bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tamarixetin ameliorates cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury via suppressing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2/nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain like receptor family pyrin domain‐containing 3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Yang Yanqiu , Wang Feng , Fang Mingxia , Yao Xiaohu , Xu Libin , Liu Yueyang , Liu Yeshu , Liang Dong , Zeng Kewu , Li Ning , Hou Yue 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTamarixetin, a natural dietary flavone, exhibits remarkable potential for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The present article aimed to explore the impact of tamarixetin on ischemic stroke and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Effects of tamarixetin on ischemic stroke were evaluated in rats using the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) model, by assessing the neurological deficit scores, brain water content, brain infraction, and neuronal damage. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase expression were measured in MCAO/R rats and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated cells. Tamarixetin administration improved the neurological dysfunction and neuronal loss in MCAO/R rats. In addition, tamarixetin reduced microglial hyperactivation and proinflammatory cytokines expression in vivo and in vitro. Tamarixetin attenuated NF–κB p65 phosphorylation and promoter activity, reduced NLRP3 expression and caspase‐1 cleavage, and downregulated IL‐1β and IL‐18 secretions to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The levels of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and ROS were also suppressed by tamarixetin. The downregulation of NADP+ and NADPH levels, and gp91phox expression indicated the ameliorative effects of tamarixetin on NADPH oxidase activation. In the gp91phox knockdown cells treated with lipopolysaccharide, the effects of tamarixetin on NADPH oxidase activation, ROS generation, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation were diminished. Moreover, tamarixetin protects neurons against microglial hyperactivation in vitro. Our findings support the potential of tamarixetin as a therapeutic agent for ischemic stroke, and its mechanism of action involves the inhibition of NADPH oxidase–NLRP3 inflammasome signaling.
Observation of Room Temperature Exchange Cavity Magnon‐Polaritons in Metallic Thin Films
Authors: Smith Mawgan A. , Lafferty Adam L. , Joseph Alban , McMaster Matthew R. , Scott Jade N. , Hendren William R. , Bowman Robert M. , Weides Martin P. , Macêdo Rair 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCavity magnonics has become an intriguing field due to its potential to enable next‐generation technologies centered around controlling information exchange in hybrid resonant systems. Investigating the tunability of magnon‐photon coupling is key to advancing the field. Here, the observation of coupling between the first order magnon mode in a metallic thin film with a cavity photon mode is reported. An electromagnetic perturbation theory that takes account of perpendicular standing spin waves and their respective dissipation is utilized to estimate the coupling strength. The metallic thin film exhibits notably lower dissipation for the higher‐order magnon mode, which is not observed in a thin film magnetic insulator. As such, and given that metallic Kittel magnons typically exhibit lower coherence times than their insulator counterparts, the excitation and coupling to specific higher order modes could lengthen these times compared to previous observations, which may be useful for future integration into quantum devices.
Unveiling Mechanistic Insight into Accelerating Oxygen Molecule Activation by Oxygen Defects in Co3O4‐x/g‐C3N4 p–n Heterojunction for Efficient Photo‐Assisted Uranium Extraction from Seawater
Authors: Hu Enmin , Liu Qian , Qian Zishu , Zhong Qian , He Junhui , Xu Shicheng , Lu Tianming , Li Jin , Chen Tao , Zhu Wenkun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPhoto‐assisted uranium extraction from seawater (UES) is regarded as an efficient technique for uranium resource recovery, yet it currently faces many challenges, such as issues like biofouling resistance, low charge separation efficiency, slow carrier transfer, and a lack of active sites. Based on addressing the above challenges, a novel oxygen‐deficient Co3O4‐x/g‐C3N4 p–n heterojunction is developed for efficient photo‐assisted uranium extraction from seawater. Relying on the defect‐coupling heterojunction synergistic effect, the redistribution of molecular charge density formed the built‐in electric field as revealed by DFT calculations, significantly enhancing the separation efficiency of carriers and accelerating their migration rate. Notably, oxygen vacancies served as capture sites for oxygen, effectively promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby significantly improving the photo‐assisted uranium extraction performance and antibacterial activity. Thus, under simulated sunlight irradiation with no sacrificial reagent added, Co3O4‐x/g‐C3N4 extracted a high uranium extraction amount of 1.08 mg g−1 from 25 L of natural seawater after 7 days, which is superior to most reported carbon nitride‐based photocatalysts. This study elaborates on the important role of surface defects and inerface engineering strategies in enhancing photocatalytic performance, providing a new approach to the development and design of uranium extraction material from seawater.
