari Fatemeh , Lashay Alireza , Yaseri Mehdi , Motamed-Gorji Nazgol , Alizadeh Yousef , Soleimani Mohammadreza , Mirzaei Mohammad , Shahraki Kourosh , Salimpour Samira , Shoja Mohammad Reza , Khataminia Gholamreza , Tahkor Abolfazl , Tavakoli Roya , Somi Mohammad hossein , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Joukar Farahnaz , Ansari-Moghaddam Alireza , Saki Nader , Hashemi Hassan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Persian Eye Cohort Study, a population-based cross-sectional study from 2015 to 2020, examined refractive error prevalence among 48,618 Iranian adults aged 31 to 70. The study encompassed six centers in Iran, employing random cluster sampling for demographic, medical, and socioeconomic data collection through interviews. Ophthalmic exams included visual acuity, automated and manual objective refraction, subjective refraction, slit lamp, and fundus examinations. Using the spherical equivalent definition, the sample population was categorized into groups. Results indicated a mean age of 49.52 ± 9.31 and a mean refractive error of 0.26 diopters (D) ± 1.6 SD (95% CI − 0.27 to -0.24), ranging from -26.1 to + 18.5 SD. Prevalence of myopia (< −0.5D) and hyperopia (> + 0.5D) was 22.6% (95% CI 22.2–23%) and 12.5% (95% CI 12.1–12.8%), respectively. Regarding different age groups, the prevalence of hyperopia and astigmatism exhibited a steady and significant rise with increasing age (p-value < 0.001 for both). The prevalence of Myopia, however, showed a distinctive pattern, initially increasing in adults under 45, declining in those aged 55–64, and rising again among individuals aged 60 and older. Female gender, older age, urban residency, higher education, higher income, and Fars ethnicity were significantly related to a higher prevalence of myopia (p-value < 0.001 for all). Female gender (p-value < 0.001), aging (p-value < 0.001), urban residency (p-value = 0.029), and lower-income (p-value = 0.005) were significantly related to higher prevalence of hyperopia. Astigmatism (> 1D) was prevalent in 25.5% of participants (95% CI 25.1–25.9%) and correlated with male gender, aging, urban residency, illiteracy, and higher income (p-value < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.014, respectively). The study’s comparison with regional and international surveys highlighted the increase in myopia among those over 65 due to higher nuclear cataract rates in older adults. Myopia positively related to education, income, and urban residency, while hyperopia did not exhibit such associations.
Comparison of visual outcomes and optical aberrations after SMILE with intraoperative Kappa angle adjustments between small and large Kappa angles
Authors: Lai Xiaojuan , Liu Xi , Zeng Tao , Huang Yi , Yang Xin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study compares postoperative visual outcomes and optical aberrations after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) in patients with both small (S-Kappa: Kappa angle < 0.2 mm) and large Kappa (L-Kappa: Kappa angle ≥ 0.2 mm) angles. The evaluated aberrations include total higher-order aberrations (HOAs), horizontal coma (HC), vertical coma (VC), and spherical aberrations (SA), with procedures incorporating intraoperative Kappa angle adjustments. We retrospectively analyzed patient records undergoing SMILE utilizing linear mixed models (LMM). We assessed adjusted mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), Strehl ratio (SR), total HOAs, VC, and SA at pupils of 3 mm and 6 mm for both S-Kappa and L-Kappa. The disparities between S-Kappa and L-Kappa were evaluated by LMM's adjusted mean differences. The differences in optical metrics were also assessed in eyes grouped by myopia levels: low, moderate, and high. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on a threshold of Kappa angle at 0.3 mm. Eight-five patients (169 eyes) were analyzed, and no significant pre-operative difference was found in UDVA (p = .222) or spherical equivalent (p = .433). Post-operative differences were found in SR at 3 mm pupil size (−0.06, p = .022), total HOA 3 mm (0.15, p = .022), HC 3 mm (0.04, p = .042), VC 3 mm and 6 mm (−0.08, p = .041; 0.04, p = .041). The stratified analysis for high myopia revealed significant differences in UDVA (−0.04, p = .037), HC 3 mm (0.07, p = .03), VC 6 mm (−0.21, p = .001), and SA 3 mm and 6 mm (0.07, p = .037; −0.09, p = .037). Sensitivity analysis showed no significant difference using a 0.3 mm Kappa threshold. While some optical aberrations exhibited statistical differences between S-Kappa and L-Kappa, their clinical significance is limited. Thus, a large Kappa angle might not substantially influence post-operative optical aberrations when intraoperative Kappa angle adjustments are implemented.
