bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative phytochemical study of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Thymus linearis and their antibacterial and antioxidant potential
Authors: Nadeem Hafiz Amir , Pervaiz Muhammad , Ejaz Anam , Saeed Zohaib , Imran Muhammad , Khan Rana Rashad Mahmood , Younas Umer 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThymus linearis (Thyme) is a medicinal plant widely distributed throughout Asia. Various parts of thyme are utilized for diverse medicinal purposes, including its use as a tonic and diuretic, for cough relief, as a flavoring agent, in treating dysentery, and for alleviating stomach disorders. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the unexploited potential of thyme. Thyme was collected from the northern region of Pakistan, and sun‐mediated extraction was conducted. Phytochemical analysis, utilizing GC–MS, revealed numerous bioactive phytochemical constituents with disease‐preventing roles, including detoxifying agents, antioxidants, anticancer compounds, dietary fiber, neuropharmacological agents, and immunity‐potentiating agents, in the methanolic and ethanolic (14 days) extracts of the flower, leaf, and stem. The 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay results indicated that the ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the stem exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, reaching up to 67.34% and 62.73%, respectively, while the values for the flower and leaf extracts (both methanol and ethanol) were around 60%. The IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values were also calculated for all the samples, ranging between 7 and 9 μg/mL. Positive antibacterial and antifungal effects against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, as well as Aspergillus niger (fungi), were observed only in the extracts of the flower (both methanol and ethanol). The sun‐mediated technique was used for extraction for the first time in this study. Therefore, this study introduces a novel approach to the extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, ultimately contributing to the development of herbal drugs with more convenient and cost‐effective methods.
Circular economy and public policies: A dynamic analysis for European SMEs
Authors: Segarra‐Blasco Agustí , Teruel Mercedes , Tomàs‐Porres Josep 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPrevious empirical studies have highlighted the importance of the institutional framework in fostering a transition towards the circular economy (CE). Adopting a dynamic approach, which merges three Flash Eurobarometer surveys conducted in 2015, 2017 and 2021 into a single dataset, we observe the evolution in the factors determining the adoption of CE practices. Firstly, using factor analysis, our results indicate two groups of institutional drivers: knowledge and environmental spillovers. Secondly, applying a multivariate probit model, we observe that both spillovers have a positive effect on the adoption of the CE. Finally, we find that the effect of knowledge spillovers remains relatively constant, while that of environmental spillovers tends to increase. This suggests that firms are increasingly benefiting from the adoption of circular practices by their peers. Policymakers should take into account that a more intense knowledge spillovers and a stronger institutional framework will increase the likelihood of European small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) adopting CE practices.
Synthesis of Hydrazide Derivative of Betulinic Acid, Its Organometallic Complexes, Characterization and Bioassay
Authors: Batool Azra , Muddassir Muhammad , Shahid Khadija 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBetulinic acid and its derivatives comprehend an immense prospective toward the development of cytotoxic, antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Cisplatin (cytotoxic drug) divert the attentions to develop organometallic compounds with pronounced biological activities. The current study was aimed for the first time to synthesize, characterize and evaluate biologically a series of metal (Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn and Sb) complexes of betulinic acid hydrazide. First step involved the formation of hydrazide derivative of betulinic acid (ligand) by modification at C‐28 carboxylic acid moiety of betulinic acid with hydrazine followed by the synthesis of its metal complexes using salts of different metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn and Sb). Physical state, melting point, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectral techniques were used to characterized the ligand and its metal complexes. Agar well diffusion method and agar tube dilution assay were performed to evaluate its antibacterial and antifungal activities respectively. DPPH assay was carried out to develop antioxidant properties by the reported methods.
