bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family study of bipolar disorder with comorbid anxiety disorder points to THSD7A with possible role of parent‐of‐origin effect
Authors: Maki Hiroaki , Sakai Naomi , Kataoka Muneko , Fujii Kumiko , Kageyama Yuki , Hayama Takashi , Matsuo Koji , Nishioka Masaki , Kato Tadafumi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to provide new insights into the genetics of bipolar disorder (BD) by analyzing BD comorbid with anxiety disorders.MethodsStructured interviews were conducted with BD patients and their parents. Cases were classified into those with comorbid anxiety spectrum (AS) and those without. The family history of patients with BD with comorbid AS was assessed. Focusing on parent‐of‐origin effects and genomic imprinting from the results, imprinted genes and tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the identified genes were investigated for an association with BD by transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) using published whole‐exome sequencing data.ResultsThe incidence of comorbid AS among all the patients with BD analyzed in this study was 39.6%. Patients with BD whose fathers had AS or mood disorders exhibited a significantly higher rate of AS. Among the known imprinted genes, two were associated with BD: THSD7A and CACNA1C. By pruning SNPs, six variants of the THSD7A exons and four variants of the CACNA1C exons were included in the analysis. Among these, one variant of THSD7A, rs2074603, showed over‐transmission from parents to patients with BD. Furthermore, it was nominally significant only for fathers when TDT was performed separately for fathers and mothers.ConclusionTHSD7A may play a role in BD with parent‐of‐origin effects. Further research is necessary to explore the mechanisms by which genomic imprinting is associated with BD.Clinical Trial Registration: N/A.
A study of polyethylene packaging films in presence of slip‐agent and anti‐block additives: A tale of surface and bulk crystallinities
Authors: Farsi B. , Mohseni M. , Asiaban S. , Farajollahi Y. , Mohammadi Ali Abadi S. H. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPolyolefin films are widely used in flexible packaging industries. However, the processing, storage, and application of these polymers pose numerous difficulties due to their high coefficient of friction (COF) and high blocking. Slip‐agent and anti‐block additives are usually used to prevent films from being adhered to each other and to metal rollers. This work aims to study the surface morphology of blown polyethylene films in the presence of these two additives. To do this, various types and concentrations of additives were employed at different ratios of the polymer blend (LDPE/LLDPE). However, it was found that the polymer composition was not as effective as the presence of additives. COF and blocking force measurement, contact angle, haze evaluation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), grazing incident x‐ray diffraction (GI‐XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were utilized to investigate the surface and bulk properties of the films. It was found that the migration of additives leads to the formation of various surface structures thereby making the surface to be more crystalline. The result was a decrease in the COF from ca. 1–0.1 and lowering the blocking force of approximately 8–3 N, highlighting the impact of the optimal concentration of additives. Results showed that the surface energy of the films decreased (20–30 mJ/m2) in the presence of additives due to the formation of a weak boundary layer at the surface. Comparison of DSC and GI‐XRD results showed that crystallinity values in the bulk phase changed from 20%–40% to 30%–50% at the surface for most samples. The lowest and highest of roughness was 22 and 90 nm, respectively, as revealed by AFM.Highlights
Various slip‐agent and anti‐blocks were used in polyethylene‐blown films.
Coefficient of friction and blocking force were tested at different conditions.
Crystallinity of films and other investigations were correlated to obtained data.
Experimental design revealed the impact of studied parameters.
Improved water resistance and air barrier performances of paper coated with polylactic acid/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Abdenour Chenni , Eesaee Mostafa , Chabot Bruno , Barnabé Simon , Bley Julien , Tolnai Balazs , Njamen Guy , Nguyen‐Tri Phuong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPaper packaging coated with synthetic materials raises major environmental and health concerns. As a response, new promising approaches consist of using sustainable coatings based on nano‐biocomposites. In this work, polylactic acid (PLA)/organoclays (OC) aqueous dispersions thickened by xanthan gum were applied on paper using the bar coating technique. Morphological and topographical analyses using scanning electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy showed a smooth polymeric layer completely covering the fibrous and porous surface of the paper, resulting in a substantial improvement in the barrier properties. Water vapor transmission rates and water absorptivity had undergone a major decrease when coatings containing 3 and 5 wt% OC were used, while no significant difference was observed between the 1 wt% OC formulation and pure PLA. Moreover, coated paper showed no air porosity with 0 mL/min values recorded for all samples, thus confirming the morphology observations of the surfaces and cross‐sections. Additionally, the contact angle measurements indicated a slight decrease in the hydrophobicity of the base paper when coated with PLA and 1 wt% OC. However, this reduction was reversed with the addition of 3 and 5 wt% OC, restoring the hydrophobicity.Highlights
Polylactic acid (PLA)/organoclay (OC) coatings sealed and covered completely the paper's surface.
