bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive review on surface modifications of polymer‐based 3D‐printed structures: Metal coating prospects and challenges
Authors: Gautam Khagendra , Gogoi Debashish , Kongnyui Tanyu Donarld , Devi Sangjukta , Kumar Chandan , Kumar Manjesh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe production of complex structures out of a variety of materials has undergone a revolution due to the rapid development of additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Initially confined to applications such as magnetic actuators and two‐dimensional electric or electronic circuits, the convergence of 3D printing and metallization methods has emerged as a revolutionary approach. This synergy facilitates the creation of functional and customizable metal‐polymer hybrid structures characterized by high strength, lightweight properties, intricate geometric designs, and superior surface finish. These structures also exhibit enhanced electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as optical reflectivity. This paper reviews techniques to improve the effectiveness of 3D‐printed polymer antennas and structures by using various techniques of metallization. The metallization processes are examined, and a classification based on the materials employed is presented to facilitate comparisons that highlight the optimal utilization of materials for the fabrication of 3D‐printed polymer structures. The main emphasis here is on the effectiveness of different processes in terms of deposition, bonding strength, electrical conductivity, and various characteristics of metallic coatings developed on polymers. This review contributes an in‐depth analysis of the latest developments in 3D printing and metallization techniques specifically applied to polymer antennas and structures. The exploration extends to potential applications, challenges encountered, and future prospects within this dynamic field. As AM and metallization continue to evolve, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the state‐of‐the‐art methodologies and their implications for the future of polymer‐based structures and antennas.
Promise of Composite Pain Index as a single pain outcome for sickle cell disease across the lifespan
Authors: Kashif Reema , Wallace‐Farquharson Tanya , Adams‐Mitchell Candice , Yao Yingwei , Molokie Robert E. , Wilkie Diana J. , Mack A. Kyle 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to validate a Composite Pain Index (CPI) as a single pain outcome measure for sickle cell disease (SCD) across the lifespan from 8 years of age.ProcedureThis prospective, cross‐sectional study included 55 participants with SCD who completed the PAINReportIt tool and Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (APPT) in random order during outpatient visits to derive respective CPI scores for comparison.ResultsOf the 55 participants with SCD, 46 (84%) had HgbSS, eight (15%) HgbSC, and one (2%) HgbSβ0+. The mean age of all participants was 17.5 ± 2.6 years, and 28 (51%) were female, 52 (95%) were Black, 42 (98%) were non‐Hispanic, and 39 (71%) had a ninth grade or higher education. Correlation analyses between the APPT and PAINReportIt revealed positive associations for the number of pain sites (r = .57, p < .001), pain intensity (r = .46, p < .001), pain quality (r = .74, p < .001), and pain pattern (r = .34, p = .01). Patients’ mean CPI scores derived from the PAINReportIt was slightly higher than the APPT; 34.2 (SD = 14.7) and 30.0 (SD = 19.0), respectively. Regression analyses showed that the APPT CPI significantly predicted the PAINReportIt CPI (B = .497, t(53) = 6.051, p < .001). This finding holds true even when accounting for the order of measurement or patient's age.ConclusionThe initial validation of CPI as a single pain outcome measure represents a significant advancement in pain assessment for SCD. Further validation is warranted for the CPI as a measure is for both clinicians and researchers to enable longitudinal pain assessment from age 8 years across the lifespan as children age into adult care.
Fabrication of GNPs sprayed carbon fiber and its effects on the interfacial and mechanical behavior of reinforced epoxy multiscale laminated composite
Authors: Jain Vaibhav , Jaiswal Satish , Dasgupta Kinshuk , Lahiri Debrupa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe current research compares the effects of modifying carbon fiber [via spraying graphene nanoplates (GNPs)] and/or GNPs reinforcement on the mechanical and interfacial behavior of carbon fiber epoxy composites. Using a spraying method, the epoxy matrix was reinforced, and carbon fiber was modified with 0.2 and 1 wt% of GNPs, respectively. Tensile, interlaminar, and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) tests were conducted on the composite to assess the role of GNPs in enhancing mechanical, interfacial, and thermomechanical properties. The obtained results indicate that the spraying technique effectively enhanced the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and interlaminar fracture toughness (ILFT) of the composite. The UTS improved by 31%, while the ILFT significantly improved by 38%. Additionally, assessing the modulus gradient through the interface shows improved interfacial interaction between modified carbon fiber and reinforced epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy examination of the fractured surfaces indicated that the existence of nanofillers with high surface area contributed to significant improvements in adhesion between the modified fiber and reinforced epoxy matrix, leading to enhanced interfacial, mechanical, and thermomechanical properties of CFRPs for structural applications.Highlights
Incorporation of surface modified carbon fibers and GNPs reinforcement in the epoxy matrix to enhance the interfacial interaction.
