bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethics and applications of isotope analysis in archaeology
Authors: Stantis Chris , Schaefer Benjamin J. , Correia Maria Ana , Alaica Aleksa K. , Huffer Damien , Plomp Esther , Di Giusto Marina , Chidimuro Blessing , Rose Alice K. , Nayak Ayushi , Kendall Ellen J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis synthesis explores specific ethical questions that commonly arise in isotopic analysis. For more than four decades, isotope analysis has been employed in archeological studies to explore past human and animal dietary habits, mobility patterns, and the environment in which a human or animal inhabited during life. These analyses require consideration of ethical issues. While theoretical concepts are discussed, we focus on practical aspects: working with descendant communities and other rights holders, choosing methods, creating and sharing data, and working mindfully within academia. These layers of respect and care should surround our science. This paper is relevant for specialists in isotope analysis as well as those incorporating these methods into larger projects. By covering the whole of the research process, from design to output management, we appeal broadly to archaeology and provide actionable solutions that build on the discussions in the general field.
Plasma and CSF biomarkers of aging and cognitive decline in Caribbean vervets
Authors: Varma Curran , Luo Eva , Bostrom Gustaf , Bathini Praveen , Berdnik Daniela , Wyss‐Coray Tony , Zhao Tingting , Dong Xianjun , Ervin Frank R. , Beierschmitt Amy , Palmour Roberta M. , Lemere Cynthia A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONVervets are non‐human primates that share high genetic homology with humans and develop amyloid beta (Aβ) pathology with aging. We expand current knowledge by examining Aβ pathology, aging, cognition, and biomarker proteomics.METHODSAmyloid immunoreactivity in the frontal cortex and temporal cortex/hippocampal regions from archived vervet brain samples ranging from young adulthood to old age was quantified. We also obtained cognitive scores, plasma samples, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in additional animals. Plasma and CSF proteins were quantified with platforms utilizing human antibodies.RESULTSWe found age‐related increases in Aβ deposition in both brain regions. Bioinformatic analyses assessed associations between biomarkers and age, sex, cognition, and CSF Aβ levels, revealing changes in proteins related to immune‐related inflammation, metabolism, and cellular processes.DISCUSSIONVervets are an effective model of aging and early‐stage Alzheimer's disease, and we provide translational biomarker data that both align with previous results in humans and provide a basis for future investigations.Highlights
We found changes in immune and metabolic plasma biomarkers associated with age and cognition.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers revealed changes in cell signaling indicative of adaptative processes.
TNFRSF19 (TROY) and Artemin co‐localize with Alzheimer's disease pathology.
Vervets are a relevant model for translational studies of early‐stage Alzheimer's disease.
Effect of early menopause on cognition and brain morphology in an Urban Indian Cohort
Authors: Mensegere Abhishek , Singh Sadhana , Stezin Albert , Sundarakumar Jonas S. , Issac Thomas Gregor 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDEvidence for the effect of early menopause on cognition among older women is not consistent and is scant among the Indian population.METHODSWe aimed to examine the effect of early menopause (≤45 years) on cognitive performance and brain morphology among older dementia‐free females of the TLSA cohort using a multiple linear regression analysis.RESULTSIn a sample of 528 women, 144 (27%) had early menopause. The linear regression analysis showed that women with early menopause performed poorly in cognition and had lesser total gray matter volume [β = −11973.94, p = 0.033], left middle frontal [β = −353.14, p = 0.033], and left superior frontal [β = −460.97, p < 0.026] volume.CONCLUSIONDementia‐free women with early menopause had poorer cognition, lower total gray matter, and frontal lobe. More research is needed to explore the link between earlier menopause and cognitive decline and develop ways to address it.Highlights
Evidence on the effect of early menopause on brain morphology is inconsistent and scant in low and middle‐income countries, such as India.
In a cohort of dementia‐free individuals in urban Bangalore, we observed that participants with early menopause had significantly lower cognitive performance and lower total gray matter and frontal lobe volume.
We recommend increasing awareness of this fact among the medical community and the general public. There is an urgent need to explore the underlying biological mechanism and to discover effective interventions to mitigate the effect.
