bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the Synthesis, Biomineralization, Mechanical Strength and Biocompatibility of Rankinite Bioceramics Derived from Eggshell and Rice Husk Waste for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Vijayakumar Naveensubramaniam , Swamiappan Sasikumar 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSilicate bioceramics has an integrative advantage over metallic and polymeric biomaterials that have been widely employed for the reclamation of recreating the injured bone tissues. This advantage allows silicate bioceramics to replace damaged bone tissues in a natural way. The current study attempts the development of rankinite from eggshell and rice husk wastes. CaO and SiO2 extracted from the biowaste were combined in the stoichiometric ratio, resulted in the formation of highly crystalline single phasic rankinite upon calcination at 1300 °C. Further the formation of rankinite was confirmed with the analytical techniques such as XRD, FT‐IR, SEM and HRTEM respectively. In‐vitro bioactivity studies of rankinite publicized that the complete coverage of the surface with HAp layer was observed within 9 days of immersion in the SBF medium. The scaffolds when subjected to the compressive strength analysis after 9 days of immersion in SBF, rankinite showed the mechanical strength of about 179 MPa which falls under the human cortical bone level. The cytotoxicity results of rankinite showed high percentage cell viability at lower concentration (6.25 μg/mL) against MG63 cell lines. The results conferred that rankinite derived from biowaste showed excellent apatite nucleation and compatible mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering applications.
Thiourea Adsorbent for Efficient Removal of Mercury (II)
Authors: El Khoueiry Claudine , Giusti Fabrice , Lelong Evan , Arrachart Guilhem , Nsouli Bilal , Karame Iyad , Pellet‐Rostaing Stéphane 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe removal of heavy toxic metals from industrial effluents is extremely important, especially for mercury (Hg), which is classified as a highly toxic even at low concentrations. For this purpose, novel thiourea chelating resins were synthesized as sorbent for Hg (II). Six different polymers of formo‐phenolic types were characterized and evaluated for their chelating properties with respect to Hg (II) extraction. Batch adsorption studies of mercury (II) as a function of pH, initial metal ion concentration, temperature, and time showed that thiourea formo‐phenolic polymers have a good affinity for Hg removal and a high adsorption capacity. Adsorption isotherms (Langmuir and Freundlich) and kinetic models (pseudo‐first and pseudo‐second order) were used to interpret the sorption behavior of the materials. The Langmuir model yielded the best fit with a maximum adsorption capacity of 300 mg/g. Desorption studies were performed with aqueous thiourea solution and showed that the adsorbent is indeed regenerable and can be effectively used for up to three adsorption‐desorption cycles with negligible loss of performance. This study confirmed the potential of thiol‐modified formo‐phenolic resins in sorbent engineering with promising applications in the remediation of mercury‐contaminated water.
Advancements in Enhancing Antibacterial Properties of Cotton Fabric through Chitosan and Nanoparticles
Authors: Verma Amisha , Ahuja Simran , Arora Sanjiv 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOver recent years, the garment industry has been actively seeking innovative solutions to address critical challenges in clothing production. One significant issue has been the susceptibility of hydrophilic cotton fabrics, commonly used in healthcare and sportswear, to bacterial growth, posing hygiene concerns. To deal with this, it becomes crucial for us to make durable cotton fabrics that can fight bacteria. This study explores the development of durable antibacterial cotton textiles by utilizing a range of antibacterial agents and mechanisms. Chitosan's properties, such as its ability to inhibit fungal growth, compatibility, non‐toxicity, bioactivity, and antimicrobial potential make it a promising candidate for the textile industry. Additionally, the incorporation of metal nanoparticles along with chitosan offers interesting potential, such as UV absorption, self‐cleaning capabilities, and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, research aimed at enhancing cotton fabric by harnessing the potential of chitosan and metal nanoparticles continues to attract significant attention in today's textile world. Cotton fabric modified by combining chitosan and nanoparticles exhibits high antimicrobial activity compared to fabric modified with either nanoparticles or chitosan alone. The implications of this study are far‐reaching with improvement in hygiene, comfort, and durability in a wide range of clothing applications, thus making a substantial contribution to the evolution of the textile industry.
The relationships between self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, and test anxiety: A cross‐lagged study
Authors: Liu Aobo , Guo Mingchun , Liao Ruyan , Wang Xinyi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to illuminate the causal relationships between self‐esteem and test anxiety, as well as between general self‐efficacy and test anxiety using two‐wave longitudinal research design with a sample of 252 Chinese college students. After controlling for gender, grade and autoregressive effects, the results revealed that (1) self‐esteem at T1 did not significantly predict test anxiety at T2; (2) general self‐efficacy at T1 did not significantly predict test anxiety at T2; (3) test anxiety at T1 significantly and negatively predicted self‐esteem at T2; and (4) test anxiety at T1 marginally significantly and negatively predicted general self‐efficacy at T2. These results suggest that test anxiety is more likely to affect self‐esteem and general self‐efficacy rather than vice versa, and that the causal relationship between self‐esteem and test anxiety are clearer than the causal relationship between general self‐efficacy and test anxiety. However, given the limitation of the longitudinal research using cross‐lagged analysis for revealing causality, these results should be viewed with caution.
