bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embedding Thiols into Choline Phosphate Polymer Zwitterions
Authors: Snyder Deborah , Emrick Todd 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe compositional scope of polymer zwitterions has grown significantly in recent years and now offers designer synthetic materials that are broadly applicable across numerous areas, including supracolloidal structures, electronic materials interfaces, and macromolecular therapeutics. Among recent developments in polymer zwitterion syntheses are those that allow insertion of reactive functionality directly into the zwitterionic moiety, yielding new monomer and polymer structures that hold potential for maximizing the impact of zwitterions on the macromolecular materials chemistry field. This manuscript describes the preparation of zwitterionic choline phosphate (CP) methacrylates containing either aromatic or aliphatic thiols embedded directly into the zwitterionic moiety. The polymerization of these functional CP methacrylates by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer methodology yields polymeric zwitterionic thiols containing protected thiol functionality in the zwitterionic units. After polymerization, the protected thiols are liberated to yield thiol‐rich polymer zwitterions which serve as precursors to subsequent reactions that produce polymer networks as well as polymer‐protein bioconjugates.
First in‐human evaluation of [1‐13C]pyruvate in D2O for hyperpolarized MRI of the brain: A safety and feasibility study
Authors: Deh Kofi , Zhang Guannan , Park Angela Hijin , Cunningham Charles H. , Bragagnolo Nadia D. , Lyashchenko Serge , Ahmmed Shake , Leftin Avigdor , Coffee Elizabeth , Hricak Hedvig , Miloushev Vesselin , Mayerhoefer Marius , Keshari Kayvan R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the safety and value of hyperpolarized (HP) MRI of [1‐13C]pyruvate in healthy volunteers using deuterium oxide (D2O) as a solvent.MethodsHealthy volunteers (n = 5), were injected with HP [1‐13C]pyruvate dissolved in D2O and imaged with a metabolite‐specific 3D dual‐echo dynamic EPI sequence at 3T at one site (Site 1). Volunteers were monitored following the procedure to assess safety. Image characteristics, including SNR, were compared to data acquired in a separate cohort using water as a solvent (n = 5) at another site (Site 2). The apparent spin–lattice relaxation time (T1) of [1‐13C]pyruvate was determined both in vitro and in vivo from a mono‐exponential fit to the image intensity at each time point of our dynamic data.ResultsAll volunteers completed the study safely and reported no adverse effects. The use of D2O increased the T1 of [1‐13C]pyruvate from 66.5 ± 1.6 s to 92.1 ± 5.1 s in vitro, which resulted in an increase in signal by a factor of 1.46 ± 0.03 at the time of injection (90 s after dissolution). The use of D2O also increased the apparent relaxation time of [1‐13C]pyruvate by a factor of 1.4 ± 0.2 in vivo. After adjusting for inter‐site SNR differences, the use of D2O was shown to increase image SNR by a factor of 2.6 ± 0.2 in humans.ConclusionsHP [1‐13C]pyruvate in D2O is safe for human imaging and provides an increase in T1 and SNR that may improve image quality.
Novel uses of complement inhibitors in myasthenia gravis—Two case reports
Authors: Zadeh Sean , Price Hayley , Drews Reed , Bouffard Marc A. , Young Lucy H. , Narayanaswami Pushpa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, life‐threatening immune‐related adverse effect (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. C5‐complement inhibitors are effective treatments for acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR ab) positive generalized MG. We describe the use of eculizumab/ravulizumab in two patients with MG receiving concomitant pembrolizumab.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of two medical records.ResultsPatient 1: An 80‐year‐old male with recurrent, non‐muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder developed ICI‐induced AChR ab positive MG (ICI‐MG), myositis, and myocarditis 2 weeks after the first dose of pembrolizumab. Myositis responded to corticosteroids. MG responded to eculizumab, followed by ravulizumab. He died of metastatic cancer 8 months later. Patient 2: A 58‐year‐old male had refractory thymoma‐associated AChR ab‐positive MG, which responded to eculizumab. He developed metastatic Merkel cell cancer necessitating pembrolizumab. MG remained stable on eculizumab. He had no irAEs for 22 months, with positron emission tomographic resolution of cancer. He then developed mild, indolent retinal vasculitis, which responded to prednisone. Discontinuation of pembrolizumab for 5 months resulted in cancer recurrence; pembrolizumab was resumed with peri‐infusion pulse prednisone. MG remained stable and he continues eculizumab.DiscussionIn the first patient, eculizumab, followed by ravulizumab, improved ICI‐MG. In the second patient, eculizumab treatment may have had a prophylactic effect on the development of ICI‐induced irAEs. The effect of complement inhibition on cancer outcomes of ICI therapy is unknown. A possible biologic basis for complement inhibitors in reducing irAEs of ICI, especially in the presence of underlying autoimmune disease, merits evaluation.
