bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory Potential and Binding Thermodynamics of Scyllatoxin‐Based BH3 Domain Mimetics Targeting Repressor BCL2 Proteins
Authors: Amarasiri H. A. D. B. , Arachchige Danushka , Vince Matthew J. K. , Holub Justin M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe B‐cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) proteins are a class of apoptosis regulators that control the release of apoptogenic factors from mitochondria. Under normal physiological conditions, apoptosis is inhibited through the actions of anti‐apoptotic (repressor) BCL2 proteins that bind semi‐indiscriminately to the helical BH3 domains of pro‐apoptotic (effector) BCL2 proteins. In this work, we developed a series of BH3 domain mimetics by grafting residues from the effector BCL2 protein Bax onto the α‐helix of scyllatoxin (ScTx). These so‐called “ScTx‐Bax” constructs were then used to gain insight into the physicochemical nature of repressor/effector BCL2 interactions. Specifically, we utilized competitive binding and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to investigate the inhibitory potential and binding thermodynamics of ScTx‐Bax structural variants that target the repressor protein Bcl‐2 (proper) in vitro. Our data show that ScTx‐Bax mimetics compete with isolated Bax BH3 domain peptides for Bcl‐2 with IC50 values in the mid‐nanomolar range and that greater flexibility within the ScTx‐Bax BH3 domain correlates with more effective inhibition. Furthermore, ITC experiments revealed that unstructured ScTx‐Bax variants target Bcl‐2 with greater entropic, but lower enthalpic, efficiencies than structured ScTx‐Bax peptides. These results suggest that entropic contributions to binding Bcl‐2 are more favorable for flexible BH3 domains; however, this enhancement is counterbalanced by a moderate enthalpic penalty. Overall, this study improves understanding of how structural properties of effector BH3 domains influence the promiscuous binding patterns of BCL2 proteins and expands the utility of ScTx‐based BH3 domain mimetics as molecular tools to study discrete recognition elements that facilitate repressor/effector BCL2 interactions.
Diagnosing coastal processes using machine learning and ocean buoyancy gliders
Authors: Iles Robert L. , DiMarco Steven F. , Gold‐Bouchot Gerardo , Knap Anthony H. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractOcean buoyancy gliders provide a comprehensive view of the water column, offering more than simply a snapshot of a single moment in time or space. In this study, we applied the established machine learning method, k‐means clustering, to a glider dataset collected in the summer of 2015 in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Clustering analysis of chromophoric dissolved organic matter and salinity revealed the physical structure of water masses, both vertically within the water column and horizontally along the shelf. Supplementary statistical analyses, including principal component analysis and ANOVA, of individual clusters confirmed the clusters were statistically distinct from one another and provided insights into the factors contributing to their differentiation. The clusters identified in the glider dataset represent water masses variously distinguished by river plumes, wind‐induced upwelling effects, shifts in currents, density‐induced stratification, and biological processes. This study demonstrates that applying machine learning clustering methods to subsurface glider data is a novel technique that enhances the analytical capabilities of both glider and other oceanographic datasets.
Molecular composition of dissolved organic matter from young organic‐rich hydrothermal deep‐sea sediments
Authors: Brünjes Jonas , Schubotz Florence , Teske Andreas , Seidel Michael 
Published: February 2025

AbstractHydrothermal transformations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are governed by temperature and sedimentary organic carbon content, resulting in the release of hydrothermal DOM containing bioavailable compounds fueling benthic microbes. However, the temperature‐dependent molecular changes in porewater DOM from organic‐rich hydrothermal sediments, and the extent to which these changes contribute to the marine recalcitrant DOM, remain largely unexplored. Here we investigated the DOM composition of hydrothermal porewater and bottom water samples from the Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California, where basaltic sill intrusions generate hydrothermal petroleum in organic‐rich sediments. Samples containing hydrothermal petroleum with in situ temperatures from 4°C to > 106°C were analyzed using Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and parallel factor analysis of excitation‐emission matrices from fluorescent DOM (FDOM). We found that the porewater DOM composition was strongly influenced by temperature and petroleum dissolution, evidenced by the enrichment of hydrothermal DOM with highly unsaturated, oxygen‐depleted aromatic, sulfur‐containing molecular formulae and petroleum‐associated FDOM compared to a cold reference site. In bottom waters, hydrothermal DOM accounted for ~ 26% of the DOM molecular formulae, with 82% exhibiting hydrogen‐to‐carbon ratios < 1.5, indicating their recalcitrance. The remaining ~ 18% of the hydrothermal molecular formulae were aliphatic and saturated, representing the release of bioavailable DOM to the ocean. Our results show that hydrothermal sediments are a source of both bioavailable and recalcitrant DOM, releasing water‐soluble petroleum‐derived compounds to the deep ocean. Our study highlights the need for more quantitative research on the contribution of hydrothermal sediments to deep‐sea DOM cycling.
