bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy of Aluminum Incorporated with Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Awan Rohan Asif , siraj Khurram , Haq Sami ul , Abbas Qamar , Rahim Muhammad Shahzad Abdul , Younas Qaneeta , Fareed Sana , Ahsan Rabia , Ahmad Zubair , Irshad Muneeb , Latif Anwar 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy is a promising spectroscopic technique with a vast spectrum of applications in fields concerned with identification and detection of elements. But it faces some limitations due to self-absorption, noise due to matrix effect and line broadening resulting in low emission signal. This research proposes LIBS signal enhancement by incorporation of metal nanoparticles (Cu, Mg, Au) on Al surface and compares their effect. The successful optical emissions enhancement is achieved as the emission intensities of Al- and Na- lines of three coated samples are compared with those of uncoated Al. The Electron Temperature has been evaluated by Boltzmann plot and an increase in Electron Temperature has been observed with the incorporation of nanoparticles to the aluminum surface as compared to the untreated aluminum, due to more plasma emissions. The Electron Number Density of the aluminum plasma did not have much effect with the incorporation of Nanoparticles. The Local Thermal Equilibrium condition has been satisfied and checked by Mc Whirter’s Criterion. The incorporation of metal nanoparticles can be declared as an effective method not only for LIBS signal enhancement but also better detection of trace elements which were not observed without the use of Nanoparticles.
Leaching of phthalates from Plastic packaging into Fruit Juices marketed in Pakistan and their risk assessment
Authors: Razzaque Noshad , Talpur Farah Naz , Afridi Hassan Imran , Abbasi Mehr Un-Nissa , Kunbhar Sobia , Chandio Zaheer 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) also known as plasticizers, are used to improve flexibility in a variety of food packaging, including plastic containers, beverage bottles, and bags. PAEs are endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that can have serious consequences on human health. The purpose of this study is to investigate the leaching of PAEs from plastic packaging into several juice brands (n = 225), including citrus fruit juices, berry fruit and mixed fruit juices, and stone fruit juices. To clean the juices, a silica gel-packed column was used. In addition, plastic bottles were characterized by FTIR, which confirms the presence of PAEs by evaluating the aromatic esters and C-H wagging peaks at 1713 cm-1 and 722 cm-1 respectively. Furthermore, DSC analysis of juice bottles revealed distinct Tg and Tm values for juice bottles that are amorphous. All of the liquids were acidic, with pH levels ranging from 2.25 to 3.73. According to chromatographic analyses, mixed fruit juices had the most PAEs leaching (71.93g/L), followed by strawberry juices (31.35 g/L), citrus fruit juices (20.64 g/L), and fleshy fruit juices (18.61g/L). Different PAEs such as DPrP, DiBP, DPeP, DCHP, BBzP, DEHP, and DOP were validated by GC-MS. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of the PAEs from fruit juices ranged from 0.087 to 0.543 µg/kg/bw. Non-carcinogenic risks concerning PAEs in juices were found to be within safe levels (less than one). DEHP in fruit juices exhibited the potential carcinogenic effects on humans.
High-resolution Meniscus Multi-Focusing Compound Eye by negative pressure forming technology
Authors: Liu Yongshun , Feng Xin , Dong Junyu , Yu Yongjian , Xing Yi , Shu Fengfeng , Peng Lanxin , Wu Yihui 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAiming at the problem of preparing high-resolution compound eye, this paper proposes a multi-focal length meniscus compound eye based on MEMS negative pressure molding technology. The aperture is increased while the large field angle of view of 101.14° is obtained, and the ommatidia radius of each stage is gradually increased from 250 µm to 440 µm. A meniscus structure is used to improve the imaging quality of the marginal compound eye, so that the resolution of the compound eye can reach 36.00 lp/mm. The prepared microlenses have a uniform shape and a smooth surface, and we realize panoramic image stitching and moving object tracking. The related technologies have great application potential in the fields of automatic driving, machine vision, medical endoscopy, etc.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of sintilimab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for the first-line treatment of advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qi Ran , Nie Xuyang , Gao Shengnan , Liu Guoqiang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Recent clinical trials have illustrated the superior efficacy and safety of sintilimab plus chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sintilimab combined with chemotherapy vs. Chemotherapy alone as first-line treatment for advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in China.
