bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Supramolecular Polymers
Authors: Wang Luping , Meng Yuwen , Wang Xu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPolymer waste is a pressing issue that requires innovative solutions from the scientific community. As a beacon of hope in addressing this challenge, the concept of sustainable supramolecular polymers (SSPs) emerges. This article discusses challenges and efforts in fabricating SSPs. Addressing the trade‐offs between mechanical performance and sustainability, the ultra‐tough and multi‐recyclable supramolecular polymers are fabricated via tailoring mismatched supramolecular interactions. Additionally, the healing of kinetically inert polymer materials is realized through transient regulation of the interfacial reactivity. Furthermore, a possible development trajectory for SSPs is proposed, and the transient materials can be regarded as the next generation in this field. The evolution of SSPs promises to be a pivotal stride towards a regenerative economy, sparking further exploration and innovation in the realm of sustainable materials.
Alanine Formation in a Zero‐Gap Flow Cell and the Role of TiO2/Ti Electrocatalysts
Authors: Englezos Christos , Raman Akash , Jonker Dirk , Ramos‐Delgado Norma Alicia , Altomare Marco , Gardeniers Han , Susarrey Arturo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe electrochemical synthesis of
‐amino acids at room temperature and pressure is a sustainable alternative to conventional methods like microbial fermentation and Strecker synthesis. A custom‐built zero‐gap flow electrolyzer was used to study the electrosynthesis of alanine via the electrocatalytic reductive amination (ERA) of the corresponding biomass‐derivable
‐keto acid precursor – pyruvic acid (PA), and hydroxylamine (NH2OH) at very low pH. Non‐toxic, abundant, and easy to prepare TiO2/Ti electrocatalysts were utilized as the cathode. Three TiO2/Ti felt electrodes with different oxide thicknesses were prepared and their characterization results were correlated with their respective electrochemical performance in terms of Faradaic efficiency
, and partial current density
. Cyclic voltammetry indicated a different electrocatalytic reduction process on hydrothermally treated electrodes, compared to thermally oxidized ones. Hydrothermally treated electrodes were also found to have the thickest porous anatase layer and achieved 50–75 % alanine conversion efficiencies. Optimization showed that the cell potential, reactant flow rate and the PA: NH2OH ratio were crucial parameters in determining the conversion efficiency.
and
were found to significantly decrease when an excess of is used and, an optimal alanine
of 75 % was achieved at 2.0 V applied cell potential and 10 mL/h reactant flow rate.
Preparation and Mechanism of Calcium Carbonate Whiskers from DoLOMITE Refined Solution
Authors: Hua Shu‐Yi , Zheng Qiang , Yu Feng , Qi Ting‐Yu , Ma Ya‐Li , Jia Song‐Yan , Fan Tian‐Bo , Li Xue 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe preparation of calcium carbonate whiskers by gas‐liquid contact method using low‐grade dolomite refining solution and CO2 as raw materials has attracted widespread attention. The effects of reaction temperature, Mg2+ concentration and pH value on the morphology, particle size, aspect ratio and crystal form of CaCO3（Calcium carbonate） whiskers are investigated in detail. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and XRD (X‐ray powder diffraction) are combined to analyze the calcium carbonate whiskers. The results demonstrated that under the conditions such as 100 °C, Mg2+ concentration of 0.05 mol L−1 and pH value of 9.5, calcium carbonate whiskers with uniform distribution, aspect ratio of 15–20, and purity of 99.38% can be prepared. Through Material Studios simulation software and critical nucleation energy analysis, it is confirmed that the morphology of calcium carbonate whiskers emerged to be a long hexagonal prism. Mg2+ in the refined solution would adhere to the surface of calcium carbonate during carbonization, inhibit the formation of calcite phase, and promote the growth of face clusters connected by vertex angles between CaCO3 crystals. The initial pH condition determines the solubility of CO32− and the supersaturation of the solution, which in turn affected the formed calcium carbonate crystal form.
Distinct latitudinal patterns and drivers of topsoil nitrogen and phosphorus across urban forests in eastern China
Authors: Xia Nan , Du Enzai , Wu Xinhui , Tang Yang , Guo Hongbo , Wang Yang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are the two most important macronutrients supporting forest growth. Unprecedented urbanization has created growing areas of urban forests that provide key ecosystem services for city dwellers. However, the large‐scale patterns of soil N and P content remain poorly understood in urban forests. Based on a systematic soil survey in urban forests from nine large cities across eastern China, we examined the spatial patterns and key drivers of topsoil (0–20 cm) total N content, total P content, and N:P ratio. Topsoil total N content was found to change significantly with latitude in the form of an inverted parabolic curve, while total P content showed an opposite latitudinal pattern. Variance partition analysis indicated that regional‐scale patterns of topsoil total N and P contents were dominated by climatic drivers and partially regulated by time and pedogenic drivers. Conditional regression analyses showed a significant increase in topsoil total N content with lower mean annual temperature (MAT) and higher mean annual precipitation (MAP), while topsoil total P content decreased significantly with higher MAP. Topsoil total N content also increased significantly with the age of urban park and varied with pre‐urban soil type, while no such effects were found for topsoil total P content. Moreover, topsoil N:P ratio showed a latitudinal pattern similar to that of topsoil total N content and also increased significantly with lower MAT and higher MAP. Our findings demonstrate distinct latitudinal trends of topsoil N and P contents and highlight a dominant role of climatic drivers in shaping the large‐scale patterns of topsoil nutrients in urban forests.
