bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A stable, highly concentrated fluorous nanoemulsion formulation for in vivo cancer imaging via 19F‐MRI
Authors: Heaton Alexa R. , Lechuga Lawrence M. , Tangsangasaksri Montira , Ludwig Kai D. , Fain Sean B. , Mecozzi Sandro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a routine diagnostic modality in oncology that produces excellent imaging resolution and tumor contrast without the use of ionizing radiation. However, improved contrast agents are still needed to further increase detection sensitivity and avoid toxicity/allergic reactions associated with paramagnetic metal contrast agents, which may be seen in a small percentage of the human population. Fluorine‐19 (19F)‐MRI is at the forefront of the developing MRI methodologies due to near‐zero background signal, high natural abundance of 100%, and unambiguous signal specificity. In this study, we have developed a colloidal nanoemulsion (NE) formulation that can encapsulate high volumes of the fluorous MRI tracer, perfluoro‐[15‐crown‐5]‐ether (PFCE) (35% v/v). These nanoparticles exhibit long‐term (at least 100 days) stability and high PFCE loading capacity in formulation with our semifluorinated triblock copolymer, M2F8H18. With sizes of approximately 200 nm, these NEs enable in vivo delivery and passive targeting to tumors. Our diagnostic formulation, M2F8H18/PFCE NE, yielded in vivo 19F‐MR images with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio up to 100 in a tumor‐bearing mouse model at clinically relevant scan times. M2F8H18/PFCE NE circulated stably in the vasculature, accumulated in high concentration of an estimated 4–9 × 1017 19F spins/voxel at the tumor site, and cleared from most organs over the span of 2 weeks. Uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system to the liver and spleen was also observed, most likely due to particle size. These promising results suggest that M2F8H18/PFCE NE is a favorable 19F‐MR diagnostic tracer for further development in oncological studies and potential clinical translation.
On the complexity of the upgrading version of the maximal covering location problem
Authors: Baldomero‐Naranjo Marta , Kalcsics Jörg , Rodríguez‐Chía Antonio M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this article, we study the complexity of the upgrading version of the maximal covering location problem with edge length modifications on networks. This problem is NP‐hard on general networks. However, in some particular cases, we prove that this problem is solvable in polynomial time. The cases of star and path networks combined with different assumptions for the model parameters are analysed. In particular, we obtain that the problem on star networks is solvable in time for uniform weights and NP‐hard for non‐uniform weights. On paths, the single facility problem is solvable in time, while the ‐facility problem is NP‐hard even with uniform costs and upper bounds (maximal upgrading per edge), as well as, integer parameter values. Furthermore, a pseudo‐polynomial algorithm is developed for the single facility problem on trees with integer parameters.
Sustainable Water in Mining? The Importance of Traditional Owner Involvement in Commercial Water Use and Management in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia
Authors: Garlett Emma , Holcombe Sarah 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe mining industry is a significant water user, an issue that gains a particular prominence in arid zone mining regions, such as the Pilbara region in Western Australia (WA). Mining companies extract vast amounts of water from the groundwater aquifers to access orebodies and to dewater the mine pits. Much of this water is dumped in creeks, injected back into the aquifer downstream or used in mining processing. There is increased awareness from community members for sustainable water use in mining beyond life of mine, and the emergence of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in the mining and metals sector signals a shift towards recognizing the importance of water stewardship. Much of the land subject to dewatering in the Pilbara is also subject to native title determinations. For Traditional Owners, important cultural values are associated with water. However, water is not adequately covered in native title, especially in relation to commercial use. We argue that Traditional Owner involvement in design and management of the use of excess water from a mining proponent's water licence (dewatering) can assist in sustainable use of groundwater, as well as provide opportunities in social and economic enterprises. As a provocation style piece, this paper is based on secondary literature, rather than ethnographic data. It explores the political and regulatory landscape of mine dewatering and outlines the limitations that have existed historically and currently and which inhibit Traditional Owners to participate in water management or commercial water interests. We also provide a high‐level analysis of several mining proponents' public policy commitments to water stewardship to assess the sustainable use of water which involves stakeholders such as Traditional Owners in water decision‐making. Finally, we identify possible opportunities and provide some recommendations, for water futures in this dry region where iron ore mining and gas extraction, already massive, are expanding further.
