bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation on Chain Dynamic of Polymer Solution in Microchannels: A Dissipative Particle Dynamics Study
Authors: Dong Hua , Zhou Hao , Li Yi‐Fei , Li Xiao‐Bao , Fan Liang‐Liang , Wen Bo‐Yao , Zhao Liang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe chain dynamics and the rheological property of the polymer solution in the microscale confined space (e.g., microchannel) are complex and still unclear. In this paper, based on the prior research work, a dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method is established to systematically simulate the dynamic behavior of polymer chains and the properties of the polymer solution in microchannels by combining the modified FENE chain model and a new boundary condition setting, especially for the gradually contracted microchannel. It is found that the concentration of the polymer chain, the degree of constraint, and the Reynolds number influence the dynamic behavior of the polymer chain by changing the constraint effect or the hydrodynamic effect. In addition, the geometrical structure of the microchannel significantly changes the dynamic behavior of the polymer chain. The chain dynamics in the gradually contracted microchannel are quite different from that in the straight microchannel. Finally, the rheological characteristics of the power‐law fluid and the lateral migration of the solid particle in the viscoelastic fluid in the microchannel are also simulated, and the simulation results are in good agreement with the result reported in the literature, which further verifies the accuracy of the present simulation method.
HMGB3 Contributes to Anti‐PD‐1 Resistance by Inhibiting IFN‐γ‐Driven Ferroptosis in TNBC
Authors: Luo Bo , Zheng Hongmei , Liang Gai , Luo Yan , Zhang Qu , Li Xiang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTOur previous studies showed HMGB3 expression may correlate with immunotherapy efficacy in breast cancer patients. Here, we investigated whether HMGB3 overexpression has an impact on anti‐PD‐1 therapy in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its molecular mechanisms. Animal models were established to observe the effect of HMGB3 on sensitivity to anti‐PD‐1 treatment. Correlation of HMGB3 expression and ferroptosis preventive proteins in TNBC patients' tissues with anti‐PD‐1 therapy efficacy was analyzed. The impact of HMGB3 on IFN‐γ (Interferon‐gamma) inhibitory effects and signaling was examined in human TNBC cells where HMGB3 expression was knocked down using siRNA. Moreover, TNBC cells stably transfected with lentiviral vectors containing cDNA of HMGB3 were also used to confirm the effect of overexpression of HMGB3 on IFN‐γ inhibitory effect and signaling. Effect of HMGB3 on IFN‐γ‐driven ferroptosis and ferroptosis‐associated protein expression were also investigated. Correlation of HMGB3 and IRF1 and GPX4 expression in patient's cancer tissue were also investigated. Our results demonstrated that HMGB3 expression contributes to resistance to anti‐PD‐1 therapy in vivo. HMGB3 expression correlated with treatment efficacy of immunotherapy and survival in TNBC patients. HMGB3 silence decreased resistance of breast cancer cells to IFN‐γ cytotoxic effect, while HMGB3 overexpression increased resistance of these cancer cells. HMGB3 silence increased STAT1 phosphorylation and IRF1 expression upon IFN‐γ treatment compared with control. Overexpression of HMGB3 inhibited STAT1 phosphorylation and IFN‐γ signaling in TNBC cells. Moreover, HMGB3 also increased STAT3 activation and had an effect of interaction between STAT1 and STAT3. HMGB3 overexpression decreased IFN‐γ‐driven ferroptosis in TNBC cells. HMGB3 increased ferroptosis‐inhibitory proteins (SLC7A11, GPX4, and SLC3A2) expression in TNBC cells. Ferroptosis inhibition recovers resistance to anti‐PD‐1 therapy in vivo. Immunohistochemistry showed HMGB3 expression correlated with ferroptosis‐associated proteins and IRF1 expression in breast cancer tissue. HMGB3 contributes to anti‐PD‐1 resistance by inhibiting IFN‐γ‐driven ferroptosis in TNBC which suggested HMGB3 is a potential co‐target with anti‐PD‐1 therapy for TNBC.
