bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring hydrogen storage capabilities of boron nitride nanoring through density functional theory
Authors: Ahmed Qazi Muhammad , Sultan Adil , Abrar Ayesha , Arshad Farrah , Shahzad Nasir , Ayub Khurshid , Jadoon Tabish , Ullah Faizan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study presents Density Functional Theory (DFT) investigation into the hydrogen storage capabilities of B6N6 nanoring. Utilizing the ωB97XD functional and def2TZVP basis set, this research explores the geometric, energetic, and electronic properties of the B6N6 nanoring, highlighting its potential as an efficient material for hydrogen storage. In‐depth analyses of the HOMO‐LUMO electronic density, Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) charge, Non‐Covalent Interactions (NCI), and Density of States (DOS) are conducted to understand the electronic structure changes during hydrogen adsorption. Furthermore, the desorption temperatures of hydrogen from the B6N6 nanoring, as calculated through the Van't Hoff equation, fall within a range considerably higher than the critical point of hydrogen. This finding indicates the practical feasibility of the B6N6 nanoring in hydrogen storage applications. Notably, the hydrogen storage capacity, measured in terms of gravimetric density, shows a significant increase with the addition of hydrogen molecules, reaching a maximum of 9.77% for 8H2 adsorbed on B6N6. Overall, this study underscores the B6N6 nanoring as a promising candidate for addressing the current challenges in hydrogen storage, particularly in terms of capacity, stability, and operational temperature.
Gum tragacanth, a novel edible coating, maintains biochemical quality, antioxidant capacity, and storage life in bell pepper fruits
Authors: Zare‐Bavani Mohammad Reza , Rahmati‐Joneidabad Mostafa , Jooyandeh Hossein 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBell pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) are prone to both physiological and pathological deterioration following harvest, primarily due to their high metabolic activity and water content. The storage of bell peppers presents several challenges, including weight loss, softening, alterations in fruit metabolites and color, increased decay, and a decline in marketability. The application of edible coatings (ECs) is one of the environmentally friendly technologies that improves many post‐harvest quantitative and qualitative characteristics of products. This research investigated the impact of different levels of gum tragacanth (GT) coating (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2%) on the physiological and biochemical traits of stored bell pepper fruits (BPFs) (8 ± 1°C, 90–95% RH) for 28 days. The results showed the positive effect of coating treatments with higher concentrations of GT, up to 1%. Increasing the concentration of GT to 2% decreased the marketability and quality characteristics of fruits compared to 1% GT. After storage, the physiological weight loss of the fruits treated with 1% GT (10.46%) was lower than that of the uncoated fruits (18.92%). Furthermore, the coated fruits (1% GT) had more firmness, total phenol content, ascorbic acid, and titratable acidity content than uncoated fruits during storage. At the end of storage, the coated BPFs with 1% GT showed higher SOD (97.02 U g−1), CAT (24.38 U g−1) and POD (0.11 U g−1) activities and antioxidant capacity (81.74%) as compared to other treatments. Total soluble solids, total carbohydrates, total carotenoids, pH, malondialdehyde, and electrolyte leakage content increased in coated fruit during storage but were significantly lower than in uncoated fruits. Moreover, the samples coated with GT (1%) maintained good marketability (about 75%), while the marketability of the control (about 40%) was unacceptable. The study shows that GT (1%) coating can be a promising novel treatment option for increasing the storage quality of BPFs.
Post‐surgical readmission risk factors in otolaryngology/head and neck surgery
Authors: Kwon Jane , Farquhar Douglas , Tasoulas Jason , Hackman Trevor G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundOtolaryngology patients are a high‐readmission‐risk group due to the complexity of surgeries, significant alterations to speech and swallowing functions, and high postoperative complications risk.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent otolaryngologic surgery at a single‐academic‐institution between March 2019 and February 2020.ResultsAmong 365 discharges, 21 patients had unplanned readmissions within 30 days. On univariable analysis, acute myocardial infarction, number of total comorbidities, prior chemotherapy/radiation, active smoking, airway surgery, and enteral feeding, and on multivariable analysis, prior chemotherapy/radiation and active smoking were identified as significant readmission risk factors. Readmission risk increased from 2.43% to 7.48% and 41.67% with the addition of each risk factor.ConclusionNearly 75% of the readmissions were due to potentially preventable reasons. By identifying and proactively intervening on “at risk” patients during the perioperative timeframe, complications and readmission can be reduced, thereby improving the overall quality of care delivered.
