bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Membrane‐Derived Biomimetic Apoptotic Nanovesicles Targeting Inflammation and Cartilage Degeneration for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Zongyi , Cheng Quhan , Lin Luoyao , Fu Xiaoling , Wang Yingjun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative whole‐joint disease in which the synovium and joint cartilage become inflamed and damaged. The essential role of inflammation in the development of OA has been recognized recently. Accordingly, simultaneous regulation of local inflammation and tissue degeneration is proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy. Herein, multifunctional biomimetic apoptotic nanovesicles (Apo‐NVs) are constructed with plasma membrane derived from apoptotic T cells. The anti‐inflammatory microRNA‐124 is further encapsulated into Apo‐NVs in the hope of achieving an enhanced immunomodulatory effect. It is found that apoptotic nanovesicles, including Apo‐NVs and Apo‐NVs‐miR‐124, both efficiently promote the M2 repolarization of M1 macrophages and inhibit the degenerative phenotype of chondrocytes. Further in vivo studies show that Apo‐NVs and Apo‐NVs‐miR‐124 alleviate synovial inflammation and protect cartilage tissue from degeneration in OA mice. The study highlights the potential of Apo‐NVs in treating OA and other inflammation‐related diseases.
Interfacial cohesion model of ultra‐high performance concrete wet joints under the influence of multiple factors
Authors: Wang Tao , Xu Jun , Du Dagang , Su Chuanye , Shi Xiaofei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe interfacial cohesion between precast normal concrete (NC) and cast‐in‐place ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) is an important index to evaluate their interfacial bond strength, which is of great importance for the application of UHPC as a connection material for precast structural bridges. Interfacial cohesion is related to several influencing factors. However, there needs to be more research on the interrelationship model between multiple influencing factors and interfacial cohesion. This study took the UHPC wet joint in a precast concrete structure as the object. First, the relationship between the interface cohesion of UHPC wet joint and substrate strength, UHPC age, interfacial roughness, interfacial moisture content, and curing method was studied; The result shows that the key factors affecting interfacial cohesion include UHPC age, interface roughness, and substrate strength, with interfacial moisture content potentially playing a secondary role. Second, the failure types of the interface zone surface by using digital image correlation (DIC) are divided into three categories. Finally, the quantitative mathematical model of interfacial cohesion under the coupling effect of multiple factors was established based on the above four factors. The model is in good agreement with the experimental data.
Nonequilibrium Membrane Dynamics Induced by Active Protein Interactions and Chemical Reactions: A Review
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBiomembranes wrapping cells and organelles are not only the partitions that separate the insides but also dynamic fields for biological functions accompanied by membrane shape changes. In this review, we discuss the spatiotemporal patterns and fluctuations of membranes under nonequilibrium conditions. In particular, we focus on theoretical analyses and simulations. Protein active forces enhance or suppress the membrane fluctuations; the membrane height spectra are deviated from the thermal spectra. Protein binding or unbinding to the membrane is activated or inhibited by other proteins and chemical reactions, such as ATP hydrolysis. Such active binding processes can induce traveling waves, Turing patterns, and membrane morphological changes. They can be represented by the continuum reaction‐diffusion equations and discrete lattice/particle models with state flips. The effects of structural changes in amphiphilic molecules on the molecular‐assembly structures are also discussed.
Molecular Information Processing in a Chemical Reaction Network Using Surface‐Mediated Polyelectrolyte Complexation
Authors: Hazal Koyuncu A. , Allegri Giulia , Moazzenzade Taghi , Huskens Jurriaan , Lindhoud Saskia , Wong Albert S. Y. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBiochemical communication is ubiquitous in life. Biology uses chemical reaction networks to regulate concentrations of myriad signaling molecules. Recent advances in supramolecular and systems chemistry demonstrate that feedback mechanisms of such networks can be rationally designed but strategies to transmit and process information encoded in molecules are still in their infancy. Here, we designed a polyelectrolyte reaction network maintained under out‐of‐equilibrium conditions using pH gradients in flow. The network comprises two weak polyelectrolytes (polyallylamine, PAH, and polyacrylic acid, PAA) in solution and one immobilized on the surface (poly‐l‐lysine, PLL). We chose PAH and PAA as their complexation process is known to be history‐dependent (i. e., the preceding state of the system can determine the next state). Surprisingly, we found that the hysteresis diminished as the PLL‐coated surface supported rather than perturbed the formation of the complex. PLL‐coated surfaces are further exploited to establish that reversible switching between the assembled and disassembled state of polyelectrolytes can process signals encoded in the frequency and duration of pH pulses. We envision that the strategy employed to modulate information in this polyelectrolyte reaction network could open novel routes to transmit and process molecular information in biologically relevant processes.
