bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Thermodynamic Arrow of Time on Entropy
Authors: Peter Opio , Lydia Akullo , Edward Bwayo 
Published: December 2023

This study assessed the influence of thermodynamic arrow of time on entropy for boiled cooling water (physical process), the universe and the air (natural process). This was done by determining the entropies of boiled water, the universe and air. This was achieved by using 1.5 litres of pure water, a 2 liter electric kettle, a digital thermometer, a digital weighing scale and a stop watch. The entropy values of boiled water as it was cooling, was in negatives, that of the universe was in negatives and positives and that of air (natural process) was positive. This showed that for any physical process, (boiled cooling water and the universe) thermodynamic arrow of time does not influence entropy in the positive direction while as for a natural process (air), thermodynamic arrow of time influences entropy in the positive direction. The boiledcooling water was a non-spontaneous process, the universe was both non-spontaneous and spontaneous and the air was a spontaneous process. The study has shown that thermodynamic arrow of time influences only entropies of natural process in the forward direction but for the physical process, the entropy can be influenced both backwards and forwardwise.
Microfluidics‐Prepared Ultra‐small Biomimetic Nanovesicles for Brain Tumor Targeting
Authors: Wang Ji , Ma Xiaoxi , Wu Zhihao , Cui Binbin , Zou Changbin , Zhang Pengfei , Yao Shuhuai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBlood‐brain‐barrier (BBB) serves as a fatal guard of the central nervous system as well as a formidable obstacle for the treatment of brain diseases such as brain tumors. Cell membrane‐derived nanomedicines are promising drug carriers to achieve BBB‐penetrating and brain lesion targeting. However, the challenge of precise size control of such nanomedicines has severely limited their therapeutic effect and clinical application in brain diseases. To address this problem, this work develops a microfluidic mixing platform that enables the fabrication of cell membrane‐derived nanovesicles with precise controllability and tunability in particle size and component. Sub‐100 nm macrophage plasma membrane‐derived vesicles as small as 51 nm (nanoscale macrophage vesicles, NMVs), with a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index, PDI: 0.27) and a high drug loading rate (up to 89% for indocyanine green‐loaded NMVs, NMVs@ICG (ICG is indocyanine green)), are achieved through a one‐step process. Compared to beyond‐100 nm macrophage cell membrane vesicles (general macrophage vesicles, GMVs) prepared via the traditional methods, the new NMVs exhibits rapid (within 1 h post‐injection) and enhanced orthotopic glioma targeting (up to 78% enhancement), with no extra surface modification. This work demonstrates the great potential of such real‐nanoscale cell membrane‐derived nanomedicines in targeted brain tumor theranostics.
Apoferritin‐Cu(II) Nanoparticles Induce Oncosis in Multidrug‐Resistant Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Xiong Kai , Lin Xinlin , Kou Junfeng , Wei Fangmian , Shen Jinchao , Chen Yu , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMultidrug resistance (MDR) limits the application of clinical chemotherapeutic drugs. There is an urgent need to develop non‐apoptosis‐inducing agents that circumvent drug resistance. Herein, four therapeutic copper complexes encapsulated in natural nanocarrier apoferritin (AFt‐Cu1‐4) are reported. Although they are isomers, they exhibit significantly different organelle distributions and cell death mechanisms. AFt‐Cu1 and AFt‐Cu3 accumulate in the cytoplasm and induce autophagy, whereas AFt‐Cu2 and AFt‐Cu4 can quickly enter the nucleus and trigger oncosis. Excitedly, AFt‐Cu2 and AFt‐Cu4 show a strong tumor growth inhibition effect in mice models bearing multidrug‐resistant colon xenograft via intravenous injection. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first example of metal‐based nucleus‐targeted oncosis inducers overcoming multidrug resistance in vivo.
