bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aloe vera hydrogel for supercooling applications: a review
Authors: Dada Modupeola , Popoola Patricia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAloe vera, a medicinal herb, is used in health care and cosmetics due to its biological activity. Its gel contains acemannan, which has high water content, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and customizable properties. Acemannan hydrogels can absorb and retain up to 99% of their weight, enabling supercooling and longer periods. There are literature reports on cellulose-based, chitosan-based, alginate-based, and starch-based hydrogels, but very limited studies on acemannan-based hydrogels, especially for supercooling applications. Hence, understanding AvP’s supercooling properties is crucial for developing reliable supercooling devices. The potential of hydrogels based on AvP for supercooling applications is examined in this review. The study reports on the idea of supercooling, how important it is in different fields, and how current techniques are limited. The review focuses on the characteristics, composition, and hydrogel formation process of AvP. It goes over AvP hydrogels’ capacity for supercooling, and the difficulties and potential paths for enhancing these hydrogels’ functionality and performance are also covered.
Glycemic homeostasis of ultrasound-assisted Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng. bark extract in streptozocin-induced diabetes in rats
Authors: Shahzad Naiyer 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Numerous diseases have been linked to oxidative stress, emphasizing its role in pathogenicity. This study employed an ultrasound-assisted extraction process to obtain extracts from the bark of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng. A thorough analysis was conducted on these dry extracts to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid content across four solvent fractions: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous. Among the solvent fractions, ethyl acetate and n-butanol showed higher levels of total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) compared to the others. The ethyl acetate fraction displayed the highest TPC (58.27 ± 4.20 mg GAE/g) and TFC (878.67 ± 40.38 mg QE/g) at 250 µg/mL concentration. Furthermore, the in-vitro antioxidant capacity of the ethyl acetate fraction was assessed for its ability to scavenge DPPH and hydrogen peroxide, revealing a concentration-dependent effect with IC50 values of 154.6 ± 6.2 and 55.12 ± 4.28 μg/mL, respectively. In a controlled experiment using streptozocin-induced diabetic rats, administering UMBE-EA at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg notably improved blood glucose levels and body weight. Furthermore, several biochemical indicators, such as total protein levels, serum insulin, and the activities of enzymes like SGOT, SGPT, and ALP, as well as liver glycogen, showed significant enhancements. The antioxidant enzyme activities, including SOD, CAT, and GSH, returned to more favorable levels, and TABAR levels were normalized. In conclusion, the findings from this study strongly suggest that UMBE-EA possesses substantial anti-diabetic efficacy in Wistar rats, primarily attributed to its remarkable antioxidant properties and capacity to scavenge free radicals. These results provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of UMBE-EA in diabetes management.
A review of the institutional landscape for dual-career hiring in higher education
Authors: Monahan Torin , Waltz Margaret , Parker Amelia , Fisher Jill A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMeeting the needs of dual-career academic couples has become an important part of university efforts to foster family-friendly workplaces. Many universities have developed formal or informal approaches to addressing dual-career issues, but variation across institutions has made it difficult to detect wider patterns or probe their implications. In this paper, we analyze the dual-career policies and materials (848 documents total) of all R1 institutions in the United States. As with studies from roughly two decades ago, we find deficiencies in institutional support and transparency. However, given reduced state revenues for institutions of higher education and a rise in precarious employment arrangements over the same time period, conditions for academic couples are arguably worse today. In order for universities to address these concerns and contribute meaningfully to broader forms of inclusion, we argue that there is a need for sustained funding commitments and infrastructural support for dual-career programs.
Core–shell CoN@Co ultra-stable nanoparticles on biochar for contamination remediation in water and soil
