bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forward osmosis membrane substrates with low structure parameter: Modification with PSf‐g‐PMMA graft copolymer
Authors: Takabi Amin , Shakeri Alireza , Razavi Reza 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this work, using the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and click chemistry, the graft copolymer polysulfone‐graft‐poly (methyl methacrylate) (PSf‐g‐PMMA) was synthesized as a modifying agent. The copolymer was embedded in the PSf substrate using a nonsolvent phase inversion method. Then, the modified substrate was used to make thin film composite forward osmosis (TFC‐FO) membranes using the interfacial polymerization method. Also, the effect of PSf‐g‐PMMA copolymer content on the surface properties of the membrane, as well as the filtration performance, was investigated. The increase in hydrophilicity, porosity, and average pore diameter indicated the favorable effect of PSf‐g‐PMMA copolymer on the characteristics of modified substrates. In addition, the improvement in the membrane morphology (an increase in the length and number of finger‐like pores) provided a substrate with low tortuosity and structure parameters. Therefore, the pure water permeability increased from 79.9 LMH/bar for the control membrane to 372.1 LMH/bar for the membrane containing 20 wt.% of PSf‐g‐PMMA copolymer. Investigating the FO separation properties of TFC‐FO membranes showed an increase in water flux and selectivity due to an improvement in the morphology of the modified substrate with low structural parameters. The new TFC‐FO membranes have been optimized, and water flux has significantly improved. Compared with the control membrane, which did not have copolymer blending, the new membranes have a triply enhanced water flux of 17.1 LMH. In addition, the selectivity of these optimized membranes has improved when 1 M NaCl is used as the draw, and DI water is used as the feed in the FO mode.
Co3V2O8 Composite Carbon Hollow Spheres Bidirectionally Catalyze the Conversion of Lithium Polysulfide to Improve the Capacity of Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Jiangnan , Xiao Mingjun , Du Wei , Feng Jiawei , Xiang Qiang , Meng Yanshuang , Zhu Fuliang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough lithium‐sulfur batteries have a high theoretical energy density that is higher than lithium‐ion batteries, their development is limited by the slow kinetics of lithium polysulfide conversion. In this research, we utilize the excellent bidirectional catalysis and adsorption of lithium polysulfide by the bimetallic oxide Co3V2O8 composite carbon hollow sphere to address the kinetic obstacle of lithium‐sulfur battery. On the one hand, the carbon hollow sphere substrate provides a cavity that can hold a large amount of sulfur. On the other hand, it can limit the diffusion of lithium polysulfide by van der Waals forces. The combination of the above two points improves the capacity and stability of lithium‐sulfur batteries. It has a specific capacity of 1237.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C current density and retains 603 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. At a high current density of 2 C, the specific capacity is 976.2 mAh g−1. After 1000 cycles, it holds at 338.3 mAh g−1, and the capacity retention rate per cycle is 99.89 %. This work discovers the new potential of Co3V2O8 as an electrocatalyst and proposes a process that can widely prepare carbon materials with complex uniform distribution of electrocatalysts to achieve high specific capacity of lithium‐sulfur batteries.
Health citizenship reveals ‘extra’ work managing biopolitical risk for immigrants in Canada during COVID‐19: A qualitative study
Authors: Leung Doris Y. L. , Guruge Sepali , Wang Angel H. , Lee Charlotte 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOne's health security (i.e., the ability to minimize risks and respond to public health threats) is a conferred right of citizenship but individuals construct identities during the process of securing their health. However, how this occurs, in relationship to the state, remains largely implicit or taken‐for‐granted. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19)' provided a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between oneself and governing social norms of health citizenship. We drew on secondary analysis of data from a previous (published) qualitative descriptive study that was conducted during May to September 2020 of COVID‐19, to explore 72 immigrants' experience (from 21 countries) of health security in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and analysed using critical realism. The majority of participants were women. We demonstrate how individuals implicitly engaged in ‘extra’ work—gendered and driven by mechanisms of good citizenship—connected to the will to health, against ethopolitical work to regulate risks, of and for themselves, in public discourse. Public discourse tended to follow racialized hegemonic norms, which also reproduced systemic cultural racism. We argue that empathetic understanding of this process is conducive to enhancing one's resistance to stereotypes, and to bolstering immigrants' resilience to seeking health security during public health emergencies.
