bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Luminescent filaments based on polymer modified with Eu(III) complexes for three‐dimensional printing of simple spectrophotometric devices for chemical analysis
Authors: Boichenko Ekaterina , Smolyanov Nikolay , Ashina Julia , Khistiaeva Viktoria , Grachova Elena , Kirsanov Dmitry 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThree‐dimensional printing (3DP) plays a significant role in developing custom analytical devices and miniaturized measuring systems. The printing materials, for example, polymer filaments, are often regarded only from the point of view of their mechanical properties to achieve the desirable geometry of a 3D‐printed item. Nevertheless, the modification of 3D printing materials to give them new features, such as luminescence, opens the way to the highest level of customization for various applications. In this work, glycol‐modified polyethylene terephthalate is mixed with luminescent complexes of Eu(III) to extrude the filaments suitable for fused deposition modeling of a cuvette for chemical analysis. This cuvette is the main part of a miniature spectrophotometer, being a light source and a sample chamber itself. As a proof of concept, the developed spectrophotometer is applied for quantitative digital image‐based analysis of inorganic and organic substances.
Urinary Proteomics and Systems Biology Link Eight Proteins to the Higher Risk of Hypertension and Related Complications in Blacks Versus Whites
Authors: An De‐Wei , Martens Dries S. , Mokwatsi Gontse G. , Yu Yu‐Ling , Chori Babangida S. , Latosinska Agnieszka , Isiguzo Godsent , Eder Susanne , Zhang Dong‐Yan , Mayer Gert , Kruger Ruan , Brguljan‐Hitij Jana , Delles Christian , Mels Catharina M. C. , Stolarz‐Skrzypek Katarzyna , Rajzer Marek , Verhamme Peter , Schutte Aletta E. , Nawrot Tim S. , Li Yan , Mischak Harald , Odili Augustine N. , Staessen Jan A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBlacks are more prone to salt‐sensitive hypertension than Whites. This cross‐sectional analysis of a multi‐ethnic cohort aimed to search for proteins potentially involved in the susceptibility to salt sensitivity, hypertension, and hypertension‐related complications. The study included individuals enrolled in African Prospective Study on the Early Detection and Identification of Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension (African‐PREDICT), Flemish Study of the Environment, Genes and Health Outcomes (FLEMENGHO), Prospective Cohort Study in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for Validation of Biomarkers (PROVALID)‐Austria, and Urinary Proteomics Combined with Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring for Health Care Reform Trial (UPRIGHT‐HTM). Sequenced urinary peptides detectable in 70% of participants allowed the identification of parental proteins and were compared between Blacks and Whites. Of 513 urinary peptides, 300 had significantly different levels among healthy Black (n = 476) and White (n = 483) South Africans sharing the same environment. Analyses contrasting 582 Blacks versus 1731 Whites, and Sub‐Saharan Blacks versus European Whites replicated the findings. COL4A1, COL4A2, FGA, PROC, MGP, MYOCD, FYXD2, and UMOD were identified as the most likely candidates underlying the racially different susceptibility to salt sensitivity, hypertension, and related complications. Enriched pathways included hemostasis, platelet activity, collagens, biology of the extracellular matrix, and protein digestion and absorption. Our study suggests that MGP and MYOCD being involved in cardiovascular function, FGA and PROC in coagulation, FYXD2 and UMOD in salt homeostasis, and COL4A1 and COL4A2 as major components of the glomerular basement membrane are among the many proteins potentially incriminated in the higher susceptibility of Blacks compared to Whites to salt sensitivity, hypertension, and its complication. Nevertheless, these eight proteins and their associated pathways deserve further exploration in molecular and human studies as potential targets for intervention to reduce the excess risk of hypertension and cardiovascular complications in Blacks versus Whites.
