bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Eosinophil Count is the Dominant Clinical Marker for type 2 Inflammatory Severity in CRSwNP
Authors: Wu Pei‐Wen , Huang Chi‐Che , Chang Po‐Hung , Lee Ta‐Jen , Fan Yu‐Hsi , Huang Chien‐Chia 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveSevere type 2 eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is challenging to treat and susceptible to recurrence post‐surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between clinical markers and tissue type 2 inflammatory severity in patients with CRSwNP.MethodsAdult patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for bilateral CRSwNP were prospectively enrolled. Tissue eosinophil count (TEC) was evaluated. Expression levels of type 2 cytokines, including IL‐5 and IL‐13, in nasal polyps were determined using real‐time PCR. Correlations between clinical markers and tissue type 2 inflammation were also assessed.ResultsIn total, 150 participants were recruited. Ninety‐five (63.3%) exhibited type 2 eosinophilic CRSwNP defined by TEC ≥10/high power field. Weak to moderate correlations were observed between clinical and tissue markers of type 2 inflammation. Among the clinical markers, blood eosinophil count (BEC) exhibited the highest correlation with tissue type 2 inflammatory severity, as determined by TEC, IL‐5, and IL‐13 expression levels in nasal polyps. Comorbid asthma, nonsmoking status, ethmoid/maxillary sinuses (E/M) ratio, and BEC were significant predictors of eosinophilic CRSwNP in the regression analysis.ConclusionsBEC, a dominant clinical marker, exhibits the highest correlation with tissue type 2 inflammatory severity, as determined by TEC, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in nasal polyps. Comorbid asthma, nonsmoking status, E/M ratio, and BEC were significant predictors of eosinophilic CRSwNP. This could help clinicians better evaluate the severity of type 2 inflammation in patients with CRSwNP and provide optimal therapeutic strategies.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Optical Clearing of Ex Vivo Adipose Tissue
Authors: Yanina Irina Yu. , Genina Elina A. , Tuchina Daria K. , Timoshina Polina A. , Navolokin Nikita A. , Bucharskaya Alla B. , Maslyakova Galina N. , Tuchin Valery V. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe paper focuses on the development of technology of adipose tissue optical clearing using different complex hyperosmotic optical clearing agents and tissue permeability enhancers.MethodsTo quantify optical clearing efficiency, reduced scattering coefficient was estimated from the ex vivo spatially resolved backreflectance measurements using a multi‐distant fiber optical device. Tissue morphology modification was monitored with the help of histological studies.ResultsKinetics and efficiency of the optical clearing were evaluated for ex vivo abdominal fat tissue at action of dimethyl sulfoxide, diatrizoic acid, metrizoic acid, sucrose, and fructose solutions accompanied by tissue permeability enhancers, such as various modes of fractional laser microablation and sonophoresis and their combinations. Histological studies allowed us to find agents that cause minimal morphological changes of the adipose tissue.ConclusionsMaximal optical clearing efficiency of 83.5% was observed for the samples subjected to action of the fructose‐ethanol solution during 90 min in combination with gentle modes of fractional laser microablation and sonophoresis.
Salt‐Responsive Switchable Block Copolymer Brushes with Antibacterial and Antifouling Properties
Authors: Methling Rafael , Greiter Michael , Al‐Zawity Jiwar , Müller Mareike , Schönherr Holger , Kuckling Dirk 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA strategy for multifunctional biosurfaces exploiting multiblock copolymers and the antipolyelectrolyte effect is reported. Combining a polyzwitterionic/antifouling and a polycationic/antibacterial block with a central anchoring block for attachment to titanium oxide surfaces affords surface coatings that exhibit antifouling properties against proteins and allow for surface regeneration by clearing adhering proteins by employing a salt washing step. The surfaces also kill bacteria by contact killing, which is aided by a nonfouling block. The synthesis of block copolymers of 4‐vinyl pyridine (VP), dimethyl 4‐vinylbenzyl phosphonate (DMVBP), and 4‐vinylbenzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (TMA) is achieved on the multigram scale via RAFT polymerization with good end group retention and narrow dispersities. By polymer analogous reactions, poly(4‐vinyl pyridinium propane sulfonate‐block‐4‐vinylbenzyl phosphonic acid‐block‐4‐vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium chloride) (P(VSP64‐b‐PA14‐b‐TMA64)) is obtained. The antifouling properties against the model protein pepsin and the salt‐induced surface regeneration are shown in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, while independently the antibacterial and antifouling properties of coated titanium substrates are successfully tested in preliminary microbiological assays against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This strategy may contribute to the development of long‐term effective antibacterial implant surface coatings to suppress biomedical device‐associated infections.
