bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon Chain Length in a Novel Anticancer Aryl‐Urea Fatty Acid Modulates Mitochondrial Targeting, Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Cell Killing
Authors: Elmaghrabi Yasmin A. , Roseblade Ariane , Rahman Khalilur , Rawling Tristan , Murray Michael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe cancer cell mitochondrion could be a promising target for the development of new anticancer agents. 16‐([3‐chloro‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐phenyl]carbamoylamino)hexadecanoic acid (2) is a novel aryl‐urea fatty acid that targets the mitochondrion in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells and activates cell death. In the present study, the relationships between alkyl chain length in 2 analogues, mitochondrial disruption and cell killing were evaluated. The chain‐contracted C13‐analogue 7 c optimally disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential (IC50 4.8±0.8 μM). In addition, annexin V‐FITC/7‐AAD assays demonstrated that 7 c was the most effective cell killing analogue and C11 BODIPY (581/591) assays demonstrated that 7 c was also most effective in generating reactive oxygen species in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Together, carbon chain length is a key factor that determines the capacity of 2 analogues to disrupt the mitochondrial membrane, induce the production of reactive oxygen species and kill breast cancer cells. As an aryl‐urea with enhanced activity and improved drug‐like properties, 7 c may be a suitable lead molecule for entry into a program of development of these molecules as anticancer agents.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Carbapenem/Metallo‐β‐Lactamase Inhibitor Conjugates
Authors: Gao Mei‐Ling , Kotsogianni Ioli , Skoulikopoulou Foteini , Brüchle Nora C. , Innocenti Paolo , Martin Nathaniel I. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAntibiotics, particularly the β‐lactams, are a cornerstone of modern medicine. However, the rise of bacterial resistance to these agents, particularly through the actions of β‐lactamases, poses a significant threat to our continued ability to effectively treat infections. Metallo‐β‐lactamases (MBLs) are of particular concern due to their ability to hydrolyze a wide range of β‐lactam antibiotics including carbapenems. For this reason there is growing interest in the development of MBL inhibitors as well as novel antibiotics that can overcome MBL‐mediated resistance. Here, we report the synthesis and evaluation of novel conjugates that combine a carbapenem (meropenem or ertapenem) with a recently reported MBL inhibiting indole carboxylate scaffold. These hybrids were found to display potent inhibition against MBLs including NDM‐1 and IMP‐1, with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. However, their antibacterial potency was limited. Mechanistic studies suggest that despite maintaining effective MBL inhibiting activity in live bacteria, the new carbapenem/MBL inhibitor conjugates have a reduced ability to engage with the bacterial target of the β‐lactams.
Highly Efficient and Robust Platinum Nanocluster Catalyst Mediated by Polyamine Amidine‐Decorated Mesoporous Polymer Beads
Authors: Li Chenhui , Li Bingxin , Jin Ming , Wan Decheng , Chen Biqiong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlatinum nanoclusters (PtNCs) are promising in catalysis due to their large specific surface area and unique physicochemical properties. Here, ultrasmall and uniform PtNCs are facilely synthesized with the mediation of amidine‐functionalized polyamines patched on mesoporous poly(divinylbenzene‐4‐vinylbenzyl chloride) beads. When each ligand patch has 14 amidines, ultrafine PtNCs (with the size as low as 1.1±0.1 nm) are formed as a result of several factors: deprotonated amidines (carbenes) strongly passivate on Pt atoms, amidines act as co‐stabilizers along with weak polyamine ligands, and PtNCs are confined to discrete ligand patches. When one ligand patch contains 9.3 amidines, the resulting PtNCs (1.7±0.3 nm) reach the highest turnover frequency of 536 h−1 for the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol in a batch reaction. This catalyst remains rather stable in a continuous flow test as a 4‐nitrophenol conversion of over 95 % is still achieved after running consecutively for 10 h.
Boosting semi‐supervised learning under imbalanced regression via pseudo‐labeling
Authors: Zong Nannan , Su Songzhi , Zhou Changle 
Published: July 2024

SummaryImbalanced samples are widespread, which impairs the generalization and fairness of models. Semi‐supervised learning can overcome the deficiency of rare labeled samples, but it is challenging to select high‐quality pseudo‐label data. Unlike discrete labels that can be matched one‐to‐one with points on a numerical axis, labels in regression tasks are consecutive and cannot be directly chosen. Besides, the distribution of unlabeled data is imbalanced, which easily leads to an imbalanced distribution of pseudo‐label data, exacerbating the imbalance in the semi‐supervised dataset. To solve this problem, this article proposes a semi‐supervised imbalanced regression network (SIRN), which consists of two components: A, designed to learn the relationship between features and labels (targets), and B, dedicated to learning the relationship between features and target deviations. To measure target deviations under imbalanced distribution, the target deviation function is introduced. To select continuous pseudo‐labels, the deviation matching strategy is designed. Furthermore, an adaptive selection function is developed to mitigate the risk of skewed distributions due to imbalanced pseudo‐label data. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through evaluations of two regression tasks. The results show a great reduction in predicted value error, particularly in few‐shot regions. This empirical evidence confirms the efficacy of our method in addressing the issue of imbalanced samples in regression tasks.