STING‐Activating Small Molecular Therapeutics for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Chuhan , Tong Tianrui , Ren Lulu , Wang Hangxiang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractImmuno‐oncology has become a revolutionary strategy for cancer treatment. Therapeutic interventions based on adaptive immunity through immune checkpoint therapy or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have received clinical approval for monotherapy and combination treatment in various cancers. Although these treatments have achieved clinical successes, only a minority of cancer patients show a response, highlighting the urgent need to discover new therapeutic molecules that could be exploited to improve clinical outcomes and pave the way for the next generation of immunotherapy. Given the critical role of the innate immune system against infection and cancer, substantial efforts have been dedicated to developing novel anticancer therapeutics that target these pathways. Targeting the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a powerful strategy to generate a durable antitumor response, and activation of the adaptor protein STING induces the initiation of transcriptional cascades, thereby producing type I interferons, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Various STING agonists, including natural or synthetic cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), have been developed as anticancer therapeutics. However, since most CDNs are confined to intratumoral administration, there has been a great interest in developing non‐nucleotide agonists for systemic treatment. Here, we review the current development of STING‐activating therapeutics in both preclinical and clinical stages.
Investigating the Mechanism of Triboluminescence: Insights from Structural and Electrostatic Characterization of Copper Thiocyanate Complexes
Authors: Hoshino Manabu , Ohgo Yoshiki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTriboluminescence is a phenomenon in which light is generated through mechanical stress; it has emerging applications in stress‐sensing devices. Although the prevailing mechanistic model indicates that light emits from charge separation and recombination in fracture planes arising from polar structures, its application in designing triboluminescent materials remains limited owing to numerous exceptions. This study provides insights into the essential requirements for triboluminescence by investigating the structural and electrostatic properties of fractured crystals of copper thiocyanate complexes. The examined fracture plane indicated that charge pairs (which are essential for light emission) form when intermolecular interactions are disrupted during fracturing. On the basis of the nature of these charges, we successfully suppressed triboluminescence by inhibiting the formation of intermolecular interactions disrupted in the examined complexes. Furthermore, we induced its re‐emergence by creating an alternative fracture plane through controlled manipulation of the molecular network. This demonstrative deactivation and reactivation of triboluminescence underscores the critical role of intermolecular disruption in generating charge pairs, a prerequisite for triboluminescence.
ABC Efflux Transporters and Solute Carriers in the Early Developing Brain of a Marsupial Monodelphis domestica (South American Gray Short‐Tailed Opossum)
Authors: Huang Yifan , Dziegielewska Katarzyna M. , Habgood Mark D. , Qiu Fiona , Leandro Ana C. C. , Callaghan Paul D. , Curran Joanne E. , VandeBerg John L. , Saunders Norman R. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis study used a marsupial Monodelphis domestica, which is born very immature and most of its development is postnatal without placental protection. RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq) was used to identify the expression of influx and efflux transporters (ATP‐binding cassettes [ABCs] and solute carriers [SLCs]) and metabolizing enzymes in brains of newborn to juvenile Monodelphis. Results were compared to published data in the developing eutherian rat. To test the functionality of these transporters at similar ages, the entry of paracetamol (acetaminophen) into the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured using liquid scintillation counting following a single administration of the drug along with its radiolabelled tracer [3H]. Drug permeability studies found that in Monodelphis, brain entry of paracetamol was already restricted at P5; it decreased further in the first week of life and then remained stable until the oldest age group tested (P110). Transcriptomic analysis of Monodelphis brain showed that expression of transporters and their metabolizing enzymes in early postnatal (P) pups (P0, P5, and P8) was relatively similar, but by P109, many more transcripts were identified. When transcriptomes of newborn Monodelphis brain and E19 rat brain and placenta were compared, several transporters present in the rat placenta were also found in the newborn Monodelphis brain. These were absent from E19 rat brain but were present in the adult rat brain. These data indicate that despite its extreme immaturity, the newborn Monodelphis brain may compensate for the lack of placental protection during early brain development by upregulating protective mechanisms, which in eutherian animals are instead present in the placenta.
Determinants and benefits of over‐certification: A signaling theory perspective
Authors: Valero‐Gil Jesus , Daddi Tiberio , Scarpellini Sabina , Marrucci Luca 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDifferent types of organizations use certifications to reduce information asymmetry in an extensive range of business activities. In some cases, the widespread use of certifications can lead to multiple competing and overlapping standards. Some organizations also obtain similar certifications in a process defined as over‐certification, which is understudied in the literature. The primary objective of this study is to identify the determinants of the over‐certification process, specifically regarding the influence of stakeholders that motivate organizations to engage in over‐certification. Grounded in both signaling and stakeholder theories, this study confirms the isomorphic effect of stakeholders' pressures that creates different motivations for using different (but similar) certifications. An empirical analysis of a sample of 418 European organizations highlights that the decoupling in the interest in certifications is the main antecedent of over‐certification in relation to corporate social responsibility‐related certifications. Our results also show that the occurrence of over‐certification in organizations is mainly due to its ability to impact corporate reputation, confirming the signaling value of different (but similar) certifications.
