bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biofouling reduction of EPDM by radiation‐assisted modification for water environment applications
Authors: Agarwal Rohini , Kalambe Sahil Chandrakant , Chakraborty Pampi , Chowdhury Subhendu Ray , Pant Harish Jagat 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEthylene propylene diene elastomer (EPDM) harbors diverse microbiota that form biofilms. Such biofilms may contaminate water and can increase drag force impacting the hydrodynamic performance of a ship, once it is used as fenders. Here, the EPDM surface is modified by radiation‐assisted grafting to prevent biofilm formation. Three different monomers, namely, methacrylic acid (MAA), isodecyl methacrylate (IDM), and lauryl methacrylate (LMA), are grafted on EPDM. The modified surfaces are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, surface wettability, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties (DMA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The modified surfaces are subjected to biofouling by prominent biofilm adherents, that is, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The standard plate count and resazurin fluorescence assays are performed to observe the microbial load on these surfaces. The MAA‐grafted EPDM, which is hydrophilic in nature, shows a considerable decrease in bacterial adhesion compared to pure EPDM, but for IDM and LMA‐grafted EPDM, it is the opposite. The deterioration of the surface with bacteria by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) supports the findings. The tensile property of the modified EPDM is observed to be within satisfactory limits. After such modification, the EPDM is expected to expand its application.
Bipolymer nanofibers: Engineering nanoscale interface via bubble electrospinning
Authors: Ali Muhammad , He Ji‐Huan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractModern applications in biomedicine, drug delivery, and tissue engineering demand versatile materials capable of meeting multifaceted requirements. Conventional mono‐functional materials fall short of addressing these complex demands. To tackle this challenge, this study introduces an innovative approach utilizing bubble electrospinning for the fabrication of bipolymeric side‐by‐side nanofibers. These nanofibers incorporate distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains aligned parallel to their axis, achieved through the electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the hydrophilic component, alongside either poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) or Nylon6 as the hydrophobic component. The optimal diameter of the bubble electrospinning reservoir was theoretically determined via simulation of electric field using Maxwell 3D software and experimentally validated. Successful electrospinning resulted in nanofibers with hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains derived from PVA/Nylon6 and PVA/PCL polymer combinations. This innovative process yielded nanofibers with diameters as fine as 101 nm in the PVA/Nylon6 bipolymeric nanofibers. Transmission electron microscopy images provide compelling insights into the distinct interfaces formed during polymer‐polymer interactions within the nanofibers, manifesting the Janus structure. Furthermore, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the presence of both polymers within the nanofiber matrix. This research represents a significant advancement in the efficient production of bipolymer nanofibers, holding promise for a wide range of applications.
Soft sensor based on multi‐phase stacking ensemble model with self‐selected primary learner for batch processes
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Yang Mingyi , Xu Zhigang , Wang Junyi , Wu Xinguang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn batch processes, existing soft sensing methodologies encounter substantial challenges when confronted with nonlinearity and multi‐phase issues. In response to these challenges, an innovative soft sensing framework known as the multi‐phase stacking ensemble model with self‐selected primary learner is proposed. The main innovation of this framework lies in the solution to the primary learner selection issue within the stacking model. To commence, the batch process is divided into multiple phases employing a Gaussian mixture model, thereby establishing local ensemble models for each phase. Subsequently, the iterative self‐selection of primary learners strategy is proposed, which iteratively selects suitable primary learners for these models, optimizing their combination of primary learners for each local model. This primary learner selection strategy effectively enhances the accuracy of predictions in the stacking ensemble model. To further enhance the performance, Bayesian optimization is utilized to tune the hyperparameters of each local ensemble model. This step guarantees optimal performance of the model across diverse phases. Extensive simulation experiments are conducted on an industrial penicillin fermentation process to validate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. According to the findings, the model demonstrated superior performance compared to existing single‐learner soft sensing methods and commonly utilized ensemble‐based soft sensing methods in terms of both R2 score (0.97584) and RMSE (0.0513). Overall, this framework offers a novel approach for selecting primary learners in stacking ensemble models and enhancing the predictive performance in batch processes for soft sensing.