Design and Advanced Manufacturing of NU‐1000 Metal–Organic Frameworks with Future Perspectives for Environmental and Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Abazari Reza , Sanati Soheila , Bajaber Majed A. , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Junk Peter C. , Nanjundan Ashok Kumar , Qian Jinjie , Dubal Deepak P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a relatively new family of materials that attract lots of attention thanks to their unique features such as hierarchical porosity, active metal centers, versatility of linkers/metal nodes, and large surface area. Among the extended list of MOFs, Zr‐based‐MOFs demonstrate comparably superior chemical and thermal stabilities, making them ideal candidates for energy and environmental applications. As a Zr‐MOF, NU‐1000 is first synthesized at Northwestern University. A comprehensive review of various approaches to the synthesis of NU‐1000 MOFs for obtaining unique surface properties (e.g., diverse surface morphologies, large surface area, and particular pore size distribution) and their applications in the catalysis (electro‐, and photo‐catalysis), CO2 reduction, batteries, hydrogen storage, gas storage/separation, and other environmental fields are presented. The review further outlines the current challenges in the development of NU‐1000 MOFs and their derivatives in practical applications, revealing areas for future investigation.
A Single‐Step Process to Produce Carbon Nanotube‐Zinc Compound Hybrid Materials
Authors: McGlynn Ruairi , Brunet Paul , Chakrabarti Supriya , Ganguly Abhijit , Moghaieb Hussein , Bo Zheng , Maguire Paul , Mariotti Davide 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAn atmospheric‐pressure plasma system is developed and is used to treat carbon nanotube assemblies, producing a hybrid carbon‐zinc structure. This system is integrated into a floating‐catalyst chemical vapor deposition furnace used for the synthesis of macroscopic assemblies of carbon nanotubes to allow for the in‐line, continuous, and single‐step production of nano‐composite materials. Material is deposited from a sacrificial zinc wire in the form of nanoparticles and can coat the surface of the individual carbon nanotubes as they form. Additionally, it is found that the deposited materials penetrate further into the carbon nanotube matrix than a comparable post‐synthesis deposition, improving the uniformity of the material through the thickness. Thus, a single‐step metal‐based coating and carbon nanotube synthesis process which can form the basis of production scale manufacturing of metal‐carbon nanotube composite materials with an atmospheric‐pressure plasma system are demonstrated.
A Nano‐Electroporation‐DNA Tensioner Platform Enhances Intracellular Delivery and Mechanical Analysis Toward Rapid Drug Assessment
Authors: Hang Xinxin , Huang Zhaocun , He Shiqi , Wang Zhiying , Dong Zaizai , Chang Lingqian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn vitro, drug assessment holds tremendous potential to success in novel drug development and precision medicine. Traditional techniques for drug assessment, however, face remarkable challenges to achieve high speed, as limited by incubation‐based drug delivery (>several hours) and cell viability measurements (>1 d), which significantly compromise the efficacy in clinical trials. In this work, a nano‐electroporation‐DNA tensioner platform is reported that shortens the time of drug delivery to less than 3 s, and that of cellular mechanical force analysis to 30 min. The platform adopts a nanochannel structure to localize a safe electric field for cell perforation, while enhancing delivery speed by 103 times for intracellular delivery, as compared to molecular diffusion in coculture methods. The platform is further equipped with a DNA tensioner to detect cellular mechanical force for quantifying cell viability after drug treatment. Systematic head‐to‐head comparison, by analyzing FDA (food and drug administration)‐approved drugs (paclitaxel, doxorubicin), demonstrated the platform with high speed, efficiency, and safety, showing a simple yet powerful tool for clinical drug screening and development.
