bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sulfonated Chitosan Gel Membrane with Confined Amine Carriers for Stable and Efficient Carbon Dioxide Capture
Authors: Wang Lixinyu , Zha Shangwen , Zhang Shenxiang , Jin Jian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCapturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from flue gases is a crucial step towards reducing CO2 emissions. Among the various carbon capture methods, facilitated transport membranes (FTMs) have emerged as a promising technology for CO2 capture owing to their high efficiency and low energy consumption in separating CO2. However, FTMs still face the challenge of losing mobile carriers due to weak interaction between the carriers and membrane matrix. Herein, we report a sulfonated chitosan (SCS) gel membrane with confined amine carriers for effective CO2 capture. In this structure, diethylenetriamine (DETA) as a CO2‐mobile carrier is confined within the SCS gel membrane via electrostatic forces, which can react reversibly with CO2 and thus greatly facilitate its transport. The SCS ion gel membrane allows for the fast diffusion of amine carriers within it while blocking the diffusion of nonreactive gases, like N2. Thus, the prepared membrane exhibits exceptional CO2 separation capabilities when tested under simulated flue gas conditions with CO2 permeance of 1155 GPU and an ultra‐high CO2/N2 selectivity of above 550. Moreover, the membrane retains a stable separation performance during the 170 h continuous test. The excellent CO2 separation performance demonstrates the high potential of gel membranes for CO2 capture from flue gas.
Diagnostic values of SurePath liquid‐based cytology versus conventional smear in thyroid aspiration samples: A 13‐year experience at a single institution
Authors: Lee Wen‐Ying , Wang Hsiu‐Chu , Huang Lee‐E , Tseng Min‐Hui , Chiang Shu‐Hui , Lee Ching‐Chien 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundFine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the most useful tool in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) is replacing the conventional smear (CS) for evaluation of thyroid FNAC. In our institution, thyroid FNAC preparation was changed from CS to LBC SurePath in July 2016. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic value of SurePath with that of CS in thyroid lesions.MethodsA total of 35,406 samples of thyroid FNAC (11,438 CS and 23,968 SurePath), collected from January 2010 to December 2022, were included in this study. We also examined the malignant rate using the surgical pathology diagnosis as the gold standard.ResultsThe distribution of TBSRTC cytological categories was equivalent between CS and SurePath. The rate of nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory category was higher in CS compared to SurePath (43.4% vs. 22.3%; p < .05). After routine use of SurePath, the surgical resection rate was reduced from 12.0% to 8.6% (p < .05) and the malignant rate increased from 32.2% to 41.5% (p < .05). The sensitivities of CS and SurePath were 71.0% and 82.0%, respectively, and the specificities were 99.0% and 97.3%, respectively, whereas the positive predictive values were 97.8% and 96.8%, respectively, and the negative predictive values were 85.0% and 84.6%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of CS and SurePath were 88.5% and 89.7% respectively.ConclusionSurePath can increase the sample adequacy, increase the sensitivity and reduce the workload and avoid unnecessary surgeries with similar accuracy to CS.