Electroconductive Gelatin/Alginate/ Graphene Hydrogel Based Scaffold for Neural Tissue Repair
Authors: Madaninasab Pegah , Mohammadi Mahshid , Labbaf Sheyda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA composite polymeric scaffold of gelatin/alginate /graphene is fabricated through freeze‐drying technique. Initially, a hydrogel system comprised of gelatin/alginate (1:1) is prepared, and then the effect of different amounts of graphene carboxyl nanosheets (1,1.5, 2, and 2.5 wt.%) on the resultant structural properties are thoroughly evaluated. The swelling ratio, biodegradability, electrical and mechanical properties of bio‐composite hydrogels are controlled by manipulating the concentration of graphene‐COOH. The significant increase in the electrical conductivity is observed with the addition of 2.5% graphene‐COOH, and the electrical conductivity increased from 8.525 × 10−7 ± 0.01 S cm−1 to 7.644 × 10−4 ± 0.04 S cm−1. Also, the biocomposite hydrogels exhibited compressive and tensile strength ranging from 25 to 382 KPa and 11.4 to 148 KPa with an increase in the concentration of graphene‐COOH. The simplicity, low cost, tunable mechanical properties, and optimal electrical conductivity of the hydrogel system presented in this study highlight its potential as nerve tissue replacement.
Curvature of quaternionic skew‐Hermitian manifolds and bundle constructions
Authors: Chrysikos Ioannis , Cortés Vicente , Gregorovič Jan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper is devoted to a description of the second‐order differential geometry of torsion‐free almost quaternionic skew‐Hermitian manifolds, that is, of quaternionic skew‐Hermitian manifolds . We provide a curvature characterization of such integrable geometric structures, based on the holonomy theory of symplectic connections and we study qualitative properties of the induced Ricci tensor. Then, we proceed with bundle constructions over such a manifold . In particular, we prove the existence of almost hypercomplex skew‐Hermitian structures on the Swann bundle over M and investigate their integrability.
Against the Green Schema: How Gen‐AI Negatively Impacts Green Influencer Posts
Authors: Narayanan Priya 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe current research examines the impact of using AI‐generated images (vs. real photographs) in social media posts of green influencers, by relying on schema congruity theory. Three experimental studies show that compared to posts using real photographs, posts that use AI‐generated images are less likely to receive favorable consumer responses. This effect arises from incongruity between gen‐AI and the green schema activated by the post, which causes a) lower perceived appropriateness of a gen‐AI image to the green context, leading to b) lower perceived authenticity of the post. In attempting to counter this negative impact of the use of AI, a reason for the use of gen‐AI is ineffective but images generated by purpose‐built AI that aligns with the green cause fully mitigates the observed issue. By identifying and explaining the specific negative impact of gen‐AI use on green influencers, this work extends research on gen‐AI use by influencers in general and research on the negative impact of gen‐AI in marketing. Findings of this research encourage green influencers and sustainable brands to use gen‐AI cautiously.
Exploiting Seeded RAFT Polymerization for the Preparation of Graft Copolymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Tan Xuesheng , Zhang Li , Tan Jianbo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAlthough seeded reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is explored as a unique method for the preparation of block copolymer nanoparticles with diverse structures, the preparation of nonlinear polymer nanoparticles by seeded RAFT polymerization is rarely reported. Herein, linear block copolymer nanoparticles are first prepared by RAFT dispersion copolymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) and 2‐(2‐(n‐butyltrithiocarbonate)propionate)ethyl methacrylate (BTPEMA) with different [BzMA]/[BTPEMA] ratios, and employed as seeds for seeded RAFT polymerization of isobornyl acrylate (IBOA) to prepare graft copolymer nanoparticles with different numbers of PIBOA side chains. Comparing with linear triblock copolymers with the same chemical composition, the graft copolymers can promote the formation of higher‐order morphologies (e.g., vesicles) under seeded RAFT polymerization conditions. Effects of reaction parameters on the morphology of graft copolymer nanoparticles are investigated in detail, and two morphological phase diagrams are constructed. It is expected that this study will not only expand the scope of seeded RAFT polymerization but also offer new opportunities for the preparation of unique polymer nanoparticles.
