bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Production of Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers and Nanocrystals Through Strategic Fiber Pretreatment
Authors: Şahin Fulya , Kayra Neslihan , Aytekin Ali Özhan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBacterial cellulose (BC) has unique properties such as high tensile strength, high crystallinity, and high purity. The fiber length of BC causes different attributes. Therefore, the degradation of BC has been studied extensively. In this study, the fibers of BC were rearranged via a DMAc‐LiCl solvent and BC was degraded in the wet state. Two different degradation methods were applied: milling with liquid nitrogen and autoclave treatment. The degraded BCs were characterized by FTIR, TEM, AFM, TGA, and XRD. The solvent helps to align the fibers, making them more crystalline. The degraded BCs had a lower crystalline ratio than untreated BC, due to increased hydrogen bonding during degradation in the wet state. Degradation with an autoclave produced two different degraded BCs: nanofibrils and spherical nanocrystals, with and without solvent pretreatment, respectively. The nanofibril lengths were between 312 and 700 nm depending on the applied method, and the spherical nanocrystal size was 56 nm. The rearrangement via solvent causes an important difference in the degradation of BC. Nanofibrils and nanocrystals can be obtained, depending on the rearrangement of fibers before the degradation process.
Combining Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping With the Gray Matter Volume to Predict Neurological Deficits in Patients With Small Artery Occlusion
Authors: Tang Xuelian , He Zhenzhen , Yang Qian , Yang Tao , Yu Yusheng , Chen Jinan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, there is still a lack of valuable neuroimaging markers to assess the clinical severity of stroke patients with small artery occlusion (SAO). Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a quantitative processing method for neuroradiological diagnostics. Gray matter (GM) volume changes in stroke patients are also proved to be associated with neurological deficits. This study aims to explore the predictive value of QSM and GM volume in neurological deficits of patients with SAO.MethodsAs neurological deficits, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used. Sixty‐six SAO participants within 24 h of first onset were enrolled and divided into mild and moderate groups based on NIHSS. QSM values of infarct area and GM volume were calculated from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Two‐sample t‐tests were used to compare differences in QSM value and GM volume between the two groups, and the diagnostic efficacy of the combination of QSM value and GM volume was evaluated.ResultsThe results revealed both the QSM value and GM volume within the infarct area of the moderate group were lower compared to the mild group. Moderate group exhibited lower GM volume in some specific gyrus compared with mild group in the case of voxel‐wise GM volume on whole‐brain voxel level. The support vector machine (SVM) classifier's analysis showed a high power for the combination of QSM value, GM volume within the infarct area, and voxel‐wise GM volume.ConclusionOur research first reported the combination of QSM value, GM volume within the infarct area, and voxel‐wise GM volume could be used to predict neurological impairment of patients with SAO, which provides new insights for further understanding the SAO stroke.
Trend analysis of hematological tumors in adolescents and young adults from 1990 to 2019 and predictive trends from 2020 to 2044: A Global Burden of Disease study
Authors: Huang Linlin , He Jingsong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionCancer constitutes the primary disease spectrum contributing to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Adolescents and young adults (AYA) aged 15–39 have received relatively less attention regarding tumor prevention, diagnosis, and treatment compared to older adults and children. This study aimed to analyze the changes in the disease burden of hematological malignancies among the global AYA over the past three decades based on the GBD database.MethodsThe changes in the disease burden of hematological malignancies were analyzed among the AYA over the past three decades based on the information from the GBD database. The future trends were predicted using the Nordpred package in R.ResultsOur results showed that leukemia ranked first as the leading tumor burden among AYA in 2019, but the incidence rate and mortality rate of leukemia decreased year by year, with a projected age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 1.65/100,000 for females and 2.40/100,000 for males by the year 2044. In addition, the incidence of non‐Hodgkin‘s lymphoma has been gradually increasing in recent years, with an ASIR of 1.73/100,000 from 2020 to 2024. The results may serve as a basis for developing strategies to reduce the burden of hematological malignancies in the AYA population in different regions.
