bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Bulky 1,3‐Diamidopropane Complexes of Group 2 Metals (Be−Sr)
Authors: Nguyen Dat T. , Helling Christoph , Jones Cameron 
Published: May 2024

AbstractReaction of lithium 1,3‐diamidopropane Li2(TripNCN) (TripNCN=[{(Trip)NCH2}2CH2]2−, Trip=2,4,6‐triisopropylphenyl) with BeBr2(OEt2)2 gave the diamido beryllium complex, [(TripNCN)Be(OEt2)]. Deprotonation reactions between the bulkier 1,3‐diaminopropane (TCHPNCN)H2 (TCHPNCN=[{(TCHP)NCH2}2CH2]2−, TCHP=2,4,6‐tricyclohexylphenyl) and magnesium alkyls afforded the adduct complexes [(TCHPNCN)Mg(OEt2)] and [(TCHPNCN)Mg(THF)2], depending on the reaction conditions employed. Treating [(TCHPNCN)Mg(THF)2] with the N‐heterocyclic carbene :C{(MeNCMe)2} (TMC) gave [(TCHPNCN)Mg(TMC)2] via substitution of the THF ligands. Reactions of (ArNCN)H2 (Ar=Trip or TCHP) with Mg{CH2(SiMe3)}2, in the absence of Lewis bases, yielded the N‐bridged dimers [{(ArNCN)Mg}2]. Salt metathesis reactions between alkali metal salts M2(TCHPNCN) (M=Li or K) and CaI2 or SrI2 led to the THF adduct compounds [(TCHPNCN)Ca(THF)3] and [(TCHPNCN)Sr(THF)4], the differing number of THF ligands in which is a result of the different sizes of the metals involved. The described complexes hold potential as precursors to kinetically protected, low oxidation state group 2 metal species.
Advanced Electrode Materials Based on Brownmillerite Calcium Ferrite for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Spanu Guido , Celeste Arcangelo , Bozza Francesco , Serra Emanuele , Torelli Piero , Braglia Luca , Brutti Sergio , Reale Priscilla , Silvestri Laura 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIron‐based materials are considered potential anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries thanks to their low cost, abundancy, non‐flammability, good safety, environmental benignity, and high specific capacity. Here, a series of calcium iron oxides materials having brownmillerite structure (i. e., Ca2Fe2‐xMxO5, where M=Mn, Ni and Cu and x=0 and 0.1) has been extensively studied for their use as conversion anodes in lithium cell. In particular, a mechanochemical approach has been used either to synthesize the samples and to prepare electrodes for the tests in lithium cell. Ca2Fe2O5 based electrodes proved excellent performance in lithium cell, approaching the theoretical capacity and being stable upon prolonged cycling (529 mAh g−1 at C/10 and a capacity retention of 81 % after 100 cycles). Through the use of ex‐situ diffraction measurements, we have analyzed the conversion mechanism and proved the partial reversibility of its electrochemical reaction. Also, the incorporation of dopants into the structure of calcium iron oxide resulted in further improvement of its electrochemical performance as is the case of Mn doped sample that show a considerable specific capacity of 567 mAh g−1 and the capacity retention is almost 99 % after 100 cycles.
Tensions in the pursuit of equal opportunities: A case study of an innovative secondary school
Authors: van de Weerd Pomme 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEqual opportunities in the context of education can be interpreted as ensuring equitable access to certain kinds of education (e.g. an academic track) or as equal opportunities to lead a fulfilling life regardless of the educational route followed (e.g. vocational or academic). These interpretations are in tension: the former implies a hierarchy where some forms of education are considered better than others, whereas the latter requires that they are all considered valuable. This paper presents a case study of a secondary school in the Netherlands that pursued both interpretations of equal opportunities and made systemic reforms to achieve this. Building on interviews, focus groups and participant observation with students, staff and management, the paper analyses the tension these actors experienced between the two interpretations of equal opportunities. It is argued that this stems from a societal context that endorses the first interpretation of equal opportunities but aligns less with the second interpretation. The analysis shows that individual institutions like schools have limited power to shift narratives surrounding educational tracks, especially when these do not align with prevailing trends in society. Additionally, the paper underlines the value of applying analysis of different interpretations of equal opportunities, which is usually undertaken by theoretical work, to empirical data.
