bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Neck Circumference with Other Anthropometric Indices and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Zardari Mevo Khan , Laghari Zulifiquar Ali 
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To study the importance of neck circumference (NC) for the early detection of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and to determine the association of NC with other anthropometric parameters and CVD risk factors.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019. Total 610 healthy young adults male and females, aged from 18 to 35 years and permanent residents of Shaheed Benazir Abad District of Sindh were randomly selected. Those who had any type of illness, known diabetes and on any medication were excluded from this study. The data including, Socio-demographic, Anthropometric and Biochemical was collected through interview based structured questionnaire which was designed through review of literature of previous studies. Blood pressure was measured by using sphygmomanometer. The blood sample was collected in the morning timings while participants were fasting. The blood sample was analyzed for fasting blood sugar and lipid profile using standard kit methods and according to manufacturer’s instructions. Neck circumference was measured at the upper edge of the thyroid ligament by a non-versatile measuring tape. Consent was obtained before collecting the data, SPSS 18 version was used for the statistical analysis of data.
Results: Out of total 610, 313 (51.3%) were male participants and 297 (48.7%) were female participants. In male, NC was positively correlated with SBP (r=0.589), DBP (r=0.586), FBS (r=0.358), TG (r=0.606), LDL (r=0.590) and VLDL (r=0.606), however, NC was negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.434). Similarly, in female, the NC was positively correlated with SBP (r=0.552), DBP (r=0.672), FBS (r=0.437), TG (r=0.610), LDL (r=0.592) and VLDL (r=0.610) and LDL(r=0.590) however, NC was also negatively correlated with HDL-C (r=-0.-526) in females. All other CVD risk factors showed significant association with increased NC in both male and female participants.
Conclusion: Neck circumference is positively correlated with CVD risk factors in both male and female participants, NC is easy and quick to measure and it can be used as an alternative of other anthropometric parameters.
Determination of Cytotoxic Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride/ Potassium Iodide Agent on Human Peripheral Lymphocytes
Authors: Özüdoğru Semanur , Akbaba Giray Buğra , Coşkun Fikret Özgür 
Published: March 2022

Aim: To investigate cytotoxicity effect of different concentrations of Silver Diamine Fluoride/Potassium Iodide agent on human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Materials and Methods: The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to determine the effects of SDF (0.38%, 3.8% and 38%) and KI (4%, 58.3%) on cell viability on human lymphocytes after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h of incubation.
Results: MTT test results demonstrated that cell viability decreased as concentrations of SDF increased. 0.38 % SDF was observed to induce the highest cell death after 72 h of contact. At 3.8 % and 38 %, SDF were found to be cytotoxic on human lymphocytes at all application periods. KI solutions at 4 %, 58.3 % concentrations did not show cytotoxicity effect at 24 h exposure, conversely, which resulted in cell proliferation, while moderate cytotoxicity was observed at incubation periods for 48 h and 72 h.
Conclusion: SDF was found to be cytotoxic to human peripheral lymphocytes at all three concentrations and at all exposure times. KI solutions showed cell proliferation in the first 24 hours, which is important in determining the protocol for the use of this solution in clinical procedures, especially in dentistry.
Association of Inflammatory Markers with Metabolic Syndrome among Pre & Post-menopausal Women
Authors: Shaikh Khalida , Khowaja Shabnam Aijaz , Marvee . , Pathan Ghulam Nabi , Memon Bilal Razaque , Memon Areeba 
Published: March 2022

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) comprises of an array of clinical, physiological, metabolic and biochemical disturbances; associated with a systemic inflammatory response. The debilitating condition entails high morbidity and mortality and thus it is important to identify and resolve it timely; a goal which may be achieved with the help of biomarkers. Fibrinogen and hsCRP; highly sensitive C-reactive protein, are found to be increased in acute inflammations. The raised quantity is indicative of underlying inflammatory states and thus may be relevant to MetS.
Objectives: To determine the association of inflammatory markers with metabolic syndrome among pre & post-menopausal women.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was carried out on a sample of 278 women (aged at or above 25 years) presenting to the Outpatient Department of General Medicine and the Obstetrics – Gynecology at Liaquat University Hospital (Hyderabad) from 01-02-2020 to 01-10-2020. Data was collected using a structured interview-based proforma which include information about biodata and sociodemographic details of research participants and biochemical analysis (CRP, DLC and fibrinogen and insulin measurement).
