bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Extra‐Tumoral Vaccine Effects of Apoptotic Bodies in the Advancement of Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wang Yulian , Liu Chunyan , Pang Jiayun , Li Zhenjiang , Zhang Junfeng , Dong Lei 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe induction of apoptosis in tumor cells is a common target for the development of anti‐tumor therapies; however, these therapies still leave patients at increased risk of disease recurrence. For example, apoptotic tumor cells can promote tumor growth and immune evasion via the secretion of metabolites, apoptotic extracellular vesicles, and induction of pro‐tumorigenic macrophages. This paradox of apoptosis induction and the pro‐tumorigenic effects of tumor cell apoptosis has begged the question of whether apoptosis is a suitable cancer therapy, and led to further explorations into other immunogenic cell death‐based approaches. However, these strategies still face multiple challenges, the most critical of which is the tumor microenvironment. Contrary to the promotion of immune tolerance mediated by apoptotic tumor cells, apoptotic bodies with enriched tumor‐related antigens have demonstrated great immunogenic potential, as evidenced by their ability to initiate systemic T‐cell immune responses. These characteristics indicate that apoptotic body‐based therapies could be ideal “in situ” extra‐tumoral tumor vaccine candidates for the treatment of cancers, and further address the current issues with apoptosis‐based or immunotherapy treatments. Although not yet tested clinically, apoptotic body‐based vaccines have the potential to better treatment strategies and patient outcomes in the future.
Fabrication of Dual‐Functional MXene@NiCo2S4 Composites with Enhanced Nonlinear Optical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Wei Jinhe , Hu Fei , Lv Chenglong , Bian Limin , Quan Xinyu , Ouyang Qiuyun 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe design and synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention for expanding the range of practical applications. Herein, a metal–organic framework (MOFs)‐derived NiCo2S4 attached to MXene is rationally designed and constructed for an optical limiter and supercapacitor. The MOF‐derived NiCo2S4 enhances the tendency of hydroxyl groups on the MXene surface to attract metal ions, resulting in the formation of sulfur vacancies. Moreover, MXene offers a high specific surface area to facilitate the rapid complexation of charge carriers. The resultant MXene@NiCo2S4 (MX@NCS) exhibits markedly enhanced nonlinear optical (NLO) and electrochemical properties through synergistic interactions between the components. The NLO properties can be further optimized by adjusting the amount of MX@NCS powder dispersed in methyl methacrylate (MX@NCS)2–6/PMMA) by using the Z‐scan technique. Specifically, the (MX@NCS)4/PMMA exhibits the strongest reverse saturable absorption (RSA) and self‐defocusing effects at 100 µJ with β = 3.87 × 102 cm·GW−1 and γ = −5.94 × 10−4 cm2·GW−1. Concurrently, the constructed supercapacitor shows a superior energy density of 51.21 Wh·kg−1 at a power density of 863.65 W·kg−1. Notably, the present study indicates a novel strategy to explore the application of materials in the development of efficient optical limiter and supercapacitor technologies.
Fabrication of AFM‐Compatible Hydrogel Probe to Achieve Hydration Superlubrication in Salt Solutions
Authors: Wu Zhuolin , Zhang Rui , Li Jinjin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHydrogels demonstrate effective lubricating properties, but the underlying mechanisms at the nanoscale remain elucidated. In this study, a novel strategy is proposed by fabricating the hydrogel probes compatible with atomic force microscopy (AFM) to establish a superlubrication system based on the hydration interactions. The probe is made of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA)‐based hydrogel microspheres, which can achieve an extremely low friction coefficient of 0.0014 when sliding on the mica surface in NaCl solution. The friction coefficients in salt solutions sequence μ(NaCl) < 0.01 < μ(KCl) < μ(LiCl), which contradicts the sequence based on the ion hydration capacity (K+ < Na+ < Li+), suggesting that the hydrogel‐based lubrication systems are governed by the interplay between ion hydration lubrication and ions‐polymer interactions simultaneously. The observed superlubrication in NaCl solution is ascribed to the superior hydration capacity of Na+ ions, which forms a stable and smooth hydration layer within the contact zone. This work provides new avenues for AFM‐based hydrogel studies, and also significantly advances the comprehension of hydrogel lubrication mechanisms at the nanoscale
Yeast Complementation Assays Demonstrating the Importance of the Affinity Tag Position in Membrane Protein Purification, as Exemplified by HpUreI, the pH‐Gated Urea Channel of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Stoib Anna , Shojaei Sahar , Siligan Christine , Horner Andreas 
Published: January 2025

