bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological characterization of polyolefin/activated attapulgite nanocomposites
Authors: da Silva Thais Ferreira , Albers Ana Paula Fonseca , Quinteiro Eduardo , Sundararaj Uttandaraman , Passador Fabio Roberto 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLinear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) are polyolefins widely used in the packaging sector. Seeking to improve the mechanical properties with good cost‐effectiveness, attapulgite (ATP) was chosen as a reinforcing filler for the polyolefins. ATP is a hydrated magnesium and aluminum clay mineral with a microfibrous morphology, and the purity of this filler depends on the deposit. ATP is associated with the presence of accessory minerals that need to be removed so as not to interfere with its final application. Thus, an ATP purification process was carried out through physical separation and chemical treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This purification process despite having a low yield and is very effective in reducing impurities and organic matter. This ATP was named ATPa. LLDPE/ATPa and HDPE/ATPa nanocomposites with the addition of 1, 3, and 5 wt% of ATPa were prepared by extrusion and hot pressing. The mechanical properties (Shore D hardness, tensile tests, and Izod impact strength), thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry—DSC and thermogravimetric analysis—TGA), X‐ray diffraction, rheological, and transmission scanning microscopy (TEM) were determined for these nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites increased with the addition of ATPa. HDPE/ATPa nanocomposites showed more promise than LLDPE/ATPa nanocomposites. The addition of 5 wt% ATPa increased the tensile strength by 14% for the HDPE matrix and 5% for the LLDPE matrix and increased the elastic modulus by 46% for HDPE and 26% for LLDPE.
Preparation, acidolysis kinetics and scale inhibition performance of low molecular weight poly(maleic anhydride‐alt‐vinyl acetate) based on self‐stabilized precipitation polymerization
Authors: Li Jianfei , Zhao Hongchi , Yang Wantai 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPoly(maleic anhydride‐alt‐vinyl acetate) (PMV) is used as a fine chemical in the field of biomedical. However, the techniques of PMV preparation have shortcomings like limited yield (Yp), complex post‐treatment and toxic solvents. Herein self‐stabilized precipitation (2SP) technique which possessed advantages of simple operation and post‐processing, non‐toxic solvent, and surface‐cleaned product is adopted to synthesize low number‐average molecular weight (Mn) PMV by tune‐up of reaction parameters. PMV with Mn of 2800–39,200 g/mol are successfully achieved. Furthermore, acidolysis kinetics of PMV is investigated centering on effects of Mn, acidolysis temperature, and initial concentration. All samples can undergo completely ring‐opening and the equilibrium pH of acidolyzed PMV is related to initial concentration irrelevant to Mn and temperature. Carboxylic degree (CD) varying rate and time of reaching equilibrium pH and 100% CD are impacted by Mn and temperature irrelevant to initial concentration. Finally, scale inhibition effectiveness of PMV with 2800 g/mol can be up to 53.69%, larger than that of commercial citric acid by about three times. This contribution supplies an easily operational and eco‐friendly process to obtain low molecular weight PMV which can be the scale inhibitor for industry and daily life, providing the quantization basis for hydrophilic functionalization of PMV.
Structural reliability of steel buildings with X‐bracing systems considering the performance‐based seismic design philosophy
Authors: Gutierrez‐Lopez Aaron , Alvarado‐Valle Omar E. , Tolentino Dante , Gaxiola‐Camacho J. Ramon 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe main objective of this paper is to study and compare the structural reliability of steel moment resisting frames (SMRFs) and steel frames with X‐bracing systems considering the performance‐based seismic design (PBSD) philosophy. In this sense, to accomplish such a study, nonlinear response history analysis is implemented. The buildings under consideration are designed to be located in Culiacan, Mexico. The results are presented in terms of overall displacements, rotations of connections, and interstory drifts, for three performance levels: (1) immediate occupancy, (2) life safety, and (3) collapse prevention, respectively. For each performance level, 11 ground motions were selected to study the response of the structures. Such responses were extracted by using the SAP2000 commercial software to perform structural analysis. It was demonstrated that the steel frame with X‐bracing systems developed a better seismic performance than SMRFs for all three variables under consideration. In addition, it was found that a reduction up to 70% in overall displacements and interstory drifts can be achieved when X‐bracing systems are used in steel structures. The risk of the structures was extracted in terms of reliability index and probability of failure considering probability density functions of interstory drifts. It was demonstrated that reliability index increased for structures with X‐bracing systems in comparison with SMRFs. Finally, in terms of costs, steel structures with X‐bracing systems are more expensive than SMRFs. However, its use is justified because serviceability conditions as overall displacement and interstory drift are considerably reduced.
