bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐Effective Cholesterol Monitoring by Enzyme‐Based Electrochemical Assay
Authors: Eksin Ece , Senturk Huseyin , Erdem Arzum 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHerein we present a practical, disposable, enzyme‐based electrochemical biosensor to revolutionize a rapid and precise measurement of cholesterol level in saliva. To create a biosensor that can measure cholesterol levels, cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) was immobilized on disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) via EDC/NHS chemistry. This ChOx‐PGE biosensor has been characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Various critical experimental parameters, including nafion concentration, enzyme concentration, enzyme‐cholesterol interaction time, were optimized ensuring consistency and precision in our results and maintained constant throughout the experiments. Under optimum conditions, the detection limit was found to be 62 μM and the sensitivity of the sensor was calculated as 1112.8 Ohm mM−1 cm−2. The potential interferences such as glucose, ascorbic acid, uric acid, cysteine was selected to test the selectivity and no significant response was observed. Finally, the proposed biosensor was effectively employed to measure cholesterol level in saliva. This biosensor boasts a rapid response time of just 20 minutes and achieves a remarkable detection limit of 95 μM for salivary cholesterol, surpassing existing techniques. Our assay not only offers an innovative solution for cholesterol monitoring but also opens new horizons in point‐of‐care diagnostics with its disposable and practical design.
Novel Polytype of III–VI Metal Chalcogenides Nano Crystals Realized in Epitaxially Grown InTe
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Kwon Young‐Kyun , Kim Miyoung , Yi Gyu‐Chul 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIII–VI metal chalcogenides have garnered considerable research attention as a novel group of layered van der Waals materials because of their exceptional physical properties and potential technological applications. Here, the epitaxial growth and stacking sequences of InTe is reported, an essential and intriguing material from III–VI metal chalcogenides. Aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) is utilized to directly reveal the interlayer stacking modes and atomic structure, leading to a discussion of a new polytype. Furthermore, correlations between the stacking sequences and interlayer distances are substantiated by atomic‐resolution STEM analysis, which offers evidence for strong interlayer coupling of the new polytype. It is proposed that layer‐by‐layer deposition is responsible for the formation of the unconventional stacking order, which is supported by ab initio density functional theory calculations. The results thus establish molecular beam epitaxy as a viable approach for synthesizing novel polytypes. The experimental validation of the InTe polytype here expands the family of materials in the III–VI metal chalcogenides while suggesting the possibility of new stacking sequences for known materials in this system.
Biocompatible Silica‐Coated Europium‐Doped CsPbBr3 Nanoparticles with Luminescence in Water for Zebrafish Bioimaging
Authors: Jin Mengdie , Zhai Xinyun , Huang Yongkang , Zhang Mengzhen , Ma Tengfei , Zeng Zhichao , Fu Hao , Yin Leilei , Zhang Yabin , Du Yaping 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X = Br, Cl, and I) nanocrystals (NCs) are widely concerned and applied in many fields due to the excellent photoelectric performance. However, the toxicity of Pb and the loss of luminescence in water limit its application in vivo. A stable perovskite nanomaterial with good bioimaging properties is developed by incorporating europium (Eu) in CsPbX3 NCs followed with the surface coating of silica (SiO2) shell (CsPbX3:Eu@SiO2). Through the surface coating of SiO2, the luminescence stability of CsPbBr3 in water is improved and the leakage of Pb2+ is significantly reduced. In particular, Eu doping inhibits the photoluminescence quantum yield reduction of CsPbBr3 caused by SiO2 coating, and further reduces the release of Pb2+. CsPbBr3:Eu@SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) show efficient luminescence in water and good biocompatibility to achieve cell imaging. More importantly, CsPb(ClBr)3:Eu@SiO2 NPs are obtained by adjusting the halogen components, and green light and blue light are realized in zebrafish imaging, showing good imaging effect and biosafety. The work provides a strategy for advanced perovskite nanomaterials toward biological practical application.
