bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TARRP: Trust Aware RPL Routing Protocol for IoT
Authors: Parizi Mostafa Nazarian , Ghafouri Seyyed Hamid , Hajmohammadi Mohammad Sadegh
Published: January 2025

The internet of things (IoT) is vulnerable to attacks due to its unique characteristics and numerous limitations, and it is highly prone to attack due to sensitive applications. Most of these attacks are aimed at routing and data transmission (which are the most vital pillars of IoT). So far, many research studies have been proposed to improve the security of routing and data transmission, and most of these methods have been developed based on trust models. Trust models are considered as a powerful and complementary tool for security systems that provide the ability to detect malicious nodes. However, most of these researches to advance their goals are only focused on examining the behavior of nodes during data transmission, and based on this, the trust value of nodes is calculated. This way of assessing trust is not enough due to the widespread attacks of malicious nodes. In this paper, a reliable routing method based on the optimization of IPv6 routing protocol for low power and lossy networks (RPL) routing protocol and trust models is introduced called TARRP (Trust Aware RPL Routing Protocol). TARRP is a two‐step method in which the purpose of the first stage is to create a trusty and reliable topology. The second stage is to assess the trust and identify malicious nodes. In addition to implementing trust, TARRP also manages related recommendations and attacks. The results of simulations using cooja in different scenarios showed the superiority of TARRP in improving routing trust and data exchange compared to previous work.
Tree mapping and carbon inventory on a university campus in South Korea: Case study and global review
Authors: Lee Songhee , Park Woo Bin , Lee Seungmin , Lee Jeong‐Min , Son Yowhan , Yoon Tae Kyung
Published: January 2025

Campus trees have significant potential for sequestering carbon in urban environments and improving civic life quality; however, few inventories of university campus trees have been constructed worldwide (excluding North America). This study briefly overviews the current status, challenges, and prospects of inventorying campus trees and provides a case study of a campus tree inventory and carbon assessment through a student participatory program in South Korea. Campus tree maps from 25 universities in eight countries were investigated. A campus tree inventory usually consists of various data on the tree species, dbh, and biomass, and it is often prepared through a capstone or student project in the university. This review identified the following challenges: (1) Few cases have been reported outside North America, (2) publications and data sharing are limited, and (3) participants' experiences have not been evaluated. The case study on inventorying and mapping campus trees was performed by integrating drone‐based orthographic images and field censuses of tree data (species, diameter, GPS coordinates, etc.). A total of 2341 individual trees belonging to 73 species were surveyed over 28.7 ha of green spaces on campus, and various thematic maps were created online. In 2021, the aboveground carbon storage was 263.9 Mg C, and it increased annually by 5.62 Mg C. This study presents the first attempt to evaluate and report a campus tree carbon inventory at an East Asian university. Additional advancements in monitoring techniques and practices for campus trees may contribute to the sustainability of university campuses and local communities.
Mosquito‐derived ingested DNA as a tool for monitoring terrestrial vertebrates within a peri‐urban environment
Authors: Chivas Christine , Stow Adam , Harford Andrew , Mooney Thomas J. , Loewensteiner David , Montgomery Kate , Chariton Anthony
Published: January 2025

Global biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. Consequently, there is a pivotal need to determine the occurrences and distributions of threatened species. Monitoring and detection approaches are traditionally reliant on capture (traps and cameras), as well as observations. However, these approaches are time‐consuming and skewed toward the detection of large and/or common species. Invertebrate ingested DNA (iDNA) is being increasingly used as a novel approach for indirectly monitoring terrestrial vertebrates via their DNA in invertebrates with hematophagous, coprophagous, or saprophagous feeding strategies. This study aimed to examine the vertebrate diversity which could be retrieved using mosquito‐derived iDNA in a peri‐urban setting. Furthermore, the study also examined the influence of a human blocking primer and the application of multiple primers on the detection of the targeted taxa. Sampling was performed in Sydney, Australia, in a peri‐urban environment adjacent to both urbanized and protected environments. As a means of ensuring that sampling could be performed by nonscientists, domestically available light traps were used. In total, 118 mosquitoes were captured. DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes and amplified using four different primers, targeting vertebrates, mammals, and birds, with and without a human blocking primer (except for the bird polymerase chain reactions). The overall diversity retrieved reveals a broad diversity of species with 10 avian taxa and six mammalian taxa, including both native and non‐native species of varying body sizes and behavioral characteristics. Both the multi‐locus approach and the use of a human blocking primer revealed additional diversity. The use of iDNA offers the potential as an important tool for local land managers and citizen science projects for the monitoring of vertebrates.
Seasonal role of a specialist predator in rodent cycles: Ermine–lemming interactions in the High Arctic
Authors: Bolduc David , Fauteux Dominique , Gauthier Gilles , Legagneux Pierre
Published: January 2025