Intraparotid plexiform neurofibroma: A rare diagnostic challenge
Authors: Khan Adil Aziz , Ahuja Sana , Zaheer Sufian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIsolated intraparotid neurofibromas are exceptionally rare and often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Diagnosing these tumors proves challenging because of the clinical resemblance to primary salivary gland masses. This case report details an 18‐year‐old with a painful, enlarging parotid mass, diagnosed through fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) revealing myxoid stroma and spindle cells. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a plexiform neurofibroma involving the parotid gland and facial nerve. Histopathology validated the diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of cytological and radiological correlation. Notably, the absent NF1 association makes this case unique. Surgical excision with facial nerve reconstruction was performed, highlighting the complexity of managing such rare intraparotid neurofibromas. Awareness of this entity is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Shifting mammal communities and declining species richness along an elevational gradient on Mount Kenya
Authors: Snider Matthew H. , Helgen Kristofer M. , Young Hillary S. , Agwanda Bernard , Schuttler Stephanie , Titcomb Georgia C. , Branch Douglas , Dommain René , Kays Roland 
Published: April 2024

AbstractConservation areas encompassing elevation gradients are biodiversity hotspots because they contain a wide range of habitat types in a relatively small space. Studies of biodiversity patterns along elevation gradients, mostly on small mammal or bird species, have documented a peak in diversity at mid elevations. Here, we report on a field study of medium and large mammals to examine the impact of elevation, habitat type, and gross primary productivity on community structure. Species richness was observed using a camera trap transect with 219 sites situated across different habitat types from 2329 to 4657 m above the sea level on the western slope of Mt Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. We found that the lowest elevation natural habitats had the highest species richness and relative abundance and that both metrics decreased steadily as elevation increased, paralleling changes in gross primary productivity, and supporting the energy richness hypothesis. We found no evidence for the mid‐domain effect on species diversity. The lowest elevation degraded Agro‐Forestry lands adjacent to the National Park had high activity of domestic animals and reduced diversity and abundance of native species. The biggest difference in community structure was between protected and unprotected areas, followed by more subtle stepwise differences between habitats at different elevations. Large carnivore species remained relatively consistent but dominant herbivore species shifted along the elevation gradient. There was some habitat specialization and turnover in species, such that the elevation gradient predicts a high diversity of species, demonstrating the high conservation return for protecting mountain ecosystems for biodiversity conservation.
Emergence of De Novo Conditions Following Remission of Cushing Syndrome: A Case Report and Scoping Review
Authors: Desgagnés Noémie , Senior Laura , Vis Daniel , Alikhani Katayoun , Lithgow Kirstie 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveOnset and exacerbation of autoimmune, inflammatory or steroid‐responsive conditions have been reported following the remission of Cushing syndrome, leading to challenges in distinguishing a new condition versus expected symptomatology following remission. We describe a case of a 42‐year‐old man presenting with new‐onset sarcoidosis diagnosed 12 months following the surgical cure of Cushing syndrome and synthesise existing literature reporting on de novo conditions presenting after Cushing syndrome remission.MethodsA scoping review was conducted in Medline, Epub, Ovid and PubMed. Case reports and case series detailing adult patients presenting with new‐onset conditions following Cushing syndrome remission were included.ResultsIn total, 1641 articles were screened, 138 full‐text studies were assessed for eligibility, and 43 studies were included, of which 84 cases (including our case) were identified. Most patients were female (85.7%), and the median reported age was 39.5 years old (IQR = 13). Thyroid diseases were the most commonly reported conditions (48.8%), followed by sarcoidosis (15.5%). Psoriasis, lymphocytic hypophysitis, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and seronegative arthritis were reported in more than one case. The median duration between Cushing remission and de novo condition diagnosis was 4.1 months (IQR = 3.75). Of those patients, 59.5% were receiving corticosteroid therapy at the time of onset.ConclusionOur scoping review identified several cases of de novo conditions emerging following the remission of Cushing syndrome. They occurred mostly in women and within the year following remission. Clinicians should remain aware that new symptoms, particularly in the first year following the treatment of Cushing syndrome, may be manifestations of a wide range of conditions aside from adrenal insufficiency or glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome.
Oxygen‐Bridged Quasi‐Planar para‐Phenylenediamine and its Oxidized States
Authors: Yoshida Koshi , Hikida Kai , Tanaka Takayuki , Seki Shu , Ito Akihiro 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA quasi‐planar N, N, N’,N’‐tetraphenyl‐para‐phenylenediamine, where all the phenyl rings are tethered by four oxygen atoms to embed quasi‐planar triphenylamine moieties into the molecular skeleton, was prepared and characterized to evaluate the impact by incorporating the structural rigidity. The monocationic and dicationic species could be selectively generated, depending on the type of oxidizing agents used. Spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed the radical cation was in a unique charge/spin delocalized class III mixed‐valence state due to an exquisite balance between the electronic effect by the oxygen‐bridges and the rigidity of molecular framework.