Water resistance of the base paper had a major improvement due to the coatings.
The porous surface of the paper was successfully sealed, leading to no air porosity.
Adding 3 and 5 wt% OC resulted in excellent barrier performances.
PLA/OC coatings have the potential to replace synthetic paper coatings.
Thermal decomposition kinetics and mechanical analysis of boron carbide‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Yildirim Yeliz , Saltan Fehmi , Şirin Kamil , Küçük Vedat Arda 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn the present study, the mechanical properties and thermal degradation kinetics of PVA/PVP/PEO (polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl pyrrolidone/polyethylene oxide) blend, along with their composites containing various percentages of boron carbide (B4C), are examined. The solvent‐casting method is used for preparing the composites. Thermal degradation is analyzed using both Kissinger and FWO (Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa) methods to determine the activation energies (Ea). The Ea varied with the B4C content, with higher B4C percentages leading to increased thermal stability. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was employed to evaluate the mechanical properties, revealing that B4C addition enhances the Young's modulus (E) while decreasing strain. The highest strain (ε) was observed in the PVA/PEO/PVP blend, reaching 184%. The ε values for PVA/PEO/PVP‐B4C%5, PVA/PEO/PVP‐B4C%10, and PVA/PEO/PVP‐B4C%20 composites were determined as 45.30%, 29.15%, and 16.48%, respectively. The E was measured as 0.12 MPa for PVA/PEO/PVP, while the highest E value of 0.64 MPa was observed in the PVA/PVP/PEO‐B4C20% composite. Additionally, chemometric analysis using FTIR data and clustering algorithms confirmed the homogeneity of the blends. These findings indicate that B4C‐reinforced PVA/PVP/PEO composites could serve as alternatives to conventional polymers, particularly in applications requiring enhanced thermal and mechanical stability.Highlights
B4C addition increases the thermal stability of the PVA/PVP/PEO blend.
DMA analysis shows that B4C addition increases the elastic modulus.
Activation energies were calculated by the Kissinger and FWO methods.
PVA/PVP/PEO‐B4C composites offer superior mechanical resistance.
A comprehensive study of agricultural waste maize husk as a potential reinforcement in maize fiber/glass fiber hybrid composites
Authors: Hasan Md. Hasibul , Islam Saiful , Sajib Md. Shamim Mahbub , Rahman G. M. Shafiur , Sabur Md. Abdus , Ahmed Aninda Nafis , Mamun Muhammad Abdullah Al 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study presents a detailed analysis of hybrid composites fabricated using the hand lay‐up method with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) reinforced by glass fiber (GF) and varying contents of maize fiber (MF). The performance of these hybrid composites were compared with neat UPR, GF‐reinforced UPR, and MF‐reinforced UPR composites. MF was chemically treated and finely chopped to improve the matrix‐reinforcement adhesion. Physical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties were assessed. GF composites exhibited superior mechanical strength, which dropped by replacing GF with MF in M/GFC1. However, with increasing MF content in the hybrid system, enhanced tensile strength, flexural strength, and micro‐hardness, while compressive and impact strength declined. MF‐only composite appeared with highest micro‐hardness among other composites. A center GF layer composite displayed higher micro‐hardness compared to those with GF on opposite sides. The incorporation of MF made the composites lightweight and thermally insulating, though thermal stability and water resistance somewhat compromised. Fabrication defects, such as voids, fiber agglomeration, fiber pull out were identified through scanning electron microscopy and density measurement. The presence of voids in the composite led to a decrease in tensile properties and an increase in initial water absorption. Additionally, an unexpected rise in thermal diffusivity was observed in these cases.Highlights
Agricultural waste natural fiber as a potential alternative of synthetic fiber.