Synthesis of a Metalla[2]catenane, Metallarectangles and Polynuclear Assemblies from Di(N‐Heterocyclic Carbene) Ligands
Authors: Chang Jin‐Ping , Zhang Ya‐Wen , Sun Li‐Ying , Zhang Le , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Han Ying‐Feng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe 2,7‐fluorenone‐linked bis(6‐imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridinium) salt H2‐1(PF6)2 reacts with Ag2O in CH3CN to yield the [2]catenane [Ag4(1)4](PF6)4. The [2]catenane rearranges in DMF to yield two metallamacrocycles [Ag2(1)2](PF6)2. 2,7‐Fluorenone‐bridged bis‐(imidazolium) salts H2‐L(PF6)2 (L=2 a, 2 b) react with Ag2O in CH3CN to yield metallamacrocycles [Ag2(L)2](PF6)2 with interplanar distances between the fluorenone rings too small for [2]catenane formation. Intra‐ and intermolecular π⋅⋅⋅π interactions between the fluorenone groups were observed by X‐ray crystallography. The strongly kinked 2,7‐fluorenone bridged bis(5‐imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridinium) salt H2‐4(PF6)2 reacts with Ag2O to yield [Ag2(4)(CN)](PF6), while the tetranuclear assembly [Ag4(4)2(CO3)](PF6)2 was obtained in the presence of K2CO3.
Experimental and Theoretical Elucidation of the Luminescence Quenching Mechanism in Highly Efficient Hg2+ and Sulfadiazine Sensing by Ln‐MOF
Authors: Yu Xiaolin , Pavlov Dmitry I. , Ryadun Alexey A. , Kovalenko Konstantin A. , Guselnikova Tatiana Y. , Benassi Enrico , Potapov Andrei S. , Fedin Vladimir P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHeavy metal ions and antibiotic contamination have become a major environmental concern worldwide. The development of efficient recognition strategies of these pollutants at ultra‐low concentrations in aqueous solutions as well as the elucidation of the intrinsic sensing mechanism are challenging tasks. In this work, unique luminescent Ln‐MOF materials (NIIC‐3‐Ln) were assembled by rational ligand design. Among them, NIIC‐3‐Tb demonstrated highly selective luminescence quenching response toward Hg2+ and sulfadiazine (SDI) at subnanomolar concentrations in less than 7 s. In addition, a Hg2+ sensing mechanism through chelation was proposed on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and Hg2+ adsorption study. The interaction mechanism of NIIC‐3‐Tb with SDI was revealed using a newly developed approach involving a (TD‐)DFT based quantification of the charge transfer of a MOF‐analyte supramolecular complex model in the ground and excited states. Effect of ultrasonic treatment on the surface morphology important for MOF sensing performance was revealed by gas adsorption experiments. The presented results indicate that NIIC‐3‐Ln is not only an advanced sensing material for the efficient detection of Hg2+ and SDI at ultra‐low concentrations, but also opens up a new approach to study the sensing mechanism at the molecular level at ultra‐low concentrations.
Large‐Area Layered Membranes with Precisely Controlled Nano‐Confined Channels
Authors: Zhou Can , Zhao Chuangqi , Nie Zhidong , Zhou Tianxu , Kong Shengwen , Sun Yingzhi , Qian Cheng , Zhao Tianyi , Liu Mingjie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets‐based membranes, which have controlled 2D nano‐confined channels, are highly desirable for molecular/ionic sieving and confined reactions. However, it is still difficult to develop an efficient method to prepare large‐area membranes with high stability, high orientation, and accurately adjustable interlayer spacing. Here, we present a strategy to produce metal ion cross‐linked membranes with precisely controlled 2D nano‐confined channels and high stability in different solutions using superspreading shear‐flow‐induced assembly strategy. For example, membranes based on graphene oxide (GO) exhibit interlayer spacing ranging from 8.0±0.1 Å to 10.3±0.2 Å, with a precision of down to 1 Å. At the same time, the value of the orientation order parameter (f) of GO membranes is up to 0.95 and GO membranes exhibit superb stability in different solutions. The strategy we present, which can be generalized to the preparation of 2D nano‐confined channels based on a variety of 2D materials, will expand the application scope and provide better performances of membranes.
