bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Overview and Future Perspectives of Rechargeable Flexible Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Bai Linming , Wang Dan , Wang Wenlong , Yan Wei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEnvironmental friendliness and low‐cost zinc‐air batteries for flexible rechargeable applications have great potential in the field of flexible electronics and smart wearables owing to high energy density and long service life. However, the current technology of flexible rechargeable zinc‐air batteries to meet the commercialization needs still facing enormous challenges due to the poor adaptability of each flexible component of the zinc‐air batteries. This review focused on the latest progress over the past 5 years in designing and fabricating flexible self‐standing air electrodes, flexible electrolytes and zinc electrodes of flexible Zn‐air batteries, meanwhile the basic working principle of each component of flexible rechargeable zinc‐air batteries and battery structures optimization are also described. Finally, challenges and prospects for the future development of flexible rechargeable zinc‐air batteries are discussed. This work is intended to provide insights and general guidance for future exploration of the design and fabrication on high‐performance flexible rechargeable zinc‐air batteries.
Simulation of topographic effects on soil erosion and deposition in a small watershed of loess hilly region
Authors: Yao Zhihong , Zhang Yiwen , Yang Qinke , Zhang Lu , Wang Lingling , Zhao Dongbao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTopography plays a critical role in soil migration and redistribution, but few studies have been conducted to quantify its effects on sediment deposition. In this study, we established a physical simulation and analysis framework to investigate the erosional and depositional impacts of two‐dimensional slope terrain, specifically applied to Xiannangou small watershed in the loess hilly region. The results showed that the slope gradient, slope length, and slope shape have significantly influence the distribution of soil erosion and deposition. The magnitude of the erosion/deposition rate (Yr) determines the relative intensity of slope erosion and deposition, where Yr < 0 indicates erosion and Yr > 0 signifies deposition. The erosion rate on straight slope exhibited a positive correlation with slope length, while the erosion/deposition rate on concave and convex slopes exhibited fluctuations with slope length. Soil erosion predominantly occurred along the main flow line and the middle slope, aligning with the observed distribution of gully and slope erosion in the field. The sediment deposition was primarily concentrated on the lower slope or the lowest outlet of the basin, notably in gullies and gentle slopes where the terrain slows, especially during transition from steep to gradual slopes. These results can effectively predict the relative erosion/sedimentation rate of two‐dimensional slopes, significantly contributing to a comprehensive understanding of how topography influences soil erosion and deposition. This study thoroughly considers the role of sediment deposition in the soil erosion process, providing a more accurate reflection of soil erosion/deposition in small watersheds. It addresses the existing deficiency in sediment consideration within soil erosion evaluation and supports the enhancement of soil erosion model.
Review of the anticancer properties of 6‐shogaol: Mechanisms of action in cancer cells and future research opportunities
Authors: Figueroa‐González Gabriela , Quintas‐Granados Laura Itzel , Reyes‐Hernández Octavio Daniel , Caballero‐Florán Isaac H. , Peña‐Corona Sheila I. , Cortés Hernán , Leyva‐Gómez Gerardo , Habtemariam Solomon , Sharifi‐Rad Javad 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCancer is a major global health challenge that affects every nation and accounts for a large portion of the worldwide disease burden. Furthermore, cancer cases will rise significantly in the next few decades. The Food and Drug Administration has approved more than 600 drugs for treating diverse types of cancer. However, many conventional anticancer medications cause side effects, and drug resistance develops as the treatment proceeds with a concomitant impact on patients' quality of life. Thus, exploring natural products with antitumor properties and nontoxic action mechanisms is essential. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and it contains biologically active compounds, gingerols and shogaols. The main ginger shogaol is 6‐shogaol, whose concentration dramatically increases during the processing of ginger, primarily due to the heat‐induced conversion of 6‐gingerol. Some studies have demonstrated that 6‐shogaol possesses biological and pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The mechanism of action of 6‐shogaol as an anticancer drug includes induction of paraptosis, induction of apoptosis, increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, induction of autophagy, and the inhibition of AKT/mTOR signaling. Despite this knowledge, the mechanism of action of 6‐shogaol is not fully understood, and the scientific data on its therapeutic dose, safety, and toxicity are not entirely described. This review article examines the potential of 6‐shogaol as an anticancer drug, addressing the limitations of current medications; it covers 6‐shogaol's attributes, mechanism of action in cancer cells, and opportunities for future research.
