bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimize the Synthesis Error in an Eight‐Bar Peaucellier–Lipkin Mechanism Using an Objective Function Maximization Approach and Application to Load Lifting
Authors: Bodie Nguemiengo Abdel Axis , MBA MBA Frédéric , Epee Alban Fabrice Lionel , Ngayihi Abbe Claude Valery , Kom Charles Hubert 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis work deals with optimizing the synthesis error in an eight‐bar Peaucellier—Lipkin mechanism, for its dimensional synthesis and applications in load‐lifting machines. A new method for the formulation of the problem of maximizing the objective function is proposed and makes it possible to obtain from the PSO algorithm a minimum synthesis error emin = 9.07E−06 mm for the generation of the straight trajectory when the search interval for the lengths of the bars is [1 mm, 15 mm] and a minimum error emin = 1.47E−04 mm when the search interval is [1000 mm, 15,000 mm]. For 10 simulations in Case 1 the average convergence time is tm = 55 s with the largest iteration at 10 (for t = 159 s); for 100 simulations in Case 2, the tm = 229 s with the largest iteration at 136 (for t = 2294 s). The minimum error of Case 1 is compared with the results of authors in the literature on the generation of the right trajectory because the search space is approximately equal. In the literature, emin = 0.648358 mm with the GA‐DE algorithm in 2010, emin = 2.3667E−005 mm with the MKH algorithm in 2016, emin = 0.027145 mm with the SAP‐TLBO algorithm in 2017, emin = 3.7E−4 with the GA algorithm in 2019. This new method brings a plus, because even when the search space is very large, the algorithm converges quickly and it allows the study to be extended to the generation of circular trajectories by just modifying the ratio between the frame bar and the crank bar. The practical implications of achieving an error as low as 9.07E−06 mm are the design of high‐precision industrial machines with reduced vibration, noise, and premature wear of joints. The results of the post‐design FEM analysis show that for a 1.4571 steel (X6CrNiMoTi17‐12‐2) with a thickness of 50 mm and a joint with a radius of 500 mm, the mechanical device obtained can support a load of 1500 kg.
Predictors of Length of Hospitalization for Neonatal Sepsis at Kenyatta Nation Hospital, Kenya: A Prospective Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Tisho Athman Khaltuma , Mbugua Patrick Mwirigi , Bosire Rose , Karanja Simon Muturi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsNeonatal sepsis is a major cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. It remains a detrimental bottleneck to the WHO goal of eradicating preventable deaths for children below 5 years of age by 2030. Though the risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes for neonatal sepsis have been widely studied there is no universal consensus. Length of hospitalization is considered an indicator for adverse clinical outcome of neonatal sepsis. Markedly, literature is scarce regarding the drivers of extended hospitalization for neonatal sepsis in Kenya.MethodologyThis study determined the predictors of prolonged hospital stay for neonatal sepsis at the pediatric wards, KNH, Kenya. This was prospective cross‐sectional research carried out among 314 mother/neonate pairs. The neonates were confirmed to have sepsis. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine maternal and neonate status predictive of duration of hospitalization.ResultsThe median duration of hospital stay was 11 days and the majority (52.9%) were hospitalized for more than 11 days. The findings identified that maternal age ≥ 35 years (OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.61–8.59, p = 0.03), UTI during pregnancy (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.07–3.11, p = 0.03), not breastfeeding (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.29–4.14, p = 0.005), convulsion (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.22–3.37, p = 0.01), jaundice (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10–1.91, p = 0.002), reduced movements (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.08–2.72, p = 0.02), low birthweight (OR = 6.1, 95% CI: 2.48–14.99, p < 0.001) and preterm birth (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.64–5.86, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of longer hospital stay.ConclusionThe findings provide insights into the factors that can be monitored to predict the prognosis of neonatal sepsis. Besides, remedies can target these variables to mitigate prolonged hospitalization and severity of neonatal sepsis.