Beyond hunger: Unveiling the rights to food in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Onyeaka Helen , Adeboye Adedola S. , Bamidele Oluwaseun P. , Onyeoziri Isiguzoro , Adebo Oluwafemi A. , Adeyemi Maria M. , Thera‐Sekgweng Susan N. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article explores the fundamental right to food, examining its legal framework, its relationship with other human rights, and the efforts being made globally to improve this right. It begins by looking at international and national laws that protect the right to food and examining their importance in ensuring food security and sovereignty. It then explores how food rights intersect with other rights, such as health, education, and labor, revealing the interrelated web of human rights. The article further highlights how the right to food is closely tied to the objectives of reducing poverty and promoting social justice, which are crucial components in the collective effort to achieve food security for all. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of current policies and strategies in promoting the right to food, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa. The novelty of the article is that it brings into perspective, the encumbrance of food sovereignty in sub‐Saharan Africa and concludes with potential solutions.
A parallel grad‐div stabilized finite element algorithm for the Navier–Stokes equations with a nonlinear damping term
Authors: Jiang Ye , Zheng Bo , Shang Yueqiang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this work, we propose a parallel grad‐div stabilized finite element algorithm for the Navier–Stokes equations attached with a nonlinear damping term, using a fully overlapping domain decomposition approach. In the proposed algorithm, we calculate a local solution in a defined subdomain on a global composite mesh which is fine around the defined subdomain and coarse in other regions. The algorithm is simple to carry out on the basis of available sequential solvers. By a local a priori estimate of the finite element solution, we deduce error bounds of the approximations from our presented algorithm. We perform also some numerical experiments to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Socioeconomic status and incident depressive symptoms among older adults: A 3‐year longitudinal study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Sato Masashi , Tsuji Taishi , Ueno Takayuki , Watanabe Ryota , Ide Kazushige , Kondo Katsunori 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the onset of depressive symptoms has attracted considerable attention. However, few studies have simultaneously examined the association of multiple SES indicators, including “assets,” with the onset of depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study examined the association of four SES indicators in old age (‘years of education’ ‘equivalent income,’ ‘equivalent assets,’ and ‘the longest‐held job’) with new‐onset depressive symptoms in a large Japanese dataset.MethodsThis longitudinal study used panel data of cognitively and physically independent older adults from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) conducted in 2013 and 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of each SES indicator with new‐onset depressive symptoms, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsWe analyzed the data of 40,257 older adults, with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 72.9 (±5.5) years. In the follow‐up survey, 4292 older adults had new‐onset depression symptoms (10.7%). 39.3% had 10–12 years of education. 36.9% had an equivalent income of up to JPY 1.99 million. 24.4% had equivalent assets of JPY 4–17.99 million. Most had a clerical job for the long time. Furthermore, fewer years of education (males: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.22–1.64, p‐value <0.001/females: 1.26, [1.09–1.47], p = 0.002), lower income (males: 1.64, [1.34–2.01], p < 0.001/females: 1.82, [1.49–2.22], p < 0.001), and fewer assets (males: 1.40, [1.16–1.68], p < 0.001/females: 1.21, [1.02–1.42], p = 0.025) resulted in higher odds of having new‐onset depressive symptoms, even when other SES indicators were entered simultaneously.ConclusionsAll four SES indicators have an independent association with the development of new‐onset depressive symptoms among older adults, reflecting different aspects of SES. The association between the “longest‐held job” and new‐onset depressive symptoms can be largely explained by other SES indicators. A multifaceted and lifetime approach is required to prevent the onset of depressive symptoms in old age.