Evaluation of the effects of GNP nanofiller on interfacial and mechanical performance of the composite.
Fracture surfaces in ILSS, tensile, and mode I test were analyzed using FESEM.
Utilization of nanoscale modulus mapping for the fiber‐matrix interface assessment.
Plasma‐catalytic CO2 methanation over NiO/bentonite catalysts prepared by solution combustion synthesis
Authors: Tang Shouxian , Qin Shiji , Wang Zhengduo , Sang Lijun , Cheng Jiushan , Liu Zhongwei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA solution combustion synthesis (SCS) process to prepare nickel catalyst over bentonite (NiO/Ben) is reported. Compared to the traditional impregnation method, NiO/ben produced by SCS has smaller nickel particle size and higher dispersion. With a metal loading of 20 wt%, the afforded NiO/Ben demonstrates excellent catalytic activity for CO2 methanation in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor. In certain discharge conditions (H2:CO2 ratio of 5 in feed gas, discharge input power of 45 W, and gas hourly space velocity of 11 320 h−1), CO2 conversion and CH4 selectivity are as high as 55.8% and 84.6%, respectively. Under the conditions of plasma configuration, the strong interaction between the nickel species and the support plays an important role in the CO2 methanation process.
Proteomic and metabolomic characterization of bone, liver, and lung metastases in plasma of breast cancer patients
Authors: Ye Hui , Shen Xiabo , Li Yaohan , Zou Weibin , Hassan Syed Shams ul , Feng Yue , Wang Xiaojia , Tian Jingkui , Shao Xiying , Tao Yi , Zhu Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths among women, primarily due to metastases to other organs rather than the primary tumor.MethodsIn this study, a comprehensive analysis of plasma proteomics and metabolomics was conducted on a cohort of 51 BC patients. Potential biomarkers were screened by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and Random Forest algorithm. Additionally, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and untargeted metabolomics were utilized to validate the prognostic biomarkers in an independent cohort.ResultsIn the study, extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related functional enrichments were observed to be enriched in BC cases with bone metastases. Proteins dysregulated in retinol metabolism in liver metastases and leukocyte transendothelial migration in lung metastases were also identified. Machine learning models identified specific biomarker panels for each metastasis type, achieving high diagnostic accuracy with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.955 for bone, 0.941 for liver, and 0.989 for lung metastases.ConclusionsFor bone metastasis, biomarkers such as leucyl‐tryptophan, LysoPC(P‐16:0/0:0), FN1, and HSPG2 have been validated. dUDP, LPE(18:1/0:0), and aspartylphenylalanine have been confirmed for liver metastasis. For lung metastasis, dUDP, testosterone sulfate, and PE(14:0/20:5) have been established.
Development and validation of an imageless machine‐learning algorithm for the initial screening of prostate cancer
Authors: Martelin Nicolas , De Witt Brian , Chen Benjamin , Eschwège Pascal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeProstate specific antigen (PSA) testing is a low‐cost screening method for prostate cancer (PCa). However, its accuracy is limited. While progress is being made using medical imaging for PCa screening, PSA testing can still be improved as an easily accessible first step in the screening process. We aimed to develop and validate a new model by further personalizing the analysis of PSA with demographic, medical history, lifestyle parameters, and digital rectal examination (DRE) results.MethodsUsing data from 34,224 patients in the screening arm of the PLCO trial (22,188 for the training set and 12,036 for the validation set), we applied a gradient‐boosting model whose features (Model 1) were one PSA value and the personal variables available in the PLCO trial except those that signaled an ex‐ante assumption of PCa. A second algorithm (Model 2) included a DRE result. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PCa, while the aggressiveness of PCa was a secondary outcome. ROC analyses were used to compare both models to other initial screening tests.ResultsThe areas under the curve (AUC) for Model 2 was 0.894 overall and 0.908 for patients with a suspicious DRE, compared to 0.808 for PSA for patients with a suspicious DRE. The AUC for Model 1 was 0.814 compared to 0.821 for PSA. Model 2 predicted 58% more high‐risk PCa than PSA ≥4 combined with an abnormal DRE and had a positive predictive value of 74.7% (vs. 50.6%).ConclusionPersonalizing the interpretation of PSA values and DRE results with a gradient‐boosting model showed promising results as a potential novel, low‐cost method for the initial screening of PCa. The importance of DRE, when included in such a model, was also highlighted.
