bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic study of NUPR1 in bladder cancer development through transcriptional regulation of CCR2
Authors: Shi Zebin , Mi Yuanyuan , Zhang Li , Zhang Wenxu , Zhang Wei , Shi Xiaokai , Gao Shenglin , Zuo Li , Zhang Lifeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNuclear protein‐1 (NUPR1) (also known as p8) is one of the genes associated with transcription factors that participate in various aspects of cancer initiation and development. However, the molecular mechanisms of NUPR1 in bladder cancer (BLCA) remain unclear. We conducted an analysis of the correlation between NUPR1 expression and related genes using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) online database. We employed lentivirus‐mediated small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown the expression of NUPR1 in two human BLCA cell lines. In vitro experiments were conducted to validate the impact of NUPR1 interference on BLCA and the influence of NUPR1 on the transcription of chemokine receptor‐2 (CCR2). Furthermore, transcription factors for CCR2 were predicted using the PROMO database. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) and immunofluorescence double staining were used to detect the binding between NUPR1 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein γ (CEBPG). In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to validate that NUPR1 regulates CCR2 transcription through CEBPG. In vitro experiments indicate that the suppression of NUPR1 inhibited BLCA growth. Analysis of the GEO database revealed a positive correlation between the expression of NUPR1 and CCR2. Luciferase experiments confirmed that NUPR1 influences the transcription of CCR2. Online data indicates that CEBPG is a transcription factor for CCR2. Co‐IP and immunofluorescence double staining confirmed binding between NUPR1 and CEBPG. Luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrate that CEBPG regulates the transcription of CCR2. Additionally, rescue experiments at the cellular level and animal experiments validated the aforementioned mechanism. NUPR1 promotes a promotional role in BLCA, and interference with NUPR1 can inhibit the proliferation and invasive abilities of BLCA. There was a correlation between the expressions of NUPR1 and CCR2, and NUPR1 binds with CEBPG in the cell nucleus. Transcriptional regulation of CCR2 by NUPR1 may be achieved through the involvement of CEBPG.
Teaching students leadership knowledge and skills: A 10‐year comparison of predoctoral dental school curricula
Authors: Winebrake Kate , McDonough Robert , Mara Matthew D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPurpose/objectiveThe Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standard 2‐19 states that dental programs must assess graduates’ ability to function successfully as leaders of the dental team. This study aimed to explore how predoctoral programs teach and assess leadership and compare findings to the only known national survey on predoctoral leadership training from 2012.MethodsIn August and September, 2022, a 22‐item survey was emailed to academic deans at 75 CODA‐accredited dental schools. If necessary, deans were encouraged to designate a curriculum expert at their school to complete the survey. The survey was open for a period of 4 weeks. Two reminders were sent following outreach—one 2 weeks after survey release, and one 24 hours before closing. Data were analyzed and descriptive statistics were calculated.Findings/resultsEighteen schools (24%) responded. Respondents indicated diverse leadership training opportunities across the curricula. Compared to 2012, respondents report a significant decrease in the use of practical exams and a significant increase in faculty evaluation of student leadership skills in clinical settings. Significant change was not noted across other assessment modalities: multiple choice assessments/exams, rotation ratings, development and evaluation of a project, portfolio submissions, and peer‐assessment. Respondents indicate leadership training opportunities and assessment strategies not evaluated in 2012: 33% (6/18) objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), 56% (10/18) student self‐assessments, and 33% (6/18) record reviews.ConclusionThere is a shift in leadership training in dental education. Future mixed methods research is needed to identify best practices to inform the development of a leadership training framework.
