bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal and optical properties of P3HT:PC70BM:ZnO nanoparticles composite films
Authors: Hajduk B. , Jarka P. , Bednarski H. , Godzierz M. , Tański T. , Staszuk M. , Nitschke P. , Jarząbek B. , Fijalkowski M. , Mazik K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe results of studies on the influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the structural, thermal and optical properties of thin films of mixtures of phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) with poly[3-hexylthiophene] (P3HT) of various molecular weights are described in this article. The structural properties of the layers of: polymers, mixtures of polymers with fullerenes and their composites with ZnO-NPs were investigated using X-ray diffraction. Whereas their glass transition temperature and optical parameters have been determined by temperature-dependent spectroscopic ellipsometry. The presence of ZnO-NPs was also visible in the images of the surface of the composite layers obtained using scanning electron microscopy. These blends and composite films have also been used as the active layer in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic structures. The molecular weight of P3HT (Mw = 65.2; 54.2 and 34.1 kDa) and the addition of nanoparticles affected the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the obtained solar cells. The determined PCE was the highest for the device prepared from the blend of P3HT:PCBM with the polymer of the lowest molecular weight. However, solar cells with ZnO-NPs present in their active layer had lower efficiency, although the open-circuit voltage and fill factor of almost all devices had the same values whether they contained ZnO-NPs or not. It is worth noting that thermal studies carried out using temperature-dependent ellipsometry showed a significant effect of the presence of ZnO-NPs on the value of the glass transition temperature, which was higher for composite films than for films made of a polymer-fullerene blend alone.
Analysis on determinants of carbon emissions from plaza ground paving during the construction stage based on life cycle assessment
Authors: Nie Huayue , Wang Lizhong , Tian Meirong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe carbon emissions of paving projects are the focus of urban managers and researchers. By introducing the life cycle assessment (LCA) method and drawing up the study time and boundary, this study analyzed the carbon emissions activities of the plaza ground paving project and established a computational model of the cast-in-place architectural concrete (CAC) and natural stone pavement’s life cycle during the construction stage by comprehensively utilizing the carbon emission coefficient method and the direct source consumption statistics method of the production line. Based on the model, this study employed the ground paving of a top-notch Theme Park Plaza in Beijing as a sample to calculate the carbon emissions of two different types of building materials at various phases of their life cycle and made a comparative evaluation. It is concluded that the carbon emissions (expressed in CO2) produced by the CAC ground in the sample area is 75.46 kg CO2/m2, while that of the natural stone pavement is 110.81 kg CO2/m2. Our results demonstrate significantly linear relationship between the overall emissions of carbon and the material carbon factor. This study adds to the body of knowledge by calculating the carbon emissions and determining the trend of carbon footprint for ground paving. Furthermore, the study's findings can be used to enhance construction management options and choose green materials. The findings can also be used to provide supporting theories for the development of regulations and carbon reduction policies based on constructing energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction.
Morphological and vascular evidence of glaucomatous damage in myopic guinea pigs with scleral crosslinking
Authors: Guo Lei , Tao Jun , Guo Ziqi , Tong Yang , Chen Shichao , Zhao Xin , Hua Rui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGuinea pigs are often used as models for myopia studies. However, the imaging structure and vasculature of the optic nerve head (ONH) in guinea pigs are tentative. This study investigated morphological parameters and vascular characteristics of the ONH in guinea pigs with form deprivation (FD) myopia before and after scleral crosslinking (CXL), using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Refractive error, axial length (AL), intraocular pressure (IOP), and OCT-based structural parameters of the ONH were measured at baseline and 3 weeks after the FD + CXL procedure in guinea pigs. The 88 guinea pigs analysed in this study were aged 3 (n = 29), 4 (n = 51), and 5 (n = 8) weeks. The IOP, AL, average and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (C/D), circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer, disc area, and cup volume increased at 3 weeks compared to baseline values (all p < 0.001). The refractive error and rim area decreased at 3 weeks compared to baseline values (all p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, IOP was correlated positively with average C/D (p = 0.039) and negatively with rim area (p = 0.009). The severity of blood signal defects was positively associated with the average C/D at 3 weeks (p = 0.027). These findings may facilitate further research on myopia using guinea pigs.
