bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single‐Cell Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Biomechanical Loading‐Induced Imbalance in Bone and Fat, Leading to Ossification in Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Yuan , Bai Jianqi , Zhang Jingru , Zhang Shimin , Guo Xiaofei , Zhan Jiawen , Zhu Liguo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this study, we explored the impact of different biomechanical loadings on lumbar spine motion segments, particularly concerning intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). We aimed to uncover the cellular milieu and mechanisms driving ossification in the nucleus pulposus (NP) during IVDD, a process whose underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. The study involved the examination of fresh NP tissue from the L3‐S1 segment of five individuals, either with IVDD or healthy. The analysis consisted of histopathological evaluation and single‐cell RNA sequencing. To further validate the impact of biomechanical loading on IVDD, particularly on the CITED4 + METRN + NP chondrocytes and the bone‐fat balance mechanism, a retrospective analysis was conducted using paraffin‐embedded NP samples from patients. A distinct subset of CITED4 + METRN+ chondrocytes in the degenerated NP that were influenced by biomechanical loading was identified. These cells were evaluated for their potential as diagnostic biomarkers. Pseudotemporal analysis indicated that inflammation and repair processes were integral to NP ossification. Notably, the L4/5 and L5/S1 segments with severe IVDD showed pronounced ossification and heightened lipogenic metabolism. Cell communication analysis sheds light on the roles of bone‐fat balance proteins and various ossification genes. Additionally, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence confirmed that biomechanical loading intensified IVDD by fostering osteogenic differentiation, mediated by macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)‐regulated bone‐fat balance. This research reveals the microenvironmental factors of IVDD NP ossification under biomechanical loading, highlighting the role of bone‐fat imbalance. These insights significantly enhance the understanding of IVDD pathogenesis and pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.
Extended Treatment Duration of Artemether‐Lumefantrine in Ugandan Children with HIV on Efavirenz‐Based Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Trial
Authors: Whalen Meghan E. , Kajubi Richard , Goodwin Justin , Orukan Francis , Colt McKenzie , Huang Liusheng , Richards Kacey , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Aweeka Francesca T. , Parikh Sunil , Mwebaza Norah 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMalaria and HIV co‐infection are prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa causing significant drug interactions with co‐treatment. We previously reported a 30%‐70% reduction in exposure to the standard 3‐day (6‐dose) artemether‐lumefantrine (AL) treatment for malaria when given with efavirenz‐based HIV therapy, impacting malaria reinfection risk. We conducted a prospective, randomized study comparing the 3‐day regimen to an extended 5‐day (10‐dose) regimen with pharmacokinetic sampling for artemether, dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine, and desbutyl‐lumefantrine (DBL) over 42 days. The primary outcome was comparative pharmacokinetics between regimens compared among children with HIV and among children without HIV receiving a 3‐day regimen as controls (median age 5.3 years [range 1.4‐13.9]; median weight 17.3 kg [range 8.7‐39.1]). Children with HIV (n = 57; median age 10.8 years [range 3.4‐17.1]; median weight 26.6 kg [range 14.6‐54.5]) contributed 76 malaria episodes, with 71 included in the analysis. Another 97 children without HIV (median age 5.3 years [range 1.4‐13.9]; median weight 17.3 kg [range 8.7‐39.1]) contributed 114 episodes of malaria, with 109 included in the analysis. In the setting of efavirenz, artemether, dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine, and DBL cumulative exposure was 2.09, 2.31, 1.90, and 1.65 fold higher with 5‐day versus 3‐day AL (all P < .001), and comparable to 3‐day AL in children without HIV. The extended regimen in children with HIV did not result in a statistically significant reduction in recurrence risk at 28 or 42 days. Extending the duration of AL to 5 days compensated for a clinically significant reduction in all components of AL in the context of EFV‐based antiretroviral therapy in young children.
