bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated microbiologically influenced corrosion of copper by sulfate‐reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfovibrio
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Li Jialin , Wei Bo , Xu Jin , Sun Cheng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe corrosion behavior and electrochemical damage mechanisms induced by sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) on copper (Cu) were investigated in this study. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that SRB accelerated the corrosion of Cu, albeit with a mitigating effect observed due to the formation of a protective and dense biofilm. However, upon the rupture of this protective film, the corrosion tendency of Cu significantly increased. Surface analysis corroborated these findings, with the predominant corrosion product identified as Cu2S, a result further supported by thermodynamic calculations. The accelerated corrosion of Cu was primarily attributed to the physiological metabolism of SRB, which generates hydrogen sulfide as the principal agent driving corrosion processes.
CEO fashion matters? Effect of consistent versus variable fashion style on perceived competence
Authors: Kim MinChung , Lee Jacob C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe present research examines how a temporal dimension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) fashion style—consistent (vs. variable) fashion—influences stakeholders' perceptions of CEO competence. Based on the temporal aspect of attribution theory, we hypothesize that stakeholders perceive those CEOs who are consistent in their clothing across various occasions as more competent than CEOs who do not portray consistency. We also consider CEO gender a key moderator of the link between fashion consistency and perceived competence. Based on gender stereotypes and relatively unclear rules about women's clothing within professional settings, we hypothesize that the enhancement of perceived competence from a consistent fashion style is mitigated for female CEOs. Furthermore, by applying a zero‐sum belief in time management to CEOs' clothing decisions, we hypothesize that perceived work engagement mediates the “gender” moderation. Three studies, including a survey and two scenario‐based experiments in which we manipulate fashion consistency and CEO gender, largely supported the hypotheses. The results emphasize the importance for CEOs to strategically manage visual cues, like fashion style, focusing on either their consistency or variability when interacting with stakeholders across different occasions.
Gamma‐Irradiated Gum Arabic Grafted with 2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate: A Novel Superabsorbent Polymer for Controlled Folic Acid Release
Authors: Mir Tariq Ahmad , Ganie Showkat Ali , Ali Akbar , Assiri Mohammed A. , Imtiyaz Khalid , Rizvi M. Moshahid Alam , Mazumdar Nasreen , Rather Luqman Jameel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study explores the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from chemically modified gum Arabic, designed for controlled folic acid release. The synthesis involves a two‐step process: carboxymethylation followed by grafting with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate via gamma irradiation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and controlled diffusivity, essential for nutrient delivery systems. Key factors such as copolymer composition and irradiation dose are investigated, affecting the synthesis process. Systematic studies of swelling behaviors reveal that the hydrogel achieves a maximum swelling of 888.1% at 40 °C. The hydrogels are loaded with folic acid, and in vitro, sustained release profiles are examined under various pH conditions. The maximum release of 83.3% is observed after 24 h at pH 7.0, following a Korsmeyer–Peppas release mechanism. Different characterization techniques, confirm the successful synthesis and unique properties of the superabsorbent hydrogels. Rheological behavior analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and biocompatibility assessments provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogel structures. Gamma irradiation ensures a homogeneous network structure, crucial for optimal swelling behavior and mechanical properties. This research highlights the potential of eco‐friendly biopolymer hydrogels in precise drug delivery applications, leveraging the safety and process control benefits of gamma irradiation.
