bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weakly Polarized Organic Cation-Modified Hydrated Vanadium Oxides for High-Energy Efficiency Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Jia Xiaoxiao , Liu Chaofeng , Wang Zhi , Huang Di , Cao Guozhong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractVanadium oxides, particularly hydrated forms like V2O5·nH2O (VOH), stand out as promising cathode candidates for aqueous zinc ion batteries due to their adjustable layered structure, unique electronic characteristics, and high theoretical capacities. However, challenges such as vanadium dissolution, sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, and low operating voltage still hinder their direct application. In this study, we present a novel vanadium oxide ([C6H6N(CH3)3]1.08V8O20·0.06H2O, TMPA-VOH), developed by pre-inserting trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA+) cations into VOH. The incorporation of weakly polarized organic cations capitalizes on both ionic pre-intercalation and molecular pre-intercalation effects, resulting in a phase and morphology transition, an expansion of the interlayer distance, extrusion of weakly bonded interlayer water, and a substantial increase in V4+ content. These modifications synergistically reduce the electrostatic interactions between Zn2+ and the V–O lattice, enhancing structural stability and reaction kinetics during cycling. As a result, TMPA-VOH achieves an elevated open circuit voltage and operation voltage, exhibits a large specific capacity (451 mAh g–1 at 0.1 A g–1) coupled with high energy efficiency (89%), the significantly-reduced battery polarization, and outstanding rate capability and cycling stability. The concept introduced in this study holds great promise for the development of high-performance oxide-based energy storage materials.
In-vitro bactericidal and anti-oxidant efficacy of biosynthesized CuO/Cu2O-NiO nanocomposites against the pathogenic bacteria and DPPH free radical
Authors: Kumar Kuldeep , Kumar Ravi , Jasrotia Rohit , Kalia Susheel , Arya Vedpriya , Kumar Ashwani , Khargotra Rohit , Singh Tej , Thakur Naveen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe biosynthesis of CuO/Cu2O-NiO nanocomposites with ratios of 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 was conducted using Ipomoea carnea leaf extract. This study investigates, for the first time, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of these nanocomposites against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The antibacterial effect of 90:10 nanocomposites (NCs A1) was found to be enhanced compared to 80:20 (NCs B1) and 70:30 (NCs C1) due to particle aggregation, significant reactive oxygen species production, uniform quantum size, and ideal crystalline size. However, 70:30 nanocomposites (NCs C1) exhibited high radical scavenging activity (96.40%), surpassing ascorbic acid (98.63%). The current study revealed that Ipomoea carnea plant extract-based 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 CuO/Cu2O-NiO NCs work as a new substitute for the currently utilized antibacterial agents, which are answerable for the multi-drug resistance in common bacteria for living beings and also used for biological importance as antibacterial agents in food packaging industries.
Preparation of monophasic YAG raw material by multi-stage process
Authors: Tinkova Vira , Kajan Juraj , Damazyan Grigori , Prnová Anna , Michálková Monika , Švančárek Peter , Gregor Tomáš , Hruška Branislav , Galusek Dušan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe paper deals with the study of the features of the process of YAG phase formation via the Solid-State Reaction (SSR) method according to the proposed multi-stage scheme, including three stages of various mechanical and thermal processing (pre-milling in a ball mill for 24, 48 and 72 h, as well as firing at 1150 °C, 1250 °C, and 1450 °C with intermediate grinding step). The commercial micrometer-sized Y2O3 and Al2O3 powders were used as starting materials. The phase transformation was monitored by the X-ray diffraction in each synthesis stage. The microstructure and elemental distribution of samples were studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. During the work, we found the dual effects of partially reacted mixture grinding, which can accelerate or slow down the synthesis rate depending on the YAG content in the preceding stage. We have proposed a simple model including the concept of “critical YAG concentration”. When the lower limit of this parameter (over 60 %) is reached, grinding has a negative effect on the further course of the SSR. Carrying out the synthesis according to a three-stage scheme makes it possible to obtain a product with a YAG content above 90 %, regardless of the pre-milling time, and the use of a two-stage synthesis scheme provides a monophasic raw material (99 % of YAG) suitable for further single crystals growth. The increased efficiency of the multi-stage YAG synthesis scheme was demonstrated in comparison with the conventional one-stage obtaining process that yielded only up to 60% of the target phase in the temperature range up to 1500 °C.