The exact mechanisms behind population cycles remain elusive. An ongoing debate centers on whether predation by small mustelids is necessary and sufficient to generate rodent cycles, as stipulated by the specialist predator hypothesis (SPH). Specifically, the SPH predicts that the predator should respond numerically to the abundance of its prey with a delay of approximately one year, leading to delayed density‐dependence in the dynamics of the prey population. Here, we analyze the numerical response of a small mustelid, the seasonality of its interaction with rodents, and its impact on population cycles using long‐term seasonal data on ermines and cyclic lemmings in the High Arctic. Our results show that the numerical response of ermines to lemming fluctuations was delayed by one year and could mediate delayed density‐dependence in lemming growth rate. The impact of ermines on the growth rate of lemmings was small but mostly circumscribed to winter, a critical period when shifts in cycle phases occur and direct density‐dependence seems relaxed. Our simulations of lemming population with and without ermines suggest that these small mustelids are neither necessary, nor sufficient to generate cycles per se. However, the presence of small mustelids may be necessary to prolong the low‐abundance phase and delay the recovery of lemming populations, promoting the presence of a multiannual low phase typical of lemming cycles. Our study corroborates the idea that population declines of cyclic populations are best explained by direct density‐dependence; however, the delayed response of specialized predators induces the multiannual low phase and leads to longer periodicities, which are typically of 3–5 years in rodents.
Thermal Expansion Behavior of Halide Perovskite Single Crystals Across a Broad Temperature Range
Authors: Nakamura Yuiga , Shibayama Naoyuki , Hayashida Hideki , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: January 2025

Halide perovskite crystals are garnering significant interest as a promising material for next‐generation solar cells. They are also anticipated to be applicable in devices used across a wide temperature range, including X‐ray and γ‐ray detectors, as well as in solar cells designed for satellite environments. The coefficient of thermal expansion of halide perovskite crystals is a critical physical property to understand, especially given the potential for mechanical degradation in layered devices due to abrupt temperature fluctuations, which may result in mismatched expansion coefficients among different layers. In this study, we employed single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques to investigate the coefficient of thermal expansion of halide perovskite crystals, with a specific focus on CH3NH3PbI3, across an extensive temperature range. Our findings reveal that the lattice parameters exhibit discontinuous changes during the phase transition from the β‐phase to the γ‐phase, in stark contrast to the α to β phase transition. This observation implies that structural phase transitions at low temperatures could significantly affect the longevity and reliability of devices incorporating these materials. The methodology we have utilized for assessing coefficient of thermal expansion via single crystal structural analysis at low temperatures presents a substantial advancement in the research of halide perovskite crystals.
Anhydrous Actinide Starting Materials: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of [UCl4(Et2O)2], an Alternative Route to [UO2Cl2(THF)2]2, and Comments on the Synthesis of [ThCl4(dme)2]
Authors: Gray Novan A. G. , Britten James F. , Emslie David J. H.
Published: January 2025

A new diethyl ether adduct of uranium tetrachloride, [UCl4(Et2O)2] (1), along with the previously reported mono‐etherate complex [UCl4(Et2O)]n (2), have been synthesized and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and in the case of 1, single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Additionally, reaction of anhydrous [UO2(OAc)2]n with HCl in Et2O/THF was found to afford the uranyl dichloride complex [UO2Cl2(THF)2]2 (3) in high purity and yield, providing an alternative and convenient entry point into anhydrous uranyl chemistry. Furthermore, comments are provided regarding the literature synthesis of [ThCl4(dme)2] via the reaction of [ThCl4(H2O)4] with Me3SiCl in dme, highlighting important considerations for the compound's preparation in good yield.
Dialogicality and Conspiracy Theory: The Coexistence of Conspiracist and Non‐Conspiracist Beliefs
Authors: Hall Matthew S. , Franks Bradley , Bauer Martin W.
Published: January 2025

This study investigates how people who believe in conspiracy theory (CT) hold those beliefs. It considers whether believing a conspiracist explanation of an issue or event permits or precludes also believing a non‐conspiracist explanation—that is, the degree to which endorsing CTs can be dialogical. Dialogicality involves the coexistence of conspiracist and non‐conspiracist beliefs in advancing claims and contrasts with the view that all conspiracist belief endorsement is monological or ‘closed’ from other explanations. Thematic analysis of 39 semi‐structured interviews revealed five modalities of belief coexistence: cognitive dissonance between beliefs, analogical beliefs, target‐dependent beliefs, synthetic beliefs, and integrative beliefs. This spanned beliefs about the self, ingroup, outgroup, reality, action and the future, on topics concerning science, religion, and politics and society. These findings challenge the view that all CTs are monological belief systems: CT believers recruit both conspiracist and non‐conspiracist explanations in building their worldview. Several hypotheses for further research emerge from this challenge to the basic assumption of much research on CTs.
Review and meta‐analysis of gene expression biomarkers predictive of chemical‐induced genotoxicity in vivo
Authors: Corton J. Christopher , Auerbach Scott S. , Koyama Naoki , Mezencev Roman , Yauk Carole L. , Suzuki Takayoshi
Published: January 2025