Generic delimitation of Bolanthus and resurrection of Jordania within Caryophylleae (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Madhani Hossein , Rabeler Richard K. , Zarre Shahin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite remarkable progress in taxonomy within Caryophyllaceae and the tribe Caryophylleae gained from molecular phylogenetic evidence, there are some unresolved issues on generic boundaries in this tribe mainly due to poor sampling of some crucial taxa. This study builds upon previous phylogenetic analyses to clarify the generic boundaries of Bolanthus and its associated taxa in Turkey. We used tribe‐wide molecular phylogenies and reviewed the taxonomic history to address the controversies surrounding the classification of Bolanthus. In 2018, a new genus, Graecobolanthus, was proposed for Greek members of Bolanthus, while the monotypic genus Phrynella was synonymized under Bolanthus. Subsequent research suggested that Bolanthus hirsutus, the type of the genus name, aligns with the Greek clade, casting doubt on the validity of Graecobolanthus. Here we suggest the resurrection of the generic name Jordania for the Turkish species of Bolanthus (including Phrynella), with Jordania minuartioides designated as the lectotype. This reclassification aims to resolve the nomenclatural confusion and reflect phylogenetic relationships accurately. According to this concept, the necessary combinations are made.
The Role of Oxidative Stress and DNA Hydroxymethylation in the Pathogenesis of Benzo[a]pyrene‐Impaired Reproductive Function in Male Mice
Authors: Gan Yu , Zhang Xiang , Cai Panyuan , Zhao Long , Liu Kaiyong , Wang Hua , Xu Dexiang 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTBenzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is known to cause teratogenesis. Environmental exposure of BaP has led to wide public concerns due to their potential risk of reproductive toxicity. However, the exact mechanism is still not clear. We aimed to explore the alterations of oxidative stress and DNA hydroxymethylation during BaP‐impaired reproductive function. BALB/c mice were intragastrically administered with different doses of BaP (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/kg/day, once a day), while control mice were administered with corn coil. Then, the reproductive function, alterations of oxidative stress, DNA methylation, and DNA hydroxymethylation of testis tissues were evaluated. We found that BaP caused obvious histopathological damages of testis tissues. As for sperm parameters after BaP administration, testis weight and the rate of teratosperm were increased, as well as sperm count and motility were decreased. In mechanism, BaP upregulated HO‐1 and MDA levels and downregulated SOD and CAT activity and GSH content in testis tissues, indicating that oxidative stress was induced by BaP. Furthermore, a significant induction of hydroxymethylation and inhibition of methylation were observed in testis tissues after BaP exposure. Collectively, BaP‐induced oxidative stress and hydroxymethylation were involved in impairing reproductive function, which may be the mechanism of the male infertility.
