bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ formation of a melt-solid interface towards stable oxygen reduction in protonic ceramic fuel cells
Authors: Li Mengran , Feng Desheng , Peterson Vanessa K. , Lin Rijia , D'Angelo Anita , Marenych Olexandra , Yago Anya , Yazid Bin Zulkifli Muhammad , Zhu Tianjiu , Gao Shuai , Wu Yuming , Zhu Zhong , Tian Xiaohe , Du Xiaoyang , Appadoo Dominique 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) are one of the promising routes to generate power efficiently from various fuels at economically viable temperatures (500–700°C) due to the use of fast proton conducting oxides as electrolytes. However, the power density and durability of the PCFCs are still limited by their cathodes made from solid metal oxides, which are challenging to address the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction and susceptibility to CO2 simultaneously. Here, we report an alternative approach to address this challenge by developing a new melt-solid interface through the in situ alkali metal surface segregation and consecutive eutectic formation at perovskite oxide surface at PCFC operating temperatures. This new approach in cathode engineering is successfully demonstrated over a lithium and sodium co-doped BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ perovskite as the model material. Our experimental results unveil that the unique in situ formed melt-solid surface stabilises the catalytically active phase in bulk and promotes catalytically active sites at surface. Our novel engineered melt-solid interface enhanced the stability of the cathode against poisoning in 10% CO2 by a factor of 1.5 in a symmetrical cell configuration and by a factor of more than two in PCFC single cells.
Complete breakup of liquids into ultrafine droplets by grid turbulence
Authors: Wu Hui , Li Ziwei , Cui Zhiwen , Cheng Zekun , Zhao Shanyu , Huang Ya , Li Shuojin , Zhou Yiqian , Fan Yuchen , Du Peng , Lu Sheng , Zhao Lihao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Ultrafine droplets play an important role in materials processing and nanotechnology, with crucial applications in nanoparticle preparation, molecular spraying, water evaporation, nanodrug delivery, nano-printing/coating, among numerous others. While the potential of turbulent gas flow to enhance liquid breakup is acknowledged, the construction of turbulence-driven atomizers for generating ultrafine droplets remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report the innovation of grid-turbulence atomization (GTA), which employed a rotating mesh to deliver liquid and an air knife to spray ultrafine droplets. The airflow across the mesh transitions from laminar to grid-turbulence, leading to complete liquid breakup with three-stages: bag formation, stretching, and turbulence-induced breakup. Ultrafine water droplets with a 4.8 µm Sauter mean diameter have been achieved through GTA. The GTA system demonstrates versatility in atomizing various liquids including those with high viscosities of ~ 1000 cP. We further achieved high-quality production of ultrafine powders including milk, coffee, sugar, polymers, and ceramics, based on the combination of GTA and spray-drying. Our strategic methodology establishes pivotal link between turbulence characteristics and materials processing, influencing a wide range of applications and sparking further innovation in the field.
Temperature rising is threatening adolescent mental health
Authors: Hao Zhuang , Yuan Xinhai , Xie Yang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Climate change impacts human health throughout the human life cycle. Previous studies have confirmed that climate change, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly affects adults' mental health. However, studies regarding the impact on adolescents are still lacking. This is particularly worrying because adolescents may be more susceptible to the effects of climate change than adults due to their physical and emotional immaturity and vulnerability. Here, we found that increases in average temperatures worsened adolescents' mental health, measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, using data from 2010 and 2014 China Family Panel Studies. This effect is robust to alternative measures of mental health. In addition, younger adolescents and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more vulnerable to temperature changes. We recommend developing public policies to help adolescents adapt with temperature changes, particularly for younger adolescents and those from underprivileged families.
Intention to Use Reusable Shopping Bags in an Emerging Economy: A Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) Analysis
Authors: Tran Thien-Vu , Le Manh-Tan , Melad Amancio III 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Single-use plastic (SUP) bags at supermarkets have detrimentally exacerbated the plastic waste and dump in landfills. Reusable shopping bags are a feasible solution to alleviate plastic production and consumption, particularly in an emerging economy. The study examined the intention to use reusable shopping bags instead of SUP bags, driven by personal norms and planning behavior. Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analysis was employed on a dataset of 536 Vietnamese consumers. The study found that instead of obligation, voluntary contribution to reduce plastic bag pollutant is predominant. Findings also indicate that enhancing public awareness and knowledge regarding environmental protection is significantly important. Some demographic characteristics, such as age, education, members in household, and incomes also moderate the relationship between driving factors and intentions. Finally, this study prescribes some policy implications and practical solutions to reduce and gradually restrict SUP in Vietnam.