miR-199a/b-3p inhibits HCC cell proliferation and invasion through a novel compensatory signaling pathway DJ-1\Ras\PI3K/AKT
Authors: Ma Li-Na , Wu Li-Na , Liu Shuai wei , Zhang Xu , Luo Xia , Nawaz Shah , Ma Zi min , Ding Xiang-Chun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSeveral studies have reported the effects of DJ-1 gene and miR-199a/b-3p on HCC development. However, whether miR-199a/b-3p regulates HCC progression through a novel compensatory signaling pathway involving DJ-1, Ras, and PI3K/AKT remains unknown. We used (TCGA, HPA, miRWalk and Target scan) databases, cancer and para-tissue HCC patients, dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis, proteomic imprinting, qPCR, cell proliferation, scratch, transport, and flow cytometry to detect the molecular mechanism of DJ-1 and miR-199a/b-3p co-expression in HCC cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis showed that DJ-1 was highly expressed in HCC ((P < 0.001) were closely associated with tumor stage (T), portal vein vascular invasion, OS, DSS, and PFI (P < 0.05); miR-199a/b-3p was lowly expressed in HCC (P < 0.001), which was the upstream regulator of DJ-1. Spearman coefficient r = −0.113, P = 0.031; Dual luciferase gene report verified the negative targeting relationship between them P&lt; 0.001; Western blotting demonstrated that miR-199a/b-3p could inhibit the protein expression of DJ-1, Ras and AKT(P < 0.05); The results of CCK8, cell scratch, Transwell migration and flow cytometry showed that OE + DJ-1 increased the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of HepG2 cells, and decreased the apoptosis process, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), while miR-199a/b-3p had the opposite effect (P < 0.05).
Characterization of heterozygosity-rich regions in Italian and worldwide goat breeds
Authors: Chessari Giorgio , Criscione Andrea , Marletta Donata , Crepaldi Paola , Portolano Baldassare , Manunza Arianna , Cesarani Alberto , Biscarini Filippo , Mastrangelo Salvatore 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHeterozygosity-rich regions (HRR) are genomic regions of high heterozygosity, which may harbor loci related to key functional traits such as immune response, survival rate, fertility, and other fitness traits. This study considered 30 Italian and 19 worldwide goat breeds genotyped with the Illumina GoatSNP50k BeadChip. The aim of the work was to study inter-breed relationships and HRR patterns using Sliding Window (SW) and Consecutive Runs (CR) detection methods. Genetic relationships highlighted a clear separation between non-European and European breeds, as well as the north–south geographic cline within the latter. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the descriptive HRR parameters obtained with the SW and CR methods were higher than 0.9. A total of 166 HRR islands were detected. CHI1, CHI11, CHI12 and CHI18 were the chromosomes harboring the highest number of HRR islands. The genes annotated in the islands were linked to various factors such as productive, reproductive, immune, and environmental adaptation mechanisms. Notably, the Montecristo feral goat showed the highest number of HRR islands despite the high level of inbreeding, underlining potential balancing selection events characterizing its evolutionary history. Identifying a species-specific HRR pattern could provide a clearer view of the mechanisms regulating the genome modelling following anthropogenic selection combined with environmental interaction.
