bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D-printed liquid metal polymer composites as NIR-responsive 4D printing soft robot
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Huang Xumin , Cole Tim , Lu Hongda , Hang Jiangyu , Li Weihua , Tang Shi-Yang , Boyer Cyrille , Davis Thomas P. , Qiao Ruirui 
Published: November 2023

Abstract4D printing combines 3D printing with nanomaterials to create shape-morphing materials that exhibit stimuli-responsive functionalities. In this study, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization agents grafted onto liquid metal nanoparticles are successfully employed in ultraviolet light-mediated stereolithographic 3D printing and near-infrared light-responsive 4D printing. Spherical liquid metal nanoparticles are directly prepared in 3D-printed resins via a one-pot approach, providing a simple and efficient strategy for fabricating liquid metal-polymer composites. Unlike rigid nanoparticles, the soft and liquid nature of nanoparticles reduces glass transition temperature, tensile stress, and modulus of 3D-printed materials. This approach enables the photothermal-induced 4D printing of composites, as demonstrated by the programmed shape memory of 3D-printed composites rapidly recovering to their original shape in 60 s under light irradiation. This work provides a perspective on the use of liquid metal-polymer composites in 4D printing, showcasing their potential for application in the field of soft robots.
Preparation and adsorption properties of magnetic chitosan/sludge biochar composites for removal of Cu2+ ions
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Yunqing , Yin Zhizhen , Feng Dan , Lv Hui 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe magnetic chitosan/sludge biochar composite adsorbent was prepared using chitosan, Fe3O4, and sludge biochar as raw materials. The composite adsorbent was able to achieve rapid solid–liquid separation under an applied magnetic field. The morphology and microstructure of the composite adsorbent were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, VSM, and BET analysis. The adsorption performance of the composite adsorbent on Cu2+ was investigated through static adsorption experiments, and the effects of adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of Cu2+, initial pH of the solution, and adsorption temperature on the adsorption efficiency of Cu2+ were discussed. The results showed that chitosan and Fe3O4 were successfully loaded on sludge biochar. When the initial concentration of Cu2+ was 30 mg/L, the dosage of the magnetic chitosan/sludge biochar composite material was 0.05 g, the adsorption time was 180 min, pH was 5, and the temperature was room temperature, the maximum removal rate of Cu2+ reached 99.77%, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 55.16 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption process was chemisorption with monolayer coverage.
Quality assessment of hydroquinone, mercury, and arsenic in skin-lightening cosmetics marketed in Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Bamidele Olasunkanmi David , Kayode Blessing Ayomide , Eniayewu Oluwasegun Ibrahim , Adegbola Adebanjo Jonathan , Olatoye Raphael Segun , Njinga Ngaitad Stanislaus , Abdullahi Sa’ad Toyin , Bakare-Odunola Moji Taibat 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHydroquinone, Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As) are hazardous to health upon long-term exposure. Hydroquinone, Hg, and As were analysed in skin-lightening cosmetics randomly purchased from different cosmetic outlets within the Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria. The amount of hydroquinone in the samples was determined using a UV-spectrophotometry method at 290 nm. Hg and As were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). UV-spectrophotometry method validation showed excellent linearity (r2 = 0.9993), with limits of detection (0.75 µg/mL), limits of quantification (2.28 µg/mL), relative standard deviation (0.01–0.35%), and recovery (95.85–103.56%) in the concentration range of 5–50 µg/mL. Similarly, r2, LOD, and LOQ for Hg and As were 0.9983 and 0.9991, (0.5 and 1.0 µg/L) and 1.65 and 3.3 µg/L) respectively. All the samples contained hydroquinone, Hg and As in varying amounts. The amounts of hydroquinone, Hg and As present were in the ranges of 1.9–3.3%, 0.08–2.52 µg/g and 0.07–5.30 µg/g respectively. Only three of the analysed samples contained hydroquinone within the permissible limit of 2.0% w/w in cosmetic products. All the samples analysed contained mercury and arsenic in varying amounts. The need to periodically monitor the levels of hydroquinone, mercury, and arsenic in skin-lightening cosmetics marketed in Nigeria is recommended.