Surgical Practice in Resource‐Limited Settings: Perspectives of Medical Students and Early Career Doctors: A Narrative Review
Authors: Achanga BillSmith Anyinkeng , Bisimwa Christian Wabene , Femi‐Lawal Victor Oluwafemi , Akwo Nnoko Sona , Toh Tohson Falake 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionSurgical practices in low‐resource countries often fail to meet established standards. Both doctors and medical students have limited exposure to surgical cases, which hinders training and the development of surgical specialization. This study highlights the current state of surgical practice from a trainee's perspective, explores existing gaps in training and capacity building, and recommends practical solutions.MethodsWe conducted a literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases using search terms such as “surgical practice,” “doctors' perspectives in surgical practice,” “surgery in low‐ and middle‐income countries,” and “solutions to surgical inadequacy.” We included studies published from 2015 to 2024, with exceptions for a few highly relevant studies published prior to 2015.ResultsWe outline the limitations identified in the literature concerning surgical training and healthcare in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Many centers lack adequate infrastructure, human resources, and training. These challenges negatively affect the skills and quality of surgical care. However, some centers demonstrate that surgical practice is feasible through collaboration with institutions established in higher‐income contexts.ConclusionTelesurgery, task shifting and sharing, high‐impact, low‐cost surgeries, and collaborations with more developed health systems could effectively bridge the gap in surgical availability in LMICs.
Improving Thermal Performance in Building Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems: A Study of Natural Convection and Entropy in Plus‐Shaped Cavity
Authors: Al‐Badri Alaa R. , Al‐Waaly Ahmed A. Y. , Saha Goutam , Saha Tinni , Saha Suvash C. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe impact of building design on energy efficiency has been widely studied, with cavity cooling emerging as an effective solution for indoor thermal comfort, where obstacles within the cavity can enhance fluid flow and improve natural convection heat transfer (HT). This research builds on the principles of cavity cooling for indoor thermal comfort, investigating entropy generation and HT behavior in a unique plus‐shaped cavity containing a cold cylindrical element, analyzed through Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations. The Rayleigh number (Ra) ranges from 103 to 106, with a fixed Prandtl number (Pr) of 0.71, representing air as the working fluid, radius (r) of the cylinder ranges from 0 to 0.1, where r = 0 indicates no cylinder. The results indicate significant shifts in flow structure and temperature distribution across the cavity at varying Ra values, impacting the local and global entropy generation. High Rayleigh numbers lead to enhanced convective flows, intensifying entropy production near the cylinder surface due to steeper thermal gradients and vigorous recirculation zones. The increase in Ra from 103 to 106 leads to an increase in Nuavg from 24.27 to 56.40 for the model without a cold object while from 39.62 to 123.83 for the model with a cold object. Moreover, the maximum enhancement in Nuavg was 137.48% for Ra = 105. Whereas, for the same value of Ra = 105, the maximum increase in Egen and Be was 474.92% and 33.16%, respectively. Also, a new correlation is proposed to calculate Nuavg using response surface methodology. This study offers a comprehensive examination of heat flow characteristics and entropy generation rates in confined geometries, contributing valuable knowledge to thermal management and optimization in systems with internal obstacles.
