bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review on the current status of dye‐sensitized solar cells: Toward sustainable energy
Authors: Korir Benjamin K. , Kibet Joshua K. , Ngari Silas M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are among the most attractive third‐generation photovoltaic technologies due to their low toxicity, versatility, roll‐to‐roll compatibility, ultralightness, and attractive power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, their transition from the laboratory scale to the industrial scale has been slow due to their inability to compete with silicon‐based cells in terms of efficiencies and stabilities. Research activities on DSSCs have been ongoing for several decades to improve the efficiency and cost‐effectiveness of photovoltaics but these attempts are still inadequate. Their chemical and physical properties must be refined to increase efficiency and commercialization. This review provides a concise overview of the recent advances taking place in the DSSCs research field, including molecular engineering technologies, the quest for superior carrier transport materials (CTMs), efficient sensitizers, and better electrodes. Also, this review compiles knowledge of the historical development of DSSCs, the current advancements such as control of surface morphologies, doping strategies, modeling and simulation, characterization, and recent cutting‐edge research happenings in photovoltaic research. Finally, nanostructured materials that have been used as photoelectrodes and the practical applications of DSSCs in internet of things (IoT) and portable electronics are examined to identify challenges and future advancements. The main aim of this work is to be a pathfinder for scientific researchers in this field exploring various energy harvesting materials and optimization strategies of different components of DSSCs.
Supporting parents in facilitating computational thinking for young children through loose parts construction play
Authors: Lim Cynthia Ai Ming , Kaveri G , Li Jiayao , Choy Mian Yee 
Published: July 2024

AbstractComputational thinking (CT) as an essential problem‐solving and thinking skill for all students has been the focus of much interest from education systems all over the world (Chen et al., 2023). Unplugged activities like constructing and play with loose parts provide a low‐cost solution to naturally weave in learning of CT skills for young children at home and formal learning environments. Such activities provide opportunities particularly for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to access learning of CT skills so they will not be left behind. This article describes the pilot study of a programme that introduced an open‐ended construction play activity using loose‐parts to parent–child dyads from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, with the aim to support parents in facilitating play interactions in ways to promote CT skills for their children using question cards. The cards contained questions that parents could use to foster CT skills like decomposition and algorithmic thinking in their play interactions. Focus group discussions were held before and after the play sessions and parents in the study reported more confidence in supporting their children in play and learning of 21st century skills of teamwork, collaboration and CT skills. The results demonstrate the potential of unplugged pedagogy for promoting CT skills for young children especially in the home environment through engagement with families, with implications for home–school collaborative learning environments and parent education. Recommendations for practice and research are provided accordingly.
Exogenous spermidine treatment delays the softening of postharvest blueberry fruit by inhibiting the accumulation of abscisic acid
Authors: Dai Hongyu , Li Jianan , Tao Jiaqi , Song Zichong , Ji Shujuan , Zhou Xin , Li Meilin , Zhou Qian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFruit softening is one of the main reasons for the loss of fresh blueberry; spermidine (Spd) delays fruit softening to some extent. However, the specific mechanism by which Spd delays fruit softening is not clear. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a key role in fruit senescence. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous Spd treatment on endogenous ABA accumulation and the softening in postharvest blueberry fruits and identify the key genes in the ABA biosynthesis pathway. Harvested blueberry fruits were immersed in 1.5 mmol L−1 Spd aqueous solution for 10 min. The Spd‐treated fruit showed higher firmness, and lower activities of cell wall metabolism‐related enzymes. Additionally, Spd treatment inhibited the accumulation of endogenous ABA and expression of key genes involved in ABA biosynthesis. The expression of VcNCED3 was significantly negatively correlated with the change in firmness of blueberry fruits. Overexpressing VcNCED3 promotes the accumulation of ABA, thereby exacerbating fruit softening. Therefore, exogenous Spd treatment inhibited the accumulation of ABA by inhibiting the expression of the VcNCED3, thereby delaying the blueberry fruit softening.