Longevity of hymenopteran parasitoids in natural versus agricultural habitats and implications for biological control
Authors: Kishinevsky Miriam , Ives Anthony R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAgricultural habitats are frequently disturbed, and disturbances could have major effects on species in upper trophic levels such as hymenopteran parasitoids that are important for biological control. A strategy for conservation biological control is to provide a diversified agricultural landscape which increases the availability of resources such as sugar required by parasitoid biological control agents. Here, we ask whether parasitoids occurring in agriculture benefit from sugar resources more or less than parasitoids occurring in natural habitats surrounding agricultural fields. We collected parasitoids from agricultural alfalfa fields, field margins, and natural prairies, and in the lab we randomly divided them into two treatments: half were given a constant supply of a sugar source to test their residual lifespan, and half were given neither sugar nor water to test their hardiness. Collected individuals were monitored daily and their day of death recorded. Parasitoids receiving a sugar source lived substantially longer than those without. Parasitoids collected in prairies lived longer than those from alfalfa fields in both the residual lifespan and hardiness treatments, with parasitoids from field margins being intermediate between them. Furthermore, the benefits of a sugar source to increase longevity was lower for parasitoids collected in agriculture than in natural habitats. This suggests that, even though parasitoid biological control agents benefit from sugar resources, their short lifespans make the benefit of sugar resources small compared to parasitoids that occur in natural habitats and have longer lifespans, and are adapted to consistent sugar sources.
Drivers of human–tiger conflict risk and potential mitigation approaches
Authors: Cheng Wannian , Gray Thomas N. E. , Bao Heng , Wen Dusu , Liang Xuankai , She Wen , Zhang Wentao , Roberts Nathan J. , Gu Jiayin , Qi Jinzhe , Jiang Guangshun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman–wildlife conflict has become a significant challenge for conservationists, particularly in areas where endangered species, such as large carnivores, are recovering. If we fail to keep a balance between the interests of humans and wildlife, the human–wildlife conflict can have adverse outcomes. However, the drivers of human–wildlife conflict, and how to mitigate conflict, are often poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible causes for and potential mitigating approaches to human–tiger conflict risks through spatiotemporal niche partitioning. Based on data from the reports of Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) preying on cattle and camera trap detection data from 2014 to 2019 in Hunchun, Northeast China, we predicted Amur tiger occurrence and created risk maps of human–tiger potential encounters. We found that Amur tiger occurrence was positively driven by prey distribution and negatively by the distribution of pastures used for domestic cattle grazing. Livestock was increasingly predated in areas with limited preferred prey, that is, wild pig (Sus scrofa) and sika (Cervus nippon), and in closer proximity to cattle‐grazing land. On the basis of our models, we divided areas utilized by human and Amur tigers into low‐, medium‐, and high‐risk areas across multiple spatiotemporal scales. We suppose that multiple spatiotemporal scale niche partitioning management might effectively reduce the risk of human–tiger encounters, prompt harmonized coexistence between humans and tigers, and provide new solutions to other areas experiencing human–wildlife conflicts.
Can environmental DNA be used within pest insect agricultural biosecurity? Detecting khapra beetle within stored rice
Authors: Vastano Anthony R. , Allen Michael C. , Penca Cory J. , Stringham Oliver C. , Domingue Michael J. , Lockwood Julie L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) has recently emerged as an effective tool for invasive species biosecurity. We explored the use of eDNA for the detection of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium, Everts 1898), an invasive insect of cereal grains and other food products that has a high global economic impact. We developed a novel method for aggregating khapra beetle eDNA deposited in stored grain that entails washing a sample of rice, filtering the sample, and detecting trace beetle DNA using a standard qPCR workflow. To explore the performance of this method, we raised 500 khapra beetle larvae within 500 g of rice over a 14‐day period and then removed them. We then used this “spiked” rice to create a range of simulated densities of khapra beetle larvae. This lab approach mimics conditions that are comparable to field densities of ~1.4 to 180 beetles per 50 kg of rice (1/8 to 16 spiked rice grains per 100 g sample of clean rice), assuming DNA is uniformly distributed within the rice. We detected khapra beetle eDNA from all density levels tested. Logistic models revealed that eDNA amounts equivalent to what is left by ~1 khapra beetle larva in a 50 kg container of rice can be detected with 85% to >97% certainty, depending on the number of qPCR technical replicates run per sample. Based on this model, we estimated that for one 50 kg container of rice where beetle DNA is uniformly distributed, a single sample of 100 g with six technical replicates would be sufficient to be >99% certain that the container was free of khapra beetle eDNA (95% credible intervals: 97.7%–100%). Our results suggest that eDNA surveys may be useful as a cost‐effective, first‐step detection of khapra beetle in stored grain and provide a means to map the relative magnitude of khapra beetle transport pathways, informing allocation of conventional biosecurity inspection efforts.
