bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Broadband Rapid Polarization Manipulation and Imaging Based on Pancharatnam‐Berry Optical Elements
Authors: Zhang Qi , Shang Yingjie , Qiao Siyuan , Guo Yinghui , Zhong Rongjun , Pu Mingbo , Ha Yingli , Wang Maoyu , Lei Jian , Zhang Fei , Xu Mingfeng , Luo Xiangang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPolarization imaging, which can reveal indiscernible information that cannot easily be detected with traditional intensity cameras, plays a crucial role in many research fields. There are two main types of polarization imaging methods: time‐division multiplexed polarization imaging and space‐division multiplexed polarization imaging. These two methods confront the problems of temporal and spatial resolution reduction. In this work, a rapid linear‐polarization arbitrary manipulation technique based on Pancharatnam–Berry Optical Elements is proposed and achieved as an arbitrary polarization manipulation module with a manipulation speed of up to 899 Hz. Applying this compact modulator to optical or microscopic imaging systems can easily establish a rapid, high‐resolution polarization imaging system. This method is verified at microscopic detection, indoor and outdoor photographic experiments, visible and near‐infrared bands, exhibiting excellent imaging results. It is proven as a valid approach to solve the major dilemma of the incompatibility between temporal and spatial resolution in polarization imaging, it also highlights the potential of multidimensional imaging applications.
FOXN3 Downregulation in Colorectal Cancer Enhances Tumor Cell Stemness by Promoting EP300‐Mediated Epigenetic Upregulation of SOX12
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Xie Ke , Li Ling , Li Zhong , Lu Qicheng , Feng Jin 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCancer stemness plays a crucial role in promoting the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Forkhead box N3 (FOXN3) is a tumor suppressor protein. Herein, we investigated the role of FOXN3 in the regulation of CRC cell stemness. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed utilizing cell counting kit‐8 assay, 5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine assay, and Transwell assay, respectively. Cell‐sphere formation was assessed using a sphere‐forming assay. The enrichment of H3K27ac modifications at the SRY‐related HMG‐box 12 (SOX12) promoter, interactions among FOXN3, SOX12, and E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) were analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation or dual luciferase reporter assays. We found that FOXN3 overexpression inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, stemness, and tumor formation in mice by inactivating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, while these effects of FOXN3 overexpression were reversed by the overexpression of SOX12. Mechanistically, EP300 increased SOX12 expression in CRC cells by promoting H3K27ac enrichment in the SOX12 promoter. In addition, FOXN3 transcriptionally inhibited EP300 expression in CRC cells by binding to the EP300 promoter. As expected, EP300 overexpression weakened the inhibitory effect of FOXN3 overexpression on CRC cell stemness. Collectively, FOXN3 upregulation inhibited CRC cell stemness by suppressing EP300‐mediated epigenetic upregulation of SOX12.
Impact of Venture Capital on Firm's Technological Innovation: Empirical Study Based on the Strategy of Pre‐ and Post‐Investment
Authors: Xie Chi , Wang Zhen 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe investigate the impact of venture capital (VC) on the technological innovation of the firms listed on China's National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ) and identify the role of the VC strategy in this process, by using the data related to VC investment, firm innovation, and human capital. The empirical results demonstrate that (i) VC effectively promote the technological innovation of target firms, especially in the high‐tech industry; (ii) as two parts of the VC strategy in the preinvestment phases, the entry time affects the technological innovation, and VC investing in the mature stage of target firms generally implements the short‐termism strategy, appearing to inhibit the technological innovation, while the shareholding ratio affects the innovation in a nonlinear form, with a pivotal point at an ratio of 21%; and (iii) in the postinvestment phases, the intervention of VC on optimizing the target firms' human capital structure forms its strategy, promoting a significant increase in the proportion of R&D personnel or skilled labor, and promotes the technological innovation. On the whole, our findings provide an insight of how VC influences technological innovation, underscoring the relationship among investment strategy, firm characteristics, and innovation trajectory.