Real‐Time Detection and Classification of Bypass Diode‐Related Faults in Photovoltaic Modules via Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Ko Jaehwan , Kim Chungil , Lee Deukgwang , Lee Suwoon , Shin Woo Gyun , Kang Gi Hwan , Oh Jaewon , Ko Suk Whan , Song Hyung‐Jun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe accurate detection and classification of faults in photovoltaic (PV) systems contribute to enhancing their performance. Bypass diode (BD) heating is a common issue afflicting field‐installed PV modules. Although different fault modes exist, they exhibit similar characteristics, which hinder their early detection and classification. Thus, a real‐time fault detection and classification method for heated BDs in PV modules using thermoelectric devices (TEs) is proposed. When PV modules experience partial shading (PS) or exhibit bypass diode faults (BDFs), the temperature of the BD rises. By attaching a TE to the BD, the heat generated due to the PS or BDF can be converted into electrical energy. Additionally, the cause of bypass heating can be classified in real time by analyzing the TE's power‐generation capacity, considering the inverter status and ambient conditions. For example, the power generated by the TE is in the ranges of 8.5–14.7 (PS) and 28–49.4 mW cm−2 (BDF) under operating conditions. Moreover, the power generated by the TE under the PS and BDF conditions is sufficiently high to drive a communication system, guaranteeing the reliability of the detection system. Therefore, the proposed bypass heating detection system can classify the fault modes of PV systems in real time without external power.
Modulating Optical Properties of Graphene with the help of Two‐Dimensional Metal‐Organic Networks
Authors: Abbasian Hamed 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWe utilize density functional theory to explore dicarbonitrile‐polyphenyl networks overlaid on graphene as a method for manipulating the density of Li atoms in a specific assembly pattern. Ab initio molecular dynamics calculations affirm the thermal stability of the introduced systems. We scrutinized the electronic structure and optical properties of the resultant systems, illustrating a systematic modulation of optical characteristics. Our results suggest that the optical excitation frequencies of (Li‐dicarbonitrile‐polyphenyl)/G can be efficiently tuned by systematically adjusting the density of Li atoms on graphene.
Chimeric Exosomes Functionalized with STING Activation for Personalized Glioblastoma Immunotherapy
Authors: Bao Peng , Gu Hui‐Yun , Ye Jing‐Jie , He Jin‐Lian , Zhong Zhenlin , Yu Ai‐Xi , Zhang Xian‐Zheng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA critical challenge of existing cancer vaccines is to orchestrate the demands of antigen‐enriched furnishment and optimal antigen‐presentation functionality within antigen‐presenting cells (APCs). Here, a complementary immunotherapeutic strategy is developed using dendritic cell (DC)‐tumor hybrid cell‐derived chimeric exosomes loaded with stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists (DT‐Exo‐STING) for maximized tumor‐specific T‐cell immunity. These chimeric carriers are furnished with broad‐spectrum antigen complexes to elicit a robust T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory program through direct self‐presentation and indirect DC‐to‐T immunostimulatory pathway. This chimeric exosome‐assisted delivery strategy possesses the merits versus off‐the‐shelf cyclic dinucleotide (CDN) delivery techniques in both the brilliant tissue‐homing capacity, even across the intractable blood–brain barrier (BBB), and the desired cytosolic entry for enhanced STING‐activating signaling. The improved antigen‐presentation performance with this nanovaccine‐driven STING activation further enhances tumor‐specific T‐cell immunoresponse. Thus, DT‐Exo‐STING reverses immunosuppressive glioblastoma microenvironments to pro‐inflammatory, tumoricidal states, leading to an almost obliteration of intracranial primary lesions. Significantly, an upscaling option that harnesses autologous tumor tissues for personalized DT‐Exo‐STING vaccines increases sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and exerts systemic immune memory against post‐operative glioma recrudesce. These findings represent an emerging method for glioblastoma immunotherapy, warranting further exploratory development in the clinical realm.