Antibody targeting of surface P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 leads to lymphoma apoptosis and tumorigenesis inhibition
Authors: Pereira João L. , Ferreira Francisca , dos Santos Nuno R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLymphomas are a heterogeneous group of diseases that originate from T, B or natural killer cells. Lymphoma treatment is based on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and monoclonal antibody (mAb) or other immunotherapies. The P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL‐1) is expressed at the surface of hematological malignant cells and has been shown to have a pro‐oncogenic role in multiple myeloma and lymphoma. Here, we investigated the expression and therapeutic potential of PSGL‐1 in T and B cell lymphomas. By flow cytometry analysis, we found that PSGL‐1 was expressed in both T and B cell‐derived lymphoma cell lines but generally at higher levels in T cell lymphoma cell lines. For most T and B cell‐derived lymphoma cell lines, in vitro targeting with the PL1 mAb, which recognizes the PSGL‐1 N‐terminal extracellular region and blocks functional interactions with selectins, resulted in reduced cell viability. The PL1 mAb pro‐apoptotic activity was shown to be dose‐dependent, to be linked to increased ERK kinase phosphorylation, and to be dependent on the MAP kinase signaling pathway. Importantly, anti‐PSGL‐1 treatment of mice xenografted with the HUT‐78 cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma cell line resulted in decreased tumor growth, had no effect on in vivo proliferation, but increased the levels of apoptosis in tumors. Anti‐PSGL‐1 treatment of mice xenografted with a Burkitt lymphoma cell line that was resistant to anti‐PSGL‐1 treatment in vitro, had no impact on tumorigenesis. These findings show that PSGL‐1 antibody targeting triggers lymphoma cell apoptosis and substantiates PSGL‐1 as a potential target for lymphoma therapy.
HMGB1 regulates Th17 cell differentiation and function in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Dou Yue , Lin Yawen , Chu Gaoping , Wang Jing , Ma Lei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is an immune‐mediated chronic inflammatory skin disease, in which T helper 17 (Th17) cells and its effective cytokine interleukin (IL)‐17A play a pivotal pathogenic role. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an important proinflammatory cytokine, which has been confirmed to be highly expressed in the peripheral circulation and epidermis tissues of psoriasis patients. The regulatory effect of HMGB1 on IL‐17A expression and function has been reported in some inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by the HMGB1‐Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐interleukin (IL)‐23‐IL‐17A pathway. While, in the pathological environment of psoriasis, whether HMGB1 can exert the regulatory effect on IL‐17A is not clear.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the role of HMGB1‐TLR4‐IL‐23‐IL‐17A pathway in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and explore the possible regulatory mechanism of HMGB1 on Th17 cell differentiation.MethodsSerum levels of HMGB1, TLR4, IL‐23, and IL‐17A were quantified in 50 patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis and 30 healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were acquired from 10 severe psoriasis patients and administrated by different concentrations of recombinant‐HMGB1 (rHMGB1) to detect the Th17 cell percentage, mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, IL‐23, IL‐17A and retinoid‐related orphan receptor γt (RORγt).ResultsThe serum levels of HMGB1, TLR4, IL‐23, and IL‐17A in psoriasis patients were significantly higher than healthy controls, especially in severe patients, and positively correlated with the severity index. There were also positive correlations between every two detected indicators of HMGB1, TLR4, IL‐23, and IL‐17A. In vitro study, rHMGB1 can promote the elevated expression of Th17 cell percentage as well as TLR4, IL‐23, IL‐17A, and RORγt in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionHMGB1 can contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis by regulating Th17 cell differentiation through HMGB1‐TLR4‐IL‐23‐RORγt pathway, then promotes IL‐17A production and aggravates inflammation process. Targeting HMGB1 may be a possible potential candidate for the immunotherapy of psoriasis.