A thematic analytic account of university support services' acceptability for postgraduate researchers experiencing mental health problems
Authors: Ghaffar Daanish , Berry Clio , Tunks Alice , Hazell Cassie M. , Niven Jeremy E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDoctoral students report high rates of mental health problems. Universities are required to provide support services to all students, yet doctoral students infrequently access such services. For those doctoral students who do access these services, little is known about their experiences. This research aimed to explore the acceptability of university mental health support services for doctoral students with mental health problems.MethodsThe project accessed qualitative data from a large online survey of UK doctoral student mental health, collected between 2018 and 2019, in which doctoral students were asked about their experiences of university support services. Qualitative data from 586 participants were included. The data were analysed using a deductive–inductive thematic analysis approach. A theoretical model of acceptability was used, which had seven thematic categories: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness and self‐efficacy.ResultsTen subthemes were identified across the seven higher order themes, reflecting the multidimensional nature of doctoral student experiences of acceptability. Factors including positive interactions with staff and receiving contextually sensitive support were associated with greater acceptability, whilst perceived difficulties relating to confidentiality and accessing help contributed to lower acceptability.ConclusionsPositive and negative perceptions of university support services were identified across various domains of acceptability. This research identified multiple avenues for improving the acceptability of university support services to the vulnerable doctoral student group, such as better advertisement, upskilling of staff and increased utilisation of remote service delivery. Future research should seek to explore perceptions of diverse student groups and to more precisely identify specific attributes of support services that influence perceptions of acceptability, particularly with respect to perceived effectiveness.
The Impact of Consumer Socioeconomic Status on Their Preferences for Human Versus Robot Service Agents in Luxury Shopping Contexts
Authors: Zhong Wenting , Gao Fei , Xia Lan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTService industries are increasingly utilizing service robots to substitute or collaborate with human service providers. Extant literature mainly focuses on studying the usability of service robots and found that consumers with high socioeconomic status (SES) have an advantage in adopting new technology, given their high educational level and abundant resources. However, little research has paid attention to the psychological preference of low SES consumers when facing the choice of service robots and human service agents. This research investigates how consumers' SES influences their concerns and expectations when facing interpersonal interactions in services and, in turn, affects their preferences for service agents (robot vs. human). Across four studies, we found that low SES consumers are more concerned of being evaluated by human service agents in luxury shopping contexts, leading to the preference for interacting with service robots. In contrast, high SES consumers display a higher expectation of receiving preferential treatment from human service agents, but it does not increase high SES consumers' preference for human service agents over service robots. Furthermore, we found that varying the service environment (i.e., a store located in a neighborhood matches with low SES consumers' status) attenuated low SES consumers' preference for service robots. This research offers novel insights for marketers' use of service robots to promote consumer experience and well‐being.
Unraveling the Dual Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Mechanisms of Acteoside: Computational Insights and Experimental Validation
Authors: Muhtar Eldar , Ylham Gulfira , Tiemuer Atawulla , Edirs Salamet 
Published: October 2024

AbstractActeoside (ACT) is one of the primary bioactive ingredients in Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk). Its remarkable efficacy in treating immune‐related and inflammatory disorders has garnered significant interest among scientific circles. However, the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ACT and its underlying molecular mechanisms require further investigation. In this study, pharmacophore‐based reverse docking and molecular dynamics simulations identified potential anti‐inflammatory targets in silico. Studies conducted in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 cells validated the anti‐inflammatory properties of ACT. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays indicated ACT's non‐toxic and growth‐promoting effects on cells. ACT significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and restored levels of antioxidant enzymes. It also decreased pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Western blotting assays indicated that ACT inhibited p38, TNF‐α, PI3 K/AKT, and NF‐κB signaling pathways. These findings underscore ACT's ability to mitigate acute inflammation in RAW264.7 cells by modulating key signaling pathways and provide the scientific basis for enhancing the medicinal value of ACT and future drug development.