Development of hybrid layered composites with maize fiber and glass fiber.
Glass fiber and chemically treated maize fiber enhanced the properties of composites.
Incorporation of maize fiber in composites increased water absorption, balancing insulation with resistance.
Finding the optimal fiber fraction and composite system for better performance.
Mechanical tests show superior strength and durability.
Synergistic Effect of Dual Additive System on Molecular Structure and Foaming Properties of Recycled PET
Authors: Park Tae Hyeong , Jeon Hong Chan , Choo Ji Eun , Ji Young Ho , Hwang Sung Wook 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the effect of chain extenders on molecular structure and foaming properties of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottle flake (BF). To improve the melt strength of BF, two different chain extenders, pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and BASF Joncryl ADR4468, were introduced, and the optimized composition was determined based on the melt viscosity of BF, which resulted in improvements in both the storage modulus and the complex viscosity. The foaming was achieved by applying a chemical blowing agent to the compositions of BF_p and BF_d3 samples which is required for the minimum intrinsic viscosity for the possible chemical foaming process. The formation of small and uniform cells within virgin PET (vPET) and BF was confirmed through the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The vPET and BF using recipe R3, optimized chain extender composition, was found to be formed the lower density PET foam. In addition, the formation of a long‐chain branched (LCB) structure was observed from the rheological behavior, therefore, it could be suggested that a dual additive system successfully proved a synergistic effect in PET foaming performance.
Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopic Composition of Duplicate Diet of the Japanese
Authors: Yoshinaga Jun 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTRationaleCarbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) of whole diet have rarely been measured to date though the isotope ratios in human sample have been extensively used for diet and nutritional researches. In order to fully validate the isotope dietary analysis, isotopic information of whole diet is required.Methodsδ13C and δ15N of 150 duplicate diet samples collected in Japan during 2016–2017 were measured. Sixty‐five males and 85 females (mean age: 45 years) donated duplicate diet sample of which δ13C and δ15N were measured by element analyzer‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry.ResultsMean δ13C and δ15N of the 150 duplicate diets were −24.3 (1.1) ‰ and 3.58 (0.93) ‰, respectively, with no gender‐ and age‐dependent variation. δ15N of diet containing seafood (median: 3.60‰, n = 111) was significantly more elevated than that not containing seafood (3.01‰, n = 39). δ15N of Japanese diet is decreasing from 1990s to the present, which is consistent with the national statistics showing decreasing trend of seafood consumption of the Japanese. Contradictory to these observation, dietary δ15N was not elevated in diet samples from the elderlies though the diet of elderlies contained seafood more frequently than those of younger study participants.ConclusionThere were some uncertainties as to whether seafood is a major determinant of dietary δ15N of the Japanese. To further characterize dietary components that determine δ values, isotope ratio analysis of diet of known quantitative dietary components is warranted.
Vascular Microphysiological System for Investigating Endothelial Barrier Function During Organ Preservation and Reperfusion
Authors: Kim Yongdeok , Goswami Ishan , Gill Elisabeth , Mahmoodi S. Reza , Consiglio Anthony N. , Velazquez Jazmin , Nieman Gabriel , Alburo Alexis Abigail A. , Woods Brady , Ellis Bradley W. , von Filz von Reiterdank Irina , Uygun Korkut , Uygun Basak E. , Rubinsky Boris , Healy Kevin E. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEndothelial cell damage after cold preservation and reperfusion injury causes deterioration of the endothelial barrier and ultimately results in edema, leading to transplant failure. Here, a vascular microphysiological system (MPS) is introduced as a testbed to investigate the combinational effect of thermal and fluid perturbations (i.e., wall shear stress) on human endothelial barrier function. Two methods of organ storage are compared: isochoric supercooling (ISC) preservation, which prevents ice formation at subzero temperatures; and, the standard clinical protocol of static cold storage (SCS) at 4 °C. Integrating electrical impedance measurements on chip allow real‐time monitoring and quantification of barrier function during preservation and reperfusion protocols. Isochoric supercooling preservation enables longer periods of preservation with superior recovery of barrier function during reperfusion, and has lower metabolic activities compared to static cold storage. Genomic analysis reveals injury and recovery mechanisms at the molecular level for the different preservation and reperfusion conditions. The multifunctional vascular microphysiological system provides a physiologically relevant in vitro model recapitulating ischemia‐reperfusion injury to the endothelium. The vascular MPS has potential for optimizing organ preservation protocols, ultimately improving organ transplant viability.
