bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Kirigami‐Patterned Stretchable Tactile Sensor Array with Soft Hinges for Highly Sensitive Force Detection
Authors: Mao Chenhao , Jin Jie , Mei Deqing , Wang Yancheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFlexible and stretchable tactile sensors are attracted in the fields of soft robotics, wearable electronics, and healthcare monitoring. The sensing performance of tactile sensors is commonly affected by external deformations like stretching, bending, and twisting, thus they may fail to function on deformable object surfaces. This paper presents a stretchable tactile sensor array using kirigami‐patterned structural design and soft hinges to reduce the influences of deformation. The kirigami pattern of sensor array is parametrically studied to achieve the required expansion patterns. Laser engraving is employed to modify the micropillars on the force‐sensitive rubber surface to increase the sensitivity. Characterization tests show that the sensor array has high sensitivity (≈1.49 × 10−1 kPa−1) for force sensing, and the stretching and bending deformation have almost negligible effects on sensing performance. Under 40% stretching or 180° bending conditions, the measured resistance changes (ΔR/R0) is ≈0.03 and 0.06, respectively. To demonstrate the capability of developed sensor array, it is mounted on an expandable balloon surface for force detection. The recorded signals changed less than 1.5% during expanding process while rapidly rose under applied force, which indicated that the sensor array has the potential to effectively function on complex and deforming surfaces.
High‐Power‐Density Rechargeable Hybrid Alkali/Acid Zn–Air Battery Performance Through Value‐Added Conversion Charging
Authors: Yin Ximeng , Sun Wei , Chen Kai , Lu Zhiwen , Chen Junxiang , Cai Pingwei , Wen Zhenhai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs) are considered highly competitive technologies for meeting the energy demands of the next generation, whether for energy storage or portable power. However, their practical application is hindered by critical challenges such as low voltage, CO2 poisoning at the cathode, low power density, and poor charging efficiency Herein, a rechargeable hybrid alkali/acid Zn–air battery (h‐RZAB) that effectively separates the discharge process in an acidic environment from the charging process in an alkaline environment, utilizing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and glycerol oxidation reaction (GOR) respectively is reported. Compared to previously reported ZABs, this proof‐of‐concept device demonstrates impressive performance, exhibiting a high power density of 562.7 mW cm−2 and a high operating voltage during discharging. Moreover, the battery requires a significantly reduced charging voltage due to the concurrent utilization of biomass‐derived glycerol, resulting in practical and cost‐effective advantages. The decoupled system offers great flexibility for intermittently generated renewable power sources and presents cost advantages over traditional ZABs. As a result, this technology holds significant promise in opening avenues for the future development of renewable energy‐compatible electrochemical devices.
Plasma oxysterols are associated with serum lipids and dementia risk in older women
Authors: Dunk Michelle M. , Rapp Stephen R. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Espeland Mark A. , Casanova Ramon , Manson JoAnn E. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Wild Robert , Driscoll Ira 
Published: April 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONApolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) carriers’ tendency toward hypercholesterolemia may contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk through oxysterols, which traverse the blood‐brain barrier.METHODSRelationships between baseline plasma oxysterols, APOE status, serum lipids, and cognitive impairment risk were examined in 328 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study. Women were followed for 25 years or until incident dementia or cognitive impairment.RESULTSLevels of 24(S)‐hydroxycholesterol (24‐OHC), 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC), and 24‐OHC/27‐OHC ratio did not differ by APOE status (p’s > 0.05). Higher 24‐OHC and 27‐OHC were associated with higher total, low density lipoprotein (LDL), non‐high density lipoprotein (HDL), remnant, LDL/HDL, and total/HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (p’s < 0.05). Higher 24‐OHC/27‐OHC was associated with greater dementia risk (hazard ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval:1.02‐2.22), which interaction analyses revealed as significant for APOE3 and APOE4+, but not APOE2+ carriers.DISCUSSIONLess favorable lipid profiles were associated with higher oxysterol levels. A higher ratio of 24‐OHC/27‐OHC may contribute to dementia risk in APOE3 and APOE4+ carriers.
