bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lakeshore areas of conservation interest: Characteristics of nursery areas of the threatened lake‐dwelling grayling, Thymallus thymallus
Authors: Lehtonen Topi K. , Hirvonen Esa , Kolari Irma , Ropponen Janne , Nyholm Kristiina , Keskinen Tapio , Vehanen Teppo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractResearch‐based knowledge is essential for effective conservation and restoration of threatened aquatic species and habitats. Here, our aim was to gather this knowledge on the lake‐dwelling grayling (Thymallus thymallus), typically a riverine fish. Such atypical populations are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, including fishing pressure, climate change, eutrophication and waterway construction, some of which affect especially the early life stages. However, there is little information available to guide management and conservation of grayling in lakes. Accordingly, we assessed characteristics of the nursery areas in the threatened grayling population of Lake Puruvesi (eastern Finland). In particular, we used beach seines in two consecutive years to sample lakeshore sites (including islands) that were a priori presumed suitable for grayling. We assessed the occurrence of grayling fry (larvae and post‐larvae <40 mm in length) regarding depth, year, the site's exposure (fetch), bottom shear stress, substrate coarseness and shoreline's north–south orientation. Overall, we found grayling fry in low numbers at every fourth site, with the sites’ exposure and dominant substrate coarseness being most relevant variables. In particular, more exposed sites (i.e. with higher fetch values) and fine‐grained substrates dominated by sand or gravel had more grayling fry. Average depth, bottom shear stress or shoreline orientation along the north–south axis did not have a significant effect. Together, the results suggest that the most important nursery areas for lake‐dwelling grayling are lakeshore zones that are barren and exposed. Hence, the sites share characteristics with those used for reproduction by the more common riverine grayling. We hope that these findings will facilitate lake‐dwelling grayling's management and conservation efforts.
Electrochemiluminescence of a First‐Row d6 Transition Metal Complex
Authors: Doeven Egan H. , Connell Timothy U. , Sinha Narayan , Wenger Oliver S. , Francis Paul S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe report the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of a 3d6 Cr(0) complex ([Cr(LMes)3]; λem=735 nm) with comparable photophysical properties to those of ECL‐active complexes of 4d6 or 5d6 precious metal ions. The electrochemical potentials of [Cr(LMes)3] are more negative than those of [Ir(ppy)3] and render the [Cr(LMes)3]* excited state inaccessible through conventional co‐reactant ECL with tri‐n‐propylamine or oxalate. ECL can be obtained, however, through the annihilation route in which potentials sufficient to oxidise and reduce the luminophore are alternately applied. When combined with [Ir(ppy)3] (λem=520 nm), the annihilation ECL of [Cr(LMes)3] was greatly enhanced whereas that of [Ir(ppy)3] was diminished. Under appropriate conditions, the relative intensities of the two spectrally distinct emissions can be controlled through the applied potentials. From this starting point for ECL with 3d6 metal complexes, we discuss some directions for future development.
Easy Synthetic Access to High‐Melting Sulfurated Copolymers and their Self‐Assembling Diblock Copolymers from Phenylisothiocyanate and Oxetane
Authors: Stephan Jenny , Olmedo‐Martínez Jorge L. , Fornacon‐Wood Christoph , Stühler Merlin R. , Dimde Mathias , Braatz Daniel , Langer Robert , Müller Alejandro J. , Schmalz Holger , Plajer Alex J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAlthough sulfurated polymers promise unique properties, their controlled synthesis, particularly when it comes to complex and functional architectures, remains challenging. Here, we show that the copolymerization of oxetane and phenyl isothiocyanate selectively yields polythioimidocarbonates as a new class of sulfur containing polymers, with narrow molecular weight distributions (Mn=5–80 kg/mol with Đ≤1.2; Mn,max=124 kg/mol) and high melting points of up to 181 °C. The method tolerates different substituent patterns on both the oxetane and the isothiocyanate. Self‐nucleation experiments reveal that π‐stacking of phenyl substituents, the presence of unsubstituted polymer backbones, and the kinetically controlled linkage selectivity are key factors in maximising melting points. The increased tolerance to macro‐chain transfer agents and the controlled propagation allows the synthesis of double crystalline and amphiphilic diblock copolymers, which can be assembled into micellar‐ and worm‐like structures with amorphous cores in water. In contrast, crystallization driven self‐assembly in ethanol gives cylindrical micelles or platelets.
