bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different pretreatment methods on the degree of substitution, structure, and physicochemical properties of synthesized malic acid sweet potato starch ester
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Shiwei , Li Yu , Yan Jiatian , Hu Aijun , Zheng Jie
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The preparation of malic acid starch ester (MSE) is mostly carried out using a high temperature method, but there are problems such as high energy consumption, long preparation time, and uneven heating. Microwave technology can be used to overcome these limitations. The semi‐crystalline structure of starch granules hinders the modifier's access to the matrix, thus limiting the esterification reaction. Physical techniques can act on the interior of the starch to create a number of active sites, thereby facilitating the reaction of the starch with esterification reagents. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of starch pretreatment by microwave, heat‐moisture, and ultrasonic techniques on the degree of substitution (DS), structure, and physicochemical properties of MSE synthesized by the microwave method.

RESULTS

The DS of MSE was increased after pretreatments. The modified starch obtained by different pretreatment methods did not show new characteristic peaks, while the MSE synthesized showed new absorption peaks near 1735 cm−1. The granular structure and morphology of the modified starch obtained by microwave and heat‐moisture pretreatment were gelatinized and aggregated, while some of the starch particles of the modified starch obtained by ultrasonic pretreatment appeared pore‐sized. The relative crystallinity and gelatinization enthalpy of the MSE were reduced, but the crystallization pattern remained as A‐type.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results suggest that various pretreatment methods can enhance the DS of MSE by disrupting the structure of starch. The findings of this study provide theoretical support for improving the DS of esterified starch. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pre‐harvest application of sodium nitroprusside enhances storage root quality in red beet cultivated under normal and drought conditions
Authors: Ferreira Lucélio Mendes , Henschel Juliane Maciel , Mendes Janaine Juliana Vieira de Almeida , Araujo Damiana Justino , Ribeiro José Evangelista Santos , Ferreira Valquiria Cardoso da Silva , da Cruz Oziel Nunes , Batista Diego Silva
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in plant stress tolerance, as well as in increasing post‐harvest quality, has been extensively demonstrated in several fruits and vegetable crops; however, the effects of its pre‐harvest application on post‐harvest quality are still poorly documented. Therefore, the pre‐harvest application of NO in red beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) plants cultivated under well‐watered and drought conditions was evaluated to assess whether it improves the post‐harvest quality of their storage roots. Red beet plants cultivated under well‐watered (80% of water holding capacity) or drought condition (15% of water holding capacity) were sprayed weekly with water (control) or 100 μmol L−1 sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor. Sixty‐six days after sowing, red beet roots were harvested, and root yield, total sugar yield, reducing sugars, non‐reducing sugars, proteins, lipids, root ashes, root moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, total phenolics, total betalains, betacyanins, betaxanthins and antioxidant capacity were determined.

RESULTS

While drought led to a reduction in root yield, sugars, lipids and titratable acidity, it increased phenolic compounds, betalains and the antioxidant capacity of beets. SNP reversed the negative effects of drought on sugar, lipid and organic acid contents and increased antioxidant capacity independent of stress.

CONCLUSION

Pre‐harvest SNP treatment reversed drought‐induced yield reductions in beets, while boosting bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. It also enhanced vitamin C content independently, indicating its dual role in stress mitigation and beet quality improvement. Future research should explore other crops and stress conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hydrophilic interaction chromatographic evaluation of zwitterionic polymer grafted silica gel via multiple binding sites
Authors: Zhang Pengcheng , Hu Yongxing , Liu Kunling , Sun Yaming , He Lijun , Zhao Wenjie
Published: July 2024

A novel zwitterionic polymer grafted silica stationary phase, Sil‐PZIC, was prepared by bonding poly(ethylene maleic anhydride) molecules on the surface of silica via multiple binding sites, followed by ammonolysis of maleic anhydride through a nucleophilic substitution reaction with ethylenediamine. The stationary phase was characterized by solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, zeta potential, and elemental analysis and the results show the successful encapsulation of zwitterionic polymer on the surface of silica. The chromatographic performance of Sil‐PZIC was investigated by using nucleosides and nucleic bases as test analytes The variation of retention and separation performance of these model compounds were investigated by varying the chromatographic conditions such as the components of mobile phase, salt concentration, and pH. The results show that the retention of the Sil‐PZIC phase was dominated by a hydrophilic partitioning mechanism accompanied by secondary interactions such as electrostatic and hydrogen bonding. In addition, saccharides and Amadori compounds were also well separated on the Sil‐PZIC, indicating that the Sil‐PZIC column has potential application for separation of the polar compound.
Development and validation of stability indicating assay method for mitapivat: Identification of novel hydrolytic, photolytic, and oxidative forced degradation products employing quadrupole‐time of flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Bagul Manasi Ashok , Patil Yatesh , Mane Sayalee Sanjay , Kunnath Shaji Anandhu , Das Pintu , Ranjan Om Prakash , Dengale Swapnil Jayant
Published: July 2024

