bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximum flow‐based formulation for the optimal location of electric vehicle charging stations
Authors: Parent Pierre‐Luc , Carvalho Margarida , Anjos Miguel F. , Atallah Ribal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWith the increasing effects of climate change, the urgency to step away from fossil fuels is greater than ever before. Electric vehicles (EVs) are one way to diminish these effects, but their widespread adoption is often limited by the insufficient availability of charging stations. In this work, our goal is to expand the infrastructure of EV charging stations, in order to provide a better quality of service in terms of user satisfaction (and availability of charging stations). Specifically, our focus is directed towards urban areas. We first propose a model for the assignment of EV charging demand to stations, framing it as a maximum flow problem. This model is the basis for the evaluation of user satisfaction with a given charging infrastructure. Secondly, we incorporate the maximum flow model into a mixed‐integer linear program, where decisions on the opening of new stations and on the expansion of their capacity through additional outlets is accounted for. We showcase our methodology for the city of Montreal, demonstrating the scalability of our approach to handle real‐world scenarios. We conclude that considering both spacial and temporal variations in charging demand is meaningful when solving realistic instances.
Impact of sustained calorie restriction and weight cycling on body composition in high‐fat diet‐fed male and female C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Smith Daniel L. , Yang Yongbin , Mestre Luis M. , Henschel Beate , Parker Erik , Dickinson Stephanie , Patki Amit , Allison David B. , Nagy Tim R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate body composition changes with weight cycling (WC) among adult C57BL/6J mice with diet‐induced obesity.MethodsA total of 555 single‐housed mice were fed a high‐fat diet ad libitum (AL) from 8 to 43 weeks of age. The 200 heaviest mice of each sex were randomized to the following four groups: ever obese (EO, continued AL feeding); obese weight loser (OWL, calorie‐restricted); obese weight loser moderate (OWLM, body weight halfway between EO and OWL); and WC (diet restricted to OWL followed by AL refeeding cycles). Body weight and composition data were collected. Linear regression was used to calculate residuals between predicted and observed fat mass. Linear mixed models were used to compare diet groups.ResultsAlthough weight loss and regain resulted in changes in body weight and composition, fat mass, body weight, and relative body fat were not significantly greater for the WC group compared with the EO group. During long‐term calorie restriction, males (but not females) in the OWLM group remained relatively fatter than the EO group.ConclusionsWC did not increase body weight or relative fat mass for middle‐aged, high‐fat diet‐fed adult mice. However, long‐term moderate calorie restriction resulted in lower body weight but greater “relative” fat in male mice.
Serum apelin as a potential biomarker for infantile hemangiomas
Authors: Chen Qiang , Zhang Yunxuan , Ni Sili , Yang Liuqing , Li Jiwei , Yuan Xingang , Chen Meng , Liu Jing , Luo Xiaoyan , Xie Yimin , Wang Hua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundInfantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors in infants. Apelin, an endogenous cytokine, is implicated in the angiogenesis of neoplastic diseases. We aimed to explore the association between apelin and IHs, providing a foundation for clinical applications.MethodsWe identified differential expression of apelin in proliferative IHs compared to healthy controls (HCs) through bioinformatics analysis of publicly available databases and verified by Immunofluorescence. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify the serum levels of apelin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a cohort of 116 cases of proliferative IHs, 65 cases of capillary malformations (CMs), and 70 HCs.ResultsApelin and APJ (APLNR, apelin receptor) were identified as the significantly upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in proliferative IHs. Immunofluorescence staining indicated high expression of apelin in proliferative IHs, while minimal expression in non‐IH lesions. Apelin in IHs was reduced following 6 months of propranolol treatment. Serum apelin levels were significantly higher in the IH group compared to both the CM and HC groups. Moreover, apelin exhibited excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing IHs from HCs, with an area under the curve (AUC) exceeding 0.90. A positive correlation was observed between the levels of apelin and the size of superficial IHs. The expression profiles of VEGF and apelin in IHs were found to be consistent.ConclusionsApelin shows promise as a potential biomarker for IHs. The association between apelin and IH size, as well as its responsiveness to propranolol treatment, indicates its possible utility as a valuable indicator for the therapeutic evaluation of IHs.