Emergence and detection of gastro‐enteric virulence genes in non‐pathogenic Vibrio cholerae: Implications for public health and water safety in African developmental regions
Authors: Igere Bright Esegbuyota 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundWater, an indispensable component of life, has in recent times been associated with the distribution/spread of gastro‐enteric diseases especially as safe water is a concern in Southern, Eastern and Western African developmental regions.MethodsThis study evaluated the molecular fingerprints of potential gastro‐enteric associated virulence genes of 58 somatic antigen non‐agglutinating Vibrio cholerae 1/139 (SA‐NAG‐Vc‐1/139) strains from domestic water sources. Strains were isolated and characterized applying both culture‐based‐microbiological techniques and molecular‐fingerprinting of target‐specific identification genes using simplex/multiplex PCR assay and ERIC‐PCR fingerprints.ResultsOur study revealed diverse gene‐based indices vis T3SS (29/58, 50.00%), T6SS (33/58, 56.9%), rtxA (37/58, 63.79%), rtxC (12/58, 20.69%), NAG‐stn/sto (13/58, 22.41%), prtV (17/58, 29.31%), hlyA (41/58, 70.69%), nanH (40/58, 68.97%), mshA (44/58, 75.86%), chxA (37/58, 63.79%), hapA (17/58, 29.31%), ace (22/58, 37.93%), and cep (20/58, 34.48%) etc. Such results show that 53.45% (31/58) of isolates harboured more than three virulence associated genes while nanH, mshA, chxA, T6SS, T3SS, rtxA, hlyA, mshA, chxA, ace and cep fingerprints were detected predominantly with corresponding ilea‐loop test positive strains. ERIC‐PCR also showed multiple target specific repetitive intergenic consensus sequence regions ranging from 2 to 8.ConclusionsThis is an indication that the previously known non‐pathogenic strains now harbour potential gastro‐enteric virulence which may be controlled by more than one virulent gene dynamics. It also suggests a current potential shift in the virulence dynamics of V. cholerae strains recovered from the study area and a re‐evaluated view of the previously non‐pathogenic V. cholerae strains. Furthermore, the presence of such genes in SA‐NAG‐Vc‐1/139 strains indicates a potential public health related concern. Although these detected potential gastro‐enteric associated genes may be implicated in sporadic gastroenteritis, our result has re‐emphasized their probable public health concern as they may be involved in both endemic and severe gastroenteritis cases, which suggests the need for water routine monitoring or surveillance.
Impact of INSAT‐3D land surface temperature assimilation via simplified extended Kalman filter‐based land data assimilation system on forecasting of surface fields over India
Authors: Lodh Abhishek , Routray Ashish , Dutta Devajyoti , Singh Vivek , George John. P. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe land surface temperature (LT) is a crucial variable that governs the energy and radiation budget of the earth's atmosphere and influences land‐atmosphere interactions. The LT plays a crucial role mainly in the short‐range forecast of a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The primary research goal in this research work undertaken is to assess the impact of assimilation of LT data from the Indian satellite (INSAT‐3D) into the NCMRWF global NWP model (NCUM) through a simplified Extended Kalman Filter (sEKF) land data assimilation system (LDAS), particularly important as there are few screen‐level observations over the region. A dedicated stand‐alone pre‐processing system has been designed to prepare LT observations in a compatible format for the land surface assimilation system. The approach for LT data assimilation from the INSAT‐3D satellite reduces the uncertainty associated with the initial state of LT analysis while simultaneously improving the accuracy of forecasts of near surface atmospheric variables. An observing system experiment (OSE) was carried out during both the summer (May) and winter (February) months by assimilating the INSAT‐3D LT data in a coupled land‐atmosphere analysis‐forecast system. The results obtained from the OSE demonstrate that the use of INSAT‐3D LT data improves the forecast skill of both maximum and minimum temperature over India, particularly in areas characterized by higher LT variability. The improvement is pronounced in forecasts of maximum (minimum) temperature during “Boreal” summer (“Boreal” winter) season. The verification scores also indicate that the incorporation of INSAT LT data substantially improves the NCUM model's forecast performance. By assimilating LT, the mean error of maximum and minimum temperature forecasts in India was decreased, accompanied by enhanced forecast accuracy within a time frame of approximately 24 h. The scores for the verification measures, specifically the Probability of Detection (POD), demonstrate a ~15% improvement in both the forecasts for maximum and minimum temperatures. This improves the temperature prediction as well as the ability to forecast intense weather episodes like cold spells and heat waves.
