bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and properties of self‐humidifying anodic gas diffusion layer with hydrophilic polymer material
Authors: Zhang Haihang , Zhao Chongxue , Han Linfeng , Zhang Lin , Peng Keyu , Song Yingjie , Lin Guangyi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, an anodic gas diffusion layer (GDL) with a gradient hydrophobic structured microporous layer (MPL) was prepared using a spraying method. The hydrophobicity of the MPL was changed by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone to the MPL close to the catalyst layer side to obtain a bilayer MPL with a gradient hydrophobic structure. By performing the above operation, we designed a double‐layer MPL structure with different hydrophobic gradients. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the gradient hydrophobic structure of bilayer MPL on the electrochemical performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell by characterizing the physical properties, such as water contact angle, of anode self‐humidified GDL prepared in the laboratory. The study compared the limiting power density of the laboratory‐prepared GDL sample 10% with that of the commercial GDL29BC. The limiting power density of the sample 10% is 1.59, 1.5, and 1.49 W/cm2 under three humidity conditions of 40%, 60%, and 100%, respectively, which improve the performance by 19.5%, 17.2%, and 23.1% over that of the commercial GDL29BC. The anode GDL samples prepared in the laboratory showed good self‐wetting effect, which play a positive role in the improvement of fuel cell performance.
Real‐time dielectric monitoring of isothermal polymerization of methyl cyanoacetate and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate
Authors: Yang Haoran , Liu Fengquan , Zhao Kongshuang , Zhou Jianjun , Li Lin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDielectric spectroscopy (DS) was employed to monitor the isothermal polymerization processes of P(MCA‐DEGDMA) formed by the alternating copolymerization of methyl cyanoacetate (MCA) and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA) at different temperatures in real time. P(MCA‐DEGDMA) is a polyether containing functional groups (O, CN, COOCH3) which can promote the transport of ions Li+, thereby having the potential to apply in polymer electrolytes. It is beneficial to investigate the effect of temperature and time on P(MCA‐DEGDMA) polymerization and choose a suitable synthesis strategy through dielectric monitoring. A time‐ and temperature‐dependent relaxation process induced by orientational polarization of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain was observed over a frequency range from 10 kHz to 4 × 106 Hz. The time to reach polymerization equilibrium (tequ) and the dielectric conversion were determined through the time variations of the conductivity at low frequency (κl). The polymerization process shows the characteristic of “fast followed by slow,” and the tequ can be advanced by raising the polymerization temperature. In addition, by discussing the monitoring time dependence of relaxation time (τ) and permittivity (ε), it was concluded that the extent of polymerization (α) for P(MCA‐DEGDMA) at 40°C is the largest, and the optimal polymerization temperature is between 30 and 50°C. Furthermore, the free activation energy (ΔG), activation enthalpy (ΔH), and activation entropy (ΔS) of the relaxation process caused by the motion of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain in three temperature ranges (10–20°C, 30–40°C, 50–60°C) were calculated by using Eyring's equation, from which the physical image of various structures and conformations of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain during monitoring was proposed. Considering the effect of temperature on the generation and migration of free ions, and on the structure and conformation of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain, some suggestions for the synthesis of P(MCA‐DEGDMA) are given: during the polymerization, the temperature is controlled at 10°C in the early stage and then gradually raised to 40°C, which may be beneficial to improving the extent of polymerization of P(MCA‐DEGDMA). Our work may be helpful to investigate the polymerization process of polyether obeying the same synthesis mechanism with P(MCA‐DEGDMA). It can be proven that DS is useful in detecting the inner information of the system changing over time through our work.
