bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Ester‐based Phase Change Materials Synthesis for Enhanced Energy Storage Toward Battery Thermal Management
Authors: Geng Long , Luo Kaifeng , Lin Yixuan , Li Guo , Cao Yitong , Zhao Jiateng , Liu Changhui
Published: January 2025

With the increasing demand for thermal management, phase change materials (PCMs) have garnered widespread attention due to their unique advantages in energy storage and temperature regulation. However, traditional PCMs present challenges in modification, with commonly used physical methods facing stability and compatibility issues. This study introduces a simple and effective chemical method by synthesizing seven ester‐based PCMs through chemical reactions involving lauric acid (LA) and seven different alcohols. These materials notably broaden the phase change temperature range, exhibiting melting temperature from −8.99 to 46.60 °C, expanding by 203.18% compared to raw alcohol materials. In addition, these samples exhibit excellent thermal stability and high latent heat, with a maximum latent heat value of 182.98 J g−1. In subsequent application studies, this material demonstrates outstanding energy storage characteristics and proposed an innovative thermal management method for batteries based on the PCM immersion technique, allowing the battery to maintain a temperature below 60 °C for 20.5 h, while the blank group rapidly reached 60 °C within 0.82 h and increased to 75 °C within 2.35 h. This approach greatly improves temperature regulation, enhances battery safety, and boosts operational efficiency, highlighting the immense potential of the material in advanced energy storage applications.
Quantifying Magnetic Anisotropy of Series of Five‐Coordinate CoII Ions: Experimental and Theoretical Insights
Authors: Thangaraj Vijaya , Sartini Daniele , Borah Dipanti , Chauhan Deepanshu , Sharma Vasudha , Sorace Lorenzo , Rajaraman Gopalan , Perfetti Mauro , Shanmugam Maheswaran
Published: January 2025

Stabilizing large easy‐axis type magnetic anisotropy in molecular complexes is a challenging task, yet it is crucial for the development of information storage devices and applications in molecular spintronics. Achieving this requires a deep understanding of electronic structure and the relationships between structure and properties to develop magneto‐structural correlations that are currently unexplored in the literature. Herein, a series of five‐coordinate distorted square pyramidal CoII complexes [Co(L)(X2)].CHCl3 (where X = Cl (1), Br (2), or I (3)) is reported, all exhibiting easy‐axis magnetic anicotropy. The size of the zero field splitting axial parameter (D) is quantitatively determined (1 = −72; 2 = −67 and 3 = −25 cm−1) using a cantilever torque magnetometry which is further firmly supported by magnetic susceptibility, and EPR measurements. The study of the magnetization relaxation dynamics reveals field‐induced slow relaxation of magnetization due to the predominant Raman relaxation process. Theoretical calculations on 1–3 and optimized model complexes of 1 reveal insights into the electronic structure and highlight the impact of steric and electronic effects on modulating the D values. Overall, the studies reported pave the way for designing a new generation of CoII complexes with enhanced  axiality and a lower rhombicity.
Rapid detection of RNase‐based self‐incompatibility in Lysimachia monelli (Primulaceae)
Authors: Ramanauskas Karolis , Jiménez‐López Francisco J. , Sánchez‐Cabrera Mercedes , Escudero Marcial , Ortiz Pedro L. , Arista Montserrat , Igić Boris
Published: January 2025

Premise

Primroses famously employ a system that simultaneously expresses distyly and filters out self‐pollen. Other species in the Primulaceae family, including Lysimachia monelli (blue pimpernel), also express self‐incompatibility (SI), but involving a system with distinct features and an unknown molecular genetic basis.

Methods

We utilize a candidate‐based transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) approach, relying on candidate T2/S‐RNase Class III and S‐linked F‐box‐motif‐containing genes and harnessing the unusual evolutionary and genetic features of SI, to examine whether an RNase‐based mechanism underlies SI in L. monelli. We term this approach "SI detection with RNA‐seq" (SIDR).

Results

The results of sequencing, crossing, population genetics, and molecular evolutionary features each support a causal association linking the recovered genotypes with SI phenotypes. The finding of RNase‐based SI in Primulaceae (Ericales) all but cements the long‐held view that this mechanism was present in the ancestral pentapetal eudicot, whose descendants now comprise two‐thirds of angiosperms. It also significantly narrows the plausible maximum age for the heterostyly evolution within the family.

Conclusions

SIDR is powerful, flexible, inexpensive, and most critically enables work in often‐neglected species. It may be used with or without candidate genes to close enormous gaps in understanding the genetic basis of SI and the history of breeding system evolution.
Comparative diversification analyses of Hydrangeaceae and Loasaceae reveal complex evolutionary history as species disperse out of Mesoamerica
Authors: Schenk John J. , Jacobs Sarah , Hufford Larry
Published: January 2025

Premise

The movement of lineages into novel areas can promote ecological opportunity and adaptive radiation, leading to significant species diversity. Not all studies, however, have identified support for ecological opportunity associated with novel intercontinental colonizations. To gain key insights into the drivers of ecological opportunity, we tested whether intercontinental dispersals resulted in ecological opportunity using the Hydrangeaceae‐Loasaceae clade, which has numerous centers of diversity across the globe.

