bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile one-step synthesis of in situ WO3@Gr nanorods as an efficient material for antimicrobial and decoloration applications
Authors: Nguyen Khoa Dang , Thinh Le Nguyen Quang , Tieu Linh Tieu Loan , Nguyen Thuy Huong , Anh Luu Thi Lan , Nguyen Huu Hung , Nguyen Cong Tu , Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Thao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This work examined the synthesis, antibacterial activity, and decolourisation of WO3@Graphene nanorods (WO3@Gr NR). WO3@Gr NR nanocomposite was in situ produced via a facile one-step hydrothermal process employing sodium tungstate dihydrate and exfoliated graphene as precursors. The resulted NR exhibited an average diameter of 13 nm, a large specific surface area of 53.3 m2 g−1, and a bimodal pore size distribution with an average pore size of 5.5 nm. The optical bandgap is extrapolated to be 2.75 eV. Graphene was shown to be responsible for the sample’s elaborate visible-light absorption, which improved adsorption and the ability to harvest visible light. WO3@Gr NR are more efficient against E. coli than S. aureus, killing up to 52% and 39% of cells, respectively, after two hours of treatment. When used in conjunction with invisible light, the NR killed E. coli and S. aureus by 78 and 62%, respectively. The bactericidal activity of photoinduced WO3@Gr NR was evaluated against P. aerugunosa, E. faecalis, E. coli, and S. aureus. The photocatalytic constant rates of organic dye methylene blue (MB) were determined to be 0.01 min−1. An IC50 (50% cell growth inhibition) value of 97 (μg ml−1) was determined for the nanocomposite against human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2). Our findings suggest that this nanorod may be utilised to degrade bacteria and organic colours in wastewater simultaneously while posing no risk to human health.
Indigenous, ethnic, and racial diversity and climate justice: New Zealand’s climate adaptation policies and policy approaches
Authors: Jayawardena Iresh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This research paper interrogates the extent to which indigenous, ethnic, and racial diversity is substantively integrated into climate justice discussions with a focus on New Zealand’s climate change adaptation policies. A qualitative research design is used, employing a documentary analysis and summative content analysis to scrutinise New Zealand climate change adaptation policies and their responsiveness to indigenous, ethnic and racial diversity within the ambit of climate justice. This study aims to measure the extent to which these policies promote inclusive and equitable climate adaptation outcomes. This study makes a significant contribution to the nuanced understanding of climate justice research, particularly regarding indigenous and ethnic minority communities. The study is expected to contribute to the existing knowledge base and inform the formulation of inclusive policies that integrate the diverse perspectives of these communities into climate adaptation and policy-making processes. The research findings highlight existing gaps and emphasise the importance of incorporating indigenous, ethnic, and racial diversity into policy development and implementation. The aim is to shape climate adaptation strategies that are representative of aware of insights from various communities in contemporary cities.
Integrating randomized and observational studies to estimate optimal dynamic treatment regimes
Authors: Batorsky Anna , Anstrom Kevin J , Zeng Donglin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Sequential multiple assignment randomized trials (SMARTs) are the gold standard for estimating optimal dynamic treatment regimes (DTRs), but are costly and require a large sample size. We introduce the multi-stage augmented Q-learning estimator (MAQE) to improve efficiency of estimation of optimal DTRs by augmenting SMART data with observational data. Our motivating example comes from the Back Pain Consortium, where one of the overarching aims is to learn how to tailor treatments for chronic low back pain to individual patient phenotypes, knowledge which is lacking clinically. The Consortium-wide collaborative SMART and observational studies within the Consortium collect data on the same participant phenotypes, treatments, and outcomes at multiple time points, which can easily be integrated. Previously published single-stage augmentation methods for integration of trial and observational study (OS) data were adapted to estimate optimal DTRs from SMARTs using Q-learning. Simulation studies show the MAQE, which integrates phenotype, treatment, and outcome information from multiple studies over multiple time points, more accurately estimates the optimal DTR, and has a higher average value than a comparable Q-learning estimator without augmentation. We demonstrate this improvement is robust to a wide range of trial and OS sample sizes, addition of noise variables, and effect sizes.