n‐Bu4NI/K2S2O8‐Mediated C−N Coupling Between Aldehydes and Amides
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Hee Samual , Sapir Netanel G. , Li Alvin , Farkruzzaman Syed , Liu Jianbo , Chen Yu 
Published: April 2024

Abstractn‐Bu4NI/K2S2O8 mediated C−N coupling between aldehydes and amides is reported. A strong electronic effect is observed on the aromatic aldehyde substrates. The transformylation from aldehyde to amide takes place exclusively when an aromatic aldehyde bears electron‐donating groups at either the ortho or para position of the formyl group, while the cross‐dehydrogenative coupling dominates in the absence of these groups. Both the density functional theory (DFT) thermochemistry calculations and experimental data support the proposed single electron transfer mechanism with the formation of an acyl radical intermediate in the cross‐dehydrogenative coupling. The n‐Bu4NI/K2S2O8 mediated oxidative cyclization between 2‐aminobenzamide and aldehydes is also reported, with four quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones prepared in 65–99 % yields.
Investigating the physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties of low‐fat mayonnaise prepared with amaranth protein as an egg yolk replacer
Authors: Mohammadi Sahar , Alimi Mazdak , Shahidi Seyed‐Ahmad , Shokoohi Shirin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the possibility of using amaranth protein isolate (API) as a plant‐based substitute for egg yolk (EY) in the preparation of low‐fat mayonnaise (LFM). The alkali extraction/acidic precipitation method was used to isolate amaranth protein; its functional properties were then studied. The results showed that besides its great water and oil absorption capacities, API had better emulsifying capacity and significantly higher (p < .05) emulsion stability at pH 2.0 than alkali pH values. Five mayonnaise samples with different API/EY combination ratios (%) (i.e., 0/0.75, 0.25/0.5, 0.375/0.375, 0.5/0.25, and 0.75/0) were prepared. The color, emulsion stability (ES), freeze–thaw stability (FTS), droplet size, structure, rheology, and sensory properties of samples were examined. API replacement showed no adverse effects on the L* value, ES, and sensory attributes (p > .05). Low API concentrations (0.25% and 0.375%) significantly (p < .05) increased the droplet size and decreased the FTS of LFM emulsion. High API concentrations (0.5% and 0.75%) had no significant effect (p > .05) on droplet size and formed emulsions with more tightly packed oil droplets. The Cross model was chosen best to describe the flow behavior of LFM samples (R2 = 0.99). The sample with 0.75% API had significantly (p < .05) the highest values of ηo (zero‐shear viscosity) and λ (relaxation time), indicating greater interaction between the emulsion particles. All samples showed a weak gel structure (G' > G"). In conclusion, API can be considered an appropriate substitute for EY in LFM production, which can benefit human health and offer a new strategy for preparing vegan products.
An empirical study on the early exercise premium of American options: Evidence from OEX and XEO options
Authors: Li Weihan , Zhang Jin E. , Ruan Xinfeng , Aschakulporn Pakorn 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSince the S&P 100 Index underlies both American (OEX) and European (XEO) options, the value of the early exercise premium of American options can be directly observed. We find that the mid‐quote of an XEO option can be higher than that of an otherwise identical OEX option, and liquidity can explain this overpricing phenomenon of European options. Our results show that illiquid options are significantly overpriced in the S&P 100 Index options market. This finding indicates that an illiquid option can be overvalued with a higher market offer price, which is the requirement of market makers for compensation for providing liquidity.