LAIR1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell metastasis and induces M2‐macrophage infiltration through activating AKT‐IKKβ‐p65 axis
Authors: Pan Banglun , Shen Shuling , Zhao Jun , Zhang Zhu , Ye Dongjie , Zhang Xiaoxia , Yao Yuxin , Luo Yue , Wang Xiaoqian , Tang Nanhong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLAIR1, a receptor found on immune cells, is capable of binding to collagen and is involved in immune‐related diseases. However, the precise contribution of LAIR1 expressed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells to tumor microenvironment is still unclear. In our study, bioinformatics analysis and immunofluorescence were employed to study the correlation between LAIR1 levels and clinical indicators. Transwell and scratch tests were used to evaluate how LAIR1 affected the migration and invasion of HCC cells. The chemotactic capacity and alternative activation of macrophages were investigated using RT‐qPCR, transwell, and immunofluorescence. To investigate the molecular mechanisms, transcriptome sequencing analysis, Western blot, nucleus/cytoplasm fractionation, ELISA, and cytokine microarray were employed. We revealed a significant correlation between the presence of LAIR1 and an unfavorable outcome in HCC. We indicated that LAIR1 promoted migration and invasion of HCC cells through the AKT‐IKKβ‐p65 axis. Additionally, the alternative activation and infiltration of tumor‐associated macrophages induced by LAIR1 were reliant on the upregulation of IL6 and CCL5 within this axis, respectively. In conclusion, blocking LAIR1 was found to be an effective approach in combating the cancerous advancement of HCC.
A simple miniaturized sub‐6‐GHz bandpass filter with wide upper stopband in gallium arsenide‐based integrated passive device process
Authors: Wang Xuedao , Zhang Gang , Guo Zai‐Cheng , Wang Lingling 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA very compact three‐pole bandpass filter with wide upper stopband is proposed and implemented by gallium arsenide integrated passive device technology. By organizing inductor and capacitor in parallel with an LC series network, a dual‐frequency bandstop structure is constructed in the first step to achieve transmission zeros (TZs). Then, the lowpass capacitor network and highpass inductor network are wisely cascaded with the bandstop structure, thus to the realization of three‐pole bandpass filter with a wide upper stopband. Based on the even‐/odd‐mode analysis, theoretical equations for the in‐band resonances and out‐of‐band TZs are given. Then, one filter prototype centered at 4.4 GHz with 3‐dB fractional bandwidth of 45.5% is designed, fabricated, and measured. Both simulated and measured results indicate that the proposed filter exhibits a wide stopband rejection of 25 dB from 6.4 to 22.8 GHz as well as a very compact size about 0.026λg × 0.031λg.
Low‐cost and easy‐to‐embed 7‐bit 360° phase shifter with transitions for large‐scale phased arrays
Authors: Liu MeiCheng , Wu Jin , Fu ZhenShuai , Zheng Shuang , Hou YueFeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this letter, a low‐cost and easy‐to‐embed 7‐bit 360° phase shifter with transitions is presented for applications to beamforming in the large‐scale phased array. In the proposed 360° phase shifter, the topology of the reflection‐type phase shifter (RTPS) is employed, composed of a 3‐dB branchline coupler terminated with two tunable parallel L–C loads. First, a two‐step phase extraction process for RTPS is applied to design the RTPS rapidly with competitive performance, including 360° phase range and low insertion loss. A huge amount of parameter sweep is reduced in the design and test. Meanwhile, the parameter of inductors in the tunable loads is investigated effectively, to achieve the minimal phase step. Second, aiming at the enhanced performance of beamforming and improved flexibility of integration, the stripline is adopted in the design of the phase shifter, avoiding the interference on antenna radiation effectively. To facilitate the integration with antenna and radio frequency connectors of the input and output signals, a stripline‐to‐microstrip line transition with electromagnetic bandgap structures is adopted. By this means, the complexity and cost of fabrication are decreased. Finally, fabricated in the low‐cost printed circuit board technology, our proof‐of‐concept design operated from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz is measured and achieves a 386.8° phase shift range with an insertion loss of 2.21 ± 0.82 dB at 2.45 GHz.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles With Cyclosorus dentatus and Nephrolepis biserrata and Their Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory Studies
Authors: Chick Christian Nanga , Meva Francois Eya'ane , Kedi Phillippe Belle Ebanda , Usuki Toyonobu 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis study examined the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) with aqueous extracts of Cyclosorus dentatus and Nephrolepis biserrata fronds and the evaluation of their biological activities. Mixing of AgNO3 solution and the aqueous extracts resulted in color change, indicating the formation of SNPs. UV‐Vis spectroscopy analysis gave a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at approximately 420 nm, confirming the presence of the synthesized SNPs. Infrared analysis showed C‐O, N‐O, and C‐C vibrations or stretching and aliphatic vibrations of hydrocarbon chains of the synthesized SNPs. x‐Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated the SNPs were face‐centered, cubic, and crystalline in nature, with crystallite sizes. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the aggregation of the spherical shape nanoparticles. The SNPs significantly reduced phosphomolybdenum and captured H2O2 with respective IC50 values of 61.55 and 29.03 µg/mL for C. dentatus SNP (SNP‐Cd), and 92.61 and 9.07 µg/mL for N. biserrata SNP (SNP‐Nb), respectively. In terms of albumin‐denaturing activity, the SNPs gave an IC50 value of 21.20 µg/mL for SNP‐Cd and 7.18 µg/mL for SNP‐Nb. Thus, this work confirmed that SNP‐Cd and SNP‐Nb are potential therapeutic agents for treating oxidative stress, inflammatory problems, and related diseases.