Glucagon Enhances Chemotherapy Efficacy By Inhibition of Tumor Vessels in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Yuxue , Ni Feixue , Sun Daxi , Peng Yue , Zhao Yaxuan , Wu Xiaojun , Li Shasha , Qi Xiangyu , He Xinkang , Li Min , Zhou Yizi , Zhang Chao , Yan Miao , Yao Cuifang , Zhu Shuaishuai , Yang Yang , An Baijiao , Yang Chunhua , Zhang Guilong , Jiang Wenguo , Mi Jia , Chen Xinju , Wei Pengfei , Tian Geng , Zhang Yin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractChemotherapy is widely used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite its substantial benefits, the development of drug resistance and adverse effects remain challenging. This study aimed to elucidate a novel role of glucagon in anti‐cancer therapy. In a series of in vitro experiments, glucagon inhibited cell migration and tube formation in both endothelial and tumor cells. In vivo studies demonstrated decreased tumor blood vessels and fewer pseudo‐vessels in mice treated with glucagon. The combination of glucagon and chemotherapy exhibited enhanced tumor inhibition. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that glucagon increased the permeability of blood vessels, leading to a pronounced disruption of vessel morphology. Signaling pathway analysis identified a VEGF/VEGFR‐dependent mechanism whereby glucagon attenuated angiogenesis through its receptor. Clinical data analysis revealed a positive correlation between elevated glucagon expression and chemotherapy response. This is the first study to reveal a role for glucagon in inhibiting angiogenesis and vascular mimicry. Additionally, the delivery of glucagon‐encapsulated PEGylated liposomes to tumor‐bearing mice amplified the inhibition of angiogenesis and vascular mimicry, consequently reinforcing chemotherapy efficacy. Collectively, the findings demonstrate the role of glucagon in inhibiting tumor vessel network and suggest the potential utility of glucagon as a promising predictive marker for patients with CRC receiving chemotherapy.
CO2‐Induced Strong Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetism in BiFeO3
Authors: Ren Zixin , Gao Bo , Xu Song , Xu Qun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWith humongous demand for data storage and processing, two‐dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic‐based materials, is emerged as the next‐generation nanoelectronic devices due to their low power consumption and optimal memory and processing capabilities. BiFeO3 as a single‐phase multiferromagnetic material is expected to find potential applications in electromagnetic devices. Herein, 2D room‐temperature ferromagnetic BiFeO3 is obtained with the help of supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2). The rhombic phase of BiFeO3 is converted to cubic with the creation of Ov and Fe2+ defects over the SC CO2 treatment, leading to significant ferromagnetic enhancement. More importantly, it is found that SC CO2 can destroy the cycloidal spin structure of BiFeO3 leading to an increase in the Fe─O─Fe bond angle, which generates stronger superexchange interactions. Ultimately, the saturation magnetization strength of BiFeO3 is increased by nearly 23 times. A new strategy is provided for ferromagnetic induction in 2D materials, which is favorable for promoting their practical applications on device architectures in the future.
Accessing Tetrahydroquinaldic Amide and Homoproline Derivatives by Dearomative Difunctionalization of Heteroaromatics
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Liu Danyi , Wang Dong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study reports the first synthesis of tetrahydroquinaldic and tetrahydropicolinic amides using readily available quinolines and pyridines through dearomative difunctionalization and hydrolysis under transition‐metal‐ and reductant‐free conditions. The prepared amide products could be easily oxidized to the corresponding quinaldic and picolinic amides. Furthermore, the chemical reactivity of the amide group has been explored to develop convenient methods for their conversion to other common organic functional groups.
Dementia and mortality in older adults: A twin study
Authors: Jang Jung Yun , Beam Christopher R. , Karlsson Ida K. , Pedersen Nancy L. , Gatz Margaret 
Published: December 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONDementia predicts increased mortality. We used case‐control and co‐twin control models to investigate genetic and shared environmental influences on this association.METHODSCase‐control design, including 987 twins with dementia and 2938 age‐ and sex‐matched controls in the Swedish Twin Registry. Co‐twin control design, including 90 monozygotic (MZ) and 288 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs discordant for dementia. To test for genetic and environmental confounding, differences were examined in mortality risk between twins with dementia and their matched or co‐twin controls.RESULTSTwins with dementia showed greater mortality risk than age‐ and sex‐matched controls (HR = 2.02 [1.86, 2.18]). Mortality risk is significantly elevated but attenuated substantially in discordant twin pairs, for example, comparing MZ twins with dementia to their co‐twin controls (HR = 1.48 [1.08, 2.04]).DISCUSSIONFindings suggest that genetic factors partially confound the association between dementia and mortality and provide an alternative hypothesis to increased mortality due to dementia itself.Highlights
We studied dementia and mortality in twin pairs discordant for dementia.