Evaluation of the Char Formation During the Hydrothermal Treatment of Wooden Balls
Authors: Pfersich Jens , Arauzo Pablo J. , Modugno Pierpaolo , Titirici Maria‐Magdalene , Kruse Andrea 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWith wooden balls, a visualization of the hydrothermal carbonization to show the progress of the conversion to char is presented. In the present study, the balls represent the particles of biomass to investigate the differences in conversion outside and inside of biomass particles, during hydrothermal carbonization. A special focus is on hydrochar and pyrochar formation. The wooden balls are treated in subcritical water at 220 °C for holding times between 0 and 960 min. Even after 960 min, hydrolysis of the original biomass is incomplete as cellulose and hemicellulose are linked by lignin, inhibiting the reaction with water. Moreover, two different pathways of char production can be observed. Inside of the wooden ball pyrochar is formed as any water got that deep in, on the surface hydrochar is fixed, originated from the surrounding liquid. On the ground of the HTC reactor, a thin, brittle precipitate of likely hydrochar or humins can be found either from the precipitation of loosely attached compounds on the surface of the biomass or direct precipitation from the liquid.
Therapeutic potential role of vitamin C in prevention and control of heart transplant rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy. A need for consideration
Authors: Kenedy Idd J. , Kabuhaya Jaynes F. , Mashauri Harold L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe burden of cardiovascular diseases is rising rapidly globally. Heart transplant is one of the most last resort medical option for patients with heart failure. Unfortunately, this surgical intervention is associated with several serious complications including heart transplant rejection (HTR) and Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) which can manifest just within few years' posttransplant. These complications affect significantly the prognosis and quality of life among postheart transplant patients. Several medications including immunosuppressant, antibiotics, antihypertensive, and statins have been used during posttransplant care so as to address such complications. Unfortunately, most of those drugs are expensive and pose a number of serious side effects to the patients enough to compromise patients' quality of life too. Several studies on Vitamin C are therapeutically suggestive that it can be used during postheart transplant care with more cost‐effective benefits with less and minimized side effects compared to the current drugs in place. It should be considered pharmacologically that Vitamin C has a great potential role clinically in prevention and control of HTR and CAV development. On the light of such findings as described above, we recommend more studies especially clinical trials and molecular studies to determine whether Vitamin C can be repositioned to replace or to be used along the current drug regimens used in postheart transplant care for prevention and control of HTR and CAV.
So bad it's good: When and why consumers prefer bad options
Authors: Weingarten Evan , Bhattacharjee Amit , Williams Patti 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe assumption that consumers prefer better quality options over worse ones seems almost definitional. However, a variety of marketplace examples suggest that consumers sometimes choose content that is “so bad it's good,” such as Tommy Wiseau's The Room or Rebecca Black's “Friday,” over apparently better alternatives (e.g., those of mediocre quality). In 12 preregistered studies (N = 5393) across several content domains (e.g., jokes, talent show auditions), we provide the first controlled, empirical demonstration of consumer preferences for badness (i.e., choosing options because consumers expect them to be bad). We provide initial evidence that these preferences are rooted in expectations of entertainment value from the worst available option. Preferences for these options emerge more frequently when their deviations from quality standards are perceived as benign (i.e., inconsequential). Accordingly, such preferences are less prevalent when consumption is consequential, and involves utilitarian goals or monetary costs. We conclude by exploring the extent to which dimensions such as humor, absurdity, esthetic quality, and utilitarian value underlie so‐bad‐it's‐good perceptions, and highlight several open questions to spark future research.