Preparation and evaluation of sunflower oil by enzymatic aqueous extraction
Authors: Huang He , Pan Baohui , Jiang Xiaoming , Wang Shu , Guo Jingting , Gao Pan , Zhong Wu , Hu Chuanrong , He Dongping , Yin Jiaojiao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe objective of this study was to produce sunflower oil using pectinase, flavor protease, and alkaline protease. The optimal parameters for the enzymatic hydrolysis process were determined through sensory evaluation, resulting in a temperature of 120°C, a duration of 30 minutes, a polysaccharide to protein ratio of 2:1 for the enzymatic hydrolysate, and an enzymatic hydrolysate to oil ratio of 1:3. Under these specific conditions, the sunflower oil (K4) achieved the highest sensory score of 13.9, exhibiting a pronounced oily flavor alongside moderate baked and nutty flavors. Compared to the controls of first‐grade sunflower oil (K1), sunflower kernel oil (K2) and sunflower oil prepared by roasting (K3), the acid value (AV) in K4 exhibited a statistically significant decrease compared to K2 and K3, conversely, the peroxide value (PV) and BaP content in K4 demonstrated a statistically significant increase compared to K1 and K2. Additionally, the tocopherols in K4 exhibited a lower concentration compared to K1, while the sterols were effectively retained and showed no significant difference to these control groups. The fatty acid composition of the four different sunflower oil samples were analyzed, revealing that the contents of oleic acid (C18:1) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in K4 were significantly higher than K2, and there was no significant difference compared to K1. This investigation of the present study could provide a certain theoretical basis for the production of sunflower oil by enzymes.
Exploration and biological evaluation of 20‐vinyl pregnenes: A step forward toward selective modulators of the estrogen receptor α signaling for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Malakhova Victoria , Scherbakov Alexander , Sorokin Danila , Leanavets Hanna , Dzichenka Yaraslau , Zavarzin Igor , Volkova Yulia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA series of D‐ring modified steroids bearing a vinyl ketone pendant were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell line and cytochromes P450. The lead compound, 21‐vinyl 20‐keto‐pregnene (2f) (IC50 = 2.4 µM), was shown to be a promising candidate for future anticancer drug design, particularly against estrogen receptor α (ERα)‐positive breast cancer. The lead compound was found to have a significant effect on the signaling pathways in parental and 4‐hydroxytamoxifen‐resistant cells. Compound 2f modulated the ERK, cyclin D1, and CDK4 pathways and blocked the expression of ERα, the main driver of breast cancer growth. Compound 2f significantly reduced 17β‐estradiol‐induced progesterone receptor expression. Accumulation of cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase in cells treated with compound 2f indicated induction of apoptosis. The selectivity analysis showed that lead compound 2f produces no significant effects on cytochromes P450, CYP19A1, CYP21A2, and CYP7B1.
Highly efficient SnS2‐based photocatalyst: A green approach to biodiesel production
Authors: Gadore Vishal , Mishra Soumya Ranjan , Yadav Nidhi , Yadav Gaurav , Ahmaruzzaman Md. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBiodiesel, a promising alternative to traditional petroleum fuels, is a green energy solution. Photocatalysis is a facile, novel, economic, and efficient approach to biodiesel synthesis. Metal sulfides have been used extensively for various photocatalytic applications. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, the photocatalytic production of biodiesel using a novel metal sulfide‐based heterogeneous photocatalyst under visible light irradiation.A nano zero‐valent silver doped hydroxyapatite (Ag/HAp) was synthesized using a green bio‐reductant technique and decorated with tin sulfide nanoparticles (SnS2/Ag/HAp or SAH) for photocatalytic biodiesel synthesis. The hydroxyapatite (HAp) was extracted from waste fish scales to minimize the use of chemicals and to utilize waste for useful applications. The prepared SAH photocatalyst was characterized through X‐ray diffraction, UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The effect of reaction parameters was optimized, and under optimum conditions of 1 wt% photocatalyst loading, and 8:1 methanol‐to‐oleic‐acid ratio, for 60 min, a high yield of 98.0 ± 0.61% could be achieved using a SAH photocatalyst.Scavenger tests indicated the simultaneous generation of photoinduced electrons and holes necessary for photocatalytic biodiesel synthesis. A mechanism for the photocatalytic esterification reaction of oleic acid is proposed. The synthesized SnS2‐based photocatalyst could be easily recoverable and reusable for five consecutive runs, which can replace traditional industrial heterogeneous catalysts in the near future.