Two peptides LLRLTDL and GYALPCDCL inhibit foam cell formation through activating PPAR‐γ/LXR‐α signaling pathway in oxLDL‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Marasinghe Chathuri Kaushalya , Yoon Soon‐Do , Je Jae‐Young 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFoam cell formation plays a pivotal role in atherosclerosis‐associated cardiovascular diseases. Bioactive peptides generated from marine sources have been found to provide multifunctional health advantages. In the present study, we investigated the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of LLRLTDL (Bu1) and GYALPCDCL (Bu2) peptides, isolated from ark shell protein hydrolysates by assessing their inhibitory effect on oxidized LDL (oxLDL)‐induced foam cell formation. The two peptides showed a promising anti‐atherosclerotic effect by inhibiting foam cell formation, which was evidenced by inhibiting lipid accumulation in oxLDL‐treated RAW264.7 macrophages and oxLDL‐treated primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC). Two peptides effectively reduced total cholesterol, free cholesterol, cholesterol ester, and triglyceride levels by upregulating cholesterol efflux and downregulating cholesterol influx. Expression of cholesterol influx‐related proteins such as SR‐A1 and CD36 were reduced, whereas cholesterol efflux‐related proteins such as ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCA‐1 and ABCG‐1 were highly expressed. In addition, Bu1 and Bu2 peptides increased PPAR‐γ and LXR‐α expression. However, PPAR‐γ siRNA transfection reversed the foam cell formation inhibitory activity of Bu1 and Bu2 peptides. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of Bu1 and Bu2 peptides on foam cell formation inhibition was observed with PPAR‐γ agonist thiazolidinediones, indicating that PPAR‐γ signaling pathway plays a key role in foam cell formation of macrophages. Beyond their impact on foam cell formation, Bu1 and Bu2 peptides demonstrated anti‐inflammatory potential by inhibiting the generation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide and NF‐κB nuclear activation. Taken together, these results suggest that Bu1 and Bu2 peptides may be useful for atherosclerosis and associated anti‐inflammatory therapies.
Angiopoietin‐like protein 4 induces growth hormone variant secretion and aggravates insulin resistance during pregnancy, linking obesity to gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kuo Chun‐Heng , Wang Shu‐Huei , Juan Hsien‐Chia , Chen Szu‐Chi , Kuo Ching‐Hua , Kuo Han‐Chun , Lin Shin‐Yu , Li Hung‐Yuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAngiopoietin‐like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a secretory glycoprotein involved in regulating glucose homeostasis in non‐pregnant subjects. However, its role in glucose metabolism during pregnancy and the pathophysiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between ANGPTL4 and GDM and investigate the pathophysiology of placental ANGPTL4 in glucose metabolism. We investigated this issue using blood and placenta samples in 957 pregnant women, the human 3A‐sub‐E trophoblast cell line, and the L6 skeletal muscle cell line. We found that ANGPTL4 expression in the placenta was higher in obese pregnant women than in lean controls. Palmitic acid significantly induced ANGPTL4 expression in trophoblast cells in a dose–response manner. ANGPTL4 overexpression in trophoblast cells resulted in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which stimulated the expression and secretion of growth hormone‐variant (GH2) but not human placental lactogen. In L6 skeletal muscle cells, soluble ANGPTL4 suppressed insulin‐mediated glucose uptake through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK 1/2) pathways. In pregnant women, plasma ANGPTL4 concentrations in the first trimester predicted the incidence of GDM and were positively associated with BMI, plasma triglyceride, and plasma GH2 in the first trimester. However, they were negatively associated with insulin sensitivity index ISI0,120 in the second trimester. Overall, placental ANGPTL4 is induced by obesity and is involved in the pathophysiology of GDM via the induction of ER stress and GH2 secretion. Soluble ANGPTL4 can lead to insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells and is an early biomarker for predicting GDM.
