bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancing Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Matrix Composites: Analysis of Diverse Reinforcing Fillers
Authors: Sadooghi Ali , Hashemi Seyed Jalal , Zal Vahid , Rahmani Farzad , Rahmani Kaveh , Bodaghi Mahdi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTCurrently, much research is being conducted on increasing the strength of thermoplastic polymers using various additives. Polypropylene (PP) is widely used in the automotive industry and electrical equipment. In this paper, using various reinforcing particles/fibers, including calcium carbonate, CaCO3, (at 20%, 25%, and 30% weight percentages), 20% talc, and 20% barite particles, as well as 30% glass fibers (GFs) (with varying L/D ratios, 200, 250, and 300) were integrated. First, PP and additives were mixed homogeneously by an extrusion process, and then test samples were made by high‐pressure injection of the extruded product into the mold. Various tests, including tensile, impact, and melt flow index (MFI) tests, were conducted to investigate the effect of additives on the properties of composites produced by plastic injection molding. SEM analysis was used to examine the fracture cross‐section of the samples and the distribution of additives. Results revealed significant outcomes across multiple tests: the addition of reinforcing particles led to a reduction in yield strain while creating notable variations in yield strength. Charpy impact tests demonstrated varied energy absorption, with the highest observed in the 30% GF sample (with L/D ratio of 350). Furthermore, the incorporation of reinforcing particles and fibers increased the heat deflection temperature, with the 30% GF sample exhibiting the highest value. Additionally, reinforcements effectively mitigated shrinkage, with significant reductions noted in samples containing talc and GF. The PP sample displayed a shrinkage rate of 19.1%. This figure significantly decreased to 1.42% and 0.26% for the samples reinforced by talc and GF [L/D = 350]. Furthermore, the introduction of GFs resulted in a decreased MFI, while other particles exhibited minimal impact.
Gaze behavior when looking at paintings may predict autistic traits
Authors: Zhou Yizhen , Nishimura Mana , Kawabata Hideaki 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFrom infancy, we spend considerable time absorbing social information from the external world. Social information processing, which starts with looking at facial expressions, affects behavior and cognition. Previous research has demonstrated that looking behaviors at social cues such as faces may differ in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by using eye‐tracking studies with real photographs and movies. However, mixed results have been reported. In this study, we examined whether autistic traits in adults affected gaze behavior when participants viewed paintings. The eye‐tracking results indicate that gaze patterns change over time during a 20‐s free‐viewing task. Although the fixations were not influenced during the first 10 s of the viewing, autistic tendencies affected gaze behavior after the overview of the painting was completed: the higher the autism‐spectrum quotient scores, the shorter the fixation duration and the fewer the fixations on the facial areas of the paintings during the latter 10 s of viewing time. This result indicates that the atypical gaze behavior was more likely to be modulated by a generalized attentional process for endogenous orienting with reduced interest in social cues. Gaze patterns of viewing paintings may be used to predict autistic tendencies among people undiagnosed but suspected of having ASD.
