bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrocatalytic Properties of Electrochemically‐Polymerized Metal‐Phenolic Networks
Authors: Zaragoza Nadia , Widder Sage , Huynh Heidi , Zamani Marjon , Furst Ariel L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMetal‐phenolic networks (MPNs) are a promising platform for developing new heterogeneous catalytic materials for water splitting technologies. This study systematically investigates the relationship between MPN composition and catalytic properties via electropolymerization of copper and cobalt combined with lignin, tannic acid, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid polyphenols. We find that the choice of metal, size of polyphenol, and polymerization method have the greatest impact on the propensity of MPNs for catalyzing hydrogen evolution. For example, gallic acid‐based MPNs result in smoother surfaces with ~2 nm roughness, resulting in low surface area and lower average current densities compared to all other polyphenols tested. Cobalt‐based MPNs show higher current densities compared to copper, yet higher onset potentials. The results provide a map of design choices that can be used to increase the catalytic performance of new materials used in water electrolysis.
Thermal Equilibrium Between Quinoid/Biradical Forms Enhancing Electrochemical Amphotericity
Authors: Ishigaki Yusuke , Mizuno Shin‐ichi , Sugawara Kazuma , Hashimoto Takumi , Suzuki Shuichi , Suzuki Takanori 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUpon dibenzo annulation on Thiele's hydrocarbon (tetraphenyl‐p‐quinodimethane), the quinoid form and the biradical form adopt quite different geometries, and thus are no longer resonance structures. When these two forms can interconvert rapidly due to the small energy barrier (ΔG≠), the equilibrated mixture contains both forms in a ratio that is determined by the energy difference (ΔGo) between the two forms. For a series of tetrakis[5‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐thienyl]‐substituted derivatives, the more stable quinoid form and the metastable biradical form coexist in solution as an equilibrated mixture due to small ΔG≠ (<15 kcal mol−1) and ΔGo (1–4 kcal mol−1), in which the proportion of the two forms can be regulated by temperature. Since the biradical form can undergo easy two‐electron (2e) oxidation to the corresponding dications as well as easy 2e‐reduction to the dianions, it exhibits very high electrochemical amphotericity. This character with a record‐small span for not only the first oxidation and reduction potentials but also the second those, [E1sum≈E2sum=E2ox−E2red=ca. 1.4 V], is attained through thermally enhanced conversion to the biradical form from the corresponding quinoid form, the latter of which is less amphoteric due to higher Eox and lower Ered values.
A simple methodology for in situ study of microplastics’ aggregation
Authors: Bonyadinejad Gholamreza , Salehi Maryam 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDue to the critical impacts of microplastic (MP) aggregation on their fate, mobility, and bioavailability, this study developed a simple approach to examine their aggregation under varying water chemistry and MPs’ surface aging conditions. An accelerated photodegradation experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. The water chemistry conditions varied by altering pH, using natural organic matter (NOM), and conducting experiments in ultrapure water and synthetic stormwater. The surface chemistry analysis of photodegraded MPs revealed the formation of carbonyl and vinyl functional groups. Zeta potential measurements revealed a more negative surface charge for photodegraded MPs compared to new MPs. The aggregation kinetics of MPs were studied by comparing the number of MP clusters formed over time after intense dispersion in water. The results showed that the presence of NOMs reduces the aggregation tendency of new low‐density polyethylene MPs due to enhanced steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion. However, variations of pH and utilizing synthetic stormwater versus ultrapure water did not alter the aggregation kinetics of new MPs. The aggregation behavior of photodegraded MPs was significantly different from new MPs. A greater tendency for aggregation of photodegraded MPs was found in the stormwater compared to the ultrapure water. This study contributes to a better understanding of the transport and fate of MPs within the aqueous environment and their subsequent environmental risks.