Impaired hemodynamics of the patella in patients with patellofemoral pain: A case–control study
Authors: Ophey Martin J. , Westerweel Anne , van Oort Maxime , van den Berg Robert , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Tak Igor J. R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeAccording to the homeostasis model, patellofemoral pain (PFP) arises as a consequence of disturbed homeostasis of anterior structures of the knee due to vascular insufficiency. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows to measure changes of concentrations (µmol/cm2) of (de)‐oxygenated hemoglobine (HHb and O2Hb). The aim was to study differences in patellar hemodynamics between patients and healthy controls.MethodsHemodynamics of patients (n = 30 [female = 20, age = 21.5, BMI = 22.9]) and controls (n = 30 (female = 18, age = 21.4, BMI = 22.4]) were evaluated for two activities (‘Prolonged Sitting’ and ‘Stair Descent’). Blinding for health status was implemented.ResultsDuring ‘Prolonged Sitting’, PFP patients exhibited smaller decreases in mean changes for HHb (PFP [M = −1.5 to −1.9], healthy controls [M = −2.0 to −2.3]) and O2Hb (PFP [M = −2.0 to −3.2], healthy controls [M = −3.4 to −4.1]). However, these differences were statistically non‐significant (p = 0.14–0.82 and p = 0.056–0.18, respectively). Conversely, for ‘Stair Descent’, PFP patients showed statistically significant smaller decreases in mean changes for HHb (PFP [M = −1.9, SD = 1.8], healthy controls [M = −2.5, SD = 1.7], p = 0.043) and O2Hb (PFP [M = −3.2, SD = 3.2], healthy controls [M = −4.9, SD = 2.7], p = 0.004).ConclusionsThe differences suggest potential impairment in patellar hemodynamics in PFP patients, providing support for the homeostasis model. Evidence‐based treatment strategies targeting patellar hemodynamics should be further refined and subjected to evaluation in clinical trials.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
MRI Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Lesions in Children With Kawasaki Disease and Their Correlation With Inflammatory Factors
Authors: Liang Juan , Ma Yurong , Han Na , Ai Kai , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jing 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundUltrasonography (US), as a routine examination for evaluating coronary artery lesions (CAL) in children with Kawasaki disease (KD), has strong subjectivity and limitations. Non‐contrast enhanced coronary magnetic resonance angiography (NCE‐CMRA) is sensitive and reliable in displaying the segments of coronary arteries (CA).PurposeTo evaluate the CA using NCE‐CMRA, to compare NCE‐CMRA with US, and to assess the correlation between KD‐related inflammatory factors and the occurrence of CAL.Study TypeRetrospective.Population61 children with KD who had undergone NCE‐CMRA. Ultimately, 52 cases were included (32 males and 20 females), with an average of 5.9 ± 0.3 years old.Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, 3D balanced turbo field echo sequence.AssessmentNCE‐CMRA and US coronary visualization rates were compared in 41 children who were imaged with both techniques. Inflammatory factors were compared between CAL and normal coronary artery (NCA) subgroups. In the CAL group, correlations of these inflammatory factors with CAL parameters were investigated.Statistical TestsComparison between groups was performed by the two independent samples t‐test; the comparison of enumeration data between groups was performed by chi‐square test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity of inflammatory factors for detecting CAL. The correlation between CAL and inflammatory indexes was analyzed by multiple linear regression. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsNCE‐CMRA visualized significantly more segments than US (76% vs. 46%). There were significant differences in PLT, CRP, ESR, and D‐dimer between the CAL and NCA groups. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivities of these four indicators in diagnosing CAL were 39%, 44%, 72%, and 61%, respectively, at cut‐off points of 562.5 × 109/L, 48.93 mg/L, 45.5 mm/h, and 0.5 mg/L, respectively.Data ConclusionThe combination of NCE‐CMRA and inflammatory factors is helpful for the early diagnosis and disease severity of CAL in children with KD.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Effects of low‐frequency magnetic field on solubility, structural and functional properties of soy 11S globulin
Authors: Kang Zhuang‐Li , Yao Peng‐Lei , Xie Jing‐jie , Li Yan‐ping , Ma Han‐Jun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoy 11S globulin has high thermal stability, limiting its application in the production of low‐temperature gel foods. In this study, the low‐frequency magnetic field (LF‐MF, 5 mT) treatment (time, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min) was used to improve the solubility, conformation, physicochemical properties, surface characteristics, and gel properties of soy 11S globulin.RESULTSCompared with the native soy 11S globulin, the sulfhydryl content, emulsifying capacity, gel strength, water‐holding capacity, and absolute zeta potential values significantly increased (P < 0.05) after LF‐MF treatment. The LF‐MF treatment induced the unfolding of the protein structure and the fracture of disulfide bonds. The variations in solubility, foaming properties, viscosity, surface hydrophobicity, and rheological properties were closely related to the conformational changes of soy 11S globulin, with the optimum LF‐MF modification time being 90 min.CONCLUSIONLF‐MF treatment is an effective method to improve various functional properties of native soy 11S globulin, and this study provides a reference for the development of plant‐based proteins in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Skin cancers and their precursors in Finnish liver transplantation recipients: A follow‐up study
