bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of different zeolite incorporation of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes for pervaporation dehydration of isopropanol
Authors: Chavan Shreenivas G. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes incorporating bentonite (BNT), montmorillonite (MMT), and zeolite-A (ZEO-A). The physicochemical properties of the resulting membranes were analysed using techniques such as FT-IR, WXRD, TGA, and DSC. Before subjecting the membranes to pervaporation studies, sorption studies were conducted in various water-isopropanol compositions. The influence of different zeolites on pervaporation performance was systematically investigated for water-isopropanol mixture separation at varying temperatures. Among the membranes, the ZEO-A incorporated membrane exhibited the highest separation factor of 382, with a flux of 6.459×10− 2 kg m− 2 h− 1 for 10 mass% water in the feed. The total flux and water flux overlapped, suggesting effective breaking of the water/isopropanol azeotropic point. The activation energy for water permeation (Epw) was significantly lower than that of isopropanol (EpIPA), indicating superior separation ability of the ZEO-A incorporated PVA-TEOS membrane, particularly in isopropanol dehydration. Moreover, the negative heat of sorption (∆Hs) for all membranes suggested dominance of Langmuir's sorption mode.
Research on characterization methods for the anti-sagging performance of polyethylene
Authors: Wang Jingfan , Jin Yucheng , Zhuang Liqi , He Ruiheng , Zhao Shicheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The quality of anti-sagging performance directly influences the application scope of bimodal polyethylene. Although research exists on the characterization methods of anti-sagging performance in bimodal polyethylene, few studies have indicated which testing methods can most accurately characterize this property. This study compares different testing indicators, including melt flow index, melt strength, rheological behavior, molecular weight, and entanglement of molecular chains, to identify the most precise ones for characterizing the anti-sagging performance of polyethylene. A comprehensive analysis combining the properties of the test materials and the test results indicates that zero shear viscosity and relaxation time can effectively characterize the anti-sagging resistance properties of polyethylene. In contract, melt flow index, melt strength, and entanglement of molecular chains are inadequate for accurately characterizing anti-sagging performance. This study will provide an effective and accurate method for characterizing the modification of anti-sagging performance of polyethylene.
Characterization of Nano-decorated L. Lactis as a putative Theranostic Agent
Authors: Caldo Davide , Vighetto Veronica , Scutera Sara , Musso Tiziana , Cauda Valentina 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background. Lactococcus lactis has a long history of safe food and pharmaceutical applications. Its non-pathogenic nature and presence in the human microbiome also make it a promising candidate for theranostic applications. Nanoparticle coating offers a means to equip bacteria with spatial-temporal manipulation capability, cargo release control, and life cycle modulation by exogenous signals such as ultrasounds. Surprisingly, scientific literature lacks any reference data concerning L. lactis-based platforms.
Methods. Lipid-shelled, iron-doped zinc nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were generated. Bacteria and nanoparticle cultures with and without ultrasound stimulation were studied by confocal fluorescence microscopy and optical densitometry viability assays.
Results. Bacterial growth curve was unaffected by nanoparticles concentrations up to 100 µg/ml at 48 hours, nor by applying ultrasound energies of 1 MHz frequency, 0.9 W/cm2 acoustic density and 2-minute exposure.
Conclusions. Lipid-shelled ZnO-NPs are well tolerated by L. lactis and can be co-localized with bacteria in due time. L. lactis resist to ultrasound stimulations, even when in presence with NPs with energies sufficient to reach deep tissues in humans that would result in eukaryotic cell apoptosis. Our findings provide strong support for the validity of this approach in a variety of fields and set useful protocols for researchers. We discuss limitations and future research towards theranostic applications.
