bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near‐Infrared Responsive Nanomaterials for the Regulation of Ion Channel Function
Authors: Li Chaoqun , Gao Dong , Li Boying , Liu Xiaoning , Zhang Ran , Xing Chengfen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIon channels are responsible for the propagation and integration of electrical signals in physiological processes. Overactivation or dysfunction of ion channel plays an important role in physiological and pathological processes and is an important research object for disease treatment. With the widespread application of optical technologies of near infrared (NIR) light responsive materials, the precise regulation of biological processes through optical control, featuring noninvasive, remote control, and high flexibility, has penetrated the physiological processes. In recent years, an increasing number of light‐stimulated materials have been developed and utilized, with stable properties, easy modification, and sensitive response, enabling precise control of biological processes at the forefront of biomedical research. This review summarizes NIR responsive materials in ion channel regulation and elucidates their action mechanism in regulating ion channel‐related diseases. It is hoped that this review can provide foundation of research for future light‐stimulated materials, promote the application of light‐stimulated materials in biomedical engineering, and be useful for clinical disease treatment.
A note on the Krein–Rutman theorem for sectorial operators
Authors: Li Desheng , Wang Ruijing , Zhou Luyan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we present some generalized versions of the Krein–Rutman theorem for sectorial operators. They are formulated in a fashion that can be easily applied to elliptic operators. Another feature of these generalized versions is that they contain some information on the generalized eigenspaces associated with nonprincipal eigenvalues, which are helpful in the study of the dynamics of evolution equations in ordered Banach spaces.
Direct mass spectrometry analysis of exhaled human breath in real‐time
Authors: Zhang Xiaoping , Frankevich Vladimir , Ding Jianhua , Ma Yuanyuan , Chingin Konstantin , Chen Huanwen 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe molecular composition of exhaled human breath can reflect various physiological and pathological conditions. Considerable progress has been achieved over the past decade in real‐time analysis of exhaled human breath using direct mass spectrometry methods, including selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry, proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry, extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, acetone‐assisted negative photoionization mass spectrometry, atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry, and low‐pressure photoionization mass spectrometry. Here, recent developments in direct mass spectrometry analysis of exhaled human breath are reviewed with regard to analytical performance (chemical sensitivity, selectivity, quantitative capabilities) and applications of the developed methods in disease diagnosis, targeted molecular detection, and real‐time metabolic monitoring.
Racial Differences in the Presentation and Progression of Huntington's Disease
Authors: Buchanan Danielle A. , Brown Amy E. , Osigwe Elicia C. , Pfalzer Anna C. , Mann Leah G. , Yan Yan , Kang Hakmook , Claassen Daniel O. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundHuntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease that predominantly impacts a Caucasian population, but few efforts have explored racial differences in presentation and progression.ObjectiveThe aim was to assess the presentation and progression of HD across race groups using the Enroll‐HD longitudinal observational study.MethodsWe applied propensity score matching for cytosine–adenine–guanine age product score, and age, to identify White, Hispanic, Asian, and Black participants from the Enroll‐HD database. We compared clinical presentations at baseline, and progression over time, using White participants as a control cohort.ResultsBlack participants were more severe at baseline across all clinical measures. No significant differences in progression were observed between race groups.ConclusionsWe consider the factors driving clinical differences at baseline for Black participants. Our data emphasize the necessary improvement in underrepresented minority recruitment for studies of rare diseases. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Exploration of global users' experiences of participating in the “Talk to Me” Mass Open Online Course mental health program
Authors: Milbourn Ben , Johannes Alyssa , Moreton Ashleigh , Thomas Liam , Clarke Nicholas , Zimmermann Frank , Kacic Viktor , Girdler Sonya , McGarry Sarah , Black Melissa 
Published: August 2023

AbstractYoung adults are particularly vulnerable to experiencing poor mental health. To improve mental health outcomes, there has been a rise in online mental health interventions. The “Talk to Me” Mass Open Online Course (MOOC) was designed to increase levels of mental health literacy among young adults and those close to them. Although online interventions are readily available to young adults, studies continue to report high attrition rates, indicating an unsatisfactory participant experience. This study explored the experiences of over 1600 global users engaging in the “Talk to Me” MOOC. A cross‐sectional survey design using quantitative and qualitative methods was used to explore user experiences of engaging in the online MOOC. Quantitative results found that 96% of participants found the “Talk to Me” MOOC to be “engaging” or “very engaging.” While 98.2% of participants agreed that their knowledge and skills had increased. Qualitative results found four dominant themes: integration and use of roleplay videos; skills, knowledge, and outcomes; accessibility; and technical references. These results add to the evidence base regarding online mental health interventions and indicate the perceived benefits of the “Talk to Me” MOOC. Participants reported an overall positive experience when engaging in the “Talk to Me” MOOC.