Modification of hydrogenated nitrile rubber with N,N′‐bismaleimide‐4,4′‐diphenylmethane to improve its resistance to heat aging and reduce its compression set
Authors: Yao Mingjie , Tao Ping , Wang Liangyan , Wang Chunming , Hou Jiarui , Zhu Yongliang , Jiang Dengchao , Quan Yiwu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper delves to improve the upper‐limit temperature of hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) through regulation of the vulcanization process, filler system and cross‐linking additive. The tensile test and scanning electron microscope images showed that the aging at 180°C significantly accelerated the deterioration in the property of HNBR compared with 150°C aging. The results showed that a higher dosage of bis(1‐(tert‐butylperoxy)‐1‐methylethyl)‐benzene curing agent reduced the compression set of HNBR without sacrificing its tensile strength. Carbon black N539‐filled HNBR exhibited high tensile strength, while carbon black N774‐filled HNBR showed high heat resistance and low compression set. When the HNBR sample was reinforced with 20 phr of N539 and 20 phr of N774 carbon black, it achieved low compression set, high tensile strength, and heat resistance simultaneously. Then, N,N′‐bismaleimide‐4,4′‐diphenylmethane (BMI) was introduced into the HNBR composite as a cross‐linking assistant agent. The residual strength of BMI‐modified HNBR was 20.3 MPa (the retention rate of 92.3%), and its compression set was as low as 19.2% after aging at 180°C for 72 h. Even after aging the composite at 180°C for 168 h, its strength retention rate remained at 83.2% (18.3 MPa). The approach provided here increased the upper‐limit temperature range of HNBR to 180°C.
Metabolic profiling of Verbena bonariensis L. extract by LC/MS and evaluation of the hepatoprotective potential with isoniazid‐ and rifampicin‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Ishtiaq Saiqa , Rehman Saira , Kamran Sairah Hafeez , Akhtar Zahid Mehmood , Albaik Mai , Elhady Sameh S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe study explored the hepatoprotective activity and metabolic profile of Verbena bonariensis L. methanol extract (VBM) and fractions using isoniazid as well as rifampicin‐triggered liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Metabolite profiling of VBM using HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS identified 12 compounds, mainly iridoids, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids, where verbascoside represents the major compound. Different biochemical parameters such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and total protein levels were used to assess liver functions. All the evaluated samples exhibited hepatoprotective potential, but VBM exhibited maximum activity and a notable decline in ALP (p < 0.05, significant), even better than the standard drug (silymarin). VBM significantly reduced the elevated ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin. It also triggered a significant elevation in total proteins compared with diseased animals. This was further consolidated by histopathological studies. Verbena bonariensis L. could serve as a potent hepatoprotective agent and may alleviate liver ailments.
Active Constituents with Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities from Waste Tobacco Leaves
Authors: Zhang Mei , Sun Jia‐Yu , Qiu Hong‐Mao , Zhang Peng , Deng Lu‐Lu , Li Jiang , Hao Xiao‐Jiang , Su Xian‐Kun , Mu Shu‐Zhen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOne novel compound, (R)‐3, 6‐diethoxy‐4‐hydroxycyclohex‐3‐en‐1‐one (1) and thirteen known compounds were isolated from the waste tobacco leaves. The structures of two compounds (1–2) were confirmed and attributed firstly by the extensive spectroscopic data, including 1D/2D NMR, IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, CD, and ECD spectra. Notably, seven compounds (2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) exhibited better tyrosinase inhibitory activity than the positive control kojic acid. The binding modes of these compounds revealed that their structure formed strong hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces with the active sites of tyrosinase. These results indicated that waste tobacco leaves are good resources for developing tyrosinase inhibitors.
Percutaneous retrieval of an embolized Watchman device on a papillary muscle in the left ventricle
Authors: Patel Mitra M. , Prabhakar Sourabh , Oostra Carson , Ramanathan P. Kasi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices have gained prominence as an alternative to long‐term anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and high risk of bleeding. While these devices have shown efficacy in reducing stroke risk, there have been reported cases of embolization of the Watchman device. There are very few cases of successful percutaneous retrieval of embolized Watchman devices from the left ventricle (LV), as many of these cases require open heart surgery for safe removal. We are presenting a case of an 80‐year‐old male whose Watchman device embolized to the LV and was entrapped on the LV papillary muscle that was then successfully retrieved via percutaneous methods, which shows the percutaneous options remain a viable strategy to retrieve LAAO devices from the LV.