Mechanically Interlocked Polyrotaxane Networks with Collective Motions of Multiple Main‐Chain Mechanical Bonds
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Yuanhao , Liu Guoquan , Zhao Jun , Cheng Lin , Zhang Zhaoming , Bai Ruixue , Liu Yuhang , Yang Mengling , Yu Wei , Yan Xuzhou 
Published: July 2024

AbstractType I main‐chain polyrotaxanes (PRs) with multiple wheels threaded onto the axle are widely employed to design slide‐ring materials. However, Type II main‐chain PRs with axles threading into the macrocycles on the polymer backbones have rarely been studied, although they feature special topological structures and dynamic characteristics. Herein, we report the design and preparation of Type II main‐chain PR‐based mechanically interlocked networks (PRMINs), based on which the relationship between microscopic motion of mechanical bonds on the PRs and macroscopic mechanical performance of materials has been revealed. The representative PRMIN‐2 exhibits a robust feature in tensile tests with high stretchability (1680 %) and toughness (47.5 MJ/m3). Moreover, it also has good puncture performance with puncture energy of 22.0 mJ. Detailed rheological measurements and coarse‐grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulation reveal that the embedded multiple [2]rotaxane mechanical bonds on the PR backbones of PRMINs could undergo a synergistic long‐range sliding motion under external force, with the introduction of collective dangling chains into the network. As a result, the synchronized motions of coherent PR chains can be readily activated to accommodate network deformation and efficiently dissipate energy, thereby leading to enhanced mechanical performances of PRMINs.
Facile preparation of hydrophobic PPy@Si/PU foam for efficient oil adsorption by photothermal effects
Authors: Yang Heng , Zang Xiaoling , Zong Jiale , Li Shuhong , Wang Xiangdong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExploring new oil absorbing materials with high adsorption rate remains a global challenge. Hydrophobic porous materials with photothermal conversion property are an attractive option to address oil spills. Herein, the organosilicon (hydroxyl‐terminal polydimethylsiloxane) was used to modify polyurethane (PU) foam to endow it good hydrophobic and compressible properties. Meanwhile, polypyrrole (PPy) with photothermal effect was introduced to endow PU foam with excellent photothermal properties. The PPy@Si/PU composite foams can reach 77.1 and 49.6°C under the laser and simulated sunlight (with the intensity of 1 kW/m2), respectively. The raised temperature of PPy@Si/PU foam makes it adaptable to reduce the crude oil's viscosity and improve its oil adsorption rate. The maximum oil adsorption rate of PPy@Si/PU foam can obtain 175% and 145% under the laser and simulated sunlight, respectively. Therefore, the PPy@Si/PU foam possesses effective photic‐driving oil adsorption capacity, which has a good prospect to be an efficient oil spills treatment material.
Effect of dialdehyde starch on cassava starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends fabricated by melt mixing method with glycerol plasticized
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Ma Huihuang , Ying Shuni , Gao Jianfei , Zhou Xiaodong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractStarch is considered an ideal alternative to petroleum‐based plastics. However, the application of thermoplastic starch (TPS), which produced from cassava starch plasticized with glycerol, is limited by its hydrophilic, poor mechanical properties, and inadequate processability. In this study, dialdehyde starch (DAS) is used as crosslinker to modify TPS/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and DAS crosslinked cassava starch/PVA blends are fabricated by melt mixing method. Studies on the molecular structure of DAS crosslinked cassava starch/PVA blend indicate that the addition of DAS enhances the intermolecular interactions between cassava starch and PVA, resulting in the formation of a dense internal structure. The plasticizing torque and equilibrium torque of crosslinked cassava starch/PVA blends are increased and the tensile strength reaches 3.60 MPa, an improvement of 186% compared with TPS. Additionally, the water contact angle increases from 87.8° to 119.6° after modification. Compared with other crosslinkers, DAS has obvious advantages, making the DAS crosslinked cassava starch/PVA blend a biodegradable material with excellent properties and promising application prospects.