Short‐term predictions of PM10 and NO2 concentrations in urban environments based on ARIMA search grid modeling
Authors: Houria Bouzghiba , Abderrahmane Mendyl , Kenza Khomsi , Gábor Géczi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAir pollution poses a persistent challenge for urban management departments and policymakers due to its significant health and economic impacts. Various cities worldwide have implemented diverse strategies and initiatives to enhance air quality monitoring and modeling standards. However, the outcomes of these efforts often manifest over the long term, leading to a preference for short‐term statistical methods. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) search grid modeling approach has gained widespread use for forecasting air quality. This paper presents a comprehensive time series analysis conducted to predict air quality in urban areas of Budapest, Hungary, with a focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10), using air quality data spanning from 2018 to 2022 for four monitoring categories: Urban traffic, industrial background, urban background, and suburban background. The study employs the ARIMA search grid method to forecast concentrations of these pollutants at multiple air quality monitoring stations based on Akaike information criteria (AIC) and the Bayesian information criteria (BIC) criteria along with the results of augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test. The results demonstrate varying levels of forecast accuracy across different stations, indicating the model's effectiveness in short‐term predicting of air quality. These findings are essential for assessing the reliability of air quality forecasts in Budapest and can inform decisions regarding air quality management and the development of strategies to address air pollution and particulate matter concerns in the region.
IMMUNOREACT 7: Regular aspirin use is associated with immune surveillance activation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Simoni Ottavia De , Scarpa Melania , Castagliuolo Ignazio , Stepanyan Astghik , Angriman Imerio , Kotsafti Andromachi , Nacci Camilla , Scognamiglio Federico , Negro Silvia , D’Angelo Antonella , Chiminazzo Valentina , Businello Gianluca , Ruffolo Cesare , Salmaso Roberta , Franzato Boris , Gruppo Mario , Pilati Pierluigi , Scapinello Antonio , Pozza Anna , Stecca Tommaso , Massani Marco , Cataldo Ivana , Brignola Stefano , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Ceccon Carlotta , Guzzardo Vincenza , Vignotto Chiara , Facci Luca , Maretto Isacco , Agostini Marco , Marchegiani Francesco , Becherucci Giulia , Zizzo Maurizio , Bordignon Giovanni , Merenda Roberto , Pirozzolo Giovanni , Recordare Alfonso , Pozza Giulia , Godina Mario , Mondi Isabella , Verdi Daunia , Lio Corrado Da , Laurino Licia , Saadeh Luca , Rivella Giorgio , Guerriero Silvio , Romiti Chiara , Portale Giuseppe , Cipollari Chiara , Spolverato Ylenia Camilla , Noaro Giulia , Cola Roberto , Candioli Salvatore , Gavagna Laura , Ricagna Fabio , Ortenzi Monica , Guerrieri Mario , Tagliente Giovanni , Tomassi Monica , Tedeschi Umberto , Salmaso Beatrice , Buzzi Gianluca , Parini Dario , Prando Daniela , Zuin Matteo , Bergamo Francesca , Zagonel Vittorina , Porzionato Andrea , Cavallin Francesco , Camillo Barbara Di , Cristoforo Loretta Di , Bao Quoc Riccardo , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Bardini Romeo , Spolverato Gaya , Fassan Matteo , Scarpa Marco ,   IMMUNOREACT Study Group
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term daily use of aspirin reduces incidence and mortality due to colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to analyze the effect of aspirin on the tumor microenvironment, systemic immunity, and on the healthy mucosa surrounding cancer.MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of CRC operated on from 2015 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed (METACCRE cohort). Expression of mRNA of immune surveillance‐related genes (PD‐L1, CD80, CD86, HLA I, and HLA II) in CRC primary cells treated with aspirin were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus–deposited public database (GSE76583). The experiment was replicated in cell lines. The mucosal immune microenvironment of a subgroup of patients participating in the IMMUNOREACT1 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04915326) project was analyzed with immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.ResultsIn the METACCRE Cohort, 12% of 238 patients analyzed were aspirin users. Nodal metastasis was significantly less frequent (p = .008) and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte infiltration was higher (p = .02) among aspirin users. In the CRC primary cells and selected cell lines, CD80 mRNA expression was increased following aspirin treatment (p = .001). In the healthy mucosa surrounding rectal cancer, the ratio of CD8/CD3 and epithelial cells expressing CD80 was higher in aspirin users (p = .027 and p = .034, respectively).ConclusionsThese data suggested that regular aspirin use may have an active role in enhancing immunosurveillance against CRC.