Observer‐based optimal fault‐tolerant tracking control for input‐constrained interconnected nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances
Authors: Liu Shihui , Xu Ning , Zhao Ning , Zhang Liang 
Published: July 2024

SummaryThis paper investigates an observer‐based optimal fault‐tolerant tracking control problem for interconnected nonlinear systems with input constraints and mismatched disturbances via adaptive dynamic programming (ADP). Firstly, an augmented system consisting of tracking error and the reference trajectory is constructed, and then the original optimal tracking control problem is transformed into the optimal regulation control problem of the augmented system. An integral sliding‐mode‐based optimal fault‐tolerant control scheme is developed to eliminate the effect of actuator faults and guarantee the optimal control performance. Furthermore, a neural network‐based observer is designed to identify the completely unknown system dynamics based on the input‐output data, thereby relaxing the restriction on system dynamics. Subsequently, the modified Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equations are solved by using the ADP algorithm under a critic network framework. According to the Lyapunov approach, all signals in the closed‐loop augmented system are uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the effectiveness of the developed control scheme is demonstrated via simulation results.
Children and young adults with newly diagnosed rhabdomyosarcoma metastatic to bone treated on Children's Oncology Group studies
Authors: Schloemer Nathan J. , Xue Wei , Qumseya Amira , Luo Leo Y. , Hiniker Susan M. , Lautz Timothy B. , Rhee Daniel S. , Arnold Michael A. , Venkatramani Rajkumar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Despite bone metastases being present in 5% of patients at diagnosis, there are limited studies examining these outcomes. We sought to define the prognostic factors, clinical courses, and outcomes of children treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials with RMS metastatic to bone at diagnosis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with bone metastatic RMS enrolled on COG RMS clinical trials (D9802, D9803, ARST0431, or ARST08P1) between 1997 and 2013.ResultsRMS metastatic to bone was identified in 154 patients at a median age of 14.9 years at diagnosis. Fifty‐eight percent of patients were male, 90% had metastases at additional sites, 74% had alveolar histology, and extremity was the most common primary site (31%). Eighty‐six percent of patients (n = 133) received radiation therapy. The 3‐ and 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 15.4% and 14.5%, respectively. The 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 30.4% and 18.0%, respectively. We identified alveolar histology, FOXO1 fusion presence, unfavorable primary location, higher Oberlin score, and lack of radiation as poor prognostic characteristics for both EFS and OS in univariate analysis. Lack of radiation was not significant when excluding patients with events prior to 20 weeks.ConclusionsThis study is the largest analysis of patients with bone metastatic RMS, and defines the poor overall outcomes and negative prognostic factors for these patients. They may be eligible for therapy deintensification for improved quality of life or pursuit of novel treatments/approaches, which are desperately needed.