Exploring botulinum toxin’s impact on masseter hypertrophy: a randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial
Authors: de Souza Nobre Bryanne Brissian , Rezende Luciana , Barbosa Câmara-Souza Mariana , Sanchez-Ayala Alfonso , Blass Rodrigo , Carbone Ana Claudia , Manso Ana Cristina , Ernberg Malin , Christidis Nikolaos , De la Torre Canales Giancarlo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed to assess the effectiveness and functional adverse effects of a single and multiple injections of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) for masseter hypertrophy (MH). Twenty-six women complaining about lower third facial enlargement due to MH, received 75 U of BoNT-A (abobotulinum toxin) in each masseter muscles. After 3 months, patients were randomly assigned to receive a second treatment session of Saline Solution: (G1; n = 11) or BoNT-A: (G2; n = 12). Muscle thickness (ultrasound), electrical activity (electromyography; EMG), masticatory performance, and subjective perception of MH were evaluated. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3 and 6 months. Muscle thickness, EMG activity, and masticatory performance were analyzed using ANOVA two-way and Sidak test as post-hoc. Masticatory performance was analyzed by the Friedman’s test and Mann–Whitney test. Regarding inter-groups comparisons, there was a significant decrease in the left masseter muscle thickness in the G2 group at the 6 month follow-up (p < 0.02). For EMG, significant differences were evident at the 6 month assessment, with higher masseter activity for G1 (p < 0.05). For masticatory performance, no significant differences were observed throughout the study (p > 0.05) and a higher improvement in subjective perception of MH was observed in the 1 month follow-up for G2 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, BoNT-A is effective for MH, however multiple injections cause functional adverse effects in masseter muscle.
Genetic diversity analysis and core germplasm bank construction in cold resistant germplasm of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: Tian Maoju , Li Wenxiu , Luo Ping , He Junjun , Zhang Hualin , Yan Qing , Ye Yanna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex Adr. de Juss.) Muell. Arg., is the sole plant worldwide utilized for the commercial production of natural rubber. Following years of breeding, there exists a wide array of germplasm differentiation in rubber trees. The exploration of diversity and population structure within rubber tree germplasm resources, alongside the establishment of core germplasm resources, is instrumental in elucidating the genetic background and facilitating the effective utilization and management of these resources. By employing SNP molecular marker technology, 195 rubber tree resources were amplified, their genetic diversity analyzed, and a fingerprint map was subsequently constructed. Through this process, the cold-resistant core germplasm of rubber trees was identified. The results revealed that the PIC, He, and pi values ranged from 0.0905 to 0.3750, 0.095 to 0.5000, and 0.0953 to 0.5013, respectively. Both group structure analysis and cluster analysis delineated the accessions into two groups, signifying a simple group structure. A core germplasm bank was established with a sampling ratio of 10%, comprising 21 accessions divided into two populations. Population G1 consists of 20 accessions, while population G2 comprises 1 accession. The research findings have led to the creation of a molecular database that is anticipated to contribute to the management and subsequent breeding applications of rubber tree accessions.
Depressive symptoms of people living in areas with high exposure to environmental noise: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Yun Il , Lee Seung Hwan , Park Sohee , Jang Suk-Yong , Jang Sung-In 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExposure and damage caused by noise have been reported in many countries around the world. However, few nationwide studies explored the association of residential environmental noise with depressive symptoms, this study aims to examine this association. The Korean Community Health Survey at the individual-level and the Korean Environmental Noise Measurement Database at the regional-level were used. A total of 30,630 individuals were eligible for the analysis. Multilevel model framework was applied to account for the clustered structure of the regional-level data in which individual-level data containing demographic characteristics and health information were nested. As a result of the analysis, Individuals living in the highest environmental noise area had a 1.55 times higher likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms than those living in the lowest environmental noise area (95% CI, 1.04–2.31). After stratified analysis according to depressive symptom severity, individuals residing in areas with the highest environmental noise exposure had significantly higher odds of mild (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.02–2.07) and moderate symptoms (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00–2.91). In conclusion, the higher the residential environmental noise, the higher the possibility of mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest the need for continued attention to and management of noise pollution, which has the potential to adversely affect individual’s mental health.
In situ 3D crystallographic characterization of deformation-induced martensitic transformation in a metastable Fe–Cr–Ni austenitic alloy by X-ray microtomography
Authors: Takakuwa Osamu , Iwano Tatsuya , Hirayama Kyosuke , Toda Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Akihisa , Uesugi Masayuki 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExcellent strength–ductility balance in metastable Fe–Cr–Ni austenitic alloys stems from phase transformation from austenite (fcc structure) to αʹ martensite (bcc structure) during deformation, namely deformation-induced αʹ martensitic transformation (DIMT). Here, DIMT in a metastable Fe–17Cr–7Ni austenitic alloy was detected in situ and characterized in three dimensions (3D) by employing synchrotron radiation X-ray microtomography. This technique utilizes refraction contrast, which is attributable to the presence of phase boundaries between the parent austenite and the newly formed αʹ martensite phase. By combining microtomography and position-sensitive X-ray diffraction, we succeeded in crystallographically identifying multiple αʹ martensite phases continuously transformed in four groups from a single parent austenitic phase.