Removal of insecticides from waters and soils by sulfate radical‐based advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Brillas Enric 
Published: July 2023

AbstractInsecticides are toxic compounds widely used to prevent, destroy, and control any insect pests. A larger food production with increasing agricultural activity has been ensured from their application to farmlands. Insecticides have been detected in waters and soils being dangerous for living beings. Due to their high biorecalcitrance and stability at ambient conditions, they cannot be destroyed in conventional wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and powerful advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are being developed for their removal. This review presents a detailed and critical analysis over the application of sulfate radical‐based AOPs to the remediation of waters and soils polluted with insecticides. Persulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) are used as parent oxidants but they need to be activated to produce strong effective oxidizing radicals such as sulfate radical (SO4●−) and hydroxyl radical (●OH). Alkaline, thermal, catalytic, UV, UV with Fe, photocatalytic, and other methods applied as activators of PS and/or PMS are separately analyzed in waters and soils. For each hybrid procedure, the fundamentals are briefly detailed and the best results reported in the literature are summarized and discussed. The effect of operating parameters on the oxidation power of treatments in pure water, real waters, WWTPs effluents, and contaminated soils are remarked to show the viability of sulfate radical‐based AOPs for insecticides removal from waters and soils. The effect of added common anions and natural organic matter, the detection of oxidizing radicals by selective scavengers and electron paramagnetic resonance, and the identification of the generated by‐products in waters are described. Comparisons with analogous treatments with H2O2 and Fenton are discussed as well. Further research efforts should consider a deeper study of PS‐ and/or PMS‐based processes of insecticides not only in actual agricultural and real wastewaters, but also in many soils to confirm their possible suitability at the industrial level.
A liquid crystal‐based sensor exploiting the aptamer‐mediated recognition at the aqueous/liquid crystal interface for sensitive detection of serotonin
Authors: Ryu Je‐Jin , Jang Chang‐Hyun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe report here a liquid crystal (LC)‐based sensor for detecting serotonin (5‐HT); the proposed sensor uses target‐specific aptamer recognition at a cationic surfactant decorated‐aqueous/LC interface. Our detection strategy focuses on the orientational transition of LCs upon biological interactions at the interface. In this sensing system, the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) forms a self‐assembled monolayer at the aqueous/LC interface and triggers the homeotropic orientation of LCs. After introducing the 5‐HT specific aptamer, an electrostatic attraction occurs between the cationic CTAB and anionic aptamer. This interaction destructs the surfactant monolayer at the interface, inducing reorganization of LC alignment from homeotropic to tilted conditions. In the increasing 5‐HT levels, specific binding between 5‐HT and the aptamer diminishes the interaction between the aptamer and CTAB, thereby maintaining the homeotropic alignment of LCs. The orientational transition of the LCs was observed under a polarized optical microscope. The developed biosensor has a linear detection range from 1 to 1000 nM and a detection limit of 1.68 nM. Moreover, the sensor was applied to a human urine sample and a detection limit of 2.25 nM was obtained. Overall, the designed LC‐based sensor is a sensitive, simple, cost effective, and selective platform for detecting 5‐HT in aqueous solutions.
