bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The N‐terminal domain of gasdermin D induces liver fibrosis by reprogrammed lipid metabolism
Authors: Wang Xue , Ning Chunyou , Cheng Xingyi , Wu Zhengzhong , Wu Dongbo , Ding Xuemei , Ju Cunxiang , Zhou Zhihang , Wan Lingfeng , Zhao Wei , Shi Peiliang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe emerging incidence of pathogenic liver conditions is turning into a major concern for global health. Induction of pyroptosis in hepatocytes instigates cellular disintegration, which in turn liberates substantial quantities of pro‐inflammatory intracellular substances, thereby accelerating the advancement of liver fibrosis. Consequently, directing therapeutic efforts towards inhibiting pyroptosis could potentially serve as an innovative approach in managing inflammation related chronic hepatic disorders.MethodsGSDMD‐NTki/wt mice and Alb‐creki/wt mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. After crossing the two strains together, we induced conditional cell death by doxycycline to construct a mouse model of liver fibrosis. We analyzed differentially expressed genes by RNA sequencing and explored their biological functions. The efficacy of obeticholic acid (OCA) in the treatment of liver fibrosis was assessed.ResultsDoxycycline‐treated GSDMD‐NTki/wt × Alb‐creki/wt mice showed severe liver damage, vacuolation of hepatocytes, increased collagen fibers, and accumulation of lipid droplets. The expression of liver fibrosis related genes was greatly increased in the doxycycline‐treated mouse liver compared with untreated mouse liver. RNA‐sequencing showed that upregulated differentially expressed genes were involved in inflammatory responses, cell activation, and metabolic processes. Treatment with OCA alleviated the liver fibrosis, with reduced ALT and AST levels seen in the GSDMD‐NTki/wt × Alb‐creki/wt mice.ConclusionsWe successfully constructed a novel mouse model for liver fibrosis. This GSDMD‐NT‐induced fibrosis may be mediated by abnormal lipid metabolism. Our results demonstrated that we successfully constructed a mouse model of liver fibrosis, and GSDMD‐NT induced fibrosis by mediating lipid metabolism.
In Situ Growth of Covalent Organic Frameworks on Carbon Nanotubes for High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yan Dongbo , Song Lili , Kang Fangyuan , Mo Xiangyin , Lv Yanqi , Sun Jianlu , Tang Haowei , Zhou Xiaosi , Zhang Qichun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRedox‐active covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been demonstrated as promising organic electrodes in many electrochemical devices. However, their inherently low conductivity significantly hinders the full utilization of their internal redox‐active sites. To address this issue, a simple solvothermal method is used to in situ polymerize 2,4,6‐triformylphloroglucinol (TP) and p‐phenylenediamine (PA) on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), generating a nanocable‐like COF‐based nanocomposite, TpPa‐COF@CNT nanocables, which contain abundant β‐ketoenamine groups. By combining the high specific surface area and dense active sites of COFs with the superior conductivity of CNTs, the TpPa‐COF@CNT nanocables as the anode in potassium‐ion batteries displayed excellent performance. The reason is that the isomerization between the enolic and keto forms reinforces the stability of molecular architecture, while the transformation of active sites from C=N to C=O improves the K+ adsorption capability. Notably, the TpPa‐COF@CNT nanocable anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 446.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and maintains 282.5 mAh g−1 even after 2000 cycles at a higher current density of 2.0 A g−1. Additionally, a full battery assembled with 3,4,9,10‐Perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride heat‐treated at 450 °C as the cathode retains a reversible capacity of 273.6 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1.
