bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐33 increases the sensitivity of multiple myeloma cells to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib through reactive oxygen species‐mediated inhibition of nuclear factor kappa‐B signal and stemness properties
Authors: Shao Ruonan , Liu Shuang , Liu Wenjian , Song Cailu , Liu Lingrui , Zhu Lewei , Peng Fu , Lu Yue , Tang Hailin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) is the first‐line therapy for multiple myeloma (MM). BTZ resistance largely limits its clinical application in MM. Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) exerts antitumor effects through various mechanisms, including enhancing antitumor immunity and promoting the apoptosis of cancer cells. Here, the synergistic anti‐MM effect of IL‐33 and BTZ was verified, and the underlying mechanisms were elucidated. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that IL‐33 expression levels were downregulated in MM, and that BTZ‐treated MM patients with high IL‐33 levels had better prognosis than those with low IL‐33 levels. Moreover, the patients with high IL‐33 levels had a better treatment response to BTZ. Further immune analysis suggested that IL‐33 can enhance the anti‐MM immunity. IL‐33 and BTZ synergistically inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of MM cells, which was mediated by the excessive accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, increased ROS hindered the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB‐p65, thereby decreasing the transcription of target stemness‐related genes (SOX2, MYC, and OCT3/4). These effects induced by the combination therapy could be reversed by eliminating ROS by N‐acetylcysteine. In conclusion, our results indicated that IL‐33 enhanced the sensitivity of MM to BTZ through ROS‐mediated inhibition of nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) signal and stemness properties.
MyoFold: Joint myocardial tissue composition and wall motion quantification via a highly folded sequence
Authors: Guo Rui , Fan Yingwei , Liu Bowei , Qian Xiaofeng , Dai Jiahuan , Si Dongyue , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Ancong , Dong Guozhao , Jin Yongsheng , Xiao Jingjing , Ding Haiyan , Tang Xiaoying 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to develop and evaluate a novel cardiovascular MR sequence, MyoFold, designed for the simultaneous quantifications of myocardial tissue composition and wall motion.MethodsMyoFold is designed as a 2D single breathing‐holding sequence, integrating joint T1/T2 mapping and cine imaging. The sequence uses a 2‐fold accelerated balanced SSFP (bSSFP) for data readout and incorporates electrocardiogram synchronization to align with the cardiac cycle. MyoFold initially acquires six single‐shot inversion‐recovery images, completed during the diastole of six successive heartbeats. T2 preparation (T2‐prep) is applied to introduce T2 weightings for the last three images. Subsequently, over the following six heartbeats, segmented bSSFP is performed for the movie of the entire cardiac cycle, synchronized with an electrocardiogram. A neural network trained using numerical simulations of MyoFold is used for T1 and T2 calculations. MyoFold was validated through phantom and in vivo experiments, with comparisons made against MOLLI, SASHA, T2‐prep bSSFP, and the conventional cine.ResultsIn phantom studies, MyoFold exhibited a 10% overestimation in T1 measurements, whereas T2 measurements demonstrated high accuracy. In vivo experiments revealed that MyoFold T1 had comparable accuracy to SASHA and precision similar to MOLLI. MyoFold demonstrated good agreement with T2‐prep bSSFP in myocardial T2 measurements. No significant differences were observed in the quantification of left‐ventricle wall thickness and function between MyoFold and the conventional cine.ConclusionMyoFold presents as a rapid, simple, and multitasking approach for quantitative cardiovascular MR examinations, offering simultaneous assessment of tissue composition and wall motion. The sequence's multitasking capabilities make it a promising tool for comprehensive cardiac evaluations in clinical settings.
