bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fast‐food environments and BMI changes in the Dutch adult general population: the Lifelines cohort
Authors: van Erpecum Carel‐Peter L. , van Zon Sander K. R. , Xie Tian , Snieder Harold , Bültmann Ute , Smidt Nynke 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of fast‐food outlet exposure with BMI and BMI change, as well as moderation by age and genetic predisposition.MethodsThis study used Lifelines' baseline (n = 141,973) and 4‐year follow‐up (n = 103,050) data. Participant residential addresses were linked to a register with fast‐food outlet locations (Nationwide Information System of Workplaces [Dutch: Landelijk Informatiesysteem van Arbeidsplaatsen, LISA]) using geocoding, and the number of fast‐food outlets within 1 km was computed. BMI was measured objectively. A weighted BMI genetic risk score was computed, representing overall genetic predisposition toward elevated BMI, based on 941 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms genome‐wide significantly associated with BMI for a subsample with genetic data (BMI: n = 44,996; BMI change: n = 36,684). Multivariable multilevel linear regression analyses and exposure‐moderator interactions were tested.ResultsParticipants with ≥1 fast‐food outlet within 1 km had a higher BMI (B [95% CI]: 0.17 [0.09 to 0.25]), and those with ≥2 fast‐food outlets within 1 km increased more in BMI (B [95% CI]: 0.06 [0.02 to 0.09]) than participants with no fast‐food outlets within 1 km. Effect sizes on baseline BMI were largest among young adults (age 18–29 years; B [95% CI]: 0.35 [0.10 to 0.59]) and especially young adults with a medium (B [95% CI]: 0.57 [−0.02 to 1.16]) or high genetic risk score (B [95% CI]: 0.46 [−0.24 to 1.16]).ConclusionsFast‐food outlet exposure was identified as a potentially important determinant of BMI and BMI change. Young adults, especially those with a medium or high genetic predisposition, had a higher BMI when exposed to fast‐food outlets.
Experimental assessment on the mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical properties of halloysite and carbon nanoparticles reinforced epoxy resins for repair applications
Authors: Lai Wei Liang , Sachdeva Nikhil , Tan Yee Vien , Pasbakhsh Pooria , Saeedipour Hamid , Goh Kheng Lim 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHalloysite nanotubes (HNT) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are potential nanoparticles that can be incorporated into polymer adhesives to enhance their performance for repairing damaged composite structures. However, the nanoparticle adhesive blends need to be assessed as their performance may be affected by the preparation techniques, nanoparticles types, and mass concentration. The present study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties (specifically tensile and adhesion properties), physical properties (including wetting and rheological characteristics), thermal properties, and chemical properties of two commercially available adhesives, namely Epo‐Tek 301 (consists of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether resin, known as DGEBA) and Nano‐Force E100 (consists of bisphenol A/F epichlorohydrin premixed with CNTs). Furthermore, DGEBA adhesive with 1, 3, 5, and 9 wt% HNTs, and DGEBA adhesive with 1 wt% of treated and untreated CNTs were prepared. The findings revealed that there were no appreciable differences in the mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical properties between the neat DGEBA and DGEBA with 1 wt% HNTs. However, the mechanical and physical properties deteriorated, and the char yield increased after thermal degradation for adhesives containing more than 1 wt% HNTs. On the other hand, no enhancement in all properties was observed for adhesives containing CNTs. Moreover, the adhesives containing CNTs exhibited higher viscosity than Nano‐Force E100, which could hinder resin infiltration for composite repair applications. Therefore, the types of adhesive to be used for repairing impact‐damaged composite structures must be prudently selected.