Results: In this study a cumulative MetS prevalence was found out to be around 60% (63.7% as per IDF criteria and (57.6% as per ATP-III classifications). Women with MetS had higher levels of CRP and fibrinogen. Women with high fibrinogen levels and CRP suffered with more type of metabolic abnormalities.
Conclusion: The findings of this studies showed that with total body fat and fat percentage, body mass-index, have a positive association with the studied inflammatory markers (CRP and fibrinogen).
Role of Fast Gas Chromatography in Food Analysis
Authors: Micalizzi Giuseppe , Dugo Paola , Tranchida Peter Q. , Mondello Luigi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFast gas chromatography (GC) has taken relevant position in separation science. The term fast GC clearly indicates an analytical approach characterized by the best resolving power in the last amount of time. Numerous approaches have been developed and applied to achieve high‐speed analysis in food field. Nevertheless, interest in the development and implementation of fast GC methodologies continues to increment. For a successful application, it is necessary to take in mind some key theoretical and practical concepts. Great attention has been dedicated to basic principles as well as different fast GC approaches. In such respect, the strong and weak points of micro‐bore and short capillary column, vacuum‐outlet conditions, and resistive heating have been discussed in detail. Finally, fast GC applications in food sector, grouped in fast GC analysis (3–15 min), very fast GC analysis (1–3 min), and ultra‐fast GC analysis (<1 min) have been reported.
Composite‐observer‐based adaptive robust control of electrical‐optical gyro‐stabilized platform with largely unknown modeling uncertainties and partial state feedback
Authors: Yang Yang , Wu Yuefei , Yang Fengbo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this article, a desired compensation version of the output feedback controller (DOFCESO) without using velocity measurement signal is proposed for precise tracking control of the three‐axis electrical‐optical gyro‐stabilized platform in the presence of largely unknown matched and mismatched modeling uncertainties. The proposed controller takes into account not only the system parametric deviations as well as the unmeasurable signal and external disturbances. To further handle the unmeasurable signal and the external disturbances, the composite extended state observer and nonlinear disturbance observer are constructed simultaneously via integrating adaptive nonlinear feedback tracking control design. To address the uncertainties arising from parametric deviations and external disturbances, the parameter adaptation mechanism is incorporated into the composite observer design to estimates of both the unmeasurable signal and the mismatched disturbance in the adaptive backstepping design. The tracking differentiator design is introduced here to estimate the derivative of the virtual control, leading to a much simpler control structure and reduced implementation costs. Furthermore, the proposed controller guarantees final tracking accuracy in the presence of time‐invariant modeling uncertainties and preserves the performance results of both control methods while overcoming their practical performance limitations. Extensive comparative experimental results are obtained to verify the high‐performance nature of the proposed control strategy.
Tri‐Layered and Gel‐Like Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Anisotropic Features for Engineering Heart Valve Leaflets
Authors: Wu Shaohua , Li Yiran , Zhang Caidan , Tao Litao , Kuss Mitchell , Lim Jung Yul , Butcher Jonathan , Duan Bin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract3D heterogeneous and anisotropic scaffolds that approximate native heart valve tissues are indispensable for the successful construction of tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs). In this study, novel tri‐layered and gel‐like nanofibrous scaffolds, consisting of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) and poly(aspartic acid) (PASP), are fabricated by a combination of positive/negative conjugate electrospinning and bioactive hydrogel post‐processing. The nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds present tri‐layered structures, resulting in anisotropic mechanical properties that are comparable with native heart valve leaflets. Biological tests show that nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds with high PASP ratios significantly promote the proliferation and collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) secretions of human aortic valvular interstitial cells (HAVICs), compared to PLGA scaffolds. Importantly, the nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds are found to effectively inhibit the osteogenic differentiation of HAVICs. Two types of porcine VICs, from young and adult age groups, are further seeded onto the PLGA‐PASP scaffolds. The adult VICs secrete higher amounts of collagens and GAGs and undergo a significantly higher level of osteogenic differentiation than young VICs. RNA sequencing analysis indicates that age has a pivotal effect on the VIC behaviors. This study provides important guidance and a reference for the design and development of 3D tri‐layered, gel‐like nanofibrous PLGA‐PASP scaffolds for TEHV applications.