Age, sex, and lung volume dependence of dissolved xenon‐129 MRI gas exchange metrics
Authors: Collier Guilhem J. , Smith Laurie J. , Saunders Laura C. , Swift Andrew J. , Marshall Helen , Stewart Neil J. , Norquay Graham , Hughes Paul J. C. , Thomspson A. A. Roger , Wild Jim M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo characterize the dependence of Xe‐MRI gas transfer metrics upon age, sex, and lung volume in a group of healthy volunteers.MethodsSixty‐five subjects with no history of chronic lung disease were assessed with 129Xe‐MRI using a four‐echo 3D radial spectroscopic imaging sequence and a dose of xenon titrated according to subject height that was inhaled from a lung volume of functional residual capacity (FRC). Imaging was repeated in 34 subjects at total lung capacity (TLC). Regional maps of the fractions of dissolved xenon in red blood cells (RBC), membrane (M), and airspace (Gas) were acquired at an isotropic resolution of 2 cm, from which global averages of the ratios RBC:M, RBC:Gas, and M:Gas were computed.ResultsData from 26 males and 36 females with a median age of 43 y (range: 20–69 y) were of sufficient quality to analyze. Age (p = 0.0006) and sex (p < 0.0001) were significant predictors for RBC:M, and a linear regression showed higher values and steeper decline in males: RBC:M(Males) = −0.00362 × Age + 0.60 (p = 0.01, R2 = 0.25); RBC:M(Females) = −0.00170 × Age + 0.44 (p = 0.02, R2 = 0.15). Similarly, age and sex were significant predictors for RBC:Gas but not for M:Gas. RBC:M, M:Gas and RBC:Gas were significantly lower at TLC than at FRC (plus inhaled volume), with an average 9%, 30% and 35% decrease, respectively.ConclusionExpected age and sex dependence of pulmonary function concurs with 129Xe RBC:M imaging results, demonstrating that these variables must be considered when reporting Xe‐MRI metrics. Xenon doses and breathing maneuvers should be controlled due to the strong dependence of Xe‐MRI metrics upon lung volume.
One‐step synthesis of a spongy flexible substrate for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy comprising a silver nanoparticles‐loaded poly(amidoamine) dendrimer crosslinked with glutaraldehyde
Authors: Shen Juncheng , Wu Yingxin , Yi Juzhen , Hong Kainan , Yin Lin , Ma Xinye , Yang Liqun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA composite comprising a silver nanoparticles‐loaded poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (PAMAM/AgNPs) is synthesized using a one‐step method under vortex at room temperature. The structure of glutaraldehyde‐crosslinked PAMAM dendrimer is characterized using FTIR and high‐resolution magic angle spinning–carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS 13C NMR) spectroscopy. The crosslinking structure ensures the uniformity and stability of the Ag nanoparticles, and the flexibility of the PAMAM/AgNPs composite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirm the formation of Ag nanoparticles in the PAMAM/AgNPs composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐Raman images reveal the coarsely porous 3D micro‐structure of the PAMAM/AgNPs composite. This unique micro‐3D architecture provides the PAMAM/AgNPs composite with spongy flexibility and a swab‐like nature, which is advantageous for the rapid and effective absorption of liquid samples on the surfaces of objects. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) indicates that the detection limits of both rhodamine 6G (R6G) and thiram are 1.0 × 10−5 mol L−1, and the SERS enhancement factor of R6G is determined to be 1.35 × 104. The spongy flexible PAMAM/AgNPs SERS substrate therefore has potential for use in Raman active compound detection.
Safety considerations for hydrometallurgical metal recovery from lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Jain Sakshi , Hoseyni Seyed Mojtaba , Cordiner Joan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive overview of the critical process safety considerations inherent in hydrometallurgical metal recovery within the lithium‐ion battery (LiB) recycling process. As hydrometallurgy application in LiB recycling is still in the early stages of development, it is crucial to identify the hazards and provide safety recommendations. Hazards related to hydrometallurgy are identified and categorized in process, toxic, fire, explosion, corrosion, environment, storage, and transport hazards. Risk reduction measures are suggested using the hierarchy of control methodology to eliminate and reduce risks to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP), based on UK regulatory framework.