Preparation of biomass carbon dots/carboxymethyl cellulose-based fluorescent hydrogel: combines selective detection and visual adsorption for Copper(II)
Authors: Liang Sijie , Feng Huixia , Chen Nali , Wang Bin , Hu Mengyu , Huang XiaoXue , Yang Kai , Gu Yiming 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In this study, we used nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs), which were synthesized via the hydrothermal method of corn-stover biomass as raw material and polyethyleneimine as the nitrogen source, introduced them into the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based hydrogel to prepare an environmentally friendly fluorescent cellulose-based hydrogel (NCDs/CMC-PAM). NCDs/CMC-PAM was also used for simultaneous fluorescence monitoring and removal of Cu (II) in aqueous solution. The chemical and physical structures, adsorption behaviors and fluorescent properties of NCDs/CMC-PAM were investigated. The results showed that NCDs/CMC-PAM exhibited a well-linear response range of fluorescence response for Cu (II) (0∼100 μM, detection limit of 3.42 μM). NCDs/CMC-PAM showed maximum adsorption capacities of 237.71 mg/g for Cu (II), the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which is an exothermic spontaneous reaction with an increase in entropy. It can still maintain 79.03% of the original adsorption capacity after six cycles (pH = 6). The adsorption mechanisms of NCDs/CMC-PAM for Cu (II) are intraparticle diffusion, electrostatic attraction, ion exchange, and ligand interaction. Hence, the present study provides a new green way to synthesize an adsorbent that can be applied for the adsorption and detection of heavy metal ions.
First draft reference genome and annotation of the alternative oil species Physaria fendleri
Authors: Johnston Christopher R , Horn Patrick J , Alonso Ana Paula 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
In the wake of increasing demand for renewable energy sources, plant-based sources including alternative oilseeds have come to the forefront of interest. Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs), produced in a few oilseed species, are important chemical feed stocks for industrial applications. An integrated approach was taken to assemble the first draft genome of the alternative HFA producer Physaria fendleri (n = 6), an outcrossing species with high heterozygosity. Both de novo transcriptome assemblies and genome assemblies were produced with public and generated sequencing reads. Resulting intermediate assemblies were then scaffolded and patched with multiple data sources, followed by super-scaffolding onto a masked genome of Camelina laxa (n = 6). Despite a current lack of available resources for the physical mapping of genomic scaffolds of P. fendleri, topography of the genome with respect to repeat and gene content was preserved at the scaffold level and not significantly lost via super-scaffolding. Read representation, gene and genome completion statistics, and annotation results illustrated the creation of a functional draft genome and a tool for future research on alternative oil species.
Posttranscriptional regulation of the T-box gene midline via the 3′UTR in Drosophila is complex and cell- and tissue-dependent
Authors: Makhijani Kalpana , Mar Jordan , Gaziova Ivana , Bhat Krishna Moorthi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The T-box (Tbx) proteins have a 180–230 amino acid DNA-binding domain, first reported in the Brachyury (T) protein. They are highly conserved among metazoans. They regulate a multitude of cellular functions in development and disease. Here, we report posttranscriptional and translational regulation of midline (mid), a Tbx member in Drosophila. We found that the 3′UTR of mid has mRNA degradation elements and AT-rich sequences. In Schneider S2 cells, mid-mRNA could be detected only when the transgene was without the 3′UTR. Similarly, the 3′UTR linked to the Renilla luciferase reporter significantly reduced the activity of the Luciferase, whereas deleting only the degradation elements from the 3′UTR resulted in reduced activity, but not as much. Overexpression of mid in MP2, an embryonic neuroblast, showed no significant difference in the levels of mid-mRNA between the 2 transgenes, with and without the 3′UTR, indicating the absence of posttranscriptional regulation of mid in MP2. Moreover, while elevated mid-RNA was detected in MP2 in nearly all hemisegments, only a fifth of those hemisegments had elevated levels of the protein. Overexpression of the 2 transgenes resulted in MP2-lineage defects at about the same frequency. These results indicate a translational/posttranslational regulation of mid in MP2. The regulation of ectopically expressed mid in the wing imaginal disc was complex. In the wing disc, where mid is not expressed, the ectopic expression of the transgene lacking the 3′UTR had a higher level of mid-RNA and the protein had a stronger phenotypic effect. These results indicate that the 3′UTR can subject mid-mRNA to degradation in a cell- and tissue-specific manner. We further report a balancer-mediated transgenerational modifier effect on the expression and gain of function effects of the 2 transgenes.