OSCAA: A two‐dimensional Gaussian mixture model for copy number variation association analysis
Authors: Yu Xuanxuan , Luo Xizhi , Cai Guoshuai , Xiao Feifei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCopy number variants (CNVs) are prevalent in the human genome and are found to have a profound effect on genomic organization and human diseases. Discovering disease‐associated CNVs is critical for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases and aiding their diagnosis and treatment. However, traditional methods for assessing the association between CNVs and disease risks adopt a two‐stage strategy conducting quantitative CNV measurements first and then testing for association, which may lead to biased association estimation and low statistical power, serving as a major barrier in routine genome‐wide assessment of such variation. In this article, we developed One‐Stage CNV–disease Association Analysis (OSCAA), a flexible algorithm to discover disease‐associated CNVs for both quantitative and qualitative traits. OSCAA employs a two‐dimensional Gaussian mixture model that is built upon the PCs from copy number intensities, accounting for technical biases in CNV detection while simultaneously testing for their effect on outcome traits. In OSCAA, CNVs are identified and their associations with disease risk are evaluated simultaneously in a single step, taking into account the uncertainty of CNV identification in the statistical model. Our simulations demonstrated that OSCAA outperformed the existing one‐stage method and traditional two‐stage methods by yielding a more accurate estimate of the CNV–disease association, especially for short CNVs or CNVs with weak signals. In conclusion, OSCAA is a powerful and flexible approach for CNV association testing with high sensitivity and specificity, which can be easily applied to different traits and clinical risk predictions.
Visualizing the ‘iron curtain’ formation in the subterranean estuary using sand tank experiments
Authors: Grünenbaum Nele , Volk Johanna , Delwar Rezwana Binte , Bräunig Laura , Massmann Gudrun , Greskowiak Janek 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIron‐(hydro)oxide formation in subterranean estuaries is visualised in a sand tank experiment. The so‐called ‘iron curtain’ forms at the interfaces where anoxic, iron (II)‐rich groundwater mixes with circulating oxic seawater.
Defence spending and real growth in an asymmetric environment: Accessing evidence from a developing economy
Authors: Gbadebo Adedeji Daniel , Bekun Festus Victor , Akande Joseph Olorunfemi , Adekunle Ahmed Oluwatobi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe connection between the defence spending and real growth remains a forefront subject of theoretical and empirical research. Nigeria, like many other developing nations, continues to devote numerous fiscal resources to military spending in ensuring peaceful coexistence and to attain sustainable economic growth after her independence in 1960. Because the interdependence between them has policy implications, this paper studies whether there exists asymmetric causality between them. The dataset, from World Bank database, includes long‐range historical series for military expenditure/GDP ratio and growth rate of GDP, covering 1960–2021. In exploring the empirical relations, the paper shows evidence for the symmetric Granger causality, from Toda–Yamamoto (1995) and asymmetric causality, from Hatemi‐J (2012). The standard (symmetric) identifies unidirectional causality evidence, from defence spending to the GDP per capital growth, with no retained potential feedback from real growth to defence spending. The Hatemi‐J (asymmetric) causality maintains evidence that positive shocks in the defence spending may cause a positive shock in the GDP per capital, supposing that increase perturbations to defence spending would be productive and growth‐enhancing. This causal impact is not evident for positive growth shocks. The findings support the need for policymakers to consider sustained growth targets when redesigning the military budget.
Albumin suppresses oxidation of TiNb alloy in the simulated inflammatory environment
Authors: Sotniczuk Agata , Kalita Damian , Chromiński Witold , Matczuk Magdalena , Pisarek Marcin , Garbacz Halina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLiterature data has shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by immune cells during post‐operative inflammation, could induce corrosion of standard Ti‐based biomaterials. For Ti6Al4V alloy, this process can be further accelerated by the presence of albumin. However, this phenomenon remains unexplored for Ti β‐phase materials, such as TiNb alloys. These alloys are attractive due to their relatively low elastic modulus value. This study aims to address the question of how albumin influences the corrosion resistance of TiNb alloy under simulated inflammation. Electrochemical and ion release tests have revealed that albumin significantly enhances corrosion resistance over both short (2 and 24 h) and long (2 weeks) exposure periods. Furthermore, post‐immersion XPS and cross‐section TEM analysis have demonstrated that prolonged exposure to an albumin‐rich inflammatory solution results in the complete coverage of the TiNb surface by a protein layer. Moreover, TEM studies revealed that H2O2‐induced oxidation and further formation of a defective oxide film were suppressed in the solution enriched with albumin. Overall results indicate that contrary to Ti6Al4V, the addition of albumin to the PBS + H2O2 solution is not necessary to simulate the harsh inflammatory conditions as could possibly be found in the vicinity of a TiNb implant.