Development of human remains investigations at fatal fire scenes: Bridging anthropology and fire sciences in the United States
Authors: Friedlander Hanna , Kim Jaymelee J. , Allen Joe 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAnthropological assessment of a scene for fatal fire victims can prove crucial in the search, recovery and identification of human remains from fire‐related death investigations. On scene contributions of the anthropologist include, but are not limited to, searching for remains in burnt structures, vehicles, roadside dumps, campfire accidents, and other fire investigations, as well as the proper documentation and collection of remains. While patterning and sequencing for all fire events is not standardized, thermal alteration can be classified and consistent terminology can be used to reflect commonalities and evaluation of thermally altered remains. Further, the anthropologist has the ability to evaluate damage to the remains in terms of possible associated trauma (e.g., antemortem, postmortem). However, scene investigators do not regularly call upon anthropologists to assist at the scene and often do not know the contributions and benefits of having an anthropologist on scene. This perspective article focuses on the development of fatal fire investigations within the United States, key terminology, and core concepts within anthropological sciences and provides recommendations for how fire investigators and anthropologists can collaborate–bridging the gap between the two fields. Uniting literature from fire science, anthropology, and fire investigations, this overview underscores the importance of anthropology and fire investigator collaboration.This article is categorized under:
Forensic Anthropology > Taphonomic Changes and the Environment
Forensic Anthropology > Trauma Analysis
Forensic Anthropology > Anthropology in Mass Disaster & War Crime Contexts
Connectedness and Inequitable Access to Formal Financing in Uzbekistan
Authors: Ruziev Kobil 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe belief that a centrally planned system results in wastefulness whilst a market-based system yields an efficient allocation of resources was central to post-Communist economies’ decisions to transform from a centrally planned to a market-based system. While this belief may well be true in principle, various inefficiencies also occur in market-based systems, particularly in the provision of financial services to businesses. For example, empirical research clearly demonstrates that the distribution of formal financing skews towards larger enterprises and against younger and smaller firms in market-based economies. Conventional explanations for this apparent inefficiency emphasise market and information imperfections as the major causes of misallocation. Yet, more recent studies show that institutional and political factors can also play an important role in resource allocation, which also affect economic outcomes: formally, through rules and regulations; and, informally, through individual political connections and interpersonal relations. A vital implication of this view is that political connectedness, which is interpersonal and exclusive in nature, also leads to inefficiencies in the distribution of formal financing. Building upon this understanding, this chapter investigates the impact of interpersonal connections on the inequitable distribution of formal financing in Uzbekistan.
JICA’s Legal Technical Assistance Projects in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Since the 1990s
Authors: Teramura Nobumichi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMany have written in English about the legislative and judicial systems of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Fewer English writing commentators have investigated the modern legal histories of these jurisdictions. In particular, scant attention has been paid to a common feature in their recent development, the arguably pervasive influence of Japanese private law. Since the 1990s, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has played a major role in the modernisation of law in the region. Through its legal technical assistance projects, JICA has provided support for the reform of codes and the training of lawyers in the use of those codes. This research critically examines JICA’s contribution to the rule of law in the former French Indochina region. It considers whether Japanese soft power (as manifested by JICA) complements or is at cross-purposes with projects of other organisations and initiatives (such as Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank). It evaluates the extent to which JICA’s work is currently attuned to or might be made more responsive to the social and economic aspirations of the relevant countries.
Virtually Free-by-Cyclic Groups
Authors: Kielak Dawid , Linton Marco 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe obtain a homological characterisation of virtually free-by-cyclic groups among groups that are hyperbolic and virtually compact special. As a consequence, we show that many groups known to be coherent actually possess the stronger property of being virtually free-by-cyclic. In particular, we show that all one-relator groups with torsion are virtually free-by-cyclic, solving a conjecture of Baumslag.
Ein ungewöhnlicher Fall: Fraktur des Hammergriffs durch Fingermanipulation
Authors: Mair Peter M. , Mayr Thomas , Sprinzl Georg , Magele Astrid 
Published: July 2024

ZusammenfassungDie isolierte Hammergrifffraktur ist eine seltene, aber klinisch relevante Verletzung im Mittelohr, die zu einer einseitigen Hörminderung führt. Ursachen können akute Druckveränderungen oder traumatische Ereignisse sein. Verschiedene Therapieansätze wie Tympanoplastik, Transposition von autologem Material oder Applikation von Knochenzement werden diskutiert. In dieser Kasuistik wird eine 46-jährige Patientin mit einseitiger Hörminderung nach Manipulation im Ohr beschrieben. Klinisch zeigen sich eine Achsenfehlstellung des Hammergriffs und eine Schallleitungshörminderung in der Audiometrie. Die Verdachtsdiagnose lautet Unterbrechung der Gehörknöchelchenkette. Im Rahmen einer Tympanoskopie wird die Diagnose isolierte Hammergrifffraktur gestellt. Es wird in weiterer Folge Glasionomerzement zur Rekonstruktion des Hammergriffs verwendet. Postoperativ verbessert sich die Hörfunktion signifikant, mit einer vollständigen Remission der Hörminderung nach vier Monaten. Diese Kasuistik zeigt die Bedeutung einer umfassenden Diagnostik und Erfahrung des Operateurs bei der Auswahl der Therapie.