Mitapivat is a novel, first‐in‐class orally active pyruvate kinase activator approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2022 for the treatment of hemolytic anemia. There is no literature available regarding the identification of degradation impurities of mitapivat. The present study deals with the degradation behavior of mitapivat under various stress conditions such as hydrolytic, photolytic, thermal, and oxidative stress. The multivariate analysis found that the independent variables, that is, molarity, temperature, and time, are interacting with each other to affect the degradation of mitapivat. A specific, accurate, and precise high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed to separate mitapivat from its degradation products. The separation was achieved on the C‐18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 µm) using the combination of 0.1% formic acid buffer and acetonitrile in gradient elution profile. The method was validated as per the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Q2(R2) guideline. LC‐electrospray ionization‐Quadrupole‐time of flight was employed to identify degradation products. A total of seven novel degradation products of mitapivat were identified based on tandem mass spectrometry and accurate mass measurement. In‐silico toxicity of mitapivat and its degradation products was qualitatively evaluated by the DEREK toxicity prediction tool.
Exploring residents' tourism support behaviors: A framework of the psychological perspective of the human‐place relationship
Authors: Song Huimin , Zeng Wei , Wu Mengjie
Published: July 2024

Based on cognitive‐affective personality system theory and social exchange theory, this study establishes a psychological model of the human‐place relationship that reflects the process by which residents' tourism support for tourist destinations is formed and examines the mediating role of residents' tolerance and the chain‐mediated effect of residents' perceived tourism impact and tolerance. To test the hypothetical model, a survey of 405 residents of Quanzhou Ancient City, China, was conducted. The results confirm the relationships among psychological empowerment, place attachment, perceived tourism impact and tolerance on residents' tourism support behaviors. The findings contribute to residents' tourism support behaviors education and guidance.
An investigation of technological innovation and tourism industrial structure upgrading as drivers of tourism economic growth
Authors: Yang Chunyu , Yang Jiayu , Huang Jue , You Biying , Hong Huanzhou
Published: July 2024

This study focuses on the drivers of tourism economic growth with technological innovation and tourism industrial structure upgrading as the key predictors. An empirical study was done with panel data of 71 countries for 1996–2016. Three‐stage least squares (3SLS) regression with cross‐sectional fixed effects was applied to estimate the parameters. The results suggest that both predictors are the driving force for tourism economic growth. Moreover, the results reveal that technological innovation has significant negative effects on tourism industrial structure upgrading. This suggests that if technological development is not firmly anchored in the regional economic development, any one‐sided pursuit of technological innovation can produce a “decoupling” effect, which constrains the upgrading of tourism industrial structure. The study has important practical implications for policy formulation to sustain long‐term development of the tourism economy.
Self‐interest, ethical and environmental considerations of air traveler weight policies
Authors: Tolkach Denis , Pratt Stephen , Masiero Lorenzo , Jørgensen Matias Thuen , Zoltan Judit , Schuckert Markus , Chon Kaye
Published: July 2024

There is ongoing debate about whether airlines should charge passengers based on their weight. This study examines the ethics of three policies by surveying 1012 US air travelers: A Standard policy with a uniform price irrespective of the weight. A Threshold policy with a penalty if the body weight exceeds 160 pounds (72.6 kg). And a Unit‐of‐Body‐Weight policy with an individual price based on body and baggage weight. The study demonstrates levels of acceptance of these policies by different segments of passengers across various normative ethical theories. Younger generations were more accepting of alternatives to the current standard policy. Self‐interest was evident as a major influence of respondents' views. The core of the theoretical contribution highlights the importance of a differentiated view on, and separation of ethical and environmental issues in tourism research, as it shows, that the more environmentally sustainable choice may not be the more ethical one.
Formulation and Characterization of Lentil Milk–Based Soft Cheese Analogs: Insights on Physicochemical and Textural Properties
Authors: Naeem Hafsa , Akhtar Aqsa , Akram Nadia , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul , Khalid Nauman
Published: July 2024

Lentil milk–based soft cheese (LBC) is one of the emerging partial substitutes for animal milk‐based cheese. With time, more people want to reduce their meat and dairy intake for ethical, environmental, and chronic health–related concerns. This study focused on the formulation of LBC using milk extracted from green gram (S1 (6.5 g) of proteins), red gram (S2 (5 g) proteins), and black gram (S3 (3.5 g) proteins). All formulated LBC samples were investigated by determining proximate analysis, syneresis, viscosity, texture, color change, storage time, microbial count, and sensory attributes to evaluate the quality during 15 days of storage. The results reported that pH levels decreased for both S1 and S3, while S2 showed an increasing trend from Day 1 to Day 15. Viscosity and syneresis increased from Days 1 to 15 in S1, S2, and S3. Moreover, assessment of storage stability showed significant changes (p < 0.05) in the microbial count for S1 (7.89–4.98 CFU/mL), S2 (2.88–9.68 CFU/mL), and S3 (1.39–7.09 CFU/mL) from Day 1 to Day 15. The puncture force test reported that S1 showed a decreasing trend while S2 and S3 showed an increasing trend. The color attributes also showed a rising trend across all LBC samples. For sensory evaluation, LBC prepared using green gram showed the highest scores, particularly in appearance, texture, and color. Overall findings concluded the potential of lentil milk as a suitable ingredient for plant‐based soft cheese production, offering a new nutritious option for consumers with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Characterizing Dry Pea (Pisum sativum L.) for Improved Nutritional Traits and the Potential for Biofortification
Authors: Windsor Nathan , Boatwright Lucas , Boyles Rick , Bridges William , Rubiales Diego , Thavarajah Dil
Published: July 2024

Dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a highly nutritious cool season food legume or pulse crop within the Fabaceae family that features high levels of protein (20%–25%), prebiotic carbohydrates, and a range of minerals and vitamins. Dry pea is cultivated globally in temperate climates and consumed as a whole food, snack, or protein powder. Dry pea is featured in plant‐based meat items such as the “beyond” branded plant‐based meats. Dry pea is an excellent candidate for plant‐based protein alternatives due to the high protein and low‐fat concentrations present in the mature seed, but improvements are still needed for more widespread use. Breeding efforts are ongoing to further improve dry pea proteins' quality, quantity, and digestibility through biofortification. Global dry pea germplasm contains a wide array of accessions that are vital for dry pea breeding efforts focused on developing cultivars enriched with the most bioavailable forms of plant‐based proteins. The objective of this review is to summarize prior research exploring the factors that contribute to the nutritional value of the dry pea—especially protein quality and quantity.
What's hot and what's not in the aquatic sciences—Understanding and improving news coverage
Authors: Downing John A.
Published: July 2024

The frequency of news reporting about scientific topics is positively related to public interest as well as to public support for science funding and public policy change. This correlation can also have positive impacts on individual scientific careers depending on the chosen subject area of research. Analysis of a public news database shows the frequency and trends in news reporting of several popular research areas in the aquatic sciences. The frequency of appearance of topics in the news varies over more than three orders of magnitude. Temporal trends in reporting vary from steeply increasing (+25% per year) to declining (−4% per year). Suggestions are offered concerning the framing of research topics and overall better communication of research findings to journalists and the general public. This understanding may increase news prominence, public interest, science funding, and policy change in aquatic research areas.
Mental illness and marketing: A 50‐year scoping review and future research framework
Authors: Farrell Justine Rapp , Machin Jane , Mirabito Ann M. , Drenten Jenna , Chan‐Park Christina , Crosby Elizabeth , Adkins Natalie Ross
Published: July 2024

Marketing scholars wield untapped potential to expand research into the wellbeing of consumers with mental illness beyond existing clinical and medical perspectives, enriching the field with unique insights into consumer behavior, market dynamics, and strategic interventions. This scoping review maps over 50 years of research at the intersection of mental illness and marketing in business disciplines. We examine a corpus of 1064 peer‐reviewed journal articles using the population, concept, and context framework to integrate extant knowledge and identify research gaps. We present a comprehensive future‐facing research framework that highlights gaps at the consumer, market, policy, and society levels that marketing researchers are particularly qualified to investigate. Through a series of illustrative research directives, we highlight areas of opportunities for better understanding and addressing the interdependencies that exist within this complex and multidisciplinary domain.
Conceptualizing sustainable consumption priming: A scoping review
Authors: Hao Jianyu , Plangger Kirk , West Douglas
Published: July 2024

While many psychological interventions encourage sustainable consumption by altering attitudes, these modified attitudes often do not result in sustainable choices leading to the need to test alternative interventions to facilitate sustainable consumption, such as priming. Priming uses stimuli that trigger nonconscious processing that influences decisions. Despite its popularity, studies that employ priming strategies in sustainable consumption research are widely dispersed across several conceptual domains. This article unpacks and summarizes different approaches to priming sustainable behavior by delineating theoretical and methodological perspectives in various contexts across diverse consumer characteristics. The method employed is a scoping review of 74 articles published over 23 years (2000–2022). The resulting review (1) provides an overview of priming in sustainable consumption, (2) highlights knowledge gaps, (3) identifies knowledge clusters, and (4) proposes a research agenda for future investigations. Primarily, this paper provides an integrated map that deconstructs how researchers have explored priming interventions to promote sustainable consumption and to enable the best, or at least, better practice.
Potential of Phenylalanine‐, Tryptophan‐, and Tyrosine‐MOF‐5 Composites for Selective Carbon Dioxide and Methane Adsorption
Authors: Moyosore Abdullahi , Ahmad Haslina , Latif Muhammad Alif Muhammad , Borzehandani Mostafa Yousefzadeh , AbdulRahman Mohd Basyaruddin , Abdelmalek Emilia
Published: July 2024