Understanding the influence of mixing on a solvent‐free emulsification process for highly viscous polymers using a twin‐screw extruder
Authors: Arefi Ahmad , Pawlak John L. , Cheng Chieh‐Min , Lawton David J. W. , Thompson Michael R. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTwin‐screw extrusion with its capacity to handle high‐viscosity polymers can be used to create a continuous emulsification process without solvents but presently this approach is challenging to make stable due to the uncertain role of mixing. To address this challenge, the influence of mixing was studied by examining several process‐ and material‐related factors in this work. From the results, the kinetics of interfacial area growth between the polymer and water phases was described in terms of nucleation, propagation and termination stages, with the latter stage ideally corresponding to the dilution zone where phase inversion occurs. The nucleation stage was found to be strongly dependent on early water solubilization in the polymer, controlled by the acid number of the polyester, to determine the initial water fraction feasibly dispersed within this oil‐like phase prior to the dilution zone (referred to as the emulsion boundary). Propagation was influenced by surfactant concentration and strongly affected by residence time, with a longer dispersion zone or lower feed rate allowing for higher cumulative shear strain and a greater chance to completely emulsify the polymer. Ideally, these kinetic stages correspond with the physical zones of the machine else varying degree of emulsification are shown to result.Highlights
Early water solublization in the polyester is dependent on the acid number
Higher residence time impacted mixing more than shear rate
Water fraction dispersible in the melt was strongly affected by mixing
Emulsion boundary was adjustable by amount of mixing and surfactant
Sickle Lung Disease Long‐Term Consequences and Prevention
Authors: Kwarteng Owusu Sandra 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTSickle cell disease (SCD) is of global significance due to its severity and occurrence worldwide. Inheritance of the abnormal hemoglobin structure contributes to microvascular events that underlie the development of the multi‐systemic complications seen in the disease pathogenesis. Pulmonary complications are common and heterogeneous including pulmonary hypertension, sleep‐disordered breathing and lung function abnormalities. Lung function abnormalities commonly reported among children with SCD living in Africa are restrictive impairments. However, in high‐income countries, reports suggest that obstructive lung function impairment is more predominant. The exact process that contributes to lung disease in SCD must be continuously explored and large‐scale longitudinal studies employing multiple lung function methods are needed urgently. Lung disease‐modifying agents need to be explored to help slow down or prevent the occurrence of pulmonary function abnormalities.
Development, Measurement Properties and Reference Values of the Upper Extremity Motor Coordination Test: A New Motor Coordination Test of the Upper Limbs
Authors: Ribeiro João Victor Drummond , da Silva Josué Rodrigues , Paulo Laura Júnia Leite , Avelino Patrick Roberto , de Menezes Kênia Kiefer Parreiras 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeTo develop a new test to assess the motor coordination of the upper limbs, and to investigate the test‐retest and inter‐rater reliability, construct validity, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change (MDC), and the reference values.MethodsThe Upper Extremity Motor Coordination Test (UEMOCOT)was applied for 20 s, with the individual touching two targets (one right and one left) as quickly as possible, first with the hand (manual task) and then with the index finger (finger task). To test‐retest reliability, the UEMOCOT was administered two times. To ensure inter‐rater reliability, the test was scored simultaneously by two assessors. For convergent construct validity, the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) were applied. Reference values were established according to sex, age, and limb side (dominant/non‐dominant).ResultsInter‐rater and test‐retest reliability, for both tasks and limbs, were good with all the intraclass correlation coefficient above 0.90. Regarding convergent construct validity, the UEMOCOT manual task, for both sides, correlated moderately with BBT (0.59 ≤ r ≤ 0.64; p < 0.01), while the UEMOCOT finger task, for both sides, correlated moderately with NHPT (−0.57 ≤ r ≤ −0,58; p < 0.01). The SEM values were adequate, and the MDC for manual and finger tasks were 11/8 and 6/6 (dominant/non‐dominant), respectively. Young people, men, and the dominant limb showed higher scores, indicating better coordination.DiscussionThe results showed that UEMOCOT is valid and reliable for assessing the motor coordination of the upper limbs, with adequate SEM values and MDC values ranging from 6 to 11. Finally, UEMOCOT reference values were established according to sex, age, and upper limb side.