Prediction of Plant Resistance Proteins Using Alignment‐Based and Alignment‐Free Approaches
Authors: Gahlot Pushpendra Singh , Choudhury Shubham , Bajiya Nisha , Kumar Nishant , Raghava Gajendra P. S. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPlant disease resistance (PDR) proteins are critical in identifying plant pathogens. Predicting PDR protein is essential for understanding plant–pathogen interactions and developing strategies for crop protection. This study proposes a hybrid model for predicting and designing PDR proteins against plant‐invading pathogens. Initially, we tried alignment‐based approaches, such as Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) for similarity search and MERCI for motif search. These alignment‐based approaches exhibit very poor coverage or sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, we developed alignment‐free or machine learning (ML)‐based methods using compositional features of proteins. Our ML‐based model, developed using compositional features of proteins, achieved a maximum performance area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.91. The performance of our model improved significantly from AUROC of 0.91–0.95 when we used evolutionary information instead of protein sequence. Finally, we developed a hybrid or ensemble model that combined our best ML model with BLAST and obtained the highest AUROC of 0.98 on the validation dataset. We trained and tested our models on a training dataset and evaluated them on a validation dataset. None of the proteins in our validation dataset are more than 40% similar to proteins in the training dataset. One of the objectives of this study is to facilitate the scientific community working in plant biology. Thus, we developed an online platform for predicting and designing plant resistance proteins, “PlantDRPpred” (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/plantdrppred).
Cholesterol‐Conjugated PAMAM Dendrimers: Enhancing Stability, Drug Delivery Efficiency, and In Vitro Anticancer Performance
Authors: Luu Ngoc Hong T. , Ly Huy Q. , Nguyen Chinh Van , Dinh Linh Thi Thuy , Nguyen Thien‐Kim Ngoc , Phan Chau My , Nguyen Minh Long , Vu Hoang Huy , Luu Cuong Hung , Hoang Thi Thai Thanh 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTNanomaterials offer great potential in cancer treatment, particularly in drug delivery, where their unique properties allow for targeted therapy, increasing treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Dendrimers, with their highly branched structure, are ideal candidates for drug delivery. However, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, despite their versatility, exhibit cytotoxicity. Modifying PAMAM dendrimers with cholesterol through p‐nitrophenyl chloroformate (NPC) mediation enhances their biocompatibility and targeting ability, especially toward cancer cells. In this study, PAMAM G3.0 was successfully synthesized and conjugated with cholesterol to form G3C nanogels, with a nanoscale size of 83.8 ± 21.9 nm. The study of cholesterol conjugation revealed that at 25% surface functionalization of G3.0, G3C exhibited stable behavior in PBS buffer for up to 8 days. The system's capacity to load single or dual drugs was also explored, demonstrating controlled drug release for over 96 h. Moreover, cholesterol modification on G3.0 significantly enhanced cell compatibility. The G3C@QU/PTX system exhibited improved targeting toward HeLa cancer cells in vitro compared to healthy fibroblast cells. This research provides a strong foundation for developing nanomaterials for targeted cancer treatment.
Dynamics in the Prostate Immune Microenvironment Induced by Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: Yanai Yoshinori , Kosaka Takeo , Mikami Shuji , Arai Masashi , Watanabe Keitaro , Takeda Toshikazu , Matsumoto Kazuhiro , Yamashita Makiko , Kitano Shigehisa , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe influence of testosterone on the prostate's immune microenvironment remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the dynamics of immune cells in the prostate following androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).MethodsWe retrospectively compared prostate needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens from 33 patients who underwent both procedures, along with neoadjuvant ADT at a single institution. Immune cell infiltration in the cancer and stroma areas was assessed using multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry.ResultsPost‐ADT, all immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, CD204+ macrophages, and CD20+ B cells, significantly increased in the prostatectomy specimen. However, few immune cells were detected in the biopsy of the same patients (p < 0.001). The number of CD20+ B cells in the cancer area was significantly lower post‐ADT in high‐risk cases according to the NCCN classification (p = 0.020). This difference was significantly associated with the Gleason Grade Group, rather than PSA levels or T classification (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in the recurrence rate between Grade Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5 (p = 0.991). There was no significant difference in immune cells other than CD20+ B cells when divided into NCCN classifications.ConclusionsThe marked increase in immune cells following ADT suggests an intensified immune response against prostate cancer.