People without dementia outlived people with dementia.
Identical twins with dementia and their co‐twin controls had similar survival time.
Findings suggest genotype may explain the link between dementia and mortality.
Different Immunologic Profiles Are Associated With Distinct Clinical Phenotypes in Longitudinally Observed Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Manion Kieran , Muñoz‐Grajales Carolina , Kim Michael , Atenafu Eshetu , Faheem Zoha , Gladman Dafna D. , Urowitz Murray , Touma Zahi , Wither Joan E. 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the immunologic profile associated with disease flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to investigate the clinical significance of any differences observed between patients during and following a flare.MethodsMultiparameter flow cytometry was used to examine 47 immune populations within the peripheral blood of 16 healthy controls, 25 patients with clinically quiescent SLE, and 46 patients with SLE experiencing a flare at baseline and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up visits. Unsupervised clustering was used to identify patients with similar immune profiles and to track changes over time. Parametric or nonparametric statistics were used when appropriate to assess the association of cellular phenotypes with clinical and laboratory parameters.ResultsFive clusters of patients were identified that variably contained patients with active and quiescent SLE, and that had distinct clinical phenotypes. Patients characterized by increased T peripheral helper, activated B, and age‐associated B cells were the most likely to be flaring at baseline, as well as the most likely to remain active or flare over the subsequent year if they acquired or retained this phenotype at follow‐up. In contrast, patients who had increased T helper (Th) cells in the absence of B cell changes, or who had increased Th1 cells and innate immune populations, mostly developed quiescent SLE on follow‐up. A significant proportion of patients with SLE had depletion of many immune populations at flare and only showed increases in these populations post‐flare.ConclusionCellular phenotyping of patients with SLE reveals several distinct immunologic profiles that may help to stratify patients with regard to prognosis and treatment.
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Electrolytes and Cathode Designs for Next Generation of Silicon‐based Batteries – Comprehensive Experimental and Computational Considerations
Authors: Epshtein Alon , Baskin Igor , Ein‐Eli Yair 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe increasing demand for energy storage technologies has prompted the exploration of side‐by‐side technologies, that can complement the current Lithium‐ion battery industry with cheaper and more abundant materials that can be incorporated in a myriad of new electrochemical cell designs. To meet these goals, a novel approach for electrolyte design using quantum‐mechanical density function theory (DFT) modeling was implemented in concert with experimental electrochemical characterization to culminate in a predictive model that can be tailored to a specific cell chemistry. Physical characteristics as dielectric constant, solvent acidity, basicity etc. influence fluoride speciation, solvation and electrolyte performance, in an iterative fashion to enable characterization prediction of 19F NMR shifts, ionic conductivity mechanisms and fluoride reactivity in a myriad of liquid phase organic solvent. Herein, Silicon (Si) anode batteries were constructed with fluoride‐based electrolytes to yield optimal ionic conductivity, adequate anode surface activation, current density and electrochemical stability with corresponding cell characterization and operation mechanism. Our novel and functional tools enable optimal utilization of active Si anode‐based batteries with complementary advanced cathode materials, bringing forth the next generation of electrochemical energy storage systems based on an active Si anode.