Photocurable and Temperature‐Sensitive Bioadhesive Hydrogels for Sutureless Sealing of Full‐Thickness Corneal Wounds
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhao Xuan , Yu Fei , Fang Po‐Han , Liu Liu , Du Xinyue , Li Weihua , He Dalian , Bai Ying , Li Saiqun , Yuan Jin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPenetrating corneal wounds can cause severe vision impairment and require prompt intervention to restore globe integrity and minimize the risk of infection. Tissue adhesives have emerged as a promising alternative to suturing for mitigating postoperative complications. However, conventional water‐soluble adhesives suffer formidable challenges in sealing penetrating corneal wounds due to dilution or loss in a moist environment. Inspired by the robust adhesion of mussels in aquatic conditions, an injectable photocurable bioadhesive hydrogel (referred to as F20HD5) composed of polyether F127 diacrylate and dopamine‐modified hyaluronic acid methacrylate is developed for sutureless closure of corneal full‐thickness wounds. F20HD5 exhibits high transparency, wound‐sealing ability, proper viscosity, biodegradability, and excellent biocompatibility. It allows in situ cross‐linking via visible light, thereby providing sufficient mechanical strength and adhesiveness. In vivo, the adhesive hydrogel effectively closed penetrating linear corneal incisions and corneal injuries with minimal tissue loss in rabbits. During the 56‐day follow‐up, the hydrogel facilitates the repair of the injured corneas, resulting in more symmetrical curvatures and less scarring in distinction to the untreated control. Thus, bioinspired hydrogel holds promise as an effective adhesive for sealing full‐thickness corneal wounds.
Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Additive for Robust Al Anode in Alkaline Aluminum–Air Battery
Authors: Miao Di , Li Shiliang , Jin Dongxiao , Long Jiangtao , Qu Jie , Wang Yun , Wu Zhenzhen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAluminum–air batteries (AABs), known for their high energy density, environmental friendliness, and cost‐effectiveness, show immense promise in the realm of energy conversion applications. Nonetheless, their commercialization has encountered inherent challenges of Al anode corrosion and material degradation. In this study, economical hybrid electrolyte additives to inhibit the Al corrosion are developed, safeguarding the integrity of the Al anode. Due to the synergistic interplay between the organic compound dithiothreitol, and inorganic compounds zinc chloride, a robust zinc film is formed on the Al surface This Zn film plays a pivotal role in quelling parasitic hydrogen evolution reactions that typically can plague the Al electrode. Consequently, the as‐prepared hybrid additive culminates in a remarkable enhancement to AABs, delivering exceptional discharge capacity of 1793.37 mAh g−1, high energy density of 2047 Wh kg−1, and excellent battery longevity (over 20 h in on/off cycling tests). This study, therefore, introduces a novel approach in utilizing hybrid electrolyte additives to effectively counteract corrosion‐related challenges and boost the stability and performance of AABs.
Tunable Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Wu Qiong , Ren Xiangling , Niu Meng , Ren Jun , Meng Xianwei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractZeolite imidazole framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) is the most prestigious one among zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) with tunable dimensions and unique morphological features. Utilizing its synthetic adjustability and structural regularity, ZIF‐8 exhibits enhanced flexibility, allowing for a wide range of functionalities, such as loading of nanoparticle components while preserving biomolecules activity. Extensive efforts are made from investigating synthesis techniques to develop novel applications over decades. In this review, the development and recent progress of various synthesis approaches are briefly summarized. In addition, its interesting properties such as adjustable porosity, excellent thermal, and chemical stabilities are introduced. Further, five representative biomedical applications are highlighted based on above physicochemical properties. Finally, the remaining challenges and offered insights into the future outlook are also discussed. This review aims to understand the co‐relationships between structures and biomedical functionalities, offering the opportunity to construct attractive
materials with promising characteristics.
Does studying economics make you selfish?
Authors: Girardi Daniele , Mamunuru Sai Madhurika , Halliday Simon D. , Bowles Samuel 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIt is widely held that studying economics makes you more selfish and politically conservative. We use a difference‐in‐differences strategy to disentangle the causal impact of economics education from selection effects. We estimate the effect of four different intermediate microeconomics courses on students' experimentally elicited social preferences and beliefs about others, and policy opinions. We find no discernible effect of studying economics (whatever the course content) on self‐interest or beliefs about others' self‐interest. Results on policy preferences also point to little effect, except that economics may make students somewhat less opposed to highly restrictive immigration policies.
Secure data access using blockchain technology through IoT cloud and fabric environment
Authors: Gupta Sangeeta , Chithaluru Premkumar , El Barachi May , Kumar Manoj 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn the current landscape, staying abreast of the latest technological advancements is a formidable challenge, especially given the deluge of data inundating the internet. The realization has dawned that effectively managing the surge in emerging data necessitates the integration of multiple technologies. In pursuit of this objective, the Internet of Things (IoT), renowned for its sensor‐based data capture capabilities, is frequently coupled with blockchain technology to ensure secure data storage and access. This amalgamation, in turn, leverages the cloud environment when data volume surpasses a machine's processing capacity, thus mitigating infrastructure and maintenance costs. This study endeavors to optimize data storage within the blocks of the blockchain (BCT) by storing an index that points to the actual data. This innovative approach not only conserves storage space but also enhances operational efficiency. Furthermore, it simplifies the task of identifying malicious or faulty nodes deployed at different locations for data capture within the prescribed time frame. To exemplify this implementation, a case study is presented, focusing on securing user votes through the creation of contracts. The results showcased underscore the preference for a permissioned blockchain, such as Fabric, over a permissionless one, like Ethereum, particularly in the context of security considerations. The findings reveal that as the number of operations (in this case, votes cast) increases, Ethereum's performance deteriorates, while Fabric exhibits exceptional robustness. Additionally, the study analyzes sensor data simulated via IoT nodes before and after the application of security algorithms to underscore the significance of the proposed Secure Cloud‐Based Blockchain (SCB2) model. The analysis encompasses various facets, including the creation, validation, and computation times of transactions and blocks within a node, and positions the model favorably in comparison to existing literature.