Cerebellum Purkinje cell vulnerability in aged rats with memory impairment
Authors: Cooper C'iana P. , Cheng Liam H. , Bhatti Jafar A. , Rivera Edward L. , Huell Derek , Banuelos Cristina , Perez Evelyn J. , Long Jeffrey M. , Rapp Peter R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe cerebellum is involved in higher order cognitive function and is susceptible to age‐related atrophy. However, limited evidence has directly examined the cerebellum's role in cognitive aging. To interrogate potential substrates of the relationship between cerebellar structure and memory in aging, here we target the Purkinje cells (PCs). The sole output neurons of the cerebellum, PC loss and/or degeneration underlie a variety of behavioral abnormalities. Using a rat model of normal cognitive aging, we immunostained sections through the cerebellum for the PC‐specific protein, calbindin‐D28k. Although morphometric quantification revealed no significant difference in total PC number as a function of age or cognitive status, regional cell number was a more robust correlate of memory performance in the young cerebellum than in aged animals. Parallel biochemical analysis of PC‐specific protein levels in whole cerebellum additionally revealed that calbindin‐D28k and Purkinje cell protein‐2 (pcp‐2) levels were lower selectively in aged rats with spatial memory impairment compared to both young animals and aged rats with intact memory. These results suggest that cognitive aging is associated with cerebellum vulnerability, potentially reflecting disruption of the cerebellum—medial temporal lobe network.
Poly3‐Hexylthiophene Titanium Dioxide (P3HT‐TiO2) Composite Sensor for High Response Detection of Ammonia at Room Temperature
Authors: Fei Yuqian , Nie Zizhuo , Ding Shujiang , Wang Jiuhong , Yu Wei , Li Na , Liu Yuhang , Peng Bo , Feng Xiaoli , Liu Limin , Jiang Xinbing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGas sensors for ammonia (NH3) play a crucial role in the maintenance of air quality, preservation of the atmosphere, and evaluation of human health. However, the endeavor to attain a high level of sensitivity in detecting NH3 under ambient conditions remains a challenging task. In this work, poly(3‐hexylthiophene)s and titanium dioxide (P3HT‐TiO2) heterostructure NH3 gas‐sensitive material was prepared, and by drop‐casting the material onto a substrate with Au interdigital electrodes, a sensor for high‐response detection of NH3 at room temperature was constructed. The designed gas sensor exhibited a high response signal of 114.61 % toward 15 ppm NH3 at room temperature (25 °C) with good reproducibility, strong long‐term stability, and excellent selectivity. Moreover, by analyzing the response law of the sensor under different humidity conditions, it has been noted that both excessively high and excessively low levels of humidity adversely affect the sensor's response. The remarkable increase in NH3 sensing properties is attributed to the synergistic enhancement effect of P−N heterojunction formed between P3HT and TiO2. This NH3 gas sensor exhibits tremendous potential for use due to its straightforward structure and outstanding ammonia sensing performance.
UAV path planning: Integration of grey wolf algorithm and artificial potential field
Authors: Chen Yaqing , Yu Qizhou , Han Dan , Jiang Hao 
Published: April 2024

SummaryUnmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning is an important issue in UAV applications, with the goal of finding the optimal path to meet mission requirements, while considering factors such as avoiding obstacles and optimizing flight performance. To improve the efficiency of UAV path planning and enhance the smoothness and safety of UAV operation, this paper proposes a fusion optimization algorithm (GWO‐APF), which combines the grey wolf algorithm (GWO) and artificial potential field method (APF) for UAV path planning algorithms. Based on the GWO algorithm, this algorithm first sets planning constraints such as turning angle and tolerance to reduce the probability of local optima occurring; Second, using dimensionality reduction to improve the search efficiency of the GWO algorithm and generate the initial path; Finally, gravity is given to each point on the initial path, and the APF algorithm is used for path planning again. The simulation results show that the fused GWO‐APF algorithm has stronger path planning ability compared to the traditional GWO algorithm, and has the characteristics of short range and high safety.