One‐pot Formulation of Cationic Oligochitosan Coated Nanoparticles via Photo‐ Polymerization Induced Self‐Assembly
Authors: Oumerri Jihad , Qayouh Hicham , Arteni Ana Andreea , Six Jean‐Luc , Lahcini Mohammed , Ferji Khalid 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDuring last few decades, oligochitosan (OCS)‐coated nanoparticles have received great interest for nanomedicine, food and environment applications. However, their current formulation techniques are time‐consuming with multi‐synthesis/purification steps and sometimes require the use of organic solvents, crosslinkers and surfactants. Herein, we report a facile and rapid one‐pot synthesis of OCS‐based nanoparticles using photo‐initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (Photo‐RAFT PISA) under UV‐irradiation at room temperature. To achieve this, OCS was first functionalized by a chain transfer agent (CTA) resulting in a macromolecular chain transfer agent (OCS‐CTA), which will act as a reactive electrostatic/steric stabilizer. Owing to its UV‐sensitivity, OCS‐CTA was then used as photo‐iniferter to initiate the polymerization of 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) in aqueous acidic buffer, resulting in OCS‐g‐PHPMA amphiphilic grafted copolymers which self‐assemble into nano‐objects. Transmission electron microscopy and light scattering analysis reveal formation of spherical nanostructures.
Spark Discharge Aerosol‐Generated Copper‐Based Nanoparticles: Structural & Optical Properties; Application on the Antiviral (SARS‐CoV‐2) and Antibacterial Improvement of Face Masks
Authors: Giannakopoulos Konstantinos , Lasithiotakis Michael , Karakasis Charalampos , Gini Maria , Gardelis Spyros , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Mouti Nafsika , Xesfyngi Yvonni , Manolis Georgios K. , Georgoutsou‐Spyridonos Maria , Dimitriou Marios , Eleftheriadis Kostas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNanoparticle formation by Spark Discharge Aerosol Generation offers low‐cost fabrication of nanoparticles, without the use of chemicals or vacuum. It produces aerosol particles of a few nanometers in size with high purity. In this work, copper‐based ‐CuO (tenorite) and Cu‐ nanoparticles are produced, characterized and used to modify face mask air filters, achieving the introduction of antibacterial and antiviral properties. A range of characterization techniques have been employed, down to the atomic level. The majority of the particles are CuO (of a few nanometers in size that agglomerate to form aggregates), the remainder being a small number of larger Cu particles. The particles were deposited on various substrates, mainly fiber filters in order to study them and use them as biocidal agents. On face masks, their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E.coli) results in a 100 % decrease in bacteria cell viability. Their antiviral activity on face masks results in a 90 % reduction of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) viability, 15 minutes post the application of the virus stock solution. This highlights the effectiveness of this approach, its simplicity, its low cost and its excellent environmental credentials.
The Three Rs of Fear Messaging in a Global Pandemic: Recommendations, Ramifications and Remediation
Authors: Dodsworth Laura , Ahearne Gemma , Dingwall Robert , Easthope Lucy , Riordan Michael , Townsend Ellen 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe consider the UK Independent Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours' (SPI‐B) support for fear messaging during the global COVID‐19 pandemic, evaluate the consequences and make recommendations for the future.AnalysisUsing evidence from published documents, we show that SPI‐B supported the use of fear messaging during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This is inconsistent with the extant psychological literature and contrary to the disaster planning literature. The recommendations regarding fear messaging may have had harmful ramifications and impacts, especially for young people.ConclusionWe recommend that a wider multidisciplinary expertise is employed to deal effectively, ethically and holistically with future crises. Plans for future pandemics must include meaningful engagement with the public, particularly children and young people.