A Soft Robotic Sleeve for Physiotherapy: Improving Elbow Rehabilitation in Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umair Ahmad , Ajmal Hafiz Muhammad Salman , Hassan Hashir Ali , Azam Areesha , Malik Eshaal 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeThrowing a baseball involves intense exposure of the arm to high speeds and powerful forces, which contributes to an increasing prevalence of arm injuries among athletes. Traditional rigid exoskeletons and rehabilitation equipment frequently lack portability, safety, ergonomic design, and affordability. Traditional rehabilitation approaches frequently require therapist monitoring, resulting in therapy delays. This paper describes a Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM) based soft robotic sleeve designed for upper limb rehabilitation, with an emphasis on elbow flexion and extension in baseball pitchers.MethodsThe experiment included five healthy male baseball pitchers aged 20–24 with no history of upper limb injuries, ensuring their suitability for testing the effectiveness of the PAM‐based sleeve in supporting elbow flexion and extension specific to baseball pitching. The effectiveness of the PAM‐based soft sleeve was evaluated utilizing a pre‐post design that included surface electromyography (sEMG). Participants were tested for muscle activation and range of motion both with and without the device. The sleeve has two operational modes: Active Surge Flex Mode, which detects movement intention using sEMG and delivers targeted help, and Steady Passive Mode, which allows repetitive flexion and extension without intentional muscle activation.ResultsThe PAM‐based sleeve reduced muscle activation in both triceps and biceps, with reductions of approximately 40% (p < 0.05) and 60% (p < 0.05), respectively. When activated based on assistance thresholds, triceps and biceps EMG amplitudes were further reduced by 30% (p < 0.05) and 50% (p < 0.05), respectively. The flexion angle remained consistent between 70 and 90°, indicating smooth and controlled movements. The Co‐Contraction Index (CCI) decreased from 0.31 to 0.12, highlighting a reduction in unnecessary muscle co‐activation, thereby improving movement efficiency.DiscussionThe PAM‐based soft robotic sleeve provides a convenient and effective upper limb rehabilitation solution that is specifically designed for baseball pitchers. The sleeve reduces the physical strain of pitchers by reducing muscle activation in both the biceps and triceps, as well as decreasing the Co‐Contraction Index (CCI). Its portability, convenience of use, and potential to improve muscle efficiency make it an effective tool for improving rehabilitation outcomes.
Nomogram for predicting early shoulder joint dysfunction after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Yu Jing , Cheng Fang , Ye Miao , Hang Jing , Fang Yu‐Qing , Hu Qing , Hu Qing‐Yue 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to construct a clinical risk profile nomogram model for predicting early shoulder joint dysfunction (SJD) after breast cancer surgery.MethodsUsing a convenience sampling method, the clinical data of 161 breast cancer patients between February 2022 and July 2023 at Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were selected and analyzed retrospectively. Risk factors were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The R software was used to construct the risk prediction model and to plot the nomogram for early SJD post‐breast cancer surgery. The model's predictive performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test.ResultsAmong the 161 patients, 104 (64.6%) experienced SJD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis finally included the functional exercise compliance scale for postoperative breast cancer patients (FECSPBCP), the compliance scale of physical exercise, the body mass index of patients, involved side to‐hand dominance, and the operation mode of breast and lymph nodes into the model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.785 (95% confidence interval: 0.711–0.860), indicating a good model fit as confirmed by the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (X2 = 3.2891, p = .9149). Internal validation using the Bootstrap resampling method (n = 1000) yielded an AUC of 0.731.ConclusionsThe incidence of early SJD was high among postoperative breast cancer patients. The constructed risk prediction model can assist medical professionals in the early identification of high‐risk individuals and provide targeted interventions to prevent long‐term disabilities.