There is growing recognition across broad sectors of the toxicology community that gene expression biomarkers have the potential to identify genotoxic and nongenotoxic carcinogens through a weight‐of‐evidence approach, providing opportunities to reduce reliance on the 2‐year bioassay to identify carcinogens. In August 2022, a workshop within the International Workshops on Genotoxicity Testing (IWGT) was held to critically review current methods to identify genotoxicants using various ‘omics profiling methods. Here, we describe the findings of a workshop subgroup focused on the state of the science regarding the use of biomarkers to identify chemicals that act as genotoxicants in vivo. A total of 1341 papers were screened to identify those that were most relevant. While six published biomarkers with characterized accuracy were initially examined, four of the six were not considered further, because they had not been tested for classification accuracy using additional sets of chemicals or other transcript profiling platforms. Two independently derived biomarkers used in conjunction with standard computational techniques can identify genotoxic chemicals in vivo (rat liver or both rat and mouse liver) on different gene expression profiling platforms. The biomarkers have predictive accuracies of ≥92%. These biomarkers have the potential to be used in conjunction with other biomarkers in integrated test strategies using short‐term rodent exposures to identify genotoxic and nongenotoxic chemicals that cause cancer.
Tectonic implications of raised Quaternary relative sea‐level indicators along the NE border of the Campania Plain (southern Italy)
Authors: Cerrone Ciro , Meschis Marco , Ascione Alessandra , Soligo Michele , Tuccimei Paola , Robertson Jennifer , Roberts Gerald P.
Published: January 2025

Tectonically raised paleoshorelines have been recently identified along the southern fault scarps of the Mt. Fellino and Roccarainola horst blocks, which are part of the northeastern border of the Campania Plain coastal basin (southern Apennines, Italy). Such horst blocks are bounded to the south by the Polvica Fault, a roughly E‐W trending normal fault. The sequence of uplifted paleoshorelines has been studied in detail by integrating geomorphological, structural and stratigraphical analyses to assess the Quaternary uplift of the Mt. Fellino and Roccarainola horst blocks. Yet, the staircase of paleoshorelines is still not chronologically well constrained.

Aimed at constraining the uplift history of Mt. Fellino and Roccarainola horst blocks and the rate of activity of the Polvica fault, in this study, we integrate former knowledge on paleoshorelines with a geomorphological analysis to map erosional terraces, that we interpret as remnants of shore platforms. We apply the synchronous correlation method, driven by new and a former 230Th/234U dating of calcite veins cutting marine sands, to infer the age of the paleoshorelines and terraces. Based on the synchronous correlation, the mapped paleoshorelines and terraces are correlated with sea‐level peaks of the late Early to Late Pleistocene. In particular, the paleoshorelines along the Mt. Fellino ridge are correlated with the Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 7e and 9c or 11, while the oldest terrace is correlated with the sea‐level peak of 980 ka. Using inferred paleoshorelines ages, we estimate the uplift rate of the Polvica Fault footwall. The uplift rate varies from c. 0.2 mm/yr close to the western fault tip up to c. 0.5–0.6 mm/yr in the East, in the Roccarainola block. We combine surface evidence with subsurface data from a shallow well to constrain the vertical throw of the Polvica Fault. A mean fault throw rate of c. 0.4 mm/yr in the last c. 1 Ma is estimated for the central part of the PF. Assuming that the Polvica Fault is still active, we estimate the maximum expected earthquake by means of empirical relationship and obtain a Mw ~ 6.2 value and recurrence interval value of c. 1,200 yr. Historical seismicity activity of the PF has not been acknowledged to date. However, our results raise the crucial question of an in‐depth assessment of the seismic hazard for the densely populated Campania Plain.
Hysteretic response of suspended‐sediment in wildfire affected watersheds of the Pacific Northwest and Southern Rocky Mountains
Authors: Clark Gregory D. , Murphy Sheila F. , Skalak Katherine , Clow David W. , Akie Garrett , Carpenter Kurt D. , Payne Sean E. , Ebel Brian A.
Published: January 2025

Wildfires can have a profound impact on hydrosedimentary interactions, or the relationship between sediment and runoff, in forested headwater streams. Quantification of sediment‐runoff dynamics at the event scale is integral for understanding source areas and transport of suspended‐sediment through a watershed following wildfire. Here we used high‐frequency turbidity and stream discharge data, coupled with discrete suspended‐sediment measurements, in burned and unburned watersheds in the Southern Rocky Mountains and the western Cascades Range to evaluate the response of fine‐grained (clay‐ and silt‐sized particles) suspended‐sediment. Hysteresis analysis was conducted on estimated suspended‐sediment concentrations (using turbidity as a proxy) and streamflow through measurement of the difference in sediment concentration on the rising and falling limbs of the event hydrograph. All burned watersheds exhibited elevated fine suspended‐sediment concentrations relative to concentrations found in pre‐fire conditions. Changes to hysteretic response vary and may depend on a watershed's sediment connectivity limitations. Results suggest a watershed's inherent hillslope‐to‐channel (or lateral) connectivity is the primary factor controlling the relative magnitude of event‐driven fine sediment fluxes in watersheds affected by wildfire. While wildfire did promote lateral connectivity through activation of hillslope sources, snowmelt, precipitation characteristics and antecedent conditions were more important drivers of hysteretic response than wildfire. For watersheds influenced by annual snowpack, we identified a predominantly clockwise hysteretic response during snowmelt and counterclockwise events during the late spring and summer months. There were also proportionally more counterclockwise events after wildfire in watersheds with high sediment connectivity. Results suggest contrasting wildfire‐related sediment risk potential. Rivers in burned watersheds with high sediment connectivity may pose a higher risk to receiving waterbodies, such as larger tributaries or reservoirs, while rivers with low sediment connectivity may experience long‐term sediment‐related risk within the watershed above the outlet.
Optimizing Crop Production With Plant Phenomics Through High‐Throughput Phenotyping and AI in Controlled Environments
Authors: Kaya Cengiz
Published: January 2025