Nurses' barriers to the pressure ulcer risk assessment scales implementation: A phenomenological study
Authors: Tomas Nestor , Mandume Annalisa M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of the study was to explore nurses' barriers to the pressure ulcer risk assessment scales implementation.DesignA qualitative descriptive phenomenological study.MethodsThe research participants comprised of 10 nurses at various medical and surgical departments in a teaching hospital northeast of Namibia. Data were collected between August and September 2022 through in‐depth, semi‐structured face‐to‐face individual interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's 7‐step method.ResultsThe interviews with nurses, led to two major themes being discovered: (1) factors hindering the effective prevention of pressure ulcers; (2) suggestions for improvements in the utilization of risk assessment scales. The participants noted that they had inadequate knowledge of the formal risk assessment scales; there were inadequate resources and insufficient staff; there were no policies or guidelines regarding the management of pressure ulcers, all of which influenced their utilization of pressure risk assessment scales. Education and training, the provision of equipment, the hiring of new staff and the formulation of policies/guidelines would thus improve the nurses’ utilization of the scales.ConclusionThe findings of this study have uncovered three primary factors that have a detrimental impact on the utilization of risk assessment scales by nurses, that is their lack knowledge on pressure ulcer risk assessment scales; a shortage of staff and equipment; and an absence of policies/guidelines. The findings from this study provide valuable implications for guiding quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the standard of care in Namibia and other resource‐limited settings.
Community‐based care needs for adults with class III obesity before and after tertiary weight management: An exploratory study
Authors: Termaat Jillian , Piya Milan K. , McBride Kate A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveClass 3 obesity (severe obesity) is defined by a body mass index ≥40 kg/m2. Tertiary weight‐management programs (WMPs) are hospital‐based multidisciplinary services that aim to support individuals with severe obesity. Severe shortage of WMPs has led to waitlists and pressure on clinicians to discharge patients. Community obesity management often fails to support patients in maintaining weight loss/health gains. This study aimed to explore the needs of patients for community‐based obesity care.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken via a tertiary WMP in Sydney, Australia. Semi‐structured interviews/focus groups explored perceptions of purposively sampled patients and their clinicians on the community‐based support needs of people with severe obesity. Data were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then thematically analyzed.ResultsEleven patients and seven clinicians were interviewed. Four themes were identified: the importance of accountability and motivation to maintain weight‐loss/health gains; limitations within community‐based obesity management for those with severe obesity; perspectives on structured community programs for patients transitioning into/out of tertiary WMPs; and impact of mental health, stigma, and social isolation on engagement with community‐based services.ConclusionsCommunity‐based programs are needed to support those awaiting access to tertiary WMPs and to help maintain health gains once discharged. Such programs should address issues of social isolation and integrate with current models of tertiary metabolic and primary health care.