Affinity tags are a crucial component in protein purification. Despite several indications that they can influence protein structure and function, this influence is often unknown or disregarded. This unnecessarily introduces ambiguity in the interpretation of in vitro data. To illustrate that, urea and ammonia yeast complementation assays are used as a screening tool to assess functional differences in various affinity tag positions, compared to the WT protein, using HpUreI, an acid‐gated urea channel of Helicobacter pylori. Yeast complementation assays test the pH‐dependent functionality of exogenous proteins expressed in deletion strains by observing growth. If the exogenous protein is able to replace the function of the deleted endogenous protein, yeast cells can demonstrate growth under specific assay conditions. The overall tag position and even a minor amount of residual N‐ or C‐terminal amino acids following tag cleavage exert a solute‐specific influence on HpUreI functionality, suggesting a complex solute selectivity mechanism and underscores the necessity for in vivo characterization. This cost‐effective yeast complementation assay can be adapted to test a broad range of solutes. It can be used as a preliminary screening tool for affinity tag positions or protein mutations before quantitative in vitro protein characterization.
Astaxanthin Alleviates Lung Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Response, P2X7 Receptor, NF‐κB, Bcl‐2, and Caspase‐3 in LPS‐Induced Endotoxemia
Authors: Ozkanlar Seckin , Ozkanlar Yunusemre , Kara Adem , Dalkilinc Elif 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTSepsis remains the leading cause of multiple‐organ injury due to endotoxemia. Astaxanthin (ASTA), widely used in marine aquaculture, has an extraordinary potential for antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity. Purinergic receptor (e.g., P2X7R) activation is a powerful signaling in the modulation of inflammation. The effect of ASTA was investigated on the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptotic mediators, and P2X7R expression in the lung injury during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced endotoxemia. Twenty‐four rats were blocked into four groups as Control, LPS, ASTA, and LPS + ASTA. LPS was administered by intraperitoneal injection and ASTA by gavage. Blood and lung samples were taken 6 h after the administrations. The methods were ELISA, western blotting, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Sepsis was confirmed by the elevations of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α levels in bloodstream. Lung injury was determined by histopathological changes. There were increased P2X7R expression, malondialdehyde (MDA), IL‐1β, TNF‐α, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB), and Caspase‐3 and decreased B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) and glutathione (GSH) in the septic lung tissue (p < 0.05). ASTA treatment improved MDA, GSH, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, P2X7R, NF‐κB, Caspase‐3, and Bcl‐2 levels and reduced P2X7R immunoreactivity and histological abnormalities in the lung (p < 0.05). The production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, P2X7R expression, and apoptotic mediators in the lung is associated with LPS‐induced endotoxemia. The ASTA administration appears to regulate the expressions of P2X7R, NF‐κB, Bcl‐2, and Caspase‐3 improving the antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory response of the lung tissue in sepsis, in vivo.
Variation of Surface Pollutants and Their Influence on Lightning Development in the Urban Cities of Northern India
Authors: Gautam Alka , Singh Vikram , Gautam Alok Sagar , Kumar Penki Ramesh , Soni Pushpendra Singh , Ambade Balram , Alshehri Mohammed , Singh Surendra Pratap 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTLightning development and its variation with surface pollutants like particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were investigated in two urban cities of northern India, one from the high‐altitude region Haldwani (Uttarakhand) and the other from Indo‐Gangetic plain region, Agra (Uttar Pradesh). Lightning data is retrieved from Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) satellite for the period (2018–2022). Surface pollutants data is obtained from Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board for the same period. In the high altitude Haldwani region, it is observed that SO2 is very well correlated (CC = 0.95) with lightning flash frequency compared to other surface pollutants PM10 and NO2 in the pre‐monsoon season (March–May). Annual mean values of lightning and concentration of surface pollutants in both study regions indicate that lightning frequency is higher in the high‐altitude region of Haldwani than Agra, which is situated in the Indo‐Gangetic plain region of Uttar Pradesh. No significant correlation is observed between lightning and meteorological variables in Haldwani region. However, a significant correlation is observed between lightning and 2‐m air temperature in Agra. A distinct relation is observed between lightning and surface pollutants in the high‐altitude region of Haldwani and the Indo‐Gangetic plain region of Agra. The present study shows that high concentrations of SO2, associated with intense convection, are one of the reasons for the high lightning frequency in the high‐altitude region of Haldwani.
