bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution‐free model selection for longitudinal zero‐inflated count data with missing responses and covariates
Authors: Chen Chun‐Shu , Shen Chung‐Wei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn many medical and social science studies, count responses with excess zeros are very common and often the primary outcome of interest. Such count responses are usually generated under some clustered correlation structures due to longitudinal observations of subjects. To model such longitudinal count data with excess zeros, the zero‐inflated binomial (ZIB) models for bounded outcomes, and the zero‐inflated negative binomial (ZINB) and zero‐inflated poisson (ZIP) models for unbounded outcomes all are popular methods. To alleviate the effects of deviations from model assumptions, a semiparametric (or, distribution‐free) weighted generalized estimating equations has been proposed to estimate model parameters when data are subject to missingness. In this article, we further explore important covariates for the response variable. Without assumptions on the data distribution, a model selection criterion based on the expected weighted quadratic loss is proposed to select an appropriate subset of covariates, especially when count responses have excess zeros and data are subject to nonmonotone missingness in both responses and covariates. To understand the selection effects of the percentages of excess zeros and missingness, we design various scenarios for covariate selection in the mean model via simulation studies and a real data example regarding the study of cardiovascular disease is also presented for illustration.
Shedding Light on Luminescent Janus Nanoparticles: From Synthesis to Photoluminescence and Applications
Authors: Yuan Shanshan , Wang Jing , Xiang Yi , Zheng Shanshan , Wu Yihan , Liu Jinliang , Zhu Xiaohui , Zhang Yong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLuminescent Janus nanoparticles refer to a special category of Janus‐based nanomaterials that not only exhibit dual‐asymmetric surface nature but also attractive optical properties. The introduction of luminescence has endowed conventional Janus nanoparticles with many alluring light‐responsive functionalities and broadens their applications in imaging, sensing, nanomotors, photo‐based therapy, etc. The past few decades have witnessed significant achievements in this field. This review first summarizes well‐established strategies to design and prepare luminescent Janus nanoparticles and then discusses optical properties of luminescent Janus nanoparticles based on downconversion and upconversion photoluminescence mechanisms. Various emerging applications of luminescent Janus nanoparticles are also introduced. Finally, opportunities and future challenges are highlighted with respect to the development of next‐generation luminescent Janus nanoparticles with diverse applications.
Electrostatic Charge‐Mediated Apoptotic Vesicle Biodistribution Attenuates Sepsis by Switching Neutrophil NETosis to Apoptosis
Authors: Ou Qianmin , Tan Lingping , Shao Yiting , Lei Fangcao , Huang Weiying , Yang Ning , Qu Yan , Cao Zeyuan , Niu Luhan , Liu Yao , Kou Xiaoxing , Shi Songtao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy can attenuate organ damage and reduce mortality in sepsis; however, the detailed mechanism is not fully elucidated. In this study, it is shown that MSC‐derived apoptotic vesicles (apoVs) can ameliorate multiple organ dysfunction and improve survival in septic mice. Mechanistically, it is found that tail vein‐infused apoVs mainly accumulate in the bone marrow of septic mice via electrostatic charge interactions with positively charged neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Moreover, apoVs switch neutrophils NETosis to apoptosis via the apoV‐Fas ligand (FasL)‐activated Fas pathway. In summary, these findings uncover a previously unknown role of apoVs in sepsis treatment and an electrostatic charge‐directed target therapeutic mechanism, suggesting that cell death is associated with disease development and therapy.