Identification of a Novel RUNX1::STX2 Fusion in Mixed‐Phenotype Acute Leukemia (MPAL) With BCR::ABL1
Authors: Long Yuan , Xu Qi , Li Jing , Liu Bei‐Cai , Cheng Peng , Luo Jun , Zhao Shengbin , Chen Ping , Liu Zhen‐Fang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare type of acute leukemia (AL), MPAL with BCR::ABL1 fusion is the main subtype of MPAL, mainly affecting adult males. It is an acute leukemia with unique clinical and biological characteristics that involve both the myeloid and lymphatic systems. Gene fusion plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis assessment, and treatment of leukemia. We present the first discovery of a novel fusion of RUNX1::STX2 in this subtype, which is co‐expressed with BCR::ABL1 fusion. RUNX1 is a crucial transcription factor for hematopoietic differentiation, frequently found to be abnormal in AML, while STX2 may play a role in cancer progression. The RUNX1::STX2 fusion protein may act as the primary negative regulator of wild‐type RUNX1, influencing normal cell differentiation and proliferation, consequently elevating the risk of leukemia. The gene fusion status of this patient is unique and complex, requiring further exploration to understand its functional significance in leukemia progression and treatment response.
Lightweight 3D‐net Copper‐Plated Polyimide Current Collector for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Song Tingyu , Min Yonggang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCurrent collector (CC) is an indispensable constituent in lithium‐ion battery (LIB). It plays an important role in supporting electrode materials and conducting electrons between the electrode materials and the external circuit. However, the density of metal CC is high and it hinders the lightweight development of LIB. In this work, lightweight three‐dimensional (3D) CC was designed and prepared via a facile electroless plating method. The 3D copper‐plated polyimide CC has a low areal density. The 3D structure of Cu‐PI CC 2 can facilitate Li+ transfer between electrode materials and electrolyte owing to electrolyte can permeate through electrode. Moreover, the lithium titanate anode assembled with the 3D copper‐plated polyimide Cu‐PI CC 2 exhibited enhanced cycling and rate performance.
CO2 Photoreduction Under Visible Light by TiO2 and Carbon Dots Derived from Pyrolized Bio‐Oil
Authors: Ferraro Giorgia , Pizzolato Marco , Botrè Teresa , Cerrato Giuseppina , Menegazzo Federica , Signoretto Michela 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHerein, we report a study on pyrolysis bio‐oil upgrading from leather shaving waste to dope in situ titania (TiO2) with carbon dots (cds). The cds doped TiO2 exhibits remarkable activity as photocatalyst under solar light for the direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O) to methane (CH4). Morover, the catalytic activity also increased under uv radiation.
A Facile Synthesis of 3‐Substituted Coumarins and Investigation of Their 3CLpro Inhibition Activity Against SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Choudhary Manoj K. , Ansari Khalid , Junghare Vivek , Nayak Sandip K. , Hazra Saugata , Mula Soumyaditya 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe major threat to public health due to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has been recognised as a global issue. The increase in morbidity is primarily due to the lack of SARS‐CoV‐2 specific drugs. One of the major strategies to combat this threat is to deactivate the enzymes responsible for the replication of corona virus. To this end, 3‐arylidene/3‐hydroxycoumarin induced deactivation of 3‐chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro) enzyme, which takes the pivotal role in the replication and maturation, was investigated. For ready availability of the compounds for the above investigation, we have developed a user‐friendly protocol for the synthesis 3‐hydroxycoumarin derivatives from cheap and readily available starting materials in two steps; i) Bronsted acid catalysed Friedel‐Crafts alkylation of phenols with Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman adducts followed by intramolecular lactonization to trans‐3‐arylidenechroman‐2‐ones in one‐pot and ii) ozonolysis in reasonably good yields. Pharmacokinetic assessments of coumarin derivatives revealed drug‐like characteristics with moderate or low toxicity values. Notably, these hydroxycoumarins exhibited enhanced binding affinity against the 3CL protease of SARS‐CoV‐2, fitting well into the binding pocket akin to the previously studied inhibitor N3. Furthermore, a molecular dynamics study elucidated the dynamic behaviour of these small molecules when bound to the protein, showcasing intriguing complexities within the active site. Despite backbone variations and residual fluctuations, compounds 3 d–f and 6 a exhibited a consistent behaviour, instilling confidence in the therapeutic potential of these coumarins for combating SARS‐CoV‐2.