Role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in the management of head and neck cancer patients with persistent cervical lymphadenopathy following chemoradiation
Authors: Sharma Anu , Quereshy Humzah , Cabrera Claudia I. , Fowler Nicole , Li Shawn , Dorth Jennifer , Thuener Jason E. , Rezaee Rod P. , Tamaki Akina 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe aim to describe the management and outcomes of patients with persistent lymphadenopathy (LAD) after primary chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) based on post‐treatment PET/CT results.MethodsRetrospective chart review was conducted of all patients who underwent primary concurrent chemoradiation for HNSCC at a tertiary care center from 2010 to 2022 and had persistent post‐treatment LAD.ResultsNearly 62% of patients were managed conservatively, and 27.0% underwent neck dissection. PET‐positive patients were more likely to undergo neck dissection than PET‐negative patients (p = 0.042). Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of PET/CT in detecting residual disease in the neck were 48.0% and 73.7%, respectively.ConclusionsPPV and NPV of PET/CT for detecting residual neck disease in patients with post‐treatment LAD was lower than those of HNSCC patients with and without persistent LAD reported in other studies.
Mixed low‐dimensional metal halide perovskite single crystal for low‐detection‐limit x‐ray detection via oriented ion migration
Authors: Lu Xuefang , Lin Richeng , Ding Ying , Xia Man , Zheng Wei , Huang Feng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLow‐dimensional metal halide perovskites exhibit exceptional photoelectronic properties and intrinsic stability, positioning them as a promising class of semiconductor materials for light‐emitting devices and photodetectors. In this work, we present a millimeter‐scale single crystal of mixed low‐dimensional (one‐dimensional–zero‐dimensional [1D–0D]) organic lead iodide with well‐defined crystallinity. The fabricated single‐crystal devices demonstrate high‐sensitivity photoresponse and x‐ray detection performance. By spatially isolating organic molecules to form the mixed 1D–0D crystal structure, ion migrations is effectively suppressed, resulting in a remarkable three orders of magnitude reduction in the dark current (56.4 pA @200 V) of the single‐crystal devices. Furthermore, by enhancing the background characteristics, we achieved an impressive low x‐ray detection limit of 154.5 nGys−1 in the single‐crystal device. These findings highlight that the mixed 1D–0D organic lead iodide configuration efficiently controls ion migration within the crystal structure, offering a promising avenue for realizing high‐performance perovskite‐based photodetectors and x‐ray detectors.image
A framework of survivability model virtualized wireless sensor networks for IOT‐assisted wireless sensor network
Authors: Sukhadeo Bere Sachin , Dhurgude Sarika Dilip , Sinkar Yogita Deepak , Athawale Shashikant V. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUsing traditional non‐virtualized Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) efficiently is difficult due to the embedded applications, which make the sensor nodes inaccessible to other applications. The proposed study considered both the node‐level and network‐level virtualization of wireless sensor networks to examine dynamic virtual network embedding. WSNs can leverage their shared sensing capabilities through network virtualization. Infrastructure providers earn more revenue by mapping more virtual network embedding (VNE) onto their substrate networks. VNE must therefore improve its acceptance ratio. The proposed RLE‐SVNE is demonstrated to be more efficient than state‐of‐the‐art in respect to acceptance, recovery, failure recovery delay, and revenue cost through simulation results. It compares the RLF‐SVNE method with C‐SVNE and N‐SVNE to demonstrate its superiority.
Bencaosome [16:0 Lyso PA+XLGB28‐sRNA] improves osteoporosis by simultaneously promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis in mice
Authors: Du Xinyi , Guo Shaoting , Mu Xuemeng , Mei Song , Yang Rui , Zhang Hengyan , Jiang Chengyu , Zhang Jia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOsteoporosis (OP) is a systemic metabolic bone disease resulting in reduced bone strength and increased susceptibility to fractures, making it a significant public health and economic problem worldwide. The clinical use of anti‐osteoporosis agents is limited because of their serious side effects or the high cost of long‐term use. The Xianlinggubao (XLGB) formula is an effective traditional Chinese herbal medicine commonly used in orthopedics to treat osteoporosis; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we screened 40 small RNAs derived from XLGB capsules and found that XLGB28‐sRNA targeting TNFSF11 exerted a significant anti‐osteoporosis effect in vitro and in vivo by simultaneously promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Oral administration of bencaosome [16:0 Lyso PA+XLGB28‐sRNA] effectively improved bone mineral density and reduced the damage to the bone microstructure in mice. These results suggest that XLGB28‐sRNA may be a novel oligonucleotide drug that promotes osteogenesis and inhibits osteoclastogenesis in mice.