Effects of curcumol on ferroptosis and tube forming ability of hepatic sinus endothelial cells
Authors: Wang Jiahui , Huang Na , Zhao Tiejian , Wang Lei , Zheng Yang , Xiao Huaye 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
To explore the effects of curcumol on ferroptosis and angiogenesis of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, further elucidate the molecular mechanism of curcumol against liver fibrosis, and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of chronic liver disease.
Methods
We used VEGF to construct pathological model group, and divided hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells into blank group, model group, high, middle and low curcumol group. Ferroptosis and angiogenesis were detected by various cell molecular biology experiments.
Results
Curcumol significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, significantly increased the expression of P53 and TFR1 protein, significantly decreased the expression of FTH1 protein, significantly promoted the occurrence of iron death, and significantly inhibited angiogenesis. When we knocked out p53, the effect of curcumol contributing to the onset of ferroptosis was rescued, while curcumol's role in inhibiting angiogenesis was saved, which was the same effect as when we used Ferrostatin-1.
Conclusions
Curcumol targets the P53-TFR1-FTH1 signalling axis and induces massive deposition of iron ions in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, leading to the onset of ferroptosis inhibiting hepatic angiogenesis, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms of its anti-hepatic fibrosis.
Performance of P. pallida on saline sodic Vertisols: as a nature based low-cost phyto-rehabilitation technique in SAT region
Authors: Ningappa Ramesha Mundre , Raizada Anurag , Patil Shekhargouda L. , M Prabhavathi , Biswas Hrittick , P. Ratha Krishnan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Globally, 1257 Mha land area deteriorated and degrading due to excess salt accumulation in the soil profile. Reclamation of salt affected soils (SAS), particularly in the agricultural landscapes, is essential to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goal and restoration of 350 Mha degraded land by 2030. Therefore, identification nature-based feasible techniques are essential to accomplish the restoration goal. In direction, Prosopis pallida was introduced on saline-sodic Vertisols (SSV) and evaluated for its biomass production, changes that brings in soil chemical properties and recovery of understory vegetation. P. pallida established on SSV with > 90% survivability and produced 24 to 35 kg tree− 1aboveground biomass (AGB) in low and high density stands, respectively. The AGB accumulation in high-density stand was 24 Mg ha− 1, that can fetch direct economic benefit of 9000 ha− 1yr− 1. Chemical properties of SSV significantly improved over six years. Mean ECe reduced from 6.16 to 3.78 dS m− 1, mean ESP from 57–49% and mean SAR from 23.3 to 8.0 and soil pH increased from 8.1 to 8.3. Exchangeable sodium significantly reduced and an average of five-fold reduction in sodium was recorded. Similarly, ~ three-fold and ~ four times reduction in soil exchangeable calcium (Ca) and exchangeable magnesium (Mg) was observed, respectively. Further, appearance of herbs, shrubs and tree regeneration, indicates microhabitat improvement and initiation of plant succession. Thus, P. pallida stand was effective in altering soil properties of the SSV and can be identified as a tree for re-habilitation of SSV in the semi-arid tropics (SAT).
Phytochemical Analysis, OHR-LCMS Assisted Metabolite Profiling, and Antifungal Activity of Natural Products from the Medicinal Plant Tragia Plukentii A.R. sm as Antitinea Agents
Authors: Butle Santosh Ramrao , Sharif Sayyad Sumer , Deshmukh Manish Purushottam 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Tinea, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, affects approximately 25% of the global population, and Trichophyton rubrum is the main causative agent. Although these infections usually appear as superficial skin issues, they can become serious in diabetic or immunocompromised individuals. Despite the traditional antifungal reputation of Tragia plukentii, scientific studies on its phytoconstituent profile via OHR-LCMS analysis and its efficacy against T. rubrum are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of Tragia plukentii against T. rubrum and to assess its potential as an alternative treatment for Tinea pedis.
