bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surprising Impact of Donor Charge on the Water Exchange Rates of Gd(III) AAZTA Derivatives
Authors: Tei Lorenzo , Leone Loredana , Lalli Daniela , Botta Mauro , Platas‐Iglesias Carlos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe report the synthesis of three new heptadentate ligands derived from H4AAZTA (6‐amino‐6‐methylperhydro‐1,4‐diazepinetetraacetic acid) that contain a dimethyl‐amide group (AAZTA‐MA)3−, two dimethyl‐amide groups (AAZTA‐BMA)2− or two acetylglycine groups (AAZTA(Gly)2)4−. The corresponding Gd(III) complexes were investigated using 1H NMR relaxometry and 17O NMR chemical shifts and transverse relaxation rates. A computational DFT study was also performed to aid the analysis of the NMR data. The Gd(III) complexes contain two water molecules coordinated to the metal ion. In contrast to the prevailing trend, the amide derivatives discussed in this context exhibit comparatively rapid water exchange rates that do not align with the changes in the overall electric charge of the complexes: kex298=14.4×106 s−1, 14.5×106 s−1 and 9.56×106 s−1 for [Gd(AAZTA‐MA)(H2O)2], [Gd(AAZTA‐BMA)(H2O)2]+ and [Gd(AAZTA(Gly)2(H2O)2]−, respectively. The analysis of the data and the computational work suggest that the relatively fast water exchange rates could be linked to the occurrence of associatively activated mechanisms, which is somewhat unexpected for nine‐coordinated complexes.
Environmentally friendly voltammetric determination of melatonin in river water: Development and validation studies
Authors: Gabriela Pianaro Valenga Marcia , Gustavo Barankievicz Martins Luiz , Valle de Almeida Sthéfane , Lurdes Felsner Maria , Galli Andressa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMelatonin (MEL) is a hormone that can discharge into aquatic bodies and act as an endocrine disruptor; thus, its determination is important. In this study, a boron‐doped diamond electrode was used to develop an electroanalytical method based on square‐wave voltammetry to determine trace concentrations of MEL in river water. The electroanalytical method was developed and optimized in 0.1 mol L−1 sodium phosphate (pH=4.0) with parameters f=10 s−1, a=50 mV, and ΔES=2 mV. The validation study was carried out in the working range of 1.2–10.8 μmol L−1 using the parameters and statistical tools recommended by the validation guidelines of regulatory agencies. The matrix effect was significant; therefore, an analytical curve was directly constructed in the sample matrix by standard addition method. Results of linear regression indicated that the standard addition curve data presented a good adjust to linear model and have therefore a good linearity. Low limits of detection (0.29 μmol L−1) and quantification (0.86 μmol L−1) were observed. The estimates for precision (RSD (%)<15 %) and accuracy (mean recovery>99.5 %) were suitable according to the limits established in the literature; thus, the method was precise and accurate for the adopted working range. The study findings indicate that square‐wave voltammetry combined with a boron‐doped diamond electrode can be used for reliable and consistent determination of trace concentrations of MEL in river water. Furthermore, it presents interesting features such as lower environmental impact, speed, and low cost.
Porous membranes integrated into electrochemical systems for bioanalysis
Authors: Ino Kosuke , Utagawa Yoshinobu , Hiramoto Kaoru , Abe Hiroya , Shiku Hitoshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPorous membranes have emerged as promising platforms for bioanalysis because of their unique properties including high surface area, selective permeability, and compatibility with electrochemical techniques. This minireview presents an overview of the development and applications of porous membrane‐based electrochemical systems for bioanalysis. First, we discuss the existing fabrication methods for porous membranes. Next, we summarize electrochemical detection strategies for bioanalysis using porous membranes. Electrochemical biosensors and cell chips fabricated from porous membranes are discussed as well. Furthermore, porous micro‐/nanoneedle devices for bioapplications are described. Finally, the utilization of scanning electrochemical microscopy for cell analysis on porous membranes and electrochemiluminescence sensors is demonstrated. Future perspectives of the described membrane detection strategies and devices are outlined in each section. This work can help enhance the performance of porous membrane‐based electrochemical systems and expand the range of their potential applications.