Size‐Adjustable High‐Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles as an Efficient Platform for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Cai Huizhu , Yang Hengpan , He Sizhen , Wan Da , Kong Yan , Li Deliang , Jiang Xingxing , Zhang Xue , Hu Qi , He Chuanxin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe high entropy alloy (HEA) possesses distinctive thermal stability and electronic characteristics, which exhibits substantial potential for diverse applications in electrocatalytic reactions. The nanosize of HEA also has a significant impact on its catalytic performance. However, accurately controlling nanosize and synthesizing small HEA nanomaterials remains a challenge, especially for the ultrasmall HEA nanoparticles. Herein, we firstly calculate and illustrate the impact of size on the electronic structure of HEA as well as the adsorption energies of crucial intermediates involved in typical electrocatalytic processes, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), CO2 electroreduction (CO2RR) and NO3− electroreduction (NO3RR). Under the guidance of theoretical calculations, we synthesize a range of ultrasmall PtRuPdCoNi HEA nanoparticles with adjustable sizes (1.7, 2.3, 3.0, and 3.9 nm) using a one‐step spatially confined approach, without any further treatment. Experimentally, the smaller size of HEAs is more favorable for the HER and ORR performances, aligning well with theoretical predictions. Specifically, HEA nanoparticles sized at 1.7 nm (HEA‐1.7) endows a 16 mV overpotential at current density of 10 mA cm−2, yielding a mass activity of 31.9 A mgNM−1 of noble metal in HER, significantly outperforming commercial Pt/C catalyst. This strategy can also be easily applicable to other reduction reactions (e.g. CO2, NO3−) attributed to the richness of metal components and size adjustability, presenting a promising platform for various electrocatalytic applications as advanced catalysts.
Double‐Network Preformed Particle Gel Based on Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Hydrophobic Association for Conformance Control in Low‐Permeability Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Li Zhe , Hao Jiting , Lu Yao , Zhou Bobo , Yang Hongbin , Jiang Haizhuang , Sarsenbekuly Bauyrzhan , Kang Wanli 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe conventional preformed particle gel (PPG) has certain problems of relatively poor strength and easy shear crushing after swelling during the in‐depth conformance control process in low‐permeability fractured reservoirs. Herein, a novel double‐network PPG (DN‐CPPG) based on biopolymer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC) and hydrophobic association (C16 hydrophobic chain) was synthesized using a radical polymerization approach. The chemical structure, microscopic morphologies, and thermal tolerance were first characterized. Then, the swelling property, dynamic viscoelasticity, yield stress, and creep recovery ability of DN‐CPPG were systematically investigated. The results revealed that the DN‐CPPG exhibited an average diameter (d50) of approximately 27.12 μm and considerable thermal stability. Furthermore, it displayed superior viscoelastic properties, yield stress, and creep recovery behavior after the equilibrium swelling process compared to conventional PPG. This was attributed to the synergistic effects of newly developed DN and hydrophobic association, resulting in a tightly crosslinking network and strong gel strength. In addition, the DN‐CPPG exhibited excellent mechanical strength, with higher fractured stress (278 kPa) and elongation strain (917%) compared to those of PPG (140 kPa and 666%) during the strain–stress sweep experiments. This newly formulated DN‐CPPG serves as a promising conformance control material for low‐permeability fractured reservoirs.
Design and Development of Dual‐Function Nano‐CeO2‐Integrated PUF/Epoxy Microcapsule Systems for Self‐Healing and Corrosion‐Resistant Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Yin Chongwei , Zhang Fengqiang , Zhang Xuena , Wang Ting , Zeng En 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTA dual‐function microcapsule system was developed to overcome the limitations of single‐mechanism self‐healing coatings. Nano‐CeO2 particles were embedded in a polyurea formaldehyde (PUF) shell, with epoxy resin encapsulated inside. SEM, FTIR, and XRD characterization confirmed the successful integration of CeO2 and epoxy within the microcapsules. These microcapsules were incorporated into an epoxy resin‐based coating at varying weight percentages to assess their impact on coating performance. EIS was employed to evaluate the self‐healing properties of coatings with artificial scratches in simulated seawater. When the coating is damaged, CeO2 is released and deposited on the metal surface, rapidly forming a passivation film that protects the substrate in advance. CeO2 also releases cerium ions. A cerium hydroxide precipitate is formed by reacting with OH− produced in the cathode region. Prevents penetration of corrosive ions. Meanwhile, the microcapsules rupture, releasing epoxy resin to heal the cracks. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrated that the optimal self‐repair performance was achieved with 10 wt% microcapsules, while higher concentrations negatively affected the coating's adhesion. This dual‐function microcapsule approach significantly improves both protective and self‐healing capabilities, offering potential for advanced corrosion‐resistant coatings.
