bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recyclable Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles supported on acid functionalized multi walled carbon nanotubes for effective catalytic applications
Authors: Priya P Vengatesh , Jeyasundari J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In the present investigation, in situ green reduction approach is used to uniformly decorate the Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) on the surface of acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The adsorbed Terminalia catappa aqueous leaf extract biopolymers on the surface of MWCNTs can increase the in situ reduction of Ag, Au ions to Ag-Au BNPs and stabilise them which can operate as a capper/stabiliser and reductant agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy - energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques were employed to examine the structures, morphologies, composition, chemical bonds and optical properties of the functionalised MWCNTs and the nanohybrid. The results revealed that the spherical T.C-Ag-Au bimetallic nanoparticle with average size 12.4 nm was uniformly distributed on the surface of modified MWCNTs. Finally, evaluation of the catalytic activity of the T.C-Ag-Au BNPs decorated MWCNTs exhibited excellent catalytic performance for completing the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) and degradation of alizarin red (AR) dye at ambient temperature with a great rate constant and the degradation efficiency of 98.7% and 96.4%, respectively. The order of reaction, rate constant, half-life and mechanism of catalytic activity of the T.C-Ag-Au BNPs@COOH-MWCNTs nanohybrid were calculated using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The catalyst can be retained and reapplied eight times without affecting its catalytic performance. The interaction between T.C-Ag-Au BNPs and MWCNTs has a synergistic effect, which is accountable for the enhanced catalytic activity.
Effect of stabilization and carbonization treatment on the chemical and physical transformation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based electrospun carbon nanofibers
Authors: Singcharoen Krittiya , Rangkupan Ratthapol , Khuntong Soontree , Wasanapiarnpong Thanakorn 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The present study delves into the production of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) utilising electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats, with a specific focus on the influence of oxidative stabilisation and carbonisation treatments. This research aims to thoroughly understand how variations in stabilisation time and temperature, as well as carbonisation temperature, impact the CNFs properties. These properties include fiber size, morphology, chemical and crystal structure transformation, thermal behaviour, and surface characteristics. Our methodology involved a detailed examination of the thermal treatment processes, where we observed a significant decrease in fiber size, though the surface morphology of the fibers remained largely unaffected. We employed Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to track the transformation of nitrile groups in PAN to imine groups, which indicated the progression of cyclisation reactions. Complementary analyses through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed a high degree of these reactions, particularly at stabilisation temperatures extending to 250 °C and beyond. The cyclisation process was found to be complete during the carbonisation phase, at temperatures reaching 450 °C and above. Further, x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns offered insight into the changes in the crystal structure, particularly in the packing of the d(002) spacing because of the stabilisation and carbonisation processes. This findings from this study not only elucidate the intricate process of CNFs production from electrospun PAN nanofiber mats but also highlight the critical factors that influence their final properties. These insights are invaluable for the development of advanced CNFs with tailored properties suitable for a range of applications, including but not limited to energy storage, electronics, and as supporting materials in various technological domains.
Simulation of stress in a blood vessel due to plaque sediments in coronary artery disease
Authors: Rakibuzzaman Md , Kim Hyoung-Ho , Suh Sang-Ho , Lee Byoung-Kwon , Kwon Hyuck Moon , Zhou Ling 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease mainly caused by plaque deposition in blood vessels. Plaque comprises components such as thrombosis, fibrin, collagen, and lipid core. It plays an essential role in inducing rupture in a blood vessel. Generally, Plaque could be described as three kinds of elastic models: cellular Plaque, hypocellular Plaque, and calcified Plaque. The present study aimed to investigate the behavior of atherosclerotic plaque rupture according to different lipid cores using Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI). The blood vessel was also varied with different thicknesses (0.05, 0.25, and 0.5 mm). In this study, FSI simulation with a cellular plaque model with various thicknesses was investigated to obtain information on plaque rupture. Results revealed that the blood vessel with Plaque having a lipid core represents higher stresses than those without a lipid core. Blood vessels’ thin thickness, like a thin cap, results in more considerable than Von Mises stress. The result also suggests that even at low fracture stress, the risk of rupture due to platelet decomposition at the gap was more significant for cellular plaques.
Thermodynamic stability and vibrational properties of multi-alkali antimonides
Authors: Santana-Andreo Julia , Saßnick Holger-Dietrich , Cocchi Caterina 
Published: May 2024