Effect of blend composition on the adhesion strength of EVA‐g‐MA/LLDPE‐g‐MA films to epoxy substrates
Authors: Gholami Farzad , Cordeiro Brandon , Sarikhani Kaveh , Behzadfar Ehsan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHeat shrink sleeves (HSS) are multilayer polymers that provide corrosion resistance for welding joints of steel pipes. Within the HSS structure, the adhesive layer is a blend of components, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE). In this study, a systematic approach was employed to investigate the effect of the rheology and blend composition of the maleic anhydride‐modified EVA and maleic anhydride‐modified LLDPE (EVA‐g‐MA/LLDPE‐g‐MA) adhesive layer, prepared by melt processing, on its adhesion properties. Various characterization techniques were employed to investigate the local morphology of the prepared blends at different zones. Peel strength tests were used to characterize the adhesion strength of the prepared adhesives. Our findings demonstrate that the local distribution of EVA‐g‐MA within LLDPE‐g‐MA plays a crucial role in the adhesion strength of the adhesive. The results show that the adhesion strength enhanced by nearly 45% as the composition of EVA‐g‐MA at the surface went up by 20%, shifting the failure location from the epoxy/adhesive interface to the bulk of the adhesive layer. Our hypothesis of the decrease of EVA‐g‐MA intrachain bonding and increase in the EVA‐g‐MA free chain amount in the presence of LLDPE‐g‐MA to improve the adhesion properties was corroborated through our calorimetry results where the relative EVA‐g‐MA crystallinity decreased as LLDPE‐g‐MA was introduced to the blend. The findings of our study highlight the importance of rheological behavior and blend composition in obtaining optimized performance of adhesives within the HSS structure.Highlights
Compression molding of EVA‐g‐MA/LLDPE‐g‐MA induces a layered morphology.
Local distribution EVA‐g‐MA/LLDPE‐g‐MA components influence their adhesion.
EVA‐g‐MA at the interface improves the adhesion of EVA‐g‐MA/LLDPE‐g‐MA.
LLDPE‐g‐MA suppresses the EVA‐g‐MA crystallinity.
EVA‐g‐MA/LLDPE‐g‐MA composition affects adhesion at different temperatures.
Fiber Bragg grating detection of gel time and residual strain of curing in epoxy resins
Authors: Hao Yanpeng , Zhang Yingying , Shen Zikui , Du Dongyuan , Huang Shenglong , Liu Lin , Huang Lei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe curing shrinkage of epoxy resin can generate residual strains and internal stresses that reduce the material's strength and life. In this paper, a thermocouple‐compensated fiber grating detection method for the gel time and residual strain in epoxy resin is proposed. The strain evolution and glass transition temperature of E51/W93 epoxy systems with different Al2O3 contents cured at 30°C are detected by fiber Bragg gratings and DSC tests. The generation mechanism of residual strain in epoxy resin filled with Al2O3 fillers is studied. The gel time, gel temperature and residual strain of epoxy resin can be measured by this method. The results show that the cure shrinkage of epoxy is affected by chemical shrinkage, thermal expansion or shrinkage, and demolding, resulting in residual strain of the material after curing. Moreover, the glass mold has a great interference with the curing shrinkage of epoxy. The Al2O3 filler can prolong the gel time of E51/W93 epoxy systems, and reduce the exothermic peak temperature of curing. When the content of Al2O3 filler exceeds 44.44 wt.%, the low proportion of epoxy and the thermal conductivity of the filler make the curing shrinkage of epoxy during the heating stage mainly affected by chemical shrinkage. The glass transition temperature of the epoxy with Al2O3 content of 70.59 wt.% is the maximum, and the residual strain is at a low level. This method is helpful to analyze the curing shrinkage characteristics of materials, and is of great significance for evaluating the properties of epoxy cured products and guiding the optimization of material parameters.Highlights
A method for measuring the gel time and residual strain of curing in epoxy resin is proposed.