Improving blended probability forecasts with neural networks
Authors: Trotta Belinda 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOperational forecasting systems often combine calibrated probabilistic outputs from several numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. A common approach is to use a weighted blend, with the more accurate models having higher weights. We show that this approach is not ideal and that using a simple neural network to combine forecasts yields better results. The sharpness of the forecast is increased, so that extreme events are more likely to be predicted. Improvements are also observed in accuracy as measured by the continuous rank probability score (CRPS) and reliability. The proposed neural network model has a simple architecture with few parameters, and training and inference can easily be done using a central processing unit. This makes it a practical option for improving the accuracy of blended operational forecasts.
Numerical Investigation of Over One Octave High‐Coherence Supercontinuum Generation in Mid‐Infrared Based on As2Se3 Tapered Photonic Crystal Fiber
Authors: Wen Jin , Yu Huimin , Wang Qian , Wu Zhengwei , Zhang Hui , Zhang Ying , Pan Yu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe generation of high‐coherence mid‐infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) spanning over one octave in As2Se3 tapered photonic crystal fiber (As2Se3‐TPCF) is investigated through numerical simulations. Combined with the photonic crystal fiber and tapered fiber's structural characteristics, six As2Se3‐TPCFs with different tapered structures are designed. The tapered regions are the power function and cosine tapered structures, respectively, while the taper waist and the untapered region have the same structure. Moreover, the nonlinear coefficient of the taper waist is 2.23825 W−1m−1 calculated by the finite element method (FEM), and the zero‐dispersion wavelength (ZDW) in the down‐taper moves with the increase of transmission distance, shifted from 5.2 to 2.4 μm. The temporal and spectral features of the MIR SC generated in As2Se3‐TPCFs are numerically simulated by solving the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (GNLSE), and the spectral broadening of As2Se3‐TPCFs is mainly caused by self‐phase modulation, Raman soliton self‐frequency shift, and dispersive wave generation. Finally, six As2Se3‐TPCFs with lengths of 0.1 m are pumped by short pulses with a center wavelength of 4.0 μm, pulse width of 40 fs, and pulse energy of 250 pJ, the results show that the linear tapered As2Se3‐TPCF and the cosine tapered As2Se3‐TPCF can achieve high‐coherence MIR spectra spanning 1.6 octaves, with spectral widths from 2.1 to 6.4 μm.
A Monte Carlo method to assess the spectral performance of photon counting detectors
Authors: Stierstorfer Karl , Hupfer Martin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundAssessing the performance of spectral detectors is an important but nontrivial problem. In the past few years, detective quantum efficiency‐(DQE)‐like quantities have been proposed that allow quantifying the spatial‐spectral performance for certain tasks. In previous publications, we have presented and validated an approach to determine detector properties like the modulation transfer function (MTF), the noise power spectrum (NPS), and the DQE based on an end‐to‐end Monte Carlo model of the detection process. This approach has so far not been used to assess the task‐dependent spatial‐spectral performance of detectors.PurposeIn this paper, we extend the Monte Carlo method to detectors with several spectral thresholds and show how it can be used to derive all relevant quantities for the assessment of the spectral performance of such detectors. We describe the method in detail and apply it to four interesting types of realistic detectors.MethodThe method is an extension of the Monte Carlo method presented previously. An end‐to‐end Monte Carlo simulation of the detection process directly provides the statistics necessary to obtain all relevant performance parameters, including task‐based spectral DQEs. The method is applied to two direct converting photon counting detectors using CdTe and silicon: a CdTe‐based photon counter with additional coincidence counters and an optical counting system using LaBr3 as a scintillator.ResultsThe task‐dependent DQEs show an advantage for CdTe, particularly for non‐spectral tasks. Silicon has an advantage for material decomposition tasks at lower frequencies. Both hypothetical systems, the CdTe detector with coincidence counters and the scintillator‐based detector, show the potential to outperform the two so‐far‐realized systems.ConclusionThe method presented is a direct method to obtain all relevant quantities (MTF, NPS, various spectral DQEs) from an end‐to‐end Monte Carlo simulation of the detector. It allows for assessing detector systems currently being used and potential novel detector systems.