Gene Delivery and Analysis of Optogenetic Induction of Lytic Cell Death
Authors: Oh Teak‐Jung , Gworek Bryan , Mehfooz Amna , Zhang Kai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNecroptosis is a form of inflammatory lytic cell death involving active cytokine production and plasma membrane rupture. Progression of necroptosis is tightly regulated in time and space, and its signaling outcomes can shape the local inflammatory environment of cells and tissues. Pharmacological induction of necroptosis is well established, but the diffusive nature of chemical death inducers makes it challenging to study cell‐cell communication precisely during necroptosis. Receptor‐interacting protein kinase 3, or RIPK3, is a crucial signaling component of necroptosis, acting as a crucial signaling node for both canonical and non‐canonical necroptosis. RIPK3 oligomerization is crucial to the formation of the necrosome, which regulates plasma membrane rupture and cytokine production. Commonly used necroptosis inducers can activate multiple downstream signaling pathways, confounding the signaling outcomes of RIPK3‐mediated necroptosis. Opsin‐free optogenetic techniques may provide an alternative strategy to address this issue. Optogenetics uses light‐sensitive protein‐protein interaction to modulate cell signaling. Compared to chemical‐based approaches, optogenetic strategies allow for spatiotemporal modulation of signal transduction in live cells and animals. We developed an optogenetic system that allows for ligand‐free optical control of RIPK3 oligomerization and necroptosis. This article describes the sample preparation, experimental setup, and optimization required to achieve robust optogenetic induction of RIPK3‐mediated necroptosis in colorectal HT‐29 cells. We expect that this optogenetic system could provide valuable insights into the dynamic nature of lytic cell death. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Production of lentivirus encoding the optogenetic RIPK3 systemSupport Protocol: Quantification of the titer of lentivirusBasic Protocol 2: Culturing, chemical transfection, and lentivirus transduction of HT‐29 cellsBasic Protocol 3: Optimization of optogenetic stimulation conditionsBasic Protocol 4: Time‐stamped live‐cell imaging of HT‐29 lytic cell deathBasic Protocol 5: Quantification of HT‐29 lytic cell death
Evaluating cultivar intensity and dataset size for reliable cultivar recommendation in winter wheat: A systematic research of environmental and genotype factors
Authors: Iwańska Marzena , Paderewski Jakub , Žukovskis Jan , Wójcik‐Gront Elżbieta 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCrop yield is influenced by environmental, genotype, and management factors. This study focuses on the environmental and genotype factors, specifically the concept of mega‐environments, where similar crop varieties thrive due to similar environmental conditions, and cultivar intensity, a cultivar's favorable reaction to improved growing conditions, in cultivar recommendation for winter wheat in Poland. The research aims to evaluate the potential of using cultivar intensity as a tool for cultivar recommendation and investigate the influence of dataset size on model performance. The study utilizes a dataset of winter wheat grain yield data collected over six seasons from 19 experimental stations in Poland. Various models are compared using prediction measures, such as correlation coefficient, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error. The results show that models combining mixed analysis of variance and linear regression perform best in terms of yield prediction, followed by models using only regression. Models based on cultivar mean in the region exhibit lower prediction ability. The impact of dataset size on prediction accuracy is found to vary depending on the model and prediction measure used. The findings highlight the importance of considering dataset size when assessing model performance and emphasize the need for reliable data in cultivar recommendation. The outcomes of this study contribute to the understanding of cultivar recommendation strategies and provide insights into the use of cultivar intensity and dataset size optimization for reliable and accurate recommendations.