Strength enhancement of a flame‐retardant hybrid composite by incorporating graphene nanoparticles for structural applications
Authors: Thiyagu Chenniappan , NarendraKumar Uttamchand 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHybrid composite's flame retardancy properties play a dynamic role in structural applications. When inorganic nanomaterials form organic/inorganic nanocomposites, they exhibit superior flame‐retardant effects. Therefore, the current work investigates the combined effects of halogen‐free fire‐retardant ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and graphene (GR) nanofillers on the mechanical, and fire‐resistant behavior of hybrid composite fabricated using a vacuum bag process. Mechanical study affirmed that the concurrent incorporation of APP and GR hybrid composite improved the hardness, flexural, and tensile properties by 7%, 26%, and 16%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirms that the dispersion of 0.75 wt% GRs improved the mechanical properties by preventing crack propagation and strong binding between fiber‐matrix in the hybrid composite. The vibrational analysis reveals an improved natural frequency (NF) value was obtained with 0.75 wt% GR; further addition of GR increased the damping due to an increase in nanoparticle agglomeration. The combined effect of APP and GR decreased the hybrid composite's water uptake and porosity by 52% and 80%, respectively. The flammability study (Vertical burning) affirmed that the composite's grade score was improved from V‐1 to V‐0. Therefore, the current study emphasizes that this optimized hybrid composite can be utilized in fire‐sensitive structural applications.Highlights
UL‐94 VB test reveals the flammability of the hybrid composite.
Examine the combined effect of APP and GR in strength and flame‐retardant properties.
GR and APP added sample shows better mechanical and flame resistance properties.
The optimized wt% of GR and APP for better results is 0.75% and 9.25%.
The prepared composite may suitable fire‐sensitive structural applications.
The role of JAK/STAT/SOCS3 signaling in rats with brain damage induced by early alcohol exposure after birth
Authors: Yang Chen , Gui Jianxiong , Huang Dishue , Ding Ran , Liu Jie , Zhao Wenjie , Yang Jing , Han Ziyao , Xie Lingling , Yang Xiaoyue , Pan Yanan , Xie Mingdan , Cheng Li , Song Xiaojie , Jiang Li 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEarly postnatal alcohol exposure can have negative impacts on neonatal rat brain development and function. Our research explored the impacts of alcohol exposure from postnatal day 4 to PD9 on Sprague‒Dawley rat pups. Pups were intragastrically administered with either an alcohol milk solution or a pure milk solution twice daily. On PD10, brains were analyzed via histological and biochemical methods. Alcohol exposure led to growth impairment, behavioral abnormalities, and cognitive deficits. It also reduced microglial numbers in the hippocampus while activating the remaining microglia to secrete IL‐6. In addition, alcohol induced the upregulation of pro‐apoptotic factors and downregulation of the anti‐apoptotic protein BCL‐2 in the hippocampus by activating the JAK/STAT/SOCS3 signaling pathway. Similar effects were observed in vitro when BV‐2 cells were exposed to ethanol and HT‐22 cells were exposed to IL‐6. The drug AG490, a STAT3 inhibitor, mitigated IL‐6‐induced JAK/STAT activation and neuronal apoptosis in HT‐22 cells. Overall, these findings demonstrate that early‐life alcohol exposure triggers an inflammatory microglial response involving the release of IL‐6, which activates JAK/STAT signaling, leading to hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and developmental/cognitive impairments. AG490 may disrupt this inflammatory signaling cascade and cause neuronal damage.
Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles reinforced polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan blend for optical and energy storage applications
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Sankar S. , Kalladi Ayisha Jemshiya , Labeeba Abdulla A. C. , Bahuleyan B. K. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBiopolymer blend nanocomposite films composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) with varying quantities of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were developed using a green solution casting method. The formation of blend nanocomposite was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectrometer, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical parameters such as tensile strength, percentage elongation at break, hardness, dielectric constant, and temperature‐dependent alternating current (AC) conductivity were analyzed. The bonding between the nanoparticles and PVA/CS blend was verified by the shift in distinctive peaks of blend in the nanocomposites to a higher wavenumber in the FTIR spectra. The UV spectra demonstrated the difference in absorbance and transmittance of the PVA/CS blend with the reinforcement of HA nanofillers. The bandgaps of the nanocomposites marginally decreased with an increase in nanoparticle loading. The SEM and XRD patterns revealed the ordered arrangement of the blend matrix due to the presence of nanoparticles. The assessment of thermal characteristics obtained from DSC and TGA demonstrated a clear increase in phase transition temperature and thermal stability of nanocomposites. The electrical conductivity measurement indicated a rise in dielectric constant and AC conductivity of blend nanocomposites with the addition of nanoparticles. The temperature‐dependent AC conductivity showed a reduction in activation energy as temperature and nanoparticle loading increased. The tensile strength and surface hardness of the PVA/CS blend nanocomposite increased with the dosage of HA content in the blend matrix.Highlights
A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS)/hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocomposites were prepared by the green method
Enhanced optical property, thermal stability, and glass transition temperature
Possess excellent dielectric constant and alternating current conductivity
The inclusion of HA increased the mechanical strength of the PVA/CS blend
A potential blend nanocomposite for flexible optoelectronic and charge storage devices.