Methods

A time‐calibrated phylogeny was reconstructed from four molecular markers. We tested for bursts of speciation rates followed by a decrease as expected phylogenetic patterns under an ecological opportunity model. Ancestral ranges were estimated using historical biogeographic analyses to examine the relationships of ancestral distributions and habitats with speciation and extinction rates.

Results

Hydrangeaceae and Loasaceae originated in arid Mesoamerica, then dispersed into South America, Eurasia, and eastern North America. Six clades experienced increased diversification rates, but those increases were not associated with transitions into new continental areas. Mentzelia section Bartonia was the only clade that exhibited a burst of speciation followed by a decrease. Both families originated in arid environments and experienced multiple transitions into mesic and tropical environments, but Loasaceae experienced a higher speciation‐to‐extinction ratio than Hydrangeaceae in the western Nearctic.

Conclusions

Dispersal between continents did not trigger speciation rate shifts in Loasaceae and Hydrangeaceae. Instead, shifts occurred in regions inhabited by intrafamilial relatives and were likely driven by climate change in the Miocene, where species in drier microhabitats diversified into newly created habitats.
Coordination Bond‐Based Nanosystems for Manipulating Niche Framework in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Salvi Bhagyashree V. , Shende Pravin
Published: January 2025

The extensive connectivity between organic ligands and inorganic metal ions enables precise design and physicochemical modification of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for various applications. The metal‐based counterparts, nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nMOFs), are among advanced classes of hybrid nanoparticles, with the fundamental characteristics of pristine MOFs and nanoscale dimensions that enhance their potential for clinical applications. The distinct structure, pore size tunability, easy surface functionalization, large surface area, and porosity enable loading of various therapeutic and imaging agents. In addition, nMOFs demonstrate biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and the relatively labile metal–ligand bonds impart biodegradability. Owing to such excellent properties, nMOFs exhibits biomedically relevant applications as therapeutic cargoes, bioimaging, biosensing and biocatalysts agents. This article elucidates the advantages of nMOFs over other existing nanocarriers (e.g., organic and inorganic) and focuses on new insights of synthesis, design strategies with surface modification techniques for hybrid material development. The biomedical applications with futuristic approach are discussed with relevant examples in detail to inspire further exploration of nMOFs as biomedically relevant agents with great market potential in biomedical sciences.
Synthesis, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Potential of Ferrocenylmethylnucleobase Compounds: In Vitro, In Silico Molecular Docking, DFT Calculation, and Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Adaika Aicha , Bekkar Yahia , Youmbai Souhir , Bourougaa Lotfi , Lanez Elhafnaoui , Ben Amor Mohammed Larbi , Nesba Kaouther , Lanez Touhami , Bechki Lazhar
Published: January 2025

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of a novel series of ferrocenylmethylnucleobase compounds, namely, FcMeAd, FcMeCy, FcMeTh, and (FcMe)₂Ad with promising antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Spectroscopic techniques confirmed their sandwich‐like geometry, with the nucleobase moiety coordinated to the ferrocene unit. Density functional theory (DFT) optimization revealed alignment with existing crystallographic data and indicated low frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energy gaps, suggesting facile intramolecular charge transfer and potential biological activity. The antidiabetic activity was evaluated in vitro through inhibition assays targeting α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase enzymes, which was supported by in silico molecular docking studies. Among the compounds, FcMeTh exhibited the highest antidiabetic and antioxidant properties due to the presence of carbonyl and amide functionalities, along with an electron‐donating methyl group. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed high binding affinity and structural stability of the docked compounds, with strong interactions with the target enzymes, further validating the potential of these compounds as effective inhibitors. Pharmacokinetic and ADMET evaluations indicated their nontoxic, noncarcinogenic nature and suitability for oral administration. The combined in vitro and in silico findings, including the critical insights from MD simulations, suggest that these ferrocenylmethylnucleobase compounds, especially FcMeTh, possess enhanced antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. This highlights their potential as promising therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress and Type 2 diabetes.
Understanding ASEAN Centrality: Comparative Analysis of ‘Core’ and ‘Hub’ Strategies
Authors: Hamanaka Shintaro
Published: January 2025

ASEAN centrality is a term that has emerged in the recent literature on international relations and institutions focussing on the region surrounding ASEAN. It refers to the idea that ASEAN has or should have a central role in forming the political and economic institutional architecture of a wider region. Unfortunately, however, previous studies have failed to identify whether ASEAN has centrality or not. There are two problems. First, the concept of centrality is vague. Second, a sound method to assess the centrality is absent. This study attempts to contribute to the literature mainly from theoretical (conceptual) and, to a lesser degree, empirical perspectives. From the theory front, the paper elaborates the notion of centrality, by differentiating the two concepts related to centrality: core and hub. From the empirical front, the paper claims the usefulness of comparative analysis. Even if the level of centrality cannot be measured, we can better assess whether ASEAN hold the core and/or hub status in regional institutional architecture, if it is compared with other institutions.
The Elite Paradigm Driving Australian Aid Policy: Learning to Live With the ‘Cautious Consensus’
Authors: Day Benjamin , Wells Tamas
Published: January 2025