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile materials with exceptional properties, including high porosities, large surface areas, and remarkable stabilities, making them attractive for various applications. MOF‐5 stands out for its thermal stability and surface area, making it promising for diverse applications, including drug delivery and gas adsorption. This study explores the potential of amino acid MOF (AA‐MOF) composites, integrating phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine, for selective CO2 and CH4 adsorption using grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. The impact of amino acid composition and spatial arrangement within MOF‐5 on selective CO2 and CH4 adsorption performance have been investigated. The results indicate that tryptophan‐MOF‐5 exhibits the highest CO2 uptake due to the interaction between CO2 and tryptophan, while phenylalanine‐MOF‐5 demonstrated the lowest affinity for gas adsorption. Radial distribution function (RDF) analysis reveals distinct gas distribution patterns within the composites, with tryptophan playing a dominant role in gas adsorption. Additionally, analysis of total energy, enthalpy of adsorption, and Henry's coefficient provide insights into the thermodynamic aspects of gas adsorption onto AA‐MOF composites. This study enhances the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying CO2 and CH4 selective adsorption in amino acid MOF composites, facilitating the development of efficient gas separation technologies.
A novel high‐risk model identified by epithelial–mesenchymal transition predicts prognosis and radioresistance in rectal cancer
Authors: Qin Feiyu , Bian Zehua , Jiang Lingzhen , Cao Yulin , Tang Junhui , Ming Liang , Qin Yan , Huang Zhaohui , Yin Yuan
Published: July 2024

Many studies have shown that tumor cells that survive radiotherapy are more likely to metastasize, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we aimed to identify epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related key genes, which associated with prognosis and radiosensitivity in rectal cancer. First, we obtained differentially expressed genes by analyzing the RNA expression profiles of rectal cancer retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, EMT‐related genes, and radiotherapy‐related databases, respectively. Then, Lasso and Cox regression analyses were used to establish an EMT‐related prognosis model (EMTPM) based on the identified independent protective factor Fibulin5 (FBLN5) and independent risk gene EHMT2. The high‐EMTPM group exhibited significantly poorer prognosis. Then, we evaluated the signature in an external clinical validation cohort. Through in vivo experiments, we further demonstrated that EMTPM effectively distinguishes radioresistant from radiosensitive patients with rectal cancer. Moreover, individuals in the high‐EMTPM group showed increased expression of immune checkpoints compared to their counterparts. Finally, pan‐cancer analysis of the EMTPM model also indicated its potential for predicting the prognosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma and breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. In summary, we established a novel predictive model for rectal cancer prognosis and radioresistance based on FBLN5 and EHMT2 expressions, and suggested that immune microenvironment may be involved in the process of radioresistance. This predictive model could be used to select management strategies for rectal cancer.
Sensitivity of Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Progression over Six Months in Early Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Rezende Thiago J.R. , Petit Emilien , Park Young Woo , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie , Joers James M. , DuBois Jonathan M. , Moore Arnold H. , Povazan Michal , Banan Guita , Valabregue Romain , Ehses Philipp , Faber Jennifer , Coupé Pierrick , Onyike Chiadi U. , Barker Peter B. , Schmahmann Jeremy D. , Ratai Eva‐Maria , Subramony Sub H. , Mareci Thomas H. , Bushara Khalaf O. , Paulson Henry , Klockgether Thomas , Durr Alexandra , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Lenglet Christophe , Öz Gülin ,   READISCA Consortium
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinical trials for upcoming disease‐modifying therapies of spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), a group of rare movement disorders, lack endpoints sensitive to early disease progression, when therapeutics will be most effective. In addition, regulatory agencies emphasize the importance of biological outcomes.

Objectives

READISCA, a transatlantic clinical trial readiness consortium, investigated whether advanced multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detects pathology progression over 6 months in preataxic and early ataxic carriers of SCA mutations.

Methods

A total of 44 participants (10 SCA1, 25 SCA3, and 9 controls) prospectively underwent 3‐T MR scanning at baseline and a median [interquartile range] follow‐up of 6.2 [5.9–6.7] months; 44% of SCA participants were preataxic. Blinded analyses of annual changes in structural, diffusion MRI, MR spectroscopy, and the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) were compared between groups using nonparametric testing. Sample sizes were estimated for 6‐month interventional trials with 50% to 100% treatment effect size, leveraging existing large cohort data (186 SCA1, 272 SCA3) for the SARA estimate.

Results

Rate of change in microstructural integrity (decrease in fractional anisotropy, increase in diffusivities) in the middle cerebellar peduncle, corona radiata, and superior longitudinal fasciculus significantly differed in SCAs from controls (P < 0.005), with high effect sizes (Cohen's d = 1–2) and moderate‐to‐high responsiveness (|standardized response mean| = 0.6–0.9) in SCAs. SARA scores did not change, and their rate of change did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Diffusion MRI is sensitive to disease progression at very early‐stage SCA1 and SCA3 and may provide a >5‐fold reduction in sample sizes relative to SARA as endpoint for 6‐month‐long trials. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Multisystem disorder associated with a pathogenic variant in CLCN7 in the absence of osteopetrosis
Authors: Lee Chung‐Lin , Chang Yeun‐Wen , Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Lee Hung‐Chang , Yeh Ting‐Chi , Fang Li‐Ching , Lee Ni‐Chung , Tsai Jeng‐Daw , Lin Shuan‐Pei
Published: July 2024

Background

We clinically and genetically evaluated a Taiwanese boy presenting with developmental delay, organomegaly, hypogammaglobulinemia and hypopigmentation without osteopetrosis. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a de novo gain‐of‐function variant, p.Tyr715Cys, in the C‐terminal domain of ClC‐7 encoded by CLCN7.