Anticancer effect of minor phytocannabinoids in preclinical models of multiple myeloma
Authors: Aguzzi Cristina , Zeppa Laura , Morelli Maria Beatrice , Marinelli Oliviero , Giangrossi Martina , Amantini Consuelo , Santoni Giorgio , Sazzad Hossain , Nabissi Massimo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a blood cancer caused by uncontrolled growth of clonal plasmacells. Bone disease is responsible for the severe complications of MM and is caused by myeloma cells infiltrating the bone marrow and inducing osteoclast activation. To date, no treatment for MM is truly curative since patients relapse and become refractory to all drug classes. Cannabinoids are already used as palliative in cancer patients. Furthermore, their proper anticancer effect was demonstrated in many cancer models in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. Anyway, few information was reported on the effect of cannabinoids on MM and no data has been provided on minor phytocannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidivarin (CBDV). Scientific literature also reported cannabinoids beneficial effect against bone disease. Here, we examined the cytotoxic activity of CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBDV in vitro in MM cell lines, their effect in modulating MM cells invasion toward bone cells and the bone resorption. Subsequently, according to the in vitro results, we selected CBN for in vivo study in a MM xenograft mice model. Results showed that the phytocannabinoids inhibited MM cell growth and induced necrotic cell death. Moreover, the phytocannabinoids reduced the invasion of MM cells toward osteoblast cells and bone resorption in vitro. Lastly, CBN reduced in vivo tumor mass. Together, our results suggest that CBG, CBC, CBN, and CBDV can be promising anticancer agents for MM.
A new methodology for a rapid and high‐throughput comparison of molecular profiles and biological activity of phytoextracts
Authors: Caldeira Viviana , Fonseca Tiago A. H. , N'Dembo Luana , Araújo Rúben , Von Rekowski Cristiana P. , Sampaio Pedro N. S. , Calado Cecília R.C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo robustly discover and explore phytocompounds, it is necessary to evaluate the interrelationships between the plant species, plant tissue, and the extraction process on the extract composition and to predict its cytotoxicity. The present work evaluated how Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy can acquire the molecular profile of aqueous and ethanol‐based extracts obtained from leaves, seeds, and flowers of Cynara Cardunculus, and ethanol‐based extracts from Matricaria chamomilla flowers, as well the impact of these extracts on the viability of mammalian cells. The extract molecular profile enabled to predict the extraction yield, and how the plant species, plant tissue, and extraction process affected the extract's relative composition. The molecular profile obtained from the culture media of cells exposed to extracts enabled to capture its impact on cells metabolism, at a higher sensitivity than the conventional assay used to determine the cell viability. Furthermore, it was possible to detect specific impacts on the cell's metabolism according to plant species, plant tissue, and extraction process. Since spectra were acquired on small volumes of samples (25 µL), after a simple dehydration step, and based on a plate with 96 wells, the method can be applied in a rapid, simple, high‐throughput, and economic mode, consequently promoting the discovery of phytocompounds.
Greening in the spotlight: How public inquisitiveness shapes European SMEs' actions in response to climate concerns
Authors: Brinkerink Jasper , Bammens Yannick 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe examine greening activities among European small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the product and process domains, and argue that greater public climate concern in an SME's home country environment primarily associates with greening in the inherently more visible product domain. Moreover, we introduce the concept of public inquisitiveness and propose that greater inquisitiveness prompts SMEs to also pay attention to less visible process greening activities as a response to public climate pressures. We test our ideas using multilevel regression models on a large representative sample of SMEs from 18 European Union (EU) countries. The study's main ideas are supported by the findings, which point to possible trade‐offs between product and process greening among resource‐constrained SMEs, and suggest the general public's inquisitiveness indeed plays a key role in preventing under engagement in less outwardly visible greening strategies. We discuss our study's implications for discourse on how and under which conditions normative institutional forces shape firm‐level sustainable behavior, as well as for SMEs' pro‐environmental stakeholders.