This article explores the underlying reasons for why the Albanese Labor Governmentʼs stated policy ambition to ‘rebuild Australiaʼs international development program’ has not yet been accomplished and is unlikely to be realised, at least in the near‐to‐medium term. Based on interviews conducted with 21 Australian Members of Parliament, we find that the ‘cautious consensus’—a collection of ideas guiding elite perspectives on Australian aid policy that emerged during the COVID‐19 pandemic—has rapidly consolidated, to the point where it can now be considered a paradigm. We identify three main factors that have led to this consolidation: the declining salience of aid; growing elite scepticism about the usefulness of aid; and a combination of political challenges that are difficult for Labor to navigate, as it seeks to become a long‐term Government. Given the prospects of shifting the unambitious status quo are unlikely in the in the near‐to‐medium term, we examine what ‘living with the cautious consensus’ means for the Australian development sector.
Predefined time trajectory tracking control and hardware in loop verification for quadrotor UAV under input delay and disturbances
Authors: Li Shuo , Duan Na , Pei Hailong
Published: January 2025

This paper deals with the predefined time trajectory tracking control of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system in the presence of input delay and external disturbances. By combining the backstepping with the predefined time nonlinear disturbance observer, the uncertainty caused by the external disturbance is eliminated, enabling the UAV to reach the control target within a predefined time. Moreover, in order to compensate for the impact of the control input delay, an appropriate auxiliary system is introduced. Simulation and hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) experimental are carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Neural electrodes for brain‐computer interface system: From rigid to soft
Authors: Yang Dan , Tian Gongwei , Chen Jianhui , Liu Yan , Fatima Esha , Qiu Jichuan , Malek Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik , Qi Dianpeng
Published: January 2025

Brain‐computer interface (BCI) is an advanced technology that establishes a direct connection between the brain and external devices, enabling high‐speed and real‐time information exchange. In BCI systems, electrodes are key interface devices responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and external devices, including recording electrophysiological signals and electrically stimulating nerves. Early BCI electrodes were mainly composed of rigid materials. The mismatch in Young's modulus between rigid electrodes and soft biological tissue can lead to rejection reactions within the biological system, resulting in electrode failure. Furthermore, rigid electrodes are prone to damaging biological tissues during implantation and use. Recently, flexible electrodes have garnered attention in the field of brain science research due to their better adaptability to the softness and curvature of the brain. The design of flexible electrodes can effectively reduce mechanical damage to neural tissue and improve the accuracy and stability of signal transmission, providing new tools and methods for exploring brain function mechanisms and developing novel neural interface technologies. Here, we review the research advancements in neural electrodes for BCI systems. This paper emphasizes the importance of neural electrodes in BCI systems, discusses the limitations of traditional rigid neural electrodes, and introduces various types of flexible neural electrodes in detail. In addition, we also explore practical application scenarios and future development trends of BCI electrode technology, aiming to offer valuable insights for enhancing the performance and user experience of BCI systems.
Progress in the Study of TAp73 and Sperm Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Ziao , Pan Min , Li Jingya , Li Li , Wang Tongsheng
Published: January 2025

The study of the mechanism of oligoasthenospermia, which is a major cause of male infertility, has been the focus of research in the field of male reproduction. TAp73, a member of the p53 family of oncogenes, is endowed with tumor‐suppressing activity due to its structural and functional homology with p53. It has been found that TAp73, plays a key role in spermatogenesis and maintaining male reproduction. When TAp73 is low‐expressed or absent, the process of spermatogenesis is severely impaired, and mice deficient in TAp73 exhibit spermatogonial DNA damage, disturbed apical cytoplasmic specialization, and spermatocyte malformations resulting in reduced male fertility. Nevertheless, when TAp73 is overexpressed, it not only drives exogenous death receptors to regulate germ cell apoptosis, but also interacts with its various substrate proteins to promote the translocation of cytoplasmic Bax proteins to the mitochondria, resulting in the upregulation of the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio on the mitochondrial membrane and triggering a series of mitochondrial apoptotic effects. In this article, we will analyze the mechanism of TAp73 and sperm apoptosis, and elaborate the mechanism of TAp73 upregulation, exogenous apoptosis pathway and mitochondrial apoptosis pathway to systematically explain that the process of apoptosis induced by high expression of TAp73 is not fixed and single, but is interconnected, so as to provide a basis for the treatment of oligoasthenospermia and the research and development of new drugs using TAp73 as a target.
Construction of a Vibrational Circular Dichroism Instrument Equipped With a Thermoelectrically Cooled Detector for Prolonged Measurements
Authors: Sato Hisako , Shimizu Masaru , Watanabe Keisuke , Koshoubu Jun
Published: January 2025

A vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) instrument having a thermoelectrically cooled detector (denoted as a TEC unit) was constructed in this study. An electronic device, instead of liquid nitrogen, was employed in the instrument to cool the detector. The feasibility of the system was examined by recording the VCD spectra of liquid pinenes and insect wings. VCD signals were obtained at a constant baseline that was stable for more than 40 h. The spectrometer equipped with a TEC unit exhibited potential for performing measurements for prolonged time periods.
Measuring the impact of a catchment area surveillance tool on cancer center adopters
Authors: Burus Todd , McAfee Caree R. , Wilhite Natalie P. , Hull Pamela C.
Published: January 2025

Background

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center developed the data gathering and visualization platform Cancer InFocus (CIF) as a solution for cancer center catchment area surveillance. CIF was released in June 2022 and made available for use to other institutions through a no‐cost licensing agreement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact CIF has had on cancer centers since its release.

