bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential of ternary nanocomposite in biosensor development
Authors: Olayiwola Idris Azeez 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTernary nanocomposites, composed of three distinct materials, have recently attracted significant attention as promising materials to enhance biosensor development. This review discusses the synthesis, attributes, and applications of ternary nanocomposites for the construction of biosensors. It provides an overview of biosensors and their pivotal role in real‐time detection. Furthermore, it explores the distinctive advantages of ternary nanocomposites, elucidating the synergistic effects of the amalgamation of various materials. Detailed discussions on the synthesis methodologies of ternary nanocomposites, encompassing both bottom‐up and top‐down approaches, offer valuable insights for researchers. The review emphasizes the advancements in ternary nanocomposite‐based biosensors for detecting biomolecules, viruses, and environmental contaminants, underlining their potential to address significant environmental challenges. The review critically examines the hurdles and prospects of ternary nanocomposites in biosensors, with particular attention to scalability, cost‐efficiency, and biofunctionalization techniques. Ultimately, it highlights the vast potential of ternary nanocomposites in biosensor development and their capacity to facilitate sensitive, selective, and rapid detection. The review stresses the remarkable potential of ternary nanomaterials in biosensing applications, highlighting their considerable advantages, challenges, and future prospects.
Seismic assessment of the in‐plane/out‐of‐plane interaction of masonry infills in a two‐storey RC building subjected to bi‐directional shaking table tests
Authors: Baek Eun Rim , Pohoryles Daniel Alexander , Bournas Dionysios 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a series of shaking table tests conducted on a 60%‐scaled two‐storey infilled reinforced concrete building. The main parameters include the presence of openings in the masonry infills and the effect of bi‐directional dynamic shaking to the latter. The building was subjected to four different levels of shaking intensity, ranging up to the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE), equivalent to 150% of the design earthquake. The study focuses on and evaluates the damage caused by combined in‐ and out‐of‐plane shaking. Under the design level earthquake, the second‐storey infill walls with openings were severely damaged, with near‐collapse of a masonry pier. For the fully infilled direction without openings instead, diagonal cracking as well as out‐of‐plane inclination of the infill wall in the second storey were observed. Due to the interaction between the two loading directions and the direct adverse effect of the in‐plane damage on the out‐of‐plane resistance of the infills, the out‐of‐plane collapse of 3/4 of the second storey masonry infill occurred during the MCE. The reported damage observations on the masonry‐infills with or without openings provide further insights on the vulnerability of non‐seismically designed reinforced concrete buildings. Additionally, the seismic performance of the structure is assessed using further structural response quantities recorded during testing, including floor accelerations, inter‐storey drifts, base shear forces and reductions in natural frequency. Future testing will focus on investigating the effectiveness of retrofitting measures in improving the connection between the infill and frame, reducing in‐plane damage, and preventing out‐of‐plane failure of the infills.
Riemannian‐geometric regime‐switching covariance hedging
Authors: Lee Hsiang‐Tai 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study develops a regime‐switching Riemannian‐geometric covariance framework for futures hedging. The covariance of conventional regime‐switching BEKK (Baba, Engle, Kraft and Kroner) (RSBEKK) evolves on flat spaces that exclude a prior the possibility of inherent geometric covariance dynamic. A Riemannian‐geometric regime‐switching BEKK (RG‐RSBEKK) is proposed such that the covariance moves along a trajectory on Riemannian manifolds. RG‐RSBEKK is applied to China Securities Index 300 futures for hedging the stock sector exposures. Empirical results reveal that specifying covariance dynamic on curved spaces enhances hedging effectiveness based on the model confidence set with loss measures of variance, utility, value‐at‐risk, and Frobenius distance.
The effect of opioid use on traffic fatalities
Authors: Beland Louis‐Philippe , Huh Jason , Kim Dongwoo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe use a difference‐in‐differences design to study the effect of opioid use on traffic fatalities. Following Alpert et al., we focus on the 1996 introduction and marketing of OxyContin, and we examine its long‐term impacts on traffic fatalities involving Schedule II drugs or heroin. Based on the national fatal vehicle crash database, we find that the states heavily targeted by the initial marketing of OxyContin (i.e., non‐triplicate states) experienced 2.4 times more traffic fatalities (1.6 additional deaths per million individuals) involving Schedule II drugs or heroin during 2011–2019, when overdose deaths from heroin and fentanyl became more prominent. We find no difference in traffic fatalities until after the mid‐2000s between states with and without a triplicate prescription program. The effect is mainly concentrated in fatal crashes with drug involvement of drivers ages between 25 and 44. Our results highlight additional long‐term detrimental consequences of the introduction and marketing of OxyContin.