Bioinspired synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles and assessment of their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Acharya Rajeev , Tettey Felix , Gupta Aakash , Sharma Khaga Raj , Parajuli Niranjan , Bhattarai Narayan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are versatile and promising, with diverse applications in environmental remediation, nanomedicine, cancer treatment, and drug delivery. In this study, ZnO NPs were synthesized utilizing extracts derived from Acacia catechu, Artemisia vulgaris, and Cynodon dactylon. The synthesized ZnO NPs showed an Ultraviolet–visible spectrum at 370 nm, and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the hexagonal wurtzite framework with the average crystallite size of 15.07 nm, 16.98 nm, and 18.97 nm for nanoparticles synthesized utilizing A. catechu, A. vulgaris, and C. dactylon respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated spherical surface morphology with average diameters of 18.5 nm, 17.82 nm, and 17.83 nm for ZnO NPs prepared from A. catechu, A. vulgaris, and C. dactylon, respectively. Furthermore, ZnO NPs tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Kocuria rhizophila, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Shigella sonnei demonstrated a zone of inhibition of 8 to 14 mm. The cell viability and cytotoxicity effects of ZnO NPs were studied on NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells treated with different concentrations (5 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 50 μg/mL). The results showed biocompatibility of all samples, except with higher doses causing cell death. In conclusion, the ZnO NPs synthesized through plant-mediated technique showed promise for potential utilization in various biomedical applications in the future.
Endoscopic Assisted Percutaneous Fixation of Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine Avulsion Fracture, Surgical Technique
Authors: Aprato Alessandro , Donis Andrea , Reboli Michele , Vittori Jacopo , Secco Davide Carlo , Massè Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAvulsion fractures of the anterior inferior iliac spine rarely occur in adolescent athletes during rectus femoris contractions or eccentric muscle lengthening while the growth plate is still open. Currently, there are no official guidelines in the literature on the treatment indications of this type of fracture or the type of surgical technique to be used. Nowadays, young and athletic patients desire a quick return to their previous activities, which makes surgical treatment a reasonable choice. Open reduction and internal fixation with an anterior approach are usually recommended when the avulsion fragment has more than 1.5–2 cm displacement on plain radiographs. However, ORIF is associated with a higher risk of heterotopic ossifications and increases the risk of damage to the LFCN. An endoscopic technique was designed to reduce these complications. This technical note describes a procedure of percutaneous fixation to AIIS through 3 endoscopic portals that could potentially minimize complications associated with an open surgical dissection, allowing anatomic reduction under direct visualization.
Balancing cleaner energy and geopolitical interests in the complex transition of the European electricity mix: from Fukushima to the Ukraine war
Authors: Cataldi Marcio , Espinosa Nieves , Jerez Sonia , Montávez Juan Pedro , Da Silveira Larissa Haringer Martins , Dupont Jairton , Teixeira Marcos Alexandre 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the modern world, electric energy plays a pivotal role in sustaining life and driving technological, scientific, and human development. Consequently, the selection and availability of the energy sources used for electricity generation have become crucial elements of strategic planning for countries and economic blocks. Moreover, the impact of these choices extends beyond the mere energy demand/supply, affecting economies, societies and the environment across geographical boundaries. This study delves into the various factors influencing the composition and the recent expansion of the European electricity mix. It explores the interplay of environmental, climatic, political, economic, and external factors that shape Europe’s energy choices. To conduct this analysis, we utilized data from the International Energy Agency on electricity generation and GHG emissions. Data mining techniques were employed to uncover patterns and trends in the monthly data from 2010 to 2022, from which political and economic milestones such as the shutdown of nuclear power plants and the European Union’s increased reliance on natural gas imports from Russia were examined. The study also discusses the impact of using natural gas for power generation on increasing GHG emissions. Ultimately, this research reveals that the European Union choices in transitioning towards a cleaner electricity mix have not yet proven efficient. In fact, these choices may have inadvertently created favorable conditions for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, triggering, not only a humanitarian crisis, but also an economic downturn in Europe due to soaring energy prices. This crisis could potentially extend beyond Europe and impact the whole planet in 2023 and on, including developing countries that rely on stable energy prices for their sustainable growth.