The study focuses on the detection of key parameters during the curing of epoxy resins with different Al2O3 contents.
The aim is to analyze the curing shrinkage and residual strain generation mechanism of epoxy resin filled with different contents of Al2O3.
Imputation of missing values in lipidomic datasets
Authors: Frölich Nicolas , Klose Christian , Widén Elisabeth , Ripatti Samuli , Gerl Mathias J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLipidomic data often exhibit missing data points, which can be categorized as missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random, or missing not at random (MNAR). In order to utilize statistical methods that require complete datasets or to improve the identification of potential effects in statistical comparisons, imputation techniques can be employed. In this study, we investigate commonly used methods such as zero, half‐minimum, mean, and median imputation, as well as more advanced techniques such as k‐nearest neighbor and random forest imputation. We employ a combination of simulation‐based approaches and application to real datasets to assess the performance and effectiveness of these methods. Shotgun lipidomics datasets exhibit high correlations and missing values, often due to low analyte abundance, characterized as MNAR. In this context, k‐nearest neighbor approaches based on correlation and truncated normal distributions demonstrate best performance. Importantly, both methods can effectively impute missing values independent of the type of missingness, the determination of which is nearly impossible in practice. The imputation methods still control the type I error rate.
Diphenolic acid/furfurylamine‐based, semi‐biopolyamide/cyclophosphazene covalent composite: Preparation and application in Pb(II) probing and dye adsorption
Authors: Sun Baiyang , Shi Wei , Zhang Qiao , Huang Kaiping , Zhu Yuanqiang , Xie Zhengfeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDiphenolic acid/furfurylamine‐based bio‐benzoxazine (DPA‐fa‐Boz) was selected here as the starting material to prepare a phenol hydroxyl‐containing polyamide (PA) derivative, PA‐DFB, via sustainable benzoxazine‐isocyanide mechanochemistry (BIC‐MC). Further, a type of PA/phosphazene‐based, organic–inorganic covalent hybrid (PD‐HCCP), which comprises various N/P/O‐containing substructures (NP ring, amide, carboxylic acid, and tertiary amine), was successfully prepared by the condensation between PA‐DFB and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). The presence of heteroatoms‐containing segments endows PD‐HCCP with specific affinity for some cationic agents. PD‐HCCP's binding capability for Pb(II) can be feasibly utilized for the detection of this heavy metal. The downstream application investigation of PD‐HCCP revealed that it can be used as an enrichment‐type Pb(II) electrochemical probe, characterizing a wide detection range (1–40 μM) and a low detection limit (0.0245 μM). Meanwhile, PD‐HCCP also showed the selective binding for cationic dye, methylene blue (MB), providing a maximum adsorption capacity of ~424.97 mg/g and a high adsorption rate (with 98% removal efficiency at 6 min), with the pseudo‐second‐order rate constant up to 0.0325 g mg−1 min−1.
Thermodynamic consequences of stapling side‐chains on a peptide ligand using a lactam‐bridge: A theoretical study on anti‐angiogenic peptides targeting VEGF
Authors: Kalathingal Mahroof , Rhee Young Min 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPeptides are promising therapeutic agents for various biological targets due to their high efficacy and low toxicity, and the design of peptide ligands with high binding affinity to the target of interest is of utmost importance in peptide‐based drug design. Introducing a conformational constraint to a flexible peptide ligand using a side‐chain lactam‐bridge is a convenient and efficient method to improve its binding affinity to the target. However, in general, such a small structural modification to a flexible ligand made with the intent of lowering the configurational entropic penalty for binding may have unintended consequences in different components of the binding enthalpy and entropy, including the configurational entropy component, which are still not clearly understood. Toward probing this, we examine different components of the binding enthalpy and entropy as well as the underlying structure and dynamics, for a side‐chain lactam‐bridged peptide inhibitor and its flexible analog forming complexes with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), using all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that introducing a side‐chain lactam‐bridge constraint into the flexible peptide analog led to a gain in configurational entropy change but losses in solvation entropy, solute internal energy, and solvation energy changes upon binding, pinpointing the opportunities and challenges in drug design. The present study features an interplay between configurational and solvation entropy changes, as well as the one between binding enthalpy and entropy, in ligand‐target binding upon imposing a conformational constraint into a flexible ligand.
