bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of generalized shape functions over arbitrary polytopes based on scaled boundary finite element method's solution of Poisson's equation
Authors: Xiao B , Natarajan S , Birk C , Ooi EH , Song C , Ooi ET 
Published: May 2023

SummaryA general technique to develop arbitrary‐sided polygonal elements based on the scaled boundary finite element method is presented. Shape functions are derived from the solution of the Poisson's equation in contrast to the well‐known Laplace shape functions that are only linearly complete. The application of the Poisson shape functions can be complete up to any specific order. The shape functions retain the advantage of the scaled boundary finite element method allowing direct formulation on polygons with arbitrary number of sides and quadtree meshes. The resulting formulation is similar to the finite element method where each field variable is interpolated by the same set of shape functions in parametric space and differs only in the integration of the stiffness and mass matrices. Well‐established finite element procedures can be applied with the developed shape functions, to solve a variety of engineering problems including, for example, coupled field problems, phase field fracture, and addressing volumetric locking in the near‐incompressibility limit by adopting a mixed formulation. Application of the formulation is demonstrated in several engineering problems. Optimal convergence rates are observed.
Post‐diagnostic metformin and statin use and risk of biochemical recurrence in Veterans diagnosed with prostate cancer
Authors: Khan Saira , Chang Su‐Hsin , Seyerle Amanda A. , Wang Mei , Hicks Veronica , Drake Bettina F. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of post‐diagnostic metformin or statin use and duration on risk of biochemical recurrence in a racially‐diverse cohort of Veterans.MethodsThe population consisted of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Veterans Health Administration and treated with either radical prostatectomy or radiation (Full cohort n = 65,759, Black men n = 18,817, White men n = 46,631, Other = 311). The association between post‐diagnostic (1) metformin and (2) statin use with biochemical recurrence was assessed using multivariable, time‐varying Cox Proportional Hazard Models for the overall cohort and by race. In a secondary analysis, metformin and statin duration were evaluated.ResultsPost‐diagnostic metformin use was not associated with biochemical recurrence (multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94, 1.09), with similar results observed for both Black and White men. However, duration of metformin use was associated with a reduced risk of biochemical recurrence in the cohort overall (HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92, 0.95) as well as both Black and White men. By contrast, statin use was associated with a reduced risk of biochemical recurrence (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.88) in the overall cohort as well as both White and Black men. Duration of statin use was also inversely associated with biochemical recurrence in all groups.ConclusionPost‐diagnostic metformin and statin use have the potential to prevent biochemical recurrence in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Astragaloside IV attenuates high glucose‐induced NF‐κB‐mediated inflammation through activation of PI3K/AKT‐ERK‐dependent Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in glomerular mesangial cells
Authors: Su Xue , Guo Hengjiang , Zhou Yuying , Cao Aili , Shen Qian , Zhu Bingbing , Yao Xingmei , Wang Yunman , Wang Hao , Wang Li 
Published: May 2023

AbstractInflammation is a key contributor to diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis, including reactive oxidation stress (ROS)‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. In this study, we examined the effect of Astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) on anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties under high glucose (HG) condition and the potential mechanism in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs). We showed that AS‐IV concentration‐dependently reduced GMCs proliferation, restrained ROS release and hydrogen peroxide content, and suppressed pro‐inflammatory cytokines as well as pro‐fibrotic factors expression, which were associated with the inhibition of NF‐κB and nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling activation. Accordingly, both NF‐κB overexpression by using RNA plasmid and Nrf2 gene silencing by using RNA interference weakened the ability of AS‐IV to ameliorate HG‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases (PI3K)/serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt) and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathway regulated the process of AS‐IV‐induced Nrf2 activation and antioxidant capacity, which evidenced by using PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or ERK inhibitor PD98059 that largely abolished the AS‐IV efficacy. Taken together, these results indicated that AS‐IV protected against HG‐induced GMCs damage by inhibiting ROS/NF‐kB‐induced increases of inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis biomarkers, and cell proliferation via up‐regulation of Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant enzyme expression, which were mediated by PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathway activation.