How do non‐halophyte locust trees thrive in temperate coastal regions: A study of salinity and multiple environmental factors on water uptake patterns
Authors: Li Han , Lan Zhiqing , Chen Han , Huang Jinhui Jeanne 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUnderstanding plant water use patterns is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of the soil–plant‐atmosphere continuum and evaluating the adaptability of plants across diverse ecosystems. However, there remains a gap in our comprehension of non‐halophyte plants' water uptake patterns and driving factors in temperate coastal regions. For this reason, we used locust trees (a widely planted non‐halophyte tree species in northern China) as a study subject. We collected water isotope data (δ2H and δ18O) for locust trees xylem and soil over two consecutive growing seasons. The MixSIAR model was used along with five distinct sets of input data (single isotopes, uncorrected dual isotopes, and corrected dual isotopes incorporating δ2H data obtained by soil water line or cryogenic vacuum distillation methods) to infer water utilization patterns. The results indicated that locust trees primarily absorb shallow soil water (0–20 cm, 29.4% ± 16.9%) and deep soil water (120–180 cm, 24.7% ± 5.8%). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed the key driving factors behind water uptake patterns were vegetation transpiration and soil salinity. Remarkably, the build up of salts in the lower soil layer (60–120 cm) hinders the absorption of water by plants. To prevent high salt concentrations from affecting water uptake in non‐halophyte plants, we recommend implementing sufficient irrigation from March to April each year to meet the water needs of plant growth and regulate the accumulation of salts in various soil layers. This study reveals the dynamic water utilization strategy of non‐halophyte plants in temperate coastal regions, offering valuable information for water resources management.
A smartphone‐based standalone fluorescence spectroscopy tool for cervical precancer diagnosis in clinical conditions
Authors: Shukla Shivam , Deo Bhaswati Singha , Vishwakarma Chaitanya , Mishra Subrata , Ahirwar Shikha , Sah Amar Nath , Pandey Kiran , Singh Sweta , Prasad S. N. , Padhi Ashok Kumar , Pal Mayukha , Panigrahi Prasanta K. , Pradhan Asima 
Published: March 2024

AbstractReal‐time prediction about the severity of noncommunicable diseases like cancers is a boon for early diagnosis and timely cure. Optical techniques due to their minimally invasive nature provide better alternatives in this context than the conventional techniques. The present study talks about a standalone, field portable smartphone‐based device which can classify different grades of cervical cancer on the basis of the spectral differences captured in their intrinsic fluorescence spectra with the help of AI/ML technique. In this study, a total number of 75 patients and volunteers, from hospitals at different geographical locations of India, have been tested and classified with this device. A classification approach employing a hybrid mutual information long short‐term memory model has been applied to categorize various subject groups, resulting in an average accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of 96.56%, 96.76%, and 94.37%, respectively using 10‐fold cross‐validation. This exploratory study demonstrates the potential of combining smartphone‐based technology with fluorescence spectroscopy and artificial intelligence as a diagnostic screening approach which could enhance the detection and screening of cervical cancer.
Is membrane androgen and estrogen receptor signaling imperative in the governing function of the adrenal cortex in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber L.)?