Extracellular vesicles carry transcriptional ‘dark matter’ revealing tissue‐specific information
Authors: Dogra Navneet , Chen Tzu‐Yi , Gonzalez‐Kozlova Edgar , Miceli Rebecca , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , Tewari Ashutosh K. , Losic Bojan , Stolovitzky Gustavo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFrom eukaryotes to prokaryotes, all cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) as part of their regular homeostasis, intercellular communication, and cargo disposal. Accumulating evidence suggests that small EVs carry functional small RNAs, potentially serving as extracellular messengers and liquid‐biopsy markers. Yet, the complete transcriptomic landscape of EV‐associated small RNAs during disease progression is poorly delineated due to critical limitations including the protocols used for sequencing, suboptimal alignment of short reads (20–50 nt), and uncharacterized genome annotations—often denoted as the ‘dark matter’ of the genome. In this study, we investigate the EV‐associated small unannotated RNAs that arise from endogenous genes and are part of the genomic ‘dark matter’, which may play a key emerging role in regulating gene expression and translational mechanisms. To address this, we created a distinct small RNAseq dataset from human prostate cancer & benign tissues, and EVs derived from blood (pre‐ & post‐prostatectomy), urine, and human prostate carcinoma epithelial cell line. We then developed an unsupervised data‐based bioinformatic pipeline that recognizes biologically relevant transcriptional signals irrespective of their genomic annotation. Using this approach, we discovered distinct EV‐RNA expression patterns emerging from the un‐annotated genomic regions (UGRs) of the transcriptomes associated with tissue‐specific phenotypes. We have named these novel EV‐associated small RNAs as ‘EV‐UGRsʼ or “EV‐dark matter”. Here, we demonstrate that EV‐UGR gene expressions are downregulated by ∼100 fold (FDR < 0.05) in the circulating serum EVs from aggressive prostate cancer subjects. Remarkably, these EV‐UGRs expression signatures were regained (upregulated) after radical prostatectomy in the same follow‐up patients. Finally, we developed a stem‐loop RT‐qPCR assay that validated prostate cancer‐specific EV‐UGRs for selective fluid‐based diagnostics. Overall, using an unsupervised data driven approach, we investigate the ‘dark matter’ of EV‐transcriptome and demonstrate that EV‐UGRs carry tissue‐specific Information that significantly alters pre‐ and post‐prostatectomy in the prostate cancer patients. Although further validation in randomized clinical trials is required, this new class of EV‐RNAs hold promise in liquid‐biopsy by avoiding highly invasive biopsy procedures in prostate cancer.
The impact of digital inclusive finance on regional capital aggregation
Authors: Sheng Tianxiang , Teng Jiahui 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCapital flow and aggregation are pivotal to regional coordinated development, and the innovations within the financial industry have introduced significant changes. This study examines the potential impact of digital inclusive finance on regional capital aggregation. By analyzing city data from China between 2011 and 2020, we find that the development of digital inclusive finance exhibits an inverted U‐shaped effect on regional capital aggregation. During the initial stages of digital inclusive finance development, it promotes regional capital aggregation; however, beyond a certain threshold, there is a fostering of capital outflow. The impact mechanism reveals that digital inclusive finance exerts a nonlinear effect on the efficiency of regional capital allocation, thereby altering the regional capital aggregation level. Furthermore, enhancing human capital levels can accelerate this process, whereas increased government intervention may impede it. This study contributes to the theoretical research on factors influencing capital flow across regions and offers significant implications for utilizing digital inclusive finance to narrow the regional capital allocation gap and promote coordinated regional development.
Lower urinary tract symptoms in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: An evaluation in terms of functional level, posture, and muscle strength
Authors: Öztürk Demet , Karaduman Aynur Ayşe , Akbayrak Türkan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimTo examine factors associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 45 individuals diagnosed with DMD between the ages of 5 and 18 years. LUTS were evaluated with the Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System, functional levels with the Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Classification and the Vignos Scale, lumbar lordosis angle with a bubble inclinometer, pelvic inclination angles with a digital inclinometer, and muscle strength with a hand‐held dynamometer.ResultsThe mean age of the children was calculated as 9.00 ± 3.32 years, body weight as 31.10 ± 12.59 kg, and height as 125.87 ± 18.46 cm. LUTD was detected in 20 children (44.44%). There was an association between high LUTD severity and low strength of the following muscles: bilateral hip flexor (Dominant: r = −0.338, p = 0.023; nondominant: r = −0.411, p = 0.005), quadriceps femoris (Dominant: r = −0.445, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = −0.504, p < 0.001), elbow flexor (Dominant: r = −0.461, p = 0.001; nondominant: r = −0.455, p = 0.002), and elbow extensor (Dominant: r = −0.442, p = 0.002; nondominant: r = −0.450, p = 0.002). Upper extremity functionality level was significantly higher in the LUTD‐negative group (p = 0.004). There was no relationship between lumbar lordosis and pelvic inclination angles and LUTS symptoms (p > 0.05).ConclusionTo provide the adequate care for bladder health in children with DMD, it is essential to focus on parameters that will increase functionality and independence in this population.