Biosynthesis of ZnO, Bi2O3 and ZnO−Bi2O3 bimetallic nanoparticles and their cytotoxic and antibacterial effects
Authors: Sarani Mina , Darroudi Majid , Naderifar Mahin , Akbarizadeh Majid Reza , Nobre Marcos A. L. , Kruppke Benjamin , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Jazi Mehdi Erfani 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis work introduces an easy method for producing Bi2O3, ZnO, ZnO‐Bi2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) by Biebersteinia Multifida extract. Our products have been characterized through the outcomes which recorded with using powder X‐ray diffractometry (PXRD), Raman, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) techniques. The finding of SEM presented porous structure and spherical morphology for Bi2O3 and ZnO NPs, respectively. While FE‐SEM image of bimetallic nanoparticles showed both porous and spherical morphologies for them; so that spherical particles of ZnO have sat on the porous structure of Bi2O3 NPs. According to the PXRD results, the crystallite sizes of Bi2O3, ZnO and ZnO−Bi2O3 NPs have been obtained 57.69, 21.93, and 43.42 nm, respectively. Antibacterial performance of NPs has been studied on Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, to distinguish the minimum microbial inhibitory concentration (MIC). Antimicrobial outcomes have showed a better effect for ZnO‐Bi2O3 NPs. Besides, wondering about the cytotoxic action against cancer cell lines, the MTT results have verified the intense cytotoxic function versus breast cancer cells (MCF‐7). According to these observations, obtained products can prosper medical and biological applications.
Does aversion to insects affect insecticide use? An elusive answer calls for improved methods in biophobia research
Authors: Gish Moshe , Hisano Masumi , Soga Masashi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Insecticides are commonly used to control insects and other arthropods in homes (hereafter collectively referred to as ‘insects’). Although aversion to insects might encourage the use of insecticides, it is unclear whether such feelings truly influence the decision to use insecticides.

We investigated the connection between feelings of disgust towards insects and the use of household insecticides. Our aim was to uncover the unexplored emotional drivers of insecticide use, in order to provide insights that might help develop new programmes to reduce exposure to household insecticides.

We conducted an online survey (n = 2500) that focussed on insecticide use and disgust feelings towards six species commonly found in homes (cockroaches, ants, spiders, mosquitoes, flies and centipedes). Respondents rated their level of disgust towards these species and reported various beliefs and practices related to household insects and insect control.

Approximately 70% of respondents expressed strong disgust towards these species (ratings of 6 or 7 on a scale of 1–7). More than half (53.3%) reported using aerosol insecticides in their homes in the 6 months prior to the survey.

Path analyses highlighted several factors that influenced insecticide use, including infestation level, disgust intensity, lack of knowledge about arthropods and aversion to chemicals. However, the observed effect sizes were modest, particularly regarding the influence of disgust on insecticide use, which somewhat constrains our study's contribution to the understanding of the motivators driving household insecticide use.