Staged cluster transformers for intracranial aneurysms segmentation from structure fused 3D MRA
Authors: Guo Lilin , Liang Yu , Guo Ruichao , Cao Zhijian , Ye Jianming , Lai Xiaobo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntracranial aneurysms (IAs) manifest as atypical dilatation within the intracranial arterial structures, the rupture of which accounts for high mortality and morbidity rates. Current clinical protocols require radiologists to manually annotate IAs on Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) images, which is inherently subjective and time‐consuming. Given these limitations, there is an urgent need to explore methods for automated and accurate segmentation of IAs from MRA images. In particular, recent years have witnessed the proliferation of sophisticated computational techniques, with deep learning algorithms—especially the 3D U‐Net and its derivatives—gaining prominence in segmentation works. Nevertheless, convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based models have an inherent limitation in capturing long‐range spatial dependencies, which inadvertently compromises the retention of global features critical for segmentation. In response to this challenge, we introduce an avant‐garde architectural design, dubbed staged cluster transformers (SCTR), which incorporates cluster mechanism into vision transformers to perform volumetric MRA image segmentation. In addition to the MRA clustering branch, the spatially aligned brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) representation branch is also combined to extract the structural features and assist the network in learning richer contextual and boundary information for accurate voxel prediction. For validation, we utilized both a publicly available challenge dataset and an internal clinical dataset in this study. Our proposed model achieves dice similarity coefficients (DSC) of 0.5587 and 0.8110 on these two datasets, respectively, outperforming other state‐of‐the‐art approaches. The results suggest that SCTR is a promising method for automatic segmentation of IAs. Our code is available at https://github.com/guolilin/SCTR.
Novel oncogenic transcriptional targets of mutant p53 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: George Sara A. , Kotapalli Viswakalyan , Ramaswamy Pandilla , Kumar Raju , Gowrishankar Swarnalata , Uppin Shantveer G. , Bashyam Murali D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMissense mutations in the DNA binding domain of p53 are observed frequently in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Recent studies have revealed the potentially oncogenic transcriptional networks regulated by mutant p53 proteins. However, majority of these studies have focused on common “hotspot” p53 mutations while rarer mutations are poorly characterized. In this study, we report the characterization of rare, “non‐hotspot” p53 mutations from ESCC. In vitro tumorigenic assays performed following ectopic‐expression of certain “non‐hotspot” mutant p53 proteins caused enhancement of oncogenic properties in squamous carcinoma cell lines. Genome‐wide transcript profiling of ESCC tumor samples stratified for p53 status, revealed several genes exhibiting elevated transcript levels in tumors harboring mutant p53. Of these,ARF6,C1QBP, andTRIM23were studied further. Reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) performed on RNA isolated from ESCC tumors revealed significant correlation ofTP53transcript levels with those of the three target genes. Ectopic expression of wild‐type and several mutant p53 forms followed by RT‐qPCR, chromatin affinity‐purification (ChAP), and promoter‐luciferase assays indicated the exclusive recruitment of p53 mutants—P190T and P278L, to the target genes leading to the activation of expression. Several functional assays following knockdown of the target genes revealed a significant suppression of tumorigenicity in squamous carcinoma cell lines. Rescue experiments confirmed the specificity of the knockdown. The tumorigenic effects of the genes were confirmed in nude mice xenograft assays. This study has therefore identified novel oncogenic targets of “non‐hotspot” mutant p53 proteins relevant for ESCC besides validating the functional heterogeneity of the spectrum of tumor‐specific p53 mutations.
Cannabidiol activates MAPK pathway to induce apoptosis, paraptosis, and autophagy in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Kim Na Young , Mohan Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation by natural compounds is known to be involved in the induction of apoptosis, paraptosis, and autophagy. Cannabidiol (CBD), a bioactive compound found in Cannabis sativa, is endowed with many pharmacological activities. We investigated the cytotoxic effect of CBD in a panel of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HT‐29, SW480, HCT‐116, and HCT‐15). CBD induced significant cytotoxicity as evidenced by the results of MTT assay, live‐dead assay, and flow cytometric analysis. Since CBD displayed cytotoxicity against CRC cells, we examined the effect of CBD on apoptosis, paraptosis, and autophagy. CBD decreased the expression of antiapoptotic proteins and increased the Annexin‐V‐positive as well as TUNEL‐positive cells suggesting that CBD induces apoptosis. CBD increased the expression of ATF4 (activating transcription factor 4) and CHOP (CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein), elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress, and enhanced reactive oxygen species levels indicating that CBD also promotes paraptosis. CBD also induced the expression of Atg7, phospho‐Beclin‐1, and LC3 suggesting that CBD also accelerates autophagy. Since, the MAPK pathway is a common cascade that is involved in the regulation of apoptosis, paraptosis, and autophagy, we investigated the effect of CBD on the activation of JNK, p38, and ERK pathways. CBD activated all the forms of MAPK proteins and pharmacological inhibition of these proteins reverted the observed effects. Our findings implied that CBD could induce CRC cell death by activating apoptosis, paraptosis, and autophagy through the activation of the MAPK pathway.