Structural and Material Properties of Chitin Nanofibers Produced Without Deacetylation Treatment
Authors: Tomita Yuka , Yagita Tomohito , Kaku Yuto , Saito Tsuguyuki , Fujisawa Shuji 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDeacetylation pretreatment is commonly applied to chitin nanofibers to introduce positive charges on their surface, increasing their fibrillation efficiency in water. However, without this treatment, chitin cannot be easily disintegrated into fibers with widths of several nanometers. Here, we developed chitin nanofibers from crab shells without deacetylation treatment. The chitin nanofibers had an average width of 6.5 nm, a length of several micrometers, and good colloidal stability in water. The nanofibers formed more stable Pickering emulsions than did the deacetylated chitin nanofibers because of better adsorption at the water–oil interface. Even though the strength and toughness of the chitin nanofiber films were inferior to those of the films of the deacetylated chitin nanofibers, the chitin nanofibers possessed unique optical properties, combining high transparency and high haze, which was not observed in the deacetylated chitin nanofiber film. These characteristics indicate that the use of chitin nanofibers without deacetylation treatment could expand the range of material properties available for chitin‐based materials, providing new avenues for controlling material properties. Our research highlights the potential of using chitin nanofibers in the development of green, high‐performance materials for applications in cosmetics and optics, contributing valuable insights into the sustainable utilization of chitin‐based nanofibers.
Implementation effectiveness of an antenatal lifestyle intervention to optimize gestational weight gain in women with obesity
Authors: Goldstein Rebecca F. , Boyle Jacqueline A. , Cooray Shamil D. , Joham Anju E. , Fitz‐Gerald Alison L. , Enticott Joanne , Harrison Cheryce L. , Teede Helena J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate a lifestyle intervention implemented into routine antenatal care to optimize gestational weight gain (GWG) and outcomes using the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE‐AIM) framework.MethodsThis study was an embedded pragmatic behavioral intervention delivered by a health coach and supported by a physician over five sessions for women with a prepregnancy BMI between 25 and 43 kg/m2 who were <23 weeks' gestation in an Australian maternity service. Both intervention and standard care received routine antenatal care. The primary outcome was effectiveness in reducing excess GWG, and the secondary outcomes were reach, adoption, implementation, and maintenance and maternal and neonatal outcomes using the RE‐AIM framework.ResultsFor the “Reach” aspect, 90% of eligible women were included (N = 404; n = 202 intervention and n = 202 standard care). For the “Efficacy” aspect, there were no differences in proportion exceeding GWG recommendations or mean GWG between groups. Secondary analysis excluding women with gestational diabetes showed that a lower proportion of women in the intervention group had GWG above recommendations (β coefficient 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.97; p = 0.04), with less GWG (β coefficient −1.93 kg, 95% CI: −3.63 to −0.24; p = 0.03). For the “Adoption” aspect, qualitative analysis of staff/participants demonstrated strong support for service. For the “Implementation” aspect, strong fidelity (implementation according to study plan) and staff/participant acceptability were observed. Finally, for the “Maintenance” aspect, the program has continued for 4 years with plans/funding for scale‐up.ConclusionsLifestyle intervention did not alter the overall proportion with excess GWG or total GWG. Secondary analysis, excluding women with gestational diabetes mellitus, showed less GWG. This demonstrates implementation and maintenance of the intervention in routine antenatal care, generating new knowledge within the RE‐AIM framework.
Polymers Facilitating Therapeutic Efficacy and Applications for Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Li Cong , Luo Zhi , Feng Hongqing , Li Zhou 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are fundamental to its therapeutic efficacy. However, their difficult detection, low solubility, poor stability, uncertain biocompatibility, and inefficient absorption rate, hinder their clinical application. Polymers have emerged as a viable solution to these issues, providing a platform for the detection, enrichment, and exertion of pharmacological effects. This review delves into the application of polymers in active ingredients from TCM, covering various aspects including molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), polymer micelles, polymer hydrogels, conjugated polymers, and polymer nanoparticles (NPs). These advanced systems leverage the designability, adjustable solubility, and biocompatibility of polymers to enhance the therapeutic potential of TCM. The review concludes by discussing the current challenges and prospects of using polymers in TCM. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field, highlighting the potential of polymers to revolutionize TCM practices and contribute to the modernization of TCM.