Strategy for enhancing Cistanche deserticola drying efficiency and quality based on novel freeze–infrared hybrid drying: moisture transition points control
Authors: Liu Wenchao , Li Caiyun , Wei Xinyu , Ren Guangyue , Zhang Ledao , Duan Xu , Li Linlin , Cao Weiwei , Chen Junliang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBACKGROUNDFresh Cistanche deserticola, a valuable medicinal and dietary ingredient with exceptional functional properties, exhibits a high moisture content and is susceptible to deterioration due to its high moisture content. Therefore, it is imperative to identify an appropriate dehydration method. This study primarily focuses on enhancing the efficiency and quality of dried C. deserticola, through a hybrid drying process that combines freeze‐drying (FD) and infrared drying (IRD). The samples were first dehydrated by FD and then transferred to IRD until the end of drying, with different moisture transition points (based on FD durations of 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0 h, and the corresponding groups are marked as FD5.5h‐IR, FD6.0h‐IR, FD6.5h‐IR, and FD7.0h‐IR).RESULTSThe FD6.5h‐IR method proved to be 32.08% more energy efficient than the sole FD method. The microscopic examination revealed that the surfaces of samples treated using the FD6.5h‐IR and FD7h‐IR techniques were smoother and clearer with smaller and more uniform pores, similar to the microstructure of the solely FD sample. Furthermore, the FD6.5h‐IR treatment has been demonstrated to be highly effective in maintaining the retention of active ingredients in products.CONCLUSIONGiven the disadvantage of FD7h‐IR treatment in terms of energy consumption, FD6.5h was identified as the best moisture transition point. This investigation offers a theoretical basis for enhancing quality control and refining the process during the FD–IRD processing of newly harvested C. deserticola slices. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Cellular uptake and transport mechanism of lycopene‐loaded nanomicelles formed by amphiphilic peptide self‐assembly in the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Su Lijun , Yu Zhipeng , Zhao Wenzhu 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study aimed to elucidate the transport mechanism of lycopene‐loaded nanomicelles to improve intestinal absorption of lycopene. The interactive mechanism between lycopene and nanomicelles was investigated through isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, endocytosis, and intracellular transport pathways of lycopene‐loaded nanomicelles were investigated using the Caco‐2 cell model.RESULTSThe ITC results demonstrated that nanomicelles/lycopene binding was an entropy‐driven spontaneous exothermic reaction, and hydrophobic interactions were the main driving force. Lycopene‐loaded nanomicelles were not cytotoxic, and uptake of lycopene by Caco‐2 cells increased 2.20‐fold after nanoencapsulation. The results of intracellular transport of lycopene‐loaded nanomicelles indicated that the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes play key roles in this process. The intracellular transport results showed that the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes were important organelles for intracellular transport of lycopene‐loaded nanomicelles.CONCLUSIONNanomicelles effectively enhance the cellular uptake of lycopene and are promising carriers for its delivery. This study contributes to the understanding of the transport mechanism of nanomicelles through intestinal epithelial cells. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Angular Momentum Superposition Beams‐Based Interferometer
Authors: Lu Huali , Wang Peng , Gao Ming , Ma Zhenyu , Hao Hui , Guo Dongmei , Wang Xin , Zhao Hua , Li Hongpu , Li Ming 
Published: January 2025

AbstractOrbital‐angular‐momentum (OAM) beams‐based interferometer has been found various applications in high‐precision metrology. However, most of its applications reported to date are limited to 1D ones, and the simultaneous measurements for multidimensional displacement have rarely been explored. Here an angular momentum superposition beams‐based interferometer is first proposed and demonstrated, in which the phases‐changes induced by rotational and linear displacements, are independently carried by an angular momentum superposition (SOAMS) beam containing different spin and orbital angular momenta, and thus can be simultaneously detected. In accordance with the proposed interferometry, a new phase‐demodulation method is experimentally demonstrated, which is operated in the domain of the OAM complex spectrum and thus enables accurate yet high efficient extraction of the phase‐change information from the captured OAM interferograms. As typical results, rotational and linear displacements are simultaneously and accurately measured with accuracies of 2.89° and 16.04 nm, respectively. The proposed interferometry and the corresponding phase demodulation method may open a new way to realize the OAM beams‐based multidimensional metrology.