In‐Situ Spontaneous Electropolymerization Enables Robust Hydrogel Electrolyte Interfaces in Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Chen Liangyuan , Xiao Tuo , Yang Jin‐Lin , Liu Yipu , Xian Jinglin , Liu Kang , Zhao Yan , Fan Hong Jin , Yang Peihua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractHydrogels hold great promise as electrolytes for emerging aqueous batteries, for which establishing a robust electrode‐hydrogel interface is crucial for mitigating side reactions. Conventional hydrogel electrolytes fabricated by ex situ polymerization through either thermal stimulation or photo exposure cannot ensure complete interfacial contact with electrodes. Herein, we introduce an in situ electropolymerization approach for constructing hydrogel electrolytes. The hydrogel is spontaneously generated during the initial cycling of the battery, eliminating the need of additional initiators for polymerization. The involvement of electrodes during the hydrogel synthesis yields well‐bonded and deep infiltrated electrode‐electrolyte interfaces. As a case study, we attest that, the in situ‐formed polyanionic hydrogel in Zn‐MnO2 battery substantially improves the stability and kinetics of both Zn anode and porous MnO2 cathode owing to the robust interfaces. This research provides insight to the function of hydrogel electrolyte interfaces and constitutes a critical advancement in designing highly durable aqueous batteries.
Preparation and performance evaluation of modified soy protein isolate polymeric dust suppressant using graft copolymerization
Authors: Yu Yanbin , Yang Xihui , Cheng Weimin , Wang Chujun , Liu Yalin , Li Sai 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTo effectively control mine dust pollution, a polymeric dust suppressant with wetting, bonding and moisture absorption, and retention properties was prepared by graft copolymerization of soy protein isolate (SPI) with polyacrylamide (PAM) and glycerol (Gl) through chemical modification. The relevant properties of the polymeric dust suppressant were determined through microscopic and macroscopic experiments. The results indicated that the contact angle of the polymeric dust suppressant dropped to 28.34° after 15 s, with a rate of change of 2.56°/s. The viscosity of the polymeric dust suppressant was 17.5 mPa s, which meets the requirements for the viscosity of dust suppressants for spraying (5–30 mPa s). After 24 h of spraying, a nonliquid consolidated monolayer shaped on the coal sample surface, with a hardness of 86.3 HA. In a muggy environment, the moisture absorption rate of the polymeric dust suppressant was 31.6%, and the moisture retention rate remained 28.5%, far exceeding that of the coal sample sprayed with water. When the wind speed increased from 6 to 21 m/s, the wind erosion resistance rate of the polymeric dust suppressant decreased from 99.78% to 96.55%, and the average mass loss increased from 0.11 to 1.73 g/(m2·min), while still maintaining a high dust suppression efficiency.
Elastomeric thermal interface materials with high through‐plane thermal conductivity by 3D printing
Authors: Fan Yong , Wang Yongbin , Qiu Jun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCreating directional heat pathways within polymer‐based elastomeric thermal interface materials (TIMs) using oriented thermally conductive fillers is an effective strategy for developing highly thermally conductive materials. In this work, we report the fabrication of oriented carbon fibers/alumina/silicone gel composites through a three‐dimensional printing method. Because of the high orientation degree of carbon fiber (CF) in the vertical direction, the resulting material demonstrates a through‐plane thermal conductivity of up to 27.77 Wm−1 K−1 with a composition of 21.75 wt% CF and 65.25 wt% spherical alumina, which is over 10 times higher than that of a parallel structure, surpassing the characters in most works of literature. In addition, the TIMs not only show outstanding flexibility (stress 62.27 psi at 30% strain) but also exhibit excellent resilience performance. These findings hold great potential for various scalable thermal and mechanical applications.