Methods

Nicoli et al. (2019) assessed the functional impact of p.Tyr715Cys by heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes and evaluating resulting currents.

Results

The variant led to increased outward currents, indicating it underlies the patient's phenotype of lysosomal hyperacidity, storage defects and vacuolization. This demonstrates the crucial physiological role of ClC‐7 antiporter activity in maintaining appropriate lysosomal pH.

Conclusion

Elucidating mechanisms by which CLCN7 variants lead to lysosomal dysfunction will advance understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations. Identifying modifier genes and compensatory pathways may reveal therapeutic targets. Ongoing functional characterization of variants along with longitudinal clinical evaluations will continue advancing knowledge of ClC‐7's critical roles and disease mechanisms resulting from its dysfunction. Expanded cohort studies are warranted to delineate the full spectrum of associated phenotypes.
Hybrid algorithms for SAR matrix compression and the impact of post‐processing on SAR calculation complexity
Authors: Orzada Stephan , Fiedler Thomas M. , Ladd Mark E.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study proposes faster virtual observation point (VOP) compression as well as post‐processing algorithms for specific absorption rate (SAR) matrix compression. Furthermore, it shows the relation between the number of channels and the computational burden for VOP‐based SAR calculation.

Methods

The proposed new algorithms combine the respective benefits of two different criteria for determining upper boundedness of SAR matrices by the VOPs. Comparisons of the old and new algorithms are performed for head coil arrays with various channel counts. The new post‐processing algorithm is used to post‐process the VOP sets of nine arrays, and the number of VOPs for a fixed median relative overestimation is compared.

Results

The new algorithms are faster than the old algorithms by a factor of two to more than 10. The compression efficiency (number of VOPs relative to initial number of SAR matrices) is identical. For a fixed median relative overestimation, the number of VOPs increases logarithmically with the number of RF coil channels when post‐processing is applied.

Conclusion

The new algorithms are much faster than previous algorithms. Post‐processing is very beneficial for online SAR supervision of MRI systems with high channel counts, since for a given number of VOPs the relative SAR overestimation can be lowered.
Optimal enhanced backstepping method for trajectory tracking control of the wheeled mobile robot
Authors: Zhang Ke , Chai Bin , Tan Minghu
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a novel control method applied to the trajectory tracking of the wheeled mobile robot. This method can solve the tracking difficulty caused by the non‐holonomic constraint and the under‐actuated properties. First, according to the kinematic and dynamic tracking error models, the desired velocities for trajectory tracking purposes are obtained. Second, the control method, consisting of an enhanced backstepping controller with fewer gains and an optimization algorithm, is designed. The actual trajectory of the mobile robot is exactly converged and kept at the predefined reference trajectory by the operation of this method. Next, this method with globally uniformly asymptotically stability is theoretically analyzed. Finally, simulation comparisons and physical experiments are conducted in different scenarios. The tracking performance is evaluated by three metrics, namely convergence speed, tracking accuracy and robustness, thus verifying the effectiveness of the novel control method.
Sulfur as an effective sensitizer for natural rubber vulcanized via electron beam irradiation
Authors: Purbaya Mili , Kobayashi Takaomi , Thamrongsiripak Nuatawan , Hayichelaeh Chesidi , Boonkerd Kanoktip
Published: July 2024

A sensitizer or crosslinking promoter must be utilized to improve electron beam irradiation (EBI) vulcanization and achieve optimal results. This work investigated the effect of sensitizers, that is, sulfur and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPT), on the properties of EBI‐vulcanized natural rubber (NR). The experiments focused on analyzing the effect of different amounts of sensitizers, that is, 2 and 3 phr, on the swelling, crosslink density, entanglement, and mechanical properties of NR latex. A sample without sensitizers was taken as a reference. Results revealed that the crosslink density of the samples with sensitizers had improved compared with that of the sample without a sensitizer. The sample with sulfur exhibited higher crosslink density than the NR with TMPT. The sulfur‐containing NR exhibited superior mechanical properties, i.e., modulus, tensile strength, and tear strength, as its crosslink density increased. In addition, increasing the sulfur content reduced the crosslink density of the NR latex, resulting in inferior mechanical properties. Furthermore, the different forms, that is, latex and film, of NR were compared. The latex form revealed higher crosslink density than the film form, thus presenting high mechanical properties because it contained water, which could induce the formation of free radical species and enhance crosslinking.
Composite sheets based on polylactic acid and sugar beet pulp: A solution to accelerate biological degradation of PLA on soil under outdoor exposure
Authors: Schirp Arne , Deetz Richard , Kopitzky Rodion , Schirp Claudia
Published: July 2024