Over 10% Efficient Sb2(S,Se)3 Solar Cells Enabled by CsI‐Doping Strategy
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zheng Jianzha , Liu Cong , Xie Yifei , Lu Hanyu , Luo Qinrong , Liu Yulong , Yang Huidong , Shen Kai , Mai Yaohua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAntimony selenosulfide (Sb2(S,Se)3) is an emerging quasi‐1D photovoltaic semiconductor with exceptional photoelectric properties. The low‐symmetry chain structure contains complex defects and makes it difficult to improve electrical properties via doping method. This article reports a doping strategy to enhance the efficiency of Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells by using alkali halide (CsI) as the hydrothermal reaction precursor. It is found that the Cs and I ions are effectively doped and atomically coordinate with Sb ions and S/Se ions. The CsI‐doping Sb2(S,Se)3 absorbers exhibit enhanced grain morphologies and reduced trap densities. The consequential CsI‐doping Sb2(S,Se)3 based solar cells demonstrate favorable band alignment, suppressed carrier recombination, and improved device performance. An efficiency as high as 10.05% under standard AM1.5 illumination irradiance is achieved. This precursor‐based alkali halide doping strategy provides a useful guidance for high‐efficiency antimony selenosulfide solar cells.
Interactions of Native Maize Starch Components with Pectin Using Extrusion
Authors: Dorantes‐Campuzano M. F. , Villamiel Mar , Cabrera‐Ramírez Angel H. , Morales‐Sánchez Eduardo , Preciado‐Ortíz Ricardo E. , Rodriguez‐Garcia Mario E. , Gaytán‐Martínez Marcela 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNative starch exhibits undesirable properties in the final product when used as an additive. Recently, the effects of the interaction between starch and hydrocolloids on the techno‐functional properties of starch have been studied. However, this interaction has not yet been applied to a real food system. Therefore, in this work, the techno‐functional properties of starch–pectin complexes formed by extrusion are investigated. Mixtures of isolated native Pozolero maize starch “HPZ1” and pectin of low degree of methyl‐esterification at four concentrations (0%, 2%, 5%, and 7%) are used. The starch–pectin blends are processed in a single screw extruder with constant variables: temperature, screw speed, and moisture. Morphology, X‐ray diffraction, thermal properties, and techno‐properties are studied. A protective effect of pectin on the starch granules is observed, as evidenced by a matrix involving starch granules. Extrusion results in a partial gelatinization of the starch granules and alters their thermal and pasting properties with the peak temperature increasing with increasing pectin concentration. Extrusion allows both carbohydrates to interact with each other. Finally, the results show that the starch–pectin complexes are ingredients with desirable techno‐functional properties that can be integrated into a food system and add value to Mexican criollo maize.
Enhancing the reliability and accuracy of machine learning models for predicting carbonation progress in fly ash‐concrete: A multifaceted approach
Authors: Uwanuakwa Ikenna D. , Akpınar Pınar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExisting machine learning models for carbonation in fly ash blended concrete, developed and validated using accelerated or combined datasets, lack validation against natural carbonation processes in concrete. Furthermore, the reliability and accuracy of these models are directly influenced by the sets of input variables used in model training. This research specifically aims to investigate the reliability and accuracy of machine learning models, trained with accelerated datasets, in predicting the natural carbonation process. Additionally, this study introduces Gaussian process regression (GPR) as an alternative modeling tool, due to its potential for enhanced prediction accuracy. The results of this study indicate that GPR can satisfactorily predict natural carbonation progress in fly ash concrete. Moreover, the study carried out a model interpretation to provide intuitive feature contributions in the black‐box model. The results indicate that the accuracy of the natural carbonation process evaluation of models trained with accelerated carbonation dataset is less than 0.2 R2 value, indicating the inappropriateness of using accelerated carbonation data to train reliable models. Additionally, the model interpretation shows a significant dependency of the natural carbonation process on the binder's chemical composition, highlighting key chemical factors influencing carbonation.