Use of smartphone-based remote assessments of multiple sclerosis in Floodlight Open, a global, prospective, open-access study
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Capezzuto Luca , Kriara Lito , Schjodt-Eriksen Jens , van Beek Johan , Bernasconi Corrado , Montalban Xavier , Butzkueven Helmut , Kappos Ludwig , Giovannoni Gavin , Bove Riley , Julian Laura , Baker Mike , Gossens Christian , Lindemann Michael 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFloodlight Open was a global, open-access, digital-only study designed to understand the drivers and barriers in deployment and use of a smartphone app in a naturalistic setting and broad study population of people with and without multiple sclerosis (MS). The study utilised the Floodlight Open app: a ‘bring-your-own-device’ solution that remotely measures a user’s mood, cognition, hand motor function, and gait and postural stability via smartphone sensor-based tests requiring active user input (‘active tests’). Levels of mobility of study participants (‘life-space measurement’) were passively measured. Study data from these tests were made available via an open-access platform. Data from 1350 participants with self-declared MS and 1133 participants with self-declared non-MS from 17 countries across four continents were included in this report. Overall, MS participants provided active test data for a mean duration of 5.6 weeks or a mean duration of 19 non-consecutive days. This duration increased among MS participants who persisted beyond the first week to a mean of 10.3 weeks or 36.5 non-consecutive days. Passively collected life-space measurement data were generated by MS participants for a mean duration of 9.8 weeks or 50.6 non-consecutive days. This duration increased to 16.3 weeks/85.1 non-consecutive days among MS participants who persisted beyond the first week. Older age, self-declared MS disease status, and clinical supervision as part of concomitant clinical research were all significantly associated with higher persistence of the use of the Floodlight Open app. MS participants performed significantly worse than non-MS participants on four out of seven active tests. The findings from this multinational study inform future research to improve the dynamics of persistence of use of digital monitoring tools and further highlight challenges and opportunities in applying them to support MS clinical care.
CW_ICA: an efficient dimensionality determination method for independent component analysis
Authors: Yi Yuyan , Billor Nedret , Ekstrom Arne , Zheng Jingyi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIndependent component analysis (ICA) is a widely used blind source separation method for signal pre-processing. The determination of the number of independent components (ICs) is crucial for achieving optimal performance, as an incorrect choice can result in either under-decomposition or over-decomposition. In this study, we propose a robust method to automatically determine the optimal number of ICs, named the column-wise independent component analysis (CW_ICA). CW_ICA divides the mixed signals into two blocks and applies ICA separately to each block. A quantitative measure, derived from the rank-based correlation matrix computed from the ICs of the two blocks, is utilized to determine the optimal number of ICs. The proposed method is validated and compared with the existing determination methods using simulation and scalp EEG data. The results demonstrate that CW_ICA is a reliable and robust approach for determining the optimal number of ICs. It offers computational efficiency and can be seamlessly integrated with different ICA methods.
Classification and prognostic factors of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy after surgical treatment: a cluster analysis
Authors: Fan Xiao , Chen Rui , Huang Haoge , Zhang Gangqiang , Zhou Shuai , Chen Xin , Zhao Yanbin , Diao Yinze , Pan Shengfa , Zhang Fengshan , Sun Yu , Zhou Feifei 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIdentifying potential prognostic factors of CSM patients could improve doctors’ clinical decision-making ability. The study retrospectively collected the baseline data of population characteristics, clinical symptoms, physical examination, neurological function and quality of life scores of patients with CSM based on the clinical big data research platform. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and SF-36 score from the short-term follow-up data were entered into the cluster analysis to characterize postoperative residual symptoms and quality of life. Four clusters were yielded representing different patterns of residual symptoms and quality of patients’ life. Patients in cluster 2 (mJOA RR 55.8%) and cluster 4 (mJOA RR 55.8%) were substantially improved and had better quality of life. The influencing factors for the better prognosis of patients in cluster 2 were young age (50.1 ± 11.8), low incidence of disabling claudication (5.0%) and pathological signs (63.0%), and good preoperative SF36-physiological function score (73.1 ± 24.0) and mJOA socre (13.7 ± 2.8); and in cluster 4 the main influencing factor was low incidence of neck and shoulder pain (11.7%). We preliminarily verified the reliability of the clustering results with the long-term follow-up data and identified the preoperative features that were helpful to predict the prognosis of the patients. This study provided reference and research basis for further study with a larger sample data, extracting more patient features, selecting more follow-up nodes, and improving clustering algorithm.