Comprehensive Computational Screening and Analysis of Natural Compounds Reveals Promising Estrogen Receptor Alpha Inhibitors for Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Alam Perwez , Sharma Pradeep , Faiz Arshad Mohammed 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBreast cancer remains a leading cause of death among women, with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) overexpression playing a pivotal role in tumor growth and progression. This study aimed to identify novel ERα inhibitors from a library of 561 natural compounds using computational techniques, including virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Four promising candidates – Protopine, Sanguinarine, Pseudocoptisine, and Stylopine – were selected based on their high binding affinities and interactions with key ERα residues. Molecular dynamics simulations conducted over 500 nanoseconds revealed that Protopine and Sanguinarine exhibited more excellent stability with minimal fluctuations, suggesting strong and stable binding. In contrast, Pseudocoptisine and Stylopine showed higher flexibility, indicating less stable interactions. Binding free energy calculations further supported the potential of Protopine and Sanguinarine as ERα inhibitors, though their binding strength was slightly lower than that of the reference compound. These findings highlight Protopine and Sanguinarine as leading candidates for further investigation, and in vitro and in vivo studies are recommended to evaluate their therapeutic potential in breast cancer treatment.
Exploring DNA Computers: Advances in Storage, Cryptography and Logic Circuits
Authors: Xie Xiaolin , Wang Shuang , Chen Zhi , Yu Yifan , Hu Xiaoxue , Ma Ningning , Ji Min , Tian Ye 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOver the last four decades, research on DNA as a functional material has primarily focused on its predictable conformation and programmable interaction. However, its low energy consumption, high responsiveness and sensitivity also make it ideal for designing specific signaling pathways, and enabling the development of molecular computers. This review mainly discusses recent advancements in the utilization of DNA nanotechnology for molecular computer, encompassing applications in storage, cryptography and logic circuits. It elucidates the challenges encountered in the application process and presents solutions exemplified by representative works. Lastly, it delineates the challenges and opportunities within this filed.
Role of SEL1L in the progression of solid tumors, with a special focus on its recent therapeutic potential
Authors: Darmadi Darmadi , Saleh Raed Obaid , Oghenemaro Enwa Felix , Shakir Maha Noori , Hjazi Ahmed , Hassan Zahraa F. , Zwamel Ahmed Hussein , Matlyuba Sanoeva , Deorari Mahamedha , Oudah Shamam Kareem 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSince suppressor/enhancer of Lin‐12‐like (SEL1L) was cloned in 1997, various pieces of evidence from lower species suggest it plays a significant role in protein degradation via the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. The relevance of SEL1L in many aspects of malignant transformation and tumorigenic events has been the subject of research, which has shown compelling in vitro and in vivo findings relating its altered expression to changes in tumor aggressiveness. The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) in tumor cells is crucial for preserving cellular proteostasis by inducing the unfolded protein response (UPR), a stress response. A crucial component of the UPR is ER‐associated degradation (ERAD), which guards against ER stress‐induced apoptosis and the removal of unfolded or misfolded proteins by the ubiquitin‐proteasome system. As a protein stabilizer of HMG‐CoA reductase degradation protein 1 (HRD1), one of the main components of ERAD, SEL1L plays an important role in ER homeostasis. Notably, the expression levels of these two proteins fluctuate independently in various cancer types, yet changes in their expression affect the levels of other associated proteins during cancer pathogenesis. Recent studies have also outlined the function of SEL1L in cancer medication resistance. This review explores the value of targeting SEL1L as a novel treatment approach for cancer, focusing on the molecular processes of SEL1L and its involvement in cancer etiology.