Enhancement of Light Extraction Efficiency in AlGaN‐Based Deep Ultraviolet Light‐Emitting Diodes Using Cooperative Scattering Structures on the n‐AlGaN Layer
Authors: Chen Zhenyu , Zhang Shuang , Zhao Yongming , Wu Zhenzi , Chen Maohua , Zeng Yuhui , Gao Zhiwei , Wei Yufan , Li Zhencheng , Liang Zhengang , Peng Yang , Chen Changqing , Wu Feng , Dai Jiangnan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe efficiency of AlGaN based deep ultraviolet light‐emitting diode (DUV LEDs) are mainly hindered by the light extraction issue. In this work, an innovative cooperative scattering structure is introduced that combines a nanopore configuration with an aluminum (Al) nanoparticle array on the n‐AlGaN layer of the DUV LEDs. The integration of these two scattering arrays can enhance light extraction by mitigating total internal reflection at the device interface. The nanopores are formed on the n‐AlGaN surface by electrochemical etching and optimized by varying the etching voltage, while the Al particles are formed by thermal annealing. With the help of the cooperative scattering structure, the light output power (LOP) of the optimized DUV LEDs is significantly increased by 77.6% and a notable 2.2 times is achieved in its light extraction efficiency (LEE) enhancement factor. Moreover, Finite‐Difference Time‐Domain (FDTD) simulations have validated that the cooperative scattering structure considerably enhances the LEE for both Transverse Electric (TE) and Transverse Magnetic (TM) modes, respectively. This work paves the way to fabricate high efficiency DUV LEDs via novel scattering structure designs.
An Ultra‐Broadband Modified Moiré Varifocal Metalens with High Alignment Tolerance for Terahertz Wave
Authors: Sun Changlin , Zeng Zhiqiang , Wang Weijun , Du Lianghui , Chen Xiaoyin , Leng Jin , Li Jiang , Liu Qiao , Wen Zhongquan , Qi Pengfei , Liu Weiwei , Zhu Li‐Guo 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe Moiré metalens (MML) offers a wide zoom range and easy adjustability, making it an excellent candidate for integrated optical systems. However, the focusing performance of traditional MML rapidly deteriorates under slight perturbations or imprecise settings, and their intrinsic low focusing efficiency further limits their practical applications. To address these challenges, a modified MML is developed with a novel phase distribution. This modified MML exhibits significantly enhanced performances, achieving over 40% focusing efficiency across a ≈17× zoom range, an axial displacement tolerance of 40λ, a lateral misalignment tolerance of 10 units (meta‐element size), and an ultra‐wide operating bandwidth covering ≈40% of the central frequency. In a proof‐of‐concept experiment using a frequency‐tunable terahertz (THz) free‐electron laser, the experimental results aligned well with numerical simulations, demonstrating the exceptional performances of the modified MML in the THz band. Furthermore, its design can extend beyond the THz range, offering a promising approach for the varifocal lens design across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
Non‐Ablative Fractional 1940‐nm Diode Laser for Skin Resurfacing and Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions
Authors: Waibel Jill S. , Schallen Konika Patel 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe non‐ablative 1940‐nm laser induces controlled thermal damage at superficial depths without ablating the epidermis.ObjectiveWe evaluated a new 1940‐nm fractional diode laser for improving pigmentation and skin texture.Materials and MethodsParticipants with mild to severe benign pigmented lesions received up to three laser treatments. Blinded evaluation of randomized pretreatment versus 1‐month posttreatment photos was conducted by three independent dermatologists to identify the correct posttreatment image and assess pigmentation on a 5‐point scale (0 = 0% improvement, 4 = 75%–100% improvement) and skin texture improvement.ResultsFifty‐four subjects (50 females; Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV) with pigmented lesions on the face or body underwent a total of 172 treatments. Blinded evaluation of 45 photography sets resulted in a 91% success rate of correct identification of posttreatment photos with a mean pigmentation improvement score of 2.0 (p < 0.05) and improvement in skin texture for 62% of treated areas. Mild to moderate edema (70%) and erythema (88%) were observed immediately posttreatment. Trace melasma recurrence in three subjects and one case of mild rash resolved during the study.ConclusionNon‐ablative fractional 1940‐nm diode laser skin resurfacing is safe and effective at improving overall skin quality and treating pigmentation after 2–3 treatments. Long‐term follow‐up of clinical outcome is warranted.