Pyrimido[5,4‐c]quinolines: Synthesis from 3,4‐Di‐functionallized Quinoline, Reactivity and Biological Activities
Authors: Gouda Moustafa A. , Abu‐Hashem Ameen A. , Ameen Tahah A. , Althagafi Saif H. , Hamama Wafaa S. , Khalil Abdel‐Galil M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractQuinoline and pyrimidine moieties are ubiquitous components in both natural and synthetic compounds, showcasing diverse applications. The fusion of these well‐known structures into hybrid molecules has garnered attention due to their intriguing biological properties. Particularly in the field of medicinal chemistry, numerous studies in the last decade have focused on pyrimido[5,4‐c]quinoline ring systems (PyQs5,4‐c). This review elucidates the synthesis of PyQs5,4‐c and their derivatives using 3,4‐difunctionalized quinoline as a key starting material. The preparation of PyQs5,4‐c involves a series of chemical transformations, including the Friedländer, Ullmann and Biginelli reaction, Vilsmeier‐Haack formylation, Suzuki coupling, and a one‐pot three‐component reaction. These synthetic routes not only offer access to diverse PyQs5,4‐c derivatives
Electrochemical Promotion of Bimetallic Palladium‐Cobalt Nano‐Catalysts for Complete Methane Oxidation
Authors: Ahledel Najmeh , Saini Komalpreet Kaur , Couillard Martin , Baranova Elena A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe catalytic activity and electrochemical promotion of catalysis (EPOC) of the bimetallic Pd−Co nanoparticles (10 nm) deposited on yttria‐stabilized zirconia were investigated for complete methane oxidation. The reaction was conducted under open‐circuit and under polarization in a temperature range of 320–400 °C in reducing, stoichiometric, and oxidizing conditions. The catalytic activity of the catalyst nanoparticles increased to 40 % upon positive polarization in all gaseous compositions. A comparison of three reaction conditions revealed that the highest reaction rate increase (enhancement ratio, ρ=1.4) occurs under reducing conditions. The reaction rate increased upon anodic polarization, resulting in non‐Faradaic electrochemical modification of catalytic activity (Λ≫1) in reducing and oxidizing conditions and Faradaic or electrochemical enhancement (Λ<1) in stoichiometric reaction condition. This work demonstrates that the formation of different Pd and Co oxide phases can be accurately controlled by electrochemical stimuli and, in reducing conditions, result in pseudo‐capacitor behaviour.
Interfacial Coupling of NiPx/MoS2/CC Hybrid Catalysts for Effective Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Urea and Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hu Songjie , Cao Qiuhan , Yao Hu , Jia Yuxin , Guo Xiaohui 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUrea oxidation reactions (UOR) coupled with hydrogen generation simultaneously is a promising strategy for developing sustainable energy conversion technologies, but the complexity of urea oxidation dynamics and the high coupling hydrogen evolution potential through a single catalyst limit its industrial application. Herein, a kind of novel bifunctional NiPx/MoS2/CC hybrid catalyst can be fabricated via a hydrothermal method followed by a facile in‐situ electrodeposition process. The prepared NiPx/MoS2/CC catalyst exhibits an overpotential of only 88 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER while the potential for UOR was only 1.36 V at 10 mA cm−2. Further, the urea electrolytic cell assembled of the NiPx/MoS2/CC catalyst displays low potential (1.45 V@10 mA cm−2) and better long‐term durability. The improved electrocatalytic performances are mainly attributed to the intimately coupled interface between NiPx and MoS2, enormously improving the conductivity and increasing the heterogenous interface active area. Additionally, the closely incorporated heterogeneous interfaces trigger charge redistribution, which induces the fast electron transfer from the NiPx to MoS2. In a word, the present results can provide a feasible research strategy for design advanced multi‐functional catalysts via interfacial engineering for clean energy conversion applications.
Critical Review of Optimal Control Methods for Li‐Ion Batteries in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kim Yeonsoo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBattery management systems are important for the safe and efficient operation of electric vehicles. Although high hardware performance and effective configurations of batteries have been realized, a management algorithm is required for ensuring optimal system performance. This review focuses on optimal controllers for charging, thermal control, and cell balancing of electric vehicles. A potential approach for practical applications is the direct optimal control method, particularly model predictive control (MPC). The objective function, prediction model types, and manipulated variables are summarized, along with the computational performance. Typical nonlinear MPC, linear MPC, explicit MPC, and hierarchical MPC are the main formulations for the optimal control of EVs. The AI‐based approach learns the optimal control law as a function from the optimal control result data. Although few studies have applied the reinforcement approach to battery systems, additional safety considerations for constraints must be considered for real applications. Cell variations, aging factors, and uncertainty considerations have been analyzed for improving the controller design. Addressing the computational issue with a reliable optimizer is critical to the implementation of an optimal controller for EVs.