Method
A partitioned survival model was developed to compare the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years of different treatment regimens. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to verify the robustness of the model results.
Results
Compared with chemotherapy alone, the sintilimab combination strategy resulted in an additional 0.58 quality-adjusted life years. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $14,967.31/quality-adjusted life years, lowering the willingness-to-pay threshold ($37,663.26). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that sintilimab + chemotherapy was more cost-effective for patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the base-case analysis results.
Conclusion
The sintilimab combination strategy is a cost-effective option for first-line treatment of advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in China.
Salivary Levels of Opg and Rankl During Orthodontic Tooth Movement—a Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Naoumova Julia , Olofsson Richard , Almståhl Annica , Cevik-Aras Hülya 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background and objective: Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) perform functions in orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) by regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast activation. This novel approach aims to monitor continuous changes in OPG and RANKL levels in the saliva during two years of OTM.
Material and methods: Nine healthy females (15-20 years of age) were included in this prospective longitudinal pilot study. All patients had crowding requiring four premolar extractions and fixed appliances in both jaws. In total, 134 stimulated and 134 unstimulated saliva samples were collected: before tooth extractions (baseline), and then every 6-8 weeks at follow-up appointments during the whole treatment period of two years. All saliva samples were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean levels of OPG and RANKL were calculated according to the different orthodontic treatment stages: alignment, space closure and finishing. A mixed model analysis was used to compare the means of treatment stages.
Results: RANKL was not detectable either in stimulated or unstimulated saliva. OPG levels were measured in stimulated saliva due to low levels in unstimulated saliva. A significant increase in OPG was observed at all treatment stages: alignment, space closure and finishing compared with baseline (p = 0.002, p = 0.039, p = < 0.001, respectively). A small non-significant decrease was seen in space closure compared with alignment. OPG reached peak levels during the finishing stage.
Conclusions: The salivary levels of OPG increased gradually, except during space closure, reaching peak levels at the finishing stage. This novel approach shows the changes in the levels of OPG in OTM and indicates how and when to sample saliva during orthodontic treatment to analyse bone remodelling.
Ultra-flexible trilaminar aramid fiber based ANF(Ag/Fe3O4-CNT/rGO) hybrid membrane for high- performance electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Gu Xinwang , Qin Hongmei , Dong Dandan , Wang Caihong , Lu Shengjun , Zhang Yufei , Fan Haosen , Xu Jian 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
With the proliferation of modern integrated electronic and telecommunication systems, high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with flexibility, outstanding thermal conductive properties and superior EMI shielding performances are designed to solve the problems of electromagnetic radiation and heat accumulation. Herein, flexible asymmetric trilaminar architecture film with good mechanical properties is prepared via the facile three-step vacuum-assisted filtration (VAF) followed by hot-pressing approach, which is composed of silver-plated aramid nanofibers (ANF-Ag), ANF- Fe3O4&CNT (ANF-FC) and ANF-reduced graphene oxide (ANF-rGO) layers. The conductive ANF-Ag and ANF-rGO layers acted as the EMI shielding, thermal conductive layers, and supporting substrate layers. The magnetic ANF-FC layer played the role in synergistically enhancing the EMI shielding performance. The resultant flexible and asymmetric trilaminar hybrid membrane exhibited maximum thermal conductivity of 8.5 W·m-1K-1 and EMI SE of 67.5 dB, but also maintained a high tensile strength of 75.5 MPa and superb electrical conductivity of 2.46×106 S/m. This asymmetric trilaminar structures film holds great promise to addresses issues of electromagnetic radiation and heat accumulation for personal smart electronic devices, wearable electronics, electronic telecommunication systems.