Flexible PVDF Piezoelectric Nanogenerator Embedded With B0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Thakur Neha , Gopalan Prakash , Kolte Jayant 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPiezoelectric nanogenerators have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to provide sustainable and renewable energy for low‐power electronic devices, such as sensors, wearables, and wireless sensor networks. We report a lead‐free Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.10Ti0.90O3 (BCZT) nanoparticles‐embedded PVDF‐based flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG). The morphology, structure, and piezoelectric performances of pristine polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and BCZT–PVDF nanocomposite have been investigated. Raman spectroscopy is used to study the β‐phase fraction, which is maximum (~79%) for PVDF with 30 wt% BCZT nanoparticles. The change in morphology of PVDF is co‐related with the ion–dipole interactions between the dipoles of the PVDF matrix and the negative surface charge of BCZT nanoparticles (~18 mV), calculated from ζ‐potential analysis. The dielectric constant of the samples also increases from 10 to 48 with an increase in the BCZT filler content. The flexible nanogenerators devised from the composite exhibits excellent performance with a high recordable piezoelectric output open circuit voltage (V
OC) of ~6.98 V, and output power of 86.5 μW under a very low constant vertical compressive force of 0.7 N at 1 MΩ.
H2 Consumption by Various Acetogenic Bacteria Follows First‐Order Kinetics up to H2 Saturation
Authors: Muñoz‐Duarte Laura , Chakraborty Susmit , Grøn Louise Vinther , Bambace Maria Florencia , Catalano Jacopo , Philips Jo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAcetogenic bacteria play an important role in various biotechnological processes, because of their chemolithoautotrophic metabolism converting carbon dioxide with molecular hydrogen (H2) as electron donor into acetate. As the main factor limiting acetogenesis is often H2, insights into the H2 consumption kinetics of acetogens are required to assess their potential in biotechnological processes. In this study, initial H2 consumption rates at a range of different initial H2 concentrations were measured for three different acetogens. Interestingly, for all three strains, H2 consumption was found to follow first‐order kinetics, i.e. the H2 consumption rate increased linearly with the dissolved H2 concentration, up to almost saturated H2 levels (600 µM). This is in contrast with Monod kinetics and low half‐saturation concentrations, which have commonly been assumed for acetogens. The obtained biomass specific first‐order rate coefficients (k1X) were further validated by comparison with values obtained by fitting first‐order kinetics on previous time‐course experimental results. The latter method was also used to determine the k1X value of five additional acetogens strains. Biomass specific first‐order rate coefficients were found to vary up to six‐fold, with the highest k1X for Acetobacterium wieringae and the lowest for Sporomusa sphaeroides. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of the dissolved H2 concentration to understand the rate of acetogenesis in biotechnological systems.
CFD‐Based Determination of Optimal Design and Operating Conditions of a Fermentation Reactor Using Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Choi Hongbum , Roh Kosan , Lee Jay H. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe efficiency of fermentation reactors is significantly impacted by gas dispersion and concentration distribution, which are influenced by the reactor's design and operating conditions. As the process scales up, optimizing these parameters becomes crucial due to the pronounced concentration gradients that can arise. This study integrates the kinetics of the fermentation process with hydrodynamic analysis using Bayesian optimization to efficiently determine the optimal reactor design and operating conditions. By utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, the study provides a comprehensive assessment of distributions ranging from gas supply to cell growth. The results demonstrate that a combination of wide baffle width, narrow impeller gap, slow gas flow rate, and high agitation speed significantly enhances reactor performance by improving gas distribution and minimizing stagnant zones. These findings underscore the importance of considering both kinetic and hydrodynamic factors to achieve more precise and scalable fermentation processes, offering valuable insights for industrial applications.