Marine snow as vectors for microplastic transport: Multiple aggregation cycles account for the settling of buoyant microplastics to deep‐sea sediments
Authors: Wu Nan , Grieve Stuart W. D. , Manning Andrew J. , Spencer Kate L. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMany studies have reported the paradoxical observation of high concentrations of low‐density microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) in deep‐sea sediments despite their buoyancy. The incorporation of buoyant microplastics into marine snow has been observed to enhance microplastic settling. Previous studies on the vertical movement of buoyant microplastics have been unable to theoretically account for these ocean observations and no study has comprehensively elucidated microplastic transport pathways in the ocean from the surface to seafloor. Here, we establish a one‐dimensional theoretical model, that embraces key elements of the flocculation process, to explain how marine snow acts as a vector to transport buoyant microplastics to deep water and the ocean bottom. Microplastics reach the ocean floor through multiple cycles of aggregation, settling, and disaggregation between marine snow and microplastics. Each settling cycle results in a net settling of 200–400 m. We demonstrate that microplastics with different sizes show distinct vertical settling behaviors and only microplastics less than 100 μm in diameter can reach the ocean bottom. This theoretical model refines our ability to predict and understand the global and long‐term fate, transport, and inventory of microplastics in the ocean interior, the influence of microplastics on the biological carbon pump and the efficacy of plastic management policies.
How Do Climate‐Related Risks and Opportunities Affect Portfolio Allocation and Asset Pricing?
Authors: Asal Maher , Li Xiaoni , Shi Yin 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the performance of “clean,” “brown,” and “dirty” stocks in the S&P 500 from January 2010 to September 2022 using panel random effect estimation and factor models. It also uses cointegration analysis to assess the long‐term relationship between risk premiums and two carbon risk factors: “brown minus clean” and “dirty minus clean.” Finally, we use random walk tests to examine whether carbon risks are priced, and therefore, the S&P 500 market is weakly efficient. Findings indicate that the brown portfolio outperforms the clean portfolio in factor models, likely due to market trends where energy, driven by rising oil and gas prices, outperforms all other sectors. The results also show that the two carbon risks and the political risk have a negative and significant impact on the risk premium and that the excess return series do not follow random walks and are weak form inefficient.
Dual‐Band Shared Aperture Fabry–Perot Cavity Antenna With Beam Deflection
Authors: He Xin , Qin Wenhua , Xu Juan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a novel partially reflective metasurface (PRS) unit is proposed for beam deflection in a dual‐band shared aperture Fabry–Perot cavity antenna (DB‐FPA). It operates in the C‐band and X‐band. Independent control of different frequency bands can be achieved by adjusting the different parameters of the PRS unit. A coaxially fed patch antenna is used as the feed source for the proposed antenna. This antenna exhibits high aperture efficiency and can operate in two bands with a ratio of 1:1.67. The measurements indicate the impedance bandwidth dB of the DB‐FPA is 5.54‐6.48 GHz (15.6%) and 9.62–10.52 GHz (9%). The gain is 7.15 dBi at 6 GHz with an aperture efficiency of 34.8%, and 8.3 dBi at 10 GHz with an aperture efficiency of 14.5%. The beam deflection of at 6 GHz and at 10 GHz.