Authors: Yang Qiang , Cui Peixin , Liu Cun , Fang Guodong , Dang Fei , Wang Pengsheng , Wang Shaobin , Wang Yujun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNanomaterials have been extensively employed in various applications over the past several decades, however, the stability of functional nanoparticle catalysts (NPCs) for effective degradation of organic contaminants remains a significant challenge. Herein, we present a cost-effective biochar loaded uniformly dispersed ultra-stable Co nanoparticles with an average diameter of 8 nm as a highly efficient peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation catalyst. The reactive radicals produced from the catalyst/PMS system are able to degrade several model organic pollutants of environmental and public health concerns, including trichlorobiphenyl, bisphenol A and diethyl phthalate, with less pH limitation and Co2+ leaching. Mechanism investigation demonstrates that the CoN plays the key role in the catalyst stability and PMS activation via acid resistance and electron bridging effects, respectively. Meanwhile, the incorporation of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) atoms within the substrate is considered to bolster the adhesion strength between metal nanoparticles and the carbon matrix via strong metal-support interaction. The catalyst was further applied in practical treatment of water and soil polluted by organic pollutants, exhibiting a satisfactory degradation efficiency (> 90% in 60 min) for environmental applications.
Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Crop Yields and Exploring Adaptation Strategies in Northeast China
Authors: Xu Qingchen , Liang Hongbin , Wei Zhongwang , Zhang Yonggen , Lu Xingjie , Li Fang , Wei Nan , Zhang Shupeng , Yuan Hua , Liu Shaofeng , Dai Yongjiu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNortheast China (NEC) is the most prominent grain‐producing region in China. However, it is currently facing significant impacts from climate change. Since the climate‐related impacts on crop yield in this region are a major concern for society in the future, quantifying climate change impacts on crop yields in NEC is essential to ensure future food security. This study aimed to quantify the effects of future climate change on crop yields in NEC and explore adaptation strategies using the Crop Growth Model (PCSE) driven by downscaled CMIP6 climate projections under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenarios during 2015–2100. Results showed that there could be average reductions in crop yields of 21.4% for maize and 4.2% for soybean by the year 2100 under SSP585 compared to the 2015 baseline. The increasing temperature was the dominant factor in reducing yields, although elevated CO2 and precipitation offered partial compensation. The optimized planting date brought noticeable benefits for rice and soybean but had limited effects on maize due to heat stress. Relocating rice expansion eastward and implementing earlier planting increased yields by up to 50% but adversely decreased soybean and maize due to competition. This study enriches our comprehension of climate change impacts on NEC agriculture, while also quantifying potential benefits and constraints of evaluated adaptations. The proposed adaptations may help mitigate projected yield declines in other key agricultural regions across the globe. Adjusting crop management practices to capitalize on changing climate factors shows promise as a strategy for sustaining production globally.
Versatile Modeling Of Deformation (VMOD) Inversion Framework: Application to 20 Years of Observations at Westdahl Volcano and Fisher Caldera, Alaska, US
Authors: Angarita M. , Grapenthin R. , Henderson S. , Christoffersen M. , Anderson K. R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe developed an open source, extensible Python‐based framework, that we call the Versatile Modeling Of Deformation (VMOD), for forward and inverse modeling of crustal deformation sources. VMOD abstracts from specific source model implementations, data types and inversion methods. We implement the most common geodetic source models which can be combined to model and analyze multi‐source deformation. VMOD supports Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), InSAR, electronic distance measurement, Leveling and tilt data. To infer source characteristics from observations, VMOD implements non‐linear least squares and Markov Chain Monte‐Carlo Bayesian inversions, including joint inversions using different sources of data. VMOD's structure allows for easy integration of new geodetic models, data types, and inversion strategies. We benchmark the forward models against other published results and the inversion approaches against other implementations. We apply VMOD to analyze deformation at Unimak Island, Alaska, observed with continuous and campaign GNSS, and ascending and descending InSAR time series generated from Sentinel‐1 satellite radar acquisitions. These data show an inflation pattern at Westdahl volcano and subsidence at Fisher Caldera. We use VMOD to test a range of source models by jointly inverting the GNSS and InSAR data sets. Our final model simultaneously constrains the parameters of two sources. Our results reveal a depressurizing spheroid under Fisher Caldera ∼4–6 km deep, contracting at a rate of ∼2–3 Mm3/yr, and a pressurizing spherical source underneath Westdahl volcano ∼6–8 km deep, inflating at ∼5 Mm3/yr. This and past applications of VMOD to volcanic unrest benefit from an extensible framework which supports jointly inversions of data sets for parameters of easily composable multi‐source models.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing fibroblast activation protein and podoplanin in non-small cell lung cancer predict poor clinical outcome
Authors: Mathieson Layla , Koppensteiner Lilian , Dorward David A. , O’Connor Richard A. , Akram Ahsan R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a dominant cell type in the stroma of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fibroblast heterogeneity reflects subpopulations of CAFs, which can influence prognosis and treatment efficacy. We describe the subtypes of CAFs in NSCLC.