A Review of Design Strategies in SiO/C Composite Anodes for Rechargeable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo Tan , Jiang Hao , Qing Zhi , Zhang Zhengying , Li Liyang , Fang Dong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electric vehicles, portable electronic devices, clean energy storage, and other fields due to their long service life, high energy density, and low self‐discharge rate, which also puts forward higher requirements for the performance of lithium‐ion batteries. As an anode for lithium‐ion batteries, SiO materials have garnered significant attention from researchers due to its high specific capacity (2400 mAh g−1), abundance of raw materials, and simple preparation. However, its large volume change (~200 %) and poor electrical conductivity hinder its large‐scale commercial application. Researchers employ various methods to reduce the volume change of SiO during lithium intercalation and improve its structural stability during cycling. This work mainly reviews the chemical structure and lithium storage mechanism of SiO, as well as the latest research progress on the preparation methods of SiO/C anode materials, focusing on summarizing the following preparation strategies: chemical vapor deposition, mechanical ball milling, spray drying, and in‐situ reduction/oxidation methods. The obtained SiO‐based anode materials’ structural characteristics and electrochemical properties are compared and summarized. Finally, this review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the current preparation methods, the future research directions, and the development prospects of SiO‐based anode materials.
A new winding structure with low common‐mode current in input series output parallel planar transformer LLC converter
Authors: Tang Yu , Jia Purui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMHz switches and integrated magnetic planar transformers (PT) promote the high density and miniaturization of DC/DC converters. The parasitic parameters of the PT at high frequency significantly affect the performance of converters, resulting in severe electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems. Firstly, this paper proposes a new common‐mode (CM)‐suppression winding structure for the input series output parallel (ISOP) matrix transformer LLC converter. The sources and conduction principle of CM noise are analyzed. Furthermore, this optimization based on winding shape and position is simple and feasible, suppressing the CM noise significantly. Compared with conventional multilayer winding structure, this optimization increases the current‐carrying area by 2.8%–5.9%, effectively improving the primary current distribution. In addition, the proposed structure makes the best planar windings in footprint with expanded windings, bringing the simplest layout in the primary winding. Finally, a 1 MHz 400 V/12 V 300 W LLC converter is constructed to verify the effect of this winding structure. The results show that a 40% reduction in CM current can be achieved while maintaining the current balance.
Recontextualising Stenhouse: Instantiations of the ‘teacher as researcher’ metaphor in Greece and Cyprus
Authors: Philippou Stavroula , Tsafos Vassilis 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the transfer, translation and recontextualisation of Laurence Stenhouse's work, as encapsulated in the ‘teacher as researcher’ metaphor, to the Greek language and in the fields of research and policy in Greece and Cyprus. We first briefly frame action research work as emerging through and within a specific space‐time (and in conversation with others in North America, Australia and Europe). We then trace its translation from English to Greek in specific key publications in books and articles (including his 1975 seminal work An introduction to curriculum research and development), which have since been central to curriculum studies as an academic field in both countries. We then construct four vignettes as cases of different uses of the metaphor in different fields. The first two refer to the institutional context of a new type of school called ‘second chance schools’ and a state policy for the professional development of teachers in Greece. The other two refer to an initial teacher education university programme and to the most recent school curriculum change in the Republic of Cyprus. We conclude by discussing certain patterns of constriction across the four vignettes in the recontextualisation of the ‘teacher as researcher’ to particular aspects of the metaphor as it morphed in two rather centralised contexts with a strong historical presence of a formal, state‐mandated curriculum and of teachers as public servants. Despite these patterns of constriction, we also note how other aspects of the metaphor provided conditions for some transformation.