Research on sustainable collaborative scheduling problem of multi-stage mixed flow shop for crankshaft components
Authors: Nie Liang , Zhang Qinglei , Feng Mengyu , Qin Jiyun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe crankshaft manufacturing process primarily comprises machining, single jacket, and double jacket stages. These stages collectively produce substantial carbon emissions, which significantly impact the environment. Low-carbon energy development and humanity's future are closely related. To promote the sustainable development of crankshaft manufacturing enterprises and improve the production efficiency of crankshafts, research on sustainable collaborative scheduling problems in multi-stage mixed flow shop for crankshaft components is conducted. In addition, the transportation process of related workpieces in the crankshaft manufacturing process, which generally have a large mass, also produces substantial carbon emissions. This paper constructs a multi-objective integer optimization model based on the manufacturing process characteristics of crankshaft components, with minimizing the maximum manufacturing time and carbon emissions as optimization objectives. Considering the complexity of the problem, a comprehensive algorithm integrating moth-flame optimization and NSGA-III is used to solve the mathematical model. Through case experiments, the integrated algorithm is compared and analysed with four classic multi-objective optimization algorithms: NSGA-III, NSGA-II, MOEA/D, and MOPSO. The experiments demonstrate that the algorithm presented in this paper offers significantly enhanced optimization efficiency in solving the problem under study compared to other algorithms. Moreover, this paper compares multi-stage collaborative scheduling and non-collaborative scheduling in the crankshaft manufacturing process, ultimately demonstrating that collaborative scheduling is more conducive to the sustainable development of manufacturing enterprises. The results indicate that the annual carbon emissions can reduce about 3.6 ton.
Novel energy efficient RND inverter using quantum dot cellular automata in nanotechnology
Authors: Repe Madhavi , Koli Sanjay 
Published: January 2024

AbstractQuantum-Dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a promising technology for designing high-performance and efficient logic circuits, surpassing traditional Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor approaches. In today’s digital era, the demand for digital circuits with high speed, device density, and energy efficiency is paramount. This paper focuses on the innovative Rotated Normal Cells with Displacement (RND) inverter model, employing normal and rotated cells with a 10 nm displacement through a cell interactive method. Digital circuits designed using the RND inverter exhibit superior performance compared to existing designs. The proposed RND inverter gate utilizes only four QCA cells, occupying a total area of 4525.55 nm2. With a total energy dissipation of 0.508 meV and an average energy dissipation per cycle of 0.0462 meV, it achieves a polarization of 9.77. The novel RND inverter demonstrates a 44% improvement in cell area and a 63% reduction in total area compared to current designs, offering enhanced energy efficiency with 0.26 improved polarization. The RND inverter and the digital circuits facilitate finding applications in efficiently constructing various components within Quantum Computers. Beyond quantum computing, the RND inverter proves applicable in designing Nano-sized electronic gadgets and temperature-controlled circuits, showcasing its versatility across diverse technological applications.
Dynamic changes in LINC00458/HBL1 lncRNA expression during hiPSC differentiation to cardiomyocytes
Authors: Maciak Patrycja , Suder Agnieszka , Wadas Jakub , Aronimo Faith , Maiuri Paolo , Bochenek Michał , Pyrc Krzysztof , Kula-Pacurar Anna , Pabis Marta 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute the largest and most diverse class of non-coding RNAs. They localize to the nucleus, cytoplasm, or both compartments, and regulate gene expression through various mechanisms at multiple levels. LncRNAs tend to evolve faster and present higher tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression than protein-coding genes. Initially considered byproducts of erroneous transcription without biological function, lncRNAs are now recognized for their involvement in numerous biological processes, such as immune response, apoptosis, pluripotency, reprogramming, and differentiation. In this study, we focused on Heart Brake lncRNA 1 (HBL1), a lncRNA recently reported to modulate the process of pluripotent stem cell differentiation toward cardiomyocytes. We employed RT-qPCR and high-resolution RNA FISH to monitor the expression and localization of HBL1 during the differentiation progression. Our findings indicate a significant increase in HBL1 expression during mesodermal and cardiac mesodermal stages, preceding an anticipated decrease in differentiated cells. We detected the RNA in discrete foci in both the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. In the latter compartment, we observed colocalization of HBL1 with Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1), which likely results from an interaction between the RNA and the protein, as the two were found to be coimmunoprecipitated in RNP-IP experiments. Finally, we provide evidence that HBL1, initially reported as an independent lncRNA gene, is part of the LINC00458 (also known as lncRNA-ES3 or ES3) gene, forming the last exon of some LINC00458 splice isoforms.