Trends in breast, colon, pancreatic, and uterine cancers in women during the COVID‐19 pandemic in North Carolina
Authors: Nyante Sarah J. , Deal Allison M. , Heiling Hillary M. , Kim Kyung Su , Kuzmiak Cherie M. , Calhoun Benjamin C. , Ray Emily M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImportanceThe COVID‐19 pandemic led to reductions in primary care and cancer screening visits, which may delay detection of some cancers. The impact on incidence has not been fully quantified. We examined change in cancer incidence to determine how the COVID‐19 pandemic may have altered the characteristics of cancers diagnosed among women.MethodsThis study included female patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with breast (n = 9489), colon (n = 958), pancreatic (n = 669), or uterine (n = 1991) cancer at three hospitals in North Carolina. Using interrupted time series, we compared incidence of cancers diagnosed between March 2020 and November 2020 (during pandemic) with cancers diagnosed between January 2016 and February 2020 (pre‐pandemic).ResultsDuring the pandemic, incidence of breast and uterine cancers was significantly lower than expected compared to pre‐pandemic (breast—18%, p = 0.03; uterine −20%, p = 0.05). Proportions of advanced pathologic stage and hormone receptor‐negative breast cancers, and advanced clinical stage and large size uterine cancers were more prevalent during the pandemic. No significant changes in incidence were detected for pancreatic (−20%, p = 0.08) or colon (+14%, p = 0.30) cancers.Conclusion and RelevanceIn women, the COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of breast and uterine cancers, but not colon or pancreatic cancers. A change in the proportion of poor prognosis breast and uterine cancers suggests that some cancers that otherwise would have been diagnosed at an earlier stage will be detected in later years. Continued analysis of long‐term trends is needed to understand the full impact of the pandemic on cancer incidence and outcomes.
Chemistry, Biological Activities, and Pharmacological Properties of Gastrodin: Mechanism Insights
Authors: El Menyiy Naoual , Elouafy Youssef , Moubachir Rania , Abdnim Rhizlan , Benali Taoufiq , Taha Douae , Khalid Asaad , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Hamza Siddiqa M. A. , Elhadi Ibrahim Salma , El‐Shazly Mohamed , Zengin Gokhan , Bouyahya Abdelhakim 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGastrodin, a bioactive compound derived from the rhizome of the orchid Gastrodia elata, exhibits a diverse range of biological activities. With documented neuroprotective, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐apoptotic, and anti‐tumor effects, gastrodin stands out as a multifaceted therapeutic agent. Notably, it has demonstrated efficacy in protecting against neuronal damage and enhancing cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia. Additionally, gastrodin showcases immunomodulatory effects by mitigating inflammation and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Its cytotoxic activity involves the inhibition of angiogenesis, suppression of tumor growth, and induction of apoptosis. This comprehensive review seeks to elucidate the myriad potential effects of Gastrodin, delving into the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning its pharmacological properties. The findings underscore the therapeutic potential of gastrodin in addressing various conditions linked to neuroinflammation and cancer.
Integrated Electrolytic Hydrogen Production for Boosting Energy Utilization
Authors: Zhang Xin Yu , Hu Shi Meng , Xu Hao Guan , Yang Hua Gui , Liu Peng Fei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectrocatalytic water splitting, powered by clean energy sources, represents a sustainable method for hydrogen (H2) production. Although extensive research has concentrated on performance indicators like current density and faradaic efficiency, the widespread adoption of electrocatalytic water splitting encounters challenges primarily due to high cell voltages and electricity costs. These issues stem from the sluggish kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Various efforts to replace sluggish OER with thermodynamically more favorable anodic reactions have been demonstrated as pathbreaking strategies for energy‐efficient H2 evolution. In this concept, we aim to comprehensively explore alternative electrochemical oxidation reactions combined with H2 evolution and propose insights for the future development of cost‐effective integrated electrolysis for H2 production.