AbstractModern advances in generating ultrabright electron beams have unlocked unprecedented experimental advances based on synchrotron radiation. Current challenges lie in improving the quality of electron sources with novel photocathode materials such as alkali-based semiconductors. To unleash their potential, a detailed characterization and prediction of their fundamental properties is essential. In this work, we employ density functional theory combined with machine learning techniques integrated into thehiphivepackage to probe the thermodynamic stability of various alkali antimonide crystals, emphasizing the role of the approximations taken for the exchange-correlation potential. Our results reveal that the SCAN functional offers an optimal trade-off between accuracy and computational costs to describe the vibrational properties of these materials. Furthermore, it is found that systems with a higher concentration of Cs atoms exhibit enhanced anharmonicities, which are accurately predicted and characterized with the employed methodology.
Symbolic regression as a feature engineering method for machine and deep learning regression tasks
Authors: Shmuel Assaf , Glickman Oren , Lazebnik Teddy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In the realm of machine and deep learning (DL) regression tasks, the role of effective feature engineering (FE) is pivotal in enhancing model performance. Traditional approaches of FE often rely on domain expertise to manually design features for machine learning (ML) models. In the context of DL models, the FE is embedded in the neural network’s architecture, making it hard for interpretation. In this study, we propose to integrate symbolic regression (SR) as an FE process before a ML model to improve its performance. We show, through extensive experimentation on synthetic and 21 real-world datasets, that the incorporation of SR-derived features significantly enhances the predictive capabilities of both machine and DL regression models with 34%–86% root mean square error (RMSE) improvement in synthetic datasets and 4%–11.5% improvement in real-world datasets. In an additional realistic use case, we show the proposed method improves the ML performance in predicting superconducting critical temperatures based on Eliashberg theory by more than 20% in terms of RMSE. These results outline the potential of SR as an FE component in data-driven models, improving them in terms of performance and interpretability.
Responsiveness of the condition-specific Outcome measures for VAscular MAlformations (OVAMA) questionnaire to measure symptoms and appearance in patients with vascular malformations
Authors: Stor Merel L E , Lokhorst Max M , Horbach Sophie E R , Luijten Michiel A J , Spuls Phyllis I , van der Horst Chantal M AM 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of vascular malformations (VMs) are not readily available, possibly due to the diversity in methods used to evaluate treatment efficacy in clinical research, complicating the aggregation and comparison of study results. The Outcome measures for VAscular MAlformations (OVAMA) questionnaire was developed to measure uniformly symptoms and appearance (i.e. condition-specific core outcome domains) in patients with VMs. However, the OVAMA questionnaire needs to be responsive to changes in these constructs in order to assess whether disease status has changed since treatment.

Objectives
To assess the responsiveness of the OVAMA questionnaire in patients with VMs.

Methods
In a prospective longitudinal study, patients completed the OVAMA questionnaire at baseline and at 8 weeks after treatment or a watchful waiting policy. Additionally, patients completed global rating of change (GRC) scales at follow-up. Responsiveness was evaluated following the criterion approach of testing predefined hypotheses about expected relationships between the OVAMA questionnaire and GRC scales measuring the same constructs. The OVAMA questionnaire was considered responsive if ≥ 75% of the hypotheses were confirmed.