Time‐efficient, high‐resolution 3T whole‐brain relaxometry using Cartesian 3D MR Spin TomogrAphy in Time‐Domain (MR‐STAT) with cerebrospinal fluid suppression
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Versteeg Edwin , Fuderer Miha , van der Heide Oscar , Schilder Martin B. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeCurrent three‐dimensional (3D) MR Spin TomogrAphy in Time‐Domain (MR‐STAT) protocols use transient‐state, gradient‐spoiled gradient‐echo sequences that are prone to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsation artifacts when applied to the brain. This study aims to develop a 3D MR‐STAT protocol for whole‐brain relaxometry that overcomes the challenges posed by CSF‐induced ghosting artifacts.MethodWe optimized the flip‐angle train within the Cartesian 3D MR‐STAT framework to achieve two objectives: (1) minimization of the noise level in the reconstructed quantitative maps, and (2) reduction of the CSF–to–white‐matter signal ratio to suppress CSF‐associated pulsation artifacts. The optimized new sequence was tested on a gel/water phantom for accuracy evaluation of the quantitative maps, and on healthy volunteers to explore the effectiveness of the CSF artifact suppression and robustness of the new protocol.ResultsAn optimized sequence with high parameter‐encoding capability and low CSF signal response was proposed and validated in the gel/water phantom experiment. From in vivo experiments with 5 volunteers, the proposed CSF‐suppressed sequence produced quantitative maps with no CSF artifacts and showed overall greatly improved image quality compared with the baseline sequence. Statistical analysis indicated low intersubject and interscan variability for quantitative parameters in gray matter and white matter (1.6%–2.4% for T1 and 2.0%–4.6% for T2), demonstrating the robustness of the new sequence.ConclusionWe present a new 3D MR‐STAT sequence with CSF suppression that effectively eliminates CSF pulsation artifacts. The new sequence ensures consistently high‐quality, 1‐mm3 whole‐brain relaxometry within a rapid 5.5‐min scan time.
Two‐step hydrothermal synthesis of Gd2O(CO3)2@Bi‐MOF/graphene nanoplatelets for enhancing 222Rn and gamma radiation shielding of polymethyl methacrylate‐based composites
Authors: Tan Songbo , Jiang Peipei , Liu Jun , Yang Xuan , Lai Yifeng , Hu Xiaowei , Peng Guowen , Wang Guohui 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWith the increasing complexity of radiation environments, the development of effective shielding materials against 222Rn and gamma radiation is critical for ensuring human health and safety. This study utilized a two‐step hydrothermal method to synthesize Gd₂O(CO₃)₂@bismuth‐based metal–organic frameworks (Bi‐MOFs)/graphene nanoplatelets (GBG) composite fillers, followed by melt blending and hot‐press molding to develop GBG/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites aimed at shielding against 222Rn and gamma radiation. The successful synthesis and structural integrity of the composites were confirmed using various characterization techniques, including x‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that the GBG composite filler exhibits superior enhancement in 222Rn shielding capabilities, with the 222Rn diffusion coefficient of GBG/PMMA‐20 composites reduced to 1.41 × 10−13 m2/s, a 98.6% decrease compared to pure PMMA (1.04 × 10−11 m2/s). Furthermore, the GBG demonstrates outstanding improvements in gamma‐ray shielding performance, with the mass attenuation coefficient of GBG/PMMA‐50 reaching 2.70 cm2/g for 59.5 keV gamma rays, nearly 16 times higher than that of pure PMMA (0.16 cm2/g). Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the introduction of GBG fillers significantly improves the thermal stability of the PMMA composites. This work could offer an innovative approach to the design of 222Rn and gamma radiation shielding materials.Highlights
Developed a novel composite for enhanced 222Rn and gamma radiation shielding.
Introduced Gd‐based fillers to enhance gamma radiation attenuation in PMMA composites.