Bergapten Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Ferroptosis
Authors: Li Li , Cai Wenqian , Zhang Hao , Tang Jiuren , Yang Yongjie , Huang Yang , Xi Qing , Zhang Rongxin 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTRenal fibrosis is the most common pathway for the development of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in various kidney diseases. Currently, the treatment options for renal fibrosis are limited. Ferroptosis is iron‐mediated lipid peroxidation, triggered mainly by iron deposition and ROS generation. Notably, the kidney is the most sensitive of all tissues to iron‐dependent ferroptosis, and the inhibition of ferroptosis is an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of kidney fibrosis. Nonetheless, the pathways involved in ferroptosis in renal fibrosis are still unclear. Bergapten, a natural coumarin derivative, is mainly found in bergapten essential oil, grapefruit juice, and other commonly used plants, and it has various pharmacological effects. However, the role that ferroptosis plays in renal fibrosis and the potential therapeutic benefits of bergapten remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of bergapten on renal fibrosis and its mechanisms. We investigated the anti‐fibrotic effects of bergapten in in vivo and in vitro models of renal fibrosis. Initially, network pharmacological analysis was employed to predict the potential therapeutic impact of bergapten on renal fibrosis. We then explored the potential therapeutic role of bergapten in obstructive nephropathy, which is due to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Furthermore, RNA‐Seq was conducted to investigate the possible mechanism of bergapten against renal fibrosis. Additionally, Bergapten demonstrated a significant improvement in TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis and RSL3‐induced renal tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis; these findings are consistent with those of the in vivo studies. Our findings indicate that bergapten is a potential treatment for renal fibrosis. Treatment with bergapten significantly reduced the expression of fibronectin and α‐SMA in the damaged kidneys of UUO mice, thereby improving fibrosis. Meanwhile, bergapten protected against fibrosis caused by TGF‐β1 and ferroptosis induced by glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor RSL3. Significantly, bergapten therapy alleviated renal fibrosis by modulating ferroptosis. We found that bergapten inhibited PI3K phosphorylation and indirectly restored GPX4 expression. In conclusion, we have revealed the nephroprotective effect of bergapten, whose mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of ferroptosis, and it is expected that it will be developed as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of renal fibrosis. This study aims to explore the effect of bergapten on renal fibrosis ferroptosis. Collectively, these results demonstrate that bergapten is an inhibitor of ferroptosis and provides a new treatment strategy for diseases associated with ferroptosis.
UCS: A Unified Approach to Cell Segmentation for Subcellular Spatial Transcriptomics
Authors: Chen Yuheng , Xu Xin , Wan Xiaomeng , Xiao Jiashun , Yang Can 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSubcellular Spatial Transcriptomics (SST) represents an innovative technology enabling researchers to investigate gene expression at the subcellular level within tissues. To comprehend the spatial architecture of a given tissue, cell segmentation plays a crucial role in attributing the measured transcripts to individual cells. However, existing cell segmentation methods for SST datasets still face challenges in accurately distinguishing cell boundaries due to the varying characteristics of SST technologies. In this study, a unified approach is proposed to cell segmentation (UCS) specifically designed for SST data obtained from diverse platforms, including 10X Xenium, NanoString CosMx, MERSCOPE, and Stereo‐seq. UCS leverages deep learning techniques to achieve high accuracy in cell segmentation by integrating nuclei segmentation from nuclei staining and transcript data. Compared to current methods, UCS not only provides more precise transcript assignment to individual cells but also offers computational advantages for large‐scale SST data analysis. The analysis output of UCS further supports versatile downstream analyses, such as subcellular gene classification and missing cell detection. By employing UCS, researchers gain the ability to characterize gene expression patterns at both the cellular and subcellular levels, leading to a deeper understanding of tissue architecture and function.
The Lithornithiformes (Aves) from the early Eocene London Clay of Walton‐on‐the‐Naze (Essex, UK)
Authors: Mayr Gerald , Kitchener Andrew C. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe describe multiple partial skeletons and isolated bones of the palaeognathous Lithornithiformes from the early Eocene London Clay of Walton‐on‐the‐Naze (Essex, UK). The well‐preserved specimens are assigned to at least four species of the taxa Lithornis and Pseudocrypturus. Two species of Lithornis are identified as L. nasi and L. cf. grandei. The latter species, which was established for fossils from the North American Green River Formation, was initially assigned to the monotypic taxon Calciavis, which is here considered synonymous with Lithornis. Two further new species are tentatively referred to the taxon Pseudocrypturus and are described as ?P. danielsi and ?P. gracilipes. In previous analyses, lithornithiforms most often resulted as the sister taxon of either the Tinamiformes or all crown group Palaeognathae. We detail that current morphological evidence conforms best to a position of these birds outside crown group Palaeognathae and discuss previously unrecognized plesiomorphic features of the foot and pelvis, which support this phylogenetic placement.