Plant phenomics deals with the measurement of plant phenotypes associated with genetic and environmental variation in controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Encompassing a spectrum from molecular biology to ecosystem‐level studies, it employs high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) approaches to quickly evaluate characteristics and enhance the yields of crops in smart plant facilities. HTP uses environmental parameters for accuracy, such as software sensors, as well as hyperspectral imaging for pigment data, thermal imaging for water content, and fluorescence imaging for photosynthesis rates. They provide information on growth kinetics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and genotype–environment interaction. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are used on a large volume of phenotypic data to predict growth rates, determine the optimal time to water plants, or detect diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or pests at an early stage. The lighting used in smart plant factories is adjusted based on the specific growth phase of the plants, such as using different light intensities, spectrums, and durations for germination, vegetative growth, and flowering stages, hydroponics as the method of providing nutrients, and CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) for improving certain characteristics, such as resistance to drought. These systems enhance crop production, yields, adaptability, and input use by optimizing the environment and utilizing precision breeding techniques. Plant phenomics with AI is a combination of several disciplines, promoting the understanding of plant–environment interactions in relation to agriculture problems such as resource use, diseases, and climate change. It affects their capacity to develop crops that capture inputs, minimize chemical application, and are resilient to climate change. Phenomics is cost‐effective, reduces inputs, and contributes to more sustainable agricultural practices, being economically and environmentally sound. Altogether, plant phenomics is central to CEA due to its capacity to capitalize on phenotypic data and genetic potential within agriculture to advance sustainability and food security. Through phenomic research, the next advancements are likely to be even more revolutionary in terms of agricultural practices and food systems worldwide.
Enrichment Mechanism of Helium in the Jiaoshiba Shale Gas Field, Sichuan Basin, SW China
Authors: He Jianglin , Li Shuangjian , Mansour Ahmed , Zhao Ankun , Zhou Xiaolin , Wang Dong , Gao Jian , Wang Zhenghe , Zhu Lixia
Published: January 2025

In Sichuan Basin, uranium (U) and thorium (Th) are more abundant in organic‐rich shale than in granitic rocks, suggesting that organic‐rich shale is a significant source rock for helium (He). However, the He generation potential of organic‐rich shale and He enrichment mechanisms in shale gas fields remain limited in understanding. Based on the He, U and Th concentration tests, fluid inclusion analysis in the Jiaoshiba shale gas field, it was found that the He concentrations in shale gas is 340–730 ppm. The helium‐rich shale gas (≥ 500 ppm) was primarily found in synclinal units. The biggest helium abundance area (0.27 m3/m2) is located at the core of the Jiaoshiba anticline. The He is not solely derived from Wufeng–Longmaxi shale itself, for the current helium abundance (0.15–0.27 m3/m2) exceeds its historical He generation intensity (0.063–0.104 m3/m2) calculated by the U and Th concentration of the shale. Low‐angle deep faults are more favourable for He capture than high‐angle deep faults. The generation intensity of hydrocarbon is 21,851–29,224 times greater than He, which indicates that the dilution of hydrocarbon to He in organic‐rich shale is more significantly than in common source rocks (3000 times). The He enrichment model in the study area includes three stages: continuous burial, fold‐dominated, and fault‐dominated stages. In the anticline zone, He is continuously accumulated as carrier gas migration. In the syncline zone, He is mainly accumulated as the migration of carrier gas along faults and the water flows the aquifer, at the fault‐dominated stage. He‐rich gas is preferentially accumulated in shallow gas reservoirs associated with deep faults, and the shale gas layers in synclinal zones adjacent to low‐angle deep faults.
Common Dietary Patterns Among Female Employees Participating in the Persian Cohort Study (Mashhad) and Their Relationship With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Dastenaie Fatemeh Davoudi , Javaheri Fatemeh Sadat Hashemi , Masoumvand Mohammad , Manesh Mohammad Amin Nazari , Moghadam Mohammad Akbari , Khosravi Maryam , Esfehani Ali Jafarzadeh
Published: January 2025

Background

The protective effect of a healthy diet against chronic diseases has been confirmed in several primary studies. This study identifies the dominant food patterns using factor analysis and determining its relationship with metabolic syndrome in female employees participating in the Persian cohort study.