Insights into the Mechanical Characterization of Mouse Brain Tissue Using Microindentation Testing
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , van den Hurk Eva A. N. , Weickenmeier Johannes 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIndentation testing is the most common approach to quantify mechanical brain tissue properties. Despite a myriad of studies conducted already, reported stiffness values vary extensively and continue to be subject of study. Moreover, the growing interest in the relationship between the brain's spatially heterogeneous microstructure and local tissue stiffness warrants the development of standardized measurement protocols to enable comparability between studies and assess repeatability of reported data. Here, we present three individual protocols that outline (1) sample preparation of a 1000‐µm thick coronal slice, (2) a comprehensive list of experimental parameters associated with the FemtoTools FT‐MTA03 Micromechanical Testing System for spherical indentation, and (3) two different approaches to derive the elastic modulus from raw force‐displacement data. Lastly, we demonstrate that our protocols deliver a robust experimental framework that enables us to determine the spatially heterogeneous microstructural properties of (mouse) brain tissue. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Mouse brain sample preparationBasic Protocol 2: Indentation testing of mouse brain tissue using the FemtoTools FT‐MTA03 Micromechanical Testing and Assembly SystemBasic Protocol 3: Tissue stiffness identification from force‐displacement data
Optimized Workflow for Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics With Limited Tissue Samples
Authors: Hu Minghan , Wang Yan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractProteomics and phosphoproteomics play crucial roles in elucidating the dynamics of post‐transcriptional processes. While experimental methods and workflows have been established in this field, a persistent challenge arises when dealing with small samples containing a limited amount of protein. This limitation can significantly impact the recovery of peptides and phosphopeptides. In response to this challenge, we have developed a comprehensive experimental workflow tailored specifically for small‐scale samples, with a special emphasis on neuronal tissues like the trigeminal ganglion. Our proposed workflow consists of seven steps aimed at optimizing the preparation of limited tissue samples for both proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses. One noteworthy innovation in our approach involves the utilization of a dual enrichment strategy for phosphopeptides. Initially, we employ Fe‐NTA Magnetic beads, renowned for their specificity and effectiveness in capturing phosphopeptides. Subsequently, we complement this approach with the TiO2‐based method, which offers a broader spectrum of phosphopeptide recovery. This innovative workflow not only overcomes the challenges posed by limited sample sizes but also establishes a new benchmark for precision and efficiency in proteomic investigations. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Protein extraction and digestionBasic Protocol 2: TMT labeling and peptide cleanupBasic Protocol 3: IMAC Fe‐NTA magnetic beads phosphopeptide enrichmentBasic Protocol 4: TiO2 enrichmentBasic Protocol 5: Fe‐NTA phosphopeptide EnrichmentBasic Protocol 6: High pH peptide fractionationBasic protocol 7: LC‐MS/MS analysis and database search
Overexpression of the late embryonic genesis abundant protein MGL3 improves the drought tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Chen Nannan , Gao Bai , Miao Ming , Zhao Yang , Liu Siyan , Guan Shuyan , Ma Yiyong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the increasing severity of climate change, drought has become a global issue that seriously restricts the development and production of crops. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the major food crops in the world. Therefore, the demand for drought‐tolerant maize varieties has been rapidly increasing in the market. Recent studies have found that late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are involved in plant responses to various osmotic stresses such as drought and salt stress. Thus, we hypothesized that LEA genes may provide similar stress tolerance abilities in maize. We isolated ZmMGL3 of the LEA gene family and developed transgenic maize plants overexpressing ZmMGL3 using Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Then, we conducted physiological and biochemical evaluations of the transgenic maize plants exposed to drought stress. Under drought stress (10% polyethylene glycol 6000), the transgenic maize plants showed improved germination rate, seed vigor, radicle length, root length at the seedling stage, and wilting degree after drought and rewatering compared to the wild‐type plants. The transgenic plants also accumulated more catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide radicals compared to the wild‐type plants. These results indicate that ZmMGL3 enhances drought resistance in maize plants by reducing the content of reactive oxygen species in the leaves and can be used as a candidate gene for the development of drought‐tolerant maize varieties.
Complete Degradation of Polyolefin Plastic Wastes to High‐Value Products
Authors: Chen Shaoqin , Hu Yun Hang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPlastic wastes continuously accumulate, causing critical environmental issues. It is urgent to develop efficient strategies to convert them to valuable products. Very recently, two novel approaches for plastic recycling were reported by Huber et al. (Science, 2023, 381, 660–666) and Liu et al. (Science, 2023, 381, 666–671), where polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics were converted into potentially valuable products, such as alcohols, aldehydes, surfactants, and detergents. The two processes achieved complete degradation, high selectivity of target products, as well as high values of products, showing economic feasibility for industrial scale‐up. These breakthroughs for plastic recycling are highlighted in this article.