Wire arc additive manufacturing of a high-strength low-alloy steel part: environmental impacts, costs, and mechanical properties
Authors: Kokare Samruddha , Shen Jiajia , Fonseca Pedro P. , Lopes João G. , Machado Carla M. , Santos Telmo G. , Oliveira João P. , Godina Radu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) technologies have demonstrated a promising material efficiency potential in comparison to traditional material removal processes. A new directed energy deposition (DED) category AM process called wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is evolving due to its benefits which include faster build rates, capacity to build large volumes, and inexpensive feedstock materials and machine tools compared to more technologically mature powder-based AM technologies. However, WAAM products present challenges like poor surface finish and lower dimensional accuracy compared to powder-based processes or machined parts, prevalence of thermal distortions, residual stresses, and defects like porosity, cracks, and humping, often requiring post-processing operations like finish machining and heat treatment. These post-processing operations add to the production cost and environmental footprint of WAAM-built parts. Therefore, considering the opportunities and challenges presented by WAAM, this paper analyses the environmental impact, production costs, and mechanical properties of WAAM parts and compares them with those achieved by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and traditional computer numerical control (CNC) milling. A high-strength low-alloy steel (ER70S) mechanical part with medium complexity was fabricated using WAAM. Based on the data collected during this experiment, environmental impact and cost models were built using life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methodologies. WAAM was observed to be the most environmentally friendly option due to its superior material efficacy than CNC milling and has a better energy efficiency than LPBF. Also, WAAM was the most cost-friendly option when adopted in batch production for batch sizes above 3. The environmental and cost potential of WAAM is amplified when used for manufacturing large products, resulting in significant material, emission, and cost savings. The fabricated WAAM part demonstrated good mechanical properties comparable to that of cast/forged material. The methodology and experimental data presented in this study can be used to calculate environmental impacts and costs for other products and can be helpful to manufacturers in selecting the most ecofriendly and cost-efficient manufacturing process.
Comparing orthogonal calculus and calculus with Reality
Authors: Taggart Niall 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe show that there exists a suitable $$C_2$$

C
2

-fixed points functor from calculus with Reality to the orthogonal calculus of Weiss which recovers orthogonal calculus “up to a shift” in an analogous way with the recovery of real topological K-theory from Atiyah’s K-theory with Reality via appropriate $$C_2$$

C
2

-fixed points.
Reductive quotients of klt singularities
Authors: Braun Lukas , Greb Daniel , Langlois Kevin , Moraga Joaquín 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe prove that the quotient of a klt type singularity by a reductive group is of klt type in characteristic 0. In particular, given a klt variety $X$
X
endowed with the action of a reductive group $G$
G
and admitting a quasi-projective good quotient $X\rightarrow X/\!/G$
X
→
X
/
/
G
, we can find a boundary $B$
B
on $X/\!/G$
X
/
/
G
so that the pair $(X/\!/G,B)$
(
X
/
/
G
,
B
)
is klt. This applies for example to GIT-quotients of klt varieties. Our main result has consequences for complex spaces obtained as quotients of Hamiltonian Kähler $G$
G
-manifolds, for collapsings of homogeneous vector bundles as introduced by Kempf, and for good moduli spaces of smooth Artin stacks. In particular, it implies that the good moduli space parametrizing $n$
n
-dimensional K-polystable smooth Fano varieties of volume $v$
v
has klt type singularities. As a corresponding result regarding global geometry, we show that quotients of Mori Dream Spaces with klt Cox rings are Mori Dream Spaces with klt Cox ring. This in turn applies to show that projective GIT-quotients of varieties of Fano type are of Fano type; in particular, projective moduli spaces of semistable quiver representations are of Fano type.