Self‐guided imagery rescripting for worry images: A preliminary experimental investigation
Authors: Stavropoulos Lauren , Briggs Nancy , Grisham Jessica R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMental images of feared events are overactive and intrusive in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Imagery rescripting involves integration of positive or neutral imagery and corrective information into images to facilitate emotional processing, reduce imagery intrusions, and re‐structure underlying schema. Yet only one known study has applied the technique to treatment of worry. The present study aimed first to examine the relationship between trait worry and properties of future‐oriented worry images, and second to examine the efficacy of a self‐guided imagery rescripting intervention in improving individuals' response to their worries.MethodsParticipants recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (N = 365) identified their major worry and wrote the script of a worst‐case scenario mental image. Participants were randomized to three conditions: re‐writing the same worry image script (exposure), or writing scripts of either one or three positive alternative future‐oriented images (rescripting conditions).ResultsIn preliminary analyses, trait worry negatively predicted participants' ratings of worry images, including valence and ability to cope, and positively predicted distress, anticipated cost, and belief in their negative meaning. In experimental analyses, linear mixed‐effects models revealed anxious response and cognitive appraisal of the threat were significantly lower among participants allocated to rescripting relative to exposure. There was no effect of rescripting type.ConclusionsThis investigation demonstrated the impact of a future‐oriented imagery rescripting task on anxiety and cognitive biases associated with real worries in an unselected sample. Results may contribute to the development of imagery rescripting interventions for GAD.
Pre‐doctoral dental students’ knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes regarding obesity and treatments: A survey study
Authors: Biary Tamara , Finkelman Mathew , Tassabehji Nadine M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe aims of this study were to assess first‐year predoctoral dental students’ knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes on obesity and to compare knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes before and after attending an educational presentation.MethodsA presentation explaining the impact of obesity and its treatments on oral health was developed and presented to first‐year predoctoral dental students (D1's) in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. Before (“pre”) and after (“post”) the presentation, attending students were given the opportunity to take an anonymous and voluntary survey. Questions on the survey covered topics on knowledge, training, perceptions, and attitudes about obesity.ResultsThirty‐four of the 213 students in the course (response rate = 16.0%) attended the presentation and completed both the pre‐ and post‐surveys. Most participating students reported receiving 0–5 h of education on obesity since starting their dental education. Regarding pre‐survey answers to knowledge‐based items, the percentage of students answering, “strongly agree” (representing the greatest knowledge level) ranged from 5.9% to 61.8% across items. Significant improvements from pre‐ to post‐survey were observed for all knowledge‐based items except a statement that obesity is associated with serious medical conditions. Significant improvements were also found for perception‐based items asking about accommodations for patients and the importance of assessing dietary habits. Additionally, at post‐survey, students reported significantly less discomfort asking about dietary habits and weight loss medications.ConclusionDental curricula policy makers and developers should consider the incorporation of obesity and its treatments, with nutrition experts teaching the content.
Use of preexposure prophylaxis and condom purchasing decisions
Authors: Gebru Nioud Mulugeta , Strickland Justin C. , Reed Derek D. , Kahler Christopher W. , Leeman Robert F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPreexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but not other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Men who have sex with men (MSM) who take PrEP tend to report reduced condom use, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. For this study, MSM who take PrEP (i.e., PrEP experienced; n = 88) and MSM who do not (i.e., PrEP naïve; n = 113) completed an online study, including the condom purchase task (CoPT). The CoPT assesses decisions to purchase condoms across escalating prices (range: free–$55) for sex with different types of hypothetical partners: those least likely to have an STD (least STD) and those that participants most want to have sex with (most want sex with). When condoms were free, PrEP‐experienced MSM had a lower rate of condom purchasing than did PrEP‐naïve MSM. For both partner types, PrEP‐experienced MSM reached a price break point (i.e., would not buy condoms) at a lower price than did PrEP‐naïve pariticipants. For the most‐want‐sex‐with partner at the price at which participants elected not to buy condoms, only 23% of PrEP‐experienced MSM chose to abstain from sex when not purchasing condoms versus 53% among PrEP‐naïve MSM. Similar patterns were observed for the least‐STD partner. The results support the potential utility of the CoPT in identifying behavioral mechanisms related to condom use and PrEP.
Proposed use of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in genetic counseling for clinical training and assessment
Authors: Hanson‐Kahn Andrea , Rowe‐Teeter Courtney , Siskind Carly , Dykzeul Natalie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe introduce Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) as a potential framework for clinical training and assessment in genetic counseling. We discuss advantages of this approach, review how EPAs complement Practice‐Based Competencies (PBCs), describe our process of generating proposed “core” EPAs, provide examples of specialty‐specific EPAs, discuss the concept of entrustment in clinical training, and propose an approach to implementation.