Redundancy Allocation Problem for a Continuous‐State Series‐Parallel System With Degrading Components: Electric Vehicle Application
Authors: Chen Yuan , Yuan Tao , Bae Suk Joo 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSystem reliability is a critical factor in designing complex engineering systems. Redundancy allocation problem (RAP) has attracted more interest owing to its wide scope of industrial applications for system reliability optimization. RAPs for binary‐state and multistate systems have been extensively studied. However, the redundancy allocation for continuous‐state systems composed of degrading components has not yet been fully explored. This study attempts to build the RAP for the continuous‐state parallel‐series system consisting of identical, independent, and nonrepairable components under active and cold‐standby redundancy strategies. The degradation of individual components in a system is continuous and modeled by the gamma process. The degradation at the system level is derived according to a deterministic structure function that relates the system degradation to the degradation of its components. Genetic algorithm and exhaustive search method are used to find the cost‐optimal redundancy design while satisfying a system reliability requirement. Series‐parallel lithium‐ion battery pack systems for electric vehicles (EVs) are used as an illustrative example to validate the proposed RAP and optimization model.
Quantitative Risk Assessment for Autonomous Vehicles: Integrating Functional Resonance Analysis Method and Bayesian Network
Authors: Deng Chengwen , Li Yufeng , Liu Qi , Zheng Xiangyu , Sun Ke 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIn autonomous vehicles (AVs), intricate functional‐level couplings exist among the components. Accidents can occur even when all functions are operating normally, as subtle performance variabilities in these functions can aggregate through these couplings, leading to functional resonance. The aim of this study is to identify, analyze and quantitatively assess the safety issues caused by these complex interactions in AVs and to propose appropriate risk management strategies to improve vehicle safety. Commonly used modern methods of risk assessment, such as system‐theoretical process analysis and accident mapping, struggle to capture this resonance in AVs and lack quantitative analysis. To this end, this paper proposes a quantitative risk assessment method that integrates functional resonance analysis method (FRAM) with Bayesian network (BN) to reveal the complex interactions and quantify risks within AVs. Initially, a FRAM model is constructed to characterize the function couplings of a system, which are subsequently aggregated into functional resonance chains to identify potential hazards. Then, these functional resonance chains are used to develop a BN model for quantitative assessment of system risk. A case study of an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system on an open‐source vehicle is conducted to verify its effectiveness. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach not only identifies functional resonance but also effectively quantifies risks in the AEB system.
Beyond the Bin: The Influence of Motivation, Opportunity, and Ability on Food Waste Behavior in Households
Authors: Heidig Wibke , Dobbelstein Thomas , Mason Roger B. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study examined household food waste behavior building upon a framework that integrates the motivation‐opportunity‐ability model (MOA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and norm activation model (NAM) enriched with insights from social practices theory (SPT). Using a dual‐country sample (Germany and South Africa), an online survey (n = 1065) measured how motivation, opportunity, and ability drive self‐reported food waste behavior. The results show that the ability to reduce food waste, that is, habits and perceived and actual knowledge, unfold a strong influence on reported food waste behavior. Quite surprisingly, motivation to engage in food waste reduction, due to attitude, values, and ascription of responsibility, has the lowest impact on reported food waste behavior. Our findings enhance the current understanding of food waste drivers and highlight the significance of socio‐psychological determinants of behavior, specifically ability and habits. The implications for both research and practical applications are discussed.
Multilayer CVD Graphene Coatings Developed with Suitable Geometrical Parameters for Improved Corrosion Resistance of Ni and a Ni–Cu Alloy in Chloride Environment
Authors: Arya Abhishek Kumar , Singh Raman R. K. , Saxena Sumit 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGraphene layers on metals developed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) possess characteristics of an ideal coating for durable corrosion resistance of industrial infrastructure, by a green approach. However, developing coatings of consistent quality is a challenge and its circumvention requires manipulation of CVD process parameters. The great variability (from remarkable to little) in graphene's ability as a corrosion barrier coating is attributed to the extent of defects/non‐uniformity of graphene. Minimizing the defects by controlling a few CVD process parameters (chemistry, pressure, temperature, and flowrate of the precursor, and post‐CVD cooling rate) has been demonstrated in earlier studies. This study investigates the role of the distance of the precursor delivery point (nozzle) with respect to the substrate as well as the role of substrate tilting in minimizing the defects in graphene coatings developed on Ni and a Ni–Cu alloy by CVD, and durable corrosion resistance due to graphene coatings thus developed. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is employed to monitor the corrosion behavior of the coated samples during a 1008 h immersion in a 0.1 m NaCl solution. The findings reveal a significant reduction in corrosion rate of ≈88% and 98% for graphene‐coated Ni and Ni–Cu alloys, respectively, compared to their uncoated counterparts.