Effectiveness of Attentional Bias Modification Combined With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Relapse Risk and Cravings in Male Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: A Quasi‐Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Amano Yoshifumi , Koizumi Kohei , Takizawa Hirokazu , Tasaka Shota , Hamaguchi Toyohiro 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by severe dependence on alcohol, poor impulse control, and heightened attention to alcohol‐related cues. Attention bias modification (ABM) retrains individuals to distract attention from alcohol‐related cues. This study investigates the effect of combining ABM with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce relapse risk and cravings in male patients with AUD.MethodsA quasi‐randomized controlled trial was conducted among male inpatients diagnosed with AUD. Participants were divided into an intervention group receiving ABM in addition to CBT and a control group receiving CBT with a placebo intervention. The primary outcomes—risk of relapse and craving levels—were measured using the Alcohol Relapse Risk Scale (ARRS) and a visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Participants underwent weekly sessions over 6 weeks, and outcomes were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLMs).ResultsThe analysis did not reveal significant interactions between the intervention group and time for ARRS scores and craving levels. Both groups experienced a reduction in relapse risk and cravings. However, there was no significant difference between the ABM + CBT and CBT‐only groups.ConclusionsAlthough the combined ABM and CBT intervention did not result in statistically significant reductions in relapse risk and cravings compared to CBT alone, the overall reduction in these outcomes in both groups highlights the effectiveness of CBT in treating AUD. Future studies should use naturalistic settings and tailor the intervention to individual cognitive profiles.
Alternate‐day fasting enhanced weight loss and metabolic benefits over pair‐fed calorie restriction in obese mice
Authors: Nawaz Hadia , Lee Haneul , Kang Sumin , Kim Hayoon , Kim Wooki , Go Gwang‐woong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveBoth alternate‐day fasting (ADF) and calorie restriction (CR) are effective weight loss strategies. However, most individuals find it difficult to adhere to CR. Furthermore, CR can induce an excessive loss of not only fat but also muscle mass. This study aimed to compare the effects of ADF and pair‐feeding (PF) CR on metabolic pathways underlying obesity in mice with high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity.MethodsMale C57BL/6N Tac mice (n = 10 per group) were fed an HFD for 8 weeks to establish a diet‐induced obesity model. Mice were then continued on the HFD with either alternate‐day access to food or PF for the next 8 weeks. We measured body weight, adiposity, plasma biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms involving lipolysis and autophagy.ResultsBoth ADF and PF resulted in comparable weight and fat loss. Compared with PF, ADF showed a significant reduction in liver weight and hepatic triglyceride levels. ADF significantly increased plasma ketone body levels and white adipose tissue lipolysis. Compared with PF, ADF tended to activate autophagy elongation and autophagosome formation, which were insignificant.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that ADF is a promising intervention for metabolic diseases, potentially due to its superior efficacy in promoting ketogenesis and lipolysis compared with PF.
A Comprehensive Review of Self‐Healing Polymers: Mechanisms, Types, and Industry Implications
Authors: Srivastav Ruchir Shanker. , More Aarti P. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis review explores the diverse landscape of self‐healing polymers, tracing their bioinspired roots and historical evolution. We delve into their classification, mechanisms, and industry impact, examining both extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms, dynamic covalent bonding, and supramolecular chemistry. The paper dissects shape memory effects, nanocomposites, and the role of interfaces in self‐healing polymers, with a special focus on their applications in hydrogels. A pivotal shift towards sustainability is addressed, unveiling the ecological implications of self‐healing polymers and their potential to contribute to a greener future. The review includes a sectoral analysis, scrutinizing industries such as textiles, healthcare, electronics, construction, painting, and surface coatings to reveal the transformative influence of these polymers. Balancing academic rigor with accessible language, this comprehensive review aims to captivate readers, guiding them through the intricate world of self‐healing polymers and serving as a catalyst for further research and development.