Flurbiprofen axetil is involved in basal‐like breast cancer metastasis via suppressing the MEK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Yalin , Gong Yi , Wang Yifei , Jiang Zhengyu , Yao Ying , Miao Xiaoyong , Wang Shuoer , Zhang Yan , Cao Jianping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFlurbiprofen axetil is commonly utilized in clinical practice as one of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is included in multimodal analgesia regimens postbreast cancer surgery. Numerous NSAIDs have been studied for their potential to both promote and inhibit cancer. Given the variability in their effects on tumors, further investigation into the specific role of flurbiprofen axetil is warranted. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of flurbiprofen axetil on basal‐like breast cancer (BLBC) metastasis and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. The BLBC metastasis mouse model was established by caudal vein injection of tumor cells. The lung metastasis of breast cancer in mice and the effect of flurbiprofen axetil were assessed by in vivo bioluminescence imaging, hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. In vitro, the results of flurbiprofen axetil on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells and BT‐549 human breast cancer cells were assessed by colony formation assay and transwell assay. The effects of flurbiprofen axetil on several tumor metastasis‐related signaling pathway proteins were examined by western blot, and the reversal extent of the flurbiprofen axetil effect by Ro 67‐7476 (ERK phosphorylation agonist) was detected by transwell assay. The results showed that flurbiprofen axetil significantly inhibited BLBC lung metastasis in mice. Flurbiprofen axetil similarly inhibited breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro but did not affect their proliferation. Mechanistic investigations have revealed that flurbiprofen axetil exerts a noteworthy inhibitory influence on the MEK/ERK pathway while exhibiting no significant alteration in the expression of other pathway proteins intricately associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, the inhibitory effect of flurbiprofen axetil on BLBC metastasis is characterized by its selectivity in targeting the MEK/ERK signaling pathway rather than exerting a broad impact on the global signaling pathway.
Hydrodeoxygenation of Glycerol to Propene Over Molybdenum and Niobium Phosphate Catalysts
Authors: Enam Wasim , Chowdhury Avik , Laichter Kai , Lin Ka Loi , Mandal Akash , Malakar Bhabani , Bhaumik Asim , Müller Thomas E , Chowdhury Biswajit 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn single‐step conversion of glycerol to propene, the intricate catalytic pathways with molybdenum and niobium catalysts remain elusive. While these catalysts can effectively accelerate the hydrogenolytic cleavage of the glycerol CO bonds, resulting in a high selectivity to propene, the routes have not been thoroughly studied. This study explores the reaction routes and the role hydrogen plays in determining the product distribution. The hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of glycerol was investigated using various glycerol purities in both batch and continuous reaction modes. Remarkably, Mo(PO4)x and Nb(PO4)x demonstrated catalytic performance with raw glycerol, indicating that impurities had no detrimental effect on the catalyst's activity. In batch mode, a propene selectivity of 53% was achieved over Mo(PO4)x as the catalyst, highlighting the catalyst's stability under these conditions. In continuous operation, the highest product selectivity to propene (12%) was observed at low temperatures (573 K), while more C2 to C6 alkanes were formed at increased temperatures (623 and 673 K). Whereas a hydrogen atmosphere promotes formation of 2‐propenol, as primary precursor to propene, an inert atmosphere leads to increased formation of propanal and dissociation products. Our work has elucidated new routes to upcycle biorenewable glycerol to propene over Mo(PO4)x and Nb(PO4)x catalysts.