Screening game in plant–pollinator interactions: compound screening mechanism in flower morphology of Delphinium caeruleum
Authors: Hou Qin-Zheng , Ehmet Nurbiye , Shao Wen-Juan , Yang Guang , Zhang Yi-Ping , Sun Kun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The screening mechanism is an important component of the screening game between plants and pollinators, and also as a theoretical framework for understanding the maintenance and drivers of co-evolution by animals and plants. However, the composite screening mechanism in plants from biomechanical and morphological perspectives was seldomly studied. In this study, we measured the insects and flower traits in different populations of Delphinium caeruleum, and compared the operative strength of staminodes with the strength that insects were capable of exerting, as well as the length of the nectar spur and proboscis in insects. The results showed that the flower traits, insect species, visitor frequency, and efficiency differed among three population. The strength and proboscis length of the insect visitors matched with the operative strength of staminodes and the nectar spur length, whereas the opposite was found for non-visitors. Our results demonstrate that Delphinium caeruleum can screen for efficient pollinator insects through a complex mechanism based on a combination of length screening and biomechanical screening. Pollinators contribute significantly to promoting both the convergence and divergence of flower characteristics, which may be a consequence of plants adapting to local pollinators.
Breadcrumb-inspired Construction of LM@BN Core-shell Microparticles for Highly Thermal Conductive Elastomeric Composites with Excellent Flexibility and Stability
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Li Jingchao , Ye Neng , Zhang Huan , Yang Dan , Lu Yonglai 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The rapid development of wearable electronics urges for flexible thermal management materials with higher service performance and stability of operation under high-complexity environmental stresses. A liquid metal embedded elastomer (LMEE) offers a combined solution with both high flexibility and thermal conductivity to heat dissipation of wearable electronics. But the potential leakage of the liquid metal (LM) in LMEE under external force severely limits the application of LMEE in the field of flexible thermal management. Inspired by a traditional Chinese snack, "fried milk", we herein modify the two-dimensional boron nitride (BN) by thiolation, so as to develop LM@BN core-shell particles through the formation of a protective layer around micron-sized LM particles using thiol-metal interactions, before the flexible thermal management material with high stability is finally prepared by the combination between the LM@BN particles and a silicone rubber elastomer. The results demonstrated that the LM@BN core-shell structure can effectively maintain the balance between the tensile property, the thermal conductivity, and the stability of the material, thereby facilitating the future application of LM-elastomer composites with regard to flexible thermal management and thermal interface materials.
Inflammation, C-reactive protein Level, Sexual Frequency, and Mortality
Authors: Davis W. Sumner , Banerjee Sri , Anderson Peter 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
C-reactive protein is an important inflammatory biomarker that is indicative of chronic disease. Additionally sexual frequency is an important indicator of overall sexual health. In this study, we tested the impact of inflammation on low sexual frequency-related outcomes like mortality. From the 2003-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we analyzed data on adults (≥ 20 years). Sexual frequency was categorized (<52 times/year vs. ≥52 times/year). C-reactive protein was measured by Latex Nephelometry. Complex samples Cox regression was used to assess if inflammation influenced the connection between sexual frequency and mortality. For all-cause mortality, the overall unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of high C-reactive protein was 1.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.45, p < 0.03). The adjusted HR was elevated, 2.39 (CI 1.11-5.15, p = 0.03) among individuals who had elevated C-reactive protein and low sexual frequency but close to 1.0 (1.48 CI 0.40-5.45, p = 0.53) among individuals who had elevated C-reactive protein and high sexual frequency after adjusting for medical (obesity) and demographic (age, education, and ethnicity) risk factors, indicating a 139% increase in mortality among individuals with low sexual frequency and inflammation than inflammation alone. Sexual activity is important for overall cardiovascular health.
