bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expanding the synthetic biology repertoire of a fast‐growing cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 11801
Authors: Madhu Swati , Sengupta Annesha , Sarnaik Aditya P. , Wangikar Pramod P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSynechococcus elongatus PCC 11801 is a fast‐growing cyanobacterium, exhibiting high tolerance to environmental stresses. We have earlier characterized its genome and analysed its transcriptome and proteome. However, to deploy it as a potential cell factory, it is necessary to expand its synthetic biology toolbox, including promoter elements and ribosome binding sites (RBSs). Here, based on the global transcriptome analysis, 48 native promoters of the genes with high transcript count were characterized using a fluorescent reporter system. The promoters PcpcB, PpsbA1, and P11770 exhibited consistently high fluorescence under all the cultivation conditions. Similarly, from the genome data and proteome analysis, 534 operons were identified. Fifteen intergenic regions exhibiting higher protein expression from the downstream gene were systematically characterized for identifying RBSs, using an operon construct comprising fluorescent protein genes eyfp and mTurq under PcpcB (PcpcB:eyfp:RBS:mTurq:TrrnB). Overall, the work presents promoter and RBS sequence libraries, with varying strengths, to expedite bioengineering of PCC 11801.
Boosting green innovation on corporate performance: Managerial environmental concern's moderating role
Authors: Le Thanh Tiep , Govindan Kannan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study intensively examines the circumstances in which multifaceted green innovations (GI) play a role in driving business performance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in an upsurging economy. Accordingly, the role of managerial environmental concern (MEC) is explored in the link between GI dimensions and corporate performance. This study adopts a quantitative approach and conducts a partial‐least square structural equation model (PLS‐SEM) for analysis using the primary survey‐based information. There were 424 valid samples collected. The findings indicate that GI dimensions (management, process, product, and technology) significantly and positively affect corporate performance. In these connections, MEC plays a moderating role. The originality of this study lies in its revolutionary strategy for enhancing SME sustainability in emerging economies. Thus, it contributes values not only to the theoretical ground but also to business practitioners, academics, and policymakers oriented towards sustainable development.
The nature and extent of youth sextortion: Legal implications and directions for future research
Authors: Patchin Justin W. , Hinduja Sameer 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSextortion, the threatened dissemination of explicit, intimate, or embarrassing images of a sexual nature without consent, is an understudied problem. Despite a recent increase in reported incidents among adolescents in the United States, little is known about the nature and extent of sextortion among this population. The current research explores sextortion behaviors among a national sample of 4972 middle and high school students (mean age = 14.5) for the purpose of illuminating how many youth are targeted, and understanding various characteristics of the incident (including who was involved, what offenders wanted, what offenders did, and who targets told). About 5% of youth reported that they were victims of sextortion, primarily by people they knew. Many of those targeted did not disclose the incident to adults. Implications for future research and the law are discussed.
Efficacy and safety of first‐line regimens for advanced HER2‐positive breast cancer: A Bayesian network meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Lixi , Wu Yun , Lan Bo , Ma Fei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe current standard of care for advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer is pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and docetaxel as first‐line therapy. However, with the development of newer treatment regimens, there is a lack of evidence regarding which is the optimal treatment strategy. The aim of this network meta‐analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first‐line regimens for advanced HER2‐positive breast cancer by indirect comparisons.MethodsA systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis were conducted. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant articles published through to December 2023. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% credible interval (CrI) were used to compare progression‐free survival (PFS) between treatments, and the odds ratio and 95% CrI were used to compare the objective response rate (ORR) and safety.ResultsTwenty randomized clinical trials that included 15 regimens and 7094 patients were analyzed. Compared with the traditional trastuzumab and docetaxel regimen, PFS was longer on the pyrotinib and trastuzumab plus docetaxel regimen (HR: 0.41, 95% CrI: 0.22–0.75) and the pertuzumab and trastuzumab plus docetaxel regimen (HR: 0.65, 95% CrI: 0.43–0.98). Consistent with the results for PFS, the ORR was better on the pyrotinib and trastuzumab plus docetaxel regimen and the pertuzumab and trastuzumab plus docetaxel regimen than on the traditional trastuzumab and docetaxel regimen. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve indicated that the pyrotinib and trastuzumab plus docetaxel regimen was most likely to rank first in achieving the best PFS and ORR. Comparable results were found for grade ≥3 AE rates of ≥10%.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the pyrotinib and trastuzumab plus docetaxel regimen is most likely to be the optimal first‐line therapy for patients with HER2‐positive breast cancer.