Methods
Primary human NSCLC resections were assessed by flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence for markers of fibroblast activation which allowed identification of CAF subsets. Survival data were analysed for our NSCLC cohort consisting of 163 patients to understand prognostic significance of CAF subsets.

Results
We identified five CAF populations, termed CAF S1-S5. CAF-S5 represents a previously undescribed population, and express FAP and PDPN but lack the myofibroblast marker αSMA, whereas CAF-S1 populations express all three. CAF-S5 are spatially further from tumour regions then CAF-S1 and scRNA data demonstrate an inflammatory phenotype. The presence of CAF-S1 or CAF-S5 is correlated to worse survival outcome in NSCLC, despite curative resection, highlighting the prognostic importance of CAF subtypes in NSCLC. TCGA data suggest the predominance of CAF-S5 has a poor prognosis across several cancer types.

Conclusion
This study describes the fibroblast heterogeneity in NSCLC and the prognostic importance of the novel CAF-S5 subset where its presence correlates to worse survival outcome.
Extracellular DNA traps in a ctenophore demonstrate immune cell behaviors in a non-bilaterian
Authors: Vandepas Lauren E. , Stefani Caroline , Domeier Phillip P. , Traylor-Knowles Nikki , Goetz Frederick W. , Browne William E. , Lacy-Hulbert Adam 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe formation of extracellular DNA traps (ETosis) is a first response mechanism by specific immune cells following exposure to microbes. Initially characterized in vertebrate neutrophils, cells capable of ETosis have been discovered recently in diverse non-vertebrate taxa. To assess the conservation of ETosis between evolutionarily distant non-vertebrate phyla, we observed and quantified ETosis using the model ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi and the oyster Crassostrea gigas. Here we report that ctenophores – thought to have diverged very early from the metazoan stem lineage – possess immune-like cells capable of phagocytosis and ETosis. We demonstrate that both Mnemiopsis and Crassostrea immune cells undergo ETosis after exposure to diverse microbes and chemical agents that stimulate ion flux. We thus propose that ETosis is an evolutionarily conserved metazoan defense against pathogens.
Timing along the cardiac cycle modulates neural signals of reward-based learning
Authors: Fouragnan Elsa F. , Hosking Billy , Cheung Yin , Prakash Brooke , Rushworth Matthew , Sel Alejandra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNatural fluctuations in cardiac activity modulate brain activity associated with sensory stimuli, as well as perceptual decisions about low magnitude, near-threshold stimuli. However, little is known about the relationship between fluctuations in heart activity and other internal representations. Here we investigate whether the cardiac cycle relates to learning-related internal representations – absolute and signed prediction errors. We combined machine learning techniques with electroencephalography with both simple, direct indices of task performance and computational model-derived indices of learning. Our results demonstrate that just as people are more sensitive to low magnitude, near-threshold sensory stimuli in certain cardiac phases, so are they more sensitive to low magnitude absolute prediction errors in the same cycles. However, this occurs even when the low magnitude prediction errors are associated with clearly suprathreshold sensory events. In addition, participants exhibiting stronger differences in their prediction error representations between cardiac cycles exhibited higher learning rates and greater task accuracy.
EEG decoders track memory dynamics
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Pazdera Jesse K. , Kahana Michael J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEncoding- and retrieval-related neural activity jointly determine mnemonic success. We ask whether electroencephalographic activity can reliably predict encoding and retrieval success on individual trials. Each of 98 participants performed a delayed recall task on 576 lists across 24 experimental sessions. Logistic regression classifiers trained on spectral features measured immediately preceding spoken recall of individual words successfully predict whether or not those words belonged to the target list. Classifiers trained on features measured during word encoding also reliably predict whether those words will be subsequently recalled and further predict the temporal and semantic organization of the recalled items. These findings link neural variability predictive of successful memory with item-to-context binding, a key cognitive process thought to underlie episodic memory function.