Cerium Oxide‐Induced Synchronous Lattice Oxygen Activation and Accelerated Deprotonation Kinetics in Cobalt (oxy)Hydroxide for Robust Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Ruopeng , Wu Youzheng , Yang Peixia , Wang Dan , Xu Hao , Li Yaqiang , Ren Penghui , Meng Fan , Peng Xuesong , Qin Jiang , Zhang Jinqiu , An Maozhong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTheoretically, triggering the lattice oxygen mechanism (LOM) of the catalysts during the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can effectively break through the thermodynamic limitations, while following this path, the rate of simultaneous deprotonation also determines the overall kinetics. A cerium oxide units‐modified cobalt (oxy)hydroxide nanocomposite of CeO2‐CoOOH/NF is proposed, where the Ce(4f)‐O(2p)‐Co (3d) coupling with sites interaction mediates the Co─O Mott–Hubbard splitting state to trigger efficient LOM. Meanwhile, the 4f orbital electron‐rich state near the Fermi level is favorable for proceeding the electron‐involved deprotonation behavior. All these empower CeO2‐CoOOH/NF with considerable OER activity, which delivers an overpotential of 249 mV at 10 mA cm−2, and coupling with commercial Pt/C in anion exchange membrane water electrolyze (AEMWE) to realize energy‐saving hydrogen production. This work is instructive for the design of high‐performance OER catalysts through controlling the electron orbitals hybridization state of the catalysts to synchronously accelerate the kinetics of each link in OER.
Strain‐Induced Bandgap Narrowing in Crumpled TMDs for NIR Light Detection
Authors: Katiyar Ajit Kumar , Kim Youngjae , Kim Beom Jin , Choi Jonggyu , Hoang Anh Tuan , Lee JaeDong , Ahn Jong‐Hyun 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTransition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and WS2 emerge as promising materials in optoelectronics, especially for flexible photo‐ /image‐sensors due to their direct bandgap nature. However, the intrinsic bandgaps of these semiconductor monolayers (e.g., MoS2 ≈1.86 eV and WS2 ≈2.0 eV) restrict the operational wavelength range of developed photosensors in the visible spectrum. In addition, their ultrathin nature provides a limited optical absorption cross‐section that restricts the device's performance. Exploiting the strong impact of strain on the electronic band structure, strain engineering has emerged as a promising approach for adjusting the electrical and optical characteristics of layered semiconductors. In particular, the application of tensile strain in MoS2 and WS2 can decrease their bandgaps, which potentially can extend the optical absorption toward the near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength. Herein, a non‐conventional crumpling approach is employed to incorporate uniaxial tensile strain into a graphene/TMD/graphene metal‐semiconductor‐metal photodetector (PD) array. The utilized crumpled geometry provides exclusive photon management with enhanced light scattering and trapping at the sinusoidal surface that results in increased light absorption in NIR wavelength range.