Weight History Correlates of Resting Energy Expenditure in Women With Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Singh Simar , Mayer Laurel , Rosenbaum Michael , Lowe Michael R. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveAmong those with bulimia nervosa, weight suppression has been associated with illness severity and treatment prognosis. Although significant weight loss is known to reduce metabolic rate, the relation between weight suppression and resting energy expenditure (REE) in bulimia nervosa has not been examined. This study tested the hypothesis of an inverse relation between weight suppression and REE in a sample of women with bulimia nervosa (N = 84).MethodsIn primary analyses, linear regressions were conducted between weight suppression and REE, corrected for fat‐free mass. In follow‐up, exploratory analyses, stepwise linear regressions were conducted to explore the main and interaction effects of weight history and weight suppression on REE.ResultsNeither traditional (TWS) nor developmental weight suppression (DWS) correlated with REE. Results from exploratory analyses, however, revealed a medium‐to‐large inverse relation between several weight history variables and REE (highest past weight, sr2 = 0.05; lowest postmorbid weight, sr2 = 0.07; current weight, sr2 = 0.05). Additionally, DWS interacted with current (sr2 = 0.08) and highest premorbid (sr2 = 0.05) z‐BMI to influence REE with a medium‐to‐large effect. For individuals low in current and premorbid z‐BMIs, higher DWS associated with lower REE levels. However, for individuals at higher premorbid z‐BMIs, higher DWS unexpectedly associated with greater REE levels.DiscussionIn this sample of women with bulimia nervosa, reduced REE associated with higher weights across all timepoints. If the interaction effect between DWS and z‐BMI history persists in future studies, this may indicate unique challenges faced by individuals low in z‐BMI and high in DWS related to weight gain and normalization of eating.
Challenging trophic position assessments in complex ecosystems: Calculation method, choice of baseline, trophic enrichment factors, season and feeding guild do matter: A case study from Marquesas Islands coral reefs
Authors: Letourneur Yves , Fey Pauline , Dierking Jan , Galzin René , Parravicini Valeriano 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAssessments of ecosystem functioning are a fundamental ecological challenge and an essential foundation for ecosystem‐based management. Species trophic position (TP) is essential to characterize food web architecture. However, despite the intuitive nature of the concept, empirically estimating TP is a challenging task due to the complexity of trophic interaction networks. Various methods are proposed to assess TPs, including using different sources of organic matter at the base of the food web (the ‘baseline’). However, it is often not clear which methodological approach and which baseline choices are the most reliable. Using an ecosystem‐wide assessment of a tropical reef (Marquesas Islands, with available data for 70 coral reef invertebrate and fish species), we tested whether different commonly used TP estimation methods yield similar results and, if not, whether it is possible to identify the most reliable method. We found significant differences in TP estimates of up to 1.7 TPs for the same species, depending on the method and the baseline used. When using bulk stable isotope data, the choice of the baseline significantly impacted TP values. Indeed, while nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N) values of macroalgae led to consistent TP estimates, those using phytoplankton generated unrealistically low TP estimates. The use of a conventional enrichment factor (i.e. 3.4‰) or a ‘variable’ enrichment factor (i.e. according to feeding guilds) also produced clear discrepancies between TP estimates. TPs obtained with δ15N values of source amino acids (compound‐specific isotope analysis) were close to those assessed with macroalgae. An opposite seasonal pattern was found, with significantly lower TPs in winter than in summer for most species, with particularly pronounced differences for lower TP species. We use the observed differences to discuss possible drivers of the diverging TP estimates and the potential ecological implications.
Variations of floral temperature in changing weather conditions
Authors: Harrap Michael J. M. , de Vere Natasha , Hempel de Ibarra Natalie , Whitney Heather M. , Rands Sean A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFloral temperature is a flower characteristic that has the potential to impact the fitness of flowering plants and their pollinators. Likewise, the presence of floral temperature patterns, areas of contrasting temperature across the flower, can have similar impacts on the fitness of both mutualists. It is currently poorly understood how floral temperature changes under the influence of different weather conditions, and how floral traits may moderate these changes. The way that floral temperature changes with weather conditions will impact how stable floral temperatures are over time and their utility to plants and pollinators. The stability of floral temperature cues is likely to facilitate effective plant–pollinator interactions and play a role in the plant's reproductive success. We use thermal imaging to monitor how floral temperatures and temperature patterns of four plant species (Cistus ‘snow fire’ and ‘snow white’, Coreopsis verticillata and Geranium psilostemon) change with several weather variables (illumination, temperature; windspeed; cloud cover; humidity and pressure) during times that pollinators are active. All weather variables influenced floral temperature in one or more species. The directionality of these relationships was similar across species. In all species, light conditions (illumination) had the greatest influence on floral temperatures overall. Floral temperature and the extent to which flowers showed contrasting temperature patterns were influenced predominantly by light conditions. However, several weather variables had additional, lesser, influences. Furthermore, differences in floral traits, pigmentation and structure, likely resulted in differences in temperature responses to given conditions between species and different parts of the same flower. However, floral temperatures and contrasting temperature patterns that are sufficiently elevated for detection by pollinators were maintained across most conditions if flowers received moderate illumination. This suggests the presence of elevated floral temperature and contrasting temperature patterns are fairly constant and may have potential to influence plant–pollinator interactions across weather conditions.