Enhancing Ammonia Synthesis Efficiency With Ni‐Loaded La2O3 Catalysts in Plasma‐Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Li Kelin , Chen She , Li Mengbo , Liu Linlin , Li Yunjie , Yang Guobin , Wang Feng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPlasma catalysis is a promising method for distributed, small‐scale ammonia synthesis due to its fast start‐up, shut‐down, and compatibility with new energy sources. However, enhancing the synergistic effect between plasma and catalyst remains challenging. In this study, La2O3 and Ni/La2O3 catalysts were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and tested in a DBD reactor. The results showed that Ni loading improved discharge characteristics, promoting the formation of surface discharge. The reaction performance of Ni/La2O3 under the same conditions is better than La2O3. The disparity in ammonia concentration between the two catalysts increased with higher N2 content. Spectral analysis points to enhanced N2 dissociation on Ni/La2O3. The study proposes a possible reaction mechanism and presents a more efficient Ni‐based La2O3 catalyst.
Streptococcus pneumoniaeGAPN is a key metabolic player necessary for host infection
Authors: Lee Eunjeong , Saviola Anthony , Bevers Shaun , Redzic Jasmina S. , Maroney Sean P. , Shaw Steven , Tamkin Emily , Fulte Sam , Nemkov Travis , Meyer Nancy , D'Alessandro Angelo , Hansen Kirk C. , Clark Sarah E. , Eisenmesser Elan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractStreptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) employs various metabolic pathways to generate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), which is essential for redox balance, fatty acid synthesis, and energy production. GAPN, a non‐phosphorylating glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, plays a role in this process by directly reducing NADP+ to NADPH, effectively contributing to glucose metabolism. However, its relative importance for S. pneumoniae metabolism and infection has remained unknown. Here, we performed a comprehensive characterization of S. pneumoniae GAPN through kinetic assays, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), cryo‐EM, mass spectrometry, and infection assays. Despite its structural similarities to its homologues in other species, S. pneumoniae GAPN exhibits negative cooperativity with respect to its substrate, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate (G3P), suggesting a unique regulatory mechanism. Our results demonstrate that GAPN knockout leads to significant metabolic reprogramming, including increased glycogen storage that leads to enhanced fatty acid metabolism. This collectively reduces the ability of S. pneumoniae to manage oxidative stress and sustain infection. Our findings highlight GAPN as a critical enzyme for S. pneumoniae metabolic balance and suggest that its inhibition could serve as a potential strategy for therapeutic intervention in pneumococcal diseases.
Inheritance of chlorantraniliprole resistance and fitness costs in a field population of Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in China
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Chao , Ling Yan , Dong Bei‐Bei , Li Hong‐Shuang , He Yu‐Kun , Huang Qian , Long Li‐Ping , Wu Shun‐Fan , Gao Cong‐Fen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCnaphalocrocis medinalis is one of the major rice insect pests in Asia. Chlorantraniliprole is one of the most important insecticides for the control of C. medinalis. In this study, a field‐resistant population and a susceptible strain of C. medinalis were used to evaluate the inheritance of chlorantraniliprole resistance and fitness costs in the field.RESULTSThe field‐resistant population (Cm‐RR) showed 128.4‐fold resistance to chlorantraniliprole compared with the susceptible strain (Cm‐SS). The dose–response of reciprocal cross progeny (F1 and F1′) showed no significant difference, which indicated the inheritance of resistance to chlorantraniliprole in C. medinalis was autosomal. The degrees of dominance (D) of resistance for F1 and F1′ were −0.19 and −0.05, respectively, indicating that the chlorantraniliprole resistance of C. medinalis was incompletely recessive inheritance. At the same time, significant differences between observed and expected mortalities of self‐cross (F2 and F2′) and backcross (BC and BC′) progenies suggested chlorantraniliprole resistance is controlled by multiple genes. Furthermore, the Cm‐RR population had a relative fitness of 0.32 with a substantially decreased pupation rate, emergence rate, fecundity, and substantially increased developmental time of larval and pupa stages.CONCLUSIONCurrent research showed that the inheritance of chlorantraniliprole resistance to C. medinalis was autosomal, incompletely recessive and multigene. The field‐resistant population had a relative fitness of 0.32 when compared with the susceptible strain. This study provided valuable information for facilitating the development of chlorantraniliprole resistance management strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.