Engineering antibodies with cancer‐associated binding sites
Authors: Tian Yinqi , Pan Yumeng , Zhang Yingchun , Wang Fangling , Wang Zejun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCancer immunotherapy has appeared as a prospective therapeutic modality. Therapeutic antibodies induced in an in vitro expression system act as “targeting missiles” against tumor‐associated binding sites, and subsequently, immune system attack on tumors is restored or boosted. These antibody regimens are engineered towards enhanced Fc efficacy, humanization, and fragmentation to specifically recognize and bind to effective tumor‐associated targets. The challenge lies in obtaining efficient therapeutic regimens with low response rates, acquisition of resistance, and immune‐related undesirable effects of artificially designed therapeutic antibodies, which is crucial for enhancing clinical efficacy. This review provides an in‐depth introduction to antibodies that perform direct/indirect roles in cancer treatment by binding to immune checkpoints, co‐stimulatory receptors, and extracellular membrane receptors. It also discusses how antibodies kill tumors and modulate microenvironment of tumor through these targets. The classification of expression systems for antibody production is summarized to guide appropriate selection based on different specificities. Understanding antibody sources, ongoing evaluation of engineered antibodies, and tumor‐associated antigen research pave the way for designing appropriate antibody‐based immunotherapy regimens.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning: Engineering Instructors' Perspectives
Authors: Simelane Phiwe M. , Kittur Javeed 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAdvancements in generative artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, are increasingly influencing engineering education. Engineering instructors have noticed their students using this technology and are beginning to understand its effects on learning and teaching. While research has explored its impacts on general education, few qualitative studies examine engineering instructors' perspectives on how it affects both students and instructors. This qualitative study gathers engineering instructors' views on how ChatGPT affects and could affect their teaching and students' learning experiences. Engineering faculty were invited to participate in Zoom interviews. They were asked questions about their experiences with ChatGPT in their courses. The data collected were analyzed inductively to identify themes. Instructors likened ChatGPT's impact on education to the introduction of calculators, noting its potential to ease academic tasks. They highlighted its benefits in drafting, outlining, and correcting grammatical errors. However, concerns were raised about the quality of ChatGPT's output due to possible inaccuracies (hallucinations) and the risk of students over‐relying on the technology, thus avoiding genuine learning. Instructors recommended that students use ChatGPT as a supplementary tool, verify the information it provides, and that instructors educate students on its limitations and proper use. The overall outlook on ChatGPT in engineering education is positive, with instructors open to its integration in the classroom. Despite growing research on ChatGPT and engineering education, further studies are needed to assess its effectiveness across different course levels. This would help institutions and professors implement ChatGPT appropriately in various subjects and levels.
Motivations for Second‐Hand Goods Shopping: A Comparison of Charity Shoppers and Non‐Charity Shoppers
Authors: Chad Paul , Isbanner Sebastian 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe second‐hand marketplace involves the redistribution of existing goods and is a form of collaborative consumption. Despite its significance, research into consumer behaviour in the second‐hand shopping space is limited, particularly within specific settings. Charity/thrift stores are a significant redistribution network for second‐hand goods and have historically provided shoppers with a readily accessible avenue for purchasing second‐hand goods. These stores, however, now face growing competition from an ever‐increasing number of non‐charity sources. Little is known regarding motivations to shop in charity stores relative to shopping via non‐charity sources of second‐hand goods. This study, therefore, explores the motivations of second‐hand goods shoppers via an Australia‐wide survey using a sample of 543 respondents. Responding to calls from various scholars in the field, the research contributes by providing more granular insight into the current motivations of second‐hand goods shoppers by comparing the motivations of charity versus non‐charity shoppers. Within an Australian setting, the research confirms the applicability of the Guiot and Roux framework of motivations for shopping second‐hand goods. The work is also the first known comparison of motivations of charity shoppers versus non‐charity second‐hand goods shoppers. Overall, charity shoppers have stronger motivations for second‐hand shopping than non‐charity shoppers. The key motivations identified for both groups were bargains, quality and value (‘economic’ motivations). Critical motivations such as sustainability were less important in comparison to economic motivations. The new knowledge can assist charity managers to develop more targeted marketing programmes to better compete against increasing alternate second‐hand goods platforms.