Methods

Female participants with metabolic syndrome (based on the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP ATP III) were studied using a cross‐sectional design. Demographic, clinical and anthropometric information of the subjects were analyzed after checking the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Also, dietary intake based on the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was extracted from the participants' records.

Results

Waist circumference and HDL were significantly correlated with the healthy food pattern (p < 0.05). In the unadjusted model, a significant relationship was observed between healthy food patterns and low HDL (p = 0.035, OR = 0.674, 95% CI for OR: 0.467–0.973). After adjusting for confounding factors, a significant relationship was observed between low HDL and the third and fourth quartiles of healthy food pattern (p < 0.001, OR = 420, 95% CI for OR: 0.257–0.684, and p < 0.001, OR = 0.294, 95% CI for OR: 0.148–0.585, respectively), indicating that being in the third and fourth quartiles of dietary health was associated with 58% and 70.6% decreased risk of low HDL, respectively.

Conclusions

The results indicated that only healthy dietary patterns could have a preventive role against low HDL criterion of the metabolic syndrome among women.
Comprehensive Electrothermal Characterization Analysis for Scaled Nanochannels in Gate‐All‐Around Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Wang Ziping , Li Fei , Sun Yabin , Shi Yanling , Li Xiaoji
Published: January 2025

Gate‐all‐around field‐effect transistors (GAAFETs) have garnered extensive research interest and industrial attention due to the higher gate control capability and remarkable scalability. However, as the nanochannel scales down, the phonon‐boundary scattering inside channels is dramatically strengthened, resulting in a significant decrease in phonon mean free path (MFP), which in turn leads to a decrease in thermal conductivity and deteriorates electrothermal characteristics. In this paper, to accurately evaluate the degradation of thermal conductivity for confined nanochannels, an analytical model is developed by revising the boundary‐induced reduction function related to both nanochannel width and thickness. The results show that the thermal conductivity calculated by the proposed model agrees well with the experimental data within 1% error over large temperature range for nanosheet and nanowire structures. Moreover, significant deviations of 6.11% in on‐state current and 41.7 K in temperature are observed between the proposed and conventional models for three‐stacked GAAFETs. The proposed revised methodology offers invaluable insights for assessing the electrothermal characteristics of nanodevices.
Evaluation of the in vitro probiotic properties of Ligilactobacillus salivariusJCF5 and its impact on Jersey yogurt quality
Authors: Lv Yi , Xu Chunyue , Sun Qingshen
Published: January 2025

Background

Jersey milk, known for its high protein content, is an excellent base for yogurt production. Given that Jersey milk is derived from Jersey cows, this study was to isolate probiotics from Jersey cow feces and investigate their potential as alternative starter cultures for fermenting Jersey milk. Our goal was to develop new starter cultures specifically suited for Jersey yogurt production, while also contributing to the diversity of fermentation agents available for dairy products. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic functions of Ligilactobacillus salivarius isolated from the feces of newborn Jersey calves after colostrum consumption and to investigate its impact as a starter culture on the quality of Jersey yogurt.

Results

A lactic acid bacterial strain was screened through acid and bile salt tolerance tests and simulated gastrointestinal experiments. The strain survived up to 42.8% after 3 h of cultivation at pH 2, and its viable count after 3 h of cultivation in a medium containing 0.3% bile salt was 3 log(CFU mL−1). Additionally, the survival rates after 3 h of treatment with gastric and intestinal juices were 90.67 ± 0.41% and 84.97 ± 1.40%, respectively, indicating good acid and bile salt tolerance. Identification using 16S rDNA showed that the strain was L. salivarius JCF5. This strain improved the texture properties such as viscosity, elasticity and cohesiveness of yogurt when used in combination with commercial starter cultures.

Conclusion

Ligilactobacillus salivarius JCF5 is a promising probiotic strain for enhancing the quality of Jersey yogurt. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
GelMA Hydrogels Integrated With aptamer CH6‐Functionalized Tetrahedral DNA Nanostructures for Osteoporotic Mandibular Regeneration
Authors: Hong Shebin , Cui Ya , He Dongming , Wu Hao , Jiang Weidong , Cao Jian , Wang Xudong
Published: January 2025

Osteoporotic bone regeneration is challenging due to impaired bone formation. Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDN), promising nucleic acid nanomaterials, have garnered attention for their potential in osteoporotic mandibular regeneration owing to their ability to enhance cellular activity and promote osteogenic differentiation. Osteoblasts play a critical role in bone regeneration; however, intracellular delivery of TDN into osteoblasts remains difficult. In this study, a novel osteoblast‐targeted CH6 aptamer‐functionalized TDN (TDN‐CH6) is aimed to develop for osteoporotic mandibular regeneration. This results demonstrated that TDN‐CH6 exhibits superior osteoblast specificity and efficient recruitment to bone fracture sites. Furthermore, TDN‐CH6 significantly enhances cellular activity and osteogenic differentiation compared to TDN alone. Notably, Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels incorporating TDN and TDN‐CH6 shows improved biological performance and are favorable for osteoporotic mandibular regeneration, suggesting that this platform represents a promising strategy for addressing complex bone defects.
Color Inside and Outside the Lines: Evidence From Eye‐Tracking Studies on Conformity to and Differentiation From Category Color Codes
Authors: Cardamone Ernesto , Miceli Gaetano “Nino” , Raimondo Maria Antonietta
Published: January 2025