Ginkgols and bilobols in Ginkgo biloba L. A review of their extraction and bioactivities
Authors: Boateng Isaac Duah 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGinkgo biloba (GB) has enormous bioactives with anti‐bacterial, anti‐oxidant, anti‐cancer, and immune‐stimulating properties, with global sales exceeding $10 billion. The terpene trilactones (ginkgolides A, B, and C) and flavonoids (mostly quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol) have received the most significant focus in GB research to date, whereas other bioactive compounds such as ginkgols and bilobols with various bioactivities such as anti‐viral, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐tumor actions have received less attention. Therefore, for the first time, this review focused on GB ginkgols, bilobols extraction, and bioactivities. This review showed that petroleum ether and acetone extraction had successfully extracted ginkgols and bilobols. Furthermore, bioactivities such as anti‐tumor activity and so on have been demonstrated for ginkgols, and bilobols, providing theoretical justification for ginkgols and bilobol as raw material for nutraceuticals, functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmeceuticals. Future research could look into other biological applications (such as anti‐oxidant, antitoxins, anti‐radiation, anti‐microbial, and antiparasite) and their applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries. Besides, the primary research should be on developing green and effective methods for preparing ginkgols and bilobols and fully utilizing their pharmacological activity. This will also provide a new avenue for efficiently utilizing these bioactive compounds.
Educational interventions involving physical manipulatives for improving children's learning and development: A scoping review
Authors: Byrne Elizabeth M. , Jensen Hanne , Thomsen Bo Stjerne , Ramchandani Paul G. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPhysical manipulatives (PMs) are concrete objects used during hands‐on learning activities (e.g., building blocks, fraction tiles, counters), and are widely used in primary‐school teaching, especially during maths instruction. This scoping review collated studies that have examined the effectiveness of educational PM interventions with pre‐primary and primary‐age children. A total of 102 studies met the inclusion criteria and were synthesised in the review. Most studies included a sample of children aged 4–6 years and were conducted in a school setting. They spanned 26 different countries, but almost all took place in high‐ or middle‐income contexts, mainly in the USA. Interventions were grouped into three main learning domains: maths, literacy and science. Considerable heterogeneity was identified across the review studies in terms of the PMs and hands‐on activities used (e.g., block building, shape sorting, paper folding, enactment with figurines). Evidence relating to effectiveness of the intervention programmes was synthesised, with the most promising findings identified in the maths domain. Benefits to children's spatial, literacy and science skills were also reported. Overall, however, the evidence was mixed: other studies found that PMs were not associated with learning benefits, and many were hindered by methodological shortcomings. This calls for caution when drawing conclusions about the overall effectiveness of PM interventions. Nevertheless, the findings illustrate the many ways hands‐on PM activities can be incorporated into children's early learning experiences. Recommendations for further research and for using PMs in practice are made.
Context and implicationsRationale for this studyPhysical manipulatives (PMs) are used during hands‐on learning activities and promote children's active involvement in learning. The review sought to map a broad range of interventions using PMs.Why the new findings matterFindings reveal gaps in the research and highlight the many facets to consider when developing and testing educational interventions using PMs.Implications for practitionersRecommendations for using PMs in practice: (a) choose materials and activities that are age‐appropriate and focused on the learning goal; (b) consider the type and amount of instructional guidance needed (adjusted based on learning content and children's needs); and (c) consider the level of physical interaction afforded by PMs and activities and its importance for the learning goal.