Crystallization behaviors of chain extended poly (lactic acid) modified with ST‐NAB3 and its improvement for mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Dun Dongxing , Zhang Meng , Zhu Min , Zhou Hongfu , Li Jian , Hu Jing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe widespread use of traditional petroleum‐based plastics is causing significant environmental pollution for example microplastics issues, due to its non‐biodegradability. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as a representative biodegradable polymer is a promising candidate to replace petroleum‐based plastics in some fields of disposable packaging materials and tableware. In this work, in order to improve the poor crystallization, mechanical and heat resistance performances of PLA, styrene–acrylonitrile‐glycidyl methacrylate (SAG) as a chain extender and octamethylenedicarboxylic dibenzoylhydrazide (ST‐NAB3) as a heterogeneous nucleating agent (HNA) were added simultaneously into PLA matrix. The chain‐extended PLA (CPLA) with branch structures had smaller crystal sizes and higher crystal density, compared with those of pure PLA. In addition, thanks to the nucleation effect of ST‐NAB3 and the development of “shish‐kebab”, this tendency became more pronounced in CPLA/HNA systems. It was worth mentioning that, CPLA with the ST‐NAB3 content of 1 wt% (CPLA‐1) possessed the highest crystallinity of 43.6%. Meanwhile, CPLA‐1 had the best impact strength and heat deformation temperature of 38.9 kJ/m2 and 91.3°C respectively, which had increased by 11.3 kJ/m2 and 32.4°C contrast to pure PLA. On the whole, this study proposed a simple and effective method, which provided a new possibility for PLA modification research.
Controlled curcumin delivery via carboxymethyl starch‐modified gamma alumina nanoparticles in a polyethylene glycol‐based hydrogel
Authors: Adeli Fatemeh , Pourmadadi Mehrab , Abdouss Majid , Rahdar Abbas , Fathi‐karkan Sonia , Samandari Saeed Saber , Díez‐Pascual Ana M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOne of the most prevalent cancers affecting women globally is breast cancer. Consequently, the development of cost‐effective and low‐risk treatment options remains a critical pursuit. This study describes the synthesis via water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) of a pH‐responsive nanocarrier for curcumin delivery, a promising anticancer drug. The nanocarrier comprises carboxymethyl starch (CMS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and gamma alumina (γ‐Al2O3) nanoparticles. The molecular interactions between the nanocomposite components, its crystalline structure, surface morphology, size distribution, and surface charge were assessed via Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, respectively. The nanocarrier showed a size ranging from 150 to 280 nm, zeta potential of +35.4 mV, drug loading of 47% and an encapsulation efficiency of 87%, which are among the maximum values reported to date for curcumin nanocarriers. A gradual drug release was observed, with 51% and 90% released after 72 h at pH 7.4 and 5.4, respectively, which corroborates the pH‐sensitivity of the nanocarrier. The cytotoxic effects of the curcumin‐loaded nanocomposite on MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and normal cells were investigated using methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that loading curcumin onto the hydrogel significantly enhances its penetration into MCF‐7 cells. Overall, this novel nanocomposite offers a promising approach for curcumin delivery in breast cancer treatment.
KHCO3 Chemical‐Activated Hydrothermal Porous Carbon Derived from Sugarcane bagasse for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Wang Liujie , Ma Xueji , Ma Zhihua , Li Pengfa , Zhang Laiping 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe reuse of waste biomass resources had become a hot topic in the sustainable development of human society. Biomass was an ideal precursor for preparing porous carbon. However, due to the complexity of biomass composition and microstructure, the quality reproducibility of biomass porous carbon was poor. Therefore, it was of great significance to develop a reliable method for preparing porous carbon from biomass. In this paper, the activated hydrothermal porous carbon was prepared by a combination of hydrothermal carbonization treatment and KHCO3 mild activation. The hydrothermal carbonization treatment could complete the morphology adjustment and iron doping of the carbon in one step, and the mild activation of KHCO3 could activate the porous carbon while maintaining the spherical morphology. Fe‐modified porous carbon with carbon ball/nanosheet structure prepared from bagasse exhibited a high surface area (2169.8 m2/g), which facilitated ion/electrolyte diffusion and increased accessibility between surface area and electrolyte ions. Therefore, bagasse derived activated porous carbon had good specific capacitance (315.2 F/g at 1 A/g) and good cycle stability, with a capacitance loss of only 5.8 % after 5000 charge‐discharge cycles, and the Na2SO4‐based device showed the maximum energy density of 13.02 Wh/kg. This study showed that the combination of hydrothermal treatment and mild activation provided an effective way for the conversion of waste biomass into high‐performance electrode materials.