Directed self‐assembly of block copolymer thin films via momentary thickness gradients
Authors: Lee Su Eon , Kim Simon , Park Jun Hyun , Jin Ho Jun , Kim Hwa Soo , Kim Jang Hwan , Jin Hyeong Min , Kim Bong Hoon 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, a novel method to fabricate highly aligned lamellar nanostructures in a millimeter‐scale large area was demonstrated by directing the self‐assembly of block copolymer (BCP) thin films with a temporary thickness‐gradient micropattern via simple two‐step thermal annealing. In the first step of thermal annealing, the BCP nanostructure is latently guided by a phenomenon known as “geometric anchoring” for the area with a thickness gradient. The second annealing step causes thermal reflow of the height gradient micropattern with a sufficiently large curvature to flatten the micropattern. The shear stress generated by thermal reflow enlarged the grain of the BCP nanostructure, resulting in a highly aligned lamellar pattern over the entire area. Finally, the formation of periodic nanopatterns in large area was ensured by performing grazing‐incidence small‐angle x‐ray scattering. This innovative approach in directing the BCP self‐assembly promotes the fabrication of highly aligned nanostructures in large areas through cost‐effective and simple thermal imprinting method and designed two‐step heat treatment.
Low‐frequency oscillometry indices to assess ventilation inhomogeneity in CF patients
Authors: Fouzas Sotirios , Kogias Christos , Gioulvanidou Maria , Bertzouanis Aris , Chrysochoou Elisavet‐Anna , Anthracopoulos Michael Β. , Tsanakas John , Hatziagorou Elpis 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe utility of the forced oscillations technique (FOT) in cystic fibrosis (CF) remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of lower‐frequency FOT indices, alone and after adjustment for the lung volume, to assess the extent of ventilation inhomogeneity in CF patients with varying disease severity.MethodsForty‐five children, adolescents, and adults with CF (age 6.9–27 years) underwent spirometry, FOT, and nitrogen multiple‐breath washout (N2‐MBW) measurements. The respiratory resistance and reactance at 5 Hz (Rrs5 and Xrs5, respectively) were recorded, and a novel FOT index, the specific respiratory conductance (sGrs), was computed as the reciprocal of Rrs5 divided by the functional residual capacity.ResultsThe sGrs correlated well with the lung clearance index (LCI) (Spearman's r: –.797), whereas the correlation of Rrs5 and Xrs5 with the LCI, albeit significant, was weaker (r: .643 and –.631, respectively). The sGrs emerged as the most robust predictor of LCI regardless of the severity of lung disease, as reflected by patients' age and lung function measurements. Most importantly, the relationship between sGrs and LCI remained unaffected by lung hyperinflation, as opposed to that of the LCI with the spirometric and standard FOT indices.ConclusionsIn CF patients, the FOT indices at 5 Hz and the novel, volume‐adjusted parameter sGrs, reflect the extent of lung involvement and the underlying ventilation inhomogeneity in a way comparable to N2‐MBW. Future research should explore the role of lower‐frequency FOT in assessing the severity and monitoring the progression of CF lung disease.