Iminopyridine‐Nickel Precatalysts for Low Molecular Weight Branched Macro‐Olefin: Dominant β‐Elimination Following Isomerization
Authors: Saeed Hassan , Mahmood Qaiser , Ma Yanping , Tahir Kainat Fatima , Ren Geng , Wang Yizhou , Sun Wen‐Hua 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe chain‐walking mechanism, coupled with β‐elimination reactions, establishes nickel complexes as a unique class of catalysts in olefin polymerization, giving access to a variety of polyethylene products from only ethylene monomer. In this study, a set of 8‐(2,6‐bis(aryl)‐3,4,5‐trifluorophenyl)imino‐5,6,7‐trihydroquinoline‐nickel bromide complexes [aryl = Ph2CH for NiH, (4‐FPh)2CH for NiF, (4‐ClPh)2CH for NiCl, (4‐MePh)2CH for NiMe, (4‐tBuPh)2CH for NitBu] was designed, prepared, and investigated for ethylene polymerization. Upon activation with MAO, these precatalysts exhibited high catalytic activity (as high as 3.1 × 106 g mol−1 h−1) and produced polyethylene with tunable chain walking (branching degree = 58–90/1000C), chain transfer (polymer Mw = 0.7–2.8 kg mol−1), and chain termination reactions (vinylene/vinyl = 83.4%–93.6%). Electron‐donating groups at benzhydryl of aniline showed positive influence on the rate of monomer insertion and chain propagation, resulting in high catalytic activity and polymer molecular weights. Change of chain walking and chain termination rate with reaction temperature resulted in polyethylene with varied physical states from sticky wax to thick oil. Most importantly, β‐elimination is the predominant route for chain termination reaction and produces polyethylene with a high ratio of internal double bonds (─CH═CH─/CH2═CH─ up to 93.6%). These macromers are important for post‐modification processes.
Convergent Total Synthesis of Ixabepilone and Its Analogues Enabled by Highly Efficient Asymmetric Hydrogenations
Authors: Li Dong , Yan Hao , Zong Yan , Xiao Renwei , Li Shuo , Xia Haidong , Zhang Yao , Duan Ya‐Nan , Chen Gen‐Qiang , Zhang Xumu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe convergent total synthesis of ixabepilone and its analogues in a 13‐step longest linear sequence is reported. The crucial chiral centers at challenging C3‐O, C8‐C and C15‐N positions on the scaffold of the ixabepilone were installed via highly efficient asymmetric hydrogenations (up to 95 % yield and up to 99 % e.e.) and all three fragments could be prepared on gram scale. The key aldol reaction bridges the aldehyde and keto fragments with high yield and exquisite diastereo control (8 : 1 d.r.). Finally, a novel RCM reaction conformationally controlled by a bulky silyl group was reported, which allows the facile synthesis of ixabepilone and its analogues.
Academic psychological capital: Implications for organizational crises
Authors: Welsh Dianne H. B. , Avey James B. , Mhatre Ketan H. , Tullar William L. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study examines the role of academic psychological capital (PsyCap) in buffering the negative impact of organizational crises (COVID‐19 pandemic) on educational outcomes in higher education institutions. Drawing on positive organizational behavior theory and crisis management literature, we hypothesize that students with higher levels of academic PsyCap will have significantly higher retention and graduation rates during the crisis, and that academic PsyCap is a better predictor of these outcomes than traditional predictors such as high school GPA and standardized test scores (Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)). Using a longitudinal approach, we found that academic PsyCap is positively related to 1‐year retention and graduation rates. Academic PsyCap also explains additional variance in these outcomes beyond high school GPA. The findings highlight the importance of cultivating psychological resources like hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism to promote student success and well‐being during challenging times.