Methods

The authors adapted an existing management evaluation framework to assess the impact of CIF across three spheres—idea dissemination, product engagement, and adopter satisfaction. This assessment included an online survey administered between the dates of September 18, 2023 and June 22, 2024 among 28 individuals at 13 CIF adopting institutions.

Results

As of October 2024, the ideas and approaches of CIF had been disseminated with national audiences 13 times and featured in one peer‐reviewed publication. Thirty‐five institutions, including 26 National Cancer Institute–Designated Cancer Centers, had engaged in licensing CIF. In a user satisfaction survey among adopting institutions, a majority of individuals indicated they were gathering more data (91.7%) and requiring less effort to disseminate data (72.0%) using CIF than under their previous methods.

Conclusions

CIF has demonstrated a broad and positive impact on cancer center catchment area surveillance in the 2 years since its release. CIF represents a high value, low‐cost option for cancer centers wanting to build a cancer surveillance dashboard. The framework used for evaluating CIF's impact can be adapted to assess the impact of other open‐source software built and distributed by cancer centers.
Radiation‐Tolerant SRAM for Satellite Image Compression Systems: A Hybrid Memory Array Approach
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Neema Vaibhav , Singh Chouhan Shailesh , Kumar Soni Nitesh
Published: January 2025

This work is based on the design of an SRAM memory array for on board satellite image compression systems, including memory size, cost, power efficiency, and vulnerability to single event upsets (SEU). Initially, we designed a memory cell, RH_14T, specifically to mitigate the impact of SEUs. Subsequently, we incorporated RH_14T into the on‐board memory array in two variations: RH_14T with minimal area overhead (RH_14T_small) and RH_14T with substantial area overhead (RH_14T_large), which have critical charges of 30.10 and 38.77 fC, respectively. Given the higher sensitivity of higher order bits compared to lower order bits in image pixels, RH_14T_small was allocated for the least significant bit (LSB) positions. RH_14_large, on the other hand, was used for the most significant bit (MSB) positions within the memory array. This configuration enhanced the array's overall area, power, and space radiation tolerance. Furthermore, the RH_14T model was bench marked against other recently introduced radiation‐hardened SRAM cells and compared proposed RH_14T CC18T, RHC14T, RHMC12T, SARP12T, SRRD12T, DICE, and QUCCE12T across several critical design parameters. Notably, RH_14T's sensitive nodes can recover their original data even after radiation‐induced value flips. In addition to these benefits, RH_14T also demonstrates a high static voltage noise margin and reduced read and write delays compared to most of the cells it was compared with.
Design of a Broadband High‐Efficiency Power Amplifier Based on a Miniaturized Three‐Coupled Line Structure
Authors: Zhang Luyu , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhou Dengfa , Wang Chenlu , Gu Chao
Published: January 2025

The extended continuous inverse Class‐GF mode with a large available impedance space is employed in the design of the multioctave power amplifier (PA) presented in this paper. A novel miniaturized three‐coupled line structure is combined with the extended continuous inverse Class‐GF mode to achieve ultra‐wideband high‐efficiency PAs. The novel miniaturized three‐coupled line structure is analyzed in detail to meet the design requirements. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a PA working in 0.7–3.0 GHz with a relative bandwidth of 124.3% is designed and fabricated by using CGH40010F. Measurements demonstrate that the output power is from 39.8 to 42.3 dBm, the drain efficiency is between 63.2% and 73.1%, the power added efficiency is from 60.4% to 71.3%, and the gain is from 9.7 to 12.3 dB. The designed PA achieves wide bandwidth and high efficiency while effectively reducing size to facilitate integration.
Outage Performance of User‐Assisted Energy Harvesting Full Duplex MIMO‐NOMA Networks
Authors: Demirkol Büşra , Kucur Oğuz
Published: January 2025

This work focuses on analyzing the outage probability (OP) in a downlink multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output non‐orthogonal multiple access (MIMO‐NOMA) system, specifically employing the maximum‐ratio transmission/receive antenna selection structure. In the investigated system, the user close to the base station (BS) acts as a full‐duplex (FD) (or half‐duplex [HD]) energy harvesting (EH) relay adopting decode‐and‐forward (DF) protocol for transmission to the far user. With and without a direct link, we derive the exact and asymptotic OP expressions in closed form for Nakagami‐ fading channels. The analytical results are validated through simulations, which show that the presence of a direct link in the system significantly enhances the performance of the far user. This improvement occurs because the direct link mitigates the performance degradation caused by the self‐interference of the near‐user. Additionally, the far user exhibits superior performance when the near user operates in the FD mode to the HD mode. Moreover, as the number of transmit antennas of the BS increases, the signal‐to‐noise ratio gains are more pronounced in FD mode than in HD mode. For both HD and FD modes, the performance is better when the number of antennas at the BS is higher than that of the users.
Current Strategies and Future Dimensions in the Development of KRAS Inhibitors for Targeted Anticancer Therapy
Authors: D'Alessio‐Sands Laura , Gaynier Joshua , Michel‐Milian Victoria , Agbowuro Ayodeji A. , Brackett Christopher M.
Published: January 2025