We explain how our findings potentially reflect a critical methodological limitation in the standard methods commonly used for measuring aversion in biophobia (fear of nature) research. This limitation originates from the fact that highly aversive animals often provoke extreme reactions from most participants, resulting in a very low data variation that hinders data analysis. We address this concern in the context of our findings and propose potential solutions that could pave the way for future research on how attitudes towards highly aversive animals affect individuals, society, and the relationships between people and nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Therapeutic potential of stilbenes in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders: A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical evidence
Authors: Socała Katarzyna , Żmudzka Elżbieta , Lustyk Klaudia , Zagaja Mirosław , Brighenti Virginia , Costa Anna Maria , Andres‐Mach Marta , Pytka Karolina , Martinelli Ilaria , Mandrioli Jessica , Pellati Federica , Biagini Giuseppe , Wlaź Piotr 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNeuropsychiatric disorders are anticipated to be a leading health concern in the near future, emphasizing an outstanding need for the development of new effective therapeutics to treat them. Stilbenes, with resveratrol attracting the most attention, are an example of multi‐target compounds with promising therapeutic potential for a broad array of neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions. This review is a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on stilbenes in several neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disorders. We describe and discuss the results of both in vitro and in vivo studies. The majority of studies concentrate on resveratrol, with limited findings exploring other stilbenes such as pterostilbene, piceatannol, polydatin, tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside, or synthetic resveratrol derivatives. Overall, although extensive preclinical studies show the potential benefits of stilbenes in various central nervous system disorders, clinical evidence on their therapeutic efficacy is largely missing.
Chemical analysis of additives included in fully formulated oils using high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Basham Vincent , Hancock Tom , McKendrick John , Tessarolo Nathalia , Wicking Chrissie 
Published: January 2024

RationaleFully formulated oils (FFOs) are chemically complex petrochemical products composed of base oil and additive mixtures that are employed in automotive engines to provide lubrication. In particular, the additive portion of FFOs is often precisely controlled to tailor the resultant formulation to a specific role. Analysis of the additive composition of both used and unused FFOs is therefore of great importance within the petroleum, automotive, and wider engineering industries.MethodsA simple and rapid reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method is reported herein for the analysis of a range of additives commonly encountered in FFO samples. Mass spectrometry was performed using an LTQ Orbitrap XL instrument using both positive‐ and negative‐ion electrospray ionization. Tandem mass spectra were acquired in the data‐dependent mode. FFO samples were analysed with minimal sample preparation, limited in this case to simple dilution steps.ResultsThe reported method permits analysis of a range of antioxidant, detergent, and antiwear chemistries from various FFO samples in under 10 min. Additionally, it is demonstrated that additive confirmation can be performed and some structural information obtained using the data‐dependent tandem mass spectrometry method. Furthermore, analysis of additives and corresponding degradation products within a used FFO is reported.ConclusionsThe results obtained using the reported methodology are of demonstrable use in numerous industries and applications, and readily return an abundance of information on the additive composition of a range of FFO samples. Anticipated applications of the methodology include but are not limited to quality control, suspected counterfeit analysis, and FFO degradation analysis.
Ethanolysis of nitrogen mustards: A novel strategy for nitrogen mustard identification in environmental matrices by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Belay Chen , Shifrovitch Avital , Prihed Hagit , Madmon Moran , Blanca Merav , Shamai Yamin Tamar , Weissberg Avi 
Published: January 2024

RationaleNitrogen mustards (NMs) are blistering chemical warfare agents. The ability to detect NMs in environmental samples is very important for obtaining forensic evidence. The most common analytical techniques for NM detection are gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, which detects NMs in their intact form but is disadvantaged by high limits of detection (LODs), and liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) of their hydrolysis products, which do not provide robust evidence to support NM use.MethodsWe developed a novel approach to detect and identify NMs using LC/ESI‐MS/MS after chemical derivatization. The method is based on ethoxide‐promoted ethanolysis prior to analysis. The effects of reaction time, temperature, ethoxide concentration and chromatography behavior were studied and optimized. In the developed procedure, 0.1% (v/v) sodium ethoxide solution is added to the NMs in ethanol and agitated for 2 h at 50°C, followed by LC/ESI‐MS/MS, without any other pretreatment.ResultsThe ethanolysis reaction efficiencies were evaluated in ethanolic extracts from soil, asphalt, and ethanol contaminated with 0.5% (v/v) diesel fortified with NMs at a five‐point calibration curve. The calibration curves showed good linearity in the range of 0.05–1 ng/mL, with an R2 value of 0.99, and were similar to those of LC/MS‐grade ethanol, with almost no observable matrix effects. The derivatization products were stable at room temperature, with LODs of 10 pg/mL, in all investigated extracts.ConclusionsThrough this newly developed strategy, the derivatization of active NMs by ethanolysis was achieved for the first time, and these derivatization products can serve as specific indicators for the use and presence of NMs. The methodology can also verify trace levels of NM chemical warfare agents collected in war or terror scenarios in forensic investigations.