Homochiral Self‐Sorting During Macrocycle Formation and their Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Sahoo Diptiprava , De Soumen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSeveral BINOL‐derived C2‐symmetric aldehydes were synthesized to investigate chiral self‐sorting phenomena during macrocycle formation in the presence of aliphatic and aromatic bisamines. While self‐sorting was unsuccessful with aliphatic amines, aromatic amine dictated complete homochiral self‐sorting, confirmed by 1H NMR analysis and molecular modelling. Additionally, the impact of macrocyclization on the chiroptical properties of these macrocycles was examined. The Cotton effects band red‐shifted for aromatic amines owing to extended conjugation. Notably, a substantial increase in specific rotation was observed upon macrocycle formation.
Mechanical properties of chicken feather modified soy protein‐based resins and jute fabric‐reinforced green composites
Authors: Shankar A. N. , Netravali A. N. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAgricultural wastes and byproducts offer a vast avenue for replacing commonplace, but environmentally unfavorable, petroleum‐based plastics. Chicken feather fiber (CFF), soy protein isolate (SPI), and jute fabric (JF) are three agricultural materials that can be utilized for creating ‘green’, that is, from nature, resins and composites. This study details the preparation of CFF‐loaded SPI (CFF/SPI) resins and JF/(CFF/SPI) hybrid green composites, both with and without the frequently used toxic crosslinking agent glutaraldehyde (GA), and their respective mechanical properties. Results showed that as CFF loading increased from 0% to 30%, the tensile fracture stress and strain of CFF/SPI resins decreased from 25.2 to 14.3 MPa and from 4.0 to 1.4% respectively, suggesting that CFF acted mostly as filler. JF/(CFF/SPI) composites had higher tensile properties compared to CFF/SPI resins, with fracture stresses and strains ranging from 26.6 to 22.0 MPa and 4.3% to 5.8%, respectively, as CFF loading increased from 0% to 30%. Apart from increasing the flexural modulus, CFF loading did not significantly affect the flexural properties of JF/(CFF/SPI) composites. With any addition of CFF, CFF/SPI resins and JF/(CFF/SPI) composites showed higher mechanical properties than their GA‐crosslinked counterparts, demonstrating that the toxic crosslinker was unnecessary when using the procedure in this work.Highlights
Fully green composites produced with viability for furniture applications.
Mechanical performance of GA‐free SPI resin negated need of toxic crosslinker.
CFF reduced warpage when incorporated into SPI resin, and JF/SPI composite.
JF/(CFF/SPI) composites found to be superior mechanically to all CFF/SPI resins.
JF/(CFF/SPI) composite mechanically optimized at 10/90 CFF/SPI resin ratio.
Experimental studies on the physical and mechanical properties of modified silica/graphene reinforced polyamide6/copolyester elastomer blend nanocomposites
Authors: Srinivas S. , Ananthapadmanabha G. S. , Suresha B. , Nagarajan Rajini , Mohammad Faruq , Krishnan Kumar , Devi M. P. Indira , Ahmad Shafiq 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCompatibility of epoxy extrusion and injection molding was used to create a series of polyamide6 (PA6)/ copolyester elastomer (CoPe)/nano‐silica (nS) and graphene nanoplatelets (nG) composites. The impact of surface‐modified nanofillers and loading on the composites' physical and mechanical properties were investigated. As a consequence, PA6/CoPe blend with silane‐treated nS and nG composites had a slight drop in elongation but a significant gain in strength and modulus than PA6/CoPe blend. The interlaminar shear strength of the nG‐filled PA6/CoPe blend was increased by up to 33.5%, a maximum of 37.55 MPa, with a 1.5 wt% nG loading. With the 1.5 wt% nG loading on the blend surface, the ep resin compatibilizer assisted in interfacial bonding between the matrix and nanoparticles. The impact strength of the PA6/CoPe blend was found to be greater due to the existence of a tougher PA6 matrix, which was subsequently increased by the addition of nS filler reinforcement in the PA6/CoPe/nS composite. The addition of 1.5 wt% of nG in PA6/CoPe blend improved the tensile strength and elastic modulus by 15.8% and 15.1% compared to PA6/CoPe blend, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that the composite had a continuous PA6 phase and a dispersed CoPe phase. The nS and nG particles were embedded in the PA6/CoPe blend exclusively at 1.5 wt% loading. Microstructure analysis reveals a strong contact between the silane‐treated nS and nG and the polar PA molecules, and it may be responsible for the increased mechanical properties.Highlights
1.5 wt% nanoplatelets (nG) boosted tensile strength by 15.8% in polyamide6/copolyester elastomer blend.