Particle-in-Cell simulation of radio-frequency ion thruster RIT-1.0
Authors: Joshi Ninad , Heiliger Christian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIon propulsion systems with a small thrust can be used in space missions for highly accurate controllability while possessing low power and propellant consumption. At the University of Giessen, radio-frequency ion thrusters are miniaturized with thrusts in the order of micro-Newtons ($$\mu$$
μ
N-RIT). As the size of the thruster becomes smaller the plasma properties can not be measured inside a closed plasma chamber. The simulations are needed to investigate plasma properties like temperature, density profile which would aid further opimization. In this work, we discuss kinetic simulations of plasma inside the RIT-1.0 thruster using in-house developed PlasmaPIC code that incorporates Monte-Carlo collisions (MCC) and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) for neutral gas distribution. We briefly present the features of PlasmaPIC and simulation of stable plasma generation. We also show the influence of neutral gas and extraction properties for the RIT-1.0 thruster under consideration.
Populism on the verge of power: the goal-oriented mainstreaming of the French rassemblement national
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Tang Yuxin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article examines the goal-oriented mainstreaming strategy adopted by populist-radical-right (PRR) parties on the verge of power. With the argument that depending on the party’s evolving political status and goal-pursuing strategy, PRR parties’ practices of mainstreaming may take different forms, the research aims to elucidate the dynamic interplay between party goals and mainstreaming strategy. By conducting a comparative content analysis of the French PRR party - Rassemblement National (RN), the article illustrates how the mainstreaming has been performed when the RN tries to juggle with its mixed goals of vote, policy and office. Findings show that RN’s strategic focus is to project an image that is both ideologically coherent and governing capable. The underlying logic is that RN’s political status allows more commitment to office-seeking, but also requires a consistent vote-prioritising strategy.
Sticky brown sludge everywhere: can sludge explain barriers to green behaviour?
Authors: Shreedhar Ganga , Moran Cahal , Mills Stuart 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBehavioural science has sought to promote pro-environmental behaviours including climate-friendly dietary change, and to reduce travel emissions and excessive wastes. Nevertheless, there is a debate about how effective behavioural interventions are, and in turn, about the real barriers to enduring pro-environmental behaviour change. In this context, we conceptualise brown sludge as multi-level impediment to pro-environmental behaviour change, which results in higher environmental costs shared by the broader society, rather than solely by the individual actor. We propose that brown sludge comprises an array of additional transaction costs, encompassing, but not restricted to, psychological, temporal, and uncertainty costs. Brown sludge can occur at the individual, social, institutional, and societal levels. Examples include confusing eco-information, delay and disinformation campaigns, and complicated systems and infrastructure leading to carbon lock-in.