Prospective comparative study on enhancing geometrical mental representation and anatomical learning in medical students through modeling clay as an assessment tool
Authors: Yachou Yassine , Samson Olivier , Lasvergnas Olivier 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile traditional anatomy education often emphasizes passive learning and rote memorization, it seldom employs constructivist theories that focus on active, hands‐on experiences for effective learning. This study tests the hypothesis that tactile experiences with modeling clay enhance geometric mental representation more effectively than verbal descriptions. We examine the potential of clay modeling to reflect and evaluate students' mental representation of anatomical structures. Utilizing a prospective randomized, open, blind endpoint (PROBE) design, we engaged 36 participants divided into three groups: blind, visually impaired, and a control group. The primary outcome measure was the difference between post‐touch score and pre‐touch score, which gauged the efficacy of tactile intervention in enhancing the participants' capacity to mentally reconstruct a well‐designed anatomical fiction structure. Scoring was executed using a double‐blind double‐evaluation methodology, positioning clay model reconstruction as both an objective reliable assessment and a pedagogical tool. The analysis demonstrated a pronounced improvement in mental representation of anatomical structures, particularly in spatial comprehension and detailed textural discernment, with the mean score soaring from 47.81 pre‐touch to 85.09 post‐touch. Distinct cognitive processing adaptations were evident across groups, with the blind group excelling in tactile acuity and the visually impaired group showing the most significant gains in spatial understanding post‐intervention (Cohen's d = 2.74). The application of modeling clay as a tactile intervention tool can significantly improve the learning of anatomy among medical students. The study underscores the value of active, multisensory engagement and customized teaching strategies for effective anatomy education among this demographic.
Indicaxanthin prevents eryptosis induced by cigarette smoke extract by interfering with active Fas‐mediated signaling
Authors: Restivo Ignazio , Giardina Ilenia Concetta , Barone Rosario , Cilla Antonio , Burgio Stefano , Allegra Mario , Tesoriere Luisa , Attanzio Alessandro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA physiological mechanism of programmed cell death called eryptosis occurs in aged or damaged red blood cells (RBCs). Dysregulated eryptosis contributes to abnormal microcirculation and prothrombotic risk. Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) induces a p38 MAPK‐initiated, Fas‐mediated eryptosis, activating the death‐inducing signaling complex (DISC). Indicaxanthin (Ind) from cactus pear fruits, is a bioavailable dietary phytochemical in humans and it is able to incorporate into RBCs enhancing their defense against numerous stimuli. This in vitro work shows that Ind, at concentrations that mimic plasma concentrations after a fruit meal, protects erythrocytes from CSE‐induced eryptosis. CSE from commercial cigarettes was prepared in aqueous solution using an impinger air sampler and nicotine content was determined. RBCs were treated with CSE for 3 h in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of Ind (from 1 to 5 μM). Cytofluorimetric measurements indicated that Ind reduced CSE‐induced phosphatidylserine externalization and ceramide formation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Confocal microscopy visualization and coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Ind prevented both CSE‐triggered Fas aggregation and FasL/FADD/caspase 8 recruitment in the membrane, indicating inhibition of DISC assembly. Ind inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, caspase‐8/caspase‐3 cleavage, and caspase‐3 activity induced by CSE. Finally, Ind reduced CSE‐induced ATP depletion and restored aminophospholipid translocase activity impaired by CSE treatment. In conclusion, Ind concentrations comparable to nutritionally relevant plasma concentrations, can prevent Fas‐mediated RBC death signaling induced by CSE, which suggests that dietary intake of cactus pear fruits may limit the deleterious effects of cigarette smoking.