nG addition increased elastic modulus by 15.1% in the composite.
Nano‐silica reinforcement enhanced impact strength with tough polyamide6 matrix.
Silane‐treated nano‐silica and nG improved mechanical properties via strong bonds.
Slight reduction in elongation observed with nanofiller addition.
Pair or Group‐Design Activities: The Effect of Design Activities on Problem‐Solving, Design Thinking Disposition, and Design Thinking Traits
Authors: Avcı Ümmühan , Yıldız Durak Hatice 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTDesign thinking has become an important process in many fields to encourage innovation toward problem solving skills in various fields. In the field of education, design thinking has been incorporated into curriculums as it contributes both to higher order thinking skills and to the learning process with its flexible and dynamic nature. However, there is a growing need and interest in exploring how design thinking affects students' learning experiences and its potential in group work (collaborative or pair). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of design thinking activities carried out as a pair or group in a design‐based learning process on problem‐solving, design thinking disposition, and design thinking traits. Sixty‐seven students (64.2% male and 35.8% female) who took the graphic design course participated in this study. The average age of the students participating in the study was 21.85 years. The study was designed with the mixed method. Studies enriched with design thinking activities were conducted with participants in pairs or groups. A demographic information form, three scales and a semi‐structured interview form were used. The data were analyzed with Mann−Whitney U tests and qualitative data analysis methods. According to the results of the study, students who participated in pair‐design activities emphasized the contributions of the process in defining the problem and visualizing solutions, while students who participated in group‐design activities reported that the design thinking approach facilitated their problem solving processes. These findings suggest that design thinking can be an important tool in developing students' problem solving skills. According to the results regarding its contribution to design thinking disposition, it was found that there was a significant difference between the post‐test scores of the experimental groups in the relationship dimension. It was also concluded that the experimental study had a significant effect on the collaboration dimension of design thinking characteristics. This study can provide students with tips on how to manage group work and how to share tasks correctly to improve their problem solving and design thinking processes.
Phenomic‐assisted selection: Assessment of the potential of near‐infrared spectroscopy for blueberry breeding
Authors: Adunola Paul , Tavares Flores Estefania , Azevedo Camila , Casorzo Gonzalo , Ghimire Lushan , Ferrão Luis Felipe V. , Munoz Patricio R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe integration of high‐throughput technologies such as near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for phenomic‐assisted selection in plant breeding has gained relevance in recent years. In blueberry, the use of phenomic selection could enable selection in the early stages, where thousands of seedlings are visually selected, and the use of genomic selection (GS) is cost‐prohibitive. In this study, we compared phenomic and GS in 372 genotypes, which were phenotyped for multiple fruit quality traits across 2 years. Our contribution is fourfold: (i) phenomic and GS methods have comparable predictive performances for multiple traits; (ii) leaves can achieve the highest genetic gains in the long term among NIRS of different biological tissues (leaf and fruit); (iii) BayesB, mixed models, and random forest resulted in the best predictive results across traits for optimizing phenomic prediction; and finally (iv) attention was drawn to the possibility of using phenomic prediction across environments. Altogether, for the first time in the blueberry literature, the utility of NIRS for phenomic‐assisted selection is demonstrated. While the primary focus is on blueberries, this approach can be evaluated in other fruit trees.