Gender and competitive performance: Closing gaps with smaller competitions
Authors: Hanek Kathrin J. , Garcia Stephen M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe examine whether gender gaps in competitive performance are moderated by the size of the competition. We hypothesize that women underperform in large, relative to small, competitions and that smaller competitions close gender performance gaps by enhancing women's performance. Study 1 demonstrates this effect using behavioral data from real marathon competitions. Study 2 experimentally replicates the effect with real behavior. Study 3 provides further experimental support that gender performance gaps are exacerbated under competition and that, in these situations, small groups help bring women's performance up to par with men's. We conclude with a discussion about how making simple structural changes can reduce gender equity gaps in organizations.
Rat brown adipose tissue thermogenic markers are modulated by estrous cycle phases and short‐term fasting
Authors: Dakic Tamara , Velickovic Ksenija , Lakic Iva , Ruzicic Aleksandra , Milicevic Andjela , Plackic Nikola , Vujovic Predrag , Jevdjovic Tanja 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBrown adipose tissue (BAT) converts chemical energy into heat to maintain body temperature. Although fatty acids (FAs) represent a primary substrate for uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)‐dependent thermogenesis, BAT also utilizes glucose for the same purpose. Considering that estrous cycle effects on BAT are not greatly explored, we examined those of 6‐h fasting on interscapular BAT (iBAT) thermogenic markers in proestrus and diestrus. We found that the percentage of multilocular adipocytes was lower in proestrus than in diestrus, although it was increased after fasting in both analyzed estrous cycle stages. Furthermore, the percentage of paucilocular adipocytes was increased by fasting, unlike the percentage of unilocular cells, which decreased in both analyzed stages of the estrous cycle. The UCP1 amount was lower in proestrus irrespectively of the examined dietary regimens. Regarding FA transporters, it was shown that iBAT CD36 content was increased in fasted rats in diestrus. In contrast to GLUT1, the level of GLUT4 was interactively modulated by selected estrous cycle phases and fasting. There was no change in insulin receptor and ERK1/2 activation, while AKT activation was interactively modulated by fasting and estrous cycle stages. Our study showed that iBAT exhibits morphological and functional changes in proestrus and diestrus. Moreover, iBAT undergoes additional dynamic functional and morphological changes during short‐term fasting to modulate nutrient utilization and adjust energy expenditure.
Cottonseed oil alleviates ischemic stroke injury by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Sun Miao , Liu Min , Li Qingxiao , Zhang Xiaoying , Liu Siyuan , Yang Huikai , Yang Le , Tian Jiahe , Mi Weidong , Ma Yulong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionFerroptosis has recently been recognized as a new cause of ischemia reperfusion injury due to blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption followed by secondary iron‐loaded transferrin (TF) influx. As a novel and independent cell death pathway, ferroptosis was characterized by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation, decline of GSH, GPX4, and shrinking mitochondria. Cottonseed oil (CSO), a liposoluble solvent, can alleviate ischemia stroke injuries and oxidative stress. However, the effect of CSO on ischemic stroke–induced ferroptosis has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the effect of CSO on ferroptosis caused by cerebral ischemic injury in rats.MethodsWe conducted the subcutaneous injection of 1.3 mL/kg CSO every other day for 3 weeks on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion–reperfusion (MCAO‐R) injury. We used Garcia Test, TTC staining, HE, Nissl and NeuN staining, Evans blue test, 68Ga‐citrate PET, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, Elisa kits, and transmission electron microscopy to detect the infarct volume, neural injuries, and ferroptosis‐related indexes.ResultsCSO treatment could significantly ameliorate MCAO‐R‐induced neurological dysfunction in a male rat model. Furthermore, it reduced infarct volume and neuronal injuries; protected BBB integrity; reduced the influx of iron ion, TF, and TF receptors; up‐regulated anti‐ferroptosis proteins (GPX4, xCT, HO1, FTH1), while down‐regulating ferroptosis‐related protein ACSL4; increased the activity of GSH and SOD; and decreased MDA and LPO levels. Mitochondrial destruction induced by ischemic stroke was also alleviated by CSO treatment.ConclusionCSO treatment can alleviate ischemic stroke injury via ferroptosis inhibition, which provides a new potential therapeutic mechanism for CSO neuroprotection against ischemic stroke.