Acceptance of an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine by healthcare workers: the effect of burnout and anti-vaccination attitudes
Authors: Maraqa Beesan , Nazzal Zaher , Baroud Hassan , Douden Mahmoud , Hamshary Yousef El , Jalamneh Tala 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: The emergence of several SARS-CoV-2 variants may necessitate an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare workers (HCWs) acceptance of an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine, if recommended, and its association with their attitudes and burnout levels.
Methods: We used an online self-administered questionnaire to conduct a cross-sectional study in all West Bank and Gaza Strip districts between August and September 2022. The VAX scale was used to assess HCWs' vaccination attitudes, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess work-related burnout. In addition, we used logistic regression analyses to identify factors that were independently associated with the acceptance of the annual COVID-19 booster vaccine.
Results: The study included 919 HCWs; 52.3% were male, 58.8% were under 30, 46.5% were physicians, 30.0% were nurses, and 63.1% worked in hospitals. 33.5% of HCWs (95% CI: 30.5%-36.7%) said they would accept an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine if recommended. HCWs who are suspicious of vaccine benefits [aOR= .70; 95%CI: .65-.75] and those concerned about unforeseeable future effects [aOR= .90; 95%CI: .84-.95] are less likely to accept an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine if recommended, whereas those who receive annual influenza vaccine are more likely to accept it [aOR= 2.9; 95%CI: 1.7-5.0].
Conclusion: an annual COVID-19 booster vaccine is poorly accepted by HCWs. Mistrust of the vaccine's efficacy and concerns about side effects continue to drive COVID-19 vaccine reluctance. Health officials need to address HCWs' concerns to increase their acceptance of the annual vaccine if it is recommended.
Effect of Adjustments on the Forecast Accuracy of Anti-Retroviral Medicines in Uganda
Authors: Kirungi Gloria , Kamba Pakoyo Fadhiru , Aguma Herbert Bush 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background: Outputs from the quantifications are used to advocate and allocate funding and develop supply plans to ensure the availability of medicines. However, the actual consumption is not always equal to the forecast, and thus forecasting teams often adjust further to improve the forecast accuracy. The study aimed to determine the forecast accuracy of the final forecast, the effect of adjustments, and the factors that affect the forecast accuracy of ARVs in Uganda.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. The statistical forecasts, final forecasts, and actual consumption data from January 2016 to December 2018 were collected retrospectively from the Ministry of Health and the web-based ordering and reporting system (WAOS). Microsoft Excel was used for data analysis. The mean average percentage error (MAPE) was used to measure forecast accuracy, and a student t-test was used to determine the significance of adjustments. Key informant interviews were done to determine the factors affecting forecast accuracy. Thematic approach was used to analyse qualitative data.
Results: The national final forecast MAPE ranged from 2.33% to 5.15% (Jan 2016 -Jan 2019), while the statistical MAPE ranged from 2.65% to 4.31% (Aug 2017 - Jan 2019). The MAPEs for adult ARVs were generally lower than those of pediatric ARVs, and a variation in forecast accuracy with one of the central warehouses was noted. Adjustments generally lowered the MAPE for adult ARVs but increased the MAPE for most pediatric ARVs. Adjustments were significant for 53.8% (n=13, p=0.05) of the ARVs. Factors including dispensing practices, the complexity of the quantification, adherence to treatment guidelines, data quality, product availability, and quantification team attributes were identified to affect the forecast accuracy
Conclusions: The final and statistical forecasts had good accuracy, and adjustments improved the accuracy of adult ARV forecasts while decreasing the accuracy for pediatric ARVs. The accuracy of the forecast was affected by the quantification complexity, product usage, availability, and team attributes. Forecast accuracy of new drugs and the degree of significance of the factors affecting forecasting should be studied further.