Surface‐modified graphite based polymer nanocomposites for high‐temperature geothermal applications
Authors: Liu Sai , Taleghani Arash Dahi , Tabatabaei Maryam 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis research aims to develop novel economical and thermally‐stable polymer nanocomposites to seal geothermal wells by dispersing surface‐modified graphite into an inexpensive raw polymer. Using a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, a nano‐scale graphite filler, namely small‐size lamellar graphite (SFG15), was surface‐modified, which introduced considerable oxygen and carboxylic (COOH) groups to graphite surfaces, as verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Polymer nanocomposites were fabricated by dispersing different concentrations of modified graphite SFG15, including 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 wt%, into the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) matrix. First, characterization techniques, including wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were employed to examine modified graphite dispersion in the nanocomposites. Then, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to quantitatively study the key mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites. It was found that introducing modified SFG15 to EPDM enhances its resistance to deformation at high temperatures significantly. Notably, 9 wt% of modified SFG15 showed superior performances in improving the storage modulus of EPDM by 191.17%, enhancing loss modulus by as high as 136.08%, and decreasing tan by 18.93%. After introducing modified graphite, the energy needed for melting EPDM was increased markedly, which was accompanied by improvement in its heat capacity. Compared with pure EPDM, the onset temperature of degradation for developed nanocomposites could be increased by over , and the temperature of 50% degradation was raised by up to . Possessing the improved mechanical and thermal performances, the nanocomposites developed could be a primary choice for materials used to seal geothermal wells.Highlights
A technique is developed to reinforce low‐cost polymers for high‐temperature use.
Reinforcement of EPDM with high concentrations of modified graphite is investigated.
Modified graphite increases the high‐temperature storage modulus of EPDM by 191.17%.
Degradation temperatures of EPDM are enhanced by modified graphite considerably.
Low‐cost polymer composites are essential seals for application in deep geothermal wells.
Structure, morphology, and properties of aliphatic polyurethane elastomers from bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol
Authors: Wu Qing , Ge Shang , Zhu Youzhi , Zhu Yun , Wang Guiyou 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe utilization of biomass resources in the production of bio‐based or bio‐recycled polyurethanes (PUs) enhances the sustainable development and eco‐friendliness of PU. Herein, a series of new bio‐based aliphatic poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols were synthesized using bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol (bio‐PDO) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids with different chain lengths. These bio‐based polyester diols and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) reacted with 4,4′‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate to produce aliphatic PU elastomers (PUEs). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the structure of poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols on the architecture, morphology, mechanical properties, and degradation of PUEs, thereby expanding the application of bio‐PDO. The results indicate a strong correlation between the degree of microphase separation, tensile properties, and degradation behavior of the synthesized PUEs and the number of methylene groups in the repeating unit of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols. Notably, the PUE derived from poly(propylene pimelate) diol demonstrates the highest level of microphase separation and superior elasticity properties because of the high flexibility of the polyester. On the other hand, PUE prepared from poly(propylene succinate) diol exhibits the fastest degradation performance due to its high density of ester groups. Bio‐PDO based polyester diols show significant potential as raw materials for PUEs with biodegradable and adjustable mechanical properties.Highlights
Poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols were prepared from bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol.
The poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols based polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) have high tensile strength (>22 MPa) and elongation at break (>920%).
The morphology, mechanical properties and degradation of PUEs are highly related to the structure of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols.
The increasing repeating unit length of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols increases elastic recovery of PUEs.