Ultrastiff metamaterials generated through a multilayer strategy and topology optimization
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yongzhen , Ren Hongyuan , Meng Zhiqiang , Chen Xueqian , Li Zuyu , Wang Liwei , Chen Wei , Wang Yifan , Du Jianbin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMetamaterials composed of different geometrical primitives have different properties. Corresponding to the fundamental geometrical forms of line, plane, and surface, beam-, plate-, and shell-based lattice metamaterials enjoy many advantages in many aspects, respectively. To fully exploit the advantages of each structural archetype, we propose a multilayer strategy and topology optimization technique to design lattice metamaterial in this study. Under the frame of the multilayer strategy, the design space is enlarged and diversified, and the design freedom is increased. Topology optimization is applied to explore better designs in the larger and diverse design space. Beam-plate-shell-combined metamaterials automatically emerge from the optimization to achieve ultrahigh stiffness. Benefiting from high stiffness, energy absorption performances of optimized results also demonstrate substantial improvements under large geometrical deformation. The multilayer strategy and topology optimization can also bring a series of tunable dimensions for lattice design, which helps achieve desired mechanical properties, such as isotropic elasticity and functionally grading material property, and superior performances in acoustic tuning, electrostatic shielding, and fluid field tuning. We envision that a broad array of synthetic and composite metamaterials with unprecedented performance can be designed with the multilayer strategy and topology optimization.
Emissive brightening in molecular graphene nanoribbons by twilight states
Authors: Sturdza Bernd K. , Kong Fanmiao , Yao Xuelin , Niu Wenhui , Ma Ji , Feng Xinliang , Riede Moritz K. , Bogani Lapo , Nicholas Robin J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCarbon nanomaterials are expected to be bright and efficient emitters, but structural disorder, intermolecular interactions and the intrinsic presence of dark states suppress their photoluminescence. Here, we study synthetically-made graphene nanoribbons with atomically precise edges and which are designed to suppress intermolecular interactions to demonstrate strong photoluminescence in both solutions and thin films. The resulting high spectral resolution reveals strong vibron-electron coupling from the radial-breathing-like mode of the ribbons. In addition, their cove-edge structure produces inter-valley mixing, which brightens conventionally-dark states to generate hitherto-unrecognised twilight states as predicted by theory. The coupling of these states to the nanoribbon phonon modes affects absorption and emission differently, suggesting a complex interaction with both Herzberg–Teller and Franck– Condon coupling present. Detailed understanding of the fundamental electronic processes governing the optical response will help the tailored chemical design of nanocarbon optical devices, via gap tuning and side-chain functionalisation.
Light-induced giant enhancement of nonreciprocal transport at KTaO3-based interfaces
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhu Tongshuai , Zhang Shuai , Chen Zhongqiang , Song Anke , Zhang Chong , Gao Rongzheng , Niu Wei , Chen Yequan , Fei Fucong , Tai Yilin , Li Guoan , Ge Binghui , Lou Wenkai , Shen Jie , Zhang Haijun , Chang Kai , Song Fengqi , Zhang Rong , Wang Xuefeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNonlinear transport is a unique functionality of noncentrosymmetric systems, which reflects profound physics, such as spin-orbit interaction, superconductivity and band geometry. However, it remains highly challenging to enhance the nonreciprocal transport for promising rectification devices. Here, we observe a light-induced giant enhancement of nonreciprocal transport at the superconducting and epitaxial CaZrO3/KTaO3(111) interfaces. The nonreciprocal transport coefficient undergoes a giant increase with three orders of magnitude up to 105 A−1T−1. Furthermore, a strong Rashba spin-orbit coupling effective field of 14.7 T is achieved with abundant high-mobility photocarriers under ultraviolet illumination, which accounts for the giant enhancement of nonreciprocal transport coefficient. Our first-principles calculations further disclose the stronger Rashba spin-orbit coupling strength and the longer relaxation time in the photocarrier excitation process, bridging the light-property quantitative relationship. Our work provides an alternative pathway to boost nonreciprocal transport in noncentrosymmetric systems and facilitates the promising applications in opto-rectification devices and spin-orbitronic devices.