Trial registration: Not Applicable
Proximity-dependent labeling identifies dendritic cells that prime the antitumor CD4+ T cell response
Authors: Victora Gabriel , Chudnovskiy Aleksey , Nakandakari-Higa Sandra , de Castro Tiago , Cui Ang , Lin Chia-Hao , Sade-Feldman Moshe , Phillips Brooke , Pae Juhee , Mesin Luka , Bortolatto Juliana , Schweitzer Lawrence , Pasqual Giulia , Lu Li-Fan , Hacohen Nir 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Dendritic cells (DCs) are uniquely capable of transporting tumoral antigens to tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLNs), where they initiate antitumor immunity and mediate checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Despite recent advances, the full phenotype of the DCs involved in these processes has been difficult to establish. Using LIPSTIC (Labeling Immune Partnerships by SorTagging Intercellular Contacts)-based single-cell transcriptomics, we identify individual DCs capable of presenting antigen to CD4+ T cells in the tdLN. These represent a small fraction of all DCs present in the tdLN and display a distinctive activated phenotype that includes production of cytokine IL-27, required for efficient T cell priming and tumor rejection. Tumor progression results in loss of effective priming of naïve CD4+ T cells, downstream of transcriptional changes in DCs that are manifested already when they arrive at the tdLN. Collectively, our data reveal temporal shift in DC activation status over the course of the antitumor immune response.
Long memory and trend in time series of precipitation in Mozambique
Authors: Ussalu Jone Lucas Medja , Bassrei Amin 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Many climate studies in Mozambique have clearly identified signals of climate change, especially changes in the extreme temperatures. In this study, we have investigated the existence of long term correlations and trend in time series of precipitation. Two databases were used for this purpose: in situ observations along the period of 1960 – 2020 and the Climate Hazards group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations dataset, which is a high resolution (0.05o) remote sensing data assimilated with in situ stations, along the period from 1981 to 2021. We have applied the rescaled-range analysis and the detrended fluctuation analysis for long memory investigation, and the linear regression and Mann-Kendall methods for trend analysis. Results have shown the existence of long memory in the time series of precipitation in most parts of Mozambique, being stronger in the southern and central regions, and weakening toward the north of the country. Precipitation has generally exhibited persistency in the southern and central regions, indicating that the observed climate behaviour during the evaluated period is likely to continue for a long period in future. On the other hand, some significant trend signals of precipitation were detected in some isolated areas of Mozambique, presenting an increase in some regions such as the southern part of Manica and eastern of Inhambane provinces, and a decrease in other regions such as the coastal areas of Zambezia and Nampula.
Factors influencing the catch-up growth of preterm births at two years of corrected age
Authors: Li Yang , Wen Jialin , Cui Hong , Jiang Qianqian , Sun Xiaowei 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the growth of preterm infants after birth regarding weight, length, and head circumference (HC) and determine the risk factors affecting their catch-up growth.
Methods
Anthropometric data and clinical information from 288 preterm infants were collected. Z-scores were calculated using the World Health Organization Anthro software. Logistic regression analysis assessed the risk factors for catch-up growth in preterm births.
Results
The percentage of preterm infants with z-scores <-1.3 for weight, length, and HC decreased from 13.78%, 11.31%, and 7.42–6.81%, 4.26%, and 4.68%, respectively, between 0 and 24 months of corrected age (CA). The weight z-score increased between CA 0 and 3 months in non-small for gestational age (SGA); the increased weight z-score in SGA extended to CA 9 months. Non-SGA had elevated length z-scores from CA 0 to 6 months, and SGA length z-scores were elevated for an extended period until CA 9 months. Z-score differences in weight and length of SGA and non-SGA preterm infants decreased with increasing CA. Gestational age (OR = 2.814, 95%CI: 1.32–5.997) and birth weight (OR = 0.998, 95%CI: 0.997–0.999) were risk factors for catch-up growth at CA 24 months.
Conclusion
Most catch-up growth occurs in the first year of life. Compared to the non-SGA group, preterm infants in the SGA group showed more pronounced and prolonged catch-up growth, particularly in weight and length. We concluded that gestational age and birth weight were risk factors for catch-up growth.