Relationship between CGM-derived nocturnal hypoglycemia and subjective sleep quality in people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Gardner Daphne , Tan Hong Chang , Lim Gek Hsiang , Zin Oo May , Xin Xiaohui , Rama Chandran Suresh 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis pilot study explores the relationship between nocturnal hypoglycemia (NH) and subjective sleep quality in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Twenty-seven adults with T1D wore a Freestyle Libre Pro CGM and recorded subjective sleep quality daily, as assessed by a single Likert scale question. Frequency, duration, area under the curve (AUC) of NH (00:00–06:00) defined as sensor glucose below threshold (< 3.9 mmol/L; < 3 mmol/L) for ≥ 15 min, nocturnal mean glucose, Time in Range (3.9–10 mmol/L), and coefficient of variation were calculated. Twenty-seven adults, 18 (66.7%) women, with median (IQR) age of 27 (26, 32) years and HbA1c of 7.6 (7.1, 8.1) participated. Nights with NH < 3.9 mmol/L resulted in a lower (worse) sleep score than nights without NH [Mean (SD): 3.3 (1.2) vs 3.5 (1.0), p = 0.03). A higher frequency and longer duration but not AUC [adjusted OR (95% CI) 0.52 (0.38, 0.72), 0.961 (0.932, 0.991), 0.999 (0.998, 1.001) respectively)], of NH < 3.9 mmol/L, were associated with a lower sleep score. NH < 3.0 mmol/L metrics were not associated with sleep quality. Recurrent NH < 3.9 mmol/L, rather than prolonged NH < 3.0 mmol/L, seems associated with subjective sleep quality, implying that those with the highest burden of NH are likely unaware of it.
Vanadium and tantalum doping of tin dioxide: a theoretical study
Authors: Filippatos Petros-Panagis , Kelaidis Nikolaos , Vasilopoulou Maria , Chroneos Alexander 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe increasing demand of efficient optoelectronic devices such as photovoltaics has created a great research interest in methods to manipulate the electronic and optical properties of all the layers of the device. Tin dioxide (SnO2), due to his charge transport capability, high stability and easy fabrication is the main electron transport layer in modern photovoltaics which have achieved a record efficiency. While the wide band gap of SnO2 makes it an effective electron transport layer, its potential for other energy applications such as photocatalysis is limited. To further improve is conductivity and reduce its bandgap, doping or co-doping with various elements has been proposed. In the present density functional theory (DFT) study, we focus on the investigation of vanadium (V) and tantalum (Ta) doped SnO2 both in the bulk and the surface. Here we focus on interstitial and substitutional doping aiming to leverage these modifications to enhance the density of states for energy application. These changes also have the potential to influence the optical properties of the material, such as absorption, and make SnO2 more versatile for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications. The calculations show the formation of gap states near the band edges which are beneficial for the electron transition and in the case of Ta doping the lowest bandgap value is achieved. Interestingly, in the case of Ta interstitial, deep trap states are formed which depending of the application could be advantageous. Regarding the optical properties, we found that V doping significantly increases the refractive index of SnO2 while the absorption is generally improved in all the cases. Lastly, we investigate the electronic properties of the (110) surface of SnO2, and we discuss possible other applications due to surface doping. The present work highlights the importance of V and Ta doping for energy applications and sensor applications.
Anodal transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation influences the amplitude of pain-related evoked potentials in healthy subjects
Authors: Eberhardt Frederic , Enax-Krumova Elena , Tegenthoff Martin , Höffken Oliver , Özgül Özüm Simal 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIt has already been described that transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) can selectively influence nociceptive evoked potentials. This study is the first aiming to prove an influence of tsDCS on pain-related evoked potentials (PREP) using concentric surface electrodes (CE), whose nociceptive specificity is still under discussion. 28 healthy subjects participated in this sham-controlled, double-blind cross-over study. All subjects underwent one session of anodal and one session of sham low-thoracic tsDCS. Before and after the intervention, PREP using CE, PREP-induced pain perception and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) were assessed on the right upper and lower limb. We found a decrease in PREP amplitude at the lower limb after sham stimulation, but not after anodal tsDCS, while SEP remained unchanged under all studied conditions. There was no difference between the effects of anodal tsDCS and sham stimulation on the studied parameters assessed at the upper limb. PREP-induced pain of the upper and lower limb increased after anodal tsDCS. The ability of influencing PREP using a CE at the spinal level in contrast to SEP suggests that PREP using CE follows the spinothalamic pathway and supports the assumption that it is specifically nociceptive. However, while mainly inhibitory effects on nociceptive stimuli have already been described, our results rather suggest that anodal tsDCS has a sensitizing effect. This may indicate that the mechanisms underlying the elicitation of PREP with CE are not the same as for the other nociceptive evoked potentials. The effects on the processing of different types of painful stimuli should be directly compared in future studies.