Finite Element analysis and experimental study of static performance of multi‐CFRP tendon composite anchorage system
Authors: Li Xue , Mei Kuihua , Sun Shiyu , Wang Yuanzhi , Jia Wenke 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA novel composite anchorage with dispersed arrangement of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) tendons was proposed. The bonding length and constraint ratio of the dispersed‐tendon composite anchorage were determined by numerical simulation. Six groups of multi‐CFRP tendon composite anchorage systems (MTCAS) were tested to investigate their static performance. The axial force dispersion coefficient cv and relative slip ratio coefficient δ were proposed to evaluate the static performance of the MTCAS with variables, including pre‐tension load, the inner inclination angle of the sleeve and the modified bonding medium. Results demonstrated that increasing the bonding length and restraint ratio of steel sleeve could improve the stress state of tendon in the anchorage. The anchorage with a bonding length of 280 mm and a constraint ratio of the sleeve of 0.90 can reliably anchor multiple CFRP tendons arranged in a dispersed arrangement. An inner inclination angle of 3.1° of the sleeve can be adopted on the premise that strength utilization ratio is guaranteed and anchorage diameter meets the requirements. An adequate pre‐tension load can reduce the slips of tendons, and the recommended pre‐tension load value should not exceed 0.7 Fptk. The 0.25% basalt fiber‐modified epoxy resin anchorage obtained the highest strength utilization ratio.Highlights
A novel composite anchorage with dispersed carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer tendons was designed.
New mechanical parameters evaluating anchorage performance were proposed.
Basalt fiber (BF)‐modified epoxy resin (ER) can improve anchoring performance.
The 0.25% BF‐modified ER anchorage obtained the highest strength utilization ratio.
Pre‐tension load should not exceed 0.7 times the theoretical tensile load.
Promoting sustainable development in the Australian Murray‐Darling basin: Envisioning an EcoSocial work approach
Authors: Boetto Heather 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInterdisciplinary approaches for promoting sustainable development are critical for navigating social‐ecological issues caused by the global environmental crisis. This paper examines the contribution that social work can make towards enhancing social and ecological wellbeing in the Australian Murray‐Darling Basin. Located in south‐eastern Australia, the Murray‐Darling Basin encompasses a network of river systems and is facing severe ecological decline. Compounded by climate change, agricultural production is having adverse social and ecological impacts on local communities, including First Nations peoples, farmers, and women. EcoSocial Work is an area of practice within social work that emphasises the interdependence between ecological and human wellbeing. By applying a transformative EcoSocial Work model, interventions for supporting ecological and social wellbeing are considered at ontological, epistemological, and methodological dimensions of practice. Implications for promoting sustainable development suggest the need to integrate health and social wellbeing as a key element in government policy pertaining to the Murray‐Darling Basin.
Porous Carbon Electrode from Starch Soluble for Realizing High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Jv , Jiao Mingxing , Geng Ziyi , Liu Yaofeng , Cui Zheng , Xu Siyu , Li Zhuo , Zhang Xin , Cheng Shaoheng , Wang Qiliang , Li Hongdong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOrganic potassium salts are the promising green activators for synthesizing porous carbon materials for energy storage. Herein, we report the synthesis of hierarchical porous carbon material derived from the mixture of soluble starch and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dipotassium salt dihydrate (EDTA‐2K) via carbonization and activation strategy. The sample is used as supercapacitors electrode, which exhibits superior mass specific capacitance (307.3 F g−1 at 1 A g−1), good rate performance (255.0 F g−1 at 10 A g−1), and excellent stability (retaining 83 % after 15000 cycles). This enhanced electrode performance is mainly due to the high specific surface area, the heteroatom co‐doping providing pseudo‐capacitance and the improved electronic conductivity. In addition, the asymmetric supercapacitor device shows a high energy density of 15 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 800 W kg−1 and capacitance retention of 90 % after 12000 cycles.