Enhancing biotextile applications with nanocomposite fibers: Molecular dynamics and interferometric analysis of the structural and mechanical properties of treated polypropylene
Authors: El‐Sayed Nayera M. , Ibrahim Medhat A. , El‐Bakary Mohammed A. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study explores the enhancement of polypropylene (PP) fibers through the incorporation of titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2), with a comprehensive characterization of their molecular, optical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties. Density functional theory (DFT) and the PM6 semiempirical method were used to investigate the electronic properties and structure–activity relationships of the fibers. Experimental analyses, including FTIR, mechanical testing, and interferometric measurements using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, were conducted to assess the impact of TiO2 nanoparticles on the fibers' performance. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the shake flask method. Results indicate that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles significantly improved the material's polarity, mechanical strength, and antimicrobial properties. Specifically, the total dipole moment (TDM) increased from 0.0706 Debye in neat PP to 3.7180 Debye in PP‐TiO2, and the band gap energy decreased from 10.58 to 1.14 eV, indicating a transition to semiconducting behavior. The mechanical properties of PP‐TiO2 demonstrated a yield strength of 206.83 MPa and an elastic shear modulus of 439.58 MPa, a notable improvement over neat PP. Moreover, PP‐TiO2 fibers exhibited enhanced birefringence and strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida species, underlining their potential for advanced applications in medical and hygiene‐related fields.Highlights
Structural and optical properties of PP and PP‐TiO2 have been analyzed.
Advanced characterization with Mach–Zehnder interferometry and modeling has been used.
Opto‐mechanical behavior was studied via stress–strain and refractive index.
Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the shake flask method.
PP‐TiO2 shows potential for biomedical applications like suture and dressings.
Collaborating for Gifted Students With Complex Educational Needs
Authors: Van Hooijdonk Mare , Van Weerdenburg Marjolijn , Kroesbergen Evelyn H. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis grounded theory study investigated collaboration methods among actors working with gifted students with complex educational needs and their parents. Through interviews with students, parents, educational professionals, and care providers, both successful and unsuccessful collaboration strategies were examined. Subsequently, a model was proposed to enhance effective collaboration for this unique, but heterogenous group of students. This model describes overarching collaboration conditions that preferably should be discussed beforehand with actors involved to establish a functional collaborative culture. Furthermore, this model describes specific tasks for all actors involved that could be applied accordingly to enhance collaboration practices. Lastly, a case coordinator should be assigned that ensures continuity, stability, and a constant flow of information. By following this model, educational professionals, care providers, parents, and policy makers may find ways to enhance their collaboration practices to support these students more adequately in their development.
The Role of Positive School Experiences and Trust in Teachers in Adolescents' Conflict Management Skills and Exposure to Bullying
Authors: Akçay Hilal Mercan , Demircioğlu Haktan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have reported a negative relationship between adolescents' conflict management skills and their exposure to bullying. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not yet been fully clarified. This study examines the role of positive school experiences and trust in teachers in this relationship. The research, conducted with a cross‐sectional design, included 543 adolescents aged 11–14. Of the participants, 314 were girls and 229 were boys, providing a balanced sample in terms of gender distribution. The data revealed significant relationships between conflict management skills, positive school experiences, trust in teachers, and exposure to bullying. Positive school experiences and trust in teachers were found to partially mediate this relationship, while exposure to bullying was negatively associated with these variables. The results were discussed in light of the existing literature, and recommendations were provided.