High Efficiency Actuation Conversion Mechanism for High‐Output Bending Motion of a Soft Inflatable Microactuator
Authors: Hori Yuto , Suzuki Seiji , Katsura Tatsumi , Konishi Satoshi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe actuation conversion efficiency of a pneumatic inflatable microactuator can be improved by 4.8 times that of conventional microactuators which generated a Newton‐level high force generation via the same conversion mechanism. The inflatable force of the balloon was converted into a bending motion using a conversion film. An adaptive deformation film with force‐receiving plates were designed as the conversion film, which yielded high performance. This novel device (16 mm × 40 mm × 1.3 mm) achieved an output of 2.4 N at an applied pressure of 80 kPa, which enables it to lift 240 g of tissues/organs during endoscopic medical operations. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Cigarette smoking combined with genetic variation regulates the m6A methylation of CRNKL1 and is associated with bladder cancer risk
Authors: Yang Jialei , Ji Zihan , Gao Fang , Wu Jiajin , Du Mulong , Zhang Zhengdong , Yuan Lin , Zheng Rui , Wang Meilin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCigarette smoking was known to accelerate the occurrence and development of bladder cancer by regulating RNA modification. However, the association between the combination of cigarette smoking and RNA modification‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms (RNAm‐SNPs) and bladder cancer risk remains unclear. In this study, 1681 participants, including 580 cases and 1101 controls, were recruited for genetic association analysis. In total, 1 287 990 RNAm‐SNPs involving nine RNA modifications (m6A, m1A, m6Am, 2'‐O‐Me, m5C, m7G, A‐to‐I, m5U, and pseudouridine modification) were obtained from the RMVar database. The interactive effect of cigarette smoking and RNAm‐SNPs on bladder cancer risk was assessed through joint analysis. The susceptibility analysis revealed that 89 RNAm‐SNPs involving m6A, m1A, and A‐to‐I modifications were associated with bladder cancer risk. Among them, m6A‐related rs2273058 in CRNKL1 was associated with bladder cancer risk (odds ratios (OR) = 1.35, padj = 1.78 × 10−4), and CRNKL1 expression was increased in bladder cancer patients (p = 0.035). Cigarette smoking combined with the A allele of rs2273058 increased bladder cancer risk compared with nonsmokers with the G allele of rs2273058 (OR = 2.40, padj = 3.11 × 10−9). Mechanistically, the A allele of rs2273058 endowed CRNKL1 with an additional m6A motif, facilitating recognition by m6A reader IGF2BP1, thereby promoting CRNKL1 expression under cigarette smoking (r = 0.142, p = 0.017). Moreover, elevated CRNKL1 expression may accelerate cell cycle and proliferation, thereby increasing bladder cancer risk. In summary, our study demonstrated that cigarette smoking combined with RNAm‐SNPs contributes to bladder cancer risk, which provides a potential target for bladder cancer prevention.
Common signatures of selection reveal target loci for breeding across soybean populations
Authors: Viana João Paulo Gomes , Avalos Arián , Zhang Zhihai , Nelson Randall , Hudson Matthew E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the underlying genetic bases of yield‐related selection and distinguishing these changes from genetic drift are critical for both improved understanding and future success of plant breeding. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a key species for world food security, yet knowledge of the mechanism of selective breeding in soybean, such as the century‐long program of artificial selection in U.S. soybean germplasm, is currently limited to certain genes and loci. Here, we identify genome‐wide signatures of selection in separate populations of soybean subjected to artificial selection for increased yield by multiple breeding programs in the United States. We compared the alternative soybean breeding population (AGP) created by USDA‐ARS to the conventional public soybean lines (CGP) developed at three different stages of breeding (ancestral, intermediate, and elite) to identify shared signatures of selection and differentiate these from drift. The results showed a strong selection for specific haplotypes identified by single site frequency and haplotype homozygosity methods. A set of common selection signatures was identified in both AGP and CGP that supports the hypothesis that separate breeding programs within similar environments coalesce on the fixation of the same key haplotypes. Signatures unique to each breeding program were observed. These results raise the possibility that selection analysis can allow the identification of favorable alleles to enhance directed breeding approaches.