The Relationship Between Novel Inflammatory Markers and Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Among US Adults
Authors: Zhao Hang , Zhao Yangyang , Fang Yini , Zhou Weibang , Zhang Wenjing , Peng Jiecheng 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundVitamin D is the focus of extensive medical research globally. Recent studies have investigated the correlation between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and common inflammatory markers. However, few studies have incorporated novel inflammatory markers such as the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet‐to‐high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammatory response (SIRI), and neutrophil‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR). This study investigated these correlations among adults in the USA.MethodsWe ultimately included a total of 5308 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning 2007 to 2018. A multivariable linear regression model assessed the links between serum 25(OH)D and these novel inflammatory markers, with subgroup analyses for hypertension and diabetes. To further explore the relationship between the two, we applied smooth curve fittings and generalized additive models. Upon detecting nonlinear relationships, we used a recursive algorithm to pinpoint the inflection point.ResultsIn our multivariate linear regression model, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were negatively correlated with NHR (β = −0.003, 95% CI: −0.005 to −0.001), NLR (β = −0.002, 95% CI: −0.003 to 0.000), SII (β = −0.579, 95% CI: −0.954 to −0.205), PHR (β = −0.171, 95% CI: −0.249 to −0.093), and PLR (β = −0.096, 95% CI: −0.051 to −0.040) among adults in the USA. Nevertheless, no significant association was found with SIRI (β = −0.001, 95% CI: −0.002 to 0.000). Subgroup analysis by hypertension and diabetes showed that in the hypertensive group, serum 25(OH)D was significantly and negatively associated with NHR, NLR, SII, SIRI, PHR, and PLR. However, no correlation was found in the diabetic group between serum 25(OH)D levels and these inflammatory markers.ConclusionsOur research confirms that serum 25(OH)D levels are negatively correlated with several novel inflammatory markers among adults in the USA, suggesting potential directions for further research into vitamin D's role in inflammation.
Assessment of a Single‐Element Scanning System for Enhanced Photoacoustic Imaging of Brain Hemorrhage
Authors: Benavides Lara Juliana , Prakash Ravi , Avanaki Kamran 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe use of photoacoustic brain imaging for hemorrhage detection holds significant clinical importance. This study focuses on the performance of sensitivity and detection capabilities of a single‐element scanning system, considering the remarkable signal‐to‐noise ratio of photoacoustic signals generated by a single‐element transducer. By employing blood vessel‐like phantoms and ex vivo brain phantoms, we demonstrated the superior efficacy of the single‐element scanning method over the transducer array system in the context of brain hemorrhage detection. This research highlights the potential for enhancing hemorrhage detection sensitivity through careful design and optimization of the proposed method, thereby increasing its viability for clinical application.
A Streamlined High‐Throughput LC–MS Assay for Quantifying Peptide Degradation in Cell Culture
Authors: Rozans Samuel J. , Wu Yingjie , Moghaddam Abolfazl S. , Pashuck E. Thomas 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPeptides are widely used in biomaterials due to their ease of synthesis, ability to signal cells, and modify the properties of biomaterials. A key benefit of using peptides is that they are natural substrates for cell‐secreted enzymes, which creates the possibility of utilizing cell‐secreted enzymes for tuning cell–material interactions. However, these enzymes can also induce unwanted degradation of bioactive peptides in biomaterials, or in peptide therapies. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) is a widely used, powerful methodology that can separate complex mixtures of molecules and quantify numerous analytes within a single run. There are several challenges in using LC–MS for the multiplexed quantification of cell‐induced peptide degradation, including the need for nondegradable internal standards and the identification of optimal sample storage conditions. Another problem is that cell culture media and biological samples typically contain both proteins and lipids that can accumulate on chromatography columns and degrade their performance. Removing these constituents can be expensive, time‐consuming, and increases sample variability. However, loading unpurified samples onto the column without removing lipids and proteins will foul the column. Here, we show that directly injecting complex, unpurified samples onto the LC–MS without any purification enables rapid and accurate quantification of peptide concentration and that hundreds of LC–MS runs can be done on a single column without significantly diminishing the ability to quantify the degradation of peptide libraries. To understand how repeated injections degrade column performance, a model library was injected into the LC–MS hundreds of times. It was then determined that column failure is evident when hydrophilic peptides are no longer retained on the column and that failure can be easily identified by using standard peptide mixtures for column benchmarking. In total, this work introduces a simple and effective method for simultaneously quantifying the degradation of dozens of peptides in cell culture. By providing a streamlined and cost‐effective method for the direct quantification of peptide degradation in complex biological samples, this work enables more efficient assessment of peptide stability and functionality, facilitating the development of advanced biomaterials and peptide‐based therapies.
Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency Impairs Glucose Metabolism and Barrier Induction in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Astrocytes
Authors: Pervaiz Iqra , Mehta Yash , Al‐Ahmad Abraham Jacob 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTGlucose is a major source of energy for the brain. At the blood–brain barrier (BBB), glucose uptake is facilitated by glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome (GLUT1DS), a haploinsufficiency affecting SLC2A1, reduces glucose brain uptake. A lot of effort has been made to characterize GLUT1DS at the BBB, but the impact on astrocytes remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact of GLUT1DS on astrocyte differentiation and function in vitro, using human induced pluripotent stem cells GLUT1DS (GLUT1DS‐iPSCs) differentiated into astrocyte‐like cells (iAstros). GLUT1 expression is decreased during the differentiation of iPSCs into astrocytes, with neural progenitor cells showing the lowest expression. The presence of a truncated GLUT1 did not compromise the differentiation of iPSCs into iAstros, as these cells could express several key markers representative of the astrocyte lineage. GLUT1DS‐iAstros failed to express full‐length GLUT1 at protein levels while showing no signs of impaired GLUT4 expression. However, GLUT1DS‐iAstros showed decreased glucose uptake and lactate production compared to control‐iAstros, reduced glycolysis, and mitochondrial activity as well as ATP deficit. In addition to reduced energy production, astrocytes displayed a reduced extracellular glutamate release. As previously observed, one iAstros clone (C7) showed the most severe phenotype from all groups. Our study provides an insightful view of the contribution of GLUT1 in astrocytes' energetic metabolism and raises the possible contribution of these cells in the astrocyte–neuron metabolic coupling. Our future direction is to understand better how GLUT1DS impacts astrocytes and neurons within their metabolic coupling.
Green Synthesis of Silver‐Doped ZnO Nanoparticles From Adiantum venustum D. Don (Pteridaceae): Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Evaluation
Authors: Noor Adil , Ahmad Nisar , Ali Amjad , Ali Musarat , Iqbal Majid , Khan Muhammad Nauman , Laila Marzia Batool , Shah Syed Nasar , Kaplan Alevcan , Ercişli Sezai , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTOne of the main difficulties in nanotechnology is the development of an environmentally friendly, successful method of producing nanoparticles from biological sources. Silver‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag‐ZnO NPs), with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, were produced using Adiantum venustum extract as a green technique. Fresh A. venustum plants were gathered, then their bioactive elements were extracted with cold water and processed into nanoparticles. The main goal was to develop Ag‐ZnO NPs (nanoparticles) for medical applications, especially with regard to their antifungal and antibacterial properties. Pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were tested against the synthesized nanoparticles. While FTIR spectroscopy revealed functional groups, X‐ray diffraction validated the crystalline structure. The scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the Ag‐ZnO NPs had an average size of 30.16 nm and an irregular shape. Additionally, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis) confirmed the elemental composition. The bioactive compounds present in A. venustum significantly stabilized the nanoparticles. Strong antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the Ag‐ZnO nanoparticles was demonstrated. In particular, this work shows that the Ag‐ZnO nanoparticles produced by green synthesis could be used in biomedical drug delivery and therapy.
Self‐Induced Radioluminescence in Supramolecular Metal Halide Doped with Radioactive Isotope Strontium‐90
Authors: Xie Rongzhen , Li Kai , Zhu Kun , Li Xiuru , Sheng Daopeng , Zhang Hailong , Zhang Zhenyi , Yan Congchong , Dai Baiqian , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao , Wang Yaxing 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMetal halides have recently garnered significant attention in developing functional materials, predominantly utilizing elements with stable isotopes as chemical components. However, the exploration of metal halides containing radioisotopes remains in its infancy, and their potential functionalities are not yet well understood. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of the first radionuclide‐doped supramolecular metal halide that displays unprecedented self‐induced radioluminescence are reported. The complex of 90Sr@[Sr2(18‐crown‐6 ether)2(H2O)2Cl2)]SbCl5, designated 90Sr‐(18C6@Sr)SbCl5, is synthesized by assembling both stable Sr2+ ions and millicurie‐level radioactive 90Sr2+ ion, co‐crystallized with SbCl52− anions. The inherent beta decays (β− particles) of 90Sr2+ ions from cationic supramolecular scaffoldings continuously ionize the SbCl52− anions, enabling self‐induced radioluminescence. Monte Carlo calculations reveal that ionization and bremsstrahlung processes predominantly generate secondary electrons, contributing to self‐induced radioluminescence. The self‐induced radioluminescence intensity of 90Sr‐(18C6@Sr)SbCl5 is measured to be 5.06 × 1012 counts•s−1•g−1•Ci−1, ≈18 times greater than that of the benchmark Th(NO3)4•5H2O compound. This discovery sheds light on the development of a new class of radioactive decay energy‐converting materials based on organo‐metal halides.