Exploiting nonlinearities through geometric engineering to enhance the auxetic behaviour in re-entrant honeycomb metamaterials
Authors: Srivastava Chetna , Bhola Lalit , Mahesh Vinyas , Guruprasad P. J. , Petrinic Nik , Scarpa Fabrizio , Harursampath Dineshkumar , Ponnusami Sathiskumar A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractClassical approaches to enhance auxeticity quite often involve exploring or designing newer architectures. In this work, simple geometrical features at the member level are engineered to exploit non-classical nonlinearities and improve the auxetic behaviour. The structural elements of the auxetic unit cell are here represented by thin strip-like beams, or thin-walled tubular beams. The resulting nonlinear stiffness enhances the auxeticity of the lattices, especially under large deformations. To quantify the influence of the proposed structural features on the resulting Poisson’s ratio, we use here variational asymptotic method (VAM) and geometrically exact beam theory. The numerical examples reveal that 2D re-entrant type micro-structures made of thin strips exhibit an improvement in terms of auxetic behaviour under compression. For the auxetic unit cell with thin circular tubes as members, Brazier’s effect associated with cross-sectional ovalisation improves the auxetic behaviour under tension; the enhancement is even more significant for the 3D re-entrant geometry. Thin strip-based auxetic unit cells were additively manufactured and tested under compression to verify the numerical observations. The experimentally measured values of the negative Poisson’s ratio are in close agreement with the numerical results, revealing a 66% increase due to the nonlinearity. Simulation results showcase these alternative approaches to improve the auxetic behaviour through simple geometric engineering of the lattice ribs.
Conditioned flight response in female rats to naturalistic threat is estrous-cycle dependent
Authors: Pyeon Gyeong Hee , Lee Jaeyong , Jo Yong Sang , Choi June-Seek 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDespite the prevalent expression of freezing behavior following Pavlovian fear conditioning, a growing body of literature suggests potential sex differences in defensive responses. Our study investigated how female defensive behaviors are expressed in different threat situations and modulated by the estrous cycle. We aimed to compare freezing and flight-like responses during the acquisition and retrieval of fear conditioning using two distinct unconditioned stimuli (US) in two different spatial configurations: (1) electrical footshock (FUS) in a small, conventional enclosure with a grid floor, and (2) a predator-like robot (PUS) in a spacious, open arena. Fear conditioning with FUS showed no substantial differences between male and female rats of two different estrous cycles (proestrus and diestrus) in the levels of freezing and flight. However, when PUS was employed, proestrus female rats showed significantly more flight responses to the CS during both acquisition and the retrieval compared to the male and diestrus female rats. Taken together, our findings suggest that hormonal influences on the choice of defensive strategies in threat situations are significantly modulated by both the type of US and the spatial configuration of the environment.