Comparing efficiencies of polypropylene treatment by atmospheric pressure plasma jets
Authors: Polášková Kateřina , Ozkan Alp , Klíma Miloš , Jeníková Zdenka , Buddhadasa Madhuwanthi , Reniers François , Zajíčková Lenka 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPlasma treatment of polypropylene (PP) is a well‐established method of improving its surface properties. However, the efficiencies of different plasma discharges are seldom compared. Herein, we discuss the differences in PP treated by three arc‐based commercial plasma jets working in dry air, Plasmatreat rotating plasma jet (PT‐RPJ), AFS PlasmaJet® (AFS‐PJ), and SurfaceTreat gliding arc jet (ST‐GA), and by the low‐temperature RF plasma slit jet (RF‐PSJ) working in argon. The AFS‐PJ has a significantly different reactive species composition dominated by nitrogen oxides. It induced higher thermal loads leading to surface damage. The other arc‐based jets (PT‐RPJ and ST‐GA) created the PP surface with higher oxygen and nitrogen concentration than the low‐temperature RF‐PSJ. It induced a higher adhesion strength measured on PP‐aluminum joints.
Bounds on Species Scale and the Distance Conjecture
Authors: van de Heisteeg Damian , Vafa Cumrun , Wiesner Max 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe species scale serves as a UV cutoff in the gravitational sector of an EFT and can depend on the moduli of the theory as the spectrum of the theory varies. It is argued that the dependence of the species scale on massless (or light) modes satisfies . This bound is true at all points in moduli space including also its interior. The argument is based on the idea that the short distance contribution of massless modes to gravitational terms in the EFT cannot dramatically affect the black hole entropy. Based on string theory arguments the constant in this bound is expected to be equal to as the boundary of the moduli space is approached. However, it turns out that along trajectories going from interior points to the boundaries of moduli space the slope of the species scale can approach its asymptotic value from above, thereby implying that the constant in the bound must be larger than . The bound on the variation of the species scale also implies that the mass of towers of light modes cannot go to zero faster than exponential in field distance in accordance with the Distance Conjecture.
Union formation of the children of immigrants: Does the ethnic composition of the childhood neighbourhood matter?
Authors: Wachter Gusta G. , Costa Rafael 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper examines whether first union formation behaviour of children of immigrants varies according to the ethnic composition of the neighbourhood in which they grew up. Growing up surrounded by large shares of majority‐group members may influence union formation behaviour of children of immigrants in later life. However, the local residential contexts during childhood have been overlooked in previous studies. Using full‐population data from Dutch registers, we estimate multinomial event‐history models to examine the timing and type of first union (direct marriage or unmarried cohabitation) as a function of the proportion of majority‐group residents in the neighbourhood at age 15. We focus on Turkish, Moroccan, and Surinamese second‐generation individuals born in the Netherlands between 1986 and 1990, follow their union formation into young adulthood and compare it to that of their Dutch peers. We find limited support for the influence of the childhood neighbourhood's ethnic composition on union formation; moreover, this influence seems to vary across origin groups.
Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench reduces body weight gain and modulates mood disorders via inhibition of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) by arzanol
Authors: Borgonetti Vittoria , Caroli Clarissa , Governa Paolo , Virginia Brighenti , Pollastro Federica , Franchini Silvia , Manetti Fabrizio , Les Francisco , López Victor , Pellati Federica , Galeotti Nicoletta 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe prevalence of obesity is steadily rising, making safe and more efficient anti‐obesity treatments an urgent medical need. Growing evidence correlates obesity and comorbidities, including anxiety and depression, with the development of a low‐grade inflammation in peripheral and central tissues. We hypothesized that attenuating neuroinflammation might reduce weight gain and improve mood. We investigated the efficacy of a methanolic extract from Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench (HSE), well‐known for its anti‐inflammatory properties, and its main constituent arzanol (AZL). HPLC‐ESI‐MS2 and HPLC‐UV were used to characterize the extract. HSE effects on mood and feeding behavior was assessed in mice. The mechanism of action of HSE and AZL was investigated in hippocampus samples and SH‐SY5Y cells by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Oral administration of HSE for 3 weeks limited weight gain with no significant decrease in food intake. HSE produced an anxiolytic‐like and antidepressant‐like phenotype comparable to diazepam and amitriptyline, respectively, in the absence of locomotor and cognitive impairments and induced neuroprotective effects in glutamate‐exposed SH‐SY5Y cells. A dose‐dependent reduction of SIRT1 expression was detected in SH‐SY5Y cells and in hippocampal samples from HSE‐treated mice. The inhibition of the SIRT1‐FoxO1 pathway was induced in the hypothalamus. Molecular docking studies proposed a mechanism of SIRT1 inhibition by AZL, confirmed by the evaluation of inhibitory effects on SIRT1 enzymatic activity. HSE limited weight gain and comorbidities through an AZL‐mediated SIRT1 inhibition. These activities indicate HSE an innovative therapeutic perspective for obesity and associated mood disorders.