Sugar beet residues (SBR) were converted into thermomechanical pulp (sugar beet pulp, SBP) and compounded with either polylactic acid (PLA) or high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) as matrix. Pressed, thin sheets made with the compounds were placed on soil for 16 weeks outdoors and changes in material properties, including weight losses, monitored. Chloroform extraction showed that proportionally more SBP than PLA was degraded after biodegradation. A reduction in molecular weight of the PLA in composites during processing was determined, which was attributed to moisture in SBP and led to PLA hydrolysis. No further significant reduction in molecular weight of the PLA in composites occurred during outdoor exposure. In case of the HDPE‐SBP composites, results of acid hydrolysis indicated that primarily, the SBP component was degraded. Tensile strength tests, microscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy and thermal analyses were also performed with the composites. Under the conditions of this study, it was shown that PLA composites with 70% (wt.) of SBP were completely disintegrated before completion of 12 weeks exposure. The addition of SBP to PLA accelerates biodegradation significantly which is an asset for agricultural (mulch films), forestry, horticulture and packaging applications.

Highlights

Degradation of composites based on SBP with PLA or HDPE matrix was evaluated on soil

Addition of SBP increased weight loss, irrespective of the matrix type during the degradation tests

Differences in material composition over exposure time were analyzed

Combination of SBP with PLA enhances biodegradability of composites

SBP offers huge potential as filler in biodegradable polymer composites
Activities of psychiatrists in specialized coronavirus disease 2019 wards at Juntendo Hospital
Authors: Takeshita Yoshihide , Katsuta Narimasa
Published: July 2024

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in 2020, specialized COVID‐19 wards have been established in general hospitals across Japan. Juntendo Hospital also established a dedicated COVID‐19 ward; however, many hospitalized patients were found to have psychiatric symptoms, such as delirium and depression. Juntendo Hospital's COVID‐19 specialist beds were staffed mainly by internists, who specialized in physical illnesses and were unfamiliar with psychiatric symptoms, making it difficult for them to provide adequate treatment. Some staff members were also found to be suffering from mental illness, compounding these issues. In 2021, to address these challenges, Juntendo Hospital's psychiatry department began having psychiatrists make rounds once a week in specialized COVID‐19 wards. The number of consultations varied depending on the status of the COVID‐19 epidemic; however, in the peak month, 45 consultations were made per month. Most consultations involved delirium and neurotic conditions, and there had been over 200 consultations for both by August 2023. We addressed not only the mental symptoms of the patients, but also the health status of the staff at the hospital beds, and took measures to maintain the mental health of the staff. Consequently, the hospital has not experienced any large‐scale medical breakdowns due to excessive staff fatigue. New pandemics of emerging infectious diseases will likely occur in the future, and we believe that we need to learn from this pandemic and prepare for future pandemics.
Human papillomavirus vaccine delivery practices among pediatricians and pediatric trainees in a tertiary hospital in Singapore
Authors: Ler Grace Yan Ling , Roy Chowdhury Sudipta
Published: July 2024

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is associated with cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. It is crucial to improve vaccination uptake in both genders as primary prevention for these conditions. Pediatricians play an active role in advocating for HPV vaccination and our study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, barriers, and practices among pediatric trainees and general pediatricians regarding HPV infection and vaccination. A survey‐questionnaire was administered to our target groups. It comprised 14 questions regarding demographics of the healthcare provider, knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination, practices and barriers of recommending HPV vaccination, and effective strategies for improving HPV vaccine uptake. Among survey respondents, majority did not recommend for HPV vaccination (66.7%) or receive any enquiry about it (80.6%) within the preceding 12 months. The most common perceived barrier was inadequate knowledge, which was consistent with the misconceptions regarding HPV infection and vaccination that were identified in this survey. Strategies which physicians felt would be most effective in increasing vaccine uptake include educating and providing resources for both physicians and caregivers as well as making the vaccine free. Our study revealed a low advocacy rate for HPV vaccination. Physicians need to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources to better counsel caregivers as well as focus our efforts on vaccinating male patients in order to increase vaccine uptake in both genders.
Effect of inorganic nanoparticles on polypropylene in‐mold decoration and microcellular foaming injection molding composites
Authors: Zhao Jialong , Guo Wei , Zhao Feng , Feng Tao , Yan Kui
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the surface morphology of the parts was improved by the in‐mold decoration and microcellular foaming injection molding (MIM‐IMD), and the mechanical properties of the parts were improved by inorganic particles modification. The effects of different inorganic particles (CaCO3, MMT, Talc) on the rheological behavior, crystallization properties, cell structure, surface quality, and mechanical properties of the MIM‐IMD composites were analyzed through experimental research and comprehensive macro and micro characterization. It was found that the foamed composite added with MMT had the highest surface quality, the best cell structure, the minimum average cell diameter of 78.4 μm and the maximum cell density of 3.09 × 106 cells/cm3. Talc improved the crystallinity of polypropylene (PP) matrix, and the resulting mechanical properties were the most significant improvement. Tensile, flexural, and impact strength were increased by 20.3%, 11.6%, and 45.2%, respectively.