Impact analysis of digital trade on carbon emissions from the perspectives of supply and demand
Authors: Zhu Huayou , Bao Weiping , Qin Manman 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAmidst the escalating challenge of global climate change, it is imperative to further explore whether digital trade, as an emerging element in the global development landscape, can reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainable development. This study draws upon panel data encompassing 30 provinces and municipalities in China spanning the years 2013 to 2021. By establishing an index system to gauge regional digital trade development levels, the article examines the impact mechanism and spillover effects of digital trade on carbon reduction from both the supply (enterprises) and demand (residents) perspectives. The research results show that: (1) Digital trade can effectively promote regional carbon reduction, with a more pronounced effect in China's central and western regions and lower carbon emissions regions. (2) Digital trade can incentivize green innovation by enterprises and improve residents' consumption behavior, thereby reducing carbon emissions. (3) Digital trade has spillover effect on carbon emissions, and this “neighborhood effect” is greater than the “local effect”. Digital trade provides strong support for carbon reduction and sustainable development and also provides a strategic direction for government policy formulation.
Distance tuneable integral membrane protein containing floating bilayers via in situ directed self-assembly
Authors: Hall Stephen C. L. , Hardy David J. , Bragginton Éilís C. , Johnston Hannah , Onose Tudor , Holyfield Rachel , Sridhar Pooja , Knowles Timothy J. , Clifton Luke A. 
Published: June 2024

Surface distance tuneable integral membrane protein containing floating bilayers produced by in situ directed self-assembly. Bio-mimetics which allow for membrane protein studies within the lipid matrix under biologically accurate conditions.
Highly stable Ni(ii)/Zn(ii)-CPs as multiresponsive luminescent sensors for detection of IO4−, 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol and folic acid
Authors: Zhao Fang-Hua , Zhao Zi-Hao , Feng Rui , Li Yu-Shuo , Li Shu-Qi , Jing Zhi-Hong , Li Zhong-Lin 
Published: June 2024

This work describes two Ni(ii)/Zn(ii)-CPs with 3D (4,5)-connected net for 1 and pcu net for 2, both can serve as multiresponsive luminescent sensors of IO4−, 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol and folic acid.
A novel fixed‐time ZNN model and application to robot trajectory tracking
Authors: Wang Lei , Miao Peng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn order to achieve robot trajectory tracking in fixed‐time, a novel fixed‐time zeroing neural network model is designed. Initially, the inverse kinematic model of robot trajectory tracking is translated into a time‐varying quadratic programs problem. Subsequently, a novel fixed‐time zeroing neural network is proposed for solving the time‐varying quadratic programs problem. Furthermore, the fixed‐time stability of this model is rigorously established, and an upper bound of convergence time, irrespective of the initial point, is estimated. Finally, numerical simulation results underscore the efficacy of the proposed methodologies.
A Siamese network optimization using genetic algorithm for brain diseases
Authors: Saif Amal , Ghnemat Rawan , Abu Al‐Haija Qasem 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe complex nature of human brain tissues is important in ensuring accurate diagnosis to save human lives. Research on early detection of brain diseases has gained significant prominence within medical intelligence using highly complex model architectures with only a single label that cannot be verified. This paper introduces an innovative approach to Siamese Network Genetic Algorithm (SN‐GA) leveraging Siamese contrastive learning for classifying brain images across diverse diseases. Our core architecture is a Bi‐Convolutional Neural Network (Bi‐CNN) optimized by a genetic algorithm to enhance brain image classification. Specifically, five widely recognized transfer learning‐based architectures, namely AlexNet, Efficient‐B0, VGG‐16, ResNet‐50, and Inception‐v3, have been incorporated to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed SN‐GA system. The performance of these models has been rigorously analyzed and compared using two distinct datasets: Brain tumors and Alzheimer's datasets. The experimental results robustly affirm the efficacy of the proposed Siamese model, yielding exceptional levels of accuracy, precision, and recall, all peaking at 97%. These findings underscore the potential and resilience of the optimized Siamese network in the context of brain disease classification, emphasizing its significance in advancing the field of medical imaging and diagnosis, with implications for early intervention and patient care.
Effects of Conditioning Contractions on Lower-Body Explosive Force
Post-Static Stretching
Authors: Li Ming , Kim Youngsuk , Guo Weishuai , Fan Penglei , Wang Junsig , Kim Sukwon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe present study assessed the impacts of two distinct protocols, static
stretching (StS, 4 sets of 30 seconds) and static stretching combined with
conditioning contractions (10 repetitive drop jumps) (SC), on neuromuscular
response and rate of force development (RFD) in the lower limbs during squat
jumps (SJs) at varying initial knee-joint angles (60°,90°,120°). Twelve
participants completed three randomized experimental trials (no intervention,
StS intervention, and SC intervention). Except for the intervention segments,
each trial included standardized warm-ups and SJs at three different angles.
Data were collected using a 3-dimensional injury motion capture system, an
electromyography (EMG) recording system, and a force platform. The collected EMG
data were subjected to amplitude calculations, while force-time data were used
for RFD computation. Neither StS nor SC significantly impacted the average or
peak EMG amplitudes of the five muscles examined (p>0.05). However, at an
initial knee-joint angle of 120°, the StS group demonstrated significantly lower
RFD values at three distinct phases (0–50 ms, 50–100 ms, and 0–peakforce)
compared to those seen in the SC and control groups (p<0.05). For activities
starting with a knee-joint angle of 120°, it is recommended to either avoid StS
or combine it with ten repetitive drop jumps to mitigate any potential negative
impact on explosiveness.