Deepening class insight through participatory lesson study: An experience with students specializing in school psychology
Authors: Pasmanik Diana , Jorquera Carolina 
Published: January 2024

AbstractClass phenomena have primary significance for the diagnosis and intervention at both an individual and a whole‐class level for school psychologists. Trying to bring undergraduate psychology students closer to class and teaching, a learning experience based on an adaptation of Lesson Study, a professional development method for teachers, was designed and evaluated with a group of undergraduate psychology students attending two preparatory and consecutive courses for professional performance in educational environments. Students made participants observations of classes they attended, participated in collaborative reflection with their teachers, and issued a report. Meetings were transcribed, conforming, altogether with their written reports 12 texts, analyzed using thematic analysis. Four primary themes were generated concerning benefits, difficulties, perceived learning facilitators and this experience's contribution to professionalization. The results stress a favorable self‐perceived effect in students' comprehension of the class and the teaching, backed up by an internship experience. Additionally, content expressing empathy toward teachers and an increased perceived self‐knowledge as students was reported. Having a previous experience with the method within the first course and a part time internship in the second course, along with the profile of the second course and its emphasis on procedural content, seemed to foster these outcomes.
Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of jute/hemp fibers reinforced hybrid polyester composites
Authors: Islam Md. Zahidul , Sabir Emel Ceyhun , Syduzzaman Md. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOne of the primary drawbacks associated with natural fiber reinforced composites is their relatively poor mechanical properties. One potential approach to overcome this challenge is to augment the fiber loading, thereby improving the interfacial characteristics and hybridization. In this study, hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated via the hand layup process, with fiber loadings varying between 30%, 50%, and 70% by volume. Fibers were subjected to alkali solutions (NaOH) containing 3% and 5% alkali in advance of the composites' formation. The impact, flexural, and tensile characteristics of hybrid jute/hemp reinforced polyester composites were investigated via laboratory studies. The composite materials that underwent testing with a 50 vol% fiber loading and 3% NaOH exhibited the maximum tensile strength (26.6 MPa), tensile modulus (733.56 MPa), flexural strength (62.7 MPa), and flexural modulus (3.04 GPa).Highlights
Hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated.
Hand layup method used with various fiber loadings (30%, 50%, and 70% by volume).
Highest mechanical properties were obtained for 3% NaOH treatment and 50% fiber loading.
Structural responses of electrospun PVDF fibers induced by specific stretching and ensuing heating
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Congyan , Han Yanna , Lin Jinyou 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMicrostructure of electrospun fibers is often invoked to explain their properties but that is challenging to quantify properly. The electrospun PVDF fibers being rich in the β‐phase crystal due to excellent piezoelectric properties are promising energy‐harvesting materials for wearable and implantable applications. In this work, structural responses of electrospun PVDF fibers were investigated under the conditions of specific stretching at 25°C and ensuing heating from 25 to 170°C at strains of 5%, 10%, 20%, respectively, using the in situ WAXD with a thermos‐mechanical coupled equipment. In this process, the fiber morphology, and the crystal orientation, the crystal structure, the β‐phase content, as well as mechanical property of elctrospun PVDF fibers were studied. It is found that the specific stretching affects the β‐phase crystal more than ensuing heating when the heating temperature is lower than the melting temperature of the fibers. Moreover, after 20% stretching and ensuing heating to 150°C, the tensile strength of electrospun PVDF fibers membrane can rise to 12.8 MPa, which is more than three times that of the pristine fibers, which is attributed to the higher crystal orientation and β‐phase content, along with the alignment of the fibers. Therefore, structural responses of electrospun PVDF fibers induced by specific stretching and ensuing heating are propitious to explain and tailor their properties in practical applications, which also gives potential insights into other fibers.