A Prospective Pilot Study on Shear Wave Elastography: Evaluation of Parotid Glands in Sjögren's Syndrome and Comparison With Oral Cancer Cases
Authors: Shirai Ai , Ogawa Ruri , Tezuka Yasuhito , Nakatani Yuya , Toya Shuji , Ogura Ichiro 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimRecently, shear wave elastography is an effective tool in evaluating patients with head and neck lesions. This pilot study was performed to evaluate the parotid glands in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and comparison with oral cancer cases on shear wave elastography.MethodsSeventy parotid glands of 35 patients with 6 SS and 29 oral cancer as the control group were evaluated with color Doppler ultrasonography and shear wave elastography. The parotid glands were examined for the internal architecture (homogeneous or heterogeneous) on color Doppler ultrasonography. The shear wave elastography allowed the operator to place regions of interest (ROIs) for parotid glands and automatically displayed shear elastic modulus data (kPa) for each ROI. The internal architecture of the parotid glands was compared by Pearson chi‐square test, and the shear elastic modulus of the parotid glands were compared by Mann–Whitney U test. The analyses were used with a 5% significance level.Results83.3% of patients with SS and 3.4% of patients with oral cancer had heterogeneous in internal architecture of parotid glands on ultrasonographic findings (p < 0.001). The shear elastic modulus of the parotid glands for SS (11.9 ± 4.3 kPa) was higher than those of oral cancer (8.3 ± 3.2 kPa, p = 0.006).ConclusionShear wave elastography is effective in distinguishing the stiffness of the parotid gland in patients with SS from that in oral cancer cases.
Urban vegetation and well‐being: A cross‐sectional study in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Sousa‐Silva Rita , Kestens Yan , Poirier Stephens Zoé , Thierry Benoit , Schoenig Daniel , Fuller Daniel , Winters Meghan , Smargiassi Audrey 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

As urbanisation continues to accelerate, urban green spaces are increasingly recognised as key elements for enhancing people's health and well‐being. However, most research has used vegetation metrics that may not capture the specific associations between different types of vegetation and different mental health outcomes.

In this study, we investigate the cross‐sectional associations between residential vegetation exposure and individual well‐being in Montreal, Canada, using different vegetation and well‐being measures: The proportion of grass cover, tree cover, and average NDVI value within buffers of various radii (100–1000 m) were linked to each participant's residence (n = 1072, aged 18 years or older), while well‐being was assessed using subjective happiness, emotional well‐being, and personal well‐being scales. The associations were analysed using generalised additive regression models.

Our findings show that more vegetation was linked to enhanced well‐being, although the effect sizes were relatively small. Irrespective of the buffer distance, the positive associations for grass and NDVI were more pronounced than those for trees, though these associations varied across the different well‐being outcome measures. We also observed that increasing tree coverage has a stronger positive effect on the well‐being of individuals who are dissatisfied with the current number of street trees.

Synthesis and applications. Everyday exposure to nearby nature is associated with better self‐reported mental health, suggesting urban greening policies should focus on including more vegetation within built spaces, from individual street trees to small and large parks. Our study also highlights the importance of distinguishing between different types of vegetation (e.g. grass vs. trees) when studying the effects of vegetation on well‐being or other health‐related outcomes. Likewise, using different measures of well‐being may provide a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of how vegetation impacts people's well‐being.

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