Why do Chinese overseas doctoral graduates return to China? The push‐pull factors and the influence of gender and gender norms
Authors: Liu Dan , Liu Qiuxi , Morgan W. John 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAlthough attention has been paid to return migration internationally, research studies on why Chinese overseas doctoral graduates return to China are few. A study that considers gendered motivations has yet to be found. Using a qualitative study with 31 Chinese overseas doctoral graduate returnees, this study examines factors influencing graduates' reasons for returning to China and how these relate to Chinese gender and gender role‐related cultural norms. Using the push‐pull theory and the concepts of gender (as an individual characteristic) and gender norms, the study shows that the reasons for return were gendered, with females motivated by family and emotional factors and males by economic and career benefits. The study identifies inequalities derived from traditional gender roles and cultural norms that persist in China. This has implications for state policy, higher education institutions and future research.
Assessing high‐quality process performance using the quality‐yield index: An innovative methodology
Authors: Wu Chien‐Wei , Darmawan Armin , Wang Zih‐Huei , Lin Meng‐Tzu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractManufacturers must meet high‐quality standards and exceed customer expectations to stay competitive due to significant technological advancements in recent decades. While implementing the yield measure is useful for achieving process performance by focusing on products that fall within specified limits, it does not accommodate specific customer requirements, particularly when a product's quality characteristic deviates from target value. To address this need, the quality‐yield index (Q‐yield) has been proposed, which combines the process‐yield index and loss‐based capability index, providing a more advanced performance measure. However, the Q‐yield index's confidence interval is challenging to derive due to the complicated sampling distribution involved. Several existing methods have attempted to construct an approximate confidence interval but none have performed well. Therefore, this article proposes an innovative approach, called the generalized confidence intervals (GCIs), that utilizes the idea of generalized pivotal quantities to establish the confidence interval for the Q‐yield index. The proposed approach is evaluated through simulations and compared to existing methods. The results reveal that the proposed approach provides the most accurate results for constructing the lower confidence bound of the Q‐yield index. This approach is recommended to evaluate process performance using the Q‐yield index for high‐quality customer requirements.
Establishing present‐day Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka|sćwin) spawning capacity in the highly impacted sq,awsitkʷ|Okanagan River to guide population conservation and restoration
Authors: O'Sullivan Antóin M. , Alex Karilyn I. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe presence of dams on the Columbia River (CR) has reduced Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka|sćwin) numbers to a fraction of their historic numbers. The Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance (SONA) has led voices of concern regarding the impacts of diminishing Sockeye Salmon numbers on the ecosystem health of the sawsitkʷ|Okanagan River (s|OR), a tributary of the CR. In the early 2000s efforts commenced to rehabilitate the s|OR Sockeye population. These efforts have seen the population rise from a running average of 40,000 to 200,000. However, the contemporary spawning capacity of the s|OR is unknown, and this metric is critical to guide the conservation and restoration of this keystone species. We employed a spawning capacity model relating fish length and gravel size to spawning potential. We collected substrate data at 49 sites throughout our 37‐km study area, and used fish length and egg numbers from n = 269 Sockeye Salmon to establish s|OR specific fecundity metrics. The model estimated the s|OR has the capacity to support 147,687 (±33,346) Sockeye spawners, in its current condition. Whilst our model has limitations, we suggest a minimum escapement of 147,687 Sockeye spawners ought to be passed to the s|OR per annum. These fish will have broad ecosystem benefits and will be culturally beneficial to SONA peoples. Finally, continued restoration of s|OR habitat should enhance opportunities for Sockeye Salmon to continue their remarkable recovery.