A Gel Polymer Electrolyte with High Uniform Na+ Flux and its Constructed Hybrid Interface Synergistically to Facilitate High‐Performance Sodium Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lai Hongjian , Wu Xiangwei , Wen Zhaoyin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSodium metal batteries (SMBs) can be developed on a large scale to achieve low‐cost and high‐capacity energy storage systems. Gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) can relieve volatilization of liquid electrolyte, adapt to volume changes in electrodes, and better satisfy the requirements of long‐term SMBs. Herein, a dense polyurethane‐based GPE modified with polyacrylonitrile is synthesized by rapidly swelling two‐component polyurethane/polyacrylonitrile electrospun fiber film. Compared to traditional porous GPEs obtained by swelling porous matrixes, the fiber film provides uniform high Na+ flux inside GPE due to its partial solubility property and ability to dissociate salts. Therefore, it can reduce the polarization effect and induce uniform metal deposition under high current in conjunction with its constructed hybrid N/F‐containing solid electrolyte interface (SEI) that possesses low ionic diffusion barrier. The study demonstrates that GPE has an ionic conductivity of 1.816 mS cm−1 at 20 °C and an ion transference number of 0.53. The full battery (NVP/GPE/Na) assembled with this GPE and Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) cathode shows 90.8% capacity retention rate after 1000 cycles at 10 C. Considering the convenient preparation and outstanding electrochemical performances of the obtained GPE, it can also be matched with other electrodes in the future to expand the application of sodium‐based batteries.
Anionic Hofmeister Effect Regulated Conductivity in Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Guo Qingqing , Su Huawei , Ji Xingxiang , Gai Ligang , Jiang Haihui , Liu Libin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Hofmeister effect not only affects the stability and solubility of protein colloids but also has specific effects on the polymer molecules. Here, the impact of the Hofmeister effect on the electrochemical properties of polyelectrolyte hydrogels at room temperature and subzero temperature studied for the first time. Polyelectrolyte hydrogels exhibit an anti‐polyelectrolyte effect in low concentrations of ammonium salt, while they exhibit an obvious Hofmeister effect in high concentrations of ammonium salt. Kosmotropic ions demonstrate strong interaction with water molecules or polymer chains, resulting in the reduction of conductivity of polyelectrolyte hydrogels. However, chaotropic ions exhibit weak interactions with water molecules or molecular chains, leading to an increase in conductivity. The Hofmeister effect has a more significant effect on the polyzwitterion electrolyte. The conductivity of polyzwitterion hydrogel soaked in chaotropic ion is up to 6.2 mS cm‐1 at −40 °C. The supercapacitor assembled by polyzwitterion electrolytes maintains a capacitance retention rate of 85% and ≈100% coulomb efficiency after 15 000 cycles at −40 °C. This study elucidates the influence of the Hofmeister effect on conductivity in polyelectrolytes and expands the regulatory approach for improving the performance of energy storage devices.
Two‐photon Dye‐Based Fluorogenic Organic Nanoparticles as Intracellular Thiols Sensors
Authors: Dal Pra Ophélie , Daniel Jonathan , Recher Gaëlle , Blanchard‐Desce Mireille , Grazon Chloé 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOptical bioimaging is an ever‐growing field that benefits both from the fast progress of optical instrumentation and modalities, and from the development of light‐emitting probes. The efficacy of molecular fluorescent dyes is crucial, yet hindered by limited brightness and hydrophilicity. Addressing these challenges, self‐stabilized fluorogenic organic nanoparticles only made of pure dyes (dFONs) are introduced in this work. Comprising thiol‐sensitive fluorogenic chromophores, these dFONs exhibit enhanced brightness exclusively in the presence of biological thiols, notably glutathione, overcoming the need for water‐solubilizing moieties. Importantly, these nanoparticles demonstrate large fluorescence and one‐ and two‐photon brightness, enabling sensitive bioimaging of intracellular thiols at micromolar concentrations. Notably, only the pristine fluorogenic nanoparticles can penetrate the cells and does not require to wash the cells before imaging, emphasizing their unique role as dye carriers, fluorogenic probes and ease of use. This work highlights the transformative potential of dFONs in advancing optical bioimaging, paving the way for the use of dFONs not just as tracers, but also now as biosensors and ultimately in the future as biomarkers.
Expanding model transparency and learning potential through structural and behavioural debriefings
Authors: Capelo Carlos , Pereira Renato , Dias João Ferreira 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSimulation‐based learning environments have been recommended by researchers as educational tools to support learning in complex domains. However, studies have evidenced that subjects may nevertheless have great difficulty understanding and managing dynamic systems, with several assertions are being made regarding the impact of employing transparent model simulations on learning and performance outcomes. This research, therefore, examines the moderating impacts of structural and behavioural debriefings, which are concentrated respectively on critical variables and relations, and on the connection between model structure, action patterns and system behaviour. We propose a series of hypotheses regarding the impact of model transparency and prior debriefing conditions on participants' performance and their comprehension of the system dynamics. Three out of the six hypotheses were validated: prior structural debriefing alongside model transparency positively impacts performance; prior behavioural debriefing, when combined with model transparency and prior structural debriefing, positively impacts both the comprehension of model dynamics and performance.