A geometrical framework for thinking about proteins
Authors: Banavar Jayanth R. , Giacometti Achille , Hoang Trinh X. , Maritan Amos , Škrbić Tatjana 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe present a model, based on symmetry and geometry, for proteins. Using elementary ideas from mathematics and physics, we derive the geometries of discrete helices and sheets. We postulate a compatible solvent‐mediated emergent pairwise attraction that assembles these building blocks, while respecting their individual symmetries. Instead of seeking to mimic the complexity of proteins, we look for a simple abstraction of reality that yet captures the essence of proteins. We employ analytic calculations and detailed Monte Carlo simulations to explore some consequences of our theory. The predictions of our approach are in accord with experimental data. Our framework provides a rationalization for understanding the common characteristics of proteins. Our results show that the free energy landscape of a globular protein is pre‐sculpted at the backbone level, sequences and functionalities evolve in the fixed backdrop of the folds determined by geometry and symmetry, and that protein structures are unique in being simultaneously characterized by stability, diversity, and sensitivity.
Lessons learned in confined space entry management after a gas poisoning accident in China
Authors: Liu Ping , Ma Xu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOn April 21, 2021, four workers died because of gas poisoning while attempting to maintain an agitator in a reactor at Heilongjiang Kailunda Technology Co., Anda, Heilongjiang Province, China. The event was characterized as a major incident occurring within a confined space. This article analyzes the incident by comparing China's and the US's safety regulations and standards regarding entry into confined spaces. The article concludes with the lessons learned and puts forward suggestions for the prevention of such incidents and for safety improvements in China.
Knowledge and attitude factors influencing primary care clinicians' diagnosis, treatment and management of urinary tract infections in women: A qualitative ‘think’ aloud study in England
Authors: Mwape Angela Kabulo , Schmidtke Kelly Ann , Brown Celia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe present study aimed to identify factors related to knowledge and attitudes that influence primary care clinicians' decision‐making when diagnosing, treating, and managing suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Understanding the factors that influence clinicians' decision‐making is important for maximising health outcomes in women and reducing suboptimal use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance.DesignA qualitative think‐aloud study design was employed.MethodsSemi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with primary care clinicians in England over Microsoft Teams. Interviews were transcribed and coded in two ways. First, clinicians' responses for each scenario were coded as either following (optimal), not following evidence‐based national guideline or incorrectly citing certain diagnosis, treatment, and management procedures (suboptimal). Second, the knowledge and attitude factors that influenced decision‐making were coded according to an empirically informed umbrella framework. Clinicians external to the study team reviewed the findings to promote their trustworthiness and utility.ResultsTen clinicians (six female) took part. Clinicians prescribing decisions were mostly influenced by knowledge rather than attitude factors. Despite clinicians expressing high awareness of relevant evidence‐based guidelines (a knowledge factor) and high confidence (an attitude factor), more than half of their decisions (60%) were suboptimal in some way thereby impacting women's health. Most clinicians relied on their experiential knowledge rather than using evidence‐based guidelines. Our results suggest that knowledge could impede adherence, for example, where local guidelines conflict with national guidelines of when to perform a urine dipstick test.ConclusionsSuboptimal prescribing decisions could result from a combination of different knowledge and attitude factors leading to negative outcomes in women's health such as inappropriate treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in women over 65 years old. To optimise antibiotic prescribing in women, policy‐level interventions could increase concordance across local and national guidelines, or more tailored individual‐level interventions could help clinicians recognise where their experiential knowledge causes deviations from evidence‐based guidelines when diagnosing, treating and managing UTIs.