Category color codes are commonly used hues in packaging within a specific product category. These colors establish visual standards for new products and influence consumer perception and product categorization. Product managers face a challenging decision: Should they conform to or differentiate from these established color norms? For example, should flour packaging adopt the typical white category color code or stand out with a distinctive color like purple? Retailers face a similar dilemma: Where should they place products that conform to or differ from these color norms to capture consumer attention effectively? Despite the relevance of category color codes for both manufacturers and retailers, the literature on this topic remains limited. Building upon the Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing, this paper examines how conformity or differentiation of main and secondary packaging colors from category codes impacts consumer attention. Findings from lab and field eye‐tracking studies reveal a negative interaction between the conformity of main and secondary colors with category codes on both the duration and number of fixations. Hybrid color combinations—where either the main or secondary color conforms while the other differentiates—are most effective in attracting consumer attention, which, in turn, influences consumer choice. This research expands the understanding of the trade‐off between conformity and differentiation in packaging color, offering theoretical contributions to the role of visual stimuli in attracting attention and providing practical guidance for managers in selecting optimal color combinations for their products.
Long‐Lasting Cross‐Linked PLGA‐Inspired Nanoparticles from One‐Pot Nanopolymerization of Precisely Sequenced Short Oligolactoglycolic Acid Dimethacrylates
Authors: Blagojevic Luka , Kamaly Nazila
Published: January 2025

A novel PLGA‐inspired NP polymerization technique is presented, which allows the formation of NPs via the cross‐linking of precisely sequenced short oligolactoglycolic acid dimethacrylates (OLGADMAs). Following the synthesis of a range of OLGADMAs, a library of NPs via this rapid and surfactant‐free nanopolymerization method is successfully generated, which permits the simultaneous NP formation and encapsulation of drugs such as dexamethasone. The results indicate that NPs produced through this nanopolymerization technique with precisely controlled sequences exhibit heightened stability compared to conventionally sequenced and non‐sequence controlled PLGA, as evidenced by minimal pH changes over five weeks. This improved stability is attributed to simultaneous crosslinking and co‐polymerization of the OLGADMAs. Moreover, the long‐acting NPs demonstrate minimal cytotoxicity and uniform cellular uptake in vitro. It is concluded that the ability to precisely regulate the sequence of short PLGA‐inspired monomers and employ a unique in situ nanopolymerizing reaction results in exceptionally stable NPs for sustained drug delivery and opens exciting possibilities for the development of a range of long‐lasting drug delivery systems with programmable structure and function.
Aptamer‐Coupled Polymer‐Grafted Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient Isolation of Exosomes
Authors: Huang Daqiang , Yu Junjun , Tian Jia , Cai Haibo , Zhang Weian
Published: January 2025

Exosomes, the bioactive particles secreted by various cells, are essential in mediating cellular communication. However, their small size and the interference from non‐exosome proteins present significant hurdles for their rapid and non‐destructive capture and release. To overcome these obstacles, a promising strategy to efficiently and selectively isolate exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is developed by using CD63 aptamer‐conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4‐Aptamer). The Fe3O4 nanoparticles are first modified by RAFT polymerization of N‐(methacryloyloxy) succinimide and oligoethylene glycol methacrylate, and subsequently, CD63 aptamers are grafted onto the surface of nanoparticles to produce Fe3O4‐Aptamer. These aptamer units act as a “lock and key” recognition with the CD63 proteins on exosomes, enabling specific binding to exosomes. The Fe3O4‐Aptamer can efficiently capture exosomes in a conditioned medium, and be easily collected by an external magnetic field, facilitating the facile collection and multiple‐cycle reuse of Fe3O4‐Aptamer. By introducing the complementary sequence of the CD63 aptamer, the captured exosomes can be rapidly released from Fe3O4‐Aptamer because of the stronger binding affinity between the complementary sequence and the aptamers. When utilized for exosome isolation, the exosome‐capture and release efficiency of Fe3O4‐Aptamer can achieve up to ca. 82.9% and 96.1%, respectively. Thus, Fe3O4‐Aptamer offers a promising and facile strategy for the highly efficient isolation of exosomes.
Neutrophil heterogeneity and plasticity: unveiling the multifaceted roles in health and disease
Authors: He Weifeng , Yan Lingfeng , Hu Dongxue , Hao Jianlei , Liou Yih‐Cherng , Luo Gaoxing
Published: January 2025