Highlights

The MIM‐IMD process was used to improve the surface quality of the samples.

The enhancement of different inorganic particles on the properties were compared.

The properties were evaluated by macro‐ and micro‐characterization.

Inorganic particles can significantly improve the cell structure.

Inorganic particles can greatly improve mechanical properties.
Treatment of [99mTc]Tc‐hydroxy‐diphosphonate ([99mTc]Tc‐HDP) extravasation using hyaluronidase
Authors: Doornhof Kevin R. , de Lussanet de la Sablonière Quido , Koolen Stijn L. W. , Konijnenberg Mark W.
Published: July 2024

Extravasation of 99mTc‐labeled radiopharmaceuticals is generally considered to require no specific intervention. In the presented case, the use of hyaluronidase could have minimized the adverse effects resulting from such an extravasation. Currently, no guidelines exist regarding the use of hyaluronidase after extravasation of [99mTc]Tc‐HDP. Considering the low risk of administering hyaluronidase, it should be considered to limit the risk of injury after extravasation of [99mTc]Tc‐HDP.
Pathogen occurrence in different developmental stages of the invasive Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Buysson, 1905)
Authors: Cilia Giovanni , Caringi Valeria , Zavatta Laura , Bortolotti Laura
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The yellow‐legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) is a predatory species native to South‐East Asia. The hornet is invasive in Europe, spreading to several countries and becoming a pest for Apis mellifera due to its behaviour of preying in front of apiaries. The aim of this study was (i) to investigate the presence of honey bee pathogens within the developmental stages of V. velutina after neutralizing a nest in Bologna province (Emilia‐Romagna, Italy) and (ii) to analyze the mitochondrial DNA to determine if the population derived from the population initially introduced in Europe.

RESULTS

The results indicated that deformed wing virus (82.76%) and Nosema ceranae (67.28%) were the most prevalent pathogens. Deformed wing virus, N. ceranae and sacbrood virus were found in all investigated stages, while chronic bee paralysis virus and Kashmir bee virus were exclusively found in foraging adults. All detected viruses were found to be replicative, highlighting active infection in the hosts. The mtDNA analysis demonstrated that the origin derived from the invasive population arrived in France.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the importance of further research to understand the effect of interspecific transmission, especially concerning the potential role of these pathogens as a biocontrol for the invasive V. velutina nigrithorax. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring SDHI fungicide resistance in Botrytis cinerea through genetic transformation system and AlphaFold model‐based molecular docking
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Lee Gahee , Sang Hyunkyu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is one of the most serious diseases affecting strawberry. Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides have been used for more than a decade to control the disease. Monitoring resistance and improving in‐depth understanding of resistance mechanisms are essential for the control of B. cinerea.

RESULTS

In this study, resistance monitoring of a SDHI fungicide boscalid was conducted on B. cinerea isolated from strawberries in Korea during 2020 and 2021, with resistance rates of 76.92% and 72.25%, respectively. In resistant strains, mutations P225F/H and H272R were found in SdhB, with P225F representing the dominant mutation type. Simultaneous mutations G85A, I93V, M158V, and V168I in SdhC were detected in 54.84% of sensitive strains. Sensitivity profiles of different Sdh genotypes of B. cinerea strains to six SDHIs were determined in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the mutation(s) were genetically validated through in situ SdhB (SdhC) expression. Docking assays between SDHIs and AlphaFold model‐based Sdh complexes revealed generally consistent patterns with their in vitro phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