Synthesis of ZnO/Poly(Styrene‐co‐Methacrylic Acid) Hybrid Polymer Particles for Enhanced UV‐Visible Photodegradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Ullah Wali , Sultana Sarker Mahima , Akter Ayesha , Rahman Abdur 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this study, a series of submicron‐sized functional polymer particles poly(Sty‐co‐MAA) with variable methacrylic acid (MAA) content were prepared by soap‐free emulsion polymerization of styrene (Sty), methacrylic acid (MAA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). The number‐average diameters of polymer particles (Dn) were in the range of 0.11 to 0.19 μm. A decrease in particle size was observed with increasing the molar ratio of MAA comonomer in the recipe. ZnO/poly(Sty‐co‐MAA) hybrid polymer particles were prepared by seeded emulsion copolymerization in presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as seed particles synthesized using Citrus lemon aqueous leaf extract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microsphere (TEM), X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transformed infra‐red (FT‐IR) analysis were performed to characterize polymer particles. The crystalline size of ZnO NPs and ZnO/poly(Sty‐co‐MAA) hybrid polymer particles calculated from XRD analysis were 20.75 and 29.85 nm, respectively. These hybrid polymer particles were applied as photocatalyst in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV irradiation, which showed high catalytic activity with degradation efficiency of 85.70 % at room temperature compared to bare ZnO NPs.
An Experimentally Derived Prediction Model for Diffusion and Electrostatically Controlled Physical Interactions of Polyampholytes and Salts
Authors: Das Sougat , Majumdar Saptarshi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe interactions of salts with polyampholytes are well established using the Hofmeister series. However, the effect of these salts on the diffusivities of polyampholytes is unknown. This article discusses these electrostatically driven physical interactions using two developed prediction models. Sodium and Potassium salts are considered with 3 chaotropic anions and 2 kosmotropic anions. A dimensionless parameter has been developed to predict the trend for these salt interactions. Another model has been developed to predict these interactions for different salt mixtures. The effect of these salts and the mixtures on the second virial coefficient is also studied, and statistical clustering using the k‐means method has been defined, which can provide insight towards the changes in the solution properties of polyampholytes with these salt mixtures. At lower pH, the salt first screens the repulsions in the polyampholytes followed by a re‐expansion phenomenon.
Bio‐Fabricated Silver Nanoparticles for Catalytic Degradation of Toxic Dyes and Colorimetric Sensing of Hg2+
Authors: Moond Monika , Singh Sushila , Rani Jyoti , Beniwal Anuradha , Sharma Rajni Kant 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn the present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized via green synthesis using fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.) seeds of variety HM 425. The AgNPs were characterized by using UV‐Visible spectroscopy, Particle size analyzer, Field emission scanning electron microscopy coupled to Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, XRD, High resolution transmission electron microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The AgNPs were spherical and had an average particle size of 28 nm. The reduction of cationic dyes Methylene blue, Rhodamine B, and an anionic azo dye Methyl Orange by Sodium borohydride was used as a model reaction to investigate the catalytic ability of AgNPs. The results demonstrated an efficient catalytic dye degradation of methylene blue (95.81 %, 25 min, 0.1737±0.01 min−1), Rhodamine B (90.23 %, 15 min, 0.1388±0.01 min−1) and methyl orange (83.63 %, 39 min, 0.0412±0.002 min−1). The synthesized AgNPs had an excellent detection limit of 12.50 μM for Hg2+, making them excellent solid bio‐based sensors for mercury sensing.