16.52% Efficiency All‐Polymer Solar Cells with High Tolerance of the Photoactive Layer Thickness
Authors: Zhang Wenqing , Sun Chenkai , Angunawela Indunil , Meng Lei , Qin Shucheng , Zhou Liuyang , Li Shaman , Zhuo Hongmei , Yang Guang , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Ade Harald , Li Yongfang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAll‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) have drawn growing attention and achieved tremendous progress recently, but their power conversion efficiency (PCE) still lags behind small‐molecule‐acceptor (SMA)‐based PSCs due to the relative difficulty on morphology control of polymer photoactive blends. Here, low‐cost PTQ10 is introduced as a second polymer donor (a third component) into the PM6:PY‐IT blend to finely tune the energy‐level matching and microscopic morphology of the polymer blend photoactive layer. The addition of PTQ10 decreases the π–π stacking distance, and increases the π–π stacking coherence length and the ordered face‐on molecular packing orientation, which improves the charge separation and transport in the photoactive layer. Moreover, the deeper highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of the PTQ10 polymer donor than PM6 leads to higher open‐circuit voltage of the ternary all‐PSCs. As a result, a PCE of 16.52% is achieved for ternary all‐PSCs, which is one of the highest PCEs for all‐PSCs. In addition, the ternary devices exhibit a high tolerance of the photoactive layer thickness with high PCEs of 15.27% and 13.91% at photoactive layer thickness of ≈205 and ≈306 nm, respectively, which are the highest PCEs so far for all‐PSCs with a thick photoactive layer.
A Robust Memristor Based on Epitaxial Vertically Aligned Nanostructured BaTiO3−CeO2 Films on Silicon
Authors: Yan Xiaobing , He Haidong , Liu Gongjie , Zhao Zhen , Pei Yifei , Liu Pan , Zhao Jianhui , Zhou Zhenyu , Wang Kaiyang , Yan Hongwei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWith the exploration of ferroelectric materials, researchers have a strong desire to explore the next generation of non‐volatile ferroelectric memory with silicon‐based epitaxy, high‐density storage, and algebraic operations. Herein, a silicon‐based memristor with an epitaxial vertically aligned nanostructures BaTiO3–CeO2 film based on La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/SrTiO3/Si substrate is reported. The ferroelectric polarization reversal is optimized through the continuous exploring of growth temperature, and the epitaxial structure is obtained, thus it improves the resistance characteristic, the multi‐value storage function of five states is achieved, and the robust endurance characteristic can reach 109 cycles. In the synapse plasticity modulated by pulse voltage process, the function of the spiking‐time‐dependent plasticity and paired‐pulse facilitation is simulated successfully. More importantly, the algebraic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are realized by using fast speed pulse of the width ≈50 ns. Subsequently, a convolutional neural network is constructed for identifying the CIFAR‐10 dataset, to simulate the performance of the device; the online and offline learning recognition rate reach 90.03% and 92.55%, respectively. Overall, this study paves the way for memristors with silicon‐based epitaxial ferroelectric films to realize multi‐value storage, algebraic operations, and neural computing chip applications.
Mesoporous Single Crystals with Fe‐Rich Skin for Ultralow Overpotential in Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhao Yongzhi , Liu Luan , Qin Wanjun , Liu Sijia , Tu Juping , Qin Yunpu , Liu Jianfang , Wu Haoyang , Zhang Deyin , Chu Aimin , Jia Baorui , Qu Xuanhui , Qin Mingli 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a key reaction in water splitting and metal–air batteries, and transition metal hydroxides have demonstrated the most electrocatalytic efficiency. Making the hydroxides thinner for more surface commonly fails to increase the active site number, because the real active sites are the edges. Up to now, the overpotentials of most state‐of‐the‐art OER electrocatalysts at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 (η10) are still larger than 200 mV. Herein, a novel design of mesoporous single crystal (MSC) with an Fe‐rich skin to boost the OER is shown. The edges around the mesopores provide lots of real active sites and the Fe modification on these sites further improves the intrinsic activity. As a result, an ultralow η10 of 185 mV is achieved, and the turnover frequency based on Fe atoms is as high as 16.9 s−1 at an overpotential of 350 mV. Moreover, the catalyst has an excellent catalytic stability, indicated by a negligible current drop after 10 000 cyclic voltammetry cycles. The catalyst enables Zn–air batteries to run stably over 270 h with a low charge voltage of 1.89 V. This work shows that MSC materials can provide new opportunities for the design of electrocatalysts.