Antibacterial Azo Dyes Containing Sulfa Drug Moieties and Their Colour Assessment on Printing Polyester Fabric
Authors: Abdel Zaher Khlood S. , Shaban Elkhabiry , Nawwar Galal A. M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSynthesis of a new series of biologically active dyes containing the sulfa drug nucleus and its use in polyester silk screen printing were presented. Synthesis was performed via azo coupling with C and N Nucleophiles. Spectroscopic tools were used to characterize the synthesized azo derivatives. Also, testing of their printing properties, including fastness to washing, light, rubbing, perspiration, and sublimation were evaluated. The new dyes showed respectable fastness and good antibacterial resistance to the growth of certain species of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. These low‐cost facile synthesized biologically active dyes could be used for sterilizing textiles.
Synthesis and Selected Transformations of New 2‐Aminopyridine Derivatives Based on Furan‐2(5H)‐ones
Authors: Hakobyan Robert M. , Shahkhatuni Astghik A. , Attaryan Hovhannes S. , Ayvazyan Armen G. , Melikyan Gagik S. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCompounds with γ‐lactone fragments, as well as derivatives of 2‐aminopyridines and 2‐aminopyridons, are biologically active, and some of them are used as drugs. The condensed combination of γ‐lactones with 2‐aminopyridones, such as the natural alkaloid cerpegin, has a wider spectrum of biological activities. Here we combined γ‐lactone and 2‐aminopyridine derivatives into one molecule via a single bond. A series of such compounds were synthesized in high yields through the transformations of unsaturated furan‐2(5H)‐ones. Interestingly, only two of the obtained compounds underwent intermolecular cyclization and led to new isoquinoline derivatives with skeletons similar to the “proton sponges”.
Crystallization Studies on the Stereocomplexation of Poly(ʟ‐lactide) / 4‐Armed Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone‐co‐d,ʟ‐lactide)‐ block‐poly(d‐lactide) Blends
Authors: Jin Tingting , Dai Suyang , Wang Xiangyu , Jiang Ni , Ning Zhenbo , Gan Zhihua 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA series of four‐armed poly(ϵ‐caprolactone‐co‐d,ʟ‐lactide)‐block‐poly(d‐lactide) (4a‐CDL‐D) copolymers with different poly(d‐lactide) (PDLA) block lengths (Mn,PDLA) were synthesized via ring opening polymerization using pentaerythritol as initiator. They were blended with poly(ʟ‐lactide) (PLLA) to improve its crystallization rate and mechanical properties. It was found that the crystallization of PLLA in the PLLA/4a‐CDL‐D blend was affected differently when Mn,PDLA changed. In the PLLA/4a‐CDL blend without PDLA blocks, the crystallization was retarded obviously because of the dilution effect of 4a‐CDL on PLLA crystallization. Interestingly, a crystallization acceleration effect was found when Mn,PDLA was 0.5k although no stereocomplex (SC) crystallites existed. When Mn,PDLA was 1k or higher (1.5k and 2k), SC crystallites could be formed in the PLLA/4a‐CDL‐D blends. However, when Mn,PDLA was 1k or 1.5 k, the formation of SC crystallites was difficult and they showed weaker acceleration effect on PLLA crystallization. While when Mn,PDLA was 2k, the crystallization of PLLA was accelerated markedly due to the significant increase of nucleation sites. At last, these blends had longer elongation at breaks than neat‐PLLA. This work provided a novel method for the acceleration of PLLA crystallization by adjusting the PDLA chain length in PLLA blends.
Nano Enabled Plasmonic Strips For Colorimetric Detection Of Food Adulterants
Authors: Selvaraj Sharmila , Ravi Shankaran Dhesingh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPaper‐based analytical devices constitute a remarkable platform for low‐cost and point‐of‐care application with minimal external resources. The present work aims at the development of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) based plasmonic substrates for food sensor application. AuNPs were synthesized by using redox method with dual reducing agents (tannic acid and citrate ions). Physicochemical and sensing characteristics were determined by various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The sensing characteristic was evaluated using melamine (MA) as representative analyte (food adulterants). HR‐TEM images imply that the synthesized AuNPs was spherically‐shaped with an average dimension of 5 nm. After the interaction of MA with AuNPs, the size of the NPs changed from 5 to 8.9 nm due to aggregation. The interaction of MA with AuNPs has been carried out in the solution phase as well as in the strip phase by visual and spectroscopic techniques. The concentration dependent color variation was observed with a limit of detection 5×10−5 M in the solution phase. This sensor probe is highly specific for MA and did not show any visible color variation with other adulterants. The sensor system is simple, reproducible and highly promising for rapid and low‐cost sensing of MA in food samples.