Improving stroke prognosis by TLR4 KO to enhance N2 neutrophil infiltration and reduce M1 macrophage polarization
Authors: Lin Fuhong , Li Guoli , Lu Jun , Han Huihui , Zhang Ran , Zhu Haoran , Zhao Weili 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCerebral ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been implicated in neuroinflammatory responses poststroke, particularly in the infiltration of immune cells and polarization of macrophages. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of TLR4 deficiency on neutrophil infiltration and subsequent macrophage polarization after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), exploring its role in stroke prognosis. The objective was to investigate how TLR4 deficiency influences neutrophil behavior poststroke, its role in macrophage polarization, and its impact on stroke prognosis using murine models. Wild‐type and TLR4‐deficient adult male mice underwent MCAO induction, followed by various analyses, including flow cytometry to assess immune cell populations, bone marrow transplantation experiments to evaluate TLR4‐deficient neutrophil behaviors, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis for cytokine and protein expression profiling. Neurobehavioral tests and infarct volume analysis were performed to assess the functional and anatomical prognosis poststroke. TLR4‐deficient mice exhibited reduced infarct volumes, increased neutrophil infiltration, and reduced M1‐type macrophage polarization post‐MCAO compared to wild‐type mice. Moreover, the depletion of neutrophils reversed the neuroprotective effects observed in TLR4‐deficient mice, suggesting the involvement of neutrophils in mediating TLR4's protective role. Additionally, N1‐type neutrophils were found to promote M1 macrophage polarization via neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) secretion, a process blocked by TLR4 deficiency. The study underscores the protective role of TLR4 deficiency in ischemic stroke, delineating its association with increased N2‐type neutrophil infiltration, diminished M1 macrophage polarization, and reduced neuroinflammatory responses. Understanding the interplay between TLR4, neutrophils, and macrophages sheds light on potential therapeutic targets for stroke management, highlighting TLR4 as a promising avenue for intervention in stroke‐associated neuroinflammation and tissue damage.
A case report of chyle leakage after axillary node clearance in a patient with breast cancer
Authors: Wang XiaoRou , Li YiJia , Miao YuXi , Tong CaiLing , Long WenJie 
Published: May 2024

Key Clinical MessageChyle leakage is a rare postoperative complication of breast cancer, and conservative treatments should be prioritized, with careful monitoring of drainage volume and timely surgical intervention when conservative treatments are ineffective.AbstractChyle leaks following surgery for breast cancer are seldom encountered. Management varies with no consensus in the literature. This paper reports a case of a chylous leak after axillary dissection in a patient with breast cancer eventually cured with conservative treatment and discusses management options varied with both conservative and surgical options available to clinicians.
Mass Transfer Modeling of CsCl During Crystallization of Molten LiCl‐KCl‐CsCl Salt Mixture
Authors: Divakaran Sujish , Balasubramanian Muralidharan , Joseph Kitheri , Durairaj Ponraju 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMetallic alloy fuels from fast reactors will be reprocessed by a non‐aqueous electrochemical technique known as electrorefining. Electrorefining of spent metal fuel results in the accumulation of heat‐generating fission products, especially 137Cs in the eutectic salt. These fission products need to be removed from the salt so as to reduce the decay heat load and contamination. The melt crystallization technique is a simple separation process being pursued for the separation of fission products. This is a single‐step process that utilizes the difference in solubility of fission products in the solid and liquid phase. This process is also less energy intensive. Crystallization involves the purification of a substance from a liquid mixture by solidification of the desired component. Since separation is based on selective solidification, which involves phase change, it is essential to evaluate the transient solidification pattern, liquid fraction distribution, solute distribution, and separation time and efficiency. Numerical modeling of the separation of CsCl from a LiCl‐KCl eutectic mixture has been carried out using Ansys Fluent (19.2). The effect of crystallizer geometry and cooling rates on the separation of CsCl has been numerically simulated.
Oxygen‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanotubes Encapsulated Bismuth Oxide to Enhance the Performance of Lithium‐Sulfur Battery
Authors: Zeng Xingyan , Tang Yakun , Liu Lang , Zhang Yue , Gao Yang , Qian Mao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) are greatly promising next‐generation energy storage systems due to their high theoretical specific capacities and energy density. However, the dissolution of lithium polysulfides (LIPs) causees low capacity and short lifespan, impeding the practical application of LSBs. To address this challenge, the composites of oxygen‐doped porous carbon nanotubes (CNTs) wrapped in Bi2O3 were synthesized by the calcinating method (CNTs@Bi2O3). The CNTs@Bi2O3 composites as absorbent immobilize LIPs via the physical limitations of porous CNTs and the chemical adsorption of Bi2O3 and carbon‐oxygen polar bond. After loading sulfur, the CNTs@Bi2O3/S composites with the encapsulated structure can provide a large space to withstand the significant volume expansion during the electrochemical reaction process, ensuring the stability of the electrode structure. Thus, the batteries with CNTs@Bi2O3/S exhibit a high capacity (1232 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C) and good cycle stability (639.1 mA h g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.5 C). This work presents an innovative design suitable for the encapsulated structure of Bi2O3, serving as a valuable reference for the development of Bi2O3 in LSBs.