Authors: Mäkilä Tuomas , Keinonen Anne , Mäkisalo Heikki , Koskenmies Sari 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of skin cancers in transplant recipients is known to have increased compared to the general population. Risk factors include age at the time of transplantation, duration and dose of immunosuppressive medication. Research data on the incidence of skin cancer precursors in transplant recipients is limited.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the incidence of skin cancers and their precursors and the factors influencing their development in Finnish liver transplant recipients.MethodsWe recruited 140 volunteers who were over 18 years old at the time of the study and had been transplanted at least 5 years before. Patients were examined by a dermatologist between 2012 and 2016 and, if necessary, followed up based on cutaneous findings. All patients in the study were followed up until May 2021 or until the death of the patient, based on medical records.ResultsThe study found an increased incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs), especially of squamous cell carcinoma, in liver transplantation (LT) recipients compared to the general Finnish population (squamous cell carcinoma SIR 21.2, basal cell carcinoma SIR 7.6). Precursors of squamous cell carcinoma were found in 43 patients (30.7%) after transplantation. The study found no statistically significant difference between the drugs used for immunosuppression.ConclusionsOur data showed an increased risk of NMSCs in LT recipients. After LT, patients are at significant risk of SCC and its precursors may be found even in almost third of patients in 17.5 years follow‐up. Given this information, it is considered important to monitor LTRs with adequate frequency to treat precursors as early as possible before the development of SCC.
Oral Sucrose in Infants Undergoing Flexible Nasolaryngoscopy: A Blinded Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Wolter Nikolaus E. , Tepsich Meghan E. , Daien Ellie S. , Levinsky Justin T. , Vanderpost Mary‐Elizabeth , Propst Evan J. , Siu Jennifer M. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionFlexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) is a common, uncomfortable procedure performed to assess the upper airway in infants. Oral sucrose is used during various painful procedures in infants but has not been used during FNL. Our objective was to understand the impact of oral sucrose on discomfort in infants undergoing FNL.MethodsInfants (<12‐months‐old) undergoing FNL in the otolaryngology clinic were randomized to treatment (0.5 mL 24% oral sucrose) or standard management (no sucrose). Sucrose was administered <2 min prior to FNL performed by a single endoscopist. Outcome measures included: EVENDOL pain scale and cry duration and visit duration. Infant discomfort was measured by a second observer who was blinded to treatment group.ResultsForty‐seven infants were included, 23 were treated with sucrose and 24 with standard management. The median (IQR) age was 3.0 (2–5.7) months. There were no significant differences in age, weight, or sex across groups. The median (IQR) duration of FNL was 35.2 (26.5–58.4) and 36.4 (28.9–51.8) seconds for treatment and standard management groups, respectively. Mean (SD) EVENDOL scores were significantly lower in the sucrose group [4.9 (2.0)] than standard group (6.7 [2.1]) (p = 0.003). Mean cry duration after FNL was significantly shorter in the sucrose group (29.9 [20.4] seconds) than the standard group (52.7.0 [40.6] seconds) (p = 0.02). Median (IQR) visit duration did not differ across groups (1.1 [0.9–1.3] vs. 1.1 [0.7–1.4] h [p = 0.15]).ConclusionOral sucrose given before FNL reduced EVENDOL scores and cry duration after FNL and did not prolong clinic visits in this randomized pilot study.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 134:3826–3831, 2024
Energy behavior for Sobolev solutions to viscoelastic damped wave models with time‐dependent oscillating coefficient
Authors: Lu Xiaojun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, we study the asymptotic behavior of the structurally damped wave equations arising from the viscoelastic mechanics. We are particularly interested in the complicated interaction of the time‐dependent oscillating coefficients on the Dirichlet Laplacian operator and the structurally damped terms. On the one hand, by the application of WKB analysis, we explore the asymptotic energy estimates of the wave equations influenced by four types of oscillating mechanisms. On the other hand, in order to prove the optimality of the energy estimates for the critical cases, typical coefficients and initial Cauchy data will be constructed to show the lower bound of the energy growth rate by the application of instability arguments.