NPLC0393 from Gynostemma pentaphyllum ameliorates Alzheimer's disease‐like pathology in mice by targeting protein phosphatase magnesium‐dependent 1A phosphatase
Authors: Lv Jianlu , Shen Xingyi , Shen Xinya , Zhao Shimei , Xu Rui , Yan Qiuying , Lu Jian , Zhu Danyang , Zhao Yonghua , Dong Jiajia , Wang Jiaying , Shen Xu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with clinical hallmarks of progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. Gynostemma pentaphyllum ameliorates cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms remain obscure. Here, we determine the effect of triterpene saponin NPLC0393 from G. pentaphyllum on AD‐like pathology in 3×Tg‐AD mice and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. NPLC0393 was administered daily in vivo by intraperitoneal injection for 3 months and its amelioration on the cognitive impairment in 3×Tg‐AD mice was assessed by new object recognition (NOR), Y‐maze, Morris water maze (MWM), and elevated plus‐maze (EPM) tests. The mechanisms were investigated by RT‐PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry techniques, while verified by the 3×Tg‐AD mice with protein phosphatase magnesium‐dependent 1A (PPM1A) knockdown (KD) through brain‐specific injection of adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐ePHP‐KD‐PPM1A. NPLC0393 ameliorated AD‐like pathology targeting PPM1A. It repressed microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation by reducing NLRP3 transcription during priming and promoting PPM1A binding to NLRP3 to disrupt NLRP3 assembly with apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD and pro‐caspase‐1. Moreover, NPLC0393 suppressed tauopathy by inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation through PPM1A/NLRP3/tau axis and promoting microglial phagocytosis of tau oligomers through PPM1A/nuclear factor‐κB/CX3CR1 pathway. PPM1A mediates microglia/neurons crosstalk in AD pathology, whose activation by NPLC0393 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for AD.
Increased plasma expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs like 4 in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Yunwei , Yang Lingzhi , Li Yan , Bai Jingwen , Feng Panpan , Tang Ping , Xiang Rui , Huang Wei , Li Ailing 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) can result in right heart failure. We aimed to evaluate the plasma protein levels of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs like 4 (ADAMTSL4) and its relationship with IPAH and CTEPH. Plasma ADAMTSL4 protein levels were measured using proteomics analysis in eight patients with IPAH and nine healthy controls. ADAMTSL4 levels in pulmonary tissues were assessed using bioinformatics tools. Protein expression of ADAMTSL4 in platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB‐treated primary rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) was detected by Western blot. Plasma ADAMTSL4 concentrations were measured in 45 patients (15 with IPAH and 30 with CTEPH) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlation between ADAMTSL4 levels and clinical parameters was evaluated. In patients with IPAH, the plasma levels of ADAMTSL4 protein were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (flod change [FC] 1.85, p < 0.05), and mRNA expression levels were significantly elevated (log FC 0.66, p < 0.05). The protein expression of ADAMTSL4 was significantly increased in PDGF‐BB‐treated PASMCs compared to that in the control grAoup (p < 0.05). Plasma ADAMTSL4 protein levels in patients with IPAH (4.71 ± 0.73 ng/mL, p < 0.01) and CTEPH (4.22 ± 0.66 ng/mL, p < 0.01) were higher than in healthy controls (3.01 ± 0.46 ng/mL). Plasma ADAMATL4 protein levels had a cutoff value of 3.55 ng/mL based on the receiver operator characteristic curve and were positively correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (r = 0.305, p < 0.05). In patients with IPAH and CTEPH, elevated plasma ADAMTSL4 levels were positively associated with mPAP.
