bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning‐enabled optimization of melt electro‐writing three‐dimensional printing
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed Choukri , Ozarslan Olgac , Farshi Sara Soltanabadi , Dabbagh Sajjad Rahmani , Tasoglu Savas 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMelt electrowriting (MEW) is a solvent‐free (i.e., no volatile chemicals), a high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3D) printing method that enables the fabrication of semi‐flexible structures with rigid polymers. Despite its advantages, the MEW process is sensitive to changes in printing parameters (e.g., voltage, printing pressure, and temperature), which can cause fluid column breakage, jet lag, and/or fiber pulsing, ultimately deteriorating the resolution and printing quality. In spite of the commonly used error‐and‐trial method to determine the most suitable parameters, here, we present a machine learning (ML)‐enabled image analysis‐based method for determining the optimum MEW printing parameters through an easy‐to‐use graphical user interface (GUI). We trained five different ML algorithms using 168 MEW 3D print samples, among which the Gaussian process regression ML model yielded 93% accuracy of the variability in the dependent variable, 0.12329 on root mean square error for the validation set and 0.015201 mean square error in predicting line thickness. Integration of ML with a control feedback loop and MEW can reduce the error‐and‐trial steps prior to the 3D printing process, decreasing the printing time (i.e., increasing the overall throughput of MEW) and material waste (i.e., improving the cost‐effectiveness of MEW). Moreover, embedding a trained ML model with the feedback control system in a GUI facilitates a more straightforward use of ML‐based optimization techniques in the industrial section (i.e., for users with no ML skills).
Sleep duration and quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the association with physical activity and screen time among Brazilian college students
Authors: Garcia Magno Conceição , Paravidino Vitor Barreto , Lopes Claudia de Souza , Mediano Mauro Felippe Felix , Gonçalves Tatiana Rehder , de Oliveira Aldair José , Sichieri Rosely 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAs a result of social isolation during the COVID‐19 pandemic, changes in sleep patterns have been observed in many countries, as well as changes in physical activity and screen time. The objective was to investigate sleep duration and quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic and its association with physical activity and screen time.MethodsCross‐sectional study with students from a University in Rio de Janeiro who answered an online questionnaire between August 2020 and March 2021. Physical activity was assessed using IPAQ‐SF. Sleep was investigated based on questions about duration and sleep quality change, and screen time through self‐reported questions. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the association between physical activity and screen time with sleep duration and quality. Secondary analyses investigated the influence of the isolation time on this association. The confounding factors used were diagnosis of COVID‐19, time of isolation, anxiety, depression, skin color, and gender.ResultsA total of 771 college students with a mean age of 24.5 years (±8.6) answered the questionnaire. About 75% reported more than 8 h of screen time per day and 49.8% were physically inactive. Regarding sleep, 54.9% had worsening sleep, while 40.6% had inadequate sleep duration during the pandemic. Physical activity was associated with improved sleep quality (Odds ratio (OR) 1.72; confidence interval (95% CI) 1.05–2.97). Also, physically active students who spent more than 14 weeks in social isolation demonstrated improved sleep quality (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.02–3.78) compared to physically inactive individuals. No association was observed for sleep duration. No association was observed between screen time and sleep quality, or sleep duration.ConclusionDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was considerable worsening of sleep quality, and physical activity was positively associated with improved sleep quality.