Future changes in the precipitation regime over the Arabian Peninsula with special emphasis on UAE: insights from NEX-GDDP CMIP6 model simulations
Authors: Rao K. Koteswara , Al Mandous Abdulla , Al Ebri Mohamed , Al Hameli Noora , Rakib Mohamed , Al Kaabi Shamsa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGlobal warming can profoundly influence the mean climate over the Arabian Peninsula, which may significantly influence both natural and human systems. The present study aims to investigate the changes in the precipitation regime in response to climate change over the Arabian Peninsula, with special emphasis on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This work is performed using a sub-set of high-resolution NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX-GDDP) data derived from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) Global Climate Models under three different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5). The changes are analyzed in three phases such as 2021–2050 (near future), 2051–2080 (mid future) and 2080–2100 (far future), with the period of 1985–2014 as the baseline. This study represents the first attempt to utilize data from NEX-GDDP models to project the regional patterns of precipitation regime across the Arabian Peninsula. Results suggest that the annual precipitation is expected to increase over most of the UAE by up to 30%, particularly intense from the mid-future onwards in all scenarios. Specifically, the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation extremes such as intensity, 1-day highest precipitation, and precipitation exceeding 10 mm days are increasing; in contrast, the consecutive dry days may decrease towards the end of the century. The results show that the changes in extreme precipitation under a warming scenario relative to the historical period indicate progressive wetting across UAE, accompanied by increased heavy precipitation events and reduced dry spell events, particularly under the high emission scenarios. A high-resolution dataset is essential for a better understanding of changes in precipitation patterns, especially in regions where more detailed information is needed on a local scale to achieve water, food security, and environmental sustainability to formulate effective adaptation strategies for mitigating the potential risks and consequences associated with variations in wet and dry conditions.
Suspect screening analysis to improve untargeted and targeted UHPLC-qToF approaches: the biodegradability of a proton pump inhibitor medicine and a natural medical device
Authors: Mattoli Luisa , Proietti Giacomo , Fodaroni Giada , Quintiero Claudio Marzio , Burico Michela , Gianni Mattia , Giovagnoni Emiliano , Mercati Valentino , Santi Claudio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSuspect screening and untargeted analysis using UHPLC-qToF are two advanced analytical approaches now used to achieve an extensive chemical profile of samples, which are then typically confirmed through targeted analysis. These techniques can detect a large number of chemical features simultaneously and are currently being introduced into the study of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and into the study of the extent of human chemical exposure (the exposome). Here is described the use of these techniques to characterize chemical mixtures derived from the OECD 301F ready biodegradability test (RBT) of a chemical and natural formulation currently used to treat reflux disease and functional dyspepsia. Untargeted analysis clearly evidenced a different behavior between formulations containing only natural products with respect to that containing synthetic and non-naturally occurring substances. Suspect screening analysis improved the untargeted analysis of the omeprazole-based medicine, leading to the tentative identification of a number of omeprazole-derived transformation products, thereby enabling their preliminary quali-quantitative evaluation. Targeted analysis was then performed to confirm the preliminary data gained from the suspect screening approach. The validation of the analytical method for the quantitative determination of omeprazole and its major metabolite, omeprazole sulphide, has provided robust data to evaluate the behavior of omeprazole during the OECD 301F test. Using advanced analytical approaches, the RBT performed on the two products under investigation confirmed that omeprazole is not readily biodegradable, while the medical device made of natural substances has proven to be readily biodegradable.