High level of 1,3‐propanediol production from crude glycerol by Clostridium strain BOH3: critical roles of inoculum and substrate concentration
Authors: Rajagopalan Gobinath , Jain Akanksha , Poosarla Venkata Giridhar , Krishnan Chandraraj , Yang Kun Lin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUND1,3‐Propanediol (PDO) is a raw material/specialty chemical/additive in several industrial applications. A new wild‐type Clostridium strain BOH3 can utilize crude glycerol (CG) and produce PDO. This investigation reveals its potential for PDO production from CG.RESULTSInitially, inoculum of strain BOH3 was cultured from reinforced clostridial medium (RCM) with glucose (medium‐A), and modified‐RCM with glycerol (medium‐B). While fermenting 20 g L−1 glycerol, the cells cultivated from medium‐A produced 5.75 g L−1 PDO (as major product) with 3.10 g L−1 butanol (byproduct), whereas the cells cultivated from medium‐B produced 11.01 g L−1 PDO with 2.50 g L−1 butyric acid and 1.01 g L−1 acetic acid, with no butanol produced. To enhance PDO production from the batch‐process, various parameters including pure glycerol/CG concentration (80 g L−1), inoculum age (15 h) and size (12.50%v/v) of cells from medium‐B, initial medium‐pH (pH 6.4) and incubation temperature (39 °C) were studied; the optimal values obtained are given in their respective parenthesis. Under optimal conditions, PDO production was 42.58–47.15 g L−1 (0.65–0.79 mol‐PDO/mol‐glycerol) from CG‐based rich/mineral media. Furthermore, fed‐batch fermentation with 50–80 g L−1 initial CG‐concentration was tested to enhance the PDO production. Among these, 60 g L−1 initial CG‐concentration assisted strain BOH3 in utilizing a high level of CG (~174 g L−1); it supported a higher‐titer of PDO production (103.55–116.45 g L−1), with the highest yield (0.72–0.81 mol−PDO/mol−glycerol) ever reported.CONCLUSIONClostridium strain BOH3 shows the potential to support a high titer (>116 g L−1) with the highest yield (>0.80 mol mol−1) of PDO production from CG (a waste). It can be considered for industrial‐scale PDO production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The association between hyperuricemia and atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation
Authors: Oseto Hirotsuna , Yamashita Seigo , Tokuda Michifumi , Sato Hidenori , Shiomi Satoko , Sakurai Ryutaro , Yokoyama Masaaki , Tokutake Kenichi , Katoh Mika , Miyanaga Satoru , Yoshimura Michihiro , Yamane Teiichi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundHyperuricemia (HU) has been reported to be associated with a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the relationship between HUA and recurrent AF after catheter ablation (CA) is unclear.MethodsFour hundred consecutive AF patients (paroxysmal/persistent AF [PAF/PsAF]: 200/200) who underwent the initial CA were retrospectively enrolled. HU was defined as serum uric acid (SUA) level >7.0 mg/dL. We measured SUA levels 1 day before (pre‐CA) and 1 month after CA (post‐CA). A second‐generation 28 mm cryoballoon was used for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for PAF, while PVI plus linear ablation (roof and mitral isthmus lines) by radiofrequency catheter was conducted for PsAF.ResultsDuring 57 ± 24 months of follow‐up, AF recurred in 16% and 42% in PAF and PsAF patients (p < .0001). Pre‐CA SUA level in PsAF was significantly higher than that in PAF (6.5 ± 1.3 vs. 5.8 ± 1.3 mg/dL, p < .001). SUA level was significantly decreased after CA in both PAF and PsAF (5.8 ± 1.3 vs. 5.6 ± 1.3 mg/dL; p < .01 and 6.5 ± 1.3 vs. 6.1 ± 1.2 mg/dL; p < .0001, respectively). The association between pre−/post‐CA HU and recurrent AF was not identified in PAF, while the incidence of post‐CA HU was significantly higher in patients with recurrent AF than those without in PsAF (36% vs. 15%, p < .001). In multivariable analysis, longer AF duration and the presence of post‐CA HU were identified as independent predictors of AF recurrence in PsAF (OR:1.01, 95%CI:1.003–1.011, p = .0001 and OR:2.77, 95%CI:1.333–5.755, p = .007, respectively).ConclusionsSUA level was significantly higher in PsAF than PAF patients. The presence of post‐CA HU was strongly related to AF recurrence in PsAF patients.
An investigation of corporate social responsibility conformity: The roles of network prominence and supply chain partners
Authors: Falcone Ellie C. , Ridge Jason W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNumerous studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) indicate that firms adopt CSR practices for various reasons related to their supply chain. However, the necessity to conform to a firm's own industry CSR norm is overlooked. Conforming to one's industry CSR norm—a herding behavior known as CSR conformity—ensures firm in‐group legitimacy and preserves internal resources for core business activities. On the other hand, deviating from industry norms sets a firm apart from its peers, making the firm more appealing to supply chain partners. Motivated by this dilemma, this study draws on middle‐status conformity theory and explores how a firm's network prominence determines its CSR conformity. Panel data analyses of 1650 firm‐year observations reveal an inverse U‐shaped relationship between firm network prominence and its CSR conformity, indicating that firms with a mid‐level network prominence engage in higher CSR conformity. However, the inverse U is flattened when a firm's supply chain partners (and their respective industries) share similar CSR standards, suggesting that a firm can only prioritize its own industry CSR norms if its supply chain partners share a compatible CSR standard. These findings highlight the importance of understanding CSR from an organizational conformity perspective, especially in the context of supply chain network.