Enhanced gas permeability of HyIIR/CB/OMMT composites constructed from hydroxyl groups and OMMT/CB with strong interactions
Authors: Wang Si‐yi , Wang Hong‐gen , Shi Yan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIsobutylene‐isoprene rubber (IIR) has excellent airtightness, damping, and aging resistance due to its dense side groups and highly saturated main chain. However, the low unsaturation of IIR makes it weak in interaction with fillers. Therefore, the modification of IIR to improve the interaction of IIR with fillers will be critical for the preparation of high performance IIR composites. The introduction of reactive polar groups into IIR was an excellent solution. In this study, a novel modified IIR‐hydroxyl functionalized IIR (HyIIR) was prepared and compounded with organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and carbon black (CB) fillers. Due to the stronger interfacial interactions between the rubber and the filler, the dispersion of OMMT achieved nanoscale without adding any modifier, and the gas barrier property of the rubber composites was significantly improved as compared to those of IIR or brominated IIR (BIIR) composites. The HyIIR/CB/OMMT composites were prepared by mechanical blending and sulfur package was used to vulcanize HyIIR via the reaction with vinyl groups. The effects of the dosage of OMMT and sulfur on the processing and application properties of the rubber composites were investigated. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results proved that hydroxyl groups on HyIIR were successfully reacted with the surface groups on OMMT. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the significant increase of the spacing of OMMT layer and nanoscale disperses of OMMT in HyIIR matrix. Payne's effect and dynamic thermo‐mechanical (DMA) results indicated that the OMMT and CB particles were more uniformly dispersed in HyIIR than in IIR and had stronger interfacial interactions with the rubber macromolecule. By adjusting the amount of S, the vulcanization time was shortened from 47 to 37 min after adding fillers (OMMT and CB) to the HyIIR matrix, and the tensile strength of HyIIR/CB/OMMT composites reached up to 13.9 MPa and the elongation at break was about 750%. More importantly, the air tightness of HyIIR/CB/OMMT composites was greatly improved. The gas permeability coefficient of HyIIR/CB/OMMT composites with only 1 phr OMMT was improved by 68% (61%) and 48% (44%) relative to IIR/CB (BIIR/CB) and IIR/CB/OMMT (BIIR/CB/OMMT) composites, respectively. The use of hydroxyl‐functionalized IIR species compounding with OMMT provides a new and innovative approach for improvement of the airtightness of IIR composites, which was expected to be widely used in the field of tire air‐sealing layers or inner tube with high demand for the airtightness.Highlights
An novel functionalized IIR‐HyIIR was synthesized and compounded with fillers.
The fillers showed nano‐dispersion in HyIIR matrix.
Strong interfacial interaction forces were formed between the filler and HyIIR.
The airtightness of the composite was significantly improved.
Evidence-based policymaking and the crisis of Western Democracies
Authors: Santarelli Enrico 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The paper examines the perceived crisis in Western liberal democracies, arguing that the true causes extend beyond the commonly cited symptoms of political party representation decline, partisan hostility, and the rise of charismatic leaders. It suggests that the roots lie in a deep-seated belief in traditional economic solutions such as promoting international trade, reducing state intervention, and encouraging competition. This belief unites diverse ideological movements and has led to a policy environment where evidence-based policymaking prioritizes practical effectiveness over political and ethical considerations, resulting in the marginalization of alternative viewpoints and the narrowing of democratic discourse. The dominance of economic liberalism and ordo-liberalism has shaped policy evaluation methodologies, favoring short-term effectiveness and quantitative measures while often neglecting broader impacts like income distribution. Additionally, the increasing use of AI in legislative processes may further entrench this “what works” paradigm, rendering traditional policy development obsolete. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and fostering debate to ensure the vitality of liberal democracy.
Generalized Positive Energy Representations of the Group of Compactly Supported Diffeomorphisms
Authors: Janssens Bas , Niestijl Milan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Motivated by asymptotic symmetry groups in general relativity, we consider projective unitary representations