Association of hypertension in pregnancy with serum electrolyte disorders in late pregnancy among Cameroonian women
Authors: Ajong Atem Bethel , Yakum Martin Ndinakie , Aljerf Loai , Ali Innocent Mbulli , Mangala Fulbert Nkwele , Onydinma Ukaogo Prince , Liwo Blaise Mbuomboh , Bekolo Cavin Epie , Tameh Theodore Yangsi , Kenfack Bruno , Telefo Phelix Bruno 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMultiple electrolyte disorders, including sodium, potassium and calcium disorders, have been associated with hypertension in pregnancy. Most of these studies failed to evaluate the combined effect of low and high sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride ion concentrations on hypertension in pregnancy. This study evaluates the combined effect of these ion categories (low, normal, high) on hypertension in pregnancy. Biochemical ion assays and blood pressure measurements were carried out on 1074 apparently healthy pregnant women in late third trimester. Serum potassium, sodium, chloride, and ionised calcium were measured by ion-selective electrode potentiometry, while total plasma calcium was measured by absorption spectrophotometry. Hypertension in pregnancy was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. The prevalence of hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, hypochloraemia, ionised hypocalcaemia and total hypocalcaemia in late pregnancy was 1.30 [0.78–2.18]%, 3.55 [2.60–4.84]%, 1.96 [1.28–2.97]%, 1.49 [0.92–2.21]% and 43.58 [40.64–46.56]%, respectively. Hypernatraemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperchloraemia, ionised hypercalcaemia and total hypercalcaemia were found in 1.49 [0.92–2.41]%, 2.34 [1.59–3.43]%, 4.38 [3.31–5.77]%, 39.94 [37.06–42.90]%, 2.79 [1.96–3.96]% of the participants, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy was 7.17 [5.77–8.87]%. When ion categories were considered in multiple logistic regression, only ionised and total calcium had significant associations with hypertension in pregnancy. Women with ionised hypercalcaemia had lower odds of hypertension in pregnancy (AOR = 0.50 [0.29–0.87], p-value = 0.015), and women with total hypocalcaemia had higher odds of hypertension in pregnancy (AOR = 1.99 [1.21–3.29], p-value = 0.007), compared to women with ionised and total normocalcaemia, respectively. Increasing kalaemia was associated significantly with higher odds of hypertension in pregnancy; however, kalaemia below and above the normal concentrations had no significant association with hypertension. Nonetheless, participants with kalaemia ≤ 3.98 mmol/L, had lower odds of hypertension in pregnancy compared with those with higher kalaemia (OR = 0.40 [0.24–0.66], p-value = 0.0003). Calcium disorders remain the most frequent electrolyte disorders in pregnancy. When normal cut-offs are considered for calcium and other ions, only ionised and total calcium influence the occurrence of hypertension in pregnancy. Kalaemia seems to affect hypertension in pregnancy but primarily within its normal concentrations. Serum electrolyte follow-up is indispensable for a proper pregnancy follow-up.
Development of a hybrid LSTM with chimp optimization algorithm for the pressure ventilator prediction
Authors: Ahmed Fatma Refaat , Alsenany Samira Ahmed , Abdelaliem Sally Mohammed Farghaly , Deif Mohanad A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe utilization of mechanical ventilation is of utmost importance in the management of individuals afflicted with severe pulmonary conditions. During periods of a pandemic, it becomes imperative to build ventilators that possess the capability to autonomously adapt parameters over the course of treatment. In order to fulfil this requirement, a research investigation was undertaken with the aim of forecasting the magnitude of pressure applied on the patient by the ventilator. The aforementioned forecast was derived from a comprehensive analysis of many variables, including the ventilator's characteristics and the patient's medical state. This analysis was conducted utilizing a sophisticated computational model referred to as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). To enhance the predictive accuracy of the LSTM model, the researchers utilized the Chimp Optimization method (ChoA) method. The integration of LSTM and ChoA led to the development of the LSTM-ChoA model, which successfully tackled the issue of hyperparameter selection for the LSTM model. The experimental results revealed that the LSTM-ChoA model exhibited superior performance compared to alternative optimization algorithms, namely whale grey wolf optimizer (GWO), optimization algorithm (WOA), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). Additionally, the LSTM-ChoA model outperformed regression models, including K-nearest neighbor (KNN) Regressor, Random and Forest (RF) Regressor, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) Regressor, in accurately predicting ventilator pressure. The findings indicate that the suggested predictive model, LSTM-ChoA, demonstrates a reduced mean square error (MSE) value. Specifically, when comparing ChoA with GWO, the MSE fell by around 14.8%. Furthermore, when comparing ChoA with PSO and WOA, the MSE decreased by approximately 60%. Additionally, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) findings revealed that the p-value for the LSTM-ChoA model was 0.000, which is less than the predetermined significance level of 0.05. This indicates that the results of the LSTM-ChoA model are statistically significant.