Methods
Tragia plukentii plants were authenticated, and healthy leaves were collected and shade-dried for 10‒15 days. The dried leaves were ground into a fine powder and extracted via the Soxhlet method with solvents of various polarities. The physical and chemical properties of the leaf powder were assessed, and the extracts were analyzed for bioactive phytocompounds via OHR-LCMS. The antifungal activity of the extracts against Trichophyton rubrum (ATCC28188) was evaluated using the cell diffusion method, and the efficacy of the extracts was compared with that of the standard drug terbinafine by measuring inhibition zones.
Results
This study identified 92 and 29 bioactive phytoconstituents in the positive and negative ionization modes of the OHR-LCMS spectrum, respectively, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterols, glycosides, and terpenoids, in glacial acetic acid extract for the first time. The key compounds identified included NP-001787, quercetin, methyl hippuric acid, and xanthohumol, which were validated using mzCloud and the Spider Search Database. Among the six extracts tested, the glacial acetic acid extract showed highly potent antifungal activity with a notably larger inhibition zone of 45 mm, surpassing the standard drug terbinafine (29 mm), and the water (11 mm), cyclohexane (11 mm), and methanol (10 mm) extracts exhibited moderate antifungal activity, whereas the other extracts showed weaker activity.
Conclusions
This study revealed the significant antifungal potential of Tragia plukentii extracts, particularly the glacial acetic acid extract, which exhibited a 45 mm inhibition zone against Trichophyton rubrum, outperforming the standard antifungal drug terbinafine (29 mm). This study also highlighted the importance of OHR-LCMS in generating a detailed phytochemical profile crucial for identifying bioactive compounds.
The trial registration number (TRN):
‘Clinical trial number: not applicable.’
Genome-wide Identification of Torreya grandis AMT Family Genes Revealed the Function and Regulation of the Nitrogen Stress Responsive Gene TgAMT5
Authors: Guan Yuanyuan , Li Yi , Wei Yao , Li Xu , Chen Weijie , Yu Chenliang , Wu Jiasheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Ammonium transporters (AMTs) are a class of transmembrane proteins widely found in plants, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms, mediating transmembrane ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) transport, which is one of the crucial pathways for plants to obtain nitrogen from resources. AMTs have been studied in many plants but have not been systematically analyzed in Torreya grandis.
Results
This study first used bioinformatics to identify members of the T. grandis AMT family and then real time quantitative PCR to explore their tissue expression patterns and abiotic stress responses. The physical and chemical properties, secondary structure, and evolutionary relationships of the encoded proteins were ascertained. There were ten members of the gene family, named TgAMT1–TgAMT10, which were located on six chromosomes, with coding sequence lengths of 975–1629 bp. Subcellular localization predicted all members to be located on the plasma membrane. Phylogenetic analysis divided the TgAMTs into two subfamilies, AMT1 and AMT2. There were significant differences in gene structure and conserved motifs among the subfamilies, but Motif 1, Motif 3, and Motif 4 were common to all. The expression of TgAMTs was histologically specific. Additionally, nitrogen morphology also affected TgAMTs expression. TgAMT5 was identified as a potential member involved in the response to NH4+-induced stress. The gene function of TgAMT5 was verified in transgenic A. thaliana and was found to promote plant growth and development, especially root growth, by absorbing ammonium salt through roots. In addition, dual-luciferase and yeast one-hybrid assays showed that the transcription factor TgWRKY2 could directly bind to the TgAMT5 promoter and enhance its expression.
Conclusion
This study can provide theoretical basis for the efficient use of nitrogen in Torreya grandis, and lay a foundation for exploring nitrogen uptake and utilization in gymnosperms.