Joint altitude and beamwidth optimization for LEO satellite‐based IoT constellation
Authors: Tao Hong , Gang Wang , Xiaojin Ding , Gengxin Zhang 
Published: May 2024

SummaryLow Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite‐based Internet of Things (IoT) has become a hot topic in IoT networks due to the ability of global coverage, especially in remote areas. How to design a commercial LEO satellite‐based constellation to meet the IoT traffic requirement remains an open problem. In this paper, we propose a throughput optimization algorithm for LEO satellite‐based IoT networks meanwhile reducing the number of LEO satellite. Based on stochastic geometry theory, a closed‐form expression is derived for the throughput of a dynamic LEO satellite‐based IoT networks when LEO satellite equips with capture effect (CE) receiver and successive interference cancelation (SIC) receiver, respectively. Furthermore, a joint altitude and beamwidth optimization problem is formulated under the constraint of Walker constellation to optimize the throughput and the number of LEO satellites. To solve this multi‐objective optimization problem, we design an iterative non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) for the rapid development of IoT traffic. Simulation results show that our proposed algorithm can effectively improve the throughput performance of random access (RA) protocol in LEO satellite‐based IoT networks compared to benchmark problems.
A Versatile Virus‐Mimetic Engineering Approach for Concurrent Protein Nanocage Surface‐Functionalization and Cargo Encapsulation
Authors: Sheng Yujie , Chen Zilong , Cherrier Mickael V , Martin Lydie , Bui Tam T. T. , Li Wei , Lynham Steven , Nicolet Yvain , Ebrahimi Kourosh H. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNaturally occurring protein nanocages like ferritin are self‐assembled from multiple subunits. Because of their unique cage‐like structure and biocompatibility, there is a growing interest in their biomedical use. A multipurpose and straightforward engineering approach does not exist for using nanocages to make drug‐delivery systems by encapsulating hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs and developing vaccines by surface functionalization with a protein like an antigen. Here, a versatile engineering approach is described by mimicking the HIV‐1 Gap polyprotein precursor. Various PREcursors of nanoCages (PREC) are designed and created by linking two ferritin subunits via a flexible linker peptide containing a protease cleavage site. These precursors can have additional proteins at their N‐terminus, and their protease cleavage generates ferritin‐like nanocages named protease‐induced nanocages (PINCs). It is demonstrated that PINC formation allows concurrent surface decoration with a protein and hydrophilic or hydrophobic drug encapsulation up to fourfold more than the amount achieved using other methods. The PINCs/Drug complex is stable and efficiently kills cancer cells. This work provides insight into the precursors’ design rules and the mechanism of PINCs formation. The engineering approach and mechanistic insight described here will facilitate nanocages’ applications in drug delivery or as a platform for making multifunctional therapeutics like mosaic vaccines.
Enhanced Electron Transport and Mitigated Voltage Loss in Perovskite Photovoltaics Using Sb2O5@SnO2 Composite Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Yuheng , Li Chi , Wang Can , Zhou Qin , Liang Lusheng , Zhang Zilong , Liu Chunming , Yu Wei , Yu Xuteng , Gao Peng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe efficacy of electron transport layers (ETLs) is pivotal for optimizing the device performance of perovskite photovoltaic applications. However, colloidal dispersions of SnO2 are prone to aggregation and possess structural defects, such as terminal‐hydroxyls (OHT) and oxygen vacancies (VOs), which can degrade the quality of ETLs, impede charge extraction and transport, and affect the nucleation and growth processes of the perovskite layer. In this study, the Sb(OH)4− ions hydrolyzed from SbCl3 in colloidal dispersion can bind to defect sites and effectively stabilize the SnO2 nanocrystals are demonstrated. Upon oxidative annealing, a Sb2O5@SnO2 composite film is formed, in which the Sb2O5 not only mitigates the aforementioned defects but also broadens the energy range of unoccupied states through its dispersed conduction band. The increased electron affinity (EA) facilitates more efficient capture of photoexcited electrons from the perovskite layer, thus augmenting electron extraction and minimizing electron‐hole recombination. As a result, a significant improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 22.60% to 24.54% is achieved, with an open circuit voltage (VOC) of up to 1.195 V, along with excellent stability of unsealed devices under various conditions. This study provides valuable insights for the understanding and design of ETLs in perovskite photovoltaic applications.