Ursodeoxycholic acid may protect from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant by reducing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2
Authors: Lee Kyungmin , Na Yujeong , Kim Minjin , Lee Dongjin , Choi Jongseo , Kim Gwanyoung , Kim Min‐Soo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe SARS‐CoV‐2 caused COVID‐19 pandemic has posed a global health hazard. While some vaccines have been developed, protection against viral infection is not perfect because of the urgent approval process and the emergence of mutant SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Here, we employed UDCA as an FXR antagonist to regulate ACE2 expression, which is one of the key pathways activated by SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant infection. UDCA is a well‐known reagent of liver health supplements and the only clinically approved bile acid. In this paper, we investigated the protective efficacy of UDCA on Omicron variation, since it has previously been verified for protection against Delta variant. When co‐housing with an Omicron variant‐infected hamster group resulted in spontaneous airborne transmission, the UDCA pre‐supplied group was protected from weight loss relative to the non‐treated group at 4 days post‐infection by more than 5%–10%. Furthermore, UDCA‐treated groups had a 3‐fold decrease in ACE2 expression in nasal cavities, as well as reduced viral expressing genes in the respiratory tract. Here, the data show that the UDCA serves an alternative option for preventive drug, providing SARS‐CoV‐2 protection against not only Delta but also Omicron variant. Our results of this study will help to propose drug‐repositioning of UDCA from liver health supplement to preventive drug of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Topological characterizations on hexagonal and rectangular tessellations of antikekulenes and its computed spectral, nuclear magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance characterizations
Authors: Prabhu S. , Arulperumjothi M. , Manimozhi V. , Balasubramanian Krishnan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTessellations of antikekulenes are of interest from the standpoints of antiaromaticity, ring currents, unusual ‐electron characteristics, magnetism and their highly reactive nature. Although precursors of antikekulenes have been synthesized, up to now synthesis of antikekulenes has been proven to be formidably difficult. Yet they are predicted to have intriguing properties and their antiaromatic nature together with a combination of four and six‐membered rings makes them intriguing candidates for theoretical indices. In the present study, we have computed the topological indices of antikekulene by employing graph‐theoretical cut methods that simplify the parent tessellations of antikekulenes into simpler graphs. We have derived exact mathematical expressions of several topological descriptors for hexagonal and rectangular antikekulene structures. Furthermore we have obtained the graph‐spectral properties, algebraic structure counts, resonance stabilization and delocalization energies as well as nuclear magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance spectroscopic patterns of the two tessellations of antikekulenes.
Electrophilic descriptor from third‐order Taylor expansion: The role of hyperhardness
Authors: Figueredo Said Fernando , Quintero María Alejandra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, we introduce a novel definition for the electrophilic descriptor. Following the proposal of other researchers, the foundation of our approach lies in expanding the change in the energy of an electronic system using a third‐order Taylor series, leading to the integration of hyperhardness into the formulation of the electrophilic descriptor. To validate our results, we conducted a comparative analysis of reactivity sequences among 35 electrophilic systems with known reactivities, as reported in external experimental studies. The electrophilic descriptor demonstrated a remarkable ability to accurately replicate the relative reactivities of the compounds under consideration, surpassing predictions based solely on the electrophilicity index. These findings underscore the significance of incorporating hyperhardness as a crucial reactivity descriptor. Additionally, our study provides interesting insights into the interpretation of this concept.
Designing Urchin‐Like S/SiO2 with Regulated Pores Toward Ultra‐Fast Room Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Wang Xi , Zeng Zihao , Dong Zeyu , Ge Peng , Yang Yue 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCaptured by high theoretical capacity and low‐cost, Sodium–Sulfur (Na‐S) batteries have been deemed as promising energy‐storage systems. However, their electrochemical properties, containing both cycling and rate properties, still suffer from the notorious “shuttle effect” of polysulfide. Herein, through the effective regulation of pore sizes, a series of S/SiO2 cathode materials are obtained. Benefitting from the abundant pore channels of SiO2 particles, the sulfur loading is as high as 76.3%. Importantly, a suitable pore size can lead to adequate reaction and rapid diffusion behaviors, resulting in excellent electrochemical performances. Specifically, at 2.0 A g−1, the initial capacity of the as‐optimized sample can be up to 1370.6 mAh g−1. Surprisingly, even after 1050 cycles, it could achieve a high reversible capacity of 1280.8 mAh g−1 with an attenuation rate of 0.089%. At 5.0 A g−1, after 500 cycles, the capacity can still remain ≈ 1132.6 mAh g−1 (capacity retention rate, 97.5%). Given this, the work is anticipated to offer an effective strategy for advanced electrodes for Na‐S batteries.
Temperature‐Induced Interface Hybridization of WC Boosts NiCu Activity for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Xie Zhenyang , Li Mengting , Zhou Yuanyuan , Feng Yong , Song Xiaoyun , Li Li , Ding Wei , Wei Zidong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe development of non‐precious hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalysts is a major challenge for the commercialization of Pt‐free fuel cells. Herein, a temperature‐induced phase hybridization method is reported that greatly improves the catalytic performance of NiCu alloy for the HOR. The migration of W atoms hybridizes the interface of tungsten oxide (WOx) and tungsten carbide (WC) at the onset reduction temperature of WOx, leading to a greatly weakened H binding energy and an optimized OH binding energy, which endows NiCuW/WOx‐WC@WC with favorable stability and CO resistance during HOR. The hybridization catalysts deliver a high mass activity of 29.37 mA mg−1Ni and reach a peak power of 298 mW.cm−2 in H2‐O2 anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs).