A breeding method for Ogura CMS restorer line independent of restorer source in Brassica napus
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Liang Xingyu , Wang Rui , Gao Yuan , Li Yun , Shi Haoran , Gong Wanzhuo , saleem Saira , Zou Qiong , Tao Lanrong , Kang Zeming , Yang Jin , Yu Qin , Wu Qiaobo , Liu Hailan , Fu Shaohong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The Ogura cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) line of Brassica napus has gained significant attention for its use in harnessing heterosis. Unlike other CMS lines, the sterility of this line remains unaffected by temperature and environment, making it a reliable option. Additionally, its sterility is thorough and stable. The Ogura cytoplasmic restorer line of Brassica napus is derived from the distant hybridization of radishes and Brassica napus. Since, there is no homologous allele of the restorer gene in Brassica napus, transferring it becomes challenging.
Results
In the current study, the doubled haploid (DH) inducer in B. napus was used as the male parent for hybridization with the Ogura CMS of B. napus. Surprisingly, fertile plants appeared in the offspring. Further analysis revealed that the cytoplasmic type, ploidy, and chromosome number of the fertile offspring were consistent with those of the sterile female parent. Moreover, a SNP chip analysis showed that the nuclear gene similarity between the fertile offspring and the sterile female parent was 89.67%, while the mitochondrial genome was a remarkable 97.7%. This indicated that the restorer gene was successfully produced. To further investigate and locate the restorer gene, the BSA method was employed to construct extreme mixed pools. As a result, the restorer gene was mapped to three positions: A09 chromosome 10.99–17.20 Mb, C03 chromosome 5.07–5.34 Mb, and C09 chromosome 18.78–36.60 Mb.
Conclusion
The experimental results have proved that induction does produce restorer genes. The induction of the Ogura CMS restorer gene through DH induction provides a promising new approach for harnessing heterosis in B. napus.
Phytochemicals Antitumor activity of an aqueous from Vaccinium meridionale in a three-dimensional colon adenocarcinoma model
Authors: Ceballos-Duque Susana María , Maldonado-Celis María Elena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Vaccinium meridionale is an Andean Berry with proven antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities in two-dimensional models of colon cancer cells. In the present study, an aqueous extract from Andean berry induces apoptosis in a three-dimensional cell model of colon adenocarcinoma. The aqueous extract's total phenol and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activity were determined; it’s Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was obtained; and its effect on the morphology, cell cycle, apoptosis, and senescence of SW480 cell spheroids was evaluated. The most quantitatively significant phenolic compounds were total tannins and total anthocyanin. The ORAC value was the most active mechanism, followed by ABTS and DPPH values. The IC50 (33.62 ± 1.3 mg/mL and 5.91 ± 1.0 mg/mL) was obtained at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. The extract decreased the size of spheroids, induced accumulation of hypodiploid cells in the SubG1 phase, reduced the percentage of senescent cells, and increased annexin-V positive cells involving caspases activation compared to non-treated spheroids. These results showed that V. meridionale aqueous extract exerts its antitumoral effect on colon adenocarcinoma spheroid cells by blocking the cell cycle, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting senescence under the same treatment conditions.
Genetic stability of the CVS-31 standard sample of Lyssavirus rabies after successive passages in mice: mutations in phosphoprotein and glycoprotein genes
Authors: Lima Juliana dos Santos , Barboza Camila Mosca , Cocchi Micheli , Garcia Jaíne Gonçalves , Batista Helena Beatriz de Carvalho Rurthner 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Lyssavirus rabies (RABV) is a negative RNA virus of approximately 12kb that encodes five proteins: nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M or M2), glycoprotein (G), and RNA polymerase (L). The aim of the present study was to identify the stability of the P and G genes from the standard sample CVS-31 RABV. Initially, 10% suspensions of the sample were prepared. Groups of 6 Swiss Webster mice were inoculated with this suspension intracerebrally, and after the animals' death, a new suspension was prepared with central nervous system (CNS) of these animals, and then inoculated into a new group of mice. This process was repeated for 10 successive virus passages. The CNS poolin each of the passages was subjected to RNA extraction, reverse transcription followed by polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with specific primers for the P and G genes. The amplicons were sequenced and analyzed phylogenetically. Non-synonymous mutations were identified throughout the fourth and sixth successive passage. The identified mutations occurred in the regions of amino acids P233, G20, and G249, which may be regions with unknown or low activity in the proteins studied. Although the mutations identified in this study were not maintained in subsequent passages, it can be concluded that less than 10 passages in mice were sufficient to mutate the RABV genome. However, the mutations did not generate significant changes in the virus, supporting the stability documented in the literature and likely this stability remains in vitro, given the absence of immunological pressure from the animal.