Authors: Lonc G. , Hrabia A. , Krakowska I. , Korzekwa A. J. , Zarzycka M. , Wolak D. , Wajdzik M. , Kotula‐Balak M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThere is a need to fully know the physiology of Eurasian beaver due to its essential role in environmental homeostasis. However, a “human factor“ impacts this, including stress conditions and environmental pollution. Adrenal glands protect these all. The regulation of endocrine processes by nonclassical androgen and estrogen signaling, the first and fastest control, is still a matter of research. The specific analyses performed here in mature female and male beaver adrenals contained: anatomical and histological examinations, expression and localization of membrane androgen receptor (zinc transporter, Zinc‐ and Iron‐like protein 9; ZIP9) and membrane estrogen receptor coupled with G protein (GPER), and measurement of zinc (Zn2+) and copper (Ca2+) ion levels and corticosterone levels. We revealed normal anatomical localization, size, and tissue histology in female and male beavers, respectively. Equally, ZIP9 and GPER were localized in the membrane of all adrenal cortex cells. The protein expression of these receptors was higher (p < 0.001) in male than female adrenal cortex cells. Similarly, Zn2+ and Ca2+ ion levels were higher (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) in male than female adrenal cortex. The increased corticosterone levels (p < 0.001) were detected in the adrenal cortex of females when compared to males. The present study is the first to report the presence of nonclassical androgen and estrogen signaling and its possible regulatory function in the adrenal cortex of Eurasian beavers. We assume that this first‐activated and fast‐transmitted regulation can be important in the context of the effect of environmental physical and chemical stressors especially on adrenal cortex cells. The beaver adrenals may constitute an additional supplementary model for searching for universal mechanisms of adrenal cortex physiology and diseases.
Development of human endogenous retrovirus type K‐ related treatments for human diseases
Authors: Dai Lu , Fan Jiaojiao , Qin Zhiqiang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHuman endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute approximately 8% of the human genome and have long been regarded as silent passengers within our genomes. However, the reactivation of HERVs has been increasingly linked to a range of human diseases, particularly the HERV‐K (HML‐2) family. Many studies are dedicated to elucidating the potential role of HERV‐K in pathogenicity. While the underlying mechanisms require further investigation, targeting HERV‐K transactivation emerges as a promising avenue for treating human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the development of HERV‐K‐targeted therapeutic strategies against various human diseases, including antiretroviral drugs, immunotherapy, and vaccines.
Low percolation threshold polyvinylidene fluoride/multi‐walled carbon nanotube composites: A perspective of electrical conductivity, crystalline, rheological and mechanical properties
Authors: Tang Junhang , Yang Beixue , Duanmu Tianyu , Mao Zepeng , Zhang Jun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecently, conductive polymer‐based composites (CPC) have gained considerable interest for their outstanding processing, mechanical, electrical properties, and resistance tunability. Multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was introduced into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the conductive filler via means of melt blending in this work. Effects of MWCNT on crystalline structure, thermodynamic behavior, electrical conductivity, processing and mechanical properties of PVDF/MWCNT were under investigation. By measuring the volume resistivity of PVDF/MWCNT, it was observed to have declined from 1.54 × 1012 to 3.71 × 101 Ω∙m with the MWCNT content changed from 0.7 to 1 vol%, which plummeted by 11 orders of magnitude. Therefore, it can be inferred that the percolation threshold of MWCNT lies within the range of 0.7–1 vol%. Additionally, the percolation threshold is obtained as 0.81 vol% by fitting using the percolation theory equation. Around the percolation threshold, PVDF/MWCNT composites exhibit negligible alterations in their rheological properties when contrasted with pure PVDF, yet their mechanical properties are improved. Furthermore, MWCNT does not substantially impact the crystalline structure and thermodynamic behavior of PVDF/MWCNT.Highlights
The percolation threshold of MWCNT in PVDF is 0.81 vol%.
The volume resistivity of the 1 vol% MWCNT sample was only 3.71 Ω∙m.
1 vol% MWCNT exhibit favorable rheological and mechanical properties.