Resistance of B. cinerea to SDHI fungicide on strawberry was systematically investigated in this study. Deciphering of SDHI resistance through the genetic transformation system and AlphaFold model‐based molecular docking will provide valuable insights into other target site‐based fungicide resistance in fungal pathogens. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Early detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension through [18F] positron emission tomography imaging with a vascular endothelial receptor small molecule
Authors: Yang Zhen , Li Feng , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A. , Natarajan Kartiga , Martin Diego R. , Li Zheng , Guha Ashrith
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study is to provide a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging modality targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) for the early noninvasive detection and assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) severity. To validate the effectiveness of the [18F]VEGFR PET tracer, we utilized a monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced PAH rat model. Molecular optical imaging, using a Cy5.5‐conjugated VEGFR targeting agent, was employed to demonstrate the uptake of the agent at pulmonary arterioles, correlating with the onset and progression of PAH. Histological examinations of the MCT‐PAH rat lung revealed a significant correlation between VEGFR2 expression and the pathogenesis of PAH. Molecular optical imaging demonstrated heightened uptake of the Cy5.5‐conjugated VEGFR targeting agent at pulmonary arterioles, corresponding with the onset and progression of PAH. [18F]VEGFR PET showed increased lung uptake detectable in early‐stage PAH before increase in pulmonary artery pressures, and this uptake correlated with increased PAH severity. Moreover, when compared to [18F]FDG PET, [18F]VEGFR PET exhibited markedly lower background cardiac signal, enhancing imaging sensitivity for lung abnormalities. Our study provides a compelling evidence for the potential utility of the innovative [18F]VEGFR PET tracer, in non‐invasively detecting early signs of PAH, and monitoring its progression. The observed correlations between VEGFR2 expression, molecular optical imaging results, and [18F]VEGFR PET findings support the use of this tracer for early detection, and assessment of PAH severity. The lower background cardiac signal observed with [18F]VEGFR PET further enhances its imaging sensitivity, emphasizing its potential clinical significance.
Identifying the Nature and Location of Defects in n–i–p Perovskite Cells with Highly Sensitive Sub‐Bandgap Photocurrent Spectroscopy
Authors: van Gorkom Bas T. , Fun Stacey H. W. , van der Pol Tom P. A. , Remmerswaal Willemijn H. M. , Aalbers Guus J. W. , Wienk Martijn M. , Janssen René A. J.
Published: July 2024

Defects that exist in perovskite semiconductors and at their interfaces with charge transport layers limit the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Highly sensitive photocurrent measurements reveal at least two sub‐bandgap defect states in n–i–p PSCs that use tin oxide covered with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the electron transport layer and tris(4‐carbazoyl‐9‐ylphenyl)amine (TCTA) as the hole transport layer. Semitransparent PSCs with an optical spacer‐mirror bilayer on top are used to modulate the interference of light. By varying the thickness of the optical spacer and analyzing the changes in the photocurrent spectra using optical simulations, the defect states that produce photocurrent with sub‐bandgap excitation are found to be located near the PCBM‐perovskite interface. This conclusion is supported by quasi‐Fermi level splitting measurements on perovskite n–i–p half stacks. The observations are explained by an enhanced extraction of trapped electrons from the perovskite at the interface with PCBM.
Gasification Removal Behaviour of Phosphorus Compounds from High‐Phosphorous Iron Ore
Authors: Liu Jiazhan , Kon Tatsuya , Maeda Takayuki , Ohno Ko‐ichiro , Higuchi Kenichi
Published: July 2024

The gasification removal behaviour of phosphorus from high‐phosphorus iron ore is theoretically and experimentally studied in the temperature range of 400–900 °C under H2 reducing and N2 atmospheres. In the first step, thermodynamic analysis is conducted to reveal the gasification and reaction behaviours of common phosphorus compounds, namely P4O10, FePO4, AlPO4, Ca2P2O7, and Ca3(PO4)2. The results indicate that P4O10, FePO4, and AlPO4 under H2 reducing atmosphere and P4O10 under a N2 atmosphere can be removed by gasification, and the influence of the interaction between the vaporized gases and iron ore should be investigated. Therefore, dephosphorization experiments are performed on simulated iron ores containing P4O10, FePO4, or AlPO4. For the sample containing P4O10, ferric phosphates and iron phosphides are formed under the N2 and H2 reducing atmospheres, respectively, and their formation rates decreases with decreasing temperature, becoming almost stagnant at 400 °C. Moreover, it is confirmed that FePO4 and AlPO4 cannot be removed even when pure H2 is introduced.
Deadman Behavior and Slag–Iron–Coke Interaction of Low Carbon and Safety Blast Furnace: A Review
Authors: Zong Yanbing , Guo Ziyu , Zhang Jianliang , Liu Yanxiang , Meng Sai , Ning Xiaojun , Jiao Kexin
Published: July 2024

The elucidation of the deadman's behavior and the interaction between slag–iron–coke within the blast furnace hearth are essential for the realization of low‐carbon and safe production. In this review, the macrostate of the deadman, the interactions between slag–iron–coke, carburizing behaviors, and renewal mechanisms are comprehensively examined. First, the formation and state of the deadman, voidage, and the distribution of coke sizes within the blast furnace hearth are characterized. The average coke particle size ranges from 20 to 30 mm, and the deadman void fraction of 30–50%. Second, the interaction between slag–iron–coke as well as the occurrence state of the mineral layer at the interface within the deadman is elucidated. The ash composition and content of coke are the key factors affecting the slag–iron–coke interaction and interface phase composition. Third, the influence exerted by critical factors such as the physical properties of the carbon source, molten iron, and temperature on the carburizing behavior are analyzed, with the renewal mechanisms of the deadman also being disclosed. Finally, three future focal areas are proposed: characterization and intelligent monitoring of deadman permeability, analysis of slag–iron–coke properties and interface mineral layers control, and in‐depth analysis of deadman renewal and carbon carburization in molten iron. It is anticipated that the studies will enhance the comprehension of deadman behavior and the interactions between slag–iron–coke, thereby fostering the blast furnace's sustainable development.