Finite/fixed‐time synchronization of nonidentical chaotic delayed neural networks with Markovian jump and uncertainties via sliding mode control
Authors: Xu Zhenyu , Zhu Song , Liu Xiaoyang , Wen Shiping 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article investigates the finite/fixed‐time synchronization problem of Markovian jumping delayed chaotic recurrent neural networks with uncertainties by employing sliding mode control method. In order to cope with Markovian jump and parameter uncertainties, sliding model control is used for its strong robustness and insensitivity character to external disturbances and parameter variations. Above all, two simplified sliding mode surfaces are constructed. Following that, matching controllers are constructed to guarantee the finite/fixed‐time reachability of sliding mode surfaces. Additionally, the dynamics of the sliding mode surfaces can be achieved in a finite/fixed‐time. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, some sufficient conditions are proposed to guarantee the finite/fixed‐time synchronization. Compared with the conclusions of the existing literature, this article generalizes the corresponding results to Markovian jump, parameter uncertainties, and nonidentical systems. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Enhancing supply chain resilience and realizing green sustainable development through the virtual environment of the metaverse
Authors: Chen Ping‐Kuo , Huang Xiang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study explores how the virtual environment of metaverse generates benefits to drive firms' rational choice in mutual trust building, and further ensures the green knowledge sharing intention maintaining for continuous enhancing supply chain resilience and realizing green performance, further promoting environmentally sustainable development. A conceptual framework is formulated by incorporating the natural resource‐based view, knowledge‐based view, and rational choice theory. This framework is supported and validated using PLS‐SEM. The findings of the analysis reveal that the virtual environment of the metaverse can create a sense of physical proximity, effectively managing communication distance and influencing firms' emotional attitude during interactions. Furthermore, the metaverse facilitates sensory feedback, thereby strengthening emotional expression. Based on these observations, supply chain firms are likely to adopt rational thinking and demonstrate rational behavior, making choices that foster mutual trust. As trust is established, it promotes the sharing of green knowledge, strengthens supply chain resilience, facilitates the achievement of environmentally friendly performance in the green supply chain, and contributes to the sustainable development of the environment. This study makes valuable contributions to the existing literature concerning the integration of green supply chain and the metaverse.
One‐pot synthesis of spiropyrrolidine‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoline derivatives via metal‐free post‐Ugi bis‐annulation reactions
Authors: Fallahnezhad Maryam , Ghandi Mehdi , Abbasi Alireza 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSynthesis of a diastereomeric mixture of new spiropyrrolidine‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoline derivatives by utilizing post‐Ugi reaction is described. The Ugi‐adducts obtained via a four‐component reaction (4CR) of 2‐chloroquinoline‐3‐carbaldehydes, amines, coumarin‐3‐carboxylic acids and isocyanides underwent KOtBu‐promoted intramolecular bis‐annulations followed by coumarin ring opening. This array allowed to assemble spiro‐γ‐lactam‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoline scaffolds in moderate to good yields.
Modulation Strategies for the Preparation of High‐Performance Catalysts for Urea Oxidation Reaction and Their Applications
Authors: Huang Chen‐Jin , Xu Hui‐Min , Shuai Ting‐Yu , Zhan Qi‐Ni , Zhang Zhi‐Jie , Li Gao‐Ren 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCompared with the traditional electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, urea‐assisted electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen has significant advantages and has received extensive attention from researchers. Unfortunately, urea oxidation reaction (UOR) involves a complex six‐electron transfer process leading to high overpotential, which forces researchers to develop high‐performance UOR catalysts to drive the development of urea‐assisted water splitting. Based on the UOR mechanism and extensive literature research, this review summarizes the strategies for preparing highly efficient UOR catalysts. First, the UOR mechanism is introduced and the characteristics of excellent UOR catalysts are pointed out. Aiming at this, the following modulation strategies are proposed to improve the catalytic performance based on summarizing various literature: 1) Accelerating the active phase formation to reduce initial potential; 2) Creating double active sites to trigger a new UOR mechanism; 3) Accelerating urea adsorption and promoting C─N bond cleavage to ensure the effective conduct of UOR; 4) Promoting the desorption of CO2 to improve stability and prevent catalyst poisoning; 5) Promoting electron transfer to overcome the inherent slow dynamics of UOR; 6) Increasing active sites or active surface area. Then, the application of UOR in electrochemical devices is summarized. Finally, the current deficiencies and future directions are discussed.