Influenza virus cell entry and targeted antiviral development
Authors: Zhu Murong , Anirudhan Varada , Du Ruikun , Rong Lijun , Cui Qinghua 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInfluenza virus infection is currently one of the most prevalent and transmissible diseases in the world causing local outbreaks every year. It has the potential to cause devastating global pandemics as well. The development of anti‐influenza drugs possessing novel mechanisms of action is urgently needed to control the spread of influenza infections; thus, drugs that inhibit influenza virus entry into target cells are emerging as a hot research topic. In addition to discussing the biological significance of hemagglutinin in viral replication, this article provides recent updates on the natural products, small molecules, proteins, peptides, and neutralizing antibody‐like proteins that have anti‐influenza potency.
Impacts of Extratropical Cyclone Fiona on a sensitive coastal lagoon ecosystem
Authors: Bonnington Abigail C. , Jamieson Rob C. , Smith Kathryn A. , Oliver Allie , Johnston Lindsay H. , LeRoux Nicole K. , Somers Lauren D. , Kurylyk Barret L. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOceanic storms can strongly disturb the physical and biogeochemical conditions of transitional coastal waters. Impacts of extreme oceanic storms on coastal ecosystems have received limited attention worldwide, with no studies at higher latitudes (> 45°) where tropical cyclones have usually abated. This study investigates the combined impacts from marine and atmospheric forcing on a coastal lagoon in Prince Edward Island, Canada, during and after Extratropical Cyclone Fiona in September 2022. Physical (water levels and temperature) and biogeochemical (dissolved oxygen [DO], electrical conductivity, pH, nitrate–nitrogen concentrations, total suspended solids [TSS]) datasets from the lagoon and the watershed's tributaries, groundwater springs, and piezometers were used to assess ecosystem disturbance and recovery timelines following the storm. Fiona resulted in a 1.6 m storm surge into the lagoon that elevated water temperatures by up to 6°C, disturbed the density‐dependent stratification of salinity and temperature, and reduced the diel amplitude of DO, indicating a reduction in plant respiration due to ecosystem disturbance. The freshwater tributaries revealed sharp changes in flow (30‐fold increase), nitrate–nitrogen (NO3‐N) concentrations and loading (70‐fold increase), and TSS loading (40‐fold increase) to the lagoon during and immediately following the storm. The lagoon rapidly recovered (hours) from the hydraulic disturbance of the storm surge, but elevated nutrient levels persisted for months. The intensity and frequency of extratropical cyclones is projected to increase in the Northwest Atlantic, making field‐based studies of cyclone impacts on coastal waters critical for understanding future coastal ecosystem disturbance and recovery periods relative to the timing of future storms.
The Effect of Multilayered Electrospun PLLA Nanofibers Coated with Human Amnion or Bladder ECM Proteins on Epithelialization and Smooth Muscle Regeneration in the Rabbit Bladder
Authors: Gholami Keykavoos , Seyedjafari Ehsan , Mahdavi Fatemeh Sadat , Naghdipoor Mehdi , Mesbah Gholamreza , Zahmatkesh Parisa , Akbarzadehmoallemkolaei Milad , Baghdadabad Leila Zareian , Pandian Shiv Kumar , Meilika Kirolos N , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNanofibrous scaffolds have attracted much attention in bladder reconstruction approaches due to their excellent mechanical properties. In addition, their biological properties can be improved by combination with biological materials. Taking into account the advantages of nanofibrous scaffolds and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) in tissue engineering, scaffolds of poly‑L‑lactic acid (PLLA) coated with decellularized human amnion membrane (hAM) or sheep bladder (SB)‐derived ECM proteins are developed (amECM‐coated PLLA and sbECM‐coated PLLA, respectively). The bladder regenerative potential of modified electrospun PLLA scaffolds is investigated in rabbits. The presence of ECM proteins is confirmed on the nanofibers’ surface. Coating the surface of the PLLA nanofibers improves cell adhesion and proliferation. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations show that rabbits subjected to cystoplasty with a multilayered PLLA scaffold show de novo formation and maturation of the multilayered urothelial layer. However, smooth muscle bundles (myosin heavy chain [MHC] and α‐smooth muscle actin [α‐SMA] positive) are detected only in ECM‐coated PLLA groups. All groups show no evidence of a diverticulumor fistula in the urinary bladder. These results suggest that the biofunctionalization of electrospun PLLA nanofibers with ECM proteins can be a promising option for bladder tissue engineering. Furthermore, hAM can also replace animal‐sourced ECM proteins in bladder tissue regeneration approaches.