Exploring the potency of diazo‐coumarin containing hybrid molecules: Selective inhibition of tumor‐associated carbonic anhydrase isoforms IX and XII
Authors: Yapar Gönül , Lolak Nebih , Bonardi Alessandro , Akocak Suleyman , Supuran Claudiu T. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study introduces a series of ten hybrid molecules DK(1‐10), which combine diazo and coumarin moieties along with diverse aromatic substitutions. The primary objective was to evaluate the inhibitory capabilities of these compounds against four prominent isoforms: the cytosolic hCA I and II, as well as the tumor‐associated membrane‐bound hCA IX and XII. Impressively, the majority of the tested compounds exhibited significant inhibition activity against the tumor‐associated isoforms hCA IX and XII, with KI values ranging from 29.2 to 293.3 nM. Notably, compound DK‐8 displayed particularly robust inhibitory activity against the tumor‐associated membrane‐bound isoforms, hCA IX and XII, yielding KI values of 32.5 and 29.2 nM, respectively. Additionally, another derivative, DK‐9, containing a primary sulfonamide, exhibited notable inhibition against hCA XII with a KI value of 36.4 nM. This investigation aimed to explore the structure‐activity relationships within these compounds, shedding light on how various substitutions and structural components influence their inhibitory potential. As a result, these compounds present promising candidates for further exploration in medicinal and pharmacological research. Their ability to selectively inhibit specific isoforms, particularly those associated with hypoxic tumors, suggests their potential as foundational compounds for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Predator Odor Stressor, 2,3,5‐Trimethyl‐3‐Thiazoline (TMT): Assessment of Stress Reactive Behaviors During an Animal Model of Traumatic Stress in Rats
Authors: Ornelas Laura C. , Besheer Joyce 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAnimal models utilizing predator odor stress are important in understanding implications for post‐traumatic stress disorder. 2,5‐dihydro‐2,4,5‐trimethylthiazoline (TMT) has been used to measure stress reactive behaviors during TMT exposure, indicative of stress coping behaviors. In addition, long‐term consequences of stress including contextual‐induced stress memory, anxiety‐like and hyperarousal behaviors, and subsequent increases in alcohol self‐administration can also be examined after TMT exposure. In this article, we describe the TMT exposure protocol used in our lab and how we measure different stress‐reactive behaviors that rats engage in during the TMT exposure. Rats are placed in Plexiglass chambers that contain white bedding on the bottom of the chamber and a metal basket in the top right corner containing a filter paper that 10 µl of TMT is pipetted onto. During the 10 min exposure, rats can move around the chamber freely. Exposures are recorded by a video camera for later analysis. During TMT exposure, rats engage in a variety of stress‐reactive behaviors, including digging and immobility behavior. These are two distinctly different types of stress‐induced behavioral coping strategies to measure individual differences in stress responsivity. To examine individual differences, we group rats into TMT‐subgroups based on time spent engaging in digging or immobility behavior. We calculate a digging/immobility ratio score in which we divide the total time spent digging by the total time spent immobile. A cut‐off strategy is used such that rats with a criterion ratio score <1.0 are classified as TMT‐1 (i.e., low digging/high immobility; greater passive coping) and rats with a ratio score >1.0 are classified as TMT‐2 (i.e., high digging/low immobility; greater active coping). Here, we provide a detailed description of the TMT exposure protocol and step‐by‐step process in evaluation of stress‐reactive behaviors. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Predator odor stressor exposure using TMTBasic Protocol 2: Description of stress‐reactive behaviors during TMT exposure and formation of TMT‐subgroups
A novel computational tool for tracking cancer energy hijacking from immune cells
Authors: Zhang Hongyi , Li Bo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRecent studies revealed a new biological process that malignant cancer cells hijack mitochondria from nearby T cells, providing another potential mechanism for immune evasion. We further confirmed this process at the single‐cell genomic level through MERCI, a novel algorithm for tracking mitochondrial (MT) transfer. Applied to human cancer samples, MERCI identified a new cancer phenotype linked to MT hijacking, correlating with rapid tumour proliferation and poor patient survival. This discovery offers insights into the limitations of current cancer immunotherapies and suggests new therapeutic avenues targeting MT transfer to enhance cancer treatment efficacy.