Psychosocial stress, adult suicidal ideation, and the mediating effect of poor sleep quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic in South Africa
Authors: Kim Andrew Wooyoung 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesSouth Africa instituted one of the world's strictest lockdowns during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which generated heightened conditions of psychosocial stress and posed widespread mental health risks. Despite the elevated burdens of suicidal behaviors and risk of psychiatric disease in the country, few studies have examined the impacts of psychosocial stress from the pandemic on suicidal ideation in South Africa. This study examined the association between psychosocial stress experienced under the COVID‐19 pandemic and adult suicidal ideation, as well as degree to which sleep quality and duration mediated this relationship.MethodsAn online survey assessed experiences of COVID‐19 psychosocial stress, sleep quality and duration, and suicidal ideation in a sample of 189 South African adults during the second and third waves of the COVID‐19 pandemic. A causal inference framework for mediation analysis was used to assess the degree to which sleep quality and duration explained the association between COVID‐19 psychosocial stress and suicidal ideation.ResultsSuicidal ideation was reported in 21% of adults. Adults described having moderate sleep quality and an average of 6.9 hours of sleep per night. COVID‐19 psychosocial stress significantly predicted adult suicidal ideation in fully adjusted models. Sleep quality, but not sleep duration, significantly mediated the association between COVID‐19 psychosocial stress and suicidal ideation, accounting for 25.9% of the total effect.ConclusionsPoor sleep quality may play an important role in exacerbating the alarming stress‐induced mental health effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further research is necessary to understand the underlying sleep dynamics and associated psychological and neurobiological processes that perpetuate adult suicidal ideation.
Unidirectional Reflectionlessness and Transmissionlessness in Indirectly Coupled Whispering‐Gallery Mode Resonators
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Ying Qiao , Jin Xing Ri 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe reflection and transmission characteristics of a system composed of two whispering‐gallery mode (WGM) resonators are explored. Each resonator contains a Zeeman split quantum dot and side‐couples to an optical fiber. The results indicate that the unidirectional reflectionlessness and transmissionlessness can be achieved by adjusting the coupling strength between the resonators and the optical fiber, as well as the transition rate between the counter‐propagating modes within the WGM resonators. Besides, a one‐to‐one correspondence is set up between the resonance frequencies of quantum dots' energy levels and the positions of reflectionlessness (transmissionlessness) peaks when phase shift between two WGM resonators is . This research provides the valuable insights for the development of quantum optical devices such as isolators, circulators, and routers.
Reshaping Echinocandin Antifungal Drugs To Circumvent Glucan Synthase Point‐Mutation‐Mediated Resistance
Authors: Jospe‐Kaufman Moriah , Ben‐Zeev Efrat , Mottola Austin , Dukhovny Anna , Berman Judith , Carmeli Shmuel , Fridman Micha 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEchinocandins are a class of antifungal drugs that inhibit the activity of the β‐(1,3)‐glucan synthase complex, which synthesizes fungal cell wall β‐(1,3)‐glucan. Echinocandin resistance is linked to mutations in the FKS gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of the glucan synthase complex. We present a molecular‐docking‐based model that provides insight into how echinocandins interact with the target Fks protein: echinocandins form a ternary complex with both Fks and membrane lipids. We used reductive dehydration of alcohols to generate dehydroxylated echinocandin derivatives and evaluated their potency against a panel of Candida pathogens constructed by introducing resistance‐conferring mutations in the FKS gene. We found that removing the hemiaminal alcohol, which drives significant conformational alterations in the modified echinocandins, reduced their efficacy. Conversely, eliminating the benzylic alcohol of echinocandins enhanced potency by up to two orders of magnitude, in a manner dependent upon the resistance‐conferring mutation. Strains that have developed resistance to either rezafungin, the most recently clinically approved echinocandin, or its dehydroxylated derivative RZF‐1, exhibit high resistance to rezafungin while demonstrating moderate resistance to RZF‐1. These findings provide valuable insight for combating echinocandin resistance through chemical modifications.