Detection of seizures with ictal tachycardia, using heart rate variability and patient adaptive logistic regression machine learning methods: A hospital‐based validation study
Authors: Jeppesen Jesper , Lin Katia , Melo Hiago Murilo , Pavei Jonatas , Marques Jefferson Luiz Brum , Beniczky Sándor , Walz Roger 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveAutomated seizure detection of focal epileptic seizures is needed for objective seizure quantification to optimize the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Heart rate variability (HRV)‐based seizure detection using patient‐adaptive threshold with logistic regression machine learning (LRML) methods has presented promising performance in a study with a Danish patient cohort. The objective of this study was to assess the generalizability of the novel LRML seizure detection algorithm by validating it in a dataset recorded from long‐term video‐EEG monitoring (LTM) in a Brazilian patient cohort.MethodsIctal and inter‐ictal ECG‐data epochs recorded during LTM were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty‐four patients had 107 seizures (79 focal, 28 generalized tonic–clonic [GTC] including focal‐to‐bilateral‐tonic–clonic seizures) eligible for analysis, with a total of 185.5 h recording. Because HRV‐based seizure detection is only suitable in patients with marked ictal autonomic change, patients with >50 beats/min change in heart rate during seizures were selected as responders. The patient‐adaptive LRML seizure detection algorithm was applied to all elected ECG data, and results were computed separately for responders and non‐responders.ResultsThe patient‐adaptive LRML seizure detection algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 84.8% (95% CI: 75.6–93.9) with a false alarm rate of .25/24 h in the responder group (22 patients, 59 seizures). Twenty‐five of the 26 GTC seizures were detected (96.2%), and 25 of the 33 focal seizures without bilateral convulsions were detected (75.8%).SignificanceThe study confirms in a new, independent external dataset the good performance of seizure detection from a previous study and suggests that the method is generalizable. This method seems useful for detecting both generalized and focal epileptic seizures. The algorithm can be embedded in a wearable seizure detection system to alert patients and caregivers of seizures and generate objective seizure counts helping to optimize the treatment of the patients.
Reconceptualizing evaluation and assessment from a culturally responsive standpoint – An Irish perspective
Authors: O'Hara Joe , McNamara Gerry , Brown Martin , O'Brien Shivaun , Burns Denise , Gardezi Sarah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article explores the impact that Professor Stafford Hood had on the development of culturally responsive evaluation and assessment (CRE/A) in Ireland. Starting with a brief outline of the demographic and cultural changes that have happened in Ireland since the mid‐1990s, the article discusses the initial encounters with Professor Hood and his introduction of the theories, practice and praxis of CRE/A to a group of Irish scholars. This engagement was formalized by the establishment of the CREA‐Dublin, hosted in Dublin City University. The article examines how CREA‐Dublin has used the culturally responsive lens to critique evaluation, assessment, and quality assurance practices within Ireland and across the European Union (EU). Outlining the impact of several major EU funded projects as well as locally initiated research, the article concludes by highlighting the centrality of Professor Hood as a scholar and an individual to the transformation of research and practice in the fields of evaluation and assessment on the island of Ireland and beyond.
Climate change and livestock production in Sub‐Saharan Africa: Effects and transmission channels
Authors: Ateba Boyomo Henri Aurélien , Ongo Nkoa Bruno Emmanuel , Awah Manga Lucien Armel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis article assesses the effect of climate change on livestock production in Sub‐Saharan Africa, for a sample of 45 countries over the period 2000–2021. Using a two‐factor fixed effects panel data model, our results obtained by the two‐way fixed effects estimator show that (i) climate change negatively influences livestock production through high temperatures, while abundant rainfall is beneficial. (ii) Through transmission channels, we find that maize price volatility exacerbates the negative effect of rising temperatures on livestock production, while it reduces the beneficial effect of abundant rainfall. Furthermore, we find that water availability mitigates the adverse effect of rising temperatures on livestock, while enhancing the beneficial effect of rainfall on livestock. Finally, we concede that conflicts reduce the beneficial effect of rainfall on livestock production. To increase livestock production in Sub‐Saharan Africa, we recommend: the practice of pastoralism, based on the production of plants and fodder adapted to climate change, the improvement of animal nutrition, and the inclusion of breeders in the decision‐making process in the cattle industry.