The Metivier inequality and ultradifferentiable hypoellipticity
Authors: Cordaro Paulo D. , Fürdös Stefan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn 1980, Métivier characterized the analytic (and Gevrey) hypoellipticity of ‐solvable partial linear differential operators by a priori estimates. In this note, we extend this characterization to ultradifferentiable hypoellipticity with respect to Denjoy–Carleman classes given by suitable weight sequences. We also discuss the case when the solutions can be taken as hyperfunctions and present some applications.
Will virtual influencers overcome the uncanny valley? The moderating role of social cues
Authors: Gutuleac Rada , Baima Gabriele , Rizzo Cristian , Bresciani Stefano 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCompanies are increasingly collaborating with virtual influencers (VIs) as endorsers for their social media campaigns, yet they often lack awareness of the risks and opportunities involved. VIs are AI‐generated, and visually presented as an interactive, real‐time animated entity in a digital environment. Grounding on the uncanny valley theory, this study investigates how the anthropomorphism of VIs influences consumer behavior. Through two experimental studies, we investigate the effect of a VI's level of anthropomorphism on consumer intentions, revealing the mediating role of uncanniness. Specifically, we find that highly anthropomorphized VIs may elicit a greater sense of uncanniness among consumers. Interestingly, the second study unveils that, in the presence of social cues, the influence of anthropomorphism on uncanniness is attenuated. From a theoretical perspective, these findings contribute to the existing literature on the uncanny valley theory and reveal the role of social cues in mitigating consumers' sense of uncanniness. Alongside this, it offers practical insights for practitioners navigating the complexities of managing VIs in digital marketing endeavors.
Effects of Structurally Different Tertiary Amines on the Properties of Quaternized Anionic Exchange Membranes Potentially Applicable for Water Electrolysis
Authors: Roggi Andrea , Agonigi Gabriele , Resta Claudio , Filpi Antonio , Martinelli Elisa , Guazzelli Elisa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, two structurally different monoamines (trimethylamine [TMA] and N‐methylpiperidine [N‐MPip]) are used for the amination of a g‐VBC‐15 graft copolymer, obtained by the functionalization of a mechanically robust, commercially available styrene–butadiene block copolymer (SB) with vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) via solution free‐radical polymerization. Results demonstrate that g‐VBC‐15‐based membranes quaternized with TMA have superior electrochemical performance than N‐MPip counterparts; while, the mechanical properties are good and only slightly inferior to those of N‐MPip. Therefore, TMA is the selected monoamine to be alternatively mixed with two polyamines (tetramethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine [TMPDA] and N,N,N’,N’’,N’’‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine [PMDETA]) into different proportions, in order to modulate the average functionality of the amination mixture in terms of number of amine functional groups available for the quaternization reaction of the membranes. g‐VBC‐15‐based membranes derived therefrom are extensively characterized to assess their thermal, mechanical, and ex situ electrochemical properties. Results indicate that membranes quaternized with a TMA/PMDETA mixture (90:10 in mole) display the highest conductivity among all the investigated membranes aminated with polyamine‐based mixtures. Moreover, they have comparable mechanical and electrochemical properties to those quaternized with TMA, while exhibiting a reduced water uptake.