Results
Between July 2020 and September 2022, 89 patients were recruited in a vascular anomaly centre in the Netherlands; 63 patients completed the questionnaires at baseline and follow-up. In total, 15 constructs of the OVAMA questionnaire were assessed for 5 hypotheses. Of these 75 hypotheses, 63 (84%) were confirmed, providing evidence that the OVAMA questionnaire is responsive to change.

Conclusion
Our study found convincing evidence that the OVAMA questionnaire is responsive to changes in symptoms and appearance in patients with VMs. In addition to determining a baseline for symptoms and appearance, the OVAMA questionnaire can now be used to evaluate the effect of treatment from a patient’s perspective. The responsive OVAMA questionnaire allows for uniform evaluation and comparison of the effects of treatment on the condition-specific core outcome domains, tackling heterogeneity in outcome measurement and improving the clinical research of VMs.
Macroscopic changes in aquaporin-4 underlie blast traumatic brain injury-related impairment in glymphatic function
Authors: Braun Molly , Sevao Mathew , Keil Samantha A , Gino Elizabeth , Wang Marie X , Lee Janet , Haveliwala Mariya A , Klein Emily , Agarwal Sanjana , Pedersen Taylor , Rhodes C Harker , Jansson Deidre , Cook David , Peskind Elaine , Perl Daniel P , Piantino Juan , Schindler Abigail G , Iliff Jeffrey J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has emerged as a potential risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Blast mTBI, caused by exposure to a pressure wave from an explosion, is predominantly experienced by military personnel and has increased in prevalence and severity in recent decades. Yet the underlying pathology of blast mTBI is largely unknown.
We examined the expression and localization of AQP4 in human post-mortem frontal cortex and observed distinct laminar differences in AQP4 expression following blast exposure. We also observed similar laminar changes in AQP4 expression and localization and delayed impairment of glymphatic function that emerged 28 days following blast injury in a mouse model of repetitive blast mTBI. In a cohort of veterans with blast mTBI, we observed that blast exposure was associated with an increased burden of frontal cortical MRI-visible perivascular spaces, a putative neuroimaging marker of glymphatic perivascular dysfunction.
These findings suggest that changes in AQP4 and delayed glymphatic impairment following blast injury may render the post-traumatic brain vulnerable to post-concussive symptoms and chronic neurodegeneration.
Development of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccines: Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA­)–Supported Phase 2b Study Designs
Authors: Wolfe Daniel N , Arangies Elizabeth , David Gloria L , Armstrong Brian , Scocca Theresa Z , Fedler Janel , Natarajan Ramya , Zhou James , Jayashankar Lakshmi , Donis Ruben , Nesin Mirjana , Meissner H Cody , Lemiale Laurence , Kovacs Gerald R , Rele Shyam , Mason Robin , Cao Huyen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines were quickly and successfully developed and deployed, saving millions of lives globally. While first-generation vaccines are safe and effective in preventing disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, next-generation vaccines have the potential to improve efficacy and safety. Vaccines delivered by a mucosal route may elicit greater protective immunity at respiratory surfaces, thereby reducing transmission. Inclusion of viral antigens in addition to the spike protein may enhance protection against emerging variants of concern. Next-generation vaccine platforms with a new mechanism of action may necessitate efficacy trials to fulfill regulatory requirements. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) will be supporting Phase 2b clinical trials of candidate next-generation vaccines. The primary endpoint will be improved efficacy in terms of symptomatic disease relative to a currently approved COVID-19 vaccine. In this paper, we discuss the planned endpoints and potential challenges to this complex program.
Tenofovir Alafenamide Versus Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for Preventing Vertical Transmission in Chronic Hepatitis B Mothers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pan Calvin Q , Zhu Lin , Yu Andy S , Zhao Yuchan , Zhu Bo , Dai Erhei 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective
International guidelines recommend maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy accompanied by infant immunoprophylaxis to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in highly viremic mothers. However, pooled analyses for tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) effects and comparisons between the 2 regimens are lacking.