Accurately Localizing Multiple Nanoparticles in a Multishelled Matrix Through Shell‐to‐Core Evolution for Maximizing Energy‐Storage Capability
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Jiangyan , Bi Ruyi , Yang Nailiang , Wan Jiawei , Jiang Hongyu , Gu Lin , Du Jiang , Cao Anmin , Gao Wei , Wang Dan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRobust and fast lithium energy storage with a high energy density is highly desired to accelerate the market adoption of electric vehicles. To realize such a goal requires the development of electrode materials with a high capacity, however, such electrode materials suffer from huge volume expansion and induced short cycling life. Here, using tin (Sn) as an example, an ideal structure is designed to effectively solve these problems by separately localizing multiple Sn nanoparticles in a nitrogen‐doped carbon hollow multishelled structure with duplicated layers for carbon shell (Sn NPs@NxC HoMS‐DL). The fabricated composite can promote ion and electron diffusion owing to the conductive network formed by connected multiple shells and cores, effectively buffer the volume expansion, and maintain a stable electrode–electrolyte interface. Despite the challenging fabrication, such a structure is realized through an innovative and facile synthesis strategy of “in situ evolution of shell to core”, which is applicable for diverse low‐melting‐point materials. As expected, such a structure enables the high‐capacity electrode material to realize nearly its theoretical lithium‐storage capability: the developed Sn NPs@NxC HoMS‐DL electrode maintains 96% of its theoretical capacity after 2000 cycles at 2C.
A Tumor Microenvironments‐Adapted Polypeptide Hydrogel/Nanogel Composite Boosts Antitumor Molecularly Targeted Inhibition and Immunoactivation
Authors: Li Zhongmin , Xu Weiguo , Yang Jiazhen , Wang Juan , Wang Jialiang , Zhu Ge , Li Di , Ding Jianxun , Sun Tianmeng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractVarious macro/microscopic biomaterials have been developed for controlled drug delivery in the combination therapy of malignancies. However, uncertain loading ratio, release sequence, and spatiotemporal distribution of drugs hinder their synergistic therapeutic effects and clinical applications. In this work, a tumor microenvironments‐adapted composite consisting of a thermosensitive hydrogel and a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive nanogel is developed for precisely sequential drug release to enhance molecularly targeted therapy and amplify immune activation. LY3200882 (LY), a selective transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) inhibitor, is encapsulated in the ROS‐responsive nanogel and dispersed uniformly with regorafenib (REG) in a thermosensitive hydrogel (Gel/(REG+NG/LY)). After in situ administration, REG is preferentially released from the hydrogel to inhibit tumor growth and promote ROS generation, which triggers the subsequent on‐demand release of LY from the nanogel. LY contributes to preventing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and immune escape of tumor cells induced by elevated TGF‐β. In subcutaneous and orthotopic colorectal tumor bearing mouse models, Gel/(REG+NG/LY) effectively inhibits tumor growth and liver metastases by increasing the tumor infiltration of CD8+ T cells, reducing the recruitment of tumor‐associated macrophages and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and promoting the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 type, indicating the significant potential in improving the prognosis of advanced cancer patients.