Unspecific Peroxygenase Catalyzes Selective Remote‐Site Functionalizations
Authors: Li Wenxuan , Davis Dali L. , Speina Kevin J. , Monroe Christin B. , Moncrieffe Angelina S. , Cao Yuan , Chen Chih‐Chung , Groves John T. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe describe the discovery of an unspecific peroxygenase (UPO) variant that catalyzes the remote‐site functionalization of halogenated and unsaturated hydrocarbons with high catalytic site‐specificity. UPOs are fungal heme‐thiolate biocatalysts with wide‐ranging oxidative activities, including C─H bond oxygenation, usually with limited regioselectivity. We describe here a wild‐type MroUPO, newly isolated in high yield from a previously uncharacterized strain of Marasmius rotula. This variant, MroUPO‐TN, catalyzes the selective oxygenation of a range of haloalkanes, cyclic haloalkanes and cyclic olefins to generate useful remote‐site haloketones. The regioselectivity for eight‐membered rings reaches 99% with significant enantiomeric excess. Mechanistic studies performed with deuterated substrates and 18O‐labeling experiments have revealed a synergy between intrinsic substrate properties and the highly aliphatic, heme active site. The observed selectivity offers routes to new and useful, bifunctional synthons and pharmacophores, thus providing practical ways to employ these natural and environmentally benign biocatalysts.
Hydrothermal Green Synthesis of LaOx‐Modified Pt/C Catalyst for Glycerol‐to‐Glycerate Electrooxidation in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Cursi Fabiano S. , Servat Karine , Morais Cláudia , Napporn Teko W. , Kokoh K. Boniface , de Andrade Adalgisa R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractUsing the bromide anion exchange (BAE) green method to obtain carbon‐supported nanoparticles, Pt(LaOx)/C was successfully prepared under mild conditions. This material, containing LaOx species generated in situ during the synthesis, was efficiently used as an anode to perform glycerol oxidation in alkaline medium in batch mode and at room temperature. In a direct alcohol fuel cell (DAFC), this catalyst was able to boost the glycerol‐to‐glycerate conversion with a 49% selectivity and a 28% power density higher than the same system using a BAE‐synthesized Pt/C anode. The increase in catalytic activity may be due to the interaction of LaOx with the Pt active sites, acting as a bifunctional electrode. Furthermore, when used as an anode in an electrolysis setup, the selectivity of glycerol toward glycerate increased up to 67%. In situ FTIR and HPLC analyses confirmed the formation of the value‐added glycerol oxidation products.
High‐performance Porous Electrodes for Flow Batteries: Improvements of Specific Surface Areas and Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Pan Lyuming , Guo Zixiao , Li Hucheng , Wang Yilin , Rao Haoyao , Jian Qinping , Sun Jing , Ren Jiayou , Wang Zhenyu , Liu Bin , Han Meisheng , Li Yubai , Fan Xinzhuang , Li Wenjia , Wei Lei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractElectrodes, which offer sites for mass transfer and redox reactions, play a crucial role in determining the energy efficiencies and power densities of redox flow batteries. This review focuses on various approaches to enhancing electrode performance, particularly the methods of surface etching and catalyst deposition, as well as some other advanced strategies for regulating electrode surface properties. These approaches aim to increase active sites and enhance kinetics for the redox reactions, which are crucial for elevating power density and electrolyte utilization, eventually determining the performance of the flow battery. Highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research, this mini‐review suggests that future advancements in electrode design will significantly impact the commercial viability and adoption of redox flow batteries in sustainable energy storage solutions.
North Dakota corn efficiency frontier: Stochastic frontier analysis
Authors: Badarch Bayarbat , Roberts David C. , Popp Michael P. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAccording to climate studies in North Dakota, the state's crop‐growing season has been extended. In addition, many studies have shown technological advances in crop production. However, the state has not addressed how crop yield has been affected by weather changes. Thus, this paper investigates the state's corn (Zea mays) yield potential and efficiency measures based on agricultural input use and weather variables from 1994 to 2018. We found that the effects of temperature and precipitation on the state's corn yield frontier (potential) were greater than those of changing agricultural input variables. The stochastic frontier model indicates that the proportion of the total variance attributable to inefficiencies or unexpected shifts in the corn yield frontier were primarily (81%) caused by favorable or unfavorable temperature and precipitation variations each year. At least half of the corn‐producing districts were technically efficient, reaching at least 85% of yield potential from 1994 to 2018. Thus, better interannual weather forecasting and input use management taking weather risk management into account will bring higher corn yields for North Dakota farmers.