bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen-doped carbon nano-onions/polypyrrole nanocomposite based low-cost flexible sensor for room temperature ammonia detection
Authors: Lawaniya Shiv Dutta , Kumar Sanjay , Yu Yeontae , Awasthi Kamlendra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOne of the frontier research areas in the field of gas sensing is high-performance room temperature-based novel sensing materials, and new family of low-cost and eco-friendly carbon nanomaterials with a unique structure has attracted significant attention. In this work, we propose a novel low-cost flexible room temperature ammonia gas sensor based on nitrogen-doped carbon nano-onions/polypyrrole (NCNO-PPy) composite material mounted low-cost membrane substrate was synthesized by combining hydrothermal and in-situ chemical polymerization methods. The proposed flexible sensor revealed high sensing performance when employed as the sensing material for ammonia detection at room temperature. The NCNO-PPy ammonia sensor exhibited 17.32% response for 100 ppm ammonia concentration with a low response time of 26 s. The NCNO-PPy based flexible sensor displays high selectivity, good repeatability, and long-term durability with 1 ppm as the lower detection limit. The proposed flexible sensor also demonstrated remarkable mechanical robustness under extreme bending conditions, i.e., up to 90° bending angle and 500 bending cycles. This enhanced sensing performance can be related to the potential bonding and synergistic interaction between nitrogen-doped CNOs and PPy, the formation of defects from nitrogen doping, and the presence of high reactive sites on the surface of NCNO-PPy composites. Additionally, the computational study was performed on optimized NCNO-PPy nanocomposite for both with and without NH3 interaction. A deeper understanding of the sensing phenomena was proposed by the computation of several electronic characteristics, such as band gap, electron affinity, and ionization potential, for the optimized composite.
Plant-mediated Z-scheme ZnO/TiO2-NCs for antibacterial potential and dye degradation: experimental and DFT study
Authors: Negi Aayasha , Ringwal Sumit , Pandey Minakshi , Taha Yassin Mohamed 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEfficient separation of electron–hole pairs remains pivotal in optimizing photogenerated carrier functionality across diverse catalytic and optoelectronic systems. This study presents the fabrication of a novel hollow direct Z-scheme photocatalyst, ZnO/TiO2. A thorough analysis encompassing various techniques such as Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) provided detailed insights into the complex material characteristics of the ZnO/TiO2 heterojunction catalyst. The findings revealed coexisting anatase TiO2 and wurtzite ZnO phases, each retaining distinct attributes within the nanocomposites (NCs) structure. The study showcased the photocatalytic efficacy of ZnO/TiO2-NCs in decomposing Methylene Blue and Acridine Orange under UV irradiation, correlated with their underlying structures. Enhanced degradation of these dyes resulted from the establishment of a direct Z-scheme heterojunction between ZnO and TiO2. Employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) using Quantum ESPRESSO, this research analyzed phase diagrams and band structures, elucidating electronic properties and structural correlations. The study characterized a ZnO/TiO2 composite, revealing a band gap of 3.1–3.3 eV through UV–Visible spectroscopy and confirming its formation without impurity phases via XRD analysis. TEM and EDX showed uniform element dispersion (Zn: 27%, Ti: 29.62%, C: 5.03%, O: 38.35%). Computational analysis using DFT indicated a reduction in stable phases with increasing temperature. Enhanced dye degradation was observed (MB: 88.9%, AO: 84%), alongside significant antibacterial activity. In the future we predict that research will focus on development of scaled up production and photocatalytic activity through surface modification, while unveiling mechanistic insights and environmental applicability for multifunctional use in water treatment and antibacterial applications, leading to further advancement of the field.