A miniaturized left‐handed circularly‐polarized printed radiator for direct broadcast satellite application
Authors: Sundar Kola Kalyan , Chatterjee Anirban 
Published: January 2024

SummaryThis article presents a highly compact printed radiator for direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems that exhibits good gain and left‐handed circular polarization. The inferred pattern is accomplished by etching two isosceles triangles, one from each of the four corners of a square. From the center of the newly acquired structure, a circular geometric design is made up of 16 isosceles‐scaled triangles has been etched. This arrangement induces resonance in the antenna, aligning it with the desired frequency. The proposed antenna is designed using PCB laminated Rogger 5880 material and simulated in a CST EM simulator. The antenna under consideration exhibits a significant size reduction, achieving a miniaturization ratio of 21.03%. The LHCP antenna resonated at 12.61 GHz and offered a decent LHCP gain of 7.95 dBic. It gives 0.56 GHz CP bandwidth, which covers the DBS service band entirely. It also provides 96.43% radiation efficiency and 44.27 dB/m correction factor, respectively. All the measured findings of the prototype agree with its simulated one.
High‐gain horizontally polarised omnidirectional planar antenna using parasitic directors for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kumar Pratap , Suseela Sreeja Balakrishnapillai , Daiya Vinita , Ebenezer Jemimah , Sankararajan Radha , Jose Melvin Chamakalayil 
Published: January 2024

SummaryWireless sensor networks (WSNs) are used to monitor the real‐time parameters of remote/restricted access areas of automation industries which are tightly sealed. In such scenarios, the main challenge is signal transmission in sealed environments. An omnidirectional radiation pattern is preferred as a control link for receiving packets or periodic updates from its neighbouring nodes. However, the gain and directivity of omnidirectional antenna should be sufficient enough to transfer the data to the collecting node. This paper proposes a high‐gain horizontally polarised omnidirectional radiation pattern planar antenna resonating at the 2.45 GHz. The developed microstrip planar antenna offers a very simple and compact structure printed on either side of FR4 epoxy substrate (ε = 4.4) suitable for WSN nodes. A printed dipole director is arranged orthogonally and offers horizontal polarisation. A pair of parasitic elements is placed parallel to dipole radiators to improve the total gain of the antenna. A parallel pair of parasitic elements is placed on an inclination of 45° in antenna design plane for uniform distribution of surface current to achieve the omnidirectional antenna. The symmetrical structure of the radiating element on either side of the substrate avoids the design of the traditional balun structure to reduce the complexity of feeding network. The developed antenna is simulated, fabricated, measured and tested using WSN. The measured radiation (directivity = 3.9 dBi) is maximum at Ⴔ = 0° and Ⴔ = 90°. The frequency response of the antenna indicates a −10 dB fractional bandwidth of 380 MHz (2.24 GHz–2.62 GHz). The measured far‐field response shows a stable average gain of 3.9 dBi over the ISM band. The real‐time received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of the antenna installed in the sensor node observed a success rate of 79.46% with a transmission error of 10%. The observed response of an antenna makes it well‐suitable for WSN in industrial automation.