Transport Modulation Through Electronegativity Gating in Multiple Nitrogenous Circuits
Authors: Duan Ping , Wang Yaping , Chen Lichuan , Qu Kai , Liu Junyang , Zhang Qian‐Chong , Chen Zhong‐Ning , Hong Wenjing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInvestigating the correlations of electron transport between multiple channels shows vital promises for the design of molecule‐scale circuits with logic operations. To control the electron transport through multiple channels, the modulation of electronegativity shows an effective frontier orbit control method with high universality to explore the interactions between transport channels. Here, two series of compounds with a single nitrogenous conductive channel (Sg) and dual‐channels (Db) are designed to explore the influence of electronegativity on electron tunneling transport. Single‐molecule conductance measured via the scanning tunneling microscope break junction technique (STM‐BJ) reveals that the conductance of Db series is significantly suppressed as the electronegativity of nitrogen becomes negative, while the suppression on Sg is less obvious. Theoretical calculations confirm that the effect of electronegativity extends to a dispersive range of molecular frameworks owing to the delocalized orbital distribution from the dual‐channel structure, resulting in a more significant conductance suppression effect than that on the single‐channel. This study provides the experimental and theoretical potentials of electronegativity gating for molecular circuits.
Magnetization Precession at Sub‐Terahertz Frequencies in Polycrystalline Cu2Sb‐Type (Mn–Cr)AlGe Ultrathin Films
Authors: Sasaki Yuta , Hiramatsu Ryoya , Kota Yohei , Kubota Takahide , Sonobe Yoshiaki , Sakuma Akimasa , Takanashi Koki , Kasai Shinya , Takahashi Yukiko K. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA ferromagnetic metal nanolayer with a large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, small saturation magnetization, and small magnetic damping constant is a crucial requirement for high‐speed spintronic devices. Fabrication of these devices on Si/SiO2amorphous substrates with polycrystalline structure is also strongly desired for the mass production industry. This study involves the investigation of sub‐terahertz (THz) magnetization precessional motion in a newly developed material system consisting of Cu2Sb‐type MnAlGe and (Mn–Cr)AlGe films by means of an all‐optical pump‐probe method. These materials exhibit large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in regions of a few nanometers in size. The pseudo‐2D crystal structures are clearly observed in the high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images for the film samples grown on thermally oxidized silicon substrates. The TEM images also show a partial substitution of Cr atoms for the Mn sites in MnAlGe. A magnetization precession frequency of 0.164 THz with a relatively small effective magnetic damping constant of 0.012 is obtained for (Mn–Cr)AlGe. Theoretical calculation infers that the modification of the total density of states by Cr substitution decreases the intrinsic magnetic damping constant of (Mn–Cr)AlGe.
Mechanistic Study of Interfacial Modification for Stable Zn Anode Based on a Thin Separator
Authors: Li Qing , Yan Boxun , Wang Donghong , Yang Qi , Huang Zhaodong , Fan Jun , Dai Ming , Chen Wenshuai , Zhi Chunyi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe interface plays a pivotal role in stabilizing metal anode. Extensive studies have been made but systematic research is lacking. In this study, preliminary studies are conducted to explore the prime conditions of interfacial modification to approach the practical requirements. Critical factors including reaction kinetics, transport rate, and modulus are identified to affect the Zn anode morphology significantly. The fundamental principle to enhance the Zn anode stability is systematically studied using the TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF) coating layer with thin a separator. Its advantageous mechanical properties buffer the huge volume variation. The existence of hydrophilic TOCNF in the Zn anode interface enhances the mass transfer process and alters the Zn2+ distribution with a record high double‐layer capacitance (390 uF cm−2). With the synergetic effect, the modified Zn anode works stably under 5 mA cm−2 with a thin nonwoven paper as the separator (thickness 113 µm). At an ultra‐high current density of 10 mA cm−2, this coated anode cycles for more than 300 h. This strategy shows an immense potential to drive the Zn anode forward toward practical applications.