Outer Membrane Vesicles Released from Garlic Exosome‐like Nanoparticles (GaELNs) Train Gut Bacteria that Reverses Type 2 Diabetes via the Gut‐Brain Axis
Authors: Sundaram Kumaran , Teng Yun , Mu Jingyao , Xu Qingbo , Xu Fangyi , Sriwastva Mukesh K. , Zhang Lifeng , Park Juw Won , Zhang Xiang , Yan Jun , Zhang Shuang Qin , Merchant Michael L. , Chen Shao‐yu , McClain Craig J , Dryden Gerald W , Zhang Huang‐Ge 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGut microbiota function has numerous effects on humans and the diet humans consume has emerged as a pivotal determinant of gut microbiota function. Here, a new concept that gut microbiota can be trained by diet‐derived exosome‐like nanoparticles (ELNs) to release healthy outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) is introduced. Specifically, OMVs released from garlic ELN (GaELNs) trained human gut Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) can reverse high‐fat diet‐induced type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in mice. Oral administration of OMVs released from GaELNs trained A. muciniphila can traffick to the brain where they are taken up by microglial cells, resulting in inhibition of high‐fat diet‐induced brain inflammation. GaELNs treatment increases the levels of OMV Amuc‐1100, P9, and phosphatidylcholines. Increasing the levels of Amuc‐1100 and P9 leads to increasing the GLP‐1 plasma level. Increasing the levels of phosphatidylcholines is required for inhibition of cGas and STING‐mediated inflammation and GLP‐1R crosstalk with the insulin pathway that leads to increasing expression of Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS1 and IRS2) on OMV targeted cells. These findings reveal a molecular mechanism whereby OMVs from plant nanoparticle‐trained gut bacteria regulate genes expressed in the brain, and have implications for the treatment of brain dysfunction caused by a metabolic syndrome.
Synergistic Effects of PtRhNiFeCu High Entropy Alloy Nanocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Hu Zhiwei , Chen Kuangyin , Zhu Yihua , Liu Bin , Shen Jianhua 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe unique properties of high entropy alloy (HEA) catalysts, particularly their severe lattice distortion and the synergistic effect of multiple components, endow them with exceptional multifunctional catalytic performance. Herein, it is revealed for the first time, that the ultrasmall PtRhNiFeCu HEA nanoparticles catalyst shows outstanding catalytic activity for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The catalyst exhibits an impressively low overpotential of 13 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope of 29.6 mV dec−1, and high mass activity of 7.6 A mgPt−1 at −50 mV in alkaline media, and long‐term stability of at least 20 h. Moreover, the catalyst also demonstrates effective catalytic activity for acidic ORR with a commendable performance of 1.23 A mgPt−1, much exceeding the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations unveil that the efficient electrocatalytic performance for HER and ORR can be primarily attributed to the synergistic effect between components tailors and optimizes the electronic structure of PtRhNiFeCu/C HEA, which not only enhances the HER activity through increasing water capture capability, decreasing energetic barrier for water dissociation, and optimizing hydrogen absorption but also initiates non‐platinum active sites with high ORR activity, achieving the improved ORR performance.