Chimeric lipoproteins for leptospirosis vaccine: immunogenicity and protective potential
Authors: Tapajóz Rafael Carracena de Souza , Santos Francisco Denis Souza , de Oliveira Natasha Rodrigues , Maia Mara Andrade Colares , Seixas Neto Amilton Clair Pinto , Maiocchi Laura de Vargas , Souza Pedro Henrique Filgueiras Coelho , Oliveira Thaís Larré , Dellagostin Odir Antônio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease, is caused by pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira and has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Vaccination stands out as one of the most effective preventive measures for susceptible populations. Within the outer membrane of Leptospira spp., we find the LIC12287, LIC11711, and LIC13259 lipoproteins. These are of interest due to their surface location and potential immunogenicity. Thorough examination revealed the conservation of these proteins among pathogenic Leptospira spp.; we mapped the distribution of T- and B-cell epitopes along their sequences and assessed the 3D structures of each protein. This information aided in selecting immunodominant regions for the development of a chimeric protein. Through gene synthesis, we successfully constructed a chimeric protein, which was subsequently expressed, purified, and characterized. Hamsters were immunized with the chimeric lipoprotein, formulated with adjuvants aluminum hydroxide, EMULSIGEN®-D, Sigma Adjuvant System®, and Montanide™ ISA206VG. Another group was vaccinated with an inactivated Escherichia coli bacterin expressing the chimeric protein. Following vaccination, hamsters were challenged with a virulent L. interrogans strain. Our evaluation of the humoral immune response revealed the production of IgG antibodies, detectable 28 days after the second dose, in contrast to pre-immune samples and control groups. This demonstrates the potential of the chimeric protein to elicit a robust humoral immune response; however, no protection against challenge was achieved. While this study provides valuable insights into the subject, further research is warranted to identify protective antigens that could be utilized in the development of a leptospirosis vaccine.

Key points
• Several T- and B-cell epitopes were identified in all the three proteins.
• Four different adjuvants were used in vaccine formulations.
• Immunization stimulated significant levels of IgG2/3 in vaccinated animals.
Electrical and mechanical behaviors of rubber composites based on polar elastomers with incorporated Cu-based alloy
Authors: Mahmoud Doaa S. , Nassar Amira , Moustafa A. M. , Ward A. A. , Mohamed Wael S. , El-Sabbagh Salwa H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDielectric elastomers with conducting inorganic fillers offer a wide range of uses, including capacitive energy storage, elastomer sensors, actuators, and many more. In this approach, low dielectric loss and high dielectric constant may be made possible by ternary composites that use metal alloy components as reinforcing fillers. Here, Cu-based alloy was added to acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) to produce ternary rubber composites. Unfortunately, the Cu–Al–Zn alloy’s material incompatibility with the rubber matrix typically leads to phase separation, void formation, and particle aggregation, all of which have a dramatic negative impact on performance. Using 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate as a coupling agent, Cu–Al–Zn alloy particles were uniformly dispersed onto the NBR rubber matrix through surface modification. By using scanning electron microscopy, the appropriate reinforcement of modified Cu-based alloy particles into NBR was carefully examined. The effect of modified Cu–Al–Zn alloy loading on the swelling behavior of the composite was also investigated. The findings show that the shape and dispersion state of modified Cu–Al–Zn alloy were important for the dielectric characteristics of the NBR compounds. By adding reinforced modified Cu-based alloy to the NBR matrix, mechanical characteristics were significantly improved. The uniform dispersion of modified Cu–Al–Zn alloy particles and strong interfacial compatibility with rubber matrix are the reasons for the outstanding performance of NBR composites, which suggests high-performance dielectric composite.