Neutrophils, the most abundant circulating leukocytes, have long been recognized as key players in innate immunity and inflammation. However, recent discoveries unveil their remarkable heterogeneity and plasticity, challenging the traditional view of neutrophils as a homogeneous population with a limited functional repertoire. Advances in single‐cell technologies and functional assays have revealed distinct neutrophil subsets with diverse phenotypes and functions and their ability to adapt to microenvironmental cues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multidimensional landscape of neutrophil heterogeneity, discussing the various axes along which diversity manifests, including maturation state, density, surface marker expression, and functional polarization. We highlight the molecular mechanisms underpinning neutrophil plasticity, focusing on the complex interplay of signaling pathways, transcriptional regulators, and epigenetic modifications that shape neutrophil responses. Furthermore, we explore the implications of neutrophil heterogeneity and plasticity in physiological processes and pathological conditions, including host defense, inflammation, tissue repair, and cancer. By integrating insights from cutting‐edge research, this review aims to provide a framework for understanding the multifaceted roles of neutrophils and their potential as therapeutic targets in a wide range of diseases.
Butyrolactone I blocks the transition of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease in mice by targeting JAK1
Authors: Zhang Zijun , Zhao Ziming , Qi Changxing , Zhang Xiaotian , Xiao Yang , Chen Chengjuan , Zou Yu , Chen Xia , Gu Lianghu , Huang Jianzheng , Huang Kun , Xiang Ming , Zhang Tiantai , Tong Qingyi , Zhang Yonghui
Published: January 2025

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease that affects more than 850 million people. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common cause of CKD, and blocking the AKI–CKD transition shows promising therapeutic potential. Herein, we found that butyrolactone I (BLI), a natural product, exerts significant nephroprotective effects, including maintenance of kidney function, inhibition of inflammatory response, and prevention of fibrosis, in both folic acid‐ and ureteral obstruction‐induced AKI–CKD transition mouse models. Notably, BLI showed greater blood urea nitrogen reduction and anti‐inflammatory effects than telmisartan. Bioinformatics analysis and target confirmation assays suggested that BLI directly binds to JAK1, and kinase inhibition assay confirmed it is a potent JAK1inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.376 µM. Experiments in JAK1‐knockdown mice also proved that BLI targets JAK1 to work. Furthermore, BLI demonstrated nephroprotective effects and safety comparable to ivarmacitinib, the well‐known JAK1 inhibitor. Mechanistically, BLI targets JAK1 and inhibits its phosphorylation and JAK‐STAT activation, subsequently regulating the downstream signaling pathways to inhibit reactive oxygen species production, inflammation, and ferroptosis, thereby preventing the occurrence of kidney fibrosis and blocking the AKI–CKD transition process. This study demonstrates for the first time that BLI is a JAK1 inhibitor and a promising candidate for delaying CKD progression, which warrants further investigation.
Risk of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Comparative Analysis of CPAP Versus Surgery
Authors: Sina Elliott M. , Shankar Somya , Boon Maurits S. , Huntley Colin T.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To compare the incidence of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and sleep surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX national clinical database.

Setting

Analysis of a nationwide patient cohort.

Methods

The database was queried for patients with OSA (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision: G47.33) treated with CPAP (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT]: 94660), sleep surgery (CPT: 42145, 64568, 64582), or no treatment. Sleep surgeries included uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and hypoglossal nerve stimulation. 1:1 Propensity score matching (PSM) ensured cohort comparability by age, sex, and race. MVA incidence rates were analyzed, along with a subanalysis of OSA‐related comorbidities as a surrogate of OSA severity.

Results

A total of 2,832,437 patients with OSA were identified. Patients with OSA undergoing sleep surgery demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of MVAs (3.403%) compared to the OSA + CPAP cohort (6.072%) and the no‐treatment group (4.662%). The odds ratio (OR) for MVA incidence in the no‐treatment group compared to the OSA + sleep surgery cohort was 1.214 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.060‐1.391, P = .0051). The OR in the OSA + sleep surgery cohort compared to the CPAP cohort was 0.545 (95% CI: 0.480‐0.618, P < .0001). Patients with OSA who experienced MVAs were more likely to have comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure following the accident.

Conclusion

Sleep surgery significantly reduces the risk of MVAs in patients with OSA compared to CPAP and no treatment. In appropriate candidates, surgery should be considered to mitigate personal and public health risks associated with OSA.
Comparison of Vegetable Waste Byproducts of Selected Cultivars of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. by an Integrated LC‐(HR)MS and 1H‐NMR‐Based Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Crescenzi Maria Assunta , Cerulli Antonietta , Masullo Milena , Montoro Paola , Piacente Sonia
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The metabolome of plants is influenced by various factors, especially environmental, as the season in which they are grown. So, distinct varieties of the identical plant might show an increase or decrease in metabolites. The diversity of content of primary and secondary metabolites can also determine the variation in their biological properties. Due to the current occurrence of various fennel varieties, the crop can now be grown for the entire year.

Objective

This work used an integrated approach of LC/MS and NMR analysis to characterize the metabolome of fennel waste of different varieties by multivariate statistical analysis.

Methods

The extracts were investigated by NMR and LC/MS analysis to focus attention on the primary and secondary metabolites. Both LC‐HRMS and NMR data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

The 1H‐NMR analysis led to the identification of 15 primary metabolites, such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acid derivatives. The secondary metabolites identified by LC/MS analysis mainly belong to the phenolic, lipid, and fatty acid compounds classes.