$$\overline{\rho }$$

ρ
¯

of the Lie group

$${{\,\textrm{Diff}\,}}_c(M)$$

Diff

c

(
M
)

of compactly supported diffeomorphisms of a smooth manifold M that satisfy a so-called generalized positive energy condition. In particular, this captures representations that are in a suitable sense compatible with a KMS state on the von Neumann algebra generated by

$$\overline{\rho }$$

ρ
¯

. We show that if M is connected and

$$\dim (M) > 1$$

dim
(
M
)
>
1

, then any such representation is necessarily trivial on the identity component

$${{\,\textrm{Diff}\,}}_c(M)_0$$

Diff

c

(
M
)

0

. As an intermediate step towards this result, we determine the continuous second Lie algebra cohomology

$$H^2_\textrm{ct}(\mathcal {X}_c(M), \mathbb {R})$$

H
ct
2

(

X
c

(
M
)

,
R
)

of the Lie algebra of compactly supported vector fields. This is subtly different from Gelfand–Fuks cohomology in view of the compact support condition.
Inoculum selection and hydraulic retention time impacts in a microbial fuel cell treating saline wastewater
Authors: Castellano-Hinojosa Antonio , Gallardo-Altamirano Manuel J. , Pozo Clementina , González-Martínez Alejandro , González-López Jesús 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology has received increased interest as a suitable approach for treating wastewater while producing electricity. However, there remains a lack of studies investigating the impact of inoculum type and hydraulic retention time (HRT) on the efficiency of MFCs in treating industrial saline wastewater. The effect of three different inocula (activated sludge from a fish-canning industry and two domestic wastewater treatment plants, WWTPs) on electrochemical and physicochemical parameters and the anodic microbiome of a two-chambered continuous-flow MFC was studied. For each inoculum, three different HRTs were tested (1 day, 3 days, and 6 days). The inoculum from the fish canning industry significantly increased voltage production (with a maximum value of 802 mV), power density (with a maximum value of 78 mW m−2), coulombic efficiency (with a maximum value of 19.3%), and organic removal rate (ORR) compared to the inocula from domestic WWTPs. This effect was linked to greater absolute and relative abundances of electroactive microorganisms (e.g., Geobacter, Desulfovibrio, and Rhodobacter) and predicted electron transfer genes in the anode microbiome likely due to better adaption to salinity conditions. The ORR and current production were also enhanced at shorter HRTs (1 day vs. 3 and 6 days) across all inocula. This effect was related to a greater abundance and diversity of bacterial communities at HRT of 1 day compared to longer HRTs. Our findings have important bioengineering implications and can help improve the performance of MFCs treating saline effluents such as those from the seafood industry.

Key points

• Inoculum type and HRT impact organic matter removal and current production.

• Changes in bioenergy generation were linked to the electroactive anodic microbiome.

• Shorter HRT favored increases in the performance of the MFC.

Graphical Abstract
Investigating the longitudinal bi-directional relationship between self-reported restrictive eating behaviours and sleep in UK adolescents within the Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Opitz Marie-Christine , Gaggioni Giulia , Trompeter Nora , Rabelo-da-Ponte Francisco Diego , Desrivières Sylvane , Micali Nadia , Schmidt Ulrike , Sharpe Helen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal bi-directional relationship between self-reported restrictive eating behaviours and sleep characteristics within a sample of UK adolescents from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS).