The metabolic footprint of Vero E6 cells highlights the key metabolic routes associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and response to drug combinations
Authors: Melis Riccardo , Braca Angela , Pagnozzi Daniela , Anedda Roberto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 burdens healthcare systems worldwide, yet specific drug-based treatments are still unavailable. Understanding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host molecular pathways is critical for providing full descriptions and optimizing therapeutic targets. The present study used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-based metabolic footprinting to characterize the secreted cellular metabolite levels (exometabolomes) of Vero E6 cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to two candidate drugs (Remdesivir, RDV, and Azithromycin, AZI), either alone or in combination. SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to force VE6 cells to have increased glucose concentrations from extra-cellular medium and altered energetic metabolism. RDV and AZI, either alone or in combination, can modify the glycolic-gluconeogenesis pathway in the host cell, thus impairing the mitochondrial oxidative damage caused by the SARS-CoV-2 in the primary phase. RDV treatment appears to be associated with a metabolic shift toward the TCA cycle. Our findings reveal a metabolic reprogramming produced by studied pharmacological treatments that protects host cells against virus-induced metabolic damage, with an emphasis on the glycolytic-gluconeogenetic pathway. These findings may help researchers better understand the relevant biological mechanisms involved in viral infection, as well as the creation of mechanistic hypotheses for such candidate drugs, thereby opening up new possibilities for SARS-CoV-2 pharmacological therapy.
Effects of phosphorous and antimony doping on thin Ge layers grown on Si
Authors: Yu Xueying , Jia Hui , Yang Junjie , Masteghin Mateus G. , Beere Harvey , Mtunzi Makhayeni , Deng Huiwen , Huo Suguo , Chen Chong , Chen Siming , Tang Mingchu , Sweeney Stephen J. , Ritchie David , Seeds Alwyn , Liu Huiyun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSuppression of threading dislocations (TDs) in thin germanium (Ge) layers grown on silicon (Si) substrates has been critical for realizing high-performance Si-based optoelectronic and electronic devices. An advanced growth strategy is desired to minimize the TD density within a thin Ge buffer layer in Ge-on-Si systems. In this work, we investigate the impact of P dopants in 500-nm thin Ge layers, with doping concentrations from 1 to 50 × 1018 cm−3. The introduction of P dopants has efficiently promoted TD reduction, whose potential mechanism has been explored by comparing it to the well-established Sb-doped Ge-on-Si system. P and Sb dopants reveal different defect-suppression mechanisms in Ge-on-Si samples, inspiring a novel co-doping technique by exploiting the advantages of both dopants. The surface TDD of the Ge buffer has been further reduced by the co-doping technique to the order of 107 cm−2 with a thin Ge layer (of only 500 nm), which could provide a high-quality platform for high-performance Si-based semiconductor devices.
Microneedle combined with iontophoresis and electroporation for assisted transdermal delivery of goniothalamus macrophyllus for enhancement sonophotodynamic activated cancer therapy
Authors: Abd El-Kaream Samir Ali , Hussein Nabila Gaber Ali , El-Kholey Sohier Mahmoud , Elhelbawy Ahmed Mohammed Abd Elmoez Ibrahim 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe underlying study was carried out aiming at transdermal drug delivery (TDD) of Goniothalamus macrophyllus as sono-photo-sensitizer (SPS) using microneedle (MN) arrays with iontophoresis (MN-IP), electroporation (MN-EP) in conjunction with applying photodynamic therapy (PDT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT) as an up-to-date activated cancer treatment modality. Study was conducted on 120 male Swiss Albino mice, inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) divided into 9 groups. We employed three different arrays of MN electrodes were used (parallel, triangular, and circular), EP, IP with different volts (6, 9, 12 V), an infrared laser and an ultrasound (pulsed and continuous wave) as our two energy sources. Results revealed that parallel 6 V TDD@MN@IP@EP can be used as effective delivery system for G. macrophyllus from skin directly to target EAC cells. In addition MN@IP@EP@TDD G. macrophyllus is a potential SPS for SPDT treatment of EAC. With respect to normal control mice and as opposed to the EAC untreated control mice, MN@EP@IP TDD G. macrophyllus in the laser, ultrasound, and combination activated groups showed a significant increase in the antioxidant markers TAC level and the GST, GR, Catalase, and SOD activities, while decrease in lipid peroxidation oxidative stress parameter MDA levels. In addition significantly increased apoptotic genes expressions (p53, caspase (3, 9), Bax, and TNF alpha) and on the other hand decreased anti- apoptotic (Bcl-2) and angiogenic (VEGF) genes expressions. Moreover significantly ameliorate liver and kidney function decreasing ALT, AST, urea and creatinine respectively. Furthermore MN@IP@EP@TDD G. macrophyllus combined with SPDT was very effective at reducing the growth of tumors and even causing cell death according to microscopic H&E stain results. This process may be related to a sono- and/or photochemical activation mechanism. According to the findings, MN@IP@EP@TDD G. macrophyllus has a lot of potential as a novel, efficient delivery method that in combination with infrared laser and ultrasound activation SPDT demonstrated promising anticancer impact for treating cancer.