AI‐enabled farm‐friendly automatic machine for washing, image‐based sorting, and weight grading of citrus fruits: Design optimization, performance evaluation, and ergonomic assessment
Authors: Chakraborty Subir Kumar , Subeesh A. , Potdar Rahul , Chandel Narendra Singh , Jat Dilip , Dubey Kumkum , Shelake Pramod 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe modernization of postharvest operations and penetration of emerging technologies in horticultural processing have provided intelligent solutions for reducing postharvest losses. Work environmental and occupational health issues require immediate attention as the awkward posture and continuous drudgery‐prone on‐farm sorting and grading activities may lead to musculoskeletal disorders. The main objective of this study was to develop an automatic farm‐friendly machine for real‐time citrus fruit washing, image‐based sorting, and weight grading; designed optimally and equipped with an embedded system comprising a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Also included in this study was a thorough ergonomic assessment of the developed machine in a real work environment. The parametric choice of the fruit washing and singulation system was performed by employing computational fluid dynamics modeling and response surface methodology designed optimization. It was observed that under steady‐state conditions, the water jet would arrive at a velocity of 11.36 m/s which would eventually suit a singulation conveyor with a slope of 25°. A noninvasive grading and sorting approach for citrus fruits is presented in this paper that leverages deep learning to classify the fruits into “accept” and “reject” classes. The custom lightweight CNN model “SortNet” has shown excellent classification results with an overall accuracy of 97.6%. The ergonomic evaluation shows that the average body part discomfort score in case of operating an automatic fruit grading machine was much lower (12.3 ± 2.0) than the traditional method (30.9 ± 3.3). Further, in the case of machine operation, the percentage load on the muscles ranged from 28.67 to 34.31 reflecting that subjects can work for longer duration on the machine without fatigue as compared with the traditional manual operation.
GO Treated with Aminoethyl‐Piperazine as a Reusable and Eco‐friendly Organocatalyst for Synthesis of Some Xanthen and Pyran Derivatives
Authors: Amiri‐Zirtol Leila , Khabnadideh Soghra 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGraphene Oxide (GO) containing 1‐(2‐aminoethyl) piperazine as a reusable, highly efficient and heterogeneous organocatalyst was prepared using a simple and green way. Epoxide groups on the surface of GO layers were replaced with 1‐(2‐aminoethyl) piperazine by an easy and green technique in a mild condition. The prepared catalyst (GO‐A.P.) was characterized using diverse microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The presence of organic functional groups on the surface of GO‐A.P. was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed an increase in the catalyst's interlayer spaces which confirm the successful presence of 1‐(2‐aminoethyl) piperazine molecules on the GO surface. Also interaction between the organic molecules and GO was established by thermogravimetric analysis via weight loss steps. Then, the capability of this catalyst was evaluated in a three‐component coupling reaction for one‐pot synthesis of 12‐aryl‐8,9,10,12‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen‐11‐one (A1–A7) and also 2‐amino‐4H‐pyrans (B1–B8) derivatives. The target products were obtained in high isolated yields. Furthermore, our catalyst was reusable at least for 5 runs with no significant decrease in its activity.
A Highly Stable Graphene‐Based Metal Oxide Nano Enzyme with the Peroxidase‐Mimetic Activity for Equipment‐Free Diagnosis of Diabetic Patients
Authors: Salarizadeh Navvabeh , Foroutan Kalurazi Ali , Shahangian S. Shirin , Hadipour Elham , Rasti Behnam 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNanozymes are gaining attention as promising alternatives to natural enzymes due to their unique characteristics. In this study, CuO nanoparticles were decorated on three‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped graphene‐based frameworks (CuO/3D(N)GFs) were prepared through a facile hydrothermal process. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using XRD, EDX, FTIR, and SEM to determine its structure, composition, and morphology. The CuO/3D(N)GFs showed excellent peroxidase mimetic activity, followed Michaelis‐Menten kinetics, and exhibited better kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) for H2O2 substrate than the natural enzyme, making it a superior catalyst. A rapid and facile colorimetric platform was developed to diagnose diabetes with the naked eye by coupling the activities of the nanozyme and glucose oxidase. This technique can quantitatively measure the glucose with high precision in diabetic patients, with a linear range of 1–10 mM and good sensitivity/selectivity toward glucose. The highest peroxidase‐like activity of the nanozyme was observed at 30 °C, but it still retained over 60 % of its activity between 20–65 °C and showed long‐term storage stability. Therefore, the CuO/3D(N)GFs nanocomposite holds promise for catalysis, biosensing, and bioanalysis applications.