Achieved superior thermal stability in PMMA composites compared to pure PMMA.
Materials designed for application in high‐radiation environments, including mining.
Outcomes of Modulator Therapy Discontinued After Short‐Term Use in Adult Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Karcioglu Oguz , Idikut Aytekin , Ozturk Ebru , Damadoglu Ebru 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionCystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapies (CFTR‐MT) have altered management, reducing exacerbations and slowing pulmonary function decline. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain if the benefits of CFTR‐MTs last when they are stopped. This study aimed to assess pulmonary function changes, and exacerbation rates during and after CFTR‐MT use in adult cystic fibrosis patients.MethodsBetween 2018 and 2022, we conducted a study involving adult CF patients who initially used CFTR‐MTs but later discontinued them due to reimbursement issues. The study was divided into three phases: predrug (T1), in‐drug (T2), and postdrug (T3). We recorded pulmonary function tests, laboratory and culture results, and the number of exacerbations.ResultsThe study involved 33 patients, with 28 (84.8%) receiving Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor and 5 (15.2%) receiving Ivacaftor. The median treatment and interruption durations were 3.1 (IQR = 2.9–5.7), and 2.5 (IQR = 1.5–4.0) months, respectively. The mean FEV1% was 54.3% (± 26.6), 70.4% (± 27.4), and 60.2% (± 26.5) during T1, T2, and T3, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean FVC% was 65.5% (± 23.9) in T1, increased to 81.5% (± 24.5) in T2, and decreased to 71.6% (± 25.9) in T3 (p < 0.001). The number of Psedomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus positive sputum cultures decreased significantly with drug use (T1: 72.7%, 39.4%; T2: 48.5%, 9.1%; T3: 45.5%, 18.2%; p = 0.014, p = 0.004, respectively). The median number of hospitalizations was 1.0 (0–5.0) in T1, 0 (0–0) in T2, and 0 (0–1.0) in T3.ConclusionThis study revealed that CFTR‐MTs are effective even in the short term for adult CF patients, but their beneficial effects quickly diminish after discontinuation. Real‐life data obtained as a result of discontinuation of drugs due to reimbursement problems has highlighted the significance of regular and uninterrupted use of modulators.
Enhanced Esterification Performance of Layered SO42−/TiO2‐H3Ti5NbO14 Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Hu Lifang , Sun Guoxiang , Zhu Jichao , He Jie , Chen Minggong , Li Rui 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSO42−/TiO2‐H3Ti5NbOl4 solid acid catalyst was prepared via high‐temperature calcination, proton exchange, pillaring, and impregnation processes. The structures and anchoring model can be confirmed by XRD, SEM, and FT‐IR. The acidic properties and specific surface area were characterized by NH3‐TPD and N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms. The thermal stability was measured by TG‐DTG. The catalytic performances were evaluated via the esterification reaction of acetic acid and n‐butanol. The results show that SO42−/TiO2‐H3Ti5NbOl4 has stronger acid strength and higher acid content than H3Ti5NbOl4 and TiO2‐H3Ti5NbOl4. The esterification rate of ST‐HTN can be reached at 73.82%. The optimal esterification scheme is as follows: the catalyst dosage is 5 wt%, the molar ratio of alcohol to acid is 1.8:1, the reaction temperature is 127 °C, and reaction time is 5.5 h. Based on the structure‐activity relationship, the esterification properties of the selected catalysts were rationalized, which provided a useful perspective for the development and application of a new generation of esterification catalysts.