HGF/c‐Met Promotes Breast Cancer Tamoxifen Resistance Through the EZH2/HOTAIR‐miR‐141/200a Feedback Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lai Xiaofeng , Zhang Yuan , Li Mengyang , Yu Shentong , Wang Shuiliang , Zhang Shenghang , Niu Huimin , Chen Li , Lan Xiaopeng , Zhang Jian , Chen Suning 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTTamoxifen is one of the most frequently used endocrine medications for the treatment of estrogen receptor‐positive (ER + ) breast cancer (BC). Unfortunately, tamoxifen resistance (TR) brings more challenges to the clinical treatment, and the mechanisms of TR have not yet been fully clarified. HGF/c‐Met is closely associated with cancer metastasis, but whether it is involved in TR remains unclear. In our study, we found that the activation of HGF/c‐Met was crucial for TR maintenance. Synergistic interaction with HOTAIR and EZH2 accelerated HGF expression by repressing miR‐141/200a. Additionally, HGF/c‐Met activated NF‐κB, forming a positive feedback loop of EZH2/HOTAIR‐miR‐141/200a‐HGF/c‐Met‐NF‐κB. Our findings indicated that HGF/c‐Met functioned as an important biomarker for TR, and HGF/c‐Met inhibition provided a novel approach to TR treatment.
A Radial Basis Function‐Hermite Finite Difference Method for the Two‐Dimensional Distributed‐Order Time‐Fractional Cable Equation
Authors: Haghi Majid , Ilati Mohammad 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this article, our main objective is to propose a high‐order local meshless method for numerical solution of two‐dimensional distributed‐order time‐fractional cable equation on both regular and irregular domains. First, the distribution‐order integral is approximated by the Gauss‐Legendre quadrature formula, and then a second‐order weighted and shifted Grünwald difference (WSGD) scheme is applied to approximate the time Riemann‐Liouville derivatives. The stability and convergence analysis of the time‐discrete outline are investigated by the energy approach. The spatial dimension of the model is discretized by the fourth‐order local radial basis function‐Hermite finite difference (RBF‐HFD) method. Some numerical experiments are performed on regular and irregular computational domains to verify the ability, efficiency, and accuracy of the proposed numerical procedure. The numerical simulations clearly demonstrate the high accuracy of the provided numerical process in comparison to existing procedures. Finally, it can be concluded that the presented technique is a suitable alternative to the existing numerical techniques for the distributed‐order time‐fractional cable equation.
A Thermo‐Mechanical Localizing Gradient Damage Model With Modified Mazars Strain
Authors: Huang HanWei , Yu Hao , Xu WenLong , Wang Quan , Wu HengAn 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis work establishes a thermo‐mechanical coupling model for thermally induced cracks in quasi‐brittle materials within the framework of localizing gradient damage theory. The constitutive relation considering the thermal expansion effect, and the heat conduction equation integrating the volumetric strain and damage evolution, are formulated based on the Clausius–Duhem inequality to ensure thermodynamic consistency. In particular, to accommodate the tension‐compression strength asymmetry across different quasi‐brittle materials, a modified Mazars strain is proposed as the driving force for the micro equivalent strain, where the first invariant of strain tensor and an adjustable ratio of compressive strength to tensile strength () are introduced. The numerical implementation employs the generalized‐α method for time domain discretization and the staggered scheme for decoupling. Numerical simulations demonstrate a nice feasibility of the modified Mazars strain in capturing both tensile and mixed‐mode failures, and the proposed model proves capable of characterizing complex crack behaviors under thermal loading in both quasi‐static and dynamic scenarios. The quenching test simulations of ceramic plates highlight the bidirectional coupling effects on crack patterns. Unidirectional coupling models that ignore the influence of volumetric strain and damage evolution on the temperature field would underestimate the temperature gradient, resulting in larger crack spacing and fewer cracks. In the thermal shock tests of cylindrical specimens, the transition in crack patterns from spiral shear bands to an annular damage zone with increasing compression‐tension strength ratio () is precisely captured, demonstrating the generality of the proposed model for various quasi‐brittle materials with tension‐compression strength asymmetry.