Combination Mechanism and Structural Properties of Complexes between Lipid and Small Granule Starch Isolated from Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq. Seeds
Authors: Cao Shaopan , Yu Yingtao , Yin Yaping , Wang Longxia , Ma Jingwen , Xu Jiaxin , Xiao Liuyang , Thakur Kiran , Han Lihong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis study investigates the combination mechanism and structural properties of Agriophyllum squarrosum (A. squarrosum) starch (AS)‐lipid complexes during pasting in the rapid viscosity analyzer compared with maize starch (MS)‐lipid complexes. AS‐dodecanoic acid (DA) and MS‐DA samples with lipid contents of 0–125 mg, and starch‐DA samples with different RVA pasting times (8–13 min) are prepared and characterized. Complexing index (CI) analyses show the peak of CI values occurred at 2.5 g starch with 62.5 mg DA for both mixtures, and there are two peaks of the complexes amount for AS‐DA systems compared with one of which for MS‐DA systems. The hardness of starch‐lipid gels decreases significantly (p < 0.05) as the lipid content increases from 0 to 75 mg or as time went on in one RVA protocol. Enthalpy change, structural order, and resistant starch content during the gelation of the mixtures indicated starch‐lipid complexes are mainly formed during the setback stage for two starches, and AS‐DA complexes underwent a process of combination‐disruption‐recombination‐disruption with ongoing cooling. These results reveal the formation process and structural properties of AS‐DA complexes during the retrogradation process and provided a better understanding of rational utilization of A. squarrosum starch.
Chitosan‐Based Films in Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Radha Divya , Lal Jisha S. , Devaky K. S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe idea of controlled release of the pharmaceutical active ingredients in the human body has become a major thrust for designing sophisticated drug delivery systems. The mandatory requirement for developing these delivery vehicles is to support the delivery of pharmaceutical drugs in a pharmokinetically controlled manner. Though a variety of synthetic polymers address the above mentioned conditions, their toxicity and high cost have ultimately hampered their role. Consequently, natural polymers owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and nontoxicity can be used for the successful designing of drug delivery supports. One such natural polymer extracted from crustaceans, is chitosan. Chitosan can be used in drug delivery in various forms like hydrogels, nanoparticles, nanofibers, films, etc. This review presents the properties of chitosan films and their pivotal role in various drug delivery approaches.
A study on the optimal use of soundless cracking demolition agents in fragmentations of concrete based on the extended finite element method
Authors: Zhong Zhen , Zhang Hao , Yang Xihua , Lou Rong , Liu Bin , Chi Yunfei , Chen Yifan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSoundless cracking technique has been widely applied in the demolition of rock and concrete structures because of its cleaner advantages compared with conventional explosive methods. However, the correlations between fracturing processes and characteristics of soundless cracking demolition agents (SCDAs) and the optimal use of SCDA in improving the efficiency of demolition are still poorly documented. In this concern, this study develops a reliable numerical model verified by experimental data to investigate the optimal use of SCDA in fragmentations of concrete based on the extended finite element method. The simulated results reveal that the minimum hole diameter is 26 mm required to break the concrete cube of 150 mm, and the crack process can be divided into three phases of initiation, propagation, and coalescence according to the energy release rate. Moreover, the proposed method is employed in simulating the crack process of meter‐scale concrete blocks with two predrilled holes, and the optimal hole spacing of 350 mm is then determined. This study provides some insights for improving the efficiency of SCDA in the field applications.
Recent trends in treatment technologies of emerging contaminants
Authors: Radwan Emad K. , Abdel Ghafar Hany H. , Ibrahim M.B.M. , Moursy Ahmed S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the recent years a group of contaminants, known collectively as emerging contaminants (ECs), have attracted considerable attention due to their widespread in the environment, and lack of knowledge on their impacts on ecosystem and human health. This review gives an overview on the sources, impacts, and conventional treatment technologies of ECs and an in‐depth review of the literature on the state‐of‐the‐art treatment technologies and their performance in the removal of ECs from water sources and drinking water. A careful statistical analysis of the number of publications on the different treatment technologies of ECs was performed to identify the hot spots in this research area. Conventional treatment technologies are not able to remove ECs sufficiently. The discharge of raw or partially treated wastewater is the main source of ECs in the environment. The research in recent years is focusing on using advanced treatment process (AOPs), followed by adsorption and membrane technologies. From a technical point of view, AOPs surpass other treatment technologies as they can completely eradicate ECs without the generation of side products. Developing efficient, green, and cost‐effective materials to be used as adsorbents, photocatalysts, membranes, or membrane fillers, is one of the main research trends nowadays. Combined AOPs based on exploiting solar light, ultrasound and electrochemistry are gaining growing interest and show high potential for the treatment of ECs.