The mediating effects of Mindful Self-care and Nurses’ Perceived Professional Benefits on the relationship between Compassion Satisfaction and Burnout of Chinese Oncology Nurses: a cross sectional study
Authors: Shi Yan , Hu Jing , Hu Yanli , Liu Lamei , Chen Jing , Xu Yan , Zhu Di 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Oncology nurses experience more stress than other unit which can lead to burnout. Burnout can infect oncology nurses’ caring behavior of empathy-based care and change their well-being. Many researches demonstrates the potential associations between compassion satisfaction, mindful self-care and nurses’ perceived professional benefits and burnout. This study aimed to explore the mediation role of satisfaction, mindful self-care and nurses’ perceived professional benefits on the relationships between compassion satisfaction and burnout. Methods An online anonymous cross-sectional survey of 301 oncology nurses was conducted from May to April 2023. The survey was conducted following the CHERRIES checklist. The subjects were given the general demographic information questionnaire, professional quality of life scale, brief mindful self-care scale and brief nurses’ perceived professional benefits questionnaire. The data was processed by SPSS and AMOS. The descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and the bootstrap method were used. Results 285 valid questionnaires were obtained. The correlation analysis identified a positive correlation between compassion satisfaction, mindful self-care and nurses’ perceived professional benefits and burnout(r=-0.700-0.743, P < 0.001). Mindful self-care and nurses’ perceived professional benefits partially mediated the relationship between compassion satisfaction and burnout. Mindful self-care and nurses’ perceived professional benefits played a chain mediating role between compassion satisfaction and burnout. Conclusions The underlying mechanism can explain the relationships between compassion satisfaction and burnout: a direct predictor and an indirect effect through mindful self-care and nurses’ perceived professional benefits. Nursing manager should pay more attention to the importance of compassion satisfaction and construct tailored strategies for improving burnout depending on mindful self-care and nurses’ perceived professional benefits.
Privacy-Preserving Federated Transfer Learning for Multi-Class Few-Shot Classification
Authors: Chunduru Sri Abhijit , Y Annie Jerusha , P Syed Ibrahim S , Varadharajan Vijay 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Federated learning (FL) is a potential method for training machine learning models that aims to minimize the sharing of data to maximize privacy and performance. However, constructing efficient FL-Network Intrusion Detection Systems(NIDS) requires a substantial quantity of varied training data. Identifying rare attack classes with few shots presents a growing obstacle in this domain, and their detection is a pressing concern. This research proposes a novel FL framework to address the problem by decreasing false alarm rates for unseen attack classes and enhancing the detection of rare classes with a few shots by adaptive personalized layers in FL at the client end. The proposed model employs transfer learning to detect zero-day attacks by gathering tailored client gradients and updating the global model on the server side after observing many rounds of new shots. This strategy aims to disseminate knowledge about rare attack classes to all clients by employing a global model on the server within the federated ecosystem. More precisely, this study has accomplished two significant feats: (i) showcasing the enhancement of identifying rare attack classes and (ii) detecting zero-day attacks in a Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) environment by conducting experiments in different scenarios. We thoroughly assessed our proposed approach using the CSE-CICIDS-2018 dataset across several class distribution scenarios. The results exhibit strong performance in identifying and managing novel and rare attack classes compared to current models.
Burden of Autoimmune Diseases on Psychological Wellbeing
Authors: Besar Marwa A , Soliman Amir , Abulatta Youssef , Hussein Mohamed , Abdelhadi Mahmoud , khaled Omnia , hamza Sabrien 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erethymatosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Psoriasis and Scleroderma) are prone to psychiatric conditions where psychosis and schizophrenia were the most common psychiatric associated with autoimmune diseases. The underlying mechanism of this association is still unknown but may be related to elevated inflammatory cytokine in autoimmune patients.
Objective: to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases .
Results: the study showed that the most frequent psychiatric disorders in RA patients were panic attack 61.3%, social anxiety 54.5%, major depressive disorder 51.3%, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD)47.6%, social troubles 44% and delusion 43.2%. While panic attacks 55.2%, Delusion 54.3%, Major depressive disorder 51.3%, OCD 50%, social anxiety 47.4% are the most common psychiatric manifestation among SLE patients. Bechet’s disease is associated with delusion 66.7%, social troubles 65.2%, major depressive disorder 65.2%, panic attacks 65.2%, OCD 60.9% and social troubles 56.5%. Panic attacks78.6%, major depressive illness 57.1%, social troubles 57.1% and GAD 50% are the commonest psychiatric manifestation among ankylosing spondylitis patients while social anxiety 75%, panic attack 62.5%, OCD 50% and major depressive disorder 50% are the commonest in primary systemic vacuities. All scleroderma patients had panic attacks 100%, major depressive disorder 75%, social anxiety 75% and OCD 75%. Other psychiatric disorders as suicidal tendency, dysthymia, hypomania and anorexia nervosa were less common in all studied groups.