Modeling, applications and challenges of inner ear organoid
Authors: Qi Jieyu , Zhang Liyan , Wang Xiaohan , Chen Xin , Li Yiyuan , Wang Tian , Wu Peina , Chai Renjie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMore than 6% of the world's population is suffering from hearing loss and balance disorders. The inner ear is the organ that senses sound and balance. Although inner ear disorders are common, there are limited ways to intervene and restore its sensory and balance functions. The development and establishment of biologically therapeutic interventions for auditory disorders require clarification of the basics of signaling pathways that control inner ear development and the establishment of endogenous or exogenous cell‐based therapeutic methods. In vitro models of the inner ear, such as organoid systems, can help identify new protective or regenerative drugs, develop new gene therapies, and be considered as potential tools for future clinical applications. Advances in stem cell technology and organoid culture offer unique opportunities for modeling inner ear diseases and developing personalized therapies for hearing loss. Here, we review and discuss the mechanisms for the establishment and the potential applications of inner ear organoids.
COVID‐19 and 2020 presidential election speeches: A content analysis of pandemic campaign rhetoric
Authors: Hatcher William , Ginn Martha H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study examines how public health issues were communicated during the 2020 US presidential campaign, particularly those concerning the global COVID‐19 pandemic. Using content analysis, we examined the available campaign speeches of the two major candidates, Donald Trump and Joseph R. Biden. We examined how the candidates discussed the COVID‐19 pandemic and vital areas of public health in those speeches. Analysis of these speeches found little discussion on healthcare in general and little to no discussion on the vital areas of public health. We also found that COVID‐19 statements were not as prevalent as we anticipated, given the unprecedented scope of the pandemic. Even during a pandemic, public health matters received very little attention during a Presidential campaign. Public health topics accounted for less than 1% of the content in candidates' official speeches. Given that elites help increase knowledge of public health concerns and influence policy, the lack of attention given to the pandemic in the 2020 general election cycle is surprising, if not alarming.
The influence of landscape composition and configuration on breeding waterfowl pair abundance in Wisconsin
Authors: Fowler Drew N. , Winiarski Jason M. , Pollentier Christopher D. , Gatti Ronald C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation have negatively impacted breeding birds across the world. Across guilds, grassland‐dependent birds have experienced the largest proportional loss of their breeding population while wetland‐dependent birds have realized overall net gains in part due to focused conservation efforts. However, some species within the wetland‐dependent guild have a strong dependence on non‐wetland land cover types during the annual cycle and therefore may be equally sensitive to reductions in the composition and altered configuration of upland landcover, such as grasslands. We explored the influence of landcover composition and configuration on the number of breeding pairs of a breeding habitat generalist, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), and a grassland‐dependent breeding species, the blue‐winged teal (Spatula discors), in agriculturally‐intensive landscapes of Wisconsin, USA. Because of the extensive landscape alteration and habitat fragmentation that has occurred, we expected mallards to have a more utilitarian response to varying landscape composition compared to a grassland nesting obligate like blue‐winged teal. We used helicopter surveys conducted across 8 years (2001–2003, 2006–2009, and 2012) and remotely‐sensed land cover data to investigate the influence of habitat associations on relative abundance of breeding pairs. Model selection indicated that landscape composition models outperformed landscape configuration and null models for both species. Consistent with our predictions, we found that mallard pair counts were positively influenced by a greater number of land cover covariates compared to blue‐winged teal. Both blue‐winged teal and mallard breeding pairs were positively related to increased composition of emergent and scrub‐shrub wetlands as well as upland grassland. Additionally, we found that mallard pairs were positively related to forested, cattail (Typha sp.), and open water wetland types, whereas predicted blue‐winged teal pair abundance was negatively related to forested wetlands and had a nonlinear relationship and declined when surveyed land sections were comprised of more than 30% cattail‐dominated wetlands and 20% open‐water wetlands. Increased quantities of cattail‐dominated and open‐water wetland cover types comparatively provide less habitat for blue‐winged teal and may reflect broader shifts in habitat composition that have likely resulted from agricultural intensification and stabilized hydrology. Conservation activities that preserve existing nesting land cover types or restore hydrologically‐dynamic emergent wetlands in proximity to upland grassland cover could mutually benefit both species.