When “good enough” is not good enough: How maximizing benefits financial well‐being
Authors: Silber Dietrich , Hoffmann Arvid O. I. , Belli Alex 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA maximizing decision‐making style is generally associated with lower individual well‐being. That is, even though maximizers invest more time and resources in finding the best option and achieve better outcomes than satisficers, they are still more dissatisfied with those outcomes. Contrary to this general consensus that maximizing is negatively associated with overall well‐being, across two studies we show that this decision‐making style is actually positively associated with individuals' financial well‐being. We find that measured dispositional maximizing is positively associated with financial well‐being, regardless of whether maximizing is operationalized as having high standards or the tendency to engage in alternative search (Study 1) and replicate this relationship with experimentally induced situational maximizing (Study 2). We identify financial self‐control (both measured as a trait and as the behavioral outcome of an experimental choice task) as a mediator of the aforementioned relationship. Our findings offer guidance to financial service providers and policymakers on how to improve consumers' financial well‐being, such as encouraging consumers to engage in a more meticulous search while evaluating financial products and services (e.g., home loans, retirement plans, investments) to identify the best possible option.
Microbiota in cancer: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Chen Zhou , Guan Defeng , Wang Zhengfeng , Li Xin , Dong Shi , Huang Junjun , Zhou Wence 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe diverse bacterial populations within the symbiotic microbiota play a pivotal role in both health and disease. Microbiota modulates critical aspects of tumor biology including cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. This regulation occurs through mechanisms like enhancing genomic damage, hindering gene repair, activating aberrant cell signaling pathways, influencing tumor cell metabolism, promoting revascularization, and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. These microbiota‐mediated effects significantly impact overall survival and the recurrence of tumors after surgery by affecting the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, leveraging the microbiota for the development of biovectors, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics, in addition to utilizing antibiotics, dietary adjustments, defensins, oncolytic virotherapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation, offers promising alternatives for cancer treatment. Nonetheless, due to the extensive and diverse nature of the microbiota, along with tumor heterogeneity, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of microbiota in cancer remain a subject of intense debate. In this context, we refocus on various cancers, delving into the molecular signaling pathways associated with the microbiota and its derivatives, the reshaping of the tumor microenvironmental matrix, and the impact on tolerance to tumor treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This exploration aims to shed light on novel perspectives and potential applications in the field.
Comparison of tight‐fitting 7T parallel‐transmit head array designs using excitation uniformity and local specific absorption rate metrics
Authors: Kazemivalipour Ehsan , Wald Lawrence L. , Guerin Bastien 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeWe model the performance of parallel transmission (pTx) arrays with 8, 16, 24, and 32 channels and varying loop sizes built on a close‐fitting helmet for brain imaging at 7 T and compare their local specific absorption rate (SAR) and flip‐angle performances to that of birdcage coil (used as a baseline) and cylindrical 8‐channel and 16‐channel pTx coils (single‐row and dual‐row).MethodsWe use the co‐simulation approach along with MATLAB scripting for batch‐mode simulation of the coils. For each coil, we extracted B1+ maps and SAR matrices, which we compressed using the virtual observation points algorithm, and designed slice‐selective RF shimming pTx pulses with multiple local SAR and peak power constraints to generate L‐curves in the transverse, coronal, and sagittal orientations.ResultsHelmet designs outperformed cylindrical pTx arrays at a constant number of channels in the flip‐angle uniformity at a constant local SAR metric: up to 29% for 8‐channel arrays, and up to 34% for 16‐channel arrays, depending on the slice orientation. For all helmet arrays, increasing the loop diameter led to better local SAR versus flip‐angle uniformity tradeoffs, although this effect was more pronounced for the 8‐channel and 16‐channel systems than the 24‐channel and 32‐channel systems, as the former have more limited degrees of freedom and therefore benefit more from loop‐size optimization.ConclusionHelmet pTx arrays significantly outperformed cylindrical arrays with the same number of channels in local SAR and flip‐angle uniformity metrics. This improvement was especially pronounced for non‐transverse slice excitations. Loop diameter optimization for helmets appears to favor large loops, compatible with nearest‐neighbor decoupling by overlap.