Design
In this meta-analysis, pairs of independent reviewers performed multiple database searches from inception to 31 March 2024 and extracted data from cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in highly viremic mothers. The outcomes of interest were the reduction of MTCT and safety in the TDF-treated, TAF-treated, and control groups.

Results
We included 31 studies with 2588 highly viremic mothers receiving TDF, 280 receiving TAF, and 1600 receiving no treatment. Compared to the control, TDF therapy reduced the MTCT rate in infants aged 6–12 months (risk ratio: 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] .07–.16). Pairwise meta-analysis between TAF and TDF revealed similar effects on reducing MTCT (risk ratio: 1.09, 95% confidence interval .16–7.61). Network meta-analysis showed equal efficacy of the 2 regimens in reducing MTCT (risk ratio: 1.09, 95% CI .15–7.65). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve revealed TDF as the best regimen compared with TAF (probability ranking: .77 vs .72), while receiving a placebo during pregnancy had the lowest efficacy (probability ranking 0.01). There were no safety concerns for mothers and infants in all regimens.

Conclusions
Compared to placebo or no treatment, maternal TDF and TAF prophylaxis are equally effective and without safety concerns in reducing MTCT in highly viremic mothers.
Linear clustering process on networks: a comparative study
Authors: Jokić Ivan , Wang Beichen , Van Mieghem Piet 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
By a thorough performance comparison, we compare the recently proposed, operator-based linear clustering process on a network with classical, existing clustering algorithms. The linear clustering process produces clusters or partitions based on the eigenstructure of a linear operator on a graph that replaces nodes to ‘more natural’ positions by attractive and repulsive forces. Synthetic benchmarks, along with real-world networks possessing or lacking a known community structure, are considered. Our comparative analysis demonstrates that our linear clustering process generates superior partitions compared to the algorithms assessed in most instances, while of comparable computational complexity with the simplest existing clustering algorithms.
MechanoBase: a comprehensive database for the mechanics of tissues and cells
Authors: Xiong Yanhong , Li Shiyu , Zhang Yuxuan , Chen Qianqian , Xing Mengtan , Zhang Yong , Wang Qi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Mechanical aspects of tissues and cells critically influence a myriad of biological processes and can substantially alter the course of diverse diseases. The emergence of diverse methodologies adapted from physical science now permits the precise quantification of the cellular forces and the mechanical properties of tissues and cells. Despite the rising interest in tissue and cellular mechanics across fields like biology, bioengineering and medicine, there remains a noticeable absence of a comprehensive and readily accessible repository of this pertinent information. To fill this gap, we present MechanoBase, a comprehensive tissue and cellular mechanics database, curating 57 480 records from 5634 PubMed articles. The records archived in MechanoBase encompass a range of mechanical properties and forces, such as modulus and tractions, which have been measured utilizing various technical approaches. These measurements span hundreds of biosamples across more than 400 species studied under diverse conditions. Aiming for broad applicability, we design MechanoBase with user-friendly search, browsing and data download features, making it a versatile tool for exploring biomechanical attributes in various biological contexts. Moreover, we add complementary resources, including the principles of popular techniques, the concepts of mechanobiology terms and the cellular and tissue-level expression of related genes, offering scientists unprecedented access to a wealth of knowledge in this field of research.
Database URL: https://zhanglab-web.tongji.edu.cn/mechanobase/ and https://compbio-zhanglab.org/mechanobase/
Judicial Decisions, Backlash and Secessionism: The Spanish Constitutional Court and Catalonia
Authors: Casas Agustin , Curci Federico , De Moragas Antoni-Italo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We exploit a unique quasi-experiment to study the effects of judicial decisions on sensitive issues on political attitudes. In 2010, the Spanish Constitutional Court partially overruled the new Catalan Constitution—the Estatut—that granted further decentralisation. Our identification strategy relies on the fact that this ruling occurred amid a public opinion survey. We find that the ruling increased support for independence by 5 percentage points. We interpret this result as evidence of judicial backlash on political attitudes: a judicial decision that limited further autonomy triggered a shift in attitudes towards even more autonomy. Moreover, the ruling decreased trust in the courts and satisfaction with democracy. This backlash of political attitudes extends to other spheres: Catalans increased their national identification with their region and the support for pro-decentralisation parties. Finally, we show that the ruling increased polarisation around the partisan and identity cleavages.
Platelet-fibrin clot strength and platelet reactivity predicting cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Kwon Osung , Ahn Jong-Hwa , Koh Jin-Sin , Park Yongwhi , Hwang Seok Jae , Tantry Udaya S , Gurbel Paul A , Hwang Jin-Yong , Jeong Young-Hoon 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Platelet-fibrin clot strength (PFCS) is linked to major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) risk. However, the association between PFCS and platelet reactivity and their prognostic implication remains uncertain in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods
In PCI-treated patients (n = 2512) from registry data from January 2010 to November 2018 in South Korea, PFCS using thromboelastography and platelet reactivity using VerifyNow were measured. High PFCS (PFCSHigh) was defined as thromboelastography maximal amplitude ≥ 68 mm, and high platelet reactivity (HPR) was defined as &gt;208 P2Y12 reaction units. Patients were stratified into four groups according to maximal amplitude and P2Y12 reaction unit levels: (i) normal platelet reactivity (NPR)-PFCSNormal (31.8%), (ii) HPR-PFCSNormal (29.0%), (iii) NPR-PFCSHigh (18.1%), and (iv) HPR-PFCSHigh (21.1%). Major adverse cardiovascular event (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) and major bleeding were followed up to 4 years.