Magnetic iron‐oxide coffee husk and khat waste biochar nanocomposites for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution
Authors: Kochito Jemere , Gure Abera , Beyene Tamene Tadesse , Femi Olu Emmanuel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWastewater from the textile and dyeing industries contains hazardous dyes. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of magnetic biochar nanocomposites synthesized from khat leftovers (KLs) and coffee husks (CHs) in removing methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. Magnetic biochar nanocomposites were synthesized by pretreating 25 g of biomass with a 12.5 mmol mixture of FeS and FeCl3 at a 1:1 molar ratio, followed by pyrolyzing at 300°C for 1 h. The resulting products were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller. The results showed that the adsorbents are amorphous, and the activated biochars, are more porous and contain various functional groups such as C‐O, C = C, O‐H, C‐H, and Fe‐O. When 0.2 g of pristine biochars of CH and KL were applied to 20 mL aqueous solutions containing 20 mg/L of MB at pH 7.5 and 25°C, they removed 44.73% and 75.26% of MB, respectively. However, the resulting nanocomposites exhibited a maximum removal efficiency of 99.10% and 99.23% with magnetic iron oxide‐CH biochar nanocomposite (Fe3O4‐CHBNC) and magnetic iron oxide‐KL biochar nanocomposite (Fe3O4‐KLBNC), respectively, with maximum adsorption capacities of 51.02 and 78.13 mg/g. The reusability study also showed removal efficiencies of 77.57% and 83.49% up to six‐cycle reuse.
Quality by design‐engineered reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method development and validation for simultaneous estimation of neomycin sulfate and beclomethasone dipropionate in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Dessai Shivesh , Mannur Vinod S. , Koli Rahul , Dhond Manasi , Badiger Poorvika 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop and validate a robust reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) method for the simultaneous estimation of neomycin sulfate (NEO) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BECLO) in both bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms. The analysis was conducted using the Box‐Behnken design. The separation of NEO and BECLO was conducted on a Phenomenex Luna C‐18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm), employing a mobile phase comprising a mixture of methanol and trifluoroacetic acid in a ratio of 88:12% v/v. The separation was performed at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. NEO and BECLO were analyzed at a wavelength of 240 nm employing a photodiode array detector. The validation of the methodology followed the guidelines outlined in the International Council for Harmonization Q2 R (1). The validation process involved assessing critical parameters such as linearity, accuracy, system suitability, precision, and robustness. The results for each parameter were found to be within the acceptable range. The results indicate that the established RP‐HPLC method can effectively be employed for the routine analysis of NEO and BECLO in bulk drug and pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Simultaneous determination of eight neonicotinoid insecticides and five metabolites in water samples by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry unveils an overlooked risk
Authors: Wu Yan , Ma Li , Xiong Zengheng , Huang Danyu , Zhang Mingshan , Yang Xinrui , Cheng Long , He Shuhai , Lin Huan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNeonicotinoids (NEOs), highly selective toward insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, are extensively used due to their effectiveness against pests and relative non‐toxicity to vertebrates. However, their prolonged persistence in soil and water has led to frequent detection in food and environmental samples, posing significant environmental and health concerns. Recent research indicates these pesticides infiltrate aquatic ecosystems, threatening aquatic life and human health. Here, we improved the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry method for detecting NEOs in water samples, increasing its sensitivity to fulfill forthcoming detection needs. This approach enables the simultaneous quantification of eight NEOs and five NEO metabolites in diverse water sources, including tap, surface, groundwater, sewage, and seawater. Our method achieves remarkably low detection limits for direct injection (0.78–1.7 ng/L) and solid‐phase extraction methods (0.13–0.25 ng/L). Critically, our findings reveal that boiling domestic drinking water doesn't degrade NEOs; instead, it increases their concentration due to water evaporation. A 6‐min boiling period can amplify pesticide concentration by 4–5 times, presenting a significant hazard in culinary practices of specific regions where prolonged cooking could lead to alarmingly high levels of these insecticides. This research underscores the importance of monitoring and mitigating NEO contamination in water sources to safeguard environmental and public health.