Improved reconstruction of crossing fibers in the mouse optic pathways with orientation distribution function fingerprinting
Authors: Filipiak Patryk , Sajitha Thajunnisa A. , Shepherd Timothy M. , Clarke Kamri , Goldman Hannah , Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Zhang Jiangyang , Chan Kevin C. , Boada Fernando E. , Baete Steven H. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeThe accuracy of diffusion MRI tractography reconstruction decreases in the white matter regions with crossing fibers. The optic pathways in rodents provide a challenging structure to test new diffusion tractography approaches because of the small crossing volume within the optic chiasm and the unbalanced 9:1 proportion between the contra‐ and ipsilateral neural projections from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus, respectively.MethodsCommon approaches based on Orientation Distribution Function (ODF) peak finding or statistical inference were compared qualitatively and quantitatively to ODF Fingerprinting (ODF‐FP) for reconstruction of crossing fibers within the optic chiasm using in vivo diffusion MRI ( healthy C57BL/6 mice). Manganese‐Enhanced MRI (MEMRI) was obtained after intravitreal injection of manganese chloride and used as a reference standard for the optic pathway anatomy.ResultsODF‐FP outperformed by over 100% all the tested methods in terms of the ratios between the contra‐ and ipsilateral segments of the reconstructed optic pathways as well as the spatial overlap between tractography and MEMRI.ConclusionIn this challenging model system, ODF‐Fingerprinting reduced uncertainty of diffusion tractography for complex structural formations of fiber bundles.
Effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training combined with exercise on patient‐reported outcomes measures in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Carvalho Maurício Tatsch Ximenes , Guesser Pinheiro Victor Hugo , Alberton Cristine Lima 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) added to the exercise or superimposed on voluntary contractions on patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThis systematic review was described according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were obtained from a systematic literature search in five electronic databases (PubMed, PEDro, LILACS, EMBASE, and SPORTDiscus) in April 2022. We described the effects of intervention according to each PROMs (scores for Pain; Self‐reported functional ability; Symptoms (hear clicking, swelling, catching, restricted range of motion, and stiffness); Daily living function; Sports function; and Quality of life) and used a random‐effect model to examine the impact of NMES plus exercise on pain compared with exercise in people with knee OA.ResultsSix RCTs (n = 367) were included. In the qualitative synthesis, the systematic literature analysis showed improvement in pain after NMES plus exercise compared with exercise alone in three studies. The other three studies revealed no difference between groups in pain, although similar improvement after treatments. In the meta‐analysis, NMES at a specific joint angle combined with exercise was not superior to exercise alone in pain management (standardized mean difference = −0.33, 95% CI = −1.05 to 0.39, p = 0.37). There was no additional effect of NMES on exercise on self‐reported functional ability, stiffness, and physical function compared with exercise alone. In only one study, symptoms, activities of daily living, sports function, and quality of life improved after whole‐body electrostimulation combined with exercise.ConclusionThis review found insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of NMES combined with exercise in treating knee OA considering PROMs. While pain relief was observed in some studies, more high‐quality clinical trials are needed to support the use of NMES added to the exercise in clinical practice. Electrical stimulation in a whole‐body configuration combined with exercise shows promise as an alternative treatment option.