Self‐Healing Ionogels Based on Ternary Polymer With Tunable Adhesion and Stretchability for Strain Sensing Applications
Authors: Hao Senyuan , Ma Qizhi , Cao Menghui , Jia Yunchao , Li Yilong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIonogels play a significant role in advancing flexible electronic devices due to their exceptional ion conductivity, thermal stability, biocompatibility, and electrical reliability. However, achieving integrated high‐stretchability, self‐adhesiveness, and self‐healing properties simultaneously in a single system remains a huge challenge, which limits their range of applications. Here, a multifunctional ionogel is proposed for wearable strain sensors. The ionogel exhibits promising and adjustable mechanical properties, tunable adhesion, and good self‐healing properties. We demonstrate that ionogels exhibit high strength (~1.3 MPa) along with exceptional elongation (~1700% strain), fracture energy (~1300 J m−2), self‐healing capability, adhesion properties, and high sensitivity, thus expanding their potential applications to a wider range of scenarios. The method of adjusting the ionogel's molecular structure and enhancing its flexibility through a one‐step copolymerization can also be applied to other monomers and ionic liquids, demonstrating potential as engineering materials and wearable sensors.
Flexible α‐Diimine Ni(II) and Pd(II) Catalysts Featuring Backbone and Axial Cycloalkyl Substituents in Ethylene (Co)polymerization
Authors: Dai Jianjian , Dai Shengyu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTRecently, axial flexible substituents have found widespread application in ethylene (co)polymerization catalyzed by late transition metals, yielding impressive results. In this research, we designed and synthesized a novel class of flexible α‐diimine Ni(II) and Pd(II) catalysts, distinguished by their flexible backbones and axial substituents that both incorporate cycloalkyl moieties. During nickel‐catalyzed ethylene polymerization, these flexible nickel catalysts demonstrated high activity (well above 106 g/(mol Ni·h)) and thermal stability, producing polyethylenes with very high molecular weights (up to 1022 kg/mol) and branching densities (up to 103/1000C). Interestingly, the catalyst reported in this study exhibits higher activity compared to nickel catalysts with classic and rigid backbones. The resultant polyethylene materials exhibited outstanding mechanical properties and elastic recovery (with a strain recovery (SR) of up to 79%), qualifying them as high‐performance thermoplastic elastomers. In contrast, during palladium‐catalyzed ethylene polymerization, these flexible palladium catalysts showed moderate activity (level of 105 g/(mol Pd·h)) and generated polyethylenes with high branching densities (up to 99/1000C) and molecular weights (up to 203 kg/mol). In the case of palladium‐catalyzed copolymerization of ethylene with methyl acrylate (MA), the copolymerization activity was notably reduced compared to homopolymerization, resulting in E‐MA copolymers with lower molecular weights and higher branching densities. However, under the experimental copolymerization conditions, we successfully obtained copolymers with significant incorporation (1.53–4.54 mol%) of MA. It is worth noting that the cyclohexyl group displayed superior chain transfer inhibition in both nickel and palladium systems compared to the cyclopentyl group. Nevertheless, a notable difference was observed in their influence on branching density regulation: in the nickel system, the cyclohexyl group facilitated the formation of polyethylenes with higher branching, while in the palladium system, it had the opposite effect when compared to the cyclopentyl group.
Spatio‐temporal Changes of Svalbard Lagoon Systems in the Post‐Little‐Ice‐Age Period
Authors: Owczarek Zofia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBarrier‐lagoon systems are among the most sensitive coastal environments, given that they accumulate the effects of environmental changes occurring on lands and in the sea. Globally, the stability of lagoons and associated barriers is controlled by the frequency and magnitude of storms approaching the coast, access to sediment supplies, and resilience to sea‐level shifts. However, the majority of studies have focused on midlatitude and tropical coastal zones, with limited insight into cold region lagoon responses. This study presents the preliminary findings of a remote sensing analysis of the post–Little Ice Age (LIA) evolution of Svalbard's barrier‐lagoon systems. A total of 430 lagoon systems were investigated to distinguish their genesis and the type of connection to the sea (closed, choked, restricted, or leaky). Since the termination of the LIA, a minimum of 98 lagoons have been formed, whereas eight have disappeared. The majority of lagoons present along the modern coast of Svalbard are of the choked type (almost 48%). Additionally, a new, previously unidentified lagoon type, the moraine‐controlled paraglacial lagoon, has been identified. These systems are formed by retreating marine‐terminating glaciers, which is a dominant process of new coast formation in the rapidly deglaciating Arctic.