Smart, sustainable, and resilient food supply chains in disruptive events context
Authors: Sezer Muruvvet Deniz , Kazancoglu Yigit , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Lafçı Çisem 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFood systems include dynamic and complex networks made up of all the actors, processes, and infrastructures, as well as their interactions. Because of the growing supply chain's (SC) vulnerability, fragility, and operational disturbances, managing disruptions has become a crucial problem in the food SC. Thus, companies aim to improve their resilience to deal with unexpected conditions. Thus, this study aims to analyze and frame the food SC's resilience, sustainability, and smartness considering different causal conditions (e.g., digital technology adaption, providing traceability, and enhancing collaboration). This study also analyzes the numerous and complex linkages between outcome and causal variables. Thus, this study includes data on the food industry operating in Turkey. The Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis has been used to analyze different companies' data. SC resilience performance conditions have been determined and analyzed. According to the result of this study, it can be said that enhanced flexibility structure and adaptability skills in the SC, increased IT capability, and integration of digital technologies into the SC process are the key components for achieving high SC resilience, sustainability, and smartness in the food SCs. This study suggests various implications for policymakers and managers in the food SCs.
A lactate‐responsive gene signature predicts the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of patients with triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Feng Kaixiang , Shao Youcheng , Li Jun , Guan Xiaoqing , Liu Qin , Hu Meishun , Chu Mengfei , Li Hui , Chen Fangfang , Yi Zongbi , Zhang Jingwei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundIncreased glycolytic activity and lactate production are characteristic features of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of this study was to determine whether a subset of lactate‐responsive genes (LRGs) could be used to classify TNBC subtypes and predict patient outcomes.MethodsLactate levels were initially measured in different breast cancer (BC) cell types. Subsequently, MDA‐MB‐231 cells treated with 2‐Deoxy‐d‐glucose or l‐lactate were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). The gene set variation analysis algorithm was utilized to calculate the lactate‐responsive score, conduct a differential analysis, and establish an association with the extent of immune infiltration. Consensus clustering was then employed to classify TNBC patients. Tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion, cibersort, single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis, and EPIC, were used to compare the tumor‐infiltrating immune cells between TNBC subtypes and predict the response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, a prognostic model was developed by combining 98 machine learning algorithms, to assess the predictive significance of the LRG signature. The predictive value of immune infiltration and the immunotherapy response was also assessed. Finally, the association between lactate and various anticancer drugs was examined based on expression profile similarity principles.ResultsWe found that the lactate levels of TNBC cells were significantly higher than those of other BC cell lines. Through RNA‐seq, we identified 14 differentially expressed LRGs in TNBC cells under varying lactate levels. Notably, this LRG signature was associated with interleukin‐17 signaling pathway dysregulation, suggesting a link between lactate metabolism and immune impairment. Furthermore, the LRG signature was used to categorize TNBC into two distinct subtypes, whereby Subtype A was characterized by immunosuppression, whereas Subtype B was characterized by immune activation.ConclusionWe identified an LRG signature in TNBC, which could be used to predict the prognosis of patients with TNBC and gauge their response to immunotherapy. Our findings may help guide the precision treatment of patients with TNBC.
Monomer‐Dimer Equilibrium of Human Cystatin C During Internalization Into Cancer Cells
Authors: Jurczak Przemyslaw , Fayad Nour , Benard Magalie , Czaplewska Paulina , Hildebrandt Niko 
Published: May 2024

AbstractHuman cystatin C (hCC) is a physiologically important protein that serves as intra‐ and extracellular cysteine proteinase inhibitor in homeostasis. However, in pathological states it dimerizes and further oligomerizes accumulating into a toxic amyloid. HCC forms an active monomer in the extracellular space and becomes an inactive dimer when internalized in cellular organelles. However, hCC cell penetration and its oligomeric state during this process are not well understood. To determine if and how the oligomeric state influences hCC transmembrane migration, we investigated the internalization of the hCC wild type protein as well as three different mutants, which exclusively exist in the monomeric or multimeric state into HeLa cells via confocal fluorescence microscopy. Our results showed that the preferred pathway was endocytosis and that the oligomeric state did not significantly influence the internalization because both monomeric and dimeric hCC migrated into HeLa cells. Considering the differences of the active monomeric and the passive dimeric states of hCC, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the intra and extra cellular functions of hCC and their interaction with cysteine proteases.