Microservice‐driven privacy‐aware cross‐platform social relationship prediction based on sequential information
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Qi Lianyong , Shen Shigen , Khan Arif Ali , Meng Shunmei , Li Qianmu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCurrently, the accurate prediction of social relationships can effectively reduce the decision‐making burden of users in various service platforms. However, in the big data environment, the users' data information used for the relationship prediction is highly fragmented distribution, so it is a non‐trivial challenge to integrate the users' sequence data information from different platforms while preventing sensitive information leakage. To this end, based on the microservice environment, we devise a cross‐platform social relationship prediction approach (CPSRP) to address the above problems. Briefly, the improved Simhash method aggregates similar users into the common bucket. Then the embedding technique converts the users' sparse data information into the low‐dimensional dense continuous feature vectors; the redefined Gated Recurrent Unit (r‐GRU) network and the Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) network are employed to extract the overall temporal sequence features of users. The relationship prediction is finally executed according to the users' sequential features. Extensive experiments are conducted on Epinions, and the experimental results further prove the benefits of our proposal in terms of relationship prediction while protecting users' sensitive information.
Black Lives Matter and other signs of solidarity: Perspectives from Black STEM graduate students
Authors: Stone‐Sabali Steven , Mills Kristen J. , Mallory Allen B. , Alexander E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCreating inclusive and supportive environments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational settings are important tools for countering racially hostile academic spaces and attracting and retaining talented Black and African American students. STEM faculty and other university members may display Black Lives Matter and similar signs of solidarity to express their support for Black students. However, how Black students perceive such signs is unknown. On the one hand, the identity safety cue literature suggests such signs relate to increased comfort and a sense of belonging among individuals from minoritized groups. On the other hand, some contemporary perspectives toward Black Lives Matter and other signs of solidarity have been criticized for lacking substance and impact. Given the extant literature's omission of Black students' perspectives about signs of solidarity, the current study employed semi‐structured interviews and qualitative analytic methods to solicit and analyze the perspectives of 12 Black STEM graduate students. The findings revealed a general preference for some signs over others, as well as nuanced perspectives toward each sign of solidarity. Implications for STEM researchers and faculty who aspire to support Black students are discussed. Further, recommendations for adopting an informed ally approach are provided.
Sustainability and economic potential of solid waste generated in Tanzania's largest university campus
Authors: Kombe Godlisten Gladstone , Shemsanga Ceven 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDespite the potential economic benefit that can be realized, universities in developing countries continue to invest money in disposing of solid wastes. This is because they often view solid wastes as a burden and a problem, rather than as a potential resource. This paper presents the results of a study that examined the sources, composition, and volume of solid waste at the University of Dodoma, the largest campus in Tanzania, and explored its potential environmental and economic benefits. The study found that the university generates an annual average of 644.56 tonnes of solid waste, with paper and cardboard accounting for 35.81%, plastics for 43.73%, e‐waste for 2.38%, food waste for 9.24%, clothes for 5.72%, glass for 1%, and metals for 2.12%. In spite of the potential economic benefits of recycling and composting, the university currently disposes of most of its waste, and does not engage in sorting and separation of waste at the source. The study estimates that 90.76% of the recyclable waste generated at the university has an economic value of 142,301.20 USD annually, and could be sold to relevant recycling markets, while 9.24% of the waste is compostable and has the potential to be used for biogas generation and composting. The paper discusses the economic potential of each identified solid waste stream, and presents recommendations for profitability and sustainable environmental management on campus. The paper offers valuable insights for other universities with similar settings and aspirations for sustainable waste management practices.