Towards a Broader Approach to Competition and the Environment: Market Power and Environmental Disasters
Authors: Filho Calixto Salomão , Pinto Ido Vitor Henrique , Sadami Arthur 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This article explores the intersection between market power and the environment, based on a study of environmental disasters in Brazil and their relationship with the activities of dominant firms. It argues that a narrow focus on price dimensions of corporate behaviour limits the legal responses for addressing broader environmental concerns emerging from market power. This highlights the need for a broader approach to understanding the operation of major players and the resulting impact on the environment. The paper concludes by discussing the institutional implications of an integrated approach for diverse fields of law for addressing market power as a driver of environmental harm, emphasising the importance of structural remedies that transcend mere compensation of affected parties.
Buffered Lugol's Iodine Preserves DNA Fragment Lengths
Authors: Gignac P M , Valdez D , Morhardt A C , Lynch L M 
Published: May 2024

Synopsis
Museum collections play a pivotal role in the advancement of biological science by preserving phenotypic and genotypic history and variation. Recently, contrast-enhanced X-ray computed tomography (CT) has aided these advances by allowing improved visualization of internal soft tissues. However, vouchered specimens could be at risk if staining techniques are destructive. For instance, the pH of unbuffered Lugol's iodine (I2KI) may be low enough to damage deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The extent of this risk is unknown due to a lack of rigorous evaluation of DNA quality between control and experimental samples. Here, we used formalin-fixed mice to document DNA concentrations and fragment lengths in nonstained, ethanol-preserved controls and 3 iodine-based staining preparations: (1) 1.25% weight-by-volume (wt/vol.) alcoholic iodine (I2E); (2) 3.75% wt/vol. I2KI; and (3) 3.75% wt/vol. buffered I2KI. We tested a null hypothesis of no significant difference in DNA concentrations and fragment lengths between control and treatment samples. We found that DNA concentration decreases because of staining—potentially an effect of measuring intact double-stranded DNA only. Fragment lengths, however, were significantly higher for buffered I2KI and control samples, which were not, themselves, significantly different. Our results implicate buffered I2KI as the appropriate choice for contrast-enhanced CT imaging of museum wet collections to safely maximize their potential for understanding genetic and phenotypic diversity.