Enhanced stability of gold nanoparticles capped with double hydrophilic block copolymers synthesized by eATRP
Authors: Liu Qin , Xu Lan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are capped with a novel, well‐defined double hydrophilic block copolymer, poly (ethylene glycols)‐block‐poly(mono‐2‐(methacryloyloxy) ethyl succinate) (PEG‐b‐PSEMA). The PEG‐b‐PSEMA, with long side chains and relatively narrow dispersity index, is successfully prepared by aqueous electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization using a PEG‐Br macroinitiator (Mn≈2000 g mol−1). By simply mixing PEG‐b‐PSEMA and Au precursor before adding reductants, coulombic interactions occur between the Au precursor and the carboxylate group of the PSEMA, as a result dense Au NPs are formed. This enables the Au NPs to remain dispersed even in the presence of temperature variations, pH adjustments, and incubation in organic solvents. Au NPs were endowed by PEG‐b‐PSEMA with more remarkable catalytic activity in organic solvents of 4‐nitrophenol into 4‐aminophenol than by sodium citrate (Au@citrate) and MeO‐PEG‐OH (Au@PEG). In addition, PEG‐b‐PSEMA‐stabilized Au NPs (Au@PEG‐b‐PSEMA) were also tested for the dye degradation property against Rhodamine‐B in only pH 10 basic solution, and over 99% of dye degradation can be achieved in 9 min. PEG‐b‐PSEMA induces coulombic interactions with Au NPs, providing outstanding stability for catalytic applications in organic or specific acidic‐base environments.
Epoxy filled with nylon powder—An approach to reduce void formation via fused particle method
Authors: Abdul Malek Nur Syahrul Nizam , Engku Zawawi Engku Zaharah , Romli Ahmad Zafir , Nik Ibrahim Nik Noor Idayu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the quest for superior materials, especially in industrial applications demanding strength, stiffness, low density, and cost‐efficiency, composite materials have emerged as game changers. Combining a polymer matrix with reinforcement materials, they hold great promise. However, the challenge of particle agglomeration looms large, especially at high loadings. Particle agglomeration disrupts filler distribution and gives rise to voids in polymer composites. This study investigates the fusion behavior of agglomerated Nylon particles and their influence on Nylon/epoxy composites. Using epoxy resin and Nylon SP301, a micron‐sized Nylon 12 powder with a 185°C melting point, composites were prepared at 3%, 9%, and 15% Nylon loading. After curing, these composites underwent controlled heating at 185, 195, and 205°C, with a fusion of 20–100 min. At 185°C, particles initially remain separate, forming slight clumps after 20 min and increasingly sticking together at 60 and 100 min. Shifting to 195°C, particles begin consolidating into a solid mass even after 20 min. The introduction of Nylon decreases composite density compared to pure epoxy, and density changes vary with fusion time, exhibiting complete fusion, partial fusion, and shrinkage‐induced gap formation. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis reveals evolving glass transition temperatures (Tg) influenced by the fusion process, with longer fusion times yielding higher Tg and greater heat capacity.
Momentum Transfer in Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Yu Zeyang , Zhang Yuyang , Willatzen Morten , Shao Jiajia , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) reflects a prospering field, that uses Maxwell's displacement current as the driving force to transform mechanical energy into electricity. Based on the law of energy conservation, many theoretical models of TENGs are proposed to provide a detailed insight into how energy flows and transformation in the energy harvesting system, while ignoring a hidden but extremely important point about TENG's momentum transfer and conservation. Here a series of analysis is presented for the momentum transfer and conservation in TENGs based on Maxwell equations and stress tensor. Using a time‐dependent 3D mathematical model, it is elaborated that how the time‐ and spatial‐dependent momentum current is influenced by the field and the dielectric materials, demonstrating that momentum is overall conserved for a TENG. In other words, the TENG device can not only convert mechanical energy into electricity, but it is also able to transfer momentum. Momentum transfer is another important characteristic of TENGs, and finally, the essential differences and similarities among the momentum transfer, energy transfer, and energy transformation in TENGs are systematically discussed. This study will certainly serve as a new starting point for exploring momentum transfer and conservation in the TENG momentum transfer system.