Imagining and emplacing net zero industrial clusters: A critical analysis of stakeholder discourses
Authors: Lai Huei‐Ling , Devine‐Wright Patrick 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDecarbonizing industrial sectors is a critical global challenge, involving the creation of new industrial spaces—‘net zero industrial clusters’—co‐locating energy sectors and ‘hard‐to‐abate’ industries such as oil refining and steelmaking. This paper provides the first empirically grounded geographical investigation of these emerging spaces. It employs a place‐based research agenda to unpack how UK net zero industrial clusters (ICs) are imagined and emplaced in policy and industry discourses through place‐based naming, spatial configuring and mapping activities. By conducting document analysis, 33 in‐depth stakeholder interviews and five field trips to three UK case studies, we show how cluster imaginaries vary across cases and policy contexts in terms of constituents, focus and purpose. Ontological complexity is compounded by different rationales among stakeholders in configuring clusters and by contested cluster naming and boundary setting. This ambiguous, evolving spatiality raises important political and justice concerns over who and where is excluded in cluster building. These findings advance the geographies of low‐carbon transitions by showing: (1) ways that ICs' spatial embeddedness, which underlies cluster spatial configurations, helps increase industry actors' recognition of their economic, social and cultural ties with the places of their making, even if this risks path dependency; (2) how fluid cluster boundaries, reflected in cluster names and maps, emphasize the value of a network topology of scale to enable spatially inclusive, multi‐scalar climate mitigation. Finally, we argue that a place‐sensitive net zero policy mindset is vital for fulfilling ICs and the UK's decarbonization potential in a manner that is both fair and locally grounded.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in Candida auris infections
Authors: Li Kang , Liu Xin , Liu Danfeng , Zhi Yuqi , Dong Chang , Sun Pengrui , Dong Yueming , Pan Hongfang , Zhang Yuxiang , Lei Hong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundCandida auris infections pose a threat to public health, necessitating increased awareness in China. This study aimed to analyze the strains of C. auris, assess the infection status, and investigate clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with Candida auris infection. We focused on evaluating basic characteristics, strain sources, and antibacterial susceptibility test results. Statistical methods were used to determine clinical features and identify risk factors for death.ResultsThe strain type, composition ratio, and specimen source of C. auris were not associated with mortality. Neither the infection index nor the length of hospitalization showed an association with the prognosis. However, significant risk factors for mortality included cerebral infarction, cardiac disease, renal dysfunction, hypoproteinemia, and anemia (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsCerebral infarction, cardiac disease, renal dysfunction, hypoproteinemia, and anemia are significant risk factors for death in C. auris infections. These findings indicate the importance of recognizing and addressing these factors in the clinical management of C. auris infection.
Adolescent‐perceived parent–child negative body talk and disordered eating: Evidence for behavior‐specific affective mediators
Authors: Myntti Warner W. , Parnell Lucas , Valledor Valerie , Chow Chong Man 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThis study examined the mediating role of general negative affect and body‐specific negative affect between the association between negative body talk occurring within the mother–daughter relationship and restrained and disinhibited disordered eating.MethodsAdolescent girls (N = 100; Mage = 14.25; 49.5% White) completed self‐report measures of general negative affect (depression and anxiety), body‐specific negative affect (body dissatisfaction), and perceptions of the frequency that negative body talk occurred in interactions with their mother (initiated by the mother or daughter) as part of a cross‐sectional study. While the same set of questionnaires was administered to both mothers and daughters, only the data reported by the daughters were analyzed and included in this study. Data were gathered in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area of Michigan, USA, around the year 2015.ResultsPath analysis showed that general negative affect, but not body‐specific negative affect, mediated the association from mother–daughter negative body talk to disinhibited eating behaviors (emotional and external eating). Conversely, body‐specific negative affect, but not general negative affect, mediated the association from negative body talk to restrained eating behaviors.ConclusionsOur findings suggest there are distinct affective mechanisms that mediate the relationship between mother–daughter negative body talk and restrained versus disinhibited eating behavior. Future work should continue to explicate the role of general and body‐related negative affect in different eating behaviors.
Quantum mechanical study of transition metal hydrides: Comparison of determined molecular properties with experimental data
Authors: Vavrečka Adam , Fatková Kateřina , Burda Jaroslav V. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study compares results of four relativistic pseudopotential basis sets, which differ mainly by their size: double‐zeta introduced by Hay and Wadt from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL2DZ), triple‐zeta based on Stuttgart energy‐consistent scalar‐relativistic pseudopotential (SDD3), its extension with 2fg polarization functions, and combination of Stuttgart pseudopotentials with quintuple‐zeta cc‐pV5Z base (SDD5). Hydrides of transition metals from Cr to Zn group are chosen as reference molecules. The coupled cluster method (CCSD(T)) is used for evaluation of selected molecular characteristics. Interatomic distances, dissociation energies, vibration modes, and anharmonicity constants are determined and compared with available experimental data. As expected, the accuracy of basis depends mainly on its size. However, only moderate modification of SDD3 basis set significantly improves its accuracy, which becomes comparable to the largest basis set. Nevertheless, the time consumption is significantly lower.