Above-ground carbon stocks and its functional relationship with tree species diversity: the case of Kakamega and North Nandi Forests, Kenya
Authors: Obonyo Ouko Amose , Agevi Humphrey , Tsingalia Mugatsia Harrison 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEstimating aboveground carbon (AGC) dynamics and tree diversity functionality relationships is critical in understanding the role of vegetation in implementing climate change mitigation strategies and promoting sustainable forest management. This study aimed to evaluate AGC stocks and their functional relationship with tree species diversity in Kakamega and North Nandi Forests, Kenya. A nested approach was adopted in sampling aboveground vegetation for biomass estimation in least disturbed, transformed, and disturbed sites. Tree biomass was estimated using an allometric equation based on tree diameter, tree height, and wood density. The biomass was then converted to carbon stocks using the carbon conversion factor. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the variation in carbon and tree diversity between forests and forest types. The correlation between tree diversity and AGC was evaluated. It was established that Kakamega Forest had the highest AGC (157.93 ± 26.91tha−1). The least disturbed areas had the highest AGC (65.96 ± 8.56tha−1). Additionally, Shannon diversity revealed a higher tree species diversity in Kakamega Forest (H′ = 1.82 ± 0.95). There was a significant positive correlation between AGC and tree species diversity (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). Kakamega and North Nandi forests vary in their AGC, and that tree species diversity positively influences the AGC of the two forests.
Examining disparities in cardiovascular disease prevention strategies and incidence rates between urban and rural populations: insights from Kazakhstan
Authors: Glushkova Natalya , Turdaliyeva Botagoz , Kulzhanov Maksut , Karibayeva Indira K. , Kamaliev Maksut , Smailova Dariga , Zhamakurova Ayaulym , Namazbayeva Zhanar , Mukasheva Gulmira , Kuanyshkalieva Asylzhan , Otyzbayeva Nurzhamal , Semenova Yuliya , Jobalayeva Bagym 
Published: November 2023

AbstractKazakhstan is experiencing a high burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the country has implemented a range of strategies aimed at controlling CVD. The study aims to conduct a content analysis of the policies implemented in the country and augment it with an analysis of official statistics over a 15-year period, from 2006 to 2020. The study also includes comparisons of incidence rates between urban and rural areas. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify policy documents that regulate the provision of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, official data on the incidence of arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular disease were extracted from official statistics, disaggregated by urban and rural areas. Forecast modeling was utilized to project disease incidences up to 2030. The study reveals that Kazakhstan primarily focuses on tertiary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, with less attention given to secondary prevention, and primary prevention is virtually non-existent. In general, screening for arterial hypertension appears to be more successful than for ischemic heart disease. The incidence of arterial hypertension has increased threefold for urban residents and 1.7-fold for rural residents. In urban areas, residents saw a twofold increase in ischemic heart disease incidence, while it remained the same in rural areas. The findings of this study have practical implications for decision-makers, who can use the results to enhance the effectiveness of existing CVD prevention strategies.
Coexistent ARID1A-PIK3CA mutations are associated with immune-related pathways in luminal breast cancer
Authors: Anabel Sinberger Liat , Zahavi Tamar , Sonnenblick Amir , Salmon‐Divon Mali 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUp to 40% of luminal breast cancer patients carry activating mutations in the PIK3CA gene. PIK3CA mutations commonly co-occur with other mutations, but the implication of this co-occurrence may vary according to the specific genes involved. Here, we characterized a subgroup of luminal breast cancer expressing co-mutations in ARID1A and PIK3CA genes and identified their effect on important signaling pathways. Our study included 2609 primary breast cancer samples from the TCGA and METABRIC datasets that were classified based on tumor subtype and the existence of mutations in PIK3CA and ARID1A genes. Differential expression and WGCNA analyses were performed to detect molecular modules affected by the existence of the mutations. Our results reveal various evidence for the involvement of immune-related pathways in luminal tumors harboring ARID1A and PIK3CA mutations, as well as a unique Tumor-infiltrated immune cells composition. We also identified seven key hub genes in the ARID1A-PIK3CA mutated tumors associated with immune-related pathways: CTLA4, PRF1, LCK, CD3E, CD247, ZAP70, and LCP2. Collectively, these results indicate an immune system function that may contribute to tumor survival. Our data induced a hypothesis that ARID1A and PIK3CA mutations' co-occurrence might predict responses to immunotherapy in luminal BC and, if validated, could guide immunotherapy development.