Trim46 knockout impaired neuronal architecture and caused hypoactive behavior in rats
Authors: Guan Feifei , Gao Shan , Sheng Hanxuan , Ma Yuanwu , Chen Wei , Qi Xiaolong , Zhang Xu , Gao Xiang , Pang Shuo , Zhang Lianfeng , Zhang Li 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundTripartite motif (TRIM46) is a relatively novel protein that belongs to tripartite motif family. TRIM46 organizes parallel microtubule arrays on the axons, which are important for neuronal polarity and axonal function. TRIM46 is highly expressed in the brain, but its biological function in adults has not yet been determined.ResultsTrim46 knockout (KO) rat line was established using CRISPR/cas9. Trim46 KO rats had smaller hippocampus sizes, fewer neuronal dendritic arbors and dendritic spines, and shorter and more distant axon initial segment. Furthermore, the protein interaction between endogenous TRIM46 and FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) in brain tissues was determined; Trim46 KO increased hippocampal FKBP5 protein levels and decreased hippocampal protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation, gamma‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha1 (GABRA1) and glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 1 (NMDAR1) protein levels. Trim46 KO rats exhibited hypoactive behavioral changes such as reduced spontaneous activity, social interaction, sucrose preference, impaired prepulse inhibition (PPI), and short‐term reference memory.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate the significant impact of Trim46 KO on brain structure and behavioral function. This study revealed a novel potential association of TRIM46 with dendritic development and neuropsychiatric behavior, providing new insights into the role of TRIM46 in the brain.
Gingival fibroblast activation by Porphyromonas gingivalis is driven by TLR2 and is independent of the LPS‐TLR4 axis
Authors: Schuster Aureliusz , Nieboga Elwira , Kantorowicz Malgorzata , Lipska Weronika , Kaczmarzyk Tomasz , Potempa Jan , Grabiec Aleksander M 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGingival fibroblasts (GFs) are abundant structural cells of the periodontium that contribute to the host's innate immunity by producing cytokines and chemokines in response to oral pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis. Isolated lipopolysaccharide (Pg‐LPS) is commonly used to study GF responses to P. gingivalis; however, this approach produced conflicting observations regarding its proinflammatory potential and the engagement of specific Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). In this work, we demonstrate that commercially available Pg‐LPS preparations are weak activators of GF innate immune responses compared with live P. gingivalis or other relevant virulence factors, such as P. gingivalis fimbriae or LPS from Escherichia coli. GF's nonresponsiveness to Pg‐LPS can be only partly attributed to the low expression of TLR4 and its accessory molecules, CD14 and LY36, and is likely caused by the unique structure and composition of the Pg‐LPS lipid A. Finally, we combined gene silencing and neutralizing antibody studies to demonstrate that GF response to infection with live P. gingivalis relies predominantly on TLR2. In contrast, the LPS‐TLR4 signaling plays a negligible role in inflammatory cytokine production by GFs exposed to this oral pathogen, confirming that Pg‐LPS stimulation is not an optimal model for studies of GF responses to P. gingivalis.
Quantifying and correcting geolocation error in spaceborne LiDAR forest canopy observations using high spatial accuracy data: A Bayesian model approach
Authors: Shannon Elliot S. , Finley Andrew O. , Hayes Daniel J. , Noralez Sylvia N. , Weiskittel Aaron R. , Cook Bruce D. , Babcock Chad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGeolocation error in spaceborne sampling light detection and ranging (LiDAR) measurements of forest structure can compromise forest attribute estimates and degrade integration with georeferenced field measurements or other remotely sensed data. Data integration is especially problematic when geolocation error is not well quantified. We propose a general model that uses airborne laser scanning data to quantify and correct geolocation error in spaceborne sampling LiDAR. To illustrate the model, LiDAR data from NASA Goddard's LiDAR Hyperspectral and Thermal Imager (G‐LiHT) was used with a subset of LiDAR data from NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI). The model accommodates multiple canopy height metrics derived from a simulated GEDI footprint kernel using spatially coincident G‐LiHT, and incorporates both additive and multiplicative mapping between the canopy height metrics generated from both datasets. A Bayesian implementation provides probabilistic uncertainty quantification in both parameter and geolocation error estimates. Results show a systematic geolocation error of 9.62 m in the southwest direction. In addition, estimated geolocation errors within GEDI footprints were highly variable, with results showing a 0.45 probability the true footprint center is within 20 m. Estimating and correcting geolocation error via the model outlined here can help inform subsequent efforts to integrate spaceborne LiDAR data, like GEDI, with other georeferenced data.