Metastatic melanoma of the gallbladder: A case report and systematic review
Authors: Geng Zhidan , Tang Congyu , Chen Jianfei , Luo Rongkui , Yu Qing , Yuan Haixia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe report a case of metastatic melanoma of the gallbladder diagnosed by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and systematically review the characteristics of transabdominal ultrasound, clinical manifestations, and treatment methods of gallbladder metastatic melanoma in order to provide reference ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic melanoma of gallbladder.
The relationship between the femoral artery and vastus medialis muscle coverage at the adductor hiatus during medial closed wedge distal femoral osteotomy in valgus knees
Authors: Kawashima Fumiyoshi , Takagi Hiroshi , Kanzaki Koji 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the location where the femoral artery contacts the vastus medialis at the adductor tendon hiatus, which is important when using the subvastus approach in medial closed wedge distal femoral osteotomy. We evaluated the correlation between differences in height, vastus medialis morphology, and lower limb alignment.MethodsSixty knees (16 male, 44 female) that underwent plain computer tomography (CT) were included. Using the radiographic hip‐knee‐ankle (HKA) angle as a reference, the knees were divided into three groups of 20 knees: valgus, varus, and neutral. The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and distance from the medial femoral epicondyle to the centre of the femoral head (D1) were measured on full‐length weight‐bearing anteroposterior radiographs. The first cross‐section on CT where the vastus medialis muscle and femoral artery connect was defined as the cross‐sectional image for measurement. The direct distance from the medial epicondyle to the measured cross‐sectional image (D2) was measured in the coronal view. The ratio of the vastus medialis muscle width to the femoral posterior wall width was defined as the vastus medialis muscle coverage ratio (CR). Correlations between each measurement and group were evaluated.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between D1 and D2 in the overall, neutral, and varus groups; however, there was no correlation in the valgus group. A positive correlation was observed in terms of the relationship between CR and D2 in the overall and valgus groups. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference in the correlation between the mLDFA and D2, with patient height as a control variable overall and in all groups.ConclusionIn the valgus group, distance to the adductor hiatus was correlated with vastus medialis coverage. Overhang of the vastus medialis may be an important influencing factor of femoral and popliteus artery position.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.
Local version of Vizing's theorem for multigraphs
Authors: Conley Clinton T. , Grebík Jan , Pikhurko Oleg 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExtending a result of Christiansen, we prove that every multigraph admits a proper edge colouring which is local, that is, for every edge with end‐points , where (resp. ) denotes the degree of a vertex (resp. the maximum edge multiplicity at ). This is derived from a local version of the Fan Equation.
The nuclear matrix protein HNRNPU restricts hepatitis B virus transcription by promoting OAS3‐based activation of host innate immunity
Authors: Zeng Qiqi , Ren Yi , Wang Yanyan , Yang Jiaxin , Qin Yi , Yang Lijuan , Zheng Xinrui , Huang Ailong , Fan Hui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHeterogeneous nuclear protein U (HNRNPU) plays a pivotal role in innate immunity by facilitating chromatin opening to activate immune genes during host defense against viral infection. However, the mechanism by which HNRNPU is involved in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcription regulation through mediating antiviral immunity remains unknown. Our study revealed a significant decrease in HNRNPU levels during HBV transcription, which depends on HBx‐DDB1‐mediated degradation. Overexpression of HNRNPU suppressed HBV transcription, while its knockdown effectively promoted viral transcription, indicating HNRNPU as a novel host restriction factor for HBV transcription. Mechanistically, HNRNPU inhibits HBV transcription by activating innate immunity through primarily the positive regulation of the interferon‐stimulating factor 2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase 3, which mediates an ribonuclease L‐dependent mechanism to enhance innate immune responses. This study offers new insights into the host immune regulation of HBV transcription and proposes potential targets for therapeutic intervention against HBV infection.