Results
High platelet reactivity and PFCSHigh showed an additive effect for clinical outcomes (log-rank test, P &lt; .001). Individuals with NPR-PFCSNormal, NPR-PFCSHigh, HPR-PFCSNormal, and HPR-PFCSHigh demonstrated MACE incidences of 7.5%, 12.6%, 13.4%, and 19.3%, respectively. The HPR-PFCSHigh group showed significantly higher risks of MACE compared with the NPR-PFCSNormal group [adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) 1.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–2.91; P = .004] and the HPR-PFCSNormal group (HRadj 1.60; 95% CI 1.12–2.27; P = .009). Similar results were observed for all-cause death. Compared with HPR-PFCSNormal phenotype, NPR-PFCSNormal phenotype was associated with a higher risk of major bleeding (HRadj 3.12; 95% CI 1.30–7.69; P = .010).

Conclusions
In PCI patients, PFCS and platelet reactivity demonstrated important relationships in predicting clinical prognosis. Their combined assessment may enhance post-PCI risk stratification for personalized antithrombotic therapy.
Examining the Effects of Temperature on the Evolution of Bacterial tRNA Pools
Authors: Jain Vatsal , Cope Alexander L 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The genetic code consists of 61 codons coding for 20 amino acids. These codons are recognized by transfer RNAs (tRNAs) that bind to specific codons during protein synthesis. All organisms utilize less than all 61 possible anticodons due to base pair wobble: the ability to have a mismatch with a codon at its third nucleotide. Previous studies observed a correlation between the tRNA pool of bacteria and the temperature of their respective environments. However, it is unclear if these patterns represent biological adaptations to maintain the efficiency and accuracy of protein synthesis in different environments. A mechanistic mathematical model of mRNA translation is used to quantify the expected elongation rates and error rate for each codon based on an organism's tRNA pool. A comparative analysis across a range of bacteria that accounts for covariance due to shared ancestry is performed to quantify the impact of environmental temperature on the evolution of the tRNA pool. We find that thermophiles generally have more anticodons represented in their tRNA pool than mesophiles or psychrophiles. Based on our model, this increased diversity is expected to lead to increased missense errors. The implications of this for protein evolution in thermophiles are discussed.