Selective one pot multicomponent green synthesis of 3‐[(aryl)(arylthio)methyl]‐1H‐indole derivatives utilizing enhanced Lewis acidic sites of Surfactant‐assisted ZnO catalyst
Authors: Sangale Vijay B. , Jagtap Rohidas M. , Mali Bhupendra P. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Pardeshi Satish K. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFive different ZnO nanocrystallites (ZnO‐1 to ZnO‐5) were successfully synthesized by a surfactant‐assisted hydrothermal technique using various surfactants. All the ZnO nanocrystallites are thoroughly characterized by XRD, IR, UV‐DRS spectroscopy and FESEM‐EDS analysis. Among the synthesized ZnO nanocrystallites, the CTAB‐assisted synthesized ZnO‐4 exhibited a fine disc‐like morphology with a minimum crystallite size (23 nm). Subsequent to reaction optimization studies, the ZnO‐4 is utilized as an efficient catalyst for one pot‐three component green synthesis of 3‐[(aryl)(arylthio)methyl]‐1H‐indoles (4a–4p) via. condensation of a variety of indoles, aromatic aldehydes and aromatic thiols at room temperature in water. The single‐crystal X‐ray structure of 3‐[(phenyl)(phenylthio)methyl]‐1H‐indole (4a) is also been reported (CCDC 2170437). The Lewis acidic property of the catalyst‐supported probable mechanism is well proposed subsequent to pyridine‐IR studies of the ZnO catalysts. Indeed, CTAB‐assisted synthesized ZnO‐4 was found to be most effective and selective Lewis acid catalyst for the synthesis of a variety of 3‐[(aryl)(arylthio)methyl]‐1H‐indole derivatives in water at ambient temperature with merits like higher yields, lower reaction time, catalyst recovery and reuse.
The Key Features of Catechols and α,β Unsaturated Carbonyl Moieties: Interaction With α‐syn Hydrophobic peptide and Activation of Catecholamines Pathway in Cells
Authors: Monroy‐Moya. S. , Caballero J. , González‐Norambuena F. , Simirgiotis M. , Sánchez E. , Areche C. , Fuentealba D. , Cornejo A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, and the treatment focuses on delivering L‐DOPA. In this work, we isolated and tested several compounds against α‐synuclein and the hydrophobic peptide 71VTGVTAVAQKTV82 including flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin), isoflavone (genistein) and flavone (luteolin), and compounds with α, β unsaturated carbonyl moieties such as chlorogenic acid and the depsidone fumarprotocetraric acid. Most compounds inhibit both α‐synuclein and hydrophobic peptide fibrillization. Moreover, ITC experiments showed a Kd varying from 9 to 20 μM, and ΔH values vary from −1.94 to −10.5 among the compounds. Docking experiments showed the intermolecular interactions within the sites 2, 9, and 3/13 of α‐synuclein, and with the hydrophobic peptide. In cultured cells, the presence of the compounds showed that most of them can promote cell proliferation and differentiation. Considering that treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including PD, is only palliative the evaluation of these compounds that can prevent the fibrillization of α‐synuclein and stimulate the catecholamines pathway is promising.
Functional Separator Enabled by Covalent Organic Frameworks for High‐Performance Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Ce , Li Wanzhong , Jin Yuhong , Liu Jingbing , Wang Hao , Zhang Qianqian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUncontrolled ion transport and susceptible SEI films are the key factors that induce lithium dendrite growth, which hinders the development of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, a TpPa‐2SO3H covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheet adhered cellulose nanofibers (CNF) on the polypropylene separator (COF@PP) is successfully designed as a battery separator to respond to the aforementioned issues. The COF@PP displays dual‐functional characteristics with the aligned nanochannels and abundant functional groups of COFs, which can simultaneously modulate ion transport and SEI film components to build robust lithium metal anodes. The Li//COF@PP//Li symmetric cell exhibits stable cycling over 800 h with low ion diffusion activation energy and fast lithium ion transport kinetics, which effectively suppresses the dendrite growth and improves the stability of Li+ plating/stripping. Moreover, The LiFePO4//Li cells with COF@PP separator deliver a high discharge capacity of 109.6 mAh g−1 even at a high current density of 3 C. And it exhibits excellent cycle stability and high capacity retention due to the robust LiF‐rich SEI film induced by COFs. This COFs‐based dual‐functional separator promotes the practical application of lithium metal batteries.