Relative impacts of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata:Varroidae) infestation and pesticide exposure on honey bee colony health and survival in a high-intensity corn and soybean producing region in northern Iowa
Authors: Rinkevich Frank D , Danka Robert G , Rinderer Thomas E , Margotta Joseph W , Bartlett Lewis J , Healy Kristen B 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The negative effects of Varroa and pesticides on colony health and survival are among the most important concerns to beekeepers. To compare the relative contribution of Varroa, pesticides, and interactions between them on honey bee colony performance and survival, a 2-year longitudinal study was performed in corn and soybean growing areas of Iowa. Varroa infestation and pesticide content in stored pollen were measured from 3 apiaries across a gradient of corn and soybean production areas and compared to measurements of colony health and survival. Colonies were not treated for Varroa the first year, but were treated the second year, leading to reduced Varroa infestation that was associated with larger honey bee populations, increased honey production, and higher colony survival. Pesticide detections were highest in areas with high-intensity corn and soybean production treated with conventional methods. Pesticide detections were positively associated with honey bee population size in May 2015 in the intermediate conventional (IC) and intermediate organic (IO) apiaries. Varroa populations across all apiaries in October 2015 were negatively correlated with miticide and chlorpyrifos detections. Miticide detections across all apiaries and neonicotinoid detections in the IC apiary in May 2015 were higher in colonies that survived. In July 2015, colony survival was positively associated with total pesticide detections in all apiaries and chlorpyrifos exposure in the IC and high conventional (HC) apiaries. This research suggests that Varroa are a major cause of reduced colony performance and increased colony losses, and honey bees are resilient upon low to moderate pesticide detections.
Breviscapine ameliorates autophagy by activating the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 pathway in a transient cerebral ischemia rat model
Authors: Cun Yongdan , Guo Cunxiao , Jin Yaju , Zhou Li , Zhang Chengcai , Chen Na , Peng Yicheng , Zhang Pengyue , Guo Yiting 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Breviscapine (Bre), an extract from Erigeron breviscapus, has been widely used to treat cerebral ischemia but the mechanisms of its neuroprotective effects need to be clarified. The present study investigated whether Bre could alleviate excessive autophagy induced by cerebral ischemia in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) ischemia model via activating the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) pathway. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e. Sham group, MCAO+saline group, MCAO+Bre group, MCAO+DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) group, and MCAO+Bre+AG490 (Tyrphostin AG490, the inhibitor of STAT5) group. The model was established and neuroprotection was evaluated by determining infarct volumes and conducting neurological behavioral tests. Autophagy levels in the infarct penumbra were detected using transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. The expression of proteins in the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 pathway was tested by Western blotting. Compared to the MCAO+saline group, the infarct volumes in the MCAO+Bre group were significantly reduced and neurological behavior improved. Breviscapine administration also significantly increased p-JAK2, p-STAT5, and BCL2 expression but decreased autolysosome numbers; it also downregulated Beclin-1 expression and the LC3II/LCI ratio. The JAK2 inhibitor AG490 reversed these effects. These findings indicate that breviscapine can improve neural recovery following ischemia through alleviating excessive autophagy and activation of the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 axis.
The ‘inherent vulnerability’ of women on the move: A gendered analysis of Morocco’s migration reform
Authors: Norman Kelsey P , Reiling Carrie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Beginning in the 1990s, Morocco increasingly became a de facto host country for sub-Saharan migrants and asylum seekers originally intending to reach Europe. While the government’s treatment toward these groups was characterized by informality and violence throughout the early 2000s, Morocco embarked on a reform process in 2013 that included a regularization process for irregular migrants. During the regularization process, the Moroccan government automatically granted all women applicants residency status due to their presumed ‘vulnerability’. This paper asks: What are the implications of assuming that women are ‘inherently vulnerable’? Drawing on in-person interviews and an analysis of policy documents, this article adds to the gendered migration and refugee literature by demonstrating that supposedly humanitarian policies toward women can also victimize them, stereotype male migrants and refugees as threatening, and strengthen the patriarchal role of the state and its ability to carry out violence in the name of protection.
On the necessity of a pluralist theory of reparations for historical injustice
Authors: Lambrecht Felix 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Philosophers have offered many arguments to explain why historical injustices require reparations. This paper raises an unnoticed challenge for almost all of them. Most theories of reparations attempt to meet two intuitions: (1) reparations are owed for a past wrong and (2) the content of reparations must reflect the historical injustice. I argue that necessarily no monistic theory can meet both intuitions. I do this by showing that any theory that can meet intuition (1) necessarily cannot also meet intuition (2). This result suggests that a theory of reparations must either sacrifice one of the two intuitions or be pluralist. I argue that we ought to prefer the pluralist theory over the monistic theory. I sketch the pluralist theory, and I defend it by considering an objection about the way it can resolve conflicts.