Review on functionalized pectin films for active food packaging
Authors: Singaram Anantha Janani Vellaisamy , Guruchandran Srisowmeya , Ganesan Nandhini Devi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOwing to environmental distresses and growing demands for food safety, biopolymers have found noble applications in food packaging films as they are biodegradable, biocompatible and non‐toxic. Pectin, polysaccharide based biomass was considered a promising substrate in fabricating polymeric films because of its advantages concerning film‐forming ability, low cost, bioactivity, compatibility with other polymers with a distinctive oxygen barrier capacity, which helps in improving shelf life of commodities. Introducing active agents into the packaging films focus to prolong the shelf life and preserve the sensorial quality and safety of packaged foods devoid of contamination. Antimicrobial agents or secondary metabolites derived from plants and fungi are perceived as promising natural bio‐active agents integrated into films to prevent microbial deterioration. Pectin has been greatly utilized in active packaging films incorporated with natural additives such as essential oils, nanoparticles, free fatty acids and phenolic compounds that inhibit/retard the growth of major foodborne pathogens. The above‐mentioned functionalization of pectin films with bio‐active compounds enhanced microbial resistance and contemporarily influenced the mechanical strength and barrier properties of the film. This review is intended to focus on the background of pectin, its source and the utilization of pectin in active packaging films, and the types and method of incorporation of natural compounds. Specific emphasis has been given to the types of bioactive compounds incorporated into pectin films and their impact on the functional properties of the films. This review will benefit researchers in exploring innovative methods of incorporating bioactive compounds into pectin‐based films.
Embracing environmental sustainability consciousness as a catalyst for slow fashion adoption
Authors: Seock Yoo‐Kyoung , Shin Jeongah , Yoon Yein 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSlow fashion has emerged as a response to the environmental and ethical problems of fast fashion. Despite this trend, actual purchase behavior appears to lag behind. By employing the environmental sustainability consciousness framework and the knowledge‐attitude‐behavior model, this study specifically explores the impact of environmental sustainability consciousness, including knowingness and attitude, on Generation Z and Millennial's slow fashion practices. A total of 1966 responses were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling. The measurement scales were validated through confirmatory factor analysis. The hypothesized relationships were confirmed. The study sheds light on the critical link between environmental consciousness and sustainable consumption practices in fashion, which is of paramount importance given the growing environmental and ethical concerns associated with fast fashion. Furthermore, the current study aims to bridge the gap between knowing/attitude and actual purchase behavior in the context of the emerging slow fashion trend.
Generative agent‐based modeling: an introduction and tutorial
Authors: Ghaffarzadegan Navid , Majumdar Aritra , Williams Ross , Hosseinichimeh Niyousha 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe discuss the emerging new opportunity for building feedback‐rich computational models of social systems using generative artificial intelligence. Referred to as generative agent‐based models (GABMs), such individual‐level models utilize large language models to represent human decision‐making in social settings. We provide a GABM case in which human behavior can be incorporated into simulation models by coupling a mechanistic model of human interactions with a pre‐trained large language model. This is achieved by introducing a simple GABM of social norm diffusion in an organization. For educational purposes, the model is intentionally kept simple. We examine a wide range of scenarios and the sensitivity of the results to several changes in the prompt. We hope the article and the model serve as a guide for building useful dynamic models of various social systems that include realistic human reasoning and decision‐making. © 2024 System Dynamics Society.