The relationship between fermented and nonfermented dairy products consumption and hypertension among premature coronary artery disease patients: Iran premature coronary artery disease study
Authors: Ansari Shakila , Mohammadifard Noushin , Hajihashemi Parisa , Haghighatdoost Fahimeh , Zarepur Ehsan , Mahmoudi Shirin , Nouri Fatemeh , Nouhi Fereydoon , Kazemi Tooba , Salehi Nahid , Solati Kamal , Ghaffari Samad , Gholipour Mahboobeh , Dehghani Mostafa , Cheraghi Mostafa , Heybar Habib , Alikhasi Hassan , Sarrafzadegan Nizal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDairy products may affect hypertension (HTN) risk. The aim of this study was to examine the association between fermented and nonfermented dairy foods and HTN in a sample of premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) subjects. This cross‐sectional study was performed on 1854 PCAD patients. A 110‐item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary intakes. HTN was considered if systolic blood pressure was 140 mmHg and higher and/or diastolic blood pressure was 90 mmHg and higher. The odds ratio of HTN across the quartiles of different types of dairy products was evaluated by binary logistic regression. The mean (SD) of dairy products consumption was 339.8 (223.5) g/day, of which 285.4 g/day was fermented dairy products. In the crude model, participants in the fourth quartile of fermented dairy products had lesser risk of HTN compared to the bottom quartile (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.96; p for trend = .058). However, after considering the possible confounders, the significance disappeared. Subjects in the top quartile of high‐fat fermented dairy products had 34% lower risk for HTN compared to the bottom quartile (95% CI: 0.49, 0.88; p for trend < .001). Adjustment for potential risk factors weakened the association but remained significant (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53, 1.01; p for trend = .001). Nonsignificant relation was detected between low‐fat fermented, low‐fat nonfermented, and high‐fat nonfermented dairy products and HTN. Moderate consumption of high‐fat fermented dairy products, in a population with low consumption of dairy foods, might relate to reduced likelihood of HTN.
Design and Synthesis of Dialkylarylphosphine Urea Ligands and their Application in Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Aguirre Lupita S. , Litwiller Levi T. , Lugo Alexis N. , Thomas Andy A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe describe herein the design and synthesis of a new class of dialkylarylphosphine ligands incorporating a Lewis‐basic urea subunit. The ligand synthesis consisted of six linear steps and was enabled by the discovery of a new N‐to‐N alkyl migration reaction. This new series of dialkylarylphosphine urea ligands were applied in common palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions for the formation of carbon‐carbon and carbon‐nitrogen bonds in moderate to high yields.
Governance, debt service, information technology and access to electricity in Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , le Roux Sara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe study investigates the role of governance (i.e., ‘voice and accountability,’ political stability/no violence, regulatory quality, government effectiveness, corruption‐control and the rule of law) in the incidence of short‐term debt services on infrastructure development in the perspective of telecommunication infrastructure and access to electricity. The focus of the study is on 52 African countries for the period 2002–2021. The generalised method of moments is employed as estimation strategy and the following findings are established. Debt service has a negative unconditional effect on access to electricity and telecommunication infrastructure. Governance dynamics moderate the negative effect of debt service on infrastructure dynamics. Effective moderation is from regulatory quality and corruption‐control for access to electricity and from government effectiveness, regulatory quality, corruption‐control and rule of law, for telecommunication infrastructure. Policy implications are discussed.