Brain-wide representation of social knowledge
Authors: Alcalá-López Daniel , Mei Ning , Margolles Pedro , Soto David 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Understanding how the human brain maps different dimensions of social conceptualizations remains a key unresolved issue. We performed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study in which participants were exposed to audio definitions of personality traits and asked to simulate experiences associated with the concepts. Half of the concepts were affective (e.g. empathetic), and the other half were non-affective (e.g. intelligent). Orthogonally, half of the concepts were highly likable (e.g. sincere) and half were socially undesirable (e.g. liar). Behaviourally, we observed that the dimension of social desirability reflected the participant’s subjective ratings better than affect. FMRI decoding results showed that both social desirability and affect could be decoded in local patterns of activity through distributed brain regions including the superior temporal, inferior frontal, precuneus and key nodes of the default mode network in posterior/anterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Decoding accuracy was better for social desirability than affect. A representational similarity analysis further demonstrated that a deep language model significantly predicted brain activity associated with the concepts in bilateral regions of superior and anterior temporal lobes. The results demonstrate a brain-wide representation of social knowledge, involving default model network systems that support the multimodal simulation of social experience, with a further reliance on language-related preprocessing.
Two laterally based scrotal pedicled flap grafts in the treatment of penile skin necrosis due to ring incarceration: a case series
Authors: Xie Jiaokui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The rise in the incidence of penile ring incarceration has led to additional cases of ischemic necrosis of the penile skin. Two laterally based scrotal pedicled flaps (LSPFs), noted for their rich blood flow and skin source, resemble penile skin and are the preferred donor sites for repairing such necrosis.

Aims
This study summarizes the outcomes of 2 LSPF grafts for the treatment of penile skin necrosis.

Methods
Data were collected from 5 patients with penile skin necrosis due to ring incarceration who sought treatment at Ankang Central Hospital between 2012 and 2023.

Results
All patients exhibited varying degrees of necrosis in the urethral corpus cavernosum and the penis’s anterior tip. Two LSPFs were used for wound repair, with direct suturing of the donor site. None of the 5 patients experienced flap necrosis postsurgery, and they regained normal urination function. The patients reported satisfaction with both the aesthetic and functional results.

Conclusion
Two LSPF grafts are an effective approach for repairing penile skin defects. They reliably cover necrotic penile skin defects, prevent further wound progression, preserve penile structure, and improve patients’ life quality.
Assessing Seed Treatments to Control Sudden Death Syndrome Caused by Fusarium virguliforme and Seedling and Root Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia sp. on Mungbean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Batzer Jean C. , Wiggs Stith , Platner-Heidt Evelyn , Mueller Daren S. 
Published: May 2024

There is growing interest in producing mungbean ( Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) in the United States, which is driven by increased consumer demand. Strategies are needed for United States farmers to take advantage of this high-value crop and its environmental sustainability. Recommendations for the management of mungbean seedling and root diseases are lacking. Preliminary research in central Iowa mungbean fields from 2019 to 2023 has shown that mungbean is particularly vulnerable to Fusarium virguliforme, the cause of soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS), and Rhizoctonia sp., the cause of damping-off, root decay, premature defoliation, and pod abortion. The purpose of this study was to screen a variety of fungicides as a seed treatment or a soil band application to control root rot in mungbean. We performed three field studies over 2 years using mungbean cultivars Berken and OK2000. Seed treatments Evergol Energy + fluopyram and Evergol Energy + pydiflumetofen showed the highest performance ( P < 0.05), with approximately 30% more healthy roots than nontreated controls. Other treatments exhibited about 20% more healthy roots than the nontreated control. Biotam in-furrow application showed the highest plant population for ‘OK2000’, but we observed no treatment differences in plant stand for ‘Berken’.