Diurnal and seasonal dynamics of the canopy‐layer urban heat island of Kuwait
Authors: AlKhaled Saud R. , Brazel Anthony J. , Balling Robert C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study examines the temporal and spatial variability of near‐surface air temperature and the canopy layer urban heat island (UHICL) of Kuwait City. Observations collected at 12 locations across the country of Kuwait and for the period 2010–2022 are analysed on an hourly and 3‐hourly basis to provide monthly and diurnal insights of the city's UHICL characteristics. Research on Kuwait's UHICL was first conducted by Nasrallah et al. (International Journal of Climatology, 10, 401–405). Results presented here have been afforded the benefit of additional stations and more extensive data compared with the earlier study. Mean positive UHICL intensities, ranging from 1.1°C to 3.8°C at night, are observed consistently across all months, owing to the prevalence of clear skies from winter to summer. Negative UHICL intensities, indicating a typical daytime urban cool island (UCICL), are most prominent on summer days, exhibiting a mean hourly magnitude range between 0.6°C and 2.6°C that extends into the early parts of the evening. Heat and cool island effects are maintained up to wind speeds approaching 10 m s−1 at the urban periphery. A coastal site near the city demonstrates strong influences of the Arabian Gulf temperatures and associated sea and land breeze effects on UHICL development. The results can be used for comparison with other desert locales, in the evaluation of urban climate models, for urban planning policies and improving local weather forecasts. This study honours in memoriam Dr. Hassan Nasrallah, who produced the first UHICL study in the Arab World.
In vitro comparison of zinc‐based, chlorhexidine, and essential oil mouth rinses
Authors: Lallier Thomas E. , Goldfarb Brian S. , Maney Pooja 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundChlorhexidine (CHX)‐based mouth rinses are frequently prescribed following periodontal surgeries. A more recently available brand of zinc‐based mouth rinses advertises one of its mouth rinses as a substitute for chlorhexidine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the effects of this brand of zinc‐based mouth rinses on cell survival, cell motility, and gene expression of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).MethodsHGFs were exposed to essential oil (EO), CHX, and three types of one brand of zinc‐based mouth rinses designed to treat breath malodor (ZnA), dry mouth (ZnB), and gingivitis (ZnC). Each mouth rinse was tested over a range of concentrations for its effects on HGF survival and motility. Gene expression of cytokines, interleukins, and growth factors were evaluated via reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), as a means to assess potential influences on inflammation and wound healing.ResultsCell survival was significantly decreased for CHX and ZnC at 10% dilutions (p < 0.05). For all time points, cells exposed to ZnC displayed the greatest reduction in cell motility (p < 0.05). The various mouth rinses examined differentially altered the expression of growth factor transcripts. ZnC particularly enhanced the expression of BMP‐2 and FGF‐2.ConclusionZnC was more cytotoxic and inhibited cell motility to a greater extent than any of the other mouth rinses. Therefore, using ZnC as an alternative to CHX could potentially have negative effects on wound healing after periodontal surgery. However, further investigation is required to confirm the clinical relevance of these in vitro findings.PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYOne type of zinc‐based mouth rinse designed to replace chlorhexidine (often prescribed after oral surgeries) demonstrated the greatest oral cell death and reduction in cell movement when compared to other zinc‐based mouth rinses. These zinc‐based mouth rinses also reduced the amounts of proteins involved in regulating inflammation, potentially reducing the destruction of bone holding the teeth in place. They also changed the amounts of several molecules involved in tissue healing. It is unknown if this will speed or slow the healing of the soft tissues of the mouth.