Development of a freshness indicator packaging system using cold atmospheric plasma on LLDPE–PVA with Laponite–anthocyanin biohybrid
Authors: Leandro Gabriel Coelho , Laroque Denise Adamoli , Carciofi Bruno Augusto Mattar , Valencia Germán Ayala 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study developed a freshness indicator based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and a biohybrid (BH) of Laponite® and anthocyanins adhered to linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). LLDPE was treated with CAP for 0 to 300 s, which resulted in an increased surface energy, characterized by an important increase in its polar component up to 120 s of treatment, due to the formation of polar groups on the surface of LLDPE. No changes in mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of LLDPE were observed. LLDPE–PVA–BH films were more homogeneous if BH was added before the acidification of the film‐forming solution due to more negative zeta potential and lower particle size of BH in basic medium. Indicators made with BH were able to maintain color after 8 weeks of exposure to light, while those made with anthocyanin extract had fully degraded after 3 weeks. The freshness indicator's color changed from purple to blue and finally to green when exposed to ammonia hydroxide (30% NH3) and from purple to blue when exposed to a simulant liquid of spoiled meat (0.03% NH3). Similar color variance was observed when the indicator was applied to monitor shrimp freshness, changing from purple to blue when the shrimp pH reached pH 7.6. Thus, bilayer films of LLDPE–PVA and natural BH produced using CAP have potential food packaging applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring the multiple effects of nifedipine and captopril administration in spontaneously hypertensive rats through pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analyses
Authors: Kiriyama Akiko , Kimura Shunsuke , Yamashita Shugo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study assessed the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of two antihypertensive drugs, nifedipine and captopril, by exploring their main (blood pressure [BP]) and secondary effects (heart rate [HR] and QT interval [QT]) in spontaneously hypertensive rats. This study aimed to assess the relationship between PKs and PDs. Using these PD parameters, BP, HR, and QT during coadministration were estimated. The coadministration of nifedipine and captopril resulted in an increase in nifedipine's total body clearance (CLtot) and a reduction in its mean residence time (MRT) with an increase in the terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2) and volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) of captopril. However, no significant PK interactions were observed. During monotherapy, BP reduced rapidly following nifedipine infusion. Subsequently, despite the increase in nifedipine plasma concentration, BP recovered, likely because of homeostasis. Similar results were observed with coadministration. Subsequently, BP demonstrated a sustained reduction that was greater than or equal to the additive effect estimated from each PK. Captopril exhibited a minimal effect on HR, except for a transient increase observed immediately after starting infusion, consistent with observations during coadministration. Subsequently, the HR reduction was nearly equal to that calculated from the nifedipine PK. QT prolongation was more rapid with captopril than with nifedipine. Although QT prolongation during the initial 60 min of coadministration was approximately the sum of both effects, the recovery period to baseline QT was faster than that in the simulation.
From consumption to excretion: Lithium concentrations in honey bees (Apis mellifera) after lithium chloride application and time‐dependent effects on Varroa destructor
Authors: Rein Carolin , Grünke Markus , Traynor Kirsten , Rosenkranz Peter 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDOwing to its systemic mode‐of‐action and ease of application, lithium chloride (LiCl) is an ideal varroacide for the control of Varroa destructor infestations in honey bee colonies. To better understand how LiCl functions within a colony, we screened different parts of honey bee anatomy for lithium accumulation. We wanted to elucidate the time‐dependent effects of LiCl on V. destructor and its metabolism within honey bees when they were fed continuous LiCl treatments, as well as evaluate potential adverse effects such as accumulation in the hypopharyngeal glands of nurse bees, which could negatively impact queens and larvae.RESULTSCage experiments reveal rapid acaricidal onset, with >95% mite mortality within 48 h of treatment. Bee hemolymph analysis supports these observations, showing a rapid increase in lithium concentration within 12 h of treatment, followed by stabilization at a constant level. Lithium accumulates in the rectum of caged bees (≤475.5 mg kg−1 after 7 days of feeding 50 mm LiCl), reflecting the bees' metabolic and excretion process. Despite concerns about potential accumulation in hypopharyngeal glands, low lithium levels of only 0.52 mg kg−1 suggest minimal risk to the queen and 1st‐ and 2nd‐instar larvae. Cessation of LiCl treatment results in a rapid decline in mite mortality in the first 5 days, which increases again thereafter, resulting in mite mortality of 77–90% after 10 days.CONCLUSIONThese findings help optimize LiCl application in colonies to achieve high Varroa mortality without unwanted adverse effects and provide important baseline data for future registration. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.