KRAS is a proto‐oncogene that is found to be mutated in 15% of all metastatic cancers with high prevalence in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. Additionally, patients harboring KRAS mutations respond poorly to standard cancer therapy. As a result, KRAS is seen as an attractive target for targeted anticancer therapy. Over the last decade, this protein has evolved from being termed “undruggable” to producing two clinically approved drugs along with several more in clinical development, and many under preclinical investigations. This review details the development of various KRAS‐targeted molecules with emphasis on the different drug design strategies employed by examining the following areas: (1) Direct inhibition of KRAS mutants using small molecule binders, (2) Inhibiting the activated state of KRAS mutants using a binary complex of small molecule binders and cyclophilin A, and (3) Targeted degradation of KRAS mutants using the PROTAC approach. We assess the pharmacological attributes and possible clinical benefits of the different molecules and look to the next frontiers in the application of KRAS inhibitors as anticancer agents.
Reflecting on accessibility services in higher ed
Authors: McCoy Stephanie
Published: January 2025

I recently started working as an academic advisor at a local community college. One of the things that surprised me is the sheer number of students who request information on accessibility services. The breadth of students who ask about such services is huge. Some are impaired in a way that can be seen visually, such as in a wheelchair. Some have no visible disability, and one would likely never guess the student would need accommodations.
Effect of Pre‐Processing Treatment and Concentration of Alaria esculenta, Saccharina latissima, and Laminaria digitata Varieties on Texture and Consumer Attribute Preference of Crackers
Authors: Ledbetter Moira , Ross Katrina , Templeman James , Chu Boon‐Seang , Wilkin Jonathan D.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of three brown seaweed species (Alaria esculenta, Saccharina latissima, and Laminaria digitata), their pre‐processing treatments, and incorporation percentages on the physical and sensory properties of crackers. Significant (p ≤ 0.001) two‐way and three‐way interactions were observed for moisture content, with seaweed addition generally resulting in drier crackers. Shrinkage was primarily influenced by sample thermal treatment, while hardness was significantly affected by seaweed species, treatment, and their interactions. The freeze–thaw treatment produced harder crackers compared to other treatments. Sensory analysis using temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) revealed variations in dominant attributes across different seaweed species and treatments, with retorted and freeze–thaw treatments enhancing crunchiness and reducing fishy flavors. The study demonstrates the potential of seaweed as a functional ingredient in cracker formulations, affecting both textural properties and sensory experiences. It also highlights the importance of pre‐processing treatments in modulating these effects, providing valuable insights for the development of seaweed‐fortified food products with enhanced nutritional value and consumer acceptability.
Effects of Temporary Rearing on the Muscle Flavor Quality of Chinemys reevesii
Authors: Lu Xiaorong , Yu Yali , Dong Lixue , He Gang , Zhang Lang , Mao Tao , Liu Yun , Zhou Yuntao , He Li
Published: January 2025

Chinemys reevesii, a special economic aquaculture species in China, is valued highly for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. However, the muscle of farmed C. reevesii exhibits a strong off‐flavor, resulting in poor flavor quality. To enhance the flavor quality of the C. reevesii meat, this study examined the volatile compounds in C. reevesii muscle by establishing identification methods for these volatile odor compounds and comparing the differences between the two aquaculture modes. It also explored the impact of fasting temporary rearing (60 days) on the flavor quality of the C. reevesii meat. The results indicated that a combination of direct solvent extraction‐solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (DSE‐SAFE), headspace‐solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC–MS/O), and aroma recombination effectively simulated the odor profile of C. reevesii meat. The study identified the key volatile odor compounds in outdoor pond‐cultivated C. reevesii meat (OP), including hexanal, heptanal, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, octanal, nonanal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, decanal, (E)‐2‐decenal, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, and dodecanal. In greenhouse‐cultivated C. reevesii meat (GH), key volatile odor compounds were hexanal, hexanol, heptanal, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, octanal, nonanal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, decanal, (E)‐2‐decenal, and dodecanal. The study found that appropriate fasting temporary rearing improved the odor quality of C. reevesii meat; OP temporary rearing for 40–50 days showed a significant reduction in greasy and musty odors. In GH, 40 days temporary rearing retained a fresh aroma while reducing the seaweed and fishy odors, achieving a flavor similar to OP. This study provides data support for C. reevesii meat processing and suggests a reference for applying temporary rearing to enhance the flavor quality of aquatic products.
An Insight Into the Phytochemical Composition, Cardioprotective, and Antioxidant Characteristics of Small Knotweed (Polygonum plebeium R. Br.) Extract and Its Derived Fractions
Authors: Ibrar Muhammad , Khan Mir Azam , Khan Abdullah , Khan Muhammad Asghar , Jan Muhammad Saeed , Rauf Abdur , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Khalid Ahood , Shahid Samiah , Quradha Mohammed Mansour
Published: January 2025