A Self Adaptive Bird Flock Algorithm for Efficient Coverage in MWSNs
Authors: M Mamatha K , M Kiran , P Manjunatha 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this article, an Optimized Bird Flocking Algorithm (OBFA) has been proposed to reduce the overlapping sensing areas and to improve the optimal coverage rate of a given Area of Interest (AoI) with less number of Sensor Nodes (SNs) in MWSNs. The methods found in the literature still exhibit overlapping sensing areas , resulting in the sensing of redundant information. Further, one can also observe the low coverage rate of existing methods in MWSNs resulting in uncovered positions in AoI. The proposed OBFA addresses these issues by reducing the coverage holes and increasing the coverage rate of an AoI. For the defined objectives the OBFA exploits the distinguishing features of birds in a flock, namely cohesion, separation, and alignment. The cohesion part of the OBFA makes all SNs to be close enough in the given AoI. While the separation behavior of the OBFA avoids congestion among SNs which is caused by cohesion. The alignment feature of OBFA aligns all the SNs to optimally cover the given AoI. Apart from these three features of the basic Bird Flocking Algorithm, the OBFA also includes a repulsive pairwise force to reduce the overlapping sensing areas in AoI and a position optimization function that uses a distributed information map concept to achieve self-organization among SNs for the maximum coverage of AoI. Further, a selfishness goal introduced in OBFA steers each SN towards 1 the less visited positions of AoI. The proposed OBFA is simulated in MATLAB and the results are compared with other state-of-the-art BFA-based algorithms. It has been found from the results that the proposed OBFA algorithm efficiently covers the given AoI with less time and with less number of SNs with maximum coverage rate of 0.99 as compared to the existing algorithms such as BFA and CSSA with coverage rates of 0.98 and 0.96 respectively.
ZHENG’s Manoeuvre Improves External Cephalic Version Success for Frank Breech
Authors: Zheng Lianghui , Liu Jiaoxia , Shi Jun , Zhang Huale , Liao Qiuping , Chen Tan , Chen Lichun , Chen Ruiyun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
High external cephalic version (ECV) success rates are associated with incomplete breech, normal amniotic fluid, multiparity, and the physician’s experience and skill. Conversely, frank breech is associated with a low success rate. This study evaluated whether the ZHENG’s manoeuvre, an improved technique characterized by moving the fetal lower limbs before flexing the head, is associated with a higher ECV success rate for frank breech.
Methods
We conducted a seven-year retrospective, single-centre study on ECV for frank breech. From June 2017 to December 2019, 80 women received the basic technique, while from June 2020 to December 2023, 92 women underwent the ZHENG manoeuvre, with all procedures performed by the same obstetrician following a consistent protocol. The primary outcome was the ECV success rate, and the secondary outcome was the rate of vaginal birth following successful ECV. A generalised additive model was employed, adjusting for cumulative procedure numbers, cumulative time in years, and other maternal and fetal factors.
Results
From 2017 to 2023, the ECV success rate for frank breech increased from 69.2–84.0%. Women who underwent the ZHENG manoeuvre had a non-significant increase in ECV success (82.6% vs. 71.2%, P > 0.05) and a higher vaginal birth rate (69.6% vs. 55.0%, P = 0.049), with significantly improved ECV success in multiparous women and those with a lateral fetal spine (87.7% vs. 68.4%, P = 0.021, and 92.9% vs. 69.2%, P = 0.037, respectively). The ZHENG manoeuvre [aOR = 175, 95% CI (6.41, 4785), P = 0.002], maternal age, cumulative ECV experience, cumulative time in years, and amniotic fluid volume, were significantly associated with an increased ECV success rate (all P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the rate of fetal bradycardia, Apgar scores, and umbilical vein pH.
Conclusions
After adjusting for physician experience and other maternal and fetal factors, ZHENG’s maneuver is a safe, effective technique for improving ECV success in frank breech and is ready for wider use. Further research with multiple practitioners is needed.