Sustained innate interferon is an essential inducer of tertiary lymphoid structures
Authors: Calvanese Anna Laura , Cecconi Virginia , Stäheli Severin , Schnepf Daniel , Nater Marc , Pereira Paulo , Gschwend Julia , Heikenwälder Mathias , Schneider Christoph , Ludewig Burkhard , Silina Karina , van den Broek Maries 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) resemble follicles of secondary lymphoid organs and develop in nonlymphoid tissues during inflammation and cancer. Which cell types and signals drive the development of TLS is largely unknown. To investigate early events of TLS development in the lungs, we repeatedly instilled p(I:C) plus ovalbumin (Ova) intranasally. This induced TLS ranging from lymphocytic aggregates to organized and functional structures containing germinal centers. We found that TLS development is independent of FAP+ fibroblasts, alveolar macrophages, or CCL19 but crucially depends on type I interferon (IFN‐I). Mechanistically, IFN‐I initiates two synergistic pathways that culminate in the development of TLS. On the one hand, IFN‐I induces lymphotoxin (LT)α in lymphoid cells, which stimulate stromal cells to produce the B‐cell‐attracting chemokine CXCL13 through LTβR‐signaling. On the other hand, IFN‐I is sensed by stromal cells that produce the T‐cell‐attracting chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10 as well as CCL19 and CCL21 independently of LTβR. Consequently, B‐cell aggregates develop within a week, whereas follicular dendritic cells and germinal centers appear after 3 weeks. Thus, sustained production of IFN‐I together with an antigen is essential for the induction of functional TLS in the lungs.
Prioritise safety, optimise success! Return to rugby postpartum
Authors: Donnelly GM , Coltman CE , Dane K , Elliott‐Sale KJ , Hayman M , McCarthy‐Ryan MF , Perkins J , Rollins S , Moore IS 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPregnancy and childbirth involve substantial physical, physiological and psychological changes. As such, postpartum rugby players should be supported and appropriately prepared to return to the demands of rugby alongside the additional demands of motherhood. This review aims to discuss specific perinatal considerations that inform a rugby player's readiness to return‐to‐sport postpartum and present an approach to rehabilitation. Before engaging in full rugby training and matchplay, postpartum players should have progressed through the initial phases of rehabilitation and graded sports‐specific training to prepare them for the loads they will be exposed to. Additional rehabilitation considerations include minimising deconditioning during pregnancy; medical concerns; the abdominal wall; the pelvic floor; perinatal breast changes, breastfeeding and risk of contact breast injury; body mass; nutritional requirements; hormonal considerations; athlete identity and psychological considerations; joining team training; return to contact and tackle training; evaluating player load tolerance and future research, policy and surveillance needs. A whole‐systems, biopsychosocial approach following an evidence informed return‐to‐sport framework is recommended when rehabilitating postpartum rugby players. Health and exercise professionals are encouraged to use the perinatal‐specific recommendations in this review to guide the development of postpartum rehabilitation protocols and resources.
Pyrolysis of wheat straw pellets in a pilot‐scale reactor: Effect of temperature and residence time
Authors: Nath Bidhan , Chen Guangnan , Bowtell Les , Nguyen‐Huy Thong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPyrolysis of two types of pellets (T1: 100% wheat straw, and T2: 70% wheat straw; 10% sawdust, 10% biochar, and 10% bentonite clay) was performed in a pilot‐scale reactor under a nitrogen environment at 20°C to 700°C. This was to investigate slow pyrolysis yields and gas composition as a function of temperature and residence time. The experimental data were obtained between 300°C and 600°C, with a residence time of 90 min, a nitrogen flow rate of 50 cm3/min, and a heating rate of 20°C/min. The results indicated that the maximum pyrolysis temperature is 605°C with a residence time of 55 min. The product analysis showed that the proportion of gas was higher than that of biochar and bio‐oil. The conversion efficiency increased with higher temperatures and varied between 66% and 76%. The results showed that carbon dioxide was the main component in the produced gas, and the maximum gas concentration was 63.6% at 300°C for T1. The higher temperature and longer residence time increased the syngas (CO + H2) composition for both T1 and T2 treatments. Nevertheless, the produced biochar had a high carbon content and retained a high calorific value, indicating slow pyrolysis is the ideal utilization route of wheat straw pellet biomass for biochar.