Conclusion
there is a high prevalence of psychological disorders (as panic attack, social anxiety and major depressive disorder), among patients with autoimmune diseases, so frequent screening about these psychiatric disorders is recommended.
Biocompatible Elastomeric Transistors for Implantable Bioelectronics
Authors: Oh Jin Young , Jung Kyu Ho , Hyun Jiyu , Koo Yong Sung , Jeong Min Woo , Nam Tea Uk , Vo Ngoc Thanh Phuong , An Jiseon , Yang Juan , Bhang Suk Ho , Yoon Jeong-Kee 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Implantable bioelectronics transforms the interface between electronics and biological systems, enabling continuous in situ monitoring and modulation of electrophysiological signals. A critical challenge remains in the mechanical mismatch between conventional rigid electronic components and soft biological tissues, which can lead to tissue damage and inflammation. Additionally, the low biocompatibility of existing soft electronic components exacerbates these issues. Here, we present biocompatible, elastomeric organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) designed for implantable applications. These OFETs utilize a blend of semiconducting nanofibers and medical-grade elastomers, such as poly[(dithiophene)-alt-(2,5-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-3,6-bis(thienyl)-diketopyrrolopyrrole)] (DPPT-TT) and bromo butyl rubber (BIIR), respectively. This composite film exhibits exceptional mechanical stretchability and biocompatibility with similar Young’s modulus with human tissues, maintaining high electrical performance even under 50% strain. In addition, the integration of biocompatible dual-layer Ag-Au metallization results in robust, stretchable, and corrosion-resistant electrodes. In vitro assessments with human dermal fibroblasts and macrophages confirmed the biocompatibility of the materials, showing no adverse effects on cell viability, proliferation, or migration. In vivo implantation studies in BALB/C mice revealed no significant inflammatory response or tissue damage, underscoring the potential for long-term biointegration. Our biocompatible and stretchable OFETs demonstrated stable operation in logic circuits, including inverters, NOR, and NAND gates under physiological conditions, offering a promising platform for various medical applications, from diagnostics to therapeutic interventions.
Highly Tunable Flexible AgCu/Cotton Pressure Sensor using Surface Morphological Engineering for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Zheng Jiaojiao , Cao Tianyu , Wang Jianxiao , Xu Wenhao , Qu Yihan , Wang Jiafen , Wu Yunlong , Song Yanyan , He Lizhong , Chen Xudong , Yang Jie , Qu Yinhu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Engineering the active layer of pressure sensors with micro-nano structures is increasingly important in improving their sensing properties, such as sensitivity and detection range. However, existing structures based on template methods continue to face manufacturing challenges and unpredictable structures, making it difficult to optimize sensing performance. To address the aforementioned shortcomings, this study proposes highly tunable metallic silver copper micro-nano structures adapted on cotton fabric (AgCu/cotton) to adjust the interfacial contact sites and optimize the sensing properties. The shape, size, and distribution of the metallic AgCu are preciously regulated, and various distinctive morphologies including two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets stacking, three-dimensional (3D) irregular protrusions, and nanoparticles aggregation were obtained. Specifically, the 3D irregular protrusions exhibit gradient protrusions of varying heights and shapes (nanosheets, nanoparticles, and so on), encouraging multiple deformations and enhanced interfacial contact sites. While the hierarchical porous structure of cotton fabric enhances structural compressibility. Collectively, the synergistic results of the 3D irregular protrusions and the hierarchical porous structure allow for a high sensitivity (117 kPa-1), a quick response time (500 ms), and outstanding stability (2000 cycles). These excellent sensing properties enable the pressure sensor to be successfully applied in joint movement detection and swallowing recognition. The discovery could pave the way for a more cost-effective and widespread approach to a controlled and improved piezoresistive pressure sensor.