Proof of concept testing of a positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro sensitization testing of medical devices
Authors: Okamoto Yusuke , Fukui Chie , Kobayashi Toshio , Morioka Hisako , Mizumachi Hideyuki , Inomata Yoriko , Kaneki Atsushi , Okada Masayuki , Haishima Yuji , Yamamoto Eiichi , Nomura Yusuke 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn vivo skin sensitization tests are required to evaluate the biological safety of medical devices in contact with living organisms to provide safe medical care to patients. Negative and positive reference materials have been developed for biological tests of cytotoxicity, implantation, hemolysis, and in vitro skin irritation. However, skin sensitization tests are lacking. In this study, polyurethane sheets containing 1 wt/wt % 2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB‐PU) were developed and evaluated as a positive reference material for skin sensitization tests. DNCB‐PU sheet extracts prepared with sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses for in vivo sensitization potential in the guinea pig maximization test and the local lymph node assay. Furthermore, DNCB‐PU sheet extracts prepared with water and acetonitrile, 10% fetal bovine serum‐containing medium, or sesame oil elicited positive sensitization responses as alternatives to animal testing based on the amino acid derivative reactivity assay, human cell line activation test, and epidermal sensitization assay, respectively. These data suggest that the DNCB‐PU sheet is an effective extractable positive reference material for in vivo and in vitro skin sensitization testing in medical devices. The formulation of this reference material will lead to the development of safer medical devices that contribute to patient safety.
Synthesis and functionalization of carbon nanostructures in a single‐step CVD process through the implementation of a recycled precursor
Authors: Arroyo‐Arroyo Cintya , Granados‐Martínez Francisco Gabriel , Domratcheva‐Lvova Lada , Hernandez‐Cristóbal Orlando , Flores‐Ramírez Nelly , Vásquez‐García Salomón Ramiro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecycled materials are a major research topics of the new era to relieve pressure on raw material extraction from our planet and reduce its pollution levels. This has helped us to reinvent our relationship with nature, and to commit ourselves to a sustainable economic and social reconstruction. An excellent option to add value to waste while protecting the environment is the synthesis of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) using a recycled material as a precursor. In this research, the synthesis and functionalization of CNSss in a single‐step chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process was carried out using a recycled precursor. The methanol fraction is waste from the distillation process in the production of alcoholic beverages. The synthesis temperatures were 750, 800 and 850 °C.ResultsAs a result, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanoribbons and carbon nanobeads with diameters <100 nm and widths <500 nm were obtained. The crystal size of CNSs decreased with increasing synthesis temperature, from 20 to 12 nm. RAMAN spectra revealed the high degree of graphitization and the presence of different types of nanostructures. Carbonyl (CO) and hydroxide (‐OH) stretching of the carboxylic acid were present in all samples.ConclusionThe results obtained shown that the CNSs synthetized are functionalized in a single‐step CVD process using the methanolic fraction as a precursor. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Assessment of Acute Kidney Injury using MRI
Authors: Selby Nicholas M. , Francis Susan T. 