Optimizing Continuous‐Flow Biocatalysis with 3D‐Printing and Inline IR Monitoring
Authors: Spano Michael B. , Pamidi Arjun S. , Liu Maxwell H. , Evans Amanda C. , Weiss Gregory A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEnzymatic biocatalysis typically generates less waste, uses less water, and minimizes energy consumption compared to traditional chemical methods. Efficient, cell‐free biosynthesis relies on the reuse of its valuable biocatalysts. Immobilization of enzymes on solid supports, such as enzyme carrier resins (ECRs), offers a reliable and widely deployed approach to maximize enzyme turnover in cell‐free biosynthesis. We focus on two major bottlenecks associated with optimizing cell‐free biocatalysis. First, we apply our lab's 3D‐printed labware to screen ECRs in 96‐well mini‐reactors to optimize enzyme immobilization conditions. Second, we introduce inline infrared spectroscopy to monitor bioreactor output and maximize enzyme productivity. Urease provides a model system for examining immobilization conditions and continuous assessment of biocatalyst performance. As required for the high substrate concentrations to improve process efficiency and minimize waste, urease was studied in unusually high concentrations of its substrate – molar concentrations of urea. The optimized reactor processed 3.24 L of 4.00 M urea at an average volumetric productivity of 13 g ⋅ L−1 ⋅ h−1 over 18 h and achieved an estimated productivity number of >17.4 kg urea processed per g of immobilized urease Type‐IX. This workflow can be generalized to most biocatalytic processes and could accelerate adoption of cell‐free biosynthesis for greater chemical sustainability.
The unique properties of Big tau in the visual system
Authors: Fischer Itzhak , Connors Theresa , Bouyer Julien , Jin Ying 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTau is a microtubule associated protein that plays important roles in regulating the properties of microtubules and axonal transport, as well as tauopathies associated with toxic aggregates leading to neurodegenerative diseases. It is encoded by the MAPT gene forming multiple isoforms (45–60 kDa) by alternative splicing which are developmentally regulated. The high molecular weight (MW) tau isoform of 105 kDa, termed Big tau, was originally discovered in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) but later found in selective CNS areas. It contains an additional large exon 4a generating a long projecting domain of about 250 amino acids. Here we investigated the properties of Big tau in the visual system of rats, its distribution in retinal ganglion cells and the optic nerve as well as its developmental regulation using biochemical, molecular and histological analyses. We discovered that Big tau is expresses as a 95 kDa protein (termed middle MW) containing exons 4a, 6 as well as exon 10 which defines a 4 microtubule‐binding repeats (4R). It lacks exons 2/3 but shares the extensive phosphorylation characteristic of other tau isoforms. Importantly, early in development the visual system expresses only the low MW isoform (3R) switching to both the low and middle MW isoforms (4R) in adult retinal ganglion neurons and their corresponding axons. This is a unique structure and expression pattern of Big tau, which we hypothesize is associated with the specific properties of the visual system different from what has been previously described in the PNS and other areas of the nervous system.
A novel student achievement prediction model based on bagging‐CART machine learning algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe learning effect of students is crucial for assessing teaching quality, thus playing a significant role in teaching management. Predicting student achievement is a major challenge in understanding the learning effect of students. Currently, many studies have utilized machine learning methods such as the decision tree algorithms C4.5, ID3, CART, J48, random forest, and others. However, few studies have explored the use of the Bagging algorithm in this field. Therefore, this study proposes a classification prediction method for student achievement based on the Bagging‐CART algorithm. Initially, the student achievement data is preprocessed, and the Apriori method is applied to mine the strongly associated dataset. The optimal hyper‐parameters are determined through grid search to train and predict the Bagging‐CART algorithm. Furthermore, the CART, J48, and Bagging‐CART algorithms are trained, and their evaluation indicators are compared using a confusion matrix. The results indicate that the Bagging‐CART model achieves an accuracy of 98.16%, a recall rate of 91.80%, a precision of 90.83%, and an F1 score of 94.87%. In comparison, the accuracy, precision, and F1 scores are higher than those obtained with CART and J48. Although the recall rate is slightly lower than that of CART by 0.26%, it is 0.52% higher than that of J48. Consequently, this method demonstrates strong predictive capabilities and introduces a new reference method for evaluating students' learning effect.