Selective Mono‐Defluorinative Cross‐Coupling of Trifluoromethyl arenes via Multiphoton Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Jia Jiaqi , Zhumagazy Serik , Zhu Chen , Lee Shao‐Chi , Alsharif Salman , Yue Huifeng , Rueping Magnus 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA new cross‐coupling of trifluoromethyl arenes has been realized via multiphoton photoredox catalysis. Trifluoromethyl arenes were demonstrated to undergo selective mono‐defluorinative alkylation under mild reaction conditions providing access to a series of valuable α,α‐difluorobenzylic compounds. The reaction shows broad substrate scope and general functional group tolerance. In addition to the electron‐deficient trifluoromethyl arenes that are easily reduced to the corresponding radical anion, more challenging electron‐rich substrates were also successfully applied. Steady‐State Stern‐Volmer quenching studies indicated that the trifluoromethyl arenes were reduced by the multiphoton excited Ir‐based photocatalyst.
Sequential, Electrochemical‐Photochemical Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Triazolo‐[4,3‐a]pyrazines
Authors: Yount Joseph , Morris Megan , Henson Noah , Zeller Matthias , Byrd Edward F. C. , Piercey Davin G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract1,2,4‐triazolo‐[4,3‐a]pyrazine was prepared via a two‐step electrochemical, photochemical process. First, a 5‐substituted tetrazole is electrochemically coupled to 2,6‐dimethoxypyrazine to yield 1,5‐ and 2,5‐ disubstituted tetrazoles. Subsequent photochemical excitation of the 2,5‐disubstituted tetrazole species using an ultraviolet lamp releases nitrogen gas and produces a short‐lived nitrilimine intermediate. Subsequent cyclization of the nitrilimine intermediate yields a 1,2,4‐triazolo‐[4,3‐a]pyrazine backbone. The scope of this reaction was explored using various tetrazoles and pyrazines. Materials produced were identified using chemical analytical techniques and computationally studied for potential application as an insensitive energetic material.
Modified fractional order PID structure for non‐integer model bioreactor control
Authors: Maurya Parmanand , Paul Nilanjan , Prasad Durga , Singh Ram Sharan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTemperature control for fermentation is crucial as it directly affects microorganism growth, productivity, and metabolic activity. This work proposes a modified fractional order proportional‐integral‐derivative (FOPID‐DF) controller that incorporates the system model in the control loop configuration utilizing a differential filter for precise temperature control within a narrow operating range. PID, fractional order PID (FOPID), modified fractional order PID (MFOPID), and fractional order internal model control (IMC) controllers were also designed for comparative analysis. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed FOPID‐DF controller outperforms the other designed controllers, shown by a 22.33% reduction in integral absolute error (IAE) and a 29.06% decrease in integral square error (ISE) compared to the FOPID controller and various other improved performance indicators. Parameter variation and noise analysis highlighted the ability of the controller to maintain stability and performance under changing conditions. The simulation outcomes suggested that the FOPID‐DF controller excels in temperature control, ensuring optimal microorganism growth and metabolic activity.
Does ESG implementation influence performance and risk in SMEs?
Authors: Garrido‐Ruso María , Otero‐González Luis , López‐Penabad María‐Celia , Santomil Pablo Durán 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe relationship between Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) activities and financial performance has been explored within large companies. The presence of these activities in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is still in its early stages in the literature, requiring further empirical evidence. Given the importance of SMEs in economy and based on Stakeholder Theory, a set of hypotheses regarding the influence of ESG on financial and risk performance has been tested using a sample of 538 Spanish SMEs. Specifically, an index has been developed to assess ESG at both global and individual levels. The study analyses the impact of these variables on corporate performance, taking into account factors such as the pandemic period, level of disclosure and the size effect. The results demonstrate the importance of developing and index tailored to measuring ESG within this type of company, as the methodology employed can impact the outcomes. Moreover, at the individual level, all dimensions reflect a significant relationship, but the overall ESG score does not. The social and labor dimensions prove to be the most beneficial indices for enhancing resilience during periods of crisis. Finally, the findings confirm that it is more difficult for SMEs to monetize the results of ESG investment and that disclosing these activities has a positive impact. This study contributes to existing knowledge by constructing a robust measure of the level of ESG implementation and quality, providing valuable insights for SMEs on how to effectively manage their ESG activities.