Convoluted micellar morphological transitions driven by tailorable mesogenic ordering effect from discotic mesogen-containing block copolymer
Authors: Yang Huanzhi , Luo Yunjun , Jin Bixin , Chi Shumeng , Li Xiaoyu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSolution-state self-assemblies of block copolymers to form nanostructures are tremendously attractive for their tailorable morphologies and functionalities. While incorporating moieties with strong ordering effects may introduce highly orientational control over the molecular packing and dictate assembly behaviors, subtle and delicate driving forces can yield slower kinetics to reveal manifold metastable morphologies. Herein, we report the unusually convoluted self-assembly behaviors of a liquid crystalline block copolymer bearing triphenylene discotic mesogens. They undergo unusual multiple morphological transitions spontaneously, driven by their intrinsic subtle liquid crystalline ordering effect. Meanwhile, liquid crystalline orderedness can also be built very quickly by doping the mesogens with small-molecule dopants, and the morphological transitions are dramatically accelerated and various exotic micelles are produced. Surprisingly, with high doping levels, the self-assembly mechanism of this block copolymer is completely changed from intramolecular chain shuffling and rearrangement to nucleation-growth mode, based on which self-seeding experiments can be conducted to produce highly uniform fibrils.
In situ observation of the atomic shuffles during the {$${{11}}\bar{{{2}}}{{1}}$$} twinning in hexagonal close-packed rhenium
Authors: He Yang , Fang Zhengwu , Wang Chongmin , Wang Guofeng , Mao Scott X. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTwinning, on par with dislocations, is critically required in plastic deformation of hexagonal close-packed crystals at low temperatures. In contrast to that in cubic-structured crystals, twinning in hexagonal close-packed crystals requires atomic shuffles in addition to shear. Though the twinning shear that is carried by twinning dislocations has been captured for decades, direct experimental observation of the atomic shuffles, especially when the shuffling mode is not unique and does not confine to the plane of shear, remains a formidable challenge to date. Here, by using in-situ transmission electron microscopy, we directly capture the atomic mechanism of the $$\left\{11\bar{2}1\right\}$$

11

2

¯

1

twinning in hexagonal close packed rhenium nanocrystals. Results show that the $$\left\{11\bar{2}1\right\}$$

11

2

¯

1

twinning is dominated by the (b1/2, h1/2) twinning disconnections. In contrast to conventional expectations, the atomic shuffles accompanying the twinning disconnections proceed on alternative basal planes along 1/6 $$\left\langle 1\bar{1}00\right\rangle$$

1

1

¯

00

, which may be attributed to the free surface in nanocrystal samples, leading to a lack of mirror symmetry across the $$\left\{11\bar{2}1\right\}$$

11

2

¯

1

twin boundary.
Healthcare on the brink: navigating the challenges of an aging society in the United States
Authors: Jones Charles H. , Dolsten Mikael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe US healthcare system is at a crossroads. With an aging population requiring more care and a strained system facing workforce shortages, capacity issues, and fragmentation, innovative solutions and policy reforms are needed. This paper aims to spark dialogue and collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and inspire action to meet the needs of the aging population. Through a comprehensive analysis of the impact of an aging society, this work highlights the urgency of addressing this issue and the importance of restructuring the healthcare system to be more efficient, equitable, and responsive.