Dynamics of strongly correlated quantum systems from an extended Singwi‐Tosi‐Land‐Sjölander closure for the BBGKY hierarchy
Authors: Kählert Hanno 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe BBGKY hierarchy in the Wigner representation is used with an extended Singwi‐Tosi‐Land‐Sjölander (STLS) ansatz for the two‐particle distribution function [H. Kählert, G. J. Kalman, and M. Bonitz, Phys. Rev. E 90, 011101 (2014)] to study the density response function and the dispersion relation of collective modes in a strongly coupled quantum system. It is shown that the local field correction (LFC) and the dispersion relation reduce to the results of the Quasi‐Localized Charge Approximation (QLCA) in the classical limit. In the quantum case, the LFC acquires a frequency‐dependence, similar to the quantum version of the STLS theory. The dispersion relation is governed by a generalization of the QLCA dynamical matrix. The results are expected to be relevant for the analysis of collective modes in quantum liquids with strong correlations.
A novel hybrid beachgrass is invading U.S. Pacific Northwest dunes with potential ecosystem consequences
Authors: Askerooth Risa , Mostow Rebecca S. , Ruggiero Peter , Barreto Felipe , Hacker Sally D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInvasive plants formed via hybridization, especially those that modify the structure and function of their ecosystems, are of particular concern given the potential for hybrid vigor. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest, two invasive, dune‐building beachgrasses, Ammophila arenaria (European beachgrass) and A. breviligulata (American beachgrass), have hybridized and formed a new beachgrass taxa (Ammophila arenaria × A. breviligulata), but little is known about its distribution, spread, and ecological consequences. Here, we report on surveys of the hybrid beachgrass conducted across a 250‐km range from Moclips, Washington to Pacific City, Oregon, in 2021 and 2022. We detected nearly 300 hybrid individuals, or an average of 8–14 hybrid individuals per km of surveyed foredune. The hybrid was more common at sites within southern Washington and northern Oregon where A. breviligulata is abundant (75%–90% cover) and A. arenaria is sparse and patchy. The hybrid displayed morphological traits such as shoot density and height that typically exceeded its parent species suggesting hybrid vigor. We measured an average growth rate of 30% over one year, with individuals growing faster at the leading edge of the foredune, nearest to the beach. We also found a positive relationship between hybrid abundance and A. arenaria abundance, suggesting that A. arenaria density may be a controlling factor for hybridization rate. The hybrid showed similar sand deposition and associated plant species richness patterns compared with its parent species, although longer term studies are needed. Finally, we found hybrid individuals within and near conservation habitat of two Endangered Species Act‐listed, threatened bird species, the western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) and the streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata), a concern for conservation management. Documenting this emerging hybrid beachgrass provides insights into how hybridization affects the spread of novel species and the consequences for communities in which they invade.
Structured testing of genetic association with mixed clinical outcomes
Authors: Liu Meiling , Su Yu‐Ru , Liu Yang , Hsu Li , He Qianchuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGenetic factors play a fundamental role in disease development. Studying the genetic association with clinical outcomes is critical for understanding disease biology and devising novel treatment targets. However, the frequencies of genetic variations are often low, making it difficult to examine the variants one‐by‐one. Moreover, the clinical outcomes are complex, including patients' survival time and other binary or continuous outcomes such as recurrences and lymph node count, and how to effectively analyze genetic association with these outcomes remains unclear. In this article, we proposed a structured test statistic for testing genetic association with mixed types of survival, binary, and continuous outcomes. The structured testing incorporates known biological information of variants while allowing for their heterogeneous effects and is a powerful strategy for analyzing infrequent genetic factors. Simulation studies show that the proposed test statistic has correct type I error and is highly effective in detecting significant genetic variants. We applied our approach to a uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma study and identified several genetic pathways associated with the clinical outcomes.