An Epitaxial Ferroelectric ScAlN/GaN Heterostructure Memory
Authors: Wang Ding , Wang Ping , Mondal Shubham , Mohanty Subhajit , Ma Tao , Ahmadi Elaheh , Mi Zetian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractElectrically switchable bistable conductance that occurs in ferroelectric materials has attracted growing interest due to its promising applications in data storage and in‐memory computing. Sc‐alloyed III‐nitrides have emerged as a new class of ferroelectrics, which not only enable seamless integration with III‐nitride technology but also provide an alternative solution for CMOS back end of line integration. In this paper, the resistive switching behavior and memory effect in an ultrawide‐bandgap, high Curie temperature, fully epitaxial ferroelectric ScAlN/GaN heterostructure is reported for the first time. The structure exhibits robust ON and OFF states that last for months at room temperature with rectifying ratios of 60–210, and further shows stable operation at high temperatures (≈670 K) that are close to or even above the Curie temperature of most conventional ferroelectrics. Detailed studies suggest that the underlying mechanism is directly related to a ferroelectric field effect induced charge reconstruction at the hetero‐interface. The robust resistive switching landscape and the electrical polarization engineering capability in the polar heterostructure, together with the promise to integrate with both silicon and GaN technologies, can pave the way for next‐generation memristors and further enable a broad range of multifunctional and cross‐field applications.
The Importance of Surface Oxygen for Lithiation and Morphology Evolution during Calcination of High‐Nickel NMC Cathodes
Authors: Wolfman Mark , Wang Xiaoping , Garcia Juan C. , Barai Pallab , Stubbs Joanne E. , Eng Peter J. , Kahvecioglu Ozge , Kinnibrugh Tiffany L. , Madsen Kenneth E. , Iddir Hakim , Srinivasan Venkat , Fister Tim T. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNanoscale morphology has a direct impact on the performance of materials for electrochemical energy storage. Despite this importance, little is known about the evolution of primary particle morphology nor its effect on chemical pathways during synthesis. In this study, operando characterization is combined with atomic‐scale and continuum simulations to clarify the relationship between morphology of cathode primary particles and their lithiation during calcination of LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC‐811). This combined approach reveals a key role for surface oxygen adsorption in facilitating the lithiation reaction by promoting metal diffusion and oxidation, and simultaneously providing surface sites for lithium insertion. Furthermore, oxygen surface termination is shown to increase the activation energy for sintering, leading to smaller primary particle sizes at intermediate temperatures. Smaller particles provide both shorter diffusion lengths for lithium incorporation and increased surface site density for lithium insertion. These insights provide a foundation for more tailored syntheses of cathode materials with optimized performance characteristics.
Comparison between robotic‐assisted and laparoscopic sphincter‐preserving operations for ultra‐low rectal cancer
Authors: Kojima Tadahiro , Hino Hitoshi , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Yamaoka Yusuke , Manabe Shoichi , Kato Shunichiro , Hanaoka Marie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimSphincter‐preserving operations for ultra‐low rectal cancer include low anterior and intersphincteric resection. In low anterior resection, the distal rectum is divided by a transabdominal approach, which is technically demanding. In intersphincteric resection, a perineal approach is used. We aimed to evaluate whether robotic‐assisted surgery is technically superior to laparoscopic surgery for ultra‐low rectal cancer. We compared the frequency of low anterior resection in cases of sphincter‐preserving operations.MethodWe investigated 183 patients who underwent sphincter‐preserving robotic‐assisted or laparoscopic surgery for ultra‐low rectal cancer (lower border within 5 cm of the anal verge) between April 2010 and March 2020. The frequency of low anterior resection was compared between laparoscopic and robotic‐assisted surgeries. The clinicopathological factors associated with an increase in performing low anterior resection were analyzed by multivariate analyses.ResultsOverall, 41 (22.4%) and 142 (77.6%) patients underwent laparoscopic and robotic‐assisted surgery, respectively. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. Low anterior resection was done significantly more frequently in robotic‐assisted surgery (67.6%) than in laparoscopic surgery (48.8%) (P = 0.04). Multivariate analyses showed that tumor distance from the anal verge (P < 0.01) and robotic‐assisted surgery (P = 0.02) were significantly associated with an increase in the performance of low anterior resection. The rate of postoperative complications or pathological results was similar between the groups.ConclusionCompared with laparoscopic surgery, robotic‐assisted surgery significantly increased the frequency of low anterior resection in sphincter‐preserving operations for ultra‐low rectal cancer. Robotic‐assisted surgery has technical superiority over laparoscopic surgery for ultra‐low rectal cancer treatment.