Development of plant-based antimicrobial cellulosic fabrics
Authors: M. Naseera S. , R Prabha , R. Saminathan , V. Rameshbabu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This paper details the assessment and evaluation of eight medicinal plants, found in Tamil Nadu, India, in order to develop indigenous antimicrobial fabrics for use in healthcare and home textile sectors. Qualitative phytochemical examination of the plant extracts and subsequent testing against common microbes (both gram-positive and gram-negative) was used to rate the effectiveness of solvent. Additionally, antioxidant activity (by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay) was studied using ascorbic acid as reference standard. Antimicrobial actuators such as alkaloids, terpenoids, phenol, and tannin were the secondary metabolites identified by phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts. Methanol extracts of B. variegata, C. quadrangularis, and S. torvum demonstrated good antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus. In terms of percentage inhibition, the antioxidant activity for the methanol extract fractions was almost identical to that of the reference. Antibacterial evaluation of cellulosic fabrics (cotton, bamboo and 50/50 bamboo-cotton) finished by pad-dry-cure method with above plant extracts revealed inhibitory zones ranging from 23mm to 32mm following EN ISO 20645 standards against E. coli and S. aureus respectively. The findings indicate that the identified plant extracts could be employed to develop indigenous biomedical and home textile products after process optimization and field trials.
Improvement and Recovery of Intestinal Flora Disorder Caused by Ciprofloxacin Using Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Su Xiumin , Su Li , Cao Mengyuan , Sun Yulu , Dai Jinghan , He Yuanjie , Li Wei , Ge Wupeng , Lv Xin , Zhang Qiang , Cui Shenghui , Chen Jia , Yang Baowei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this study, four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains demonstrating ciprofloxacin, bile salt, gastric fluid and intestinal fluid tolerance; as well as adhesion ability to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells were used to improve and recover the intestinal flora disorders caused by ciprofloxacin. Among which, Lactobacillus brevis 505 exhibited excellent adhesion ability to two kinds of cells and colonization ability to mouse intestinal. After ciprofloxacin treatment, certain recovery effect on cecum caused by ciprofloxacin in the mice was found during natural recovery (group 5C2), but it was challenging to fully restore the intestinal integrity to the initial level. After L. brevis 505 intervention (group 5C5), the intestinal damage to the colon and ileum caused by ciprofloxacin in mice was significantly alleviated, the recovery effect was better than that of natural recovery. Additionally, L. brevis 505 could effectively regulate INF-γ, sIgA and RegⅢγ increase induced by ciprofloxacin. Shannon and Simpson index of the intestinal flora of mice in 5C5 group were higher than those in other group, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the mice in 5C5 group was increased, indicating that LAB can better restore the structure and abundance of intestinal microflora. Consequently, L. brevis 505 shows promise as a probiotic for gut microbiota restoration and rebuilding during antibiotic therapy.
Investigation of electrical properties at ambient and high temperature of Al 2 O 3 based Schottky barrier diodes structure using I-V, C-V and G/ω-V measurements
Authors: Hlali Slah , Bourguiba F. , Hizem Neila , Kalboussi Adel , Dhahri R. , Al-Syadi A. M. , Elkenany Elkenany Brens , Kossi S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The study on the temperature effect on the electrical properties of aluminum in metal-insulator-semiconductor TiN/Al2O3/p-Si diodes found that temperature has a significant influence on its electrical properties. Temperature changes led to alterations in the interface states and series resistance, as well as affected the current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), and conductance-voltage (G/ω-V) characteristics of the diodes. Higher temperatures resulted in a decrease in interface states and a lower leakage current, indicating improved performance. These findings can contribute crucial information for optimizing the performance and reliability of semiconductor devices that utilize aluminum oxide as a gate dielectric in high-temperature applications.