Enhancing Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Soft PVC Composites With Phosphorylated Boron Nitride
Authors: Li Yawen , Ma Guoyang , Xu Shaohong , Ahmad Zaheer , Ali Muhammad , Ahmed Saad , Ahmed Naveed 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn the present study, hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) nanosheets were first functionalized with hydroxyl groups (h‐BN‐OH), and then phosphonic acid groups were grafted onto the h‐BN surface (BNP) using aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP) through a condensation reaction. The BNP was then incorporated into a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix to prepare PVC/BNP composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed an increase in thermal stability, with BNP/PVC composites exhibiting greater resistance to degradation at elevated temperatures. The addition of BNP improved the dispersion and interfacial adhesion within the PVC matrix, as confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the PVC/BNP composites exhibited a 22.5% increase in tensile strength (21.2 MPa) and an 82% improvement in elongation at break (464%) compared to pristine PVC composites, which showed a tensile strength of 17.3 MPa and an elongation at break of 255%. Moreover, the addition of BNP notably improved the thermal conductivity from 0.18 to 1.50 W/m K as the BNP content increased from BNP‐0 to BNP‐4. These improvements in thermal stability and mechanical strength, as well as excellent migration resistance, make BNP/PVC composites highly promising for advanced applications.
Long‐term mental health crisis among municipal public employees caused by the Fukushima nuclear accident and subsequent disasters: Questionnaire survey 10 years postdisaster
Authors: Setou Noriko , Takebayashi Yui , Kobayashi Tomoyuki , Nihonmatsu Naoto , Matsui Yutaka , Maeda Masaharu 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAimAfter the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, several municipal offices were forced to evacuate, and municipal public employees (MPEs) had to perform many administrative tasks related to the disaster. Typhoons and the COVID‐19 pandemic also affected the area afterwards. We conducted a survey for MPEs to investigate the mental health impacts and related factors.MethodsThis survey was conducted in the 10th year after the accident. Participants were MPEs working in the severely affected areas. We used a self‐administered questionnaire that included participants’ psychological distress (K6), experience during/after the disaster, job‐related stress, current problems, and the impacts of subsequent disasters. Based on K6 total scores, we analyzed factors related to mental health and the current problems among high‐risk MPEs.ResultsOf all the 775 participants, the number of high‐risk MPEs was 101 (13.0%) and many of those had comorbid suicide risk. Factors related to high‐score K6 were some individual‐related stress factors, including male and younger people, and some job‐related stress factors, including unaccustomed work and uncertainty about the future. The mental health status of MPEs in areas severely affected by the disaster has remained very serious more than 10 years later.ConclusionThe problems and processes caused by the nuclear disaster, such as long‐term evacuation, were very specific compared to those of natural disasters. Compared to affected residents, MPEs could be more severely affected by the disasters over the long term. We consider it important to develop a mental health care system to prepare for future disasters.
Effects of expansion rate and sintering time on the morphology and mechanical properties of double‐expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tubes
Authors: Chen Edward , Li Zhutong , Turng Lih‐Sheng 
Published: January 2025

AbstractA novel manufacturing technique for expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) has been previously developed. Through modifications to the processing conditions by adding one additional expansion step at lower temperatures, one can produce highly compliant double‐expanded PTFE (dePTFE) with enhanced mechanical properties. The superior mechanical properties of dePTFE stem from the unique presence of wavy fibrils, which can be tuned to meet the specific requirements of various applications. This study investigated two main processing parameters: the expansion rate during the first expansion step (50, 75, and 112.5 mm/min) and the sintering time between the two expansion steps (67.5, 90, and 135 min). The mechanical properties in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions were measured, and the microstructure of dePTFE was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image processing. The dePTFE exhibited smaller pore structure and higher leakage (water entry) pressures when produced with a higher expansion rate. By increasing the sintering time, the circumferential strength of dePTFE could be improved by 50% per time interval increase. Higher sintering temperatures also increased material stiffness in the circumferential direction. The compliant properties of dePTFE were not compromised with changes in the microstructure, still attaining 30%–50% increased elastic strain, while maintaining its characteristic “toe region” in the modulus.Highlights
Relation between processing, morphology, and properties of dePTFE was studied.
Wavy fibrils increased flexibility without reducing the strength of dePTFE.
Expansion rate and sintering time are the two key processing parameters.
Higher expansion yielded better mechanical strength and smaller pore sizes.
Higher sintering temp increased material stiffness in the circ. direction.