Looking Outside the Square: The Growth, Structure, and Resilient Two‐Dimensional Surface Electron Gas of Square SnO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Scott Jonty I. , Adams Ryan L. , Martinez‐Gazoni Rodrigo F. , Carroll Liam R. , Downard Alison J. , Veal Tim D. , Reeves Roger J. , Allen Martin W. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNanotechnology has delivered an amazing range of new materials such as nanowires, tubes, ribbons, belts, cages, flowers, and sheets. However, these are usually circular, cylindrical, or hexagonal in nature, while nanostructures with square geometries are comparatively rare. Here, a highly scalable method is reported for producing vertically aligned Sb‐doped SnO2 nanotubes with perfectly‐square geometries on Au nanoparticle covered m‐plane sapphire using mist chemical vapor deposition. Their inclination can be varied using r‐ and a‐plane sapphire, while unaligned square nanotubes of the same high structural quality can be grown on silicon and quartz. X‐ray diffraction measurements and transmission electron microscopy show that they adopt the rutile structure growing in the [001] direction with (110) sidewalls, while synchrotron X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the presence of an unusually strong and thermally resilient 2D surface electron gas. This is created by donor‐like states produced by the hydroxylation of the surface and is sustained at temperatures above 400 °C by the formation of in‐plane oxygen vacancies. This persistent high surface electron density is expected to prove useful in gas sensing and catalytic applications of these remarkable structures. To illustrate their device potential, square SnO2 nanotube Schottky diodes and field effect transistors with excellent performance characteristics are fabricated.
A Multifunctional Organic Electrolyte Additive for Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries Based on Polyaniline Cathode
Authors: Wang Meiling , Cheng Yingjie , Zhao Hainan , Gao Jingwan , Li Junpeng , Wang Yizhan , Qiu Jingyi , Zhang Hao , Chen Xibang , Wei Yingjin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe practical applications of aqueous zinc ion batteries are hindered by the formation of dendrites on the anode, the narrow electrochemical window of electrolyte, and the instability of the cathode. To address all these challenges simultaneously, a multi‐functional electrolyte additive of 1‐phenylethylamine hydrochloride (PEA) is developed for aqueous zinc ion batteries based on polyaniline (PANI) cathode. Experiments and theoretical calculations confirm that the PEA additive can regulate the solvation sheath of Zn2+ and form a protective layer on the surface of the Zn metal anode. This broadens the electrochemical stability window of the aqueous electrolyte and enables uniform deposition of Zn. On the cathode side, the Cl− anions from PEA enter the PANI chain during charge and release fewer water molecules surrounding the oxidized PANI, thus suppressing harmful side reactions. When used in a Zn||PANI battery, this cathode/anode compatible electrolyte exhibits excellent rate performance and long cycle life, making it highly attractive for practical applications.
Modulating the Interlayer Stacking of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Acetylene Separation
Authors: Wang Zhifang , Zhang Yushu , Wang Ting , Lin En , Wang Ting , Chen Yao , Cheng Peng , Zhang Zhenjie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractControllable modulation of the stacking modes of 2D (two‐dimensional) materials can significantly influence their properties and functionalities but remains a formidable synthetic challenge. Here, an effective strategy is proposed to control the layer stacking of imide‐linked 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) by altering the synthetic methods. Specifically, a modulator‐assisted method can afford a COF with rare ABC stacking without the need for any additives, while solvothermal synthesis leads to AA stacking. The variation of interlayer stacking significantly influences their chemical and physical properties, including morphology, porosity, and gas adsorption performance. The resultant COF with ABC stacking shows much higher C2H2 capacity and selectivity over CO2 and C2H4 than the COF with AA stacking, which is not demonstrated in the COF field yet. Furthermore, the outstanding practical separation ability of ABC stacking COF is confirmed by breakthrough experiments of C2H2/CO2 (50/50, v/v) and C2H2/C2H4 (1/99, v/v), which can selectively remove C2H2 with good recyclability. This work provides a new direction to produce COFs with controllable interlayer stacking modes.