Electrohydrodynamic‐Printed Dual‐Triphase Microfibrous Scaffolds Reshaping the Lipidomic Profile for Enthesis Healing in a Rat Rotator Cuff Repair Model
Authors: Bai Lang , Kasimu Ayiguli , Wang Shuai , Qiu Zhennan , Xu Meiguang , Qu Xiaoli , Chen Baojun , Liu Qiaonan , Ai Yixiang , Li Meng , Xiu Jintao , Liu Kai , Wen Nuanyang , He Jiankang , Zhang Jing , Yin Zhanhai 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRotator cuff injuries often result in chronic pain and functional limitations due to retears and scar formation at the enthesis. This study assess the efficacy of electrohydrodynamic‐printed microfibrous dual‐triphase scaffolds (DTSs), designed to optimize enthesis repair. These scaffolds, composed of polycaprolactone enhanced with nanohydroxyapatite, nano‐magnesium‐oxide, and kartogenin demonstrate significant biological advantages. In vitro, the scaffolds support over 95% stem cell viability and promote enhanced expression of critical markers such as tenomodulin (TNMD), sex‐determining region Y‐Box transcription factor 9 (SOX‐9), and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX‐2). Enhanced expressions of tendon markers tenomodulin and scleraxis (SCX) are noted, alongside significant upregulation of chondrocyte and osteoblast markers. In vivo, these scaffolds significantly improve the biomechanical properties of the repaired enthesis, with a maximum failure load of 27.0 ± 4.2 N and ultimate stress of 5.5 ± 1.0 MPa at 6 weeks postimplantation. Lipidomic analysis indicates substantial regulation of phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine, highlighting the scaffold's capacity to modulate biochemical pathways critical for tissue repair and regeneration. This study underscores the potential of DTS to improve clinical outcomes in rotator cuff injury treatment by enhancing cellular differentiation, biomechanical properties, and biochemical environment, setting a foundation for personalized treatment strategies in tendon–bone repair.
Biomimetic Mineralized Collagen Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Strategies on Elaborate Fabrication for Bioactivity Improvement
Authors: Wu Bingfeng , Li Xiaohong , Wang Rui , Liu Liu , Huang Dingming , Ye Ling , Wang Zhenming 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBiomimetic mineralized collagen (BMC) scaffolds represent an innovative class of bone‐repair biomaterials inspired by the natural biomineralization process in bone tissue. Owing to their favorable biocompatibility and mechanical properties, BMC scaffolds have garnered significant attention in bone tissue engineering. However, most studies have overlooked the importance of bioactivity, resulting in collagen scaffolds with suboptimal osteogenic potential. In this review, the composition of the mineralized extracellular matrix (ECM) in bone tissue is discussed to provide guidance for biomimetic collagen mineralization. Subsequently, according to the detailed fabrication procedure of BMC scaffolds, the substances that can regulate both the fabrication process and biological activities is summarized. Furthermore, a potential strategy for developing BMC scaffolds with superior mechanical properties and biological activities for bone tissue engineering is proposed.