LPSA: Online educational video evaluation considering cognitive and teaching style
Authors: Weng Jinta , Hu Yue , Huang Heyan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOnline and online‐merge‐offline learning are promoting the sharing of teaching resources and the transformation of teaching and learning methods during the global epidemic. However, uneven learning resources, subject‐based classification, and incomplete result‐based evaluation always make it hard for students to keep pace with the ideal teaching objectives. Based on the theory of cognitive style and teaching style, the LPSA video classification consisting of linguistic type (L), presentative type (P), scientific type (S), and artistic type (A), is proposed to realize teaching quality evaluation and learning process detection. In addition, eight subdimensions of LPSA and its quantitative methods utilizing multimedia processing and AI algorithm are introduced to realize video classification. By automatically generating the threshold map and developing related real‐time video evaluating tools, the technical and applied feasibility of the proposed LPSA is certified, which could also facilitate student's personal learning and accurate teaching evaluation.
Outcomes of same‐day discharge following percutaneous coronary intervention in a rural population
Authors: Ginete Wilson L. , Groth Nicole A. , Rudeck Macaela N. , Renier Colleen M. , Benziger Catherine P. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundSame‐day discharge (SDD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is safe, yet the nationwide rate of SDD remains low. The impact that residing in a rural area has on the safety of SDD is unknown.ObjectiveTo investigate the safety of SDD compared to next‐day discharge (NDD) among PCI patients living in a largely rural area.MethodsThere were 3502 outpatient elective PCIs at a tertiary care center between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2017. Data from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry CathPCI Registry® and the electronic medical records were obtained for patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and procedural outcomes. Data from the initial PCI in each 365‐day period were included in the analysis for each patient. Rural–Urban Commuting Area codes 4–10 were used to define rural status.ResultsA total of 2099 (59.9%) PCIs met the inclusion criteria (63% rural). The overall rate of SDD increased over time (4.7% in 2011 to 39.6% in 2017) as radial access increased (14.2% in 2011 to 59.9% in 2017). In this population, a total of 329 PCIs had SDD (15.7%; median (interquartile range) age 66.0 (14.0) years, 20.1% female, 52.3% rural status). Compared to NDD, SDD patients had less hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, history of coronary artery bypass graft, and more radial access. SDD was noninferior to NDD for 30‐day readmission but had a decreased 1‐year (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05–0.81, p = 0.024) and 5‐year (aOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28–0.66, p < 0.001) all‐cause mortality compared to NDD. Rural status did not predict outcomes.ConclusionsSDD in patients in rural areas does not have a significantly higher rate of 30‐day readmission. SDD patients had lower odds of 1‐ and 5‐year mortality when compared to NDD. Future studies prospectively evaluating the safety of SDD in this population are warranted.
Laterocervical lymph node metastases from suspected thyroidal primary site that turned out to be metastases of lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Scorziello Chiara , Borcea Maria Carola , Biffoni Marco , Pernazza Angelina , Arienzo Francesca , Melcarne Rossella , Ventrone Luca , Laca Angelo , Grani Giorgio , Durante Cosimo , Consorti Fabrizio , Giacomelli Laura 
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical MessageIncidental sonographic discovery of thyroid nodules is an increasingly common event in clinical practice. Less frequently, patients with cytological benign thyroid nodules have suspicious cervical lymph nodes detected by ultrasound examination or by cytological exam. Here, we discuss an intriguing case of cervical lymph node metastasis with a probable thyroid origin in a 65‐year‐old asymptomatic male smoker. He underwent thyroidectomy and unilateral cervical lymphadenectomy. Despite a negative chest X‐ray, the postoperative histological examination revealed that the lymph node metastasis was actually from a lung carcinoma. Metastatic lesions in cervical lymph nodes from non‐thyroidal origins must be excluded when evaluating lesions in the region, especially when thyroid nodules subjected to fine needle aspiration biopsy yield negative results, or lymph node cytological evaluations are inconsistent with thyroid cytological findings and sonographic features. Thyroid and lung adenocarcinomas share some epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Thyroglobulin helps differentiate primary thyroid tumors from lung ones, but in cases of poor differentiation, distinguishing metastatic lesions in the thyroid gland can be challenging. Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, and survival rates have only marginally improved over the last several decades. The ongoing clinical challenge is detecting LC at earlier stages of the disease.