CYP2C8 rs11572080 and CYP3A4 rs2740574 risk genotypes in paclitaxel-treated premenopausal breast cancer patients
Authors: Attia Hanaa R. M. , Kamel Mahmoud M. , Ayoub Dina F. , Abd El-Aziz Shereen H. , Abdel Wahed Mai M. , El-Fattah Safa N. Abd , Ablel-Monem Mahmoud A. , Rabah Thanaa M. , Helal Amany , Ibrahim Mona Hamed 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy in women globally. At time of diagnosis, premenopausal BC is considered more aggressive and harder to treat than postmenopausal cases. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are responsible for phase I of estrogen metabolism and thus, they are prominently involved in the pathogenesis of BC. Moreover, CYP subfamily 2C and 3A play a pivotal role in the metabolism of taxane anticancer agents. To understand genetic risk factors that may have a role in pre-menopausal BC we studied the genotypic variants of CYP2C8, rs11572080 and CYP3A4, rs2740574 in female BC patients on taxane-based therapy and their association with menopausal status. Our study comprised 105 female patients with histologically proven BC on paclitaxel-therapy. They were stratified into pre-menopausal (n = 52, 49.5%) and post-menopausal (n = 53, 50.5%) groups. Genotyping was done using TaqMan assays and employed on Quantstudio 12 K flex real-time platform. Significant increased frequencies of rs11572080 heterozygous CT genotype and variant T allele were established in pre-menopausal group compared to post-menopausal group (p = 0.023, 0.01, respectively). Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between rs11572080 CT genotype and premenopausal BC. However, regarding rs2740574, no significant differences in genotypes and allele frequencies between both groups were detected. We reported a significant association between CYP2C8 genotypic variants and premenopausal BC risk in Egyptian females. Further studies on larger sample sizes are still needed to evaluate its importance in early prediction of BC in young women and its effect on treatment outcome.
Biodegradable suture development-based albumin composites for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Naser Mohamed A. , Sayed Ahmed M. , Abdelmoez Wael , El-Wakad Mohamed Tarek , Abdo Mohamed S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent advancements in the field of biomedical engineering have underscored the pivotal role of biodegradable materials in addressing the challenges associated with tissue regeneration therapies. The spectrum of biodegradable materials presently encompasses ceramics, polymers, metals, and composites, each offering distinct advantages for the replacement or repair of compromised human tissues. Despite their utility, these biomaterials are not devoid of limitations, with issues such as suboptimal tissue integration, potential cytotoxicity, and mechanical mismatch (stress shielding) emerging as significant concerns. To mitigate these drawbacks, our research collective has embarked on the development of protein-based composite materials, showcasing enhanced biodegradability and biocompatibility. This study is dedicated to the elaboration and characterization of an innovative suture fabricated from human serum albumin through an extrusion methodology. Employing a suite of analytical techniques—namely tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)—we endeavored to elucidate the physicochemical attributes of the engineered suture. Additionally, the investigation extends to assessing the influence of integrating biodegradable organic modifiers on the suture's mechanical performance. Preliminary tensile testing has delineated the mechanical profile of the Filament Suture (FS), delineating tensile strengths spanning 1.3 to 9.616 MPa and elongation at break percentages ranging from 11.5 to 146.64%. These findings illuminate the mechanical versatility of the suture, hinting at its applicability across a broad spectrum of medical interventions. Subsequent analyses via SEM and TGA are anticipated to further delineate the suture’s morphological features and thermal resilience, thereby enriching our comprehension of its overall performance characteristics. Moreover, the investigation delves into the ramifications of incorporating biodegradable organic constituents on the suture's mechanical integrity. Collectively, the study not only sheds light on the mechanical and thermal dynamics of a novel suture material derived from human serum albumin but also explores the prospective enhancements afforded by the amalgamation of biodegradable organic compounds, thereby broadening the horizon for future biomedical applications.