Additive Manufacturing of Wet‐Spun Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)‐Based Scaffolds Loaded with Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Pecorini Gianni , Braccini Simona , Simoni Stefano , Corti Andrea , Parrini Gianluca , Puppi Dario 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTissue engineering represents an advanced therapeutic approach for the treatment of bone tissue defects. Polyhydroxyalkanoates are a promising class of natural polymers in this context thanks to their biocompatibility, processing versatility, and mechanical properties. The aim of this study is the development by computer‐aided wet‐spinning of novel poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)‐based composite scaffolds for bone engineering. In particular, PHBV scaffolds are loaded with hydroxyapatite (HA), an osteoinductive ceramic, in order to tailor their biological activity and mechanical properties. PHBV blending with poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) is also explored to increase the processing properties of the polymeric mixture used for composite scaffold fabrication. Different HA percentages, up to 15% wt., can be loaded into the PHBV or PHBV/PLGA scaffolds without compromising their interconnected porous architecture, as well as the polymer morphological and thermal properties, as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, HA loading results in increased scaffold compressive stiffness to levels comparable to those of trabecular bone tissue, as well as in higher in vitro MC3T3‐E1 cell viability and production of mineralized extracellular matrix, in comparison to what observed for unloaded scaffolds. The observed mechanical and biological properties suggest the suitability of the developed scaffolds for bone engineering.
Exploring Trauma Patterns and Contributing Factors With Slim Straight Electrode Array After Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Torres Renato , Daoudi Hannah , Gu Wenxi , Breil Eugénie , Ferrary Evelyne , Sterkers Olivier , Nguyen Yann , Mosnier Isabelle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess trauma patterns associated with the insertion of lateral wall electrode arrays. The study focused on 3 categories—scala tympani (ST), intermediate, and scala vestibuli (SV)—to identify traumatic patterns and contributing factors.Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingData from 106 cochlear implant recipients at a tertiary otologic center.MethodsDemographic and surgical data were collected from recipients who underwent cochlear implantation manually and with RobOtol®. Measurements included cochlear dimensions, angular depth of insertion, and position of the first electrode. Three‐dimensional reconstructions were used to analyze the electrode array location relative to the basilar membrane, categorized into ST, intermediate, and SV electrodes. Nontraumatic insertion was defined as all electrodes in the ST, while traumatic insertions had 1 or more electrodes in intermediate or SV locations.ResultsOut of 106 cases, 44% had nontraumatic and 56% had traumatic insertions. Demographic and surgical characteristics showed no association with traumatic insertions. A deeper position of the first electrode, relative to the round window, was associated with traumatic insertions (P = .03). Three trauma patterns were observed: distal (facing the apical electrodes), proximal (facing the middle electrodes around 180°), and distal/proximal.ConclusionThis study considers the intermediate position which could be associated with basilar membrane lesions. Risk zones for intracochlear trauma with lateral wall arrays were identified distally and proximally. Traumatic insertions were independently linked to deeper array placement. Future studies should explore whether gentler insertion, without insisting on further electrode array insertion depth, could reduce the trauma during cochlear implantation.
Fertility preservation in pediatric solid tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Bjornard Kari , Close Allison , Burns Karen , Chavez Josuah , Chow Eric J. , Meacham Lillian R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTreatment for childhood solid tumors may lead to an increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Discussion of risk should occur at diagnosis, any changes in therapy, and during survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 32 Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III, frontline solid tumor protocols, in use from 2000 to 2022. Risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility was assessed based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status and assigned as minimal, significant, and high following the Oncofertility Consortium Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) risk stratification. Most protocols (65.6%, 21/32) contained at least one therapeutic arm with a high level of increased risk. Solid tumor therapies present challenges in risk stratification due to response‐adjusted therapy and the need to account for radiation field in the risk assessment. This guide hopes to serve as a tool to assist in standardizing gonadotoxic risk assessments across disciplines and improve referral for fertility services and reproductive health counseling for patients receiving COG‐based solid tumor therapy. Internationally, many solid tumor therapies follow similar paradigms to COG studies, and risk stratifications may be generalizable to similar styles of therapy. In addition, this model may be applied to other international groups with the goal of standardizing fertility assessments.