Hydroxychloroquine‐induced repetitive atypical pustular drug eruptions in the same patient separated by 12 years
Authors: Chen Jeffrey , Falcone Lauryn M. , Karunamurthy Arivarasan D. , Ho Jonhan , English Joseph C. 
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical MessageHydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been reported to cause pustular drug eruptions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and putular psoriasis (PP). Clinical differentitation of these entities is often difficult. This case emphasizes characteritics of AGEP and PP as well as the need for clinicans to proactively follow‐up these patients to monitor for the more aggressive outcome of PP.
Paraviral bullous eruption in a 7‐year‐old child during acute Epstein–Barr virus infection: A case report
Authors: Milan Elisa , Tartaglia Jacopo , Deotto Maria Ludovica , Salmaso Roberto , Caroppo Francesca , Fortina Anna Belloni 
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical MessageWe present the case of a child developing widespread vesicle‐bullous lesions during an acute and symptomatic Epstein–Barr Virus infection. Antibody serology, biopsy, and direct immunofluorescence allowed the diagnosis of a paraviral bullous eruption. To our knowledge, this is the first report of bullous eruption following Epstein–Barr virus infection in childhood.
Acute aortic dissection with left coronary artery obstruction
Authors: Uehara Hiroki , Okuyama Masaki , Oe Yutaro , Yoshimura Takaki , Gunji Takahiro 
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical MessageIf the electrocardiogram shows ST‐segment elevation in lead aVR, the complication of aortic dissection must always be assumed.
Tongue necrosis as a manifestation of immune dysfunction: A complex case of systemic lupus erythematosus, histoplasmosis, and macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Walsh Madalyn , Feng Alick , Lenert Petar , Kumar Bharat 
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical MessageImmune dysfunction can manifest in unexpected ways. We present the case of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in whom the first sign of disseminated histoplasmosis and consequent macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) was tongue necrosis. In those with immune dysfunction, a high index of clinical suspicion for atypical infections is warranted.
Diagnostic dilemma in a rare case of nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma at a referral facility in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Mremi Alex , Kayuza Michael , Amsi Patrick , Magwizi Marco , Chussi Desderius 
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical MessageRare cancer originating from parathyroid parenchymal cells. Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. Presents with normal serum levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone. Treated by en bloc resection. Benefits of adjuvant therapy are unclear.AbstractParathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon endocrine tumor. Its typical presentation is that of primary hyperparathyroidism with elevated serum calcium and parathormone levels. Nonfunctioning carcinoma of the parathyroid gland with normal serum calcium levels is extremely rare. This paper describes a case of nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma and brief literature review thereof.
Interface Engineering of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Self‐doped Perylene Diimide Ionene Terpolymer as a Thickness‐Independent Cathode Interlayer†
Authors: Wang Daizhe , Ye Tengling , He Dongqing , Sun Xiaochen , Zhang Yong 
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive SummaryInverted perovskite solar cells (PerSCs) are a highly promising candidate in the photovoltaic field due to their low‐temperature fabrication process, negligible hysteresis, and easy integration with Si‐based solar cells. A cathode interlayer (CIL) is necessary in the development of inverted devices to reduce the trap density and energy barrier between the electron transport layer (ETL) and the electrode. However, most CILs are highly thickness‐sensitive due to low conductivity and poor film‐forming. In this study, we report on a self‐doping perylene imide‐based ionene polymer (PNPDIN) used as CIL material to modify