Room‐Temperature Deuterium Separation in van Der Waals Gap Engineered Vermiculite Quantum Sieves
Authors: Lalita Saini , Aparna Rathi , Suvigya Kaushik , Yeh Li‐Hsien , Gopinadhan Kalon 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAs the demand for nuclear energy grows, enriching deuterium from hydrogen mixtures has become more important. However, traditional methods are either very energy‐intensive because they require extremely cold temperatures, or they don't separate deuterium (D2) from regular hydrogen (H2) very well, with a D2/H2 selectivity of ≈0.71. To achieve efficient deuterium separation at room temperature, materials with very tiny spaces, on an atomic scale are needed. For the first time, a material with spaces just ≈2.1 Å (angstroms) wide is successfully created, which is similar in size to the wavelength of hydrogen isotopes at room temperature. This allows for efficient deuterium separation, with a much higher D2/H2 selectivity of ≈2.20, meaning the material can separate deuterium from hydrogen much more effectively at room temperature. The smaller deuterium molecules are more likely to pass through these tiny spaces, showing that quantum effects play a key role in this process. In contrast, a material like graphene oxide, with larger spaces (≈4.0 Å), only shows a lower D2/H2 selectivity of ≈1.17, indicating weaker quantum effects. This discovery suggests that materials with very small, atomic‐scale spaces can be key to efficient separation of hydrogen isotopes at room temperature.
Genome sequencing of three Polyscias species reveals common features in terpene synthase gene family evolution in these species
Authors: Bai Mingzhou , Yang Xin , Lorence David H. , Wood Kenneth R. , Ahlstrand Natalie Iwanycki , Flynn Timothy W. , Zhao Shancen , Rønsted Nina , Simonsen Henrik Toft 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe genus Polyscias, part of the Araliaceae family, is known for its significant ornamental and medicinal value, as well as its rich variety of metabolites. These plants are primarily found in tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. The diverse geographical environments have led to the emergence of many unique and endangered species, although there is limited genomic information available about them. In this study, we generated high‐quality reference genomes for three endangered species: two that are endemic to Hawaiʻi, Polyscias cf. bisattenuata and Polyscias lallanii, and one more widespread species, Polyscias macgillivrayi. We identified a total of 51,083, 60,881, and 29,060 genes in these three species, respectively. Whole‐genome duplication analysis indicated that all three species underwent a common duplication event. By examining the phylogenetic and structural characteristics of the terpene synthase gene family in these species and closely related species, we identified several gene clusters that play crucial roles in metabolite synthesis. A variety of mono‐ and sesquiterpenoids were detected, with several of these compounds having been validated in previous studies. Our findings provide a foundation for further genetic and biochemical investigations of Polyscias, which may aid in the conservation of these endangered species.
Obtusifolin improves cisplatin-induced hepatonephrotoxicity via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Cesur Selcan , Yalinbas-Kaya Berrin , Tureyen Ali , Zemheri-Navruz Fahriye , Demirel Hasan Huseyin , Ince Sinan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cisplatin (CIS) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug, but one of its most serious side effects is hepatonephrotoxicity, which varies based on its dosage and duration of use. Previous studies have reported that obtusifolin (OBS) exhibits several pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of OBS against CIS-induced hepatonephrotoxicity. OBS (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to male mice for 10 days, while CIS (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on day 7 to induce hepatonephrotoxicity. The results showed that OBS reduced the CIS-induced elevations in AST, ALT, ALP, BUN, and creatinine levels by approximately 14%, 11%, 9%, 18%, and 14%, respectively. OBS also decreased liver and kidney MDA levels by approximately 31% and 25%, while enhancing liver and kidney GSH, SOD, and CAT levels by 50–36%, 80–70%, and 95–55%, respectively. In association with oxidative stress and the apoptotic process, OBS reduced liver and kidney mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 (by approximately 1.7- and 1.6-fold, respectively), HO-1 (by 1.6- and 1.4-fold, respectively), and Bcl-2 (by 1.6- and 1.4-fold, respectively). Additionally, OBS suppressed the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB (by 0.7- and 0.7-fold), TNF-α (by 0.6- and 0.6-fold), Bax (by 0.8- and 0.7-fold), and Cas-3 (by 0.7- and 0.7-fold). Protein expression analysis revealed that OBS increased Nrf2 (showing a 1.7- to 1.2-fold) and Bcl-2 levels (by 1.3- to 1.8-fold), and reduced Bax (by 0.7- to 0.8-fold) and caspase-3 (by 0.7- and 0.7-fold) levels altered by CIS treatment. Histopathological examinations confirmed that OBS reduced liver and kidney damage caused by CIS. In conclusion, OBS significantly improved CIS-induced hepatonephrotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via modulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. These findings suggest that OBS could be a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating the side effects of chemotherapeutics.