Spatiotemporal expression and coexpression patterns of SRPK1 in the human brain: A neurodevelopmental perspective
Authors: Wang Jing‐jing , Roy Sagor Kumar , Xu Yu‐ming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundSRPK1 is a splicing‐related protein that plays an important role in the development and function of the human brain. This article presents evidence that SRPK1 has distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns enriched in processes related to neurodevelopmental disorders across development.Material and methodWe used the BrainSpan growing mammalian brain transcriptome to evaluate the distribution of SRPK1 throughout the entire brain. RNA‐sequencing data were gathered from 524 tissue samples recovered from 41 postmortem brains of physiologically normal individuals spanning early developing fetus (8 postconception weeks, PCW) to later life (40 years of age). Using the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA) dataset, we analyzed the spatial gene expression of 15 adult human brains. Using Toppgene, we identified genes that exhibit significant coexpression with SRPK1.ResultsWe found evidence that analyzing the spatiotemporal gene expression profile and identifying coexpressed genes reveals that SRPK1 expression is involved in various neurodevelopmental and somatic events throughout the lifetime.ConclusionOur findings highlight the importance of detailed maps of gene expression in the human brain for improved human‐to‐human translation and illustrate differences in SRPK1 expression across anatomical areas and developmental stages in healthy human brain tissue.
Patients with Parkinson's disease demonstrate deficits in visual‐spatial memory in the Chinese Visual Retention Test
Authors: Liu Chunyan , Yuan Meng , He Songbin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to explore the existence of visual‐spatial memory deficit in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) without dementia in the Chinese Visual Retention Test, as well as to assess whether their performance is related to age, duration, severity, stage, and dopamine (DA) dose.MethodsForty‐two patients with PD and 30 healthy controls were included in our study. The Chinese Visual Retention Test was used to evaluate the visual‐spatial memory of the subjects. Parameters of the Chinese Visual Retention Test were compared between the two groups. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the associations of the Chinese Visual Retention Test with age, duration, severity, stage of PD, and DA dose.ResultsThree correct scores in the Chinese Visual Retention Test were all significantly lower in the PD group than in the control group. The total error scores, error scores of omissions, deformation, and persistence in the PD group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Correlation analysis showed the total error scores in the Chinese Visual Retention Test was positively correlated with UPDRS III score and H‐Y classification. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the total error scores in the Chinese Visual Retention Test were associated with the UPDRS III score and H‐Y classification.ConclusionPatients with PD without dementia had visual‐spatial memory deficits in the Chinese Visual Retention Test which may be affected by the severity and clinical stage of PD.
Behavioral intentions and perceived stress under isolated environment
Authors: Lin Ying , Wu Lili , Ouyang Hui , Zhan Jingye , Wang Jing , Liu Weizhi , Jia Yanpu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundIsolation is a special environment that will affect the mental health and behavior of individuals. The current study was to explore the relationship between behavior intention (BI) and perceived stress in isolated environment during Shanghai Omicron pandemic.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted between April 8 and 14, 2022. Three self‐reported questionnaires were used to evaluate quarantine duration, stress perception, and BI. A total of 1042 participants in Shanghai under quarantine at home were included by random sampling. Logistic regression and one‐way variance analysis were used to determine the risk factors related to BI.ResultsThe finding implicated negative BI was more reported by the population of males, with lower educational background, with jobs, and youngers. A negative association existed between perceived stress and BI (B = −1.004, p = .003, OR = 0.367, 95% CI = .191–.703). The proportion of positive BI decreased with quarantined duration, whereas the negative BI seemed vibrate upward then downward.ConclusionThere existed a significant effect of quarantined days on perceived stress with different BIs. High perceived stress was a risk factor of positive BI. This preliminary study has significance to understand the effect of compulsory measures on BI and for policies makers to take a psychosocial perspective to consider the effective pandemic intervention strategies.