Cannabinoid Use and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Veitch Matthew R. , Jairam Sean , Gurges Patrick , Cohen Elliott , Kendzerska Tetyana , Murray Brian J. , Boulos Mark I. 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT:Background:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder with no widely accepted pharmacological therapy. Cannabinoids have been suggested to reduce OSA severity in small human studies. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to explore the association of self-reported cannabis use on OSA severity and sleep parameters in a large cohort of adults undergoing in-laboratory polysomnography.Methods:Sleep and medication data were collected for all consecutive adults who completed diagnostic polysomnography at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre from 2010 to 2022. Multivariable linear regression models were employed that adjusted for age, sex, and BMI (minimally adjusted model), as well as medication and comorbidity data (maximally adjusted model). An exploratory subgroup analysis was additionally run in patients with moderate to severe OSA.Results:Of 6,958 individuals (mean age 54.7 ± 16.3, BMI 29.1 ± 6.8, 51.0% female), 71 reported cannabis use. In our minimally adjusted models, cannabis use predicted a reduced respiratory disturbance index (RDI) (β: −4.8 [95% CI: −9.4, −0.2]; p = 0.042); this association became nonsignificant in the fully adjusted models. In an exploratory analysis of patients with moderate to severe OSA (n = 613), cannabis use (n = 7) predicted increased stage N3 sleep (β: 33.5 [95% CI: 15.6, 51.4]; p < 0.001) and decreased REM sleep (β: 16.0 [95% CI: 0.3, 31.7]; p = 0.046).Conclusion:Self-reported cannabis use was not associated with OSA severity after adjusting for confounders. In an exploratory subgroup analysis of patients with moderate to severe OSA, cannabis use impacted sleep architecture. Future studies should further explore these findings.
Pralidoxime Is No Longer Fit for Purpose as an Antidote to Organophosphate Poisoning in the United Kingdom
Authors: Corby George 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Pralidoxime is the only oxime antidote to organophosphate poisoning stocked in the United Kingdom, produced by rational drug design in the 1950s. Typically, it is used alongside atropine, to reverse the effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibition. However, its efficacy has been questioned by recent meta-analyses of use treating attempted suicides in less economically developed countries, where organophosphate poisoning is more common. This policy analysis assesses the likely efficacy of pralidoxime in the United Kingdom, in scenarios largely different from those evaluated in meta-analyses. In all scenarios, the UK delay in antidote administration poses a major problem, as pralidoxime acts in a time-critical reactivation mechanism before “ageing” of acetylcholinesterase occurs. Additionally, changes in the organophosphates used today versus those pralidoxime was rationally designed to reverse, have reduced efficacy since the 1950s. Finally, the current dosage regimen may be insufficient. Therefore, one must re-evaluate our preparedness and approach to organophosphate poisoning in the United Kingdom.
A classification system for seed (diaspore) monomorphism and heteromorphism in angiosperms
Authors: Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract‘Seed heteromorphism’ is a broadly- and loosely-defined term used to describe differences in size/mass, morphology, position on mother plants and ecological function (e.g. dispersal, dormancy/germination) of two or more seeds or other diaspores produced by an individual plant. The primary aim of this review paper was to characterize via an in-depth classification scheme the physical structural design (‘architecture’) of diaspore monomorphism and diaspore heteromorphism in angiosperms. The diaspore classification schemes of Mandák and Barker were expanded/modified, and in doing so some of the terminology that Zohary, Ellner and Shmida, and van der Pijl used for describing diaspore dispersal were incorporated into our system. Based on their (relative) size, morphology and position on the mother plant, diaspores of angiosperms were divided into two divisions and each of these into several successively lower hierarchical layers. Thus, our classification scheme, an earlier version of which was published in the second edition of ‘Seeds’ by Baskin and Baskin, includes not only heteromorphic but also monomorphic diaspores, the Division to which the diaspores of the vast majority of angiosperms belong. The scheme will be useful in describing the ecology, biogeography and evolution of seed heteromorphism in flowering plants.
LAPTM4B-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma stem cell proliferation and MDSC migration: implications for HCC progression and sensitivity to PD-L1 monoclonal antibody therapy
Authors: Wang Haojun , Zhou Quanwei , Xie Ding Fang , Xu Qingguo , Yang Tongwang , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), immunotherapy is vital for advanced-stage patients. However, diverse individual responses and tumor heterogeneity have resulted in heterogenous treatment outcomes. Our mechanistic investigations identified LAPTM4B as a crucial gene regulated by ETV1 (a transcription factor), especially in liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). The influence of LAPTM4B on LCSCs is mediated via the Wnt1/c-Myc/β-catenin pathway. CXCL8 secretion by LAPTM4B drove myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) migration, inducing unfavorable patient prognosis. LAPTM4B affected PD-L1 receptor expression in tumor microenvironment and enhanced tumor suppression induced by PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in HCC patients. LAPTM4B up-regulation is correlated with adverse outcomes in HCC patients, sensitizing them to PD-L1 monoclonal antibody therapy.