Boosting Output Performance of Sliding Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator by Shielding Layer and Shrouded‐Tribo‐Area Optimized Ternary Electrification Layered Architecture
Authors: An Shanshan , Fu Shaoke , He Wencong , Li Gui , Xing Pengcheng , Du Yan , Wang Jian , Zhou Shiyi , Pu Xianjie , Hu Chenguo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSliding mode triboelectric nanogenerator (S‐TENG) is effective for low‐frequency mechanical energy harvesting owing to their more efficient mechanical energy extraction capability and easy packaging. Ternary electrification layered (TEL) architecture is proven useful for improving the output performance of S‐TENG. However, the bottleneck of electric output is the air breakdown on the interface of tribo‐layers, which seriously restricts its further improvement. Herein, a strategy is adopted by designing a shielding layer to prevent air breakdown on the central surface of tribo‐layers. And the negative effects of air breakdown on the edge of sliding layer are averted by increasing the shrouded area of tribo‐layers on slider. Output charge of this shielding‐layer and shrouded‐tribo‐area optimized ternary electrification layered triboelectric nanogenerator (SS‐TEL‐TENG) achieves 3.59‐fold enhancement of traditional S‐TENG and 1.76‐fold enhancement of TEL‐TENG. Furthermore, even at a very low speed of 30 rpm, output charge, current, and average power of the rotation‐type SS‐TEL‐TENG reach 4.15 µC, 74.9 µA, and 25.4 mW (2.05 W m−2 Hz−1), respectively. With such high‐power output, 4248 LEDs can be lighted brightly by SS‐TEL‐TENG directly. The high‐performance SS‐TEL‐TENG demonstrated in this work will have great applications for powering ubiquitous sensor network in the Internet of Things (IoT).
Tuning the Porosity of Dextran Microgels with Supramacromolecular Nanogels as Soft Sacrificial Templates
Authors: Bulut Selin , Jung Se‐Hyeong , Bissing Thomas , Schmitt Florian , Bund Michelle , Braun Susanne , Pich Andrij 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHydrogels, as well as colloidal hydrogels (microgels), are important materials for a large variety of applications in the biomedical field. Microgels with a controlled pore size (meso‐ and macropores) are required for efficient nutrient support, modulation of cell adhesion, removal of metabolic products in cell cultures, and probiotic loading. Common microgel fabrication techniques do not provide sufficient control over pore sizes and geometry. In this work, the natural polysaccharide dextran modified with methacrylate groups is used to synthesize highly monodisperse meso‐ and macroporous microgels in a size range of 100–150 µm via photo cross‐linking in microfluidic droplets. The size of mesopores is varied by the concentration of dextran methacrylate chains in the droplets (50–200 g L−1) and the size of macropores is regulated by the integration of pH‐degradable supramacromolecular nanogels with diameters of 300 and 700 nm as sacrificial templates. Using permeability assays combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy, it is demonstrated that functional dextran‐based microgels with uniform and defined pores could be obtained.
Luminescence and Degeneration Mechanism of Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes and Strategies for Improving Device Performance
Authors: Qin Feisong , Lu Min , Lu Po , Sun Siqi , Bai Xue , Zhang Yu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPerovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) can be a promising technology for next‐generation display and lighting applications due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, a systematical overview of luminescence and degradation mechanism of perovskite materials and PeLEDs is lacking. Therefore, it is crucial to fully understand these mechanisms and further improve device performances. In this work, the fundamental photophysical processes of perovskite materials, electroluminescence mechanism of PeLEDs including carrier kinetics and efficiency roll‐off as well as device degradation mechanism are discussed in detail. In addition, the strategies to improve device performances are summarized, including optimization of photoluminescence quantum yield, charge injection and recombination, and light outcoupling efficiency. It is hoped that this work can provide guidance for future development of PeLEDs and ultimately realize industrial applications.