Published: February 2024

There has been growing interest in using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to describe and understand the pathophysiology of acute kidney injury (AKI). The ability to assess kidney blood flow, perfusion, oxygenation, and changes in tissue microstructure at repeated timepoints is hugely appealing, as this offers new possibilities to describe nature and severity of AKI, track the time‐course to recovery or progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), and may ultimately provide a method to noninvasively assess response to new therapies. This could have significant clinical implications considering that AKI is common (affecting more than 13 million people globally every year), harmful (associated with short and long‐term morbidity and mortality), and currently lacks specific treatments. However, this is also a challenging area to study. After the kidney has been affected by an initial insult that leads to AKI, complex coexisting processes ensue, which may recover or can progress to CKD. There are various preclinical models of AKI (from which most of our current understanding derives), and these differ from each other but more importantly from clinical AKI. These aspects are fundamental to interpreting the results of the different AKI studies in which renal MRI has been used, which encompass different settings of AKI and a variety of MRI measures acquired at different timepoints. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description and interpretation of current studies (both preclinical and clinical) in which MRI has been used to assess AKI, and discuss future directions in the field.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage 3
Research on habitat quality in arid urban agglomerations: Influencing mechanisms and multi‐scenario simulations
Authors: Han Chuqiao , Zheng Jianghua , Han Wanqiang , Lu Binbin , Yu Wenjie , Wang Zhe , Yang Juan , Wu Jiale 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the context of climate change and rapid urbanization, there have been unparalleled changes in land use and land cover (LULC), resulting in substantial impacts on the surrounding habitat quality (HQ), particularly in ecologically vulnerable arid regions. However, previous studies on the influencing mechanisms of HQ in arid urban agglomerations and future multi‐scenario simulations remain limited. To fill this knowledge gap, this study aimed to reveal the influencing mechanisms in HQ changes and to develop a multi‐scenario HQ assessment framework within arid urban agglomerations. We assessed the spatiotemporal variations in HQ using the InVEST model and three periods of LULC data for the urban agglomeration on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (UANSTM), and the partial least squares structural equation model was introduced to explore the interactions between natural and non‐natural factors and their impacts on HQ. Additionally, we coupled multi‐objective programming and PLUS models to predict the LULC under different optimization scenarios (natural development scenario (NDS), ecological protection scenario (EPS), ecological–economic coordinated scenario, and economic development scenario) for the UANSTM in 2030, and to assess HQ. Results show that (1) the HQ index of the UANSTM was 0.507, 0.520, and 0.495 in 2000, 2010, and 2020 respectively, with a spatial distribution pattern of high values in the west, low values in the east, and high in the central and low in the north and south; (2) geomorphic, climatic, and LULC factors have direct positive effects on HQ, while socio‐economic factors have a direct negative effect on HQ. In addition, geomorphic, socio‐economic, and climatic factors also influence HQ through potential indirect paths. Climatic and LULC factors enhance the positive effect of geomorphic on HQ while counteracting the direct negative effect of socio‐economic factors on HQ. Climatic factors have the largest negative effect on HQ through their influence on LULC; (3) according to the four scenarios in 2030, the highest HQ index (increased by 0.13%) was found under the EPS, which also aligns more closely with SDGs. Conversely, NDS showed the lowest HQ index (declined by 2.59%). The research results could provide a scientific basis for promoting sustainable land management and ecological conservation for the UANSTM.
Effects of grazing in different intensities and 10‐year grazing exclusion on soil bacterial community composition and interaction complexity in alpine grasslands of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Qi Xiangning , Chen Xianke , Zhou Xiaorong , Qian Zhi , Zhou Hanchang , Zhuang Guoqiang , Ma Anzhou 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo decrease the detrimental consequences of overgrazing on the sustainability of grassland ecosystems, many countries have developed policies on grazing exclusions. However, compared with grazing, how grazing exclusion modifies soil bacterial community and the associated environmental drivers is inadequately understood. Here, we studied the effects of grazing in different intensities (no grazing, light, moderate, and heavy grazing) and 10 years' grazing exclusion on soil bacteria community and associated environmental factors in the grassland of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The results showed significant changes in soil bacterial composition among all the treatments. After 10 years' grazing exclusion, the composition of the bacterial community rather than bacterial diversity was significantly different from that in grassland without grazing treatment. Under grazing exclusion, bacterial community composition was regulated by the total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen. Grazing treatments decreased the complexity of the bacterial co‐occurrence network, but 10 years' grazing exclusion increased the complexity. This study found that grazing in different intensities substantially affected bacterial community structure and diversity, but 10 years' grazing exclusion hardly alleviated the historical grazing effects on the bacterial community structure. The findings of the study extended the understanding of how bacterial communities in grasslands respond to grazing in different intensities and grazing exclusion, providing a crucial scientific foundation for evaluating sustainable grazing management.