The HOPE4MCI study: A randomized double‐blind assessment of AGB101 for the treatment of MCI due to AD
Authors: Mohs Richard , Bakker Arnold , Rosenzweig‐Lipson Sharon , Rosenblum Michael , Barton Russell L. , Albert Marilyn S. , Cohen Sharon , Zeger Scott , Gallagher Michela 
Published: January 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONIn addition to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, the presence of excess neural activity is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a prognostic indicator for progression of AD pathology and clinical/cognitive worsening in mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI due to AD). The HOPE4MCI clinical study tested the efficacy of a therapeutic with demonstrated ability to normalize heightened neural activity in the hippocampus in a randomized controlled trial of 78 weeks duration in patients with MCI due to AD.METHODSOne hundred and sixty‐four participants were randomized to placebo (n = 83) or AGB101 (n = 81), an extended‐release formulation of low dose (220 mg) levetiracetam. The primary endpoint was the change in Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes score (CDR‐SB) comparing follow up at 18 months to baseline. The goal of the primary efficacy analysis was to estimate the difference between the AGB101 and placebo arms in the mean change of the primary endpoint.RESULTSThe mean change in CDR‐SB was estimated to be 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66, 1.69) for the AGB101 arm and 1.22 (95% CI: 0.75, 1.78) for the placebo arm. The estimated difference between arms is ‐0.10 (95% CI: ‐0.85, 0.58), which was not statistically significant. In a prespecified analysis, the difference was ‐0.45 (95% CI: ‐1.43, 0.53) for ApoE‐4 noncarriers and ‐0.10 (95% CI: ‐0.92, 0.72) for apolipoprotein E (ApoE)‐4 carriers.DISCUSSIONThe possibility that ApoE‐4 carriers and noncarriers will respond differently to therapeutic intervention is consistent with recently reported findings from biologics and the present results show further testing of AGB101 in patients with MCI due to AD who are noncarriers of the ApoeE‐4 allele is warranted. Conclusions from the HOPE4MCI study are limited primarily due to the small sample size and results can only be regarded as a guide to future research.
Cutaneous mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium in a dog: Clinical findings, histopathological and molecular diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Golchin Diba , Sasani Farhang , Asadian Asma , Jahanbin Negin , Ashrafi Tamai Iradj 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA 3‐year‐old castrated male Jack Russell Terrier with a history of cholestatic hepatitis was presented with a non‐painful and non‐pruritic, subcutaneous nodule following vaccine injection. The dog was otherwise healthy. The nodule was surgically removed. Upon gross inspection, a firm, glistening and loculated tissue was seen within the panniculus. Histopathologically, extensive pyogranulomatous panniculitis was diagnosed, composed of variably sized lipocyst surrounded by neutrophils and an outer zone of foamy epithelioid macrophages, neutrophils and occasional Langhans form giant cells. Although histopathologic findings were most compatible with mycobacteriosis, other infectious and sterile conditions were considered differential diagnoses. Gram, acid‐fast and periodic acid Schiff staining were negative. However, PCR analyses for mycobacterial rpoB gene and sequencing revealed infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium. Empirical treatment was avoided through the 3‐week course of histopathological and molecular investigations. Considering that there were no newly formed cutaneous masses, marbofloxacin (2 mg/kg, PO q24h) was administered for 2 weeks, and clarithromycin was avoided due to its potential cholestatic hepatitis adverse effects. Eight months following surgery, there are no new or relapsing cutaneous lesions or disease‐specific complications. This suggests that marbofloxacin monotherapy may be sufficient in immunocompetent dogs with early detection of localized cutaneous mycobacteriosis lacking lymph node or organ involvement.
Seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in the state of Qatar
Authors: Alhussain Hashim , Gawish Ahmed , Zughaier Susu , Al‐Zeyara Abdulaziz M. , Yassine Hadi M. , Al Thani Asmaa , Eltai Nahla O. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide, with a significant economic and health burden. The disease is endemic in many regions around the world. Data regarding the disease in the Arabic Gulf region is scarce, and a limited number of studies have been conducted in Qatar. This study is the first to investigate the seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in the state of Qatar.MethodsThe country was divided into three zones based on animal population (high, medium and low). A total of 494 blood samples from 57 small ruminant flocks were randomly collected from the three zones. Rose Bengal and competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used to investigate the apparent and true seroprevalence at both the animal and flock levels. A regression model was used to investigate the potential risk factors, including geographic zone, sex and age.ResultsAt the animal level, the overall (sheep and goat) apparent and true seroprevalence were 9.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 7.3–12.5) and 8.4% (95% CI: 5.9–11.5), respectively. In sheep, the apparent seroprevalence was 16.7% (95% CI: 12.5–21.8), and the true seroprevalence was 16.1% (95% CI: 11.6–21.7), whereas in goats, the apparent seroprevalence was 2.4% (95% CI: 1.1–5.2), and the true seroprevalence was 0.7% (95% CI: −0.7 to 3.7). At the flock level, overall, apparent sheep and goat seroprevalence were 19.3% (95% CI: 11.1–31.3), 30.0% (95% CI: 16.1–49.8) and 7.4% (95% CI: 2.1–23.4) and true seroprevalence was 18.9% (95% CI: 10.1–31.9), 30.5% (95% CI: 16.1–49.8) and 6.1% (95% CI: 0.3–23.3) respectively. Univariable regression analysis revealed age as the only significant risk factor in the sampled population.ConclusionsBrucella appears to be endemic to small ruminants in Qatar. The findings of this study provide baseline data regarding small ruminant brucellosis in Qatar and will aid in plans to control and eradicate the disease.
Water‐based technologies for improving water quality at the point of use: A review
Authors: Shayo Godfrey M. , Elimbinzi Elianaso , Shao Godlisten N. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWater safety concerns are increasing tremendously as a result of the rising population and environmental pollution. As a result, viable water treatment approaches need to be designed to meet the water consumption demands of the population, particularly in developing countries. The recent technological advances in water treatment and purification are well articulated in this review. The efficiency of the materials used for purification and their affordability for people living in rural and remote settlements in various parts of the world have been discussed. Water treatment techniques prior to the rapid advancement of science and technology included a variety of strategies such as coagulation/flocculation, filtration, disinfection, flotation and pH correction. The use of nanotechnology in water treatment and purification has modernized the purification process. Therefore, efficient removal of microbes such as bacteria and viruses are exquisitely accomplished. These technologies may include membrane filtration, ultraviolet irradiation, advanced oxidation ion‐exchange and biological filtration technologies. Thus, nanotechnology allows for the fabrication of less expensive systems, allowing even low‐income people to benefit from it. Most developing countries find these technologies particularly valuable because access to clean and safe water for drinking and residential needs is critical. This is because access to municipal water supplies is also difficult.This article is categorized under:
Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Frame potential of Brownian SYK model of Majorana and Dirac fermions
Authors: Tiutiakina Anastasiia , De Luca Andrea , De Nardis Jacopo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We consider the Brownian SYK, i.e. a system of N Majorana (Dirac) fermions with a white-noise q-body interaction term. We focus on the dynamics of the Frame potentials, a measure of the scrambling and chaos, given by the moments of the overlap between two independent realisations of the model. By means of a Keldysh path-integral formalism, we compute its early and late-time value. We show that, for q > 2, the late time path integral saddle point correctly reproduces the saturation to the value of the Haar frame potential. On the contrary, for q = 2, the model is quadratic and consistently we observe saturation to the Haar value in the restricted space of Gaussian states (Gaussian Haar). The latter is characterised by larger system size corrections that we correctly capture by counting the Goldstone modes of the Keldysh saddle point. Finally, in the case of Dirac fermions, we highlight and resolve the role of the global U(1) symmetry.
Annular type surfaces with fixed boundary and with prescribed, almost constant mean curvature
Authors: Caldiroli Paolo , Cora Gabriele , Iacopetti Alessandro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe prove existence and nonexistence results for annular type parametric surfaces with prescribed, almost constant mean curvature, characterized as normal graphs of compact portions of unduloids or nodoids in $${\mathbb {R}}^{3}$$

R

3

, and whose boundary consists of two coaxial circles of the same radius.