‘Take Back the Land’: Analysis of the influence of environmental concern, cultural tightness and moral disengagement on pro‐environmental behaviour intentions
Authors: Di Santo Daniela , Di Santo Dario , Pierro Antonio 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOur study found that individuals' environmental concerns are positively associated with their pro‐environmental behavioural intentions through increased desired cultural tightness and reduced moral disengagement. Based on past research on (a) the positive association between personal concerns for ecological threats and desire for strong rules and punishment for violation (i.e., cultural tightness) and (b) the negative impact of moral disengagement on pro‐environmental behavioural intention, we proposed that people who desire tightness for their environment are less likely to morally disengage from their pro‐environmental intentions to act. The study relied on a cross‐sectional design, with a sample of 2482 participants from Italy. Results from a serial mediation model confirmed our starting assumptions, showing that desired tightness and moral disengagement may represent crucial factors in the relationship between environmental concern and behavioural intentions to benefit the environment. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Symbiotic Antidiabetic Effect of Lactobacillus casei and the Bioactive Extract of Cleome droserifolia (Forssk.) Del. on Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Induced by Alloxan
Authors: El Maksoud Ahmed I. Abd , Al‐Karmalawy Ahmed A. , ElEbeedy Dalia , Ghanem Aml , Rasheed Yasmin , Ibrahim Ibrahim A. , Elghaish Reem A. , Belal Amany , Raslan Mona A. , Taher Rehab F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe consumption of probiotics protects pancreatic β‐cells from oxidative damage, delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and preventing microvascular and macrovascular complications. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of CDE fermented by Lactobacillus casei (ATCC 39539) (LC) in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats. The oxidative stress identified by catalase (CAT), serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were measured. The chemical profiles of the plant extract and the fermented extract were studied using HPLC/MS. The potential of the compounds towards the binding pockets of aldose reductase and PPAR was discovered by molecular docking. A significant reduction in fasting blood glucose in alloxan‐treated rats. The CAT showed a significant decrease in diabetic rats. Also, serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea, and uric acid were significantly decreased in the mixture group. Mild histological changes of pancreatic and kidney tissues suggested that the mixture of probiotics and cleome possesses a marked anti‐diabetic effect. Overall, the study suggests that the combination of Cleome droserifolia fermented by Lactobacillus casei exhibits significant antidiabetic activity (p‐value=0.05), reduces oxidative stress, improves lipid profiles, and shows potential for the treatment of diabetes.
Physicochemical, rheological, and baking properties of wheat flours from different mill streams
Authors: Nkurikiye Eric , Lou Haiwei , Churchill Fran , Watt Jason , Blodgett Paul , Karkle Elisa , Siliveru Kaliramesh , Li Yonghui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveWheat is one of the most produced cereal grains in the world, predominantly consumed as bread and other baked products. The roller mill system, which produces different stream flours, is the most commonly used size reduction method for wheat. This study aims to comprehensively examine the physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, and bread‐baking performances of individual mill streams. Flours from 15 different mill streams, along with straight‐grade flour, were collected from a pilot‐scale flour mill and thoroughly analyzed.FindingsThe results showed that the protein and ash content of the flours increased as they passed from the first to last pairs of rolls, while the moisture content decreased. All the flours collected showed poor bulk flowing properties. Rheology analysis revealed that flours from the break system had better mixing properties compared to that from the reduction system, and this trend was also observed in bread‐baking quality. Rheological properties of 4M (4th middling's) and 5M (5th middling's) flours were extremely poor, comparable to gluten‐free flour characteristics. The bread loaves produced by 3BK (3rd break) and 4BK (4th break) showed larger volumes, while 4M and 5M yielded poor‐quality bread. Principal component analysis indicated that lactic acid ‐SDS‐retention capacity can serve as a better predictor of the baking property of wheat flour compared to current methods.ConclusionOur study shows that different flour streams have significantly different dough properties and baking application functionalities. Appropriate flour streams may be pooled for specific end‐uses (e.g., pizza, bread, noodles, pretzels, and cookies).Significance and NoveltyThis study highlights the significance of better understanding wheat flour characteristics for enhancing the overall baking quality, specific end uses, and consumer satisfaction. This study will serve as a blueprint to improve wheat flour testing for baking purposes.