Genitourinary infection and gastroschisis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vinogradov Raya , Muthupunnackal Annie , Moffat Malcolm , Rankin Judith 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundGastroschisis is a congenital anomaly of the umbilical ring with increasing prevalence, especially amongst younger mothers. There is increasing evidence that exposure to genitourinary infections (GUTI) may play an important role in the etiology of gastroschisis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to identify, appraise, and summarize the literature on exposure to GUTI and gastroschisis.MethodsSix electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library electronic databases, and Prospero) were searched using a comprehensive search strategy. Citations and cited articles for all included studies were searched. Peer‐reviewed, quantitative studies reporting an association of urinary tract infections (UTI) and/or sexually transmitted infections (STI) with gastroschisis were included. Prospero registration CRD42022377420.ResultsA total of 2392 papers were identified via the searches of which 15 met our inclusion criteria and were included after title and abstract and full text screening. The study period for included studies ranged from 1995 to 2016, most were from the USA. Four studies considering exposure to STIs and five to UTIs were eligible to progress to meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis identified a significantly increased risk of gastroschisis in association with periconceptional exposure to UTI [OR 1.54 (95% CI 1.29, 1.8)], STI [OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.01, 1.79)].ConclusionsPericonceptional exposure to GUTI is associated with an increased risk of gastroschisis. The prevention and timely treatment of GUTI amongst women of childbearing age may help to reduce the occurrence of gastroschisis.
Curcumin Knoevenagel's Schiff Base as a Promising Stabilizer of G‐Quadruplex Structure
Authors: Sharma Padma , Sweta Jha Niki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractG‐quadruplex DNA sequences present in the promoter and telomere regions of the genomic sequence are considered therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. Curcumin, derived from Curcuma longa, has been known as a quadruplex binder and has a potential role in the apoptosis of cancer cells. Here, we have reported the Schiff base ligand of curcumin synthesized through the condensation of the amino acid L‐tryptophan and the knoevenagel derivative of curcumin (4‐nitrobenzylidene curcumin (NBC)) as a potential G‐quadruplex binder. Thus, spectroscopic and biophysical studies reveal a higher binding affinity of the ligand Sb‐NBC towards the promoter and telomere G‐quadruplex sequence as compared to the parent NBC. The ligand Sb‐NBC highly stabilizes the parallel and hybrid G‐quadruplex topologies to 10.5 °C–6.4 °C. Interestingly, the ligands also exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells over normal cells. Taken together, this work provides evidence of the possibility of applying curcumin Schiff base in cancer therapy to regulate oncogene expression in cancer cells.
Synthesis of Hydrocarbons over a Bifunctional Oxide/Zeolite catalyst – A Study on Intermediates
Authors: Kull Tobias , Purcel Maximilian , Muhler Martin , Menne Andreas , Apfel Ulf‐Peter 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe direct conversion of syngas into hydrocarbons, catalyzed by a combination of metal oxide and acidic zeolite, has garnered increasing attention in the scientific community. The remarkable hydrocarbon selectivity achieved in the OX‐ZEO process is a key factor in this growing interest. This process involves two distinct steps: CO activation over the oxide and subsequent C−C coupling within the zeolite pores, connected by an unidentified oxygenate intermediate. In this study, we explored three proposed oxygenates as potential intermediates and compared their conversion within the OX‐ZEO process. Using a bifunctional ZnCr2O4/H‐MOR catalyst in a syngas‐fed batch reactor, we found that methanol (MeOH) and dimethyl ether (DME) produced a hydrocarbon distribution similar to syngas conversion. However, the conversion of acetic acid (AcOH) resulted in a notably distinct range of hydrocarbons, including short olefins not detected with other reagents. Our findings suggest that methanol/DME might serve as active intermediates in the OX‐ZEO process over the ZnCr2O4/H‐MOR catalyst. This study provides a deeper insight into the transformation of proposed intermediates, contributing to the identification of the bridging intermediate that links the two catalytic functions.
Contact Electrification as an Emerging Strategy for Controlling the Performance of Metal Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Yang Ling , Grzeschik Roland , Schlücker Sebastian , Xie Wei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractContact electrification (CE) is an emerging strategy for controlling the performance of metal nanoparticle (NP) catalysts. The underlying physical principle of this control is the sensitivity of the Fermi level to metal‐metal contacts. This change in electronic structure has a direct impact on surface properties and chemical reactivity. The concept article briefly introduces the basic theory of CE and its relationship to catalytic performance. We then highlight selected recent examples of advances in the preparation of hybrid metal NP assemblies, experimental techniques for characterizing CE, and finally applications of CE for altering catalytic performance.