Off‐axis compression behavior and failure mechanisms of needled carbon/quartz fiber reinforced phenolic resin composite based on acoustic emission
Authors: Kuang Yue , Li Jikang , Wang Weixing , Liu Zheng , Zhang Zhe , Wang Xin , Chen Xu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe effect of the off‐axis angle (note as θ) on compressive properties and failure mechanisms in needled carbon/quartz fiber reinforced phenolic resin (CF‐QF/PF) composite has been investigated. For this objective, a series of quasi‐static off‐axis compression tests were performed, and a more precise and general model for predicting the compressive modulus and strength has been proposed. Further, the acoustic emission (AE) technology, including parameter‐based analysis and the Hilbert Huang Transform (HHT) method, was also employed to scrutinize the intricate damage mechanisms. The results show that specimens with θ = 0° exhibit linear and brittle behavior and are the most dangerous scenarios because delamination (accounting for 58% of the total AE accumulative energy) dominates their failure. For specimens with small off‐axis angles (0° < θ ≤ 45°), the fiber‐matrix interface determines their compressive properties. While for specimens with large off‐axis angles(45° < θ ≤ 90°), the enhanced transverse load‐bearing capacity of fibers becomes the dominant factor, characterized by significant debonding (33% when θ = 60°) and fiber breakage (27% when θ = 90°). Finally, these results were verified by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy images (SEM).Highlights
Off‐axis compression behaviors of needled CF‐QF/PF composite are studied.
A more precise and general model for predicting off‐axis compression properties is proposed.
Acoustic emission technology is used to quantify different types of damage.
Failure mechanisms are revealed by combining in‐situ and offline techniques.
Imaging a solvent‐swollen polymer gel network by open liquid transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Srivastava Satyam , Ribbe Alexander E. , Russell Thomas P. , Hoagland David A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVisualizing the network of a solvent‐swollen polymer gel remains problematic. To address this challenge, open transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied to thin gel films permeated by a nonvolatile ionic liquid. The targeted physical gels were prepared by cooling concentrated solutions of poly(ethylene glycol) in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium ethyl sulfate [EMIM][EtSO4]. During the cooling, gelation occurred by a frustrated crystallization of the dissolved polymer, leading to a percolated, solvent‐permeated semicrystalline network in which nanoscale polymer crystals acted as crosslinks. Crystalline features ranging from ~5 to ~200 nm were observed, with the visible network strands dominantly consisting of long curvilinear crystallites of ~15–20 nm diameter. Nascent spherulites irregularly decorated the network, creating a complex structural hierarchy that complicated analyses. Lacking diffraction contrast, TEM did not visualize the many disordered, fully solvated PEG chains present in the voids between crystals. Recognizing that a network's three dimensionality is ambiguous when assessed through two‐dimensional microscopy projections, a small gel region was studied by TEM tomography, revealing a nearly isotropic three‐dimensional arrangement of the curvilinear crystallites, which displayed remarkably uniform cylindrical cross sections.
Robust stabilization of polytopic systems via fast and reliable neural network‐based approximations
Authors: Fabiani Filippo , Goulart Paul J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe consider the design of fast and reliable neural network‐based approximations of traditional stabilizing controllers for linear systems with polytopic uncertainty, including control laws with variable structure and those based on a (minimal) selection policy. Building upon recent approaches for the design of reliable control surrogates with guaranteed structural properties, we develop a systematic procedure to certify the closed‐loop stability and performance of a linear uncertain system when a trained rectified linear unit (ReLU)‐based approximation replaces such traditional controllers. First, we provide a sufficient condition, which involves the worst‐case approximation error between ReLU‐based and traditional controller‐based state‐to‐input mappings, ensuring that the system is ultimately bounded within a set with adjustable size and convergence rate. Then, we develop an offline, mixed‐integer optimization‐based method that allows us to compute that quantity exactly.
Shrub and patch size of moss crusts regulate soil multifunctionality in a temperate desert of Central Asia
Authors: Li Yong‐Gang , Huang Yun‐Jie , Yin Ben‐Feng , Zhou Xiao‐Bing , Zhang Yuan‐Ming 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe shrub and patch size of moss crusts can significantly affect plant and soil nutrients. The effects and relationships of shrubs and moss crusts on soil multifunctionality are unclear. This study aimed to understand the spatial heterogeneity of soil multifunctionality in moss crust patches and shrubs. Soil organic carbon, nutrient, and enzyme activities under moss crust patches were measured. Interestingly, the soil polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities, carbon‐related soil multifunctionality index (C‐SMF), nitrogen‐related soil multifunctionality index (N‐SMF), phosphorus‐related soil multifunctionality index (P‐SMF), and soil multifunctionality index (SMF) increased with increasing patch size in moss crusts. The patch size of moss crusts had no significant effect on the C‐SMF, N‐SMF, P‐SMF, and SMF under the shrub. The soil C‐SMF, N‐SMF, P‐SMF, and SMF under shrubs were significantly higher than that in exposed areas (EAs). The soil PPO, POD, N‐SMF, P‐SMF, and SMF under dead shrubs were significantly higher than those under living shrubs and in EAs. Evaluation and composition analysis of C‐SMF, N‐SMF, and P‐SMF indicated that moss crust promotes the increase of P‐SMF, and that shrub promotes the increase of C‐SMF and N‐SMF. Moss crust patches mainly affected phosphorus functionality, increasing phosphorus cycling. Shrub promotes soil carbon and nitrogen functionality. This study elucidates the effect of moss crust patch size on soil multifunctionality influenced by shrub growth in desert ecosystems and provides further new insights into the soil processes and functions. Results are beneficial for the comprehensive utilization of fertile islands and its enhancement of beneficial ecological functions, such as maintaining soil nutrition, quality, health, and vegetation restoration, and lay a foundation for future research on nutrient absorption and utilization between mosses and shrubs.