Method
Using a Structural Equation Modelling approach, the present study investigated the prospective associations between individual sleep behaviours (e.g., sleep timing, sleep onset latency, social jetlag) at age 14 and restrictive eating behaviours at age 17. Moreover, the association between restrictive eating behaviours (age 14) and self-reported sleep quality (age 17) was tested. A mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of depressive symptoms in these relationships. In total, N = 6,041 young people provided self-report data at both timepoints (sweep 6 & 7) and a subsample of N = 2,164 additionally provided diary data on their sleep behaviours over two separate 24 h periods.

Results
Sleep indicators at age 14 did not significantly predict changes in restrictive eating behaviours across time. However, engagement in restrictive eating behaviours at age 14 significantly predicted poorer self-perceived sleep quality three years later (β = 0.06, SE = 0.01, p <.01). Depressive symptoms fully mediated this relationship (indirect effect: β = 0.05, SE = 0.04, p <.001).

Discussion
The present study provides evidence for a prospective positive association between restrictive eating behaviours and subsequent poorer sleep quality in a large, general population sample. Findings of the mediation analysis suggest mood as a potential target for tertiary prevention when addressing restrictive eating behaviours as an eating disorder risk factor in adolescents.
Die unionsrechtliche Regulierung von Hafenauffangeinrichtungen für Schiffsabfälle durch die PRF-Richtlinie
Authors: Schatz Valentin , Wanner Laura 
Published: January 2025

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Artikel analysiert den Regulierungsansatz der reformierten Richtlinie (EU) 2019/883 über
Hafenauffangeinrichtungen für die Abgabe von Abfällen von Schiffen (PRF-Richtlinie) am Beispiel
der Entsorgung von Ladungsrückständen fester Massengüter. Er untersucht den Anwendungsbereich
der PRF-Richtlinie und die wichtigsten Steuerungsinstrumente (Hafenauffangeinrichtungen, Abfallbewirtschaftungspläne,
Voranmeldepflicht, Pflicht zur Entladung von Schiffsabfällen, Kostendeckungssystem und Vollzug). Der
Artikel kommt zu dem Schluss, dass die PRF-Richtlinie einerseits einen wirksamen und innovativen Regelungsansatz
verfolgt, der ordnungsrechtliche Vorgaben mit (finanziellen) Anreizen für Schiffsabfälle im Allgemeinen
kombiniert. Andererseits nimmt die PRF-Richtlinie Ladungsrückstände von ihrem indirekten Steuerungsansatz
durch finanzielle Anreize aus, was die Wirksamkeit der PRF-Richtlinie in Bezug auf diese Kategorie von Schiffsabfällen
potenziell untergraben könnte.
Effects of variable mating opportunity, delay, and male mating experience on the lifespan, female reproductive traits, and offspring traits of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhang Keshi , Zhang Zhi-Qiang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The balance between mating benefits and costs shapes reproductive strategies and life history traits across animal species. For biological control programs, understanding how mating rates influence life history traits is essential for optimising population management and enhancing predator efficacy. This study investigates the impact of mating opportunity availability, delayed mating, and male mating history (copulation frequency) on the lifespan (both sexes), female reproductive traits (duration of oviposition and of pre- and post-oviposition periods, and lifetime oviposition), and offspring quality (egg size and offspring survival) of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae), an important biological control agent against spider mites. We examined three mating treatments—no mating, limited mating opportunity (24-h access), and continuous lifetime access—to assess their effects on lifespan (both sexes), female reproductive traits, and offspring quality. Further analyses examined the impact of delayed mating and male copulation history on female reproductive success and offspring traits. Our results showed a sexually differentiated response to repeated mating: females with continuous access to mates had similar lifespans in comparison with those mated for only 24 h, while males with continuous mating access exhibited significantly shorter lifespans. Both unlimited mating and delayed mating prolonged the female pre-oviposition period. However, neither varied mating opportunities, delayed mating, nor male copulation had any significant effect on other female reproductive traits or offspring quality. This suggests that repeated mating provides no reproductive advantage and imposes no observable costs on P. persimilis females.