Anthropogenic aerosols mask increases in US rainfall by greenhouse gases
Authors: Risser Mark D. , Collins William D. , Wehner Michael F. , O’Brien Travis A. , Huang Huanping , Ullrich Paul A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA comprehensive understanding of human-induced changes to rainfall is essential for water resource management and infrastructure design. However, at regional scales, existing detection and attribution studies are rarely able to conclusively identify human influence on precipitation. Here we show that anthropogenic aerosol and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the primary drivers of precipitation change over the United States. GHG emissions increase mean and extreme precipitation from rain gauge measurements across all seasons, while the decadal-scale effect of global aerosol emissions decreases precipitation. Local aerosol emissions further offset GHG increases in the winter and spring but enhance rainfall during the summer and fall. Our results show that the conflicting literature on historical precipitation trends can be explained by offsetting aerosol and greenhouse gas signals. At the scale of the United States, individual climate models reproduce observed changes but cannot confidently determine whether a given anthropogenic agent has increased or decreased rainfall.
Nonlinear spin-orbit coupling in optical thin films
Authors: de Ceglia Domenico , Coudrat Laure , Roland Iännis , Vincenti Maria Antonietta , Scalora Michael , Tanos Rana , Claudon Julien , Gérard Jean-Michel , Degiron Aloyse , Leo Giuseppe , De Angelis Costantino 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTunable generation of vortex beams holds relevance in various fields, including communications and sensing. In this paper, we demonstrate the feasibility of nonlinear spin-orbit interactions in thin films of materials with second-order nonlinear susceptibility. Remarkably, the nonlinear tensor can mix the longitudinal and transverse components of the pump field. We observe experimentally our theoretical predictions in the process of second-harmonic generation from a thin film of aluminum gallium arsenide, a material platform widely spread for its role in the advancement of active, nonlinear, and quantum photonic devices. In particular, we prove that a nonlinear thin film can be used to produce vector vortex beams of second-harmonic light when excited by circularly-polarized Gaussian beams.
Specification of neural circuit architecture shaped by context-dependent patterned LAR-RPTP microexons
Authors: Han Kyung Ah , Yoon Taek-Han , Kim Jinhu , Lee Jusung , Lee Ju Yeon , Jang Gyubin , Um Ji Won , Kim Jong Kyoung , Ko Jaewon 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLAR-RPTPs are evolutionarily conserved presynaptic cell-adhesion molecules that orchestrate multifarious synaptic adhesion pathways. Extensive alternative splicing of LAR-RPTP mRNAs may produce innumerable LAR-RPTP isoforms that act as regulatory “codes” for determining the identity and strength of specific synapse signaling. However, no direct evidence for this hypothesis exists. Here, using targeted RNA sequencing, we detected LAR-RPTP mRNAs in diverse cell types across adult male mouse brain areas. We found pronounced cell-type–specific patterns of two microexons, meA and meB, in Ptprd mRNAs. Moreover, diverse neural circuits targeting the same neuronal populations were dictated by the expression of different Ptprd variants with distinct inclusion patterns of microexons. Furthermore, conditional ablation of Ptprd meA+ variants at presynaptic loci of distinct hippocampal circuits impaired distinct modes of synaptic transmission and object-location memory. Activity-triggered alterations of the presynaptic Ptprd meA code in subicular neurons mediates NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses in CA1 neurons and object-location memory. Our data provide the evidence of cell-type- and/or circuit-specific expression patterns in vivo and physiological functions of LAR-RPTP microexons that are dynamically regulated.