Harnessing the Engineered Probiotic‐Nanosystem to Remodulate Tumor Extracellular Matrix and Regulate Tumor‐Colonizing Bacteria for Improving Pancreatic Cancer Chemo‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Yao Wei‐Qin , Song Wen‐Fang , Deng Xin‐Chen , Lin Yan‐Tong , Meng Ran , Wang Jia‐Wei , Chen Wei‐Hai , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPoor chemotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer is attributed to limited drug permeation caused by the dense extracellular matrix (ECM) and drug degradation induced by tumor‐colonizing bacteria. Here, a tumor‐targeting probiotic‐nanosystem is elaborately designed to remodulate ECM and selectively regulate tumor‐colonizing bacteria for improving chemo‐immunotherapy against pancreatic cancer. Specifically, drug‐loaded liposomes are conjugated with Clostridium Butyricum (CB) via matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2)‐responsive peptide to construct a probiotic‐nanosystem. Particularly, vactosertib (VAC, a transforming growth factor‐β1 receptor inhibitor) is delivered by probiotic‐nanosystem to silence the active pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) for inhibiting the development of ECM, resulting in a loosened ECM and providing a golden opportunity for the deep penetration of chemotherapy drugs and immune cells. Subsequently, gemcitabine (GEM) is efficiently delivered into the core of tumors via probiotic‐nanosystem, achieving an enhanced chemotherapy efficacy. Noteworthily, CB can alleviate γ‐proteobacteria‐mediated GEM degradation through competitively reducing the contents of γ‐proteobacteria and promoting the amounts of tumor‐inhibiting bacteria, thereby significantly potentiating the therapeutic effect of GEM. The engineered probiotic‐nanosystem can not only enhance the GEM‐induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) of a pancreatic tumor to activate antitumor immune responses but also markedly increase the tumor‐infiltration of effector immune cells to heighten tumoricidal immunity, offering a promising strategy for chemo‐immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator Drives Electrochemical Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production: Fundamentals, Progress, and Challenges
Authors: Li Aiping , Qiliang Zhu , Mi Yajun , Ur Rehman Hafeez , Shoaib Muhammad , Cao Xia , Wang Ning 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCurrently, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are drawing significant attention owing to their potential in harvesting wave and wind energy from environment as well as their capability for driving electrochemical water splitting for hydrogen fuel production. This review aims to summarize the recent progress of ocean wave and wind energy harvesting TENGs and TENG‐driven electrochemical water splitting processes for hydrogen evolution reaction. For better understanding, this review begins from the fundamentals of TENG and electrochemical water splitting. And then the working principle of TENGs and mechanism of electrochemical (EC) water splitting for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are introduced. Subsequently the progress of output performance enhancement in ocean wave and wind energy harvesting TENGs are systematically discussed including structure design, triboelectric material selection and power management all of which are important for output performance enhancement and the integration of TENGs with electrochemical water splitting cell. Although this review focus on the promotion strategies of TENG‐driven electrochemical water splitting processes for HER, challenges for water splitting are also highlighted. While envision that this review provides a deep insight and direction to the design of TENG‐driven electrochemical system for promoting the hydrogen fuel production in an active, economical manner.
Tailoring Porous N‐Doped Carbon Nanospheres for 3D Bottom‐Up Electrode Design: A Versatile Synthesis Toolbox for Particle Size Independent Pore Size Control
Authors: Ortlieb Niklas , Berestok Taisiia , Elsässer Patrick , Thomann Ralf , Knäbbeler‐Buß Markus , Fischer Anna 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe rational design of carbon‐based electrode materials plays an important role in improving the electrochemical properties of both, energy storage and energy conversion electrodes and devices. For most applications, well‐defined and easily processable porous carbon‐based electrode materials with controlled particle morphology (ideally spherical), particle size, and intraparticle pore size are desired. Here, a hard‐templating synthesis toolbox is reported for highly‐monodisperse meso‐ and macroporous N‐doped carbon nanospheres (MPNCs) as a versatile material platform for the 3D bottom‐up design of porous electrodes. With this approach, it is possible to change the MPNC pore size without affecting the particle size. By changing the template size, the pore size is adjusted between 15 and 99 nm while maintaining a particle size ≈300 nm. MPNCs are further used in electrochemical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) as model application to demonstrate pore size effects on the performance independently from particle size effects, resulting in increasing specific capacitances for decreasing pores sizes, which correlates well with the surface area of the MPNCs and mass transport phenomena in the electrode. In conclusion, the toolbox allows to control intraparticulate porosities while keeping interparticulate properties constant, essential parameters to enable a true bottom‐up 3D electrode design.