Effects of Dual Modification of HMT and Cross Linking on Morphological, Thermal, Digestibility, and Structural Properties of Wild Tuber (Amorphophallus abyssinicus) Starch
Authors: Tsehay Eden Genetu , Emire Shimelis Admassu , Admassu Habtamu , Minuye Masresha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo examine functional, morphological, pasting, and digestibility properties, native bagana starch is subjected to physical, chemical, and dual modification respectively through heat moisture treatment, crosslinking, and combination of heat moisture and crosslinking. Accordingly, all modified starches except cross‐linked starch has showed higher solubility (heat moisture treated [23.33–27.33%] and heat moisture‐cross‐linked [21.33–26%]) and lower swelling power (2.07–3.83 g g−1) and (2.22–3.86 g g−1) respectively than native bagana starch (16.33–25%) and (2.03–6.82 g g−1). Heat moisture treated and cross‐linked starches have showed similar morphology with native starch. The lower breakdown and setback viscosities for cross‐linked starch (68.67 and 182 cp) and heat moisture‐cross‐linked starches (38.67 and 194.67 cp) have resulted in adequate capability for good shear resistance and anti‐retrogradation properties than same viscosities of native starch (126.67 and 770 cp). The in vitro digestibility of dual modified starch has resulted in good resistant starch content (26.40%) than native bagana (17.89%), heat moisture treated (15.68%), and cross‐linked (24.93%) starches. The study reveals dual modification using heat moisture and cross‐linking is an effective method to improve the physicochemical and thermal properties of starch and can advantageously result in a good resistant starch content, which is the most emphasized health issue; thus, attention should be given to broaden its application in the food industry.
Bio‐inspired human network diagnostics: Ecological modularity and nestedness as quantitative indicators of human engineered network function
Authors: Blair Samuel , Hairston Garrett , Banks Henry , Kaat Claire , Linsey Julie , Layton Astrid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAnalyzing interactions between actors from a systems perspective yields valuable information about the overall system's form and function. When this is coupled with ecological modeling and analysis techniques, biological inspiration can also be applied to these systems. The diagnostic value of three metrics frequently used to study mutualistic biological ecosystems (nestedness, modularity, and connectance) is shown here using academic engineering makerspaces. Engineering students get hands‐on usage experience with tools for personal, class, and competition‐based projects in these spaces. COVID‐19 provides a unique study of university makerspaces, enabling the analysis of makerspace health through the known disturbance and resultant regulatory changes (implementation and return to normal operations). Nestedness, modularity, and connectance are shown to provide information on space functioning in a way that enables them to serve as heuristic diagnostics tools for system conditions. The makerspaces at two large R1 universities are analyzed across multiple semesters by modeling them as bipartite student‐tool interaction networks. The results visualize the predictive ability of these metrics, finding that the makerspaces tended to be structurally nested in any one semester, however when compared to a “normal” semester the restrictions are reflected via a higher modularity. The makerspace network case studies provide insight into the use and value of quantitative ecosystem structure and function indicators for monitoring similar human‐engineered interaction networks that are normally only tracked qualitatively.
The impact of cholecystectomy on the symptom relief and quality of life of patients with gallbladder dysmotility
Authors: Alamin Nadeen , Iqbal Sara , Baumert Alizee , Fernandes Roland 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on the physical and mental health of patients with gallbladder dysmotility.MethodsRetrospective data was collected from 314 patients who had undergone a hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan between June 2012 and June 2022 in a District General Hospital in South East England. Sixty‐three patients who were diagnosed with gallbladder dysmotility were then contacted and asked to participate in a telephone interview regarding their symptoms. We measured their health‐related quality of life using the HRQoL SF‐12 v2 (Health Related Quality of Life Short Form‐12 version 2) questionnaire. Differences in the resolution of symptoms between those that had undergone a cholecystectomy and those who did not, were assessed using a chi square test. The two groups were then compared using the student t‐test to assess statistically significant differences.Results94% (n = 31/33) of the participants in the non‐cholecystectomy group demonstrated persistent biliary pain symptoms as opposed to the 6% (n = 2/30) in the cholecystectomy group. A statistically significant improvement in five out of the eight domains of the HRQoL SF‐12 questionnaire was demonstrated. These domains include PCS (physical component summary), MCS (mental component summary), mental health, general health and bodily pain.ConclusionThe results of our retrospective analysis demonstrate an improvement in both the physical and mental health‐related quality of life symptoms in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These findings support the use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an effective method for managing gallbladder dysmotility.