ANN‐based analysis of the effect of SCM on recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Mosquera Carlos H. , Acosta Melissa P. , Rodríguez William A. , Mejía‐España Diego A. , Torres Jonhatan R. , Martinez Daniela M. , Abellán‐García Joaquín 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRising environmental awareness has prompted in‐depth studies on how the concrete industry affects the environment. Using recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete manufacturing provides advantages for sustainability. However, the broader chemical composition of SCMs and the inferior qualities of RCAs compared with natural aggregates (NAs) often lead to a decrease in concrete mechanical strength. The difficulty lies in foreseeing how the inclusion of SCMs and RCAs will affect the concrete compressive strength. The artificial neural network (ANN) approach presented herein can precisely forecast the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) compressive strength, even when incorporates SCMs. The analysis employing the connection weight approach (CWA) determines how input variables influence compressive strength. Results indicate silica fume contributes most to compressive strength, followed by cement content, silica modulus, fine natural aggregate dosage, and coarse natural aggregate. Additionally, the amount of water utilized, the water/cement ratio, and the presence of RCA are all detrimental to compressive strength. The adverse effect of the cementitious materials' alumina modulus can be attributed to increased water demand during their reaction. Performance metrics of the final ANN model on the testing data subset include R2 = 0.94, and RMSE = 3.11, utilizing 834 data observations after outlier treatment for training and validation purposes. In summary, the ANN‐based approach demonstrates its efficacy in predicting concrete compressive strength when incorporating SCMs and RCAs, shedding light on the influential factors in concrete performance.
Evidence for seasonal shift in the reproduction of Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in managed care in the Northern hemisphere compared to the natural habitat in the Southern hemisphere
Authors: Cigler Pia , Davis Leyla R. , Gmür Sarah‐Lisa , Clauss Marcus , Hatt Jean‐Michel , Ohlerth Stefanie , Mastromonaco Gabriela , Kummrow Maya 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEx situ breeding constitutes an important tool for species conservation; however, many reptile species are not managed sustainably under human care due to poor fecundity in ex situ settings. In this study, we tested whether the translocation of a seasonally reproducing species to a different environment results in decoupling of extrinsic signals and intrinsic conditions. The endocrinological patterns of plasma steroid sex hormones, follicular development, and mating behaviour of two female and two male sexually mature Aldabra tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) in a zoological institution in the Northern hemisphere was aligned with enclosure climate data (mean monthly daylight duration, temperature, and precipitation) and compared with respective hormone patterns of wild individuals and climate conditions in the native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Southern hemisphere. Whereas occurrence of mating behaviour was not considered a limiting factor, lack of ovulation and subsequent follicular atresia was the main reason for the lack of reproductive output. While it was impossible to elucidate the triggering factors of ovulation and the multifactorial complexity of reproduction was not fully addressed, this study indicates suboptimal temperature conditions and relative temporal shifts of interacting external triggers (temperature and photoperiod) in the zoo setting.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Urbanization
Authors: Evers David , Katurić Ivana , van der Wouden Ries 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis chapter contributes to the scholarly and policy debate on sustainable urbanization by discussing the substantive, conceptual, and methodological innovations our pan-European research. Recommendations are provided for policymakers committed to making urbanization more sustainable in the form of inspiration rather than instruction. Recommendations are also provided for future research by noting loose ends and untested hypotheses. We conclude with a call for more attention for sustainability among spatial planners and more attention for spatial planning among environmentalists.
Short-chain fatty acids suppresses astrocyte activation by amplifying Trp-AhR-AQP4 signaling in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice
Authors: Lin Xiuli , Peng Yufeng , Guo Zhimei , He Wuhui , Guo Wenyuan , Feng Junmin , Lu Lin , Liu Qin , Xu Pingyi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe function of astrocytes in response to gut microbiota-derived signals has an important role in the pathophysiological processes of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. However, the specific effects of microbiota-derived metabolites on astrocyte activation have not been elucidated yet. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in female C57BL/6 mice as a classical MS model. The alterations of gut microbiota and the levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were assessed after EAE induction. We observed that EAE mice exhibit low levels of Allobaculum, Clostridium_IV, Clostridium_XlVb, Lactobacillus genera, and microbial-derived SCFAs metabolites. SCFAs supplementation suppressed astrocyte activation by increasing the level of tryptophan (Trp)-derived AhR ligands that activating the AhR. The beneficial effects of SCFAs supplementation on the clinical scores, histopathological alterations, and the blood brain barrier (BBB)-glymphatic function were abolished by intracisterna magna injection of AAV-GFAP-shAhR. Moreover, SCFAs supplementation suppressed the loss of AQP4 polarity within astrocytes in an AhR-dependent manner. Together, SCFAs potentially suppresses astrocyte activation by amplifying Trp-AhR-AQP4 signaling in EAE mice. Our study demonstrates that SCFAs supplementation may serve as a viable therapy for inflammatory disorders of the CNS.