Conclusion

This integrated approach guarantees a precise and complete overview of the variations in the metabolic expression of the fennel varieties grown in different seasons.
Electrospun chitosan/polycaprolactone wound dressing containing henna extract and vitamin C: A natural composite for wound care
Authors: Sadeghimanesh Maryam , Poorazizi Elahe
Published: January 2025

The present study shows an incredibly promising wound dressing material based on electrospun chitosan (CS)/polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers that are enhanced with henna extract (HE) and vitamin C (VitC). The incorporation of HE, a traditional medicinal herb known for its wound healing capabilities, and Vit C, a powerful antioxidant, into CS takes use of CS's natural biocompatibility and antibacterial characteristics. This combination requires to generate a synergistic effect that enhances wound healing and provides protection against infection. The scaffolds that were created were investigated to determine their surface morphology, chemical composition, ability of water swelling, strength, and ability to kill bacteria. The results indicate that the inclusion of HE and Vit C substantially improved the ability of the wound dressing to absorbing water, which is essential for encouraging the attachment of cells and maintaining moisture, both of which are critical for the healing of wounds. Furthermore, the wound dressing containing HE shown significant antibacterial efficacy against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating its capacity to prevent infection. According to in vitro evaluation, the sample containing 1 wt% HE and VitC exhibited exceptional biocompatibility and cell adhesion with the L929 fibroblast cell line. This study introduces an innovative wound dressing that has a customized mixture of natural substances. This innovative approach addresses gaps in previous CS/PCL studies, introducing a promising natural composite for advanced wound care applications.

Highlights

Electrospun CS/PCL‐HE/VitC wound dressing enhanced wound healing potential.

HE and VitC improve the biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties.

The scaffold demonstrates moisture retention for wound healing application.

HE enhances the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus.

In vitro studies show excellent cell adhesion with L929 fibroblast cells.
Bullying Victimization, Psychological Pain, and Suicidal Ideation: Testing the Buffering Hypothesis of Social Support Among Saudi School Students
Authors: El Keshky Mogeda El Sayed , Alganami Badra Hamdi
Published: January 2025

Bullying is a worrisome problem for school‐age youths, particularly as it has been associated with suicidal ideation among students. The psychological pain theory of suicide and the buffering hypothesis of social support as a protective factor have been established, but have not been tested among Saudi students. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between bullying victimization and suicidal ideation, the mediating role of psychological pain, and the moderating role of social support among Saudi students. A sample of 585 school students (59.5% female, mean age = 16.19, SD = 1.87, range = 12–18) were involved in this study. Relationships in a mediation model and a moderated mediation model were tested using RStudio. Bullying victimization was positively related to suicidal ideation. The mediation model indicated that psychological pain mediated this relationship. The moderated mediation model showed that the indirect relationship of bullying with suicidal ideation through psychological pain was stronger in those students with little support from family, friends, and significant other. This study highlighted the importance of targeting psychological pain and interpersonal relationships in suicide interventions and supported the buffering hypothesis of social support as a protective mechanism.
Arabidopsis 3‐Deoxy‐d‐Arabino‐Heptulosonate 7‐Phosphate (DAHP) Synthases of the Shikimate Pathway Display Both Manganese‐ and Cobalt‐Dependent Activities
Authors: Yokoyama Ryo , Maeda Hiroshi A.
Published: January 2025

The plant shikimate pathway directs a significant portion of photosynthetically assimilated carbon into the downstream biosynthetic pathways of aromatic amino acids (AAA) and aromatic natural products. 3‐Deoxy‐d‐arabino‐heptulosonate 7‐phosphate (DAHP) synthase (hereafter DHS) catalyzes the first step of the shikimate pathway, playing a critical role in controlling the carbon flux from central carbon metabolism into the AAA biosynthesis. Previous biochemical studies suggested the presence of manganese‐ and cobalt‐dependent DHS enzymes (DHS‐Mn and DHS‐Co, respectively) in various plant species. Unlike well‐studied DHS‐Mn, however, the identity of DHS‐Co is still unknown. Here, we show that all three DHS isoforms of Arabidopsis thaliana exhibit both DHS‐Mn and DHS‐Co activities in vitro. A phylogenetic analysis of various DHS orthologs and related sequences showed that Arabidopsis 3‐deoxy‐D‐manno‐octulosonate‐8‐phosphate synthase (KDOPS) proteins were closely related to microbial Type I DHSs. Despite their sequence similarity, these Arabidopsis KDOPS proteins showed no DHS activity. Meanwhile, optimization of the DHS assay conditions led to the successful detection of DHS‐Co activity from Arabidopsis DHS recombinant proteins. Compared with DHS‐Mn, DHS‐Co activity displayed the same redox dependency but distinct optimal pH and cofactor sensitivity. Our work provides biochemical evidence that the DHS isoforms of Arabidopsis possess DHS‐Co activity.