Novel genetic variants of HLA gene associated with Thai Behcet’s disease (BD) patients using next generation sequencing technology
Authors: Sornsamdang Gaidganok , Shobana John , Chanprapaph Kumutnart , Chantratita Wasun , Chotewutmontri Sasithorn , Limtong Preeyachat , O-charoen Pichaya , Sukasem Chonlaphat 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBehçet's disease (BD) manifests as an autoimmune disorder featuring recurrent ulcers and multi-organ involvement, influenced by genetic factors associated with both HLA and non-HLA genes, including TNF-α and ERAP1. The study investigated the susceptible alleles of both Class I and II molecules of the HLA gene in 56 Thai BD patients and 192 healthy controls through next-generation sequencing using a PacBio kit. The study assessed 56 BD patients, primarily females (58.9%), revealing diverse manifestations including ocular (41.1%), vascular (35.7%), skin (55.4%), CNS (5.4%), and GI system (10.7%) involvement. This study found associations between BD and HLA-A*26:01:01 (OR 3.285, 95% CI 1.135–9.504, P-value 0.028), HLA-B*39:01:01 (OR 6.176, 95% CI 1.428–26.712, P-value 0.015), HLA-B*51:01:01 (OR 3.033, 95% CI 1.135–8.103, P-value 0.027), HLA-B*51:01:02 (OR 6.176, 95% CI 1.428–26.712, P-value 0.015), HLA-C*14:02:01 (OR 3.485, 95% CI 1.339–9.065, P-value 0.01), HLA-DRB1*14:54:01 (OR 1.924, 95% CI 1.051–3.522, P-value 0.034), and HLA-DQB1*05:03:01 (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.323–6.798, P-value 0.008). However, after Bonferroni correction none of these alleles were found to be associated with BD. In haplotype analysis, we found a strong linkage disequilibrium in HLA-B*51:01:01, HLA-C*14:02:01 (P-value 0.0, Pc-value 0.02). Regarding the phenotype, a significant association was found between HLA-DRB1*14:54:01 (OR 11.67, 95% CI 2.86–47.57, P-value 0.001) and BD with ocular involvement, apart from this, no distinct phenotype-HLA association was documented. In summary, our study identifies specific HLA associations in BD. Although limited by a small sample size, we acknowledge the need for further investigation into HLA relationships with CNS, GI, and neurological phenotypes in the Thai population.
Optimization of cassava peel ash concrete using central composite design method
Authors: Iro Uzoma Ibe , Alaneme George Uwadiegwu , Attah Imoh Christopher , Ganasen Nakkeeran , Duru Stellamaris Chinenye , Olaiya Bamidele Charles 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCassava peel ash (CPA) is an abundant agricultural byproduct that has shown promise as an additional cementitious material in concrete manufacturing. This research study aims to optimize the incorporation of CPA in concrete blends using the central composite design (CCD) methodology to determine the most effective combination of ingredients for maximizing concrete performance. The investigation involves a physicochemical analysis of CPA to assess its pozzolanic characteristics. Laboratory experiments are then conducted to assess the compressive and flexural strengths of concrete mixtures formulated with varying proportions of CPA, cement, and aggregates. The results show that a mix ratio of 0.2:0.0875:0.3625:0.4625 for cement, CPA, fine, and coarse aggregates, respectively, yields a maximum compressive strength of 28.51 MPa. Additionally, a maximum flexural strength of 10.36 MPa is achieved with a mix ratio of 0.2:0.0875:0.3625:0.525. The experimental data were used to develop quadratic predictive models, followed by statistical analyses. The culmination of the research resulted in the identification of an optimal concrete blend that significantly enhances both compressive and flexural strength. To ensure the reliability of the model, rigorous validation was conducted using student’s t-test, revealing a strong correlation between laboratory findings and simulated values, with computed p-values of 0.9987 and 0.9912 for compressive and flexural strength responses, respectively. This study underscores the potential for enhancing concrete properties and reducing waste through the effective utilization of CPA in the construction sector.