Recycling aerated concrete waste as aggregate to produce eco‐friendly foamed mortar (EFM)
Authors: Bayraktar Oğuzhan Yavuz , Sarıgül Ertuğrul , Yüksel Mustafa , Jamal Ahmed Salah , Kara Halil Oğuzhan , Ayyıldız Mehmet Ali , Kaplan Gökhan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractNon‐structural components are difficult to recycle into fresh concrete due to their high porosity, high water absorption, and low strength. This study uses aerated concrete waste (ACW) as a case study to investigate the effect of recycled concrete aggregate on the performance of eco‐friendly foamed mortar (EFM). The results show that while incorporating ACW reduces fluidity and mechanical properties due to its porous structure, it enhances the lightweight and thermal insulation capabilities of EFM, making it suitable for non‐structural applications. When 25% ACW is applied, the 28‐day compressive strength (CS) of plain EFM decreases by 64.82%, while the hardened unit weight and thermal conductivity decrease by 17.49% and 30.85%, respectively. The addition of PPF compensates for the mechanical strength loss from ACW, with the bridging effect of PPF inhibiting crack formation and interlocking with aggregates and cement paste, though it further reduces fluidity. When 0.5% PPF is applied, the 7‐ and 28‐day flexural strength of the plain EFM increased by 77.35% and 30.54%, but this resulted in a 22.22% reduction in fluidity. This study presents a feasible approach for recycling low‐grade construction waste in EFM production, contributing to the development of sustainable construction materials.
Discovery of Novel Thiazolohydrazone Derivatives as an Alternative Option in the Treatment of Zoonotic Toxocara canis: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation
Authors: Eser Mustafa , Osmaniye Derya 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThiazoles serve as pharmacophores in many molecules that exhibit significant biological activity. This study used in vitro assays and in silico methodologies to identify novel medication candidates for preclinical evaluation of visceral toxocariasis treatment. The objective was to assess the impact of 11 thiazolohydrazone derivative compounds on the larval eggs of Toxocara canis. In addition, the inhibitory effects of these compounds on IL‐6 levels in THP‐1 cells stimulated with larval eggs have been examined. Compounds indicating the most significant inhibitory effect on IL‐6 and a suppressive effect on larval eggs have been included in molecular dynamics studies. The study revealed that, when evaluating all thiazolohydrazone derivatives together, Compounds 3g and 3h possessed the highest antiparasitic efficiency, encouraging further molecular dynamics investigations on these compounds. Consequently, it can be theorised that if the results from this study are corroborated by in vivo studies, new anti‐nematodal medication candidates may be identified.
Slaying axion-like particles via gravitational waves and primordial black holes from supercooled phase transition
Authors: Conaci Angela , Delle Rose Luigi , Dev P. S. Bhupal , Ghoshal Anish 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We study the formation of primordial black holes (PBHs) from density fluctuations due to supercooled phase transitions (PTs) triggered in an axion-like particle (ALP) model. We find that the mass of the PBHs is inversely correlated with the ALP decay constant fa. For instance, for fa varying from $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(100 MeV) to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1012 GeV), the PBH mass varies between (103− 10−24)M⊙. We then identify the ALP parameter space where the PBH can account for the entire (or partial) dark matter fraction of the Universe, in a single (multi-component) dark matter scenario, with the ALP being the other dark matter candidate. The PBH parameter space ruled out by current cosmological and microlensing observations can thus be directly mapped onto the ALP parameter space, thus providing new bounds on ALPs, complementary to the laboratory and astrophysical ALP constraints. Similarly, depending on the ALP couplings to other Standard Model particles, the ALP constraints on fa can be translated into a lower bound on the PBH mass scale. Moreover, the supercooled PT leads to a potentially observable stochastic gravitational wave (GW) signal at future GW observatories, such as aLIGO, LISA and ET, that acts as another complementary probe of the ALPs, as well as of the PBH dark matter. Finally, we show that the recent NANOGrav signal of stochastic GW in the nHz frequency range can be explained in our model with fa ≃ (0.1 GeV − 1 TeV).