Biomimetic Dual‐Network Collagen Fibers with Porous and Mechanical Cues Reconstruct Neural Stem Cell Niche via AKT/YAP Mechanotransduction after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Xiong Tiandi , Chu Yun , Hao Wangping , Zhao Tongtong , Sun Xinyue , Zhuang Yan , Chen Bing , Zhao Yannan , Wang Jun , Chen Yanyan , Dai Jianwu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTissue engineering scaffolds can mediate the maneuverability of neural stem cell (NSC) niche to influence NSC behavior, such as cell self‐renewal, proliferation, and differentiation direction, showing the promising application in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. Here, dual‐network porous collagen fibers (PCFS) are developed as neurogenesis scaffolds by employing biomimetic plasma ammonia oxidase catalysis and conventional amidation cross‐linking. Following optimizing the mechanical parameters of PCFS, the well‐matched Young's modulus and physiological dynamic adaptability of PCFS (4.0 wt%) have been identified as a neurogenetic exciter after SCI. Remarkably, porous topographies and curving wall‐like protrusions are generated on the surface of PCFS by simple and non‐toxic CO2 bubble‐water replacement. As expected, PCFS with porous and matched mechanical properties can considerably activate the cadherin receptor of NSCs and induce a series of serine‐threonine kinase/yes‐associated protein mechanotransduction signal pathways, encouraging cellular orientation, neuron differentiation, and adhesion. In SCI rats, implanted PCFS with matched mechanical properties further integrated into the injured spinal cords, inhibited the inflammatory progression and decreased glial and fibrous scar formation. Wall‐like protrusions of PCFS drive multiple neuron subtypes formation and even functional neural circuits, suggesting a viable therapeutic strategy for nerve regeneration and functional recovery after SCI.
Heterogeneous‐Structured Molybdenum Diboride as a Novel and Promising Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Yuxiang , Liang Ying , Zhou Chuancong , Li Zulai , Wu Daoxiong , Li Jing , Dong Peng , Zhang Yingjie , Tian Xinlong , Shi Xiaodong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the development of electric vehicles, exploiting anode materials with high capacity and fast charging capability is an urgent requirement for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Borophene, with the merits of high capacity, high electronic conductivity and fast diffusion kinetics, holds great potential as anode for LIBs. However, it is difficult to fabricate for the intrinsic electron‐deficiency of boron atom. Herein, heterogeneous‐structured MoB2 (h‐MoB2) with amorphous shell and crystalline core, is prepared by solid phase molten salt method. As demonstrated, crystalline core can encapsulate the honeycomb borophene within two adjacent Mo atoms, and amorphous shell can accommodate more lithium ions to strengthen the lithium storage capacity and diffusion kinetics. According to theoretical calculations, the lithium adsorption energy in MoB2 is about −2.7 eV, and the lithium diffusion energy barrier in MoB2 is calculated to be 0.199 eV, guaranteeing the enhanced adsorption capability and fast diffusion kinetic behavior of Li+ ions. As a result, h‐MoB2 anode presents high capacity of 798 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate performance of 183 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1 and long‐term cyclic stability for 1200 cycles. This work may inspire ideas for the fabrication of borophene analogs and two‐dimensional metal borides.