Recovering Nickel‐Based Materials from Spent NiMH Batteries for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Batsukh Ikhbayar , Adiya Munkhbaatar , Lkhagvajav Sarantuya , Galsan Sevjidsuren , Gansukh Mungunshagai , Batmunkh Munkhbayar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this work, we explored the recovering possibilities of nickel‐based products from the cathode materials of spent nickel‐metal hydride (NiMH) batteries collected from car repair centers in Mongolia. Specifically, nickel‐based by‐products such as metallic nickel, Ni microparticles, nickel oxide, nickel chloride, and betta‐phase (β) nickel hydroxide powders are successfully produced. X‐ray diffraction patterns suggested that all samples show high crystallinity and phase purity. Ni microparticles were recovered using a chemical reduction method from a leachate solution prepared by dissolving the cathode of the spent NiMH battery in hydrochloric acid. Notably, β‐Ni(OH)₂ displayed two redox peaks in KOH electrolyte solution, suggesting that it has excellent electrochemical potential and can be reused for the fabrication of new NiMH batteries. To validate the electrochemical performances, we examined the catalytic activity of nickel microparticles as a catalyst for the degradation of Congo red (CR) dye and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The reduction reaction rate of CR dye in the presence of a nickel catalyst was 2.17×10−3 s−1, significantly higher than the control experiment without a nickel catalyst. These results provide possible solutions for developing sustainable battery systems by recovering different nickel‐based products from spent NiMH batteries.
Vascular endothelial cell morphology and alignment regulate VEGF‐induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Aparna , Barbee Kenneth A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) inhibits platelet and leukocyte adhesion while promoting vasorelaxation in smooth muscle cells. Dysfunctional regulation of eNOS is a hallmark of various vascular pathologies, notably atherosclerosis, often associated with areas of low shear stress on endothelial cells (ECs). While the link between EC morphology and local hemodynamics is acknowledged, the specific impact of EC morphology on eNOS regulation remains unclear. Morphological differences between elongated, aligned ECs and polygonal, randomly oriented ECs correspond to variations in focal adhesion and cytoskeletal organization, suggesting differing levels of cytoskeletal prestress. However, the functional outcomes of cytoskeletal prestress, particularly in the absence of shear stress, are not extensively studied in ECs. Some evidence suggests that elongated ECs exhibit decreased immunogenicity and enhanced NO production. This study aims to elucidate the signaling pathways governing VEGF‐stimulated eNOS regulation in the aligned EC phenotype characterized by elongated and aligned cells within a monolayer. Using anisotropic topographic cues, bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were elongated and aligned, followed by VEGF treatment in the presence or absence of cytoskeletal tension inhibitors. Phosphorylation of eNOS ser1179, AKT ser437 and FAK Tyr397 in response to VEGF challenge were significantly heightened in aligned ECs compared to unaligned ECs. Moreover this response proved to be robustly tied to cytoskeletal tension as evinced by the abrogation of responses in the presence of the myosin II ATPase inhibitor, blebbistatin. Notably, this work demonstrates for the first time the reliance on FAK phosphorylation in VEGF‐mediated eNOS activation and the comparatively greater contribution of the cytoskeletal machinery in propagating VEGF‐eNOS signaling in aligned and elongated ECs. This research underscores the importance of utilizing appropriate vascular models in drug development and sheds light on potential mechanisms underlying vascular function and pathology that can help inform vascular graft design.
Influence of cachexia on immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis for malignant tumors of the digestive system
Authors: Tao Zhirui , Chen Zhiqin , Gao Yong , Quan Ming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe presence of cancer cachexia is a significant adverse prognostic indicator in patients with malignant tumors. Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by a constant loss of skeletal muscles with or without a loss of weight, leading to immune dysfunction. We performed a retrospective study to investigate the influence of cachexia on the immunotherapy efficacy and prognosis for malignant tumors of the digestive system.MethodsThe present study adopts a cross‐sectional design. The prognosis data of patients with advanced cancer of the digestive system who received immunotherapy from September 2021 to December 2022 were analyzed. Cachexia was calculated using the change of the area of the psoas major muscle (PMMA) or the weight. We measured the change at the beginning of immunotherapy and at least 2 cycles afterward. The participants were categorized into the cachexia group and control group based on the evaluation criteria. Kaplan–Meier and Log‐rank methods were used for survival analysis. Cox proportional hazard model as a method to assess the contribution of different clinical factors to overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).ResultsA total number of 98 patients, including esophageal carcinoma (4, 4%), gastric (36, 37%), colorectal (51, 52%), and other cancer types (7, 7%), were enrolled. Fifty‐four patients were diagnosed with non‐cancer cachexia, and the cancer cachexia group included 44 patients. The median PFS in the cachexia group was shorter than that in the control group (130 days vs. 212 days). Their difference was not significant (p = .321). The survival rate of the patients without cachexia was longer than of those with cachexia (p = .027). The level of albumin and the number of metastatic organs were related to PFS (p = .020, p = .029). The albumin level was significantly associated with the OS of patients (p = .003).ConclusionsThe presence of cachexia was significantly associated with poor OS in patients with malignant tumors of the digestive system who received immunotherapy, not with PFS or the response to immunotherapy.