Physical function patient‐reported outcomes among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A systematic review
Authors: Tanner Sarah , Engstrom Teyl , Forbes Cheryl , Patel Dhaval , Lee Wen Ray , Walker Rick , Bradford Natalie , Pole Jason D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe physical challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYA) after a cancer diagnosis may be different from those experienced by paediatric and older adult cancer patients. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable tools that can be useful in exploring the experiences of AYAs and identifying important issues, recurrent themes and areas to potentially improve quality of life.ObjectiveWe compared patient‐reported physical function outcomes between AYAs diagnosed with cancer and non‐cancer controls.MethodThis paper builds on a scoping review published in early 2023 and focuses on PROMs related to physical function.ResultsThis systematic review includes 16 studies that measured and reported on physical function PROMs in AYA cancer survivors compared with their cancer‐free peers. Of these studies, 14 found that physical function in AYA survivors was significantly worse. This paper also includes a meta‐analysis conducted on 5 studies using the EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 to measure physical function, which found that physical function score was an average of 7.03 (95% CI: −10.21, −3.86) points lower in the AYA cancer group, compared to their cancer free‐peers, a difference that is clinically meaningful.ConclusionsThe results overwhelmingly demonstrate that AYAs post a cancer diagnosis have worse health‐related quality of life from a physical function perspective than their cancer‐free peers, providing a compelling argument for the need to address this issue. All but one of the studies were cross‐sectional, which highlights the need for further assessment of this group longitudinally throughout their cancer journey.
Synthesis of Cycloartan‐16β‐ol from 16β 24R‐Epoxy‐Cycloartane and Their Cytotoxicity Evaluation Against Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Hernández‐Flandes Atzin , Hernández‐Ortega Simón , Ramírez‐Apan Teresa , Rocha‐Zavaleta Leticia , Silva‐Jimenez Noemi , Martínez‐Vázquez Mariano 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIt was found that Argentatins A and B triterpenoids make up approximately 20–30 % of the waste resin produced from the industrial processes to isolate rubber from P. argentatum. We have developed an efficient protocol for synthesizing cycloartane‐16β‐ol derivatives by opening the oxepane ring of argentatin B acetate (2) with BF3‐OEt2. Although three new cycloartenol derivatives showed high cytotoxicity against PC‐3 and HCT‐15 cancer cell lines, nevertheless, the best results were obtained for (16β,24R) ‐(16,24‐epoxy‐cycloartan‐2(1H)‐ylidene) acetate (14), compound with intact oxepane ring. These results indicate that the substituents in the argentatin nucleus and a side chain account for the cytotoxic activity. However, according to the selectivity index (SI), 14 did not show selectivity activity to cancer cell lines over the HaCat noncancerous cell line. The compound 3β,16β‐Dihydroxy‐cycloartan‐24‐one (5), synthesized by oxepane opening, demonstrated high cytotoxic activity to cancer cell lines and showed a remarkable selectivity to cancer cell lines over the noncancerous ones. These results suggest that 5 could lead to the development of new anticancer compounds.
Push‐Pull Bis‐Norbornadienes for Solar Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Weber Roza R. , Stindt Charlotte N. , van der Harten A M. J. , Feringa Ben L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe norbornadiene/quadricyclane (NBD/QC) photoswitch pair represents a promising system for application in molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST). Often, the NBD derivatives have very limited overlap with the solar spectrum, and substitution to redshift the absorption leads to a decrease in the gravimetric energy density. Dimeric systems mitigate this factor because two switches can ‘share’ a substituent. Here, we present five new NBD dimers with red‐shifted absorption spectra. One dimer features the most red‐shifted absorption onset (539 nm) and a significantly red‐shifted absorption maximum (404 nm) for NBD systems reported so far, without compromising thermal half‐life. Promising properties for high‐performance MOST applications are demonstrated, such as high absorption onsets reaching 539 nm, and energy densities of 379 kJ/kg, while still maintaining long half‐lives of the metastable isomer, up to 23 hours at 25 °C.