Use of Manihot esculenta leaves on physiological and production parameters of Sasso breeder hens
Authors: Odile Raphaëlle Ngueda Djeuta , Kwassi Tona , Benjamin Adjei Mensah , Oke Oyegunle , Okanlawo Onagbessan , Kokou Tona 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe world population is increasing, leading to competition between humans and animals for the use of farm produce. The use of non‐conventional resources in poultry feed is increasingly being explored. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) have been studied in layers and broilers feed. However, there is very little information on the impact of the leaves on breeder hens.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine the effect of M. esculenta leaf meal (MELM) on breeder hen performance, hatching egg quality and blood parameters.MethodsA total of 180 hens and 24 cocks Sasso breeders at 32 weeks of age were used and equally assigned into two dietary treatments having six replicates of 15 hens and two cocks each. The dietary treatments were basal diet supplemented with 0% MELM and basal diet supplemented with the MELM group (5% MELM). Data were collected on feed intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio as well as egg quality indices during the experiment. The blood samples were collected from 18 birds per treatment (three3 per replication) for the determination of total protein, uric acid, triglycerides and total cholesterol at 45th week of age.ResultsThe results showed that there was no significant difference on the feed intake of the birds across the treatments. Average egg weight and egg production were higher with a lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion rate in the MELM group hens. Total protein, uric acids, total cholesterol and triglyceride level increased significantly (p < 0.05) in hens fed 5 % of MELM. The proportions of yolk, egg shell and Haugh unit showed no significant difference between the treatments, while the proportion of albumen and yolk colour increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the MELM group hens.ConclusionsIt was concluded that 5% MELM can be used as feed ingredients in formulating breeder hen diets to improve productive performance.
The story of rRNA expansion segments: Finding functionality amidst diversity
Authors: Hariharan Nivedita , Ghosh Sumana , Palakodeti Dasaradhi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractExpansion segments (ESs) are multinucleotide insertions present across phyla at specific conserved positions in eukaryotic rRNAs. ESs are generally absent in bacterial rRNAs with some exceptions, while the archaeal rRNAs have microexpansions at regions that coincide with those of eukaryotic ESs. Although there is an increasing prominence of ribosomes, especially the ribosomal proteins, in fine‐tuning gene expression through translation regulation, the role of rRNA ESs is relatively underexplored. While rRNAs have been established as the major catalytic hub in ribosome function, the presence of ESs widens their scope as a species‐specific regulatory hub of protein synthesis. In this comprehensive review, we have elaborately discussed the current understanding of the functional aspects of rRNA ESs of cytoplasmic eukaryotic ribosomes and discuss their past, present, and future.This article is categorized under:
RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems
Translation > Ribosome Structure/Function
Translation > Regulation
A free boundary problem describing migration into rubbers – Quest for the large time behavior
Authors: Aiki Toyohiko , Kumazaki Kota , Muntean Adrian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn many industrial applications, rubber‐based materials are routinely used in conjunction with various penetrants or diluents in gaseous or liquid form. It is of interest to estimate theoretically the penetration depth as well as the amount of diffusants stored inside the material. In this framework, we prove the global solvability and explore the large time‐behavior of solutions to a one‐phase free boundary problem with nonlinear kinetic condition that is able to describe the migration of diffusants into rubber. The key idea in the proof of the large time behavior is to benefit from a contradiction argument, since it is difficult to obtain uniform estimates for the growth rate of the free boundary due to the use of a Robin boundary condition posed at the fixed boundary.