Optimized Nb‐Doped TiO2/rGO Nanocomposites for Assessment of Photovoltaic Performance With Metal‐Free Dye and Polymer Gel Electrolyte
Authors: Pawar Prakash S. , Koyale Pramod A. , Patil Mrunal M. , Mullani Navaj B. , Kapdi Yash G. , Soni Saurabh S. , Dhodamani Ananta G. , Delekar Sagar D. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis research presents the development of niobium (Nb)‐doped titania (TiO2)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites (NTR NCs) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The novelty lies in two aspects: introducing Nb (V) ions into TiO2/rGO nanocomposites via an in‐situ sol‐gel method with doping concentrations from 1.0 to 3.0 mol %, and fabricating photoanodes using the doctor blade technique, sensitized with a Co2+/Co3+‐based PEO‐PEG polymer gel electrolyte‐assisted D‐π‐A carbazole metal‐free (SK3) dye. Detailed investigations into the optoelectrical, structural, and morphological properties were conducted using various spectral and analytical tools. Notably, DSSCs based on Nb‐doped TiO2/rGO nanocomposites with 2.0 mol % Nb (NTR‐2) achieved a remarkable solar efficiency (η) of 5.48 % under AM 1.5 solar simulation, significantly outperforming devices based on bare TiO2 nanoparticles and undoped TiO2/rGO NCs by factors of 4.15 and 2.97, respectively. The substantial enhancement in photovoltaic performance is attributed to superior charge transfer properties and higher carrier density, as revealed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott‐Schottky (M–S) analysis. Nb‐doping results in an energetic surface nature, improved optical absorption, and reduced charge transfer resistance, collectively boosting the overall efficiency of DSSCs. This work underscores the potential of Nb‐doped TiO2/rGO NCs as effective photoanode materials in enhancing DSSC performance.
The Support and Bimetallic Synergy Effects in Cu‐Ni/SiO2 Catalysts for Hydrogenation of Furfural
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Min , Wang Rong , Guo Xiaoying , Yang Jing‐He 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHerein, a series of Cu, Ni catalysts were synthesized using mesoporous SiO2 (MCM‐41) and fumed SiO2 as supports for the catalytic hydrogenation of furfural (FF). The MCM‐41 support facilitated the high dispersion of Cu, Ni nanoparticles (NPs), and the hydrogenation products are primarily in the form of alcohols. For fumed SiO2, the proper amounts of acid sites contributed to the better selectivity of 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran(2‐MTHF). Hydrogenation results showed that the 10Cu10Ni/MCM‐41 catalyst afforded a 93.6 % yield of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA), while the 10Cu10Ni/SiO2 catalyst afforded a 61.73 % yield of 2‐MTHF and a 31.63 % yield of THFA. Meanwhile, it is also found that impregnating nickel salt before copper salt is more likely to promote the formation of deep hydrogenation products. Cyclic experiments indicate that developing a one‐step hydrogenation process with selective production of fully hydrogenated products is still a daunting and challenging task.
Development of a Chitosan‐Based Food Packaging Film with the Incorporation of Pectin and Silver Nanoparticles for Improved Antibacterial and Physical Properties
Authors: Tran Khanh Quang , Nguyen Chi Thi Khanh , Duong Quan Xuan , Tran Thu Thi Tuyet , Ngo Thu Hong Anh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis research incorporated grapefruit peel‐derived Pectin and Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into the Chitosan‐based bio‐packaging film to improve its antibacterial efficacy and physical properties such as moisture content, swelling degree, and biodegradability in soil. Systematic investigations revealed that preservative films made from Chitosan 1.75 wt %, Pectin 0.55 wt %, and AgNP 31 ppm have shown a 17.5‐fold reduction in swelling degree in water compared to Chitosan films. At the same time, the anti‐gram‐positive and anti‐gram‐negative bacteria capacity, the ability to retain moisture, and biodegradability in soil, have been enhanced. Low swelling degrees provided better barrier performance, extending the shelf life of packaged products by preventing the ingress of oxygen, and water vapor; on the other hand, higher moisture content improved the flexibility and handling characteristics of packaging films, making them easier to manipulate during packaging processes. These findings herald a sustainable option for eco‐friendly food packaging, a critical step toward minimizing plastic waste and strengthening food preservation procedures using Chitosan‐based antibacterial films enhanced with natural additives.
Highly Efficient Catalyst for Methyl Formate Decomposition Through KOH Activation of Carbon Material Supports
Authors: Wang Ran , Huang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xin , Shen Wei , Xu Liyuan , Yang Wenxing , Pan Pengbin , Yao Yuangen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this research, we utilized potassium hydroxide (KOH) to re‐activate activated carbon and subsequently loaded zinc oxide to obtain a more efficient catalyst for the decomposition of methyl formate. The objective of KOH activation was to augment the catalytic activity of the original ZnO/AC catalyst. Various techniques were used to characterize the prepared catalyst samples, including BET, FT‐IR, SEM, XRD, XPS, and CO2‐TPD. We found that KOH re‐activation of AC can increase the carrier's specific surface area and alkaline sites, significantly improving the catalyst's performance.