Elevated glucose promotes MMP13 and ADAMTS5 production by osteoarthritic chondrocytes under oxygenated but not hypoxic conditions
Authors: Jain Lekha , Bolam Scott M. , Monk Paul , Munro Jacob T. , Tamatea Jade , Dalbeth Nicola , Poulsen Raewyn C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractType 2 diabetes is linked with increased incidence and severity of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of extracellular glucose within the normal blood glucose and hyperglycemic range on catabolic enzyme production by chondrocytes isolated from osteoarthritic (OA) and macroscopically normal (MN) human cartilage under oxygenated (18.9% oxygen) and hypoxic (1% oxygen) conditions. OA and MN chondrocytes were maintained in 4, 6, 8, or 10 mM glucose for 24 h. Glucose consumption, GLUT1 glucose transporter levels, MMP13 and ADAMTS5 production, and levels of RUNX2, a transcriptional regulator of MMP13, ADAMTS5, and GLUT1, were assessed by enzyme‐linked assays, RT‐qPCR and/or western blot. Under oxygenated conditions, glucose consumption and GLUT1 protein levels were higher in OA but not MN chondrocytes in 10 mM glucose compared to 4 mM. Both RNA and protein levels of MMP13 and ADAMTS5 were also higher in OA but not MN chondrocytes in 10 mM compared to 4 mM glucose under oxygenated conditions. Expression of RUNX2 was overall lower in MN than OA chondrocytes and there was no consistent effect of extracellular glucose concentration on RUNX2 levels in MN chondrocytes. However, protein (but not RNA) levels of RUNX2 were elevated in OA chondrocytes maintained in 10 mM versus 4 mM glucose under oxygenated conditions. In contrast, neither RUNX2 levels or MMP13 or ADAMTS5 expression were increased in OA chondrocytes maintained in 10 mM compared to 4 mM glucose in hypoxia. Elevated extracellular glucose leads to increased glucose consumption and increased RUNX2 protein levels, promoting production of MMP13 and ADAMTS5 by OA chondrocytes in oxygenated but not hypoxic conditions. These findings suggest that hyperglycaemia may exacerbate chondrocyte‐mediated cartilage catabolism in the oxygenated superficial zone of cartilage in vivo in patients with undertreated type 2 diabetes, contributing to increased OA severity.
Reliable and efficient membrane processes for clean and sustainable production of fresh water from saline waste
Authors: Ouchn Rachid , Chaouqi Youssef , Avci Ahmet Halil , Gmouh Said , Curcio Efrem , Cherkaoui Omar , Hlaibi Miloudi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreasing water scarcity as a result of growing demand highlights the urgency for innovative solutions. Seawater desalination is emerging as a crucial answer, with direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) emerging as a promising technology in this context. In particular, membranes produced from ionic liquids constitute a well‐established avenue for the preparation of membranes by nonsolvent phase inversion (NIPS) in the field of desalination.RESULTSTests carried out as part of the DCMD, using PVDF membranes modified with the ionic liquid (IL) MPF6 and TBAPF6 synthesized during this study, in particular those containing 50% TBAFP6, demonstrate a notable improvement in hydrophobicity (121.48°) and porosity(79%). The results suggest that the flux of the PVDF‐TBAPF6 membrane shows a clear improvement of 300% compared to the support alone. Various parameters such as salinity, temperature and flow rate were examined, highlighting their impact on membrane performance. The low energy parameters (Ea = 43.36 kJ mol−1, ΔH≠ = 40.86 kJ mol−1) indicate a diffusion mechanism of vapor molecules, occurring by successive jumps through the IL interaction sites.CONCLUSIONExtensive experimental investigations have carefully anticipated the permeate flow in DCMD, aiming to efficiently extract pure water. DCMD is positioned as a promising technology for desalination and treatment of BRINE solutions. Therefore, this study can make a significant contribution to the expansion of DCMD by facilitating the prediction and optimization of operational parameters, thereby paving the way for expanded application of this technology. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).