Numerical investigation on the behavior of eccentrically loaded lightweight reinforced concrete columns at elevated temperature
Authors: Al‐Thairy Haitham , Al‐Naqeeb Faaiza 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this paper, a numerical model is presented to simulate the behavior and failure of lightweight reinforced concrete (LWRC) columns subjected to eccentric compressive load at elevated temperature using the finite element code ABAQUS. Validation of the numerical model was ensured throughout comparison numerical results with the available published experimental tests results. The validated numerical model was implemented in conducting extensive parametric study to understand the effects of important parameters on the response of eccentrically compressed LWRC column at elevated temperature. These parameters include the effect of concrete cover, the effect of exposure time, the effect of the exposed temperature, the effect of temperature distribution around column section, the effect of temperature distribution along column length, and the effect of eccentricity ratio. The numerical results indicated that increasing the concrete cover of the column section results a considerable increasing of the ultimate load capacity. In addition, there is an increase in the ultimate load capacity when the temperature exposure time is reduced to the half of the original exposure time. Whereas, if the exposure period is increased to twice and three times the original exposure time, the ultimate load shows a slight decrease. Moreover, the ultimate load capacity of the LWRC column decreases when temperature is increased. Finally, the ultimate load capacity increased of the LWRC column when the temperature is distributed over larger distance of the column length.
Finite element simulation of expansion and damage in RC elements affected by alkali‐aggregate reactions
Authors: Teymouri Amir Reza , Yousefpour Hossein , Navayi Neya Bahram 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAlkali‐aggregate reaction (AAR) is a detrimental reaction between alkalis originating from cement and aggregates that contain reactive minerals. This reaction produces an expansive gel in hardened concrete that may cause internal stresses and cracking, after which it would be critical to evaluate the safety of the AAR‐affected structure. This paper presents a calculation framework primarily using the finite element method to simulate the structural behavior of reinforced concrete members affected by AAR. Numerical subroutines are used to calculate the anisotropic distribution of AAR‐induced expansions at each integration point, considering the stress field at each time step, whereas changes in the properties of concrete due to the progression of AAR are also considered. The modeling approach is successfully validated based on experimental data from several studies on AAR‐affected members that were reinforced in 1, 2, and 3 orthogonal directions in terms of load–deflection behavior and damage patterns. The mechanical properties of concrete were found to negligibly affect the distribution of AAR expansions. A better correlation was observed with experimental data if compressive and tensile strengths of concrete are assumed unchanged and only the modulus of elasticity of concrete is reduced as a function of AAR‐induced expansion.
ASIC1a contributes to the epithelial–mesenchymal transformation of breast cancer by activating the Ca2+/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Yang Chao , Yu Ruihua , Zhuang Ming , Jiang Feng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common cancer in the world, with metastasis being one of the leading causes of death among patients. The acidic environment of breast cancer tissue promotes tumor cell invasion and migration by inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in tumor cells, but the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the expression of acid‐sensitive ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) in breast cancer tissue samples and explored the mechanisms by which ASIC1a mediates the promotion of EMT in breast cancer cells in an acidic microenvironment through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that first, the expression of ASIC1a was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissue and was correlated with the TNM (tumor node metastasis) staging of breast cancer. Furthermore, ASIC1a expression was higher in tumors with lymph node metastasis than in those without. Second, the acidic microenvironment promoted [Ca2+]i influx via ASIC1a activation and regulated the expression of β‐catenin, Vimentin, and E‐cadherin, thus promoting EMT in breast cancer cells. Inhibition of ASIC1a activation with PcTx‐1 could suppress EMT in breast cancer cells. Finally, in vivo studies also showed that inhibition of ASIC1a could reduce breast cancer metastasis, invasion, and EMT. This study suggests that ASIC1a expression is associated with breast cancer staging and metastasis. Therefore, ASIC1a may become a new breast cancer biomarker, and the elucidation of the mechanism by which ASIC1a promotes EMT in breast cancer under acidic microenvironments provides evidence for the use of ASIC1a as a molecular target for breast cancer treatment.