Phenanthridium‐based conjugated probe for selective detection of anionic surfactant
Authors: Jamuna Kannan , Sebastian Amal Tom , Subbiah Senthilmurugan , Selvapalam Narayanan , Shanmugam Sivakumar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe quaternary ammonium complex of (2‐(methylthio)indeno[1,2,3‐gh]phenanthridin‐1‐yl)(phenyl)methanone (QAC) has been employed as a new and simple fluorescence sensor for detection of the anionic surfactant; sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), through fluorescence light‐up. The generation of electrostatic interaction and associated intermolecular arrangement between the probe and anionic surfactant is responsible for the fluorescence enhancement and subsequent selectivity towards the anionic surfactant. Concurrently, the probe was unaltered by the presence of cationic and non‐ionic systems. Utilizing this property, we were able to construct a facile and efficient method for the detection of anionic surfactants, featuring LOD values up to 1.1 μM concentrations in dimethylsulfoxide solvent. The light‐up detection was also confirmed via lifetime studies, with superior increments in average lifetime decay values (0.33–2.7 ns). The practical/real‐time applications of probe QAC as a sensor have also been investigated and successfully demonstrated via its ability to detect anionic surfactants from commercially available home usage products.
Freeze–thaw stability of high‐internal‐phase emulsion stabilized by chickpea protein microgel particles and its application in surimi
Authors: Xu Xiaoyun , Fan Liuping , Li Jinwei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDFuture applications of high‐internal‐phase emulsions (HIPEs) are highly regarded, but poor freeze–thaw stability limits their utilization in frozen products. This study aimed to characterize the structure of chickpea protein microgel particles (HCPI) induced by NaCl and to assess its impact on the freeze–thaw stability of HIPEs.RESULTSThe results showed that NaCl induction (0–400 mmol L−1) increased the surface hydrophobicity (175.9–278.9) and interfacial adsorbed protein content (84.9%–91.3%) of HCPI. HIPEs prepared with HCPI induced by high concentration of NaCl exhibited superior flocculation index and centrifugal stability, and their freeze–thaw stability was better than that of natural chickpea protein. The increase in NaCl concentration reduced the droplet aggregation and coalescence index of the freeze–thaw emulsions, diminishing the precipitation of oil from the emulsion. Linear and nonlinear rheology showed that the strengthened gel structure (higher G′ values) restricted water flow and counteracted the damage to the interfacial film by ice crystals at 100–400 mmol L−1 NaCl, thus improving the viscoelasticity of the freeze–thaw emulsions. Finally, the thawing loss of surimi gel with HCPI‐200 HIPE was reduced by 2.04% compared to directly adding oil.CONCLUSIONThis study provided a promising strategy to improve the freeze–thaw stability of HIPEs and reduce the thawing loss of frozen products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The zinc absorption of the novel peptide‐Zn complex in Caco‐2 cells: effects of soybean peptides charge and hydrophobicity
Authors: Wang Rongxin , Huang Qing , Zhu Suyin , Xie Cuina , Zeng Qingzhu , Yuan Yang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe supplemental effect of zinc depends not only on adequate intake, but also on how efficiently it is absorbed in the small intestine. In the present study, weak hydrophobic peptides (WHP), strong hydrophobic peptides (SHP), positively charged peptides (PCP) and negatively charged peptides (NCP) were isolated from soybean peptides (SP). The peptide‐Zn complexes (PCP‐Zn, NCP‐Zn, WHP‐Zn, SHP‐Zn and SP‐Zn) were prepared to compare their promotion zinc absorption capacity in the Caco‐2 cells monolayers model.RESULTSWe found that the carboxyl, carbonyl and amino groups in peptide were the primary binding sites of Zn. Compared with zinc sulfate, the peptide‐Zn complexes with different charge and hydrophobic peptides could improve zinc solubility at different pH. NCP‐Zn had a lower Zn‐binding capacity but a higher zinc absorption capacity compared to that of PCP‐Zn in Caco‐2 cells. In addition, the capacity of PCP‐Zn to promote zinc absorption was lower than the control group (SP‐Zn). There were no significant differences in transport rates, retention rates and uptake rates of WHP‐Zn, SHP‐Zn and SP‐Zn. NCP‐Zn could improve the activity of Zn‐related enzymes, and the expression levels of PepT1 and ZnT1 were higher than other peptide‐Zn complexes.CONCLUSIONThe promotion zinc absorption capacity of peptide‐Zn complexes was not completely dependent on the Zn‐binding capacity, but also depended on the charge and hydrophobicity of peptides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.