Butyrate modulates the epigenetic landscape of human natural killer cells and affects their regulatory function
Authors: Laroni Alice , Carlini Federico , Squillario Margherita , Casella Valentina , Capaia Matteo , Lusi Valeria , Bagnara Davide , Colombo Monica , Palmeri Serena , Ivaldi Federico , Loiacono Fabrizio , Uccelli Antonio , Piana Michele , Laroni Alice 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Gut bacteria-derived metabolites, such as butyrate (BUT), shape the function of T cells through inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC). Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with important effector and regulatory functions; little is known on the effect of BUT on NK cells. Here we aimed at evaluating whether BUT affects the epigenetic landscape of human NK cells. We found that BUT inhibits HDAC on human NK cells. Through ATAC sequencing, we demonstrated that BUT affects the chromatin accessibility of human NK cells, influencing, among others, genetic pathways related to immune regulation and response to viruses, and genes encoding for micro-RNAs. We identified, through analysis of published transcriptomic data, genes specific for NK-cell functional clusters, and we overlapped results of ATAC-sequencing, finding that BUT activates genes specific for CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells, and represses genes specific for non-classical NK cells. Through flow cytometry, we observed that BUT induces CD69 + NK cells and decreases CD56bright NK cells. Finally, we found that the suppressor function of CD56bright NK cells towards autologous CD4 + T cells was decreased by BUT. In conclusion, we show that BUT affects the epigenetic landscape of human NK cells, their phenotype and regulatory function.
Preparation of lead-coated sweet sorghum stalk-based carbon material and its electrochemical performance
Authors: Liang Qiuqun , Lan Xiaoqi , Liu Zheng , Ma Junjie , Han Guo-Cheng , Wang Hao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Sweet sorghum stalk can be used to prepare carbon materials and used in lead carbon battery negative materials. In this work, the sweet sorghum stalk was pretreated with 5 wt.% H3PO4, after heated at 550℃ for 105 min, lead-coated sweet sorghum stalk-based carbon materials were prepared by the solvent method, and their electrochemical performance were measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), as well as BET test, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray powder diffraction spectrum (XRD) methods. The negative electrode materials contained lead-coated sweet sorghum stalk-based carbon material and physical grinding compared material were assembled into simulated lead-carbon batteries, the charge-discharge tester was used to test their first charge-discharge curves and cycle life curves, the first discharge specific capacity of two kinds materials were 73.0 mAh/g and 57.24 mAh/h, with 71.8% and 57.5% of capacity retention ratios after 150 cycles, respectively, shown that the simulated lead-carbon battery with new prepared carbon material exhibits better electrochemical performance.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of demethoxycurcumin in periodontitis
Authors: Reddy Saravanan Sampoornam Pape , Francis Delfin Lovelina , Thirumoorthi Harshini , Srivast Devendra , Katti Neelima , Chopra Sukhbir Singh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This computational analysis investigated the potential benefits of Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and studied the antimicrobial ligand binding sites of DMC specifically in the key endotoxin, Lipid A of P.gingivalis and host modulation with chemokine receptor of oral fibroblasts (CCR3/CCR4).
Materials and Methods
Protein structure preparation was performed using CHARMM force fields and protein-ligand docking was performed using Discovery Studio 2.0 software. DMC was docked with lipid A of P.gingivalis using the UCSF Chimaera program and the interactions in binding pockets of the resulting poses were analyzed using the VMD program.
Results
The results were promising, indicating a strong affinity between DMC and the active sites on the targeted proteins of P.gingivalis, suggesting a potential for DMC to interrupt the pathogenic mechanisms. The study identified several amino acid residues that are potentially capable of forming bonds with DMC, which may elucidate its mechanisms as an antimicrobial agent.
Conclusion
This study provides important data on the molecular efficacy of DMC, offering potential new approach for local drug delivery in combination with host modulation for management of periodontitis, which, if further developed and validated through clinical studies, could revolutionize periodontal therapy.
Clinical Relevance
Demethoxycurcumin is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Molecular docking showed that DMC can serve as a potential local drug delivery agent for periodontitis management. In addition to antimicrobial action against P.gingivalis, DMC also exhibits host modulating property on oral fibroblasts in molecular dynamic simulation.