Polygonum plebeium, a member of the Polygonaceae family, is commonly known as small knotweed and has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including cough, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, liver disease, inflammation, dysentery, eczema and ringworms, and other skin conditions. Many studies have suggested that plants belonging to this genus possess strong cardio‐protective potentials. Rats were pre‐treated with crude methanolic extract and other fractions at a dose of 500 mg/kg followed by administration of Isoproterenol hydrochloride after 24 h for 2 days. The cardioprotective effect was determined by investigating the levels of Biomarkers responsible for myocardial infarction (MI). Among all fractions Pp.CF (chloroform fraction) exhibited a significant cardioprotective effect by decreasing the levels of ALT, AST, CPK, and LDH to 74.56 ± 1.45, 95.78 ± 2.75, 156.73 ± 1.84, and 215.55 ± 5.33 IU/L in serum. The same fraction was tested for cardio‐protective potential at a dose of 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg. Pp.CF at a dose of 250 mg/kg exhibited prominent effects and reduced levels of biomarkers responsible for MI. Further investigations confirmed that Pp.CF possesses antihyperlipidemic, membrane stabilizing, and thrombolytic potential which suggests P. plebeium an ideal candidate for natural product isolation which will be helpful in the management of cardiovascular problems.
Simultaneous Application of Electron Beam Irradiation and Freezing as an Effective Method for Shelf Life Extension of Minced Turkey Meat
Authors: Salari Mahdieh , Khatami Moein
Published: January 2025

In this study, minced turkey meat samples were subjected to electron‐beam irradiation with dosages of 0, 1.5, 3, and 5 kGy, and then microbial (mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria), physiochemical (pH, water activity [aw], thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], and peroxide value [PV]), and sensory (color, odor, texture, and overall acceptability) analyses were performed at 0 and 6 months of freezing storage (−18°C). Results showed that by 5 kGy irradiation and freezing treatments, the counts of psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria reduced remarkably (p < 0.05) and reached from 4.44 to 2.05 and from 4.9 to 2.00 log cfu/g, respectively. pH and aw of samples did not change notably after treatment and 6 months of freezing storage, the pH and aw of the minced turkey meat were 5.74 and 0.95 for 5 kGy irradiated samples, respectively. Despite the increase of TBARS and PV values, electron‐beam irradiation at 1.5 and 3 kGy had no notable impact on the sensory characteristics of minced turkey meat. The obtained findings revealed that the simultaneous use of irradiation and freezing is a promising method for the increase of shelf life and preservation of minced turkey meat quality.
Evolving Appetites: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives in Terms of Meat Substitutes in Europe
Authors: Mustapa Muhammad Adzran Che , Baba Yasmina , Baishakhy Smita Dash , Kallas Zein
Published: January 2025

Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental and health impacts of their food choices, leading to changes in consumption behavior. This study examines the consumption patterns and behaviors of European consumers regarding meat substitutes and identifies factors influencing their acceptance as alternative protein sources. The study involved 5000 participants from four European countries—France, Germany, Italy, and Spain with data extracted from the Mintel consumer database in 2024. Results indicate that over 50% of consumers in these countries have reduced their intake of red meat, with a notable portion of German consumers adhering to a vegan diet. Across the sample, females significantly differ from males, as they consume less meat, tend to limit their meat intake, and show a greater interest in reducing meat consumption. Baby Boomers predominantly consume more meat and show less interest in reducing their meat intake compared to younger generations. Economic and sustainability aspects are key perceptions driving the perceived benefits of reducing meat consumption. Additionally, preferences for locally sourced products, meat‐like taste and texture, and natural ingredients are primary considerations when purchasing meat substitutes. Fish substitutes were rated as popular meat substitutes in France, Italy, and Spain, while breaded or battered meat/poultry substitutes were the most popular choice in Germany. Insights from this study are valuable for market researchers and the food industry, offering guidance on supplying appealing and sustainable protein alternatives that encourage a shift toward healthier and more sustainable consumption behavior.
Selection and Validation of Appropriate Reference Genes for qRT‐PCR Analysis of Iris germanica L. Under Various Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Liu Chungui , Bao Jianzhong , Li Fengtong
Published: January 2025

Choosing the appropriate reference genes for quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) is very important for accurately evaluating expression of target genes. Iris germanica L. is a widely used horticultural plant with high ornamental value, which also shows a strong ability to tolerate abiotic stresses. No comprehensive research has been carried out on optimal reference genes in Iris germanica L. under abiotic stress. In this study, nine reference genes were selected as candidates based on the transcriptome sequencing data of Iris germanica L. The assessment of expression stability under various abiotic stress was conducted using four distinct methods (GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). It was found that the optimal reference genes were ACT and F3H for drought and different temperature stresses. EF1α and ACT exhibited superior performance under salt stress. The expression of the IgP5CS gene was evaluated to provide additional validation for the accuracy of the selected optimal reference genes, indicating that inappropriate may lead to significant deviations in the results. This research identified reliable reference genes in I. germanica L. across various abiotic stress conditions, thereby facilitating the investigation into the molecular mechanisms responsible for stress tolerance in I. germanica L.
Fat vs. Sugar: The Case for a Saturated Fat Tax in Italy
Authors: di Cosmo Valeria , Tiezzi Silvia
Published: January 2025