Lubricating and Dual‐Responsive Injectable Hydrogels Formulated From ZIF‐8 Facilitate Osteoarthritis Treatment by Remodeling the Microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Yuan Shiguo , Zheng Boyuan , Wu Peng , He Xiuming , Zhao Yi , Zhong Zhangfeng , Zhang Xiaofang , Guan Jian , Wang Huajun , Yang Lei , Zheng Xiaofei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a progressively developing condition primarily characterized by the deterioration of articular cartilage and the proliferation of bone, along with ongoing inflammation. Although the precise pathogenesis remains somewhat elusive, restoring the homeostatic balance of the intra‐articular microenvironment is crucial for the management of OA. Intra‐articular injection of medication is one of the most direct and effective treatment methods; however, most injectable drugs used for osteoarthritis treatment, due to their rapid breakdown, quick release, poor biological activity, and frequent injections, leading to increased risk of infection and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. In this study, a lubricating and dual‐responsive injectable hydrogel based on zeolitic imidazolate frameworks‐8 (ZIF‐8) impregnated with Quercetin (Que) is designed, which can facilitate OA treatment by remodeling the microenvironment. The prepared injectable nanocomposite hydrogel (MH/CCM@ZIF‐8@Que) exhibits pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsiveness, alongside a controllable release of bioactive substances to modulate the microenvironment of bone tissue, thereby mitigating synovitis and the degeneration of cartilage matrix, while simultaneously facilitating cartilage repair. This developed thermosensitive injectable hydrogel, which effectively balances lubrication with the controlled release of bioactive substances, represents a highly promising therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis.
A SWOT Analysis of Software Development Life Cycle Security Metrics
Authors: Khalid Ayesha , Raza Mushtaq , Afsar Palwasha , Khan Rafiq Ahmad , Mohmand Muhammad Ismail , Rahman Hanif Ur 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTCyber security is an ongoing and critical concern due to persistent threats posed by threat actors, such as hackers and crackers. With the development of information and communication technologies (ICT), the widespread usage of software systems has transformed modern society in many ways but also created new issues in protecting confidential and sensitive information. The quantification of security measures can provide evidence to support decision‐making in software security, particularly when assessing the security performance of software systems. This entails understanding the key quality criteria of security metrics, which can assist in constructing security models aligned with practical requirements. To delve deeper into this subject, the current study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) on security metrics and measures within the realm of secure software development (SSD). The study selected 61 research publications for data extraction based on the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study identified 215 software security metrics and classified them into different phases of software development life cycle (SDLC). In order to evaluate the most cited metrics in each phase of SDLC, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was performed. The SWOT analysis offers a structured framework enabling researchers to make more effective, well‐informed decisions and mitigate potential risks, ultimately contributing to more valuable research findings. The study's findings provide researchers guidance for exploring emerging trends and addressing existing gaps in SDLC. This study also provides software professionals with a more comprehensive understanding of security measurements, constraints, and open‐ended specific and general issues.
Mechanical damage coefficients of corroding reinforcement of an old building based on the residual “effective” area
Authors: Andrade Carmen , Muñoz J. J. , Bernabeu A. , Gonzalez A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCorrosion decreases the metal mass of the rebar, which reduces its bearing section in addition to developing the risk of hydrogen embrittlement of the bars due to the acidity created during active corrosion. To evaluate the residual strength of corroding bars, a framework was proposed in a previous paper to categorize the alternative modes of failure (ductile or brittle), emphasizing the need to calculate first what was named “the effective residual” area to further calculate tensile parameters characterizing the stress–strain curve: yield and tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and ultimate strain. Using the effective residual area, it is possible to deduce some damage coefficients of each mechanical property by calculating the ratio of corroded/uncorroded condition and deducing if the uncorroded properties of the steel remain or have been degraded by the corrosion process. In the present paper, such an approach has been applied to bars obtained from a historical building around 100 years old. First, stress–strain tests were performed on quasi‐uncorroded and on corroded bars and thereafter, effective residual area is deduced in this case from the weight loss of the bars. With this effective residual area, we then recalculate the mechanical parameters in corrosion conditions and the corresponding damage coefficients.