Temporal patterns in multiple stressors shape the vulnerability of overwintering Arctic zooplankton
Authors: Dania Albini , Lutier Mathieu , Heimböck Martin P. , Heuschele Jan , Søreide Janne E. , Jackson Michelle C. , Dinh Khuong V. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Arctic polar nights bring extreme environmental conditions characterised by cold and darkness, which challenge the survival of organisms in the Arctic. Additionally, multiple anthropogenic stressors can amplify the pressure on the fragile Arctic ecosystems during this period. Determining how multiple anthropogenic stressors may affect the survival of Arctic life is crucial for ecological risk assessments and management, but this topic is understudied. For the first time, our study investigates the complex interactions of multiple stressors, exploring stressor temporal dynamics and exposure duration on a key Arctic copepod Calanus glacialis during the polar nights. We conducted experiments with pulse (intermittent) and press (continuous) exposure scenarios, involving microplastics, pyrene and warming in a fully factorial design. We observed significant effects on copepod survival, with pronounced impacts during later stressor phases. We also detected two‐way interactions between microplastics and pyrene, as well as pyrene and warming, further intensified with the presence of a third stressor. Continuous stressor exposure for 9 days (press‐temporal scenario) led to greater reductions in copepod survival compared to the pulse‐temporal scenario, characterised by two 3‐day stressor exposure phases. Notably, the inclusion of recovery phases, free from stressor exposure, positively influenced copepod survival, highlighting the importance of temporal exposure dynamics. We did not find behaviour to be affected by the different treatments. Our findings underscore the intricate interactions amongst multiple stressors and their temporal patterns in shaping the vulnerability of overwintering Arctic copepods with crucial implications for managing Arctic aquatic ecosystems under the fastest rate of ongoing climate change on earth.
Diagnostic evaluation of patients with epileptic spasms in the era of next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Mir Ali , AlQahtani Mohammed , Amer Fawzia , AlBaradie Raidah , AlOtaibi Wajd , AlGhamdi Fouad , Khallaf Hamoud , Bashir Shahid , Costain Gregory , Aljouda Liali , Housawi Yousef 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveEpileptic spasms (ES) can be caused by a variety of etiologies. However, in almost half of cases, the etiology is unidentified. With the advent of next‐generation sequencing (NGS), the recognition of genetic etiologies has increased.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ES who were evaluated in the comprehensive epilepsy program at King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam between 2009 and 2022.ResultsOur data show that in 57.7% of patients with ES, the etiology was unidentified after a standard clinical evaluation and neuroimaging. Of these patients, n = 25 (35.2%) received a genetic diagnosis after some form of genetic testing, and 3.1% of patients from specialized metabolic work indicated the need for genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis. Karyotyping led to a diagnosis in 3.6% of patients, and chromosomal microarray led to a diagnosis in 7.1%. An NGS epilepsy gene panel (EP) was done for 45 patients, leading to a diagnosis in 24.4% (n = 11). Exome sequencing was done for 27 patients, including n = 14 with non‐diagnostic panel testing; it led to a diagnosis in 37.3% (n = 10). Exome sequencing led to a diagnosis in 61.5% of patients without a previous panel test and in only two patients who had previously had a negative panel testing.SignificanceIn this article, we present the diagnostic evaluations of ES for a cohort of 123 patients and discuss the yield and priority of NGS for evaluating ES. Our findings suggest that exome sequencing has a higher diagnostic yield for determining the etiology of ES in patients for whom the etiology is still unclear after an appropriate clinical assessment and a brain MRI.
A study on the configuration of factors influencing overweight and obesity in adolescents based on fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Song Yiwen , Li Xinru , Hu Bingqin , Chen Yitong , Cui Peiyao , Liang Yifang , He Xin , Yang Guofeng , Li Jinghua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveOverweight and obesity among adolescents are grave public health issues around the world. Although the conditions that contribute to obesity have been extensively researched, little is known about how multiple conditions interact to cause overweight and obesity. The current study intends to investigate the histomorphic configuration pathways of several conditions of adolescent overweight and obesity by gender.MethodThe data came from a social survey conducted in June 2021 in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. The sample collected was 14‐year‐old adolescents, including 167 boys and 137 girls. The school physicians examined the participants' weight and height, and questionnaires were used to collect risk indicators from adolescents, such as sleep duration, electronic screens times, consumption of sugary drinks and fried foods, and physical activity. Simultaneously, a Fuzzy Qualitative Comparative Analysis will be performed to investigate the combinations of diverse conditions.ResultWe found that there is no determining necessary condition that, once present, directly determines that an individual is in a state of overweight and obesity. Simultaneously, this study revealed nine alternative configurational paths of overweight and obesity in teenagers of different genders, with a concordance of 0.805 for six male groupings and 0.916 for three female groupings. The outcomes of overweight obesity in adolescents under different genders are similar but not identical.ConclusionThis study examined the interactions of a number of conditions from the individual, behavioral, learning and living environment that led to the same overweight obese outcome among adolescents of different genders. Our research will be useful to policymakers in that interventions should take into account the combined effects of a number of different aspects rather than focusing on a single factor that causes overweight and obesity.