When judging the distributional impact of unhealthy food taxes, what matters is not just how much low income people would pay but how much the such taxes would benefit or harm them overall. In this paper, we assess the consumer welfare impact of a fat tax net of its expected benefits computed as savings from weight loss. Using Italian data, we estimate a censored Exact Affine Stone Index (EASI) incomplete demand system for food groups, simulating changes in purchases, calorie intake, consumer welfare, and the monetary value of short‐run health benefits. While the Italian government has proposed a sugar tax, we show that there is no significant excess consumption of added sugars among Italian adults. Instead, excessive fat consumption is more prevalent, making a fat tax a more compelling and effective solution to address diet‐related health risks. Our results suggest costs from fat taxation are larger than benefits at all income levels. As a fraction of income, the net impact would be slightly regressively distributed.
Impacts of Housing Costs on Health and Satisfaction With Life Circumstances: Evidence From Australia
Authors: Abayasekara Ashani , Kim Jun Sung , Wang Liang Choon
Published: January 2025

This paper examines the causal impacts of rising housing costs on individual health and satisfaction with life circumstances, using a fixed‐effects instrumental variable approach and individual‐level panel data from Australia. Relying on the historical patterns of immigrant settlement, we construct an instrumental variable that exploits exogenous variation in housing costs driven by foreign investments that flow differentially into localities. We find that rising housing costs—as measured by composite housing costs faced by homeowners and renters living in an area—have a significant positive impact on individuals' self‐assessed physical health and a significant negative impact on satisfaction ratings, but no significant impact on self‐assessed emotional health. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that the positive effects on physical health are mainly concentrated among homeowners, the well‐educated, and older individuals.
Nonlinear Double Diffusion of nth Order Chemically Reactive Stagnated Flow of Walters' B Fluid With Elastic Distortion in a Porous Medium
Authors: Borgohain Debozani , Dey D. , Pegu Robin , Choudhury Debosmita
Published: January 2025

The present study explores the steady two‐dimensional flow of an incompressible viscous fluid past a vertically stretching surface in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. The fluid flow is guided by Walters' B fluid constitutive model. The plate is given a linear stretching and maintained with thermal and concentration slips. Further, the effects of nth‐order chemical reactions are also considered. Applying practical assumptions and compatible similarity transformations, a system of nonlinear partial differential equations has been converted into a relevant nonlinear ordinary differential equations system. The governing equations are computed numerically by applying MATLAB built‐in bvp4c solver tool. The obtained results are presented graphically and in tabular form, encompassing different values of flow parameters included in the solution. The change in the pivotal values of the thermal slip parameter () from 1.1 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.5, and 1.5 to 1.8 correspond to a reduction in temperature by 15.38%, 26.67%, and 38.89%, respectively. This illustrates the significant role that thermal slip plays in viscoelastic fluid flow by improving heat transfer and reducing the boundary friction. Moreover, higher order chemical reaction lightens the fluid particles' concentration with decelerated rates of thermal and solutal movements, indicating that minute variations in concentration implies larger changes in the rate of reaction. The findings of this work will be relevant in engineering and industrial fields, dealing with heat and mass transfer problems in the polymer industries, nuclear power plants, and so on.
Intrahepatic CD161hiCD8+T Cell Recruitment Has a Pathogenetic Potential in Chronic HBV Infection
Authors: Li Jianfei , Liu Qian , Duan Wanlu , Duan Zhi , Liu Futing , Ruan Mengqi , Zong Qiyin , Zhang Hao , Zhou Qiang , Wang Qin
Published: January 2025

Backgrounds and Aims

CD8+T cells are crucially associated with the fight against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. CD161 has been shown to express remarkably on HCV‐specific CD8+T cells. However, the accurate function of CD161+CD8+T cells in HBV immunity or pathogenesis remains undetermined.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 25 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Peripheral blood levels of CD161+CD8+T cells and their correlation with serum ALT levels were analyzed in CHB patients. To analyze the in vivo CD161+CD8+T cell's number, function, and intrahepatic recruitment characteristics, HBV replication mouse models were established. The expression of CD161 on HBV‐specific CD8+T cells was also detected by analyzing CD161+CD8+T cell functions during infection.

Results

Patients with CHB infection had a markedly lower peripheral blood frequency of CD161+CD8+T cells than did healthy controls and negatively correlated with serum ALT level. Furthermore, compared to the control mice, the frequency of CD161+CD8+T cells was significantly decreased in the blood of acute and chronic HBV‐replicating mice. Moreover, CHB‐replicating mice had significantly increased hepatic levels of CD161+CD8+T cells, which was not observed in the acute group of mice. Additionally, the CD161+CD8+T cells were categorized into CD161hi and CD161intCD8+T cells and it was revealed that in the liver of CHB‐replicating mice the primary recruited cells were CD161hiCD8+T. Intrahepatic CD161hiCD8+T cells demonstrated increased CXCR6 expression, enhanced production of cytokine IL‐17 and TNF‐ɑ, and reduced IFN‐γ secretion. Accordingly, the CXCL16 mRNA expression in the liver tissue of CHB‐replication mice was markedly higher than in acute HBV‐replicating and control mice. The study also revealed that HBV‐specific CD8+T cells were mainly CD161‐CD8+T cells.