ACOD1, rather than itaconate, facilitates p62‐mediated activation of Nrf2 in microglia post spinal cord contusion
Authors: Qian Zhanyang , Xia Mingjie , Zhao Tianyu , Li You , Li Guangshen , Zhang Yanan , Li Haijun , Yang Lei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI)‐induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are crucial events causing neurological dysfunction. Aconitate decarboxylase 1 (ACOD1) and its metabolite itaconate (Ita) inhibit inflammation and OS by promoting alkylation of Keap1 to induce Nrf2 expression; however, it is unclear whether there is another pathway regulating their effects in inflammation‐activated microglia after SCI.MethodsAdult male C57BL/6 ACOD1−/− mice and their wild‐type (WT) littermates were subjected to a moderate thoracic spinal cord contusion. The degree of neuroinflammation and OS in the injured spinal cord were assessed using qPCR, western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and trans‐well assay. We then employed immunoprecipitation‐western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)‐PCR, dual‐luciferase assay, and immunofluorescence‐confocal imaging to examine the molecular mechanisms of ACOD1. Finally, the locomotor function was evaluated with the Basso Mouse Scale and footprint assay.ResultsBoth in vitro and in vivo, microglia with transcriptional blockage of ACOD1 exhibited more severe levels of neuroinflammation and OS, in which the expression of p62/Keap1/Nrf2 was down‐regulated. Furthermore, silencing ACOD1 exacerbated neurological dysfunction in SCI mice. Administration of exogenous Ita or 4‐octyl itaconate reduced p62 phosphorylation. Besides, ACOD1 was capable of interacting with phosphorylated p62 to enhance Nrf2 activation, which in turn further promoted transcription of ACOD1.ConclusionsHere, we identified an unreported ACOD1‐p62‐Nrf2‐ACOD1 feedback loop exerting anti‐inflammatory and anti‐OS in inflammatory microglia, and demonstrated the neuroprotective role of ACOD1 after SCI, which was different from that of endogenous and exogenous Ita. The present study extends the functions of ACOD1 and uncovers marked property differences between endogenous and exogenous Ita.Key points
ACOD1 attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress after spinal cord injury.
ACOD1, not itaconate, interacted with p‐p62 to facilitate Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation.
Nrf2 was capable of promoting ACOD1 transcription in microglia.
A lasso and random forest model using flow cytometry data identifies primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Zhang Feng , Wang Ya‐Zhe , Chang Yan , Yuan Xiao‐Ying , Shi Wei‐Hua , Shi Hong‐Xia , Shen Jian‐Zhen , Liu Yan‐Rong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), primary myelofibrosis (PMF), prefibrotic/early (pre‐PMF), and overt fibrotic PMF (overt PMF) are classical Philadelphia‐Negative (Ph‐negative) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Differentiating between these types based on morphology and molecular markers is challenging. This study aims to clarify the application of flow cytometry in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of classical MPNs. This study retrospectively analyzed the immunophenotypes, clinical characteristics, and laboratory findings of 211 Ph‐negative MPN patients, including ET, PV, pre‐PMF, overt PMF, and 47 controls. Compared to ET and PV, PMF differed in white blood cells, hemoglobin, blast cells in the peripheral blood, abnormal karyotype, and WT1 gene expression. PMF also differed from controls in CD34+ cells, granulocyte phenotype, monocyte phenotype, percentage of plasma cells, and dendritic cells. Notably, the PMF group had a significantly lower plasma cell percentage compared with other groups. A lasso and random forest model select five variables (CD34+CD19+cells and CD34+CD38− cells on CD34+cells, CD13dim+CD11b− cells in granulocytes, CD38str+CD19+/−plasma, and CD123+HLA‐DR−basophils), which identify PMF with a sensitivity and specificity of 90%. Simultaneously, a classification and regression tree model was constructed using the percentage of CD34+CD38− on CD34+ cells and platelet counts to distinguish between ET and pre‐PMF, with accuracies of 94.3% and 83.9%, respectively. Flow immunophenotyping aids in diagnosing PMF and differentiating between ET and PV. It also helps distinguish pre‐PMF from ET and guides treatment decisions.