Intensity Matters Inside and Outside Primary School: Evidence from High‐CLIL, Low‐CLIL, and Non‐CLIL Learners
Authors: Lázaro‐Ibarrola Amparo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractResearch involving secondary school EFL learners has demonstrated that greater intensity of exposure, via CLIL lessons, yields notable benefits. However, studies in primary school are scarce and less optimistic. Furthermore, little is known about the effects of different degrees of CLIL intensity and of learners' exposure to Extramural English (EE) through formal or informal out‐of‐school activities. To address these gaps, this study examines the impact of CLIL and EE on the proficiency of 180 primary school learners of English (aged 10–11 years) divided into a high‐CLIL (N = 78), a low‐CLIL (N = 56), and a non‐CLIL (N = 46) group. Results showed some advantages among high‐CLIL learners, including higher scores and less intragroup variability, while no significant differences were observed between low‐CLIL and non‐CLIL learners. EE activities were common, with several weak but positive correlations found between EE and proficiency, particularly involving watching TV and reading, and mainly affecting non‐CLIL learners.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of Iodes seguinii and its metabonomic implications for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Authors: Gong Xun , Zhang Hantao , Guo Yinluo , Yu Shaoshuai , Tang Min 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIodes seguinii is a woody vine known for its potential therapeutic applications in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to its rich bioactive components. Here, we achieved the first chromosome‐level assembly of the nuclear genome of I. seguinii using PacBio HiFi and chromatin conformation capture (Hi‐C) sequencing data. The initial assembly with PacBio data produced contigs with an N50 length of 9.71 Mb, and Hi‐C data anchored these contigs into 13 chromosomes, achieving a total length of 273.58 Mb, closely matching the estimated genome size. Quality assessments, including BUSCO, long terminal repeat assembly index, transcriptome mapping rates, and sequencing coverage, confirmed the high quality, completeness, and continuity of the assembly, identifying 115.28 Mb of repetitive sequences, 1062 RNA genes, and 25,270 protein‐coding genes. Additionally, we assembled and annotated the 150,599 bp chloroplast genome using Illumina sequencing data, containing 121 genes including key DNA barcodes, with maturase K (matK) proving effective for species identification. Phylogenetic analysis positioned I. seguinii at the base of the Lamiales clade, identifying significant gene family expansions and contractions, particularly related to secondary metabolite synthesis and DNA damage repair. Metabolite analysis identified 84 active components in I. seguinii, including the discovery of luteolin, with 119 targets predicted for RA treatment, including core targets like AKT1, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TP53, NFKB1, janus kinase 2 (JAK2), BCL2, mitogen‐activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and spleen‐associated tyrosine kinase (SYK). Key active components such as flavonoids and polyphenols with anti‐inflammatory activities were highlighted. The discovery of luteolin, in particular, underscores its potential therapeutic role. These findings provide a valuable genomic resource and a scientific basis for the development and application of I. seguinii, addressing the genomic gap in the genus Iodes and the order Icacinales and underscoring the need for further research in genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics to fully explore its potential.
Analyzing the divergence and development of business models for urban farming
Authors: de Jong Annelise , Milestad Rebecka , Bustamante Maria J. , Martin Michael 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUrban farming initiatives are increasingly considered to contribute to the development of sustainable cities—not only regarding increased circularity and resource efficiency but also to address and improve the social and economic dimensions of city regions’ sustainability. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding upscaling and how urban farms can become more viable. The aim of this study was to explore the current business development of urban farming as well as the drivers and barriers for their upscaling. The study employs a qualitative case study on 10 commercial urban farms in the Stockholm region, where data were collected through semi‐structured interviews. The analysis showed that the market consists of a large variety of urban farm types, with business models adapted to their situation. The competition for gaining a larger market share in terms of yield is challenging, so some farms have instead aimed to offer their technological knowledge or diverse packages of other societal and professional services. This shift toward technology and services is apparent for several of the urban farms in the study and requires a completely new set of skills for employees. By expanding through decentralized food production, on‐farm gastronomy, technical product‐service systems, or by providing societal services, there are ample opportunities for increasing the market share of the farms.