Conclusion

During HBV infection, the intrahepatic recruitment of CD161+CD8+T cells was mainly CD161hiCD8+T cell subpopulation, which has a weak antiviral response, but increased pro‐inflammatory effect, suggesting that CD161 may serve as a potential marker of liver‐damaging T cells.
Maternal Bisphenol A Exposure Induces Hippocampal‐Dependent Learning and Memory Deficits Through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Male Offspring Rats
Authors: Ren Jiajia , Bai Wenjie , Guo Yi , Liu Qiling , Wang Yuxin , Wang Chong
Published: January 2025

Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental endocrine disrupting chemical, is one of the most widely used chemicals in the world and is widely distributed in the external environment, specifically in food, water, dust, and soil. BPA exposure is associated with abnormal cognitive behaviors. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, pregnant female Sprague Dawley rats were orally exposed to BPA at a low dose of 0, 0.04, 0.4, or 4 mg per kg·of body weight per day from embryonic Day 0 (ED 0) to postnatal Day 21 (PND 21). Spatial learning and memory were measured via a Morris water maze test on PND 22. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway protein expression was detected in the hippocampi of male offspring using a western blot. The water maze test demonstrated that BPA exposure considerably reduced the learning and memory capacities of the male offspring exposure groups when compared to the control group. The male offspring rats' latency to escape increased significantly, the time taken to traverse a platform reduced, and latency to find a hidden platform showed an increasing trend. Meanwhile, maternal exposure to BPA downregulated the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K pathway in the hippocampi of the offspring. Moreover, BPA exposure improved the GSK3β and phosphorylated tau protein (T231) levels, increased malondialdehyde levels, and activated caspase‐3 expression in the hippocampi of the male offspring rats. Taken together, these findings indicate that maternal exposure to BPA causes learning and memory impairment and that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway participates in the mechanism of BPA‐induced neurocognitive decline.
Cadmium Reduces VE‐Cadherin Expression in Endothelial Cells Through Activation of the Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuanqing , Wang Jie , Huai Tianran , Wang Xia , Liu Qiang , Xing Yan , Chudnary Maryam , Meng Xianli , Dong Liang , Malashicheva Anna , Tian Jinghui , Liu Ju
Published: January 2025

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal which induces vascular disorders. Previous studies suggest that Cd in the bloodstream affects vascular endothelial cells (ECs), potentially contributing to vascular‐related diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of effects of Cd on ECs remain poorly understood. Notch signaling pathway abnormalities have been implicated in ECs disruption. The present study aims to investigate the effect of low Cd concentrations on the Notch signaling pathway in ECs. Mice were treated with low concentration of Cd (2.28 mg/kg), and tissues were collected for examination of mRNA and protein levels of Notch pathway components and VE‐cadherin, a major junctional protein in ECs. We found that Cd treatment increases expression of NICD1, Hes1, Hey1, Hey2 and decreases expression of VE‐cadherin in brain and kidney tissues. In vitro, a low concentration of Cd (1 μM) also induces increase expression of NICD1, Hes1, Hey1, Hey2, and decrease expression of VE‐cadherin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Low concentration of Cd increased the permeability of HUVECs. We also found that Notch signaling negatively regulates the expression of VE‐cadherin. In addition, DAPT, a Notch pathway inhibitor, prevents Cd‐induced reduction in VE‐cadherin expression in HUVECs. In summary, these findings revealed that Cd exposure decreases VE‐cadherin expression through activation of the Notch signaling pathway.
Harnessing miRNAs: A Novel Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis
Authors: Doghish Ahmed S. , Abulsoud Ahmed I. , Nassar Yara A. , Nasr Sami Mohamed , Mohammed Osama A. , Abdel‐Reheim Mustafa Ahmed , Rizk Nehal I. , Lutfy Radwa H. , Abdel Mageed Sherif S. , Ismail Menattallah A. , Abd‐Elhalim Haytham M. , Awad Farah A. , Fayez Salma Zaki , Elimam Hanan , Mansour Reda M.
Published: January 2025

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex, responsible for tuberculosis (TB) infection, continues to be a predominant global cause of mortality due to intricate host‐pathogen interactions that affect disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), essential posttranscriptional regulators, have become pivotal modulators of these relationships. Recent findings indicate that miRNAs actively regulate immunological responses to Mtb complex by modulating autophagy, apoptosis, and immune cell activities. This has resulted in increased interest in miRNAs as prospective diagnostic indicators for TB, especially in differentiating active infection from latent or inactive stages. Variations in miRNA expression during Mtb infection indicate disease progression and offer insights into the immune response. Furthermore, miRNAs present potential as therapeutic targets in host‐directed therapy (HDT) techniques for TB infection. This work examines the function of miRNAs in TB pathogenesis, with the objective of identifying particular miRNAs that regulate the immune response to the Mtb complex, evaluating their diagnostic value and exploring their therapeutic implications in host‐directed therapy for TB infection. The objective is to enhance comprehension of how miRNAs can facilitate improved diagnosis and treatment of TB.