The Use of the δ18OP to Study P Cycling in the Environment
Authors: Pfahler V. , Adu-Gyamfi J. , O’Connell D. , Tamburini F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPhosphorus (P) fertilizers are known to increase crop productivity; however, when applied in excess, it can cause serious environment pollution. Monitoring P pollution in natural environments using stable isotopes has been difficult because P has only one stable isotope (31P) making the use of P stable isotope tracing not an option. Radioactive P isotopes (32P and 33P) have been used but its drawbacks are the short half-life, health risks and safety procedures required to apply them in agricultural catchments. Phosphorus in organic and inorganic P forms is strongly bonded to oxygen (O), which has three stable isotopes, providing a system to track P cycling in agricultural catchments and environment using the stable isotopes of O in phosphate (δ18O-PO4). In recent years, various studies have indicated that the analysis of the stable isotopic composition of oxygen (O) bound to P (δ18Op) to better understand P cycling in the environment, has become a promising tracer (surrogate) to investigate soil P transformation, plant P uptake and to trace the sources of P from the soil to water bodies and the environment. The chapter outlines the background and examples of δ18Op studies in sediments, soils, fresh water, mineral fertilizers and plants.
Extraction Protocol
Authors: Pfahler V. , Adu-Gyamfi J. , O’Connell D. , Tamburini F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractStudies showed that the δ18OP is a useful tool to study P in the environment. Adequate extraction protocols for the targeted P pools of the study are a prerequisite for a successful study. Likewise, for most environmental samples, including water, soil, sediment and plant samples, it is crucial that the samples are processed as soon as possible after they have been taken to avoid any alterations of the original δ18OP signature. This is especially true when more bioavailable P pools, like soluble reactive P (SRP) in water samples, are extracted and analysed. Brucite precipitation of water samples should be directly done in the field, fresh soil and sediment samples have to be extracted within 7 days (if microbial P is targeted, on the day of sampling), and plant samples have to be extracted within a few hours of sampling or be frozen. The chapter briefly describes the P cycle in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and give an overview about extracting the most common P pools for δ18OP analysis: soluble reactive P in water samples, sequentially extracted P pools of soil, sediment, fertilizer and plant samples.
Modifications and Issues During Purification
Authors: Pfahler V. , Adu-Gyamfi J. , Watzinger A. , Tamburini F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDepending on the extract, it is necessary to modify the purification protocol slightly. Each sample is different and despite a thorough testing of the purification protocol, issues might occur. The three modifications suggested include (1) adjustments in pH, (2) magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) precipitation and (3) reductions, prior to A1, of cations like iron (Fe), silica (Si) and calcium (Ca) which could cause interferences during the purification process. Some of the major issues often encountered are (1) no APM precipitation due to the presence of high carbonate concentrations, (2) the presence of high organic matter that requires additional steps in the protocol, (3) crystals not dissolving and (4) discoloration of solution.
How to Design a Study Including the Analysis of δ18OP
Authors: Pfahler V. , Adu-Gyamfi J. , Tamburini F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTo plan a research study, one needs to (1) establish a research question, (2) make a set of observations, (3) form a hypothesis in an attempt to explain the observations and (4) test the hypothesis based on the data collected. The following questions should be addressed when designing a study including the analysis of δ18OP: (i) what is the research hypothesis? (ii) what is the main objective of the study? (iii) what are the aims to address these objectives? and (iv) which techniques are appropriate to address such research question. In addition, one needs to consider (1) which kind of samples needs to be collected, e.g. soil, vegetation or water? (2) in case of soil and sediment samples, which sampling depths and increments need to be sampled? (3) which P pools need to be extracted and analysed for the corresponding δ18OP values? (4) when and how often should samples be taken and (5) how many samples can be processed per week?
Conclusions and Way Forward
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi J. , Pfahler V. , Heng L. , Tamburini F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWith an increasing number of researchers using the δ18OP method to investigate P cycling in the environment, it is necessary to conduct an inter-laboratory comparison study for the purification protocol as well as the measurement of silver phosphate with the TC/EA-IRMS like Watzinger et al. (2021) did. For the δ18OP method to progress, further fundamental research as well as field and laboratory studies need to be conducted. To the best of our knowledge, the effect of synthesizing enzymes on the δ18OP has not been investigated yet, despite the importance of those enzymes in the P cycle.