Improved Preservation of Mouse Intestinal Tissue Using a Formalin/Acetic Acid Fixative and Quantitative Histological Analysis Using QuPath
Authors: Kandelouei Tahmineh , Zhang Wei , Houghton Madeline , Knudsen Beatrice , Edgar Bruce A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe architecture and morphology of the intestinal tissue from mice or other small animals are difficult to preserve for histological and molecular analysis due to the fragile nature of this tissue. The intestinal mucosa consists of villi and crypts lined with epithelial cells. In between the epithelial folds extends the lamina propria, a loose connective tissue that contains blood and lymph vessels, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Underneath the mucosa are two layers of contractile smooth muscle and nerves. The tissue experiences significant changes during fixation, which can impair the reliability of histologic analysis. Poor‐quality histologic sections are not suitable for quantitative image‐based tissue analysis. This article offers a new fixative composed of neutral buffered formalin (NBF) and acetic acid, called FA. This fixative significantly improved the histology of mouse intestinal tissue compared to traditional NBF and enabled precise, reproducible histologic molecular analyses using QuPath software. Algorithmic training of QuPath allows for automated segmentation of intestinal compartments, which can be further interrogated for cellular composition and disease‐related changes. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol: Improved preservation of mouse intestinal tissue using a formalin/acetic acid fixativeSupport Protocol: Quantitative tissue analysis using QuPath
Study on multi‐cycle gas‐water displacing mechanism in underground gas storage of low‐permeability reservoir based onPNM
Authors: Song Rui , Wang Shuaida , Pei Guihong , Liu Jianjun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA deep understanding of the pore‐scale multi‐cycle two‐phase seepage mechanism of gas‐water systems in low‐permeability reservoirs is crucial for enhancing oil and gas recovery and optimizing the operating conditions of underground gas storage. A pore network model was reconstructed using micro‐CT images of low‐permeability core samples from the Dagang Oilfield, China. The mathematical models of gas‐water flow in the pore‐scale models were established based on Poiseuille's law and the quasi‐static displacement theory, considering the gas compressibility and slip effects. The porosity, pore size, absolute permeability, and relative permeability (Kr) of oil‐water and gas‐water were calculated using pore network simulations and validated against experimental benchmark data of the same samples. The effects of multi‐cycle displacement, rock wettability, and average pore pressure on the gas‐water two‐phase flow were simulated and analyzed. The results showed that the relative permeability of gas (Krg) at the same water saturation level significantly increased when the gas compressibility and slip effects were considered. With an increase in the number of gas‐water displacement cycles,Krgat the same water saturation level showed a decreasing trend, indicating a reduction in the gas seepage capability.Krgdecreased with increasing water contact angle. With an increase in the average pore pressure,Krgdecreased and gradually increased when the average pressure exceeded 25 MPa.
Convenient folding‐hot‐pressing fabrication and enhanced piezoelectric properties of high β‐phase‐content poly(vinylidene fluoride) films
Authors: Shen Jie , Zeng Yicheng , Li Qiangzhi , Zhou Jing , Chen Wen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is the most attractive piezoelectric polymer for application in flexible sensors. To attain excellent piezoelectric properties, a substantial amount of spontaneous polar β‐phase content is highly desired. Nevertheless, the current reported manufacturing methods to increase β‐phase contents are inconvenient and complex, hindering progress in PVDF's application. This work proposes a folding‐hot‐pressing method to fabricate high β‐phase‐content PVDF films. Structural characterization indicates that the films have α and β phases and the folding‐hot‐pressing process transforms the α phase into the β phase. Due to the 97.5% β‐phase content and aligned structure, a piezoelectric constant of 20 pC/N is achieved in the three‐times folded film. Furthermore, the process method enhances the tensile strength (126.2 MPa) of the films, with a low Young's modulus (0.87 GPa) remaining, making the films applicable for flexible piezoelectric sensors. Additionally, sensors based on the achieved films were assembled and applied for human physiological activity monitoring. This work offers a scalable new melt‐processing strategy for developing high‐performance PVDF‐based piezoelectric composite films for wearable electronic devices.