Exploring the impact of ‘hostile environment’ policies on psychological distress of ethnic groups in the UK: a differences-in-differences analysis
Authors: Dotsikas K. , McGrath M. , Osborn D. P. J. , Walters K. , Dykxhoorn J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In 2012, the UK government announced legislation changes and heightened immigration controls designed to create a ‘hostile environment for illegal migration.’ We measured changes in psychological distress among people from minoritised ethnic groups compared to White British controls before and throughout the implementation of these policies.

Methods
We used the UK Household Longitudinal Survey to estimate difference-in-difference models for six ethnic groups (Bangladeshi, African, Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani, and White British) in three eras: pre-policy (2009–2012); (2) transition (2012–2016); and (3) ongoing policy (2016–2020). We calculated the adjusted marginal mean psychological distress score at each era using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).

Results
In the pre-policy era, we found higher psychological distress for the Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Caribbean groups compared to the White British group. We observed patterns consistent with increasing psychological distress during the transition era for the Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups, with further increases in the ongoing era for the Bangladeshi group. Levels of psychological distress the Indian and African groups were similar to the White British group in the pre-policy era and decreased over successive eras. A small decrease was observed in the Caribbean group across policy eras, while levels remained stable in the White British group.

Conclusion
We found evidence that psychological distress increased among Pakistani and Bangladeshi individuals following the introduction of hostile environment policies but did not detect increased distress in other ethnic groups. This finding underscores the importance of disaggregating analyses by ethnic group to capture the distinct experiences.
Update on cannabis in human sexuality
Authors: Lissitsa Denis , Hovers May , Shamuilova Michal , Ezrapour Tal , Peled-Avron Leehe 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Rationale
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human that encompasses many facets. Cannabis, a widely used psychoactive substance, has been associated with various effects on sexuality. The relationship between cannabis and sexuality is complex and multifaceted, involving physiological, psychological, and social factors.

Objectives
This review aims to provide an overview of the current literature on the effects of cannabis on several sexual functions, including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. It also discusses the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as the impact of dose and frequency of use.

Results
This review has revealed a complex relationship between cannabis dosage and its influence on sexuality. It appears that the frequency of cannabis use in humans has been associated with the frequency of sexual activities. Individuals who use cannabis more frequently tend to report higher levels of sexual activity. Moreover, there is a notable gender difference in how cannabis affects sexuality. In addition, we found lower doses of cannabis to be linked to heightened sexual desire and enjoyment, whereas higher doses may lead to a decrease in sexual desire and performance.

Conclusions
Overall, the association between cannabis and sexuality is complex and warrants further research to better understand the psychological and neurological mechanisms that underlie the effect of cannabis on these sexuality functions and its implications for sexual health. To advance in this endeavor, a crucial step is establishing a precise measurement of dosage in human studies.
The Structure of the LysR-type Transcriptional Regulator, CysB, Bound to the Inducer, N-acetylserine
Authors: Verschueren Koen H. G. , Dodson Eleanor J. , Wilkinson Anthony J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, cysteine biosynthesis requires the products of 20 or more cys genes co-ordinately regulated by CysB. Under conditions of sulphur limitation and in the presence of the inducer, N-acetylserine, CysB binds to cys promoters and activates the transcription of the downstream coding sequences. CysB is a homotetramer, comprising an N-terminal DNA binding domain (DBD) and a C-terminal effector binding domain (EBD). The crystal structure of a dimeric EBD fragment of CysB from Klebsiella aerogenes revealed a protein fold similar to that seen in Lac repressor but with a different symmetry in the dimer so that the mode of DNA binding was not apparent. To elucidate the subunit arrangement in the tetramer, we determined the crystal structure of intact CysB in complex with N-acetylserine. The tetramer has two subunit types that differ in the juxtaposition of their winged helix-turn-helix DNA binding domains with respect to the effector binding domain. In the assembly, the four EBDs form a core with the DNA binding domains arranged in pairs on the surface. N-acetylserine makes extensive polar interactions in an enclosed binding site, and its binding is accompanied by substantial conformational rearrangements of surrounding residues that are propagated to the protein surface where they appear to alter the arrangement of the DNA binding domains. The results are (i) discussed in relation to the extensive mutational data available for CysB and (ii) used to propose a structural mechanism of N-acetylserine induced CysB activation.