International diversification and corporate social responsibility disclosure quality: Employee versus environmental dimensions
Authors: Ma Rong , Sambharya Rakesh B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMultinational enterprises (MNEs) face increasing institutional complexity as they expand internationally, which has a significant effect on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. In this study, we investigate an under‐explored difference between MNEs' employee and environmental CSR disclosure quality concerning the extent to which CSR reports are indicative of substantive activities. We propose that as international diversification increases institutional complexity, MNEs lower the disclosure quality of environmental CSR yet improve the disclosure quality of employee CSR due to their different institutional implications. In addition, we examine the effect of MNEs' home country cultural differences regarding uncertainty avoidance on the relationship between international diversification and employee and environmental disclosure quality. Based on a sample of 335 global MNEs from 31 countries, we found general support for our hypotheses.
Improving the Monophenolic Yield of Lignin Depolymerization in Dualistic Aprotic Solvent System by Organic Solvent Fractionation
Authors: Xu Yan , Dai Qiqi , Zhang Danlu , Zhang Fan , Yue Fengxia , Ye Jun , Liu Chuanfu , Zeng Xu , Lan Wu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractConverting lignin into aromatic chemicals is a promising strategy for the high‐value utilization of lignocellulosic feedstock. However, the inherent heterogeneity of lignin poses a significant obstacle to achieving efficient conversion and optimal product yields within bio‐refinery systems. Herein, we employed a one‐step fractionation method to enhance lignin homogeneity and utilized the THF/DMSO‐EtONa (tetrahydrofuran/dimethyl sulfoxide‐sodium ethoxide) system to depolymerize the fractionated lignin. Three protic and three aprotic solvents were used for fractionation. The impact of the solvent properties on the structure and the depolymerization efficiency of the fractionated lignin was investigated. Methanol‐fractionated lignin generated the benzoic acid compounds with a yield of 30 wt%, 50 % higher than that of the unfractionated lignin. The polarities (δP), hydrogen bonding abilities (δH), and viscosities (η) of selected protic solvents showed strong linear correlation with molecular weight (Mw), polymer dispersity index (PDI), and syringyl/guaiacyl ratio (S/G ratio) of the fractionated lignin, as well as the total yield of benzoic acid compounds derived from the β‐O‐4 bond cleavage. This study elucidates the relationship between solvent properties and lignin structure and proposes a promising approach for refining lignin to enhance utilization efficiency, thereby presenting a potential strategy for value‐added application of complex lignin polymers.
Standardisation is the key to the sustained, rapid and healthy development of stem cell‐based therapy
Authors: Zhang Jing , Suo Moran , Wang Jinzuo , Liu Xin , Huang Huagui , Wang Kaizhong , Liu Xiangyan , Sun Tianze , Li Zhonghai , Liu Jing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundStem cell‐based therapy (SCT) is an important component of regenerative therapy that brings hope to many patients. After decades of development, SCT has made significant progress in the research of various diseases, and the market size has also expanded significantly. The transition of SCT from small‐scale, customized experiments to routine clinical practice requires the assistance of standards. Many countries and international organizations around the world have developed corresponding SCT standards, which have effectively promoted the further development of the SCT industry.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive literature review to introduce the clinical application progress of SCT and focus on the development status of SCT standardization.ResultsWe first briefly introduced the types and characteristics of stem cells, and summarized the current clinical application and market development of SCT. Subsequently, we focused on the development status of SCT‐related standards as of now from three levels: the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), important international organizations, and national organizations. Finally, we provided perspectives and conclusions on the significance and challenges of SCT standardization.ConclusionsStandardization plays an important role in the sustained, rapid and healthy development of SCT.