Typhoon disaster state information extraction for Chinese texts
Authors: Ye Peng , Zhang Chunju , Chen Mingzhu , Li Shengcai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTyphoon disasters undergo a complex evolutionary process influenced by temporal changes, and investigating this process constitutes the central focus of geographical research. As a key node within the typhoon disaster process, the state serves as the foundation for gauging the dynamics of the disaster. The majority of current approaches to disaster information extraction rely on event extraction methods to acquire fundamental elements, including disaster-causing factors, disaster-bearing bodies, disaster-pregnant environment and the extent of damage. Due to the dispersion of various disaster information and the diversity of time and space, it is a challenge for supporting the analysis of the typhoon disaster process. In this paper, a typhoon disaster state information extraction (TDSIE) method for Chinese texts is proposed, which aims to facilitate the systematic integration of fragmented typhoon disaster information. First, the integration of part-of-speech tagging with spatio-temporal information extraction is employed to achieve the tagging of typhoon disaster texts. Second, within the framework of spatio-temporal semantic units, the typhoon disaster semantic vector is constructed to facilitate the identification of information elements of typhoon disaster states. Third, co-referential state information fusion is performed based on spatio-temporal cues. Experimental analysis, conducted using online news as the data source, reveals that the TDSIE achieves precision and recall rates consistently surpassing 85%. The typhoon disaster state information derived from the TDSIE allows for the analysis of spatio-temporal patterns, evolutionary characteristics, and activity modes of typhoon disasters across various scales. Therefore, TDSIE serves as valuable support for investigating the inherent process properties of typhoon disasters.
Preparation of corrosion inhibitor from natural plant for mild stil immersed in an acidic environmental: experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Pourmohseni Maryam , Rashidi Alimorad , Karimkhani Mehrnoosh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the present study, the inhibition performance of some medicinal plants (i.e. Yarrow, Wormwood, Maurorum, Marjoram, and Ribes rubrum) was theoretically and experimentally investigated for mild steel immersed in 1M HCl. In this way, the obtained extracts characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and the electrochemical and theoretical techniques were used to study the inhibition mechanisms of the extracts for the immersed electrode in the acidic solution. In addition, the microstructure of the electrode surface immersed in the blank and inhibitor-containing solutions characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Violet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy was used to confirm the adsorption of the compounds on the electrode surface. The obtained electrochemical results revealed that the inhibition performance of the green inhibitors increased by increasing their dosage in the electrolyte. In addition, it was proved that Marjoram plant extract possessed the most inhibition efficiency (up to 92%) among the under-studied herbal extracts. Marjoram extract behaved as a mixed-type inhibitor in the hydrochloric acid solution, and the adsorption process of the extract on the steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption model. Adsorption of the compounds on the steel surface was also studied using density functional theory (DFT), and it was found that the protonated organic compounds in the extract have a high affinity for adsorption on the electrode surface in the acidic solution.
The infant–doctor relationship: an examination of infants’ distress reactions in the presence of a doctor
Authors: Watanabe Motonobu , Kato Masaharu , Matsuda Yoshi-Taka , Taniguchi Kosuke , Itakura Shoji 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFear of doctors is a common source of distress among infants; however, the underlying sources of this distress are unknown. To investigate the doctor-infant relationship, the behaviors of 61 healthy infants (176–617 days old) were observed in a simulated examination room. Their behaviors and electrocardiograms were recorded. Two groups of infants were analyzed: those who cried and those who did not. When an experimenter dressed in the doctor’s attire entered the room, all 9 infants who were crying (14.8% of all infants) stopped crying, all infants gazed at the experimenter, and their mean heart rate (HR) decreased. After the auscultation started, 29.5% of all infants cried, and the HRs of infants who cried were higher than those of infants who did not cry. During the auscultation, 80.0% of infants who cried averted from the experimenter, while 34.4% of infants who did not cry. Within 5 s of gazing at the stethoscope, the number of infants who cried increased from 3 to 12, and their mean HR also increased. Our findings suggest that the fear of doctors is not due to the appearance of doctors but rather to specific actions performed by doctors, such as auscultation. Infants may regard a doctor’s appearance as a source of interest. Furthermore, a stethoscope is a possible trigger for infants’ crying. These behavioral observations suggest the potential for patient-centered care for infants.