Benefits and challenges of reconstituting the actin cortex
Authors: Waechtler Brooke E. , Jayasankar Rajan , Morin Emma P. , Robinson Douglas N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe cell's ability to change shape is a central feature in many cellular processes, including cytokinesis, motility, migration, and tissue formation. The cell constructs a network of contractile proteins underneath the cell membrane to form the cortex, and the reorganization of these components directly contributes to cellular shape changes. The desire to mimic these cell shape changes to aid in the creation of a synthetic cell has been increasing. Therefore, membrane‐based reconstitution experiments have flourished, furthering our understanding of the minimal components the cell uses throughout these processes. Although biochemical approaches increased our understanding of actin, myosin II, and actin‐associated proteins, using membrane‐based reconstituted systems has further expanded our understanding of actin structures and functions because membrane–cortex interactions can be analyzed. In this review, we highlight the recent developments in membrane‐based reconstitution techniques. We examine the current findings on the minimal components needed to recapitulate distinct actin structures and functions and how they relate to the cortex's impact on cellular mechanical properties. We also explore how co‐processing of computational models with wet‐lab experiments enhances our understanding of these properties. Finally, we emphasize the benefits and challenges inherent to membrane‐based, reconstitution assays, ranging from the advantage of precise control over the system to the difficulty of integrating these findings into the complex cellular environment.
The event‐driven social responsibility in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Reisinger Adrienn , Szabó Roland Z. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSince the survival and growth of small firms depend largely on their ability to acquire legitimacy within the institutional environment, social responsibility plays an important role in their lives. The aim of this study was to investigate how a disruption in the normal course of business can lead to an evolution and change in the social responsibility activities of small and medium‐sized enterprises. Such disruptions, called critical incidents, interrupt the normal functioning of the business. The case‐based exploratory study found that such critical events can have a positive impact. In particular, they can initiate the integration of socially responsible business practices. This is a journey from philanthropic donations to fully integrated socially responsible practices, often driven by internal triggering events such as organisational growth, unanticipated changes in management, or generational change, which allow new values to be brought on board. When such an internal event is followed by a highly critical but external event, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, the transformation gains momentum. The findings also suggest that social responsibility can be a new source of competitive advantage.
Systematic web monitoring of drug test subversion strategies in the United States
Authors: Grabenauer Megan , Vikingsson Svante , Olson Richard A. , Lyons Faith E. , Davis Lisa S. , Hayes Eugene D. , Flegel Ronald R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAs negative drug tests are frequently a condition for employment, some people who use drugs will try to subvert the testing. In this study, systematic web monitoring was used to investigate how drug test subversion is discussed online. Posts pertaining to drug test subversion were obtained from public websites and the dark web (n = 634, July–December 2021). Most information from public websites came from Twitter (65%), and 94% of dark web posts were from Reddit. The posts were manually coded to extract quantitative and qualitative information about drug test subversion tactics. Most posts discussed urine drug tests (85%), followed by hair (11%) and oral fluid (2%), and the most discussed drugs were marijuana (72%) and cocaine (7.3%). Urine drug test subversion mainly pertained to specimen substitution, with synthetic urine or urine from another person. Another strategy was to mask diluted urine by ingesting creatine. Urine adulteration was rarely discussed. Hair test subversion involved harsh treatments with products such as bleach, baking soda, and/or detergent. Hair removal was also discussed. Oral fluid test subversion focused on removing drugs from the oral cavity through vigorous brushing of teeth and tongue as well as the use of mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, gum, and commercial detox products. This study highlights subversion strategies used by donors. Although little evidence was provided as to the effectiveness of these strategies, this information may help guide future studies and development of specimen validity testing to minimize the impact of drug test subversion attempts.