International students' socioeconomic affluence and staying likelihood
Authors: Němeček Filip 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between international university students' staying likelihood and their socioeconomic affluence. It contributes to a literature that explores the role of socioeconomic differences in selection into international student mobility, but rarely considers their association with the staying likelihood. The analysis is based on a primary data set of 3205 observations collected among international students at 27 universities in the United Kingdom and Czechia. Several explanations, translated into hypotheses, are statistically tested, which complements the predominantly qualitative studies in the field. The results show that students with less affluent parents, defined in terms of income, are more likely to stay. A substantial part of this relationship is explained by these students placing greater emphasis on career‐related considerations when making their staying decision, as emphasizing these considerations is associated with a higher staying likelihood.
Mechanistic insights into anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of plant secondary metabolites and their therapeutic potential for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yuandani  , Jantan Ibrahim , Salim Emil , Septama Abdi Wira , Rullah Kamal , Nainu Firzan , Fasihi Mohd Aluwi Mohd Fadhlizil , Emran Talhah Bin , Roney Miah , Khairunnisa Nur Aini , Nasution Halimah Raina , Fadhil As'ad Muh. , Shamsudin Nur Farisya , Abdullah Maryam Aisyah , Marwa Rani Haya Luthfiyyah , Al Chaira Diany Mahabbah , Aulia Nabila 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities of plant secondary metabolites are due to their diverse mechanisms of action against multifarious molecular targets such as modulation of the complex immune system associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This review discussed and critically analyzed the potent anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of several phytochemicals and their underlying mechanisms in association with RA in experimental studies, including preliminary clinical studies of some of them. A wide range of phytochemicals including phenols, flavonoids, chalcones, xanthones, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides have shown significant immunosuppressive and anti‐inflammatory activities in experimental RA models and a few have undergone clinical trials for their efficacy and safety in reducing RA symptoms and improve patient outcomes. These phytochemicals have potential as safer alternatives to the existing drugs in the management of RA, which possess a wide range of serious side effects. Sufficient preclinical studies on safety and efficacy of these phytochemicals must be performed prior to proper clinical studies. Further studies are needed to address the barriers that have so far limited their human use before the therapeutic potential of these plant‐based chemicals as anti‐arthritic agents in the treatment of RA is fully realized.
Treatment of neuropathic pain by traditional Chinese medicine: An updated review on their effect and putative mechanisms of action
Authors: Guo Wenjing , Zhang Jiquan , Feng Yi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain with heterogeneous clinical features, and consequent lowering of quality of life. Currently, although conventional chemical drugs can effectively manage NP symptoms in the short term, their long‐term efficacy is limited, and they come with significant side effects. In this regard, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a promising avenue for treating NP. Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have substantiated the effectiveness of TCM with multiple targets and mechanisms. We aimed to outline the characteristics of TCM, including compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbs, active ingredients, and TCM physical therapy, for NP treatment and discussed their efficacy by analyzing the pathogenesis of NP. Various databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database, were searched. We focused on recent research progress in NP treatment by TCM. Finally, we proposed the future challenges and emerging trends in the treatment of NP. TCM demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in NP treatment, employing multi‐mechanisms. Drawing from the theory of syndrome differentiation, four types of dialectical treatments for NP by compound TCM prescriptions were introduced: promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis; promoting blood circulation and promote Qi flow; warming Yang and benefiting Qi; soothing the liver and regulating Qi. Meanwhile, 33 single Chinese herbs and 25 active ingredients were included. In addition, TCM physical therapy (e.g., acupuncture, massage, acupoint injection, and fumigation) also showed good efficacy in NP treatment. TCM, particularly through the use of compound prescriptions and acupuncture, holds bright prospects in treating NP owing to its diverse holistic effects. Nonetheless, the multi‐targets of TCM may result in possible disadvantages to NP treatment, and the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM need further evaluation. Here, we provide an overview of NP treatment via TCM, based on the pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic mechanisms, thus providing a reference for further studies.