Association between fibrinogen‐to‐albumin ratio and functional prognosis of 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Chen Xinxin , Xu Xiahong , Li Ying , Liu Feifeng , Zhang Bei , Zuo Lian 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of high fibrinogen and low albumin levels in serum is associated with a negative prognosis in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Fibrinogen‐to‐albumin ratio (FAR), a new inflammatory biomarker, may provide better prognostic insights in patients with AIS than separate evaluation of fibrinogen or albumin. The objective of this investigation is to examine the correlation between FAR and 3‐month functional prognosis after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in AIS patients.MethodsThe retrospective study recruited AIS patients who received IVT from June 2014 to December 2021. The 3‐month functional prognosis was assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A mRS score of ≤2 indicated a good outcome, whereas a mRS score of >2 suggested a poor outcome.ResultsA total of 591 AIS patients who underwent IVT were included and 147 patients (24.9 %) had a poor outcome. Among the 102 pairs of patients after propensity score matching, there was a significant association between FAR and 3‐month prognosis (adjusted OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03–1.38; p = .020). The optimal FAR cutoff value was found to be 7.57, and even after stratifying patients based on this value, we still observed a significant correlation between high FAR level and poor outcome (adjusted OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.28–3.40; p = .003).ConclusionsFAR may serve as a prospective biomarker of predicting 3‐month prognosis in AIS patients after IVT.
Long noncoding RNA H19 in ovarian biology and placenta development
Authors: Adu‐Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Cheeran Elisha Ann , Salamah Joudi , Lee Bum‐Kyu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAs the first long noncoding RNA to be discovered, H19 has gained substantial attention as a key regulator of several biological processes and its roles in female reproductive biology are gradually getting revealed. Herein, we have summarized the current evidence regarding H19 expression pattern and involvement in the developmental and pathological processes associated with the ovary and the placenta. The findings indicate that within the ovaries, H19 is expressed in the antral and cystic atretic follicles as well as in the corpora lutea but absent in the primordial, primary, and secondary follicles. Its normal expression promotes the maturation of antral follicles and prevents their premature selection for the ovulatory journey while its aberrant induction promotes polycystic ovary syndrome development and ovarian cancer metastasis. In the placenta, H19 is highly expressed in the cytotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts but weakly expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast layer and potentially controls trophoblast cell fate decisions during placenta development. Abnormal expression of H19 is observed in the placental villi of pregnancies affected by pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Therefore, dysregulated H19 is a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for the mitigation of ovarian and placenta‐associated diseases.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the peptide inhibitor homologous to the transforming growth factor β cytokine blocking the TGFβRI/TGFβRII receptor complex—pilot study
Authors: Mateusz Marynowski , Seweryn Karbownik Michał , Janusz Szemraj , Piotr Kuna , Panek Michał Gabriel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundA key player in the fibrotic process is the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) which enhances extracellular matrix production by increasing the transcription of matrix proteins. The cytokine TGF‐β first binds to the TGFβRII receptor (dimer), resulting in the recruitment of the TGFβRI receptor (dimer). The complex thus formed leads to the phosphorylation of the kinase domain of TGFβRI, which in turn results in activation of the Smad pathway. This is therefore a targeted pathway for research into the application of peptide inhibitors in blocking the TGF‐β‐Smad signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to design a peptide inhibitor (homologous to the cytokine TGF‐β) which, after binding to the TGFβRI/TGFβRII receptor, would block the cytokine binding and thus prevent the formation of an activating complex.MethodsPreliminary work on the design and synthesis of inhibitors for TGFβRI/TGFβRII has allowed us to identify and describe five key regions of the TGF‐β—TGFβRI/TGFβRII interface. The following five peptide inhibitors were synthesized for Region 1: 1.1 ALDAAYCFR, 1.2 LDAAYCFRN, 1.3 DAAYCFRNV, 1.4 AAYCFRNVQ, 1.5 AYCFRNVQD. The expression of the SEAP reporter gene, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and JNK1 gene was measured using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsFor Region 1 peptide inhibitors tested for TGFβRI/TGFβRII, reduced SEAP (reporter gene) expression was observed in cells of the MFB‐F11 line, which suggests inhibited the formation of cytokine‐receptor complexes.ConclusionsFor IP1_2, 1_3 and 1_5 Region 1 peptides tested for TGFβRI/TGFβRII, reduced cytokine‐receptor signal by adding newly designed inhibitors. The study revealed an impact of these peptide inhibitors on the reduction of mRNA expression of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4 and JNK1 genes.