Phytoestrogens: Chemistry, potential health benefits, and their medicinal importance
Authors: Chavda Vivek P. , Chaudhari Amit Z. , Balar Pankti C. , Gholap Amol , Vora Lalitkumar K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPhytoestrogens, also known as xenoestrogens, are secondary metabolites derived from plants that have similar structures and biological effects as human estrogens. These compounds do not directly affect biological functions but can act as agonists or antagonists depending on the level of endogenous estrogen in the body. Phytoestrogens may have an epigenetic mechanism of action independent of estrogen receptors. These compounds are found in more than 300 plant species and are synthesized through the phenylpropanoid pathway, with specific enzymes leading to various chemical structures. Phytoestrogens, primarily phenolic compounds, include isoflavonoids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. Extensive research in animals and humans has demonstrated the protective effects of phytoestrogens on estrogen‐dependent diseases. Clinical trials have also shown their potential benefits in conditions such as osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and certain types of cancer. This review provides a concise overview of phytoestrogen classification, chemical diversity, and biosynthesis and discusses the potential therapeutic effects of phytoestrogens, as well as their preclinical and clinical development.
Assessment of community readiness to address malnutrition in rural southwest Guatemala
Authors: Weber Annika M. , Delgado‐Zapata Roberto , Fineman Melissa , Jimenez‐Zambrano Andrea , Pfluger Brigitte A. , Cunningham Maureen , Calvimontes Diva M. , Ryan Elizabeth P. , Lamb Molly M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent throughout southwest Guatemala, where >40% of children suffer from chronic undernutrition. Evidence supports that assessing a community's awareness and readiness to address malnutrition is a critical first step in improving the success of a nutrition intervention program. The objective of this study was to apply the community readiness model (CRM) to assess community readiness to address childhood malnutrition in a rural southwest region of Guatemala.MethodsThirteen key respondents of varied social roles and demographics residing in the region were interviewed. Interview questions related to addressing malnutrition were from the following predefined dimensions: Community Efforts, Community Knowledge of Efforts, Leadership, Community Climate, Community Knowledge, and Resources for Efforts. Interview recordings and notes were analyzed and scored according to the CRM guidelines, and a standardized analysis was conducted.ResultsThe overall community readiness score was 4.26 (preplanning: awareness of the issue). Community Efforts had a total score of 5 (Preparation: preparing to take action on the issue). Community Knowledge of Efforts, Community Climate, Community Knowledge, and Resources for Efforts Dimensions each had a total score of 4 (Preplanning: awareness of the issue). The overall score for the Leadership dimension was 2 (Denial/resistance: belief that the problem does not exist within the community). These scores demonstrate clear recognition for action to address childhood malnutrition as a problem. However, efforts to combat childhood malnutrition are not yet focused nor detailed for community action.ConclusionsThis rural southwest region of Guatemala recognizes that childhood malnutrition is a problem. However, efforts to address malnutrition are not yet focused or detailed enough to have measurable impact in addressing this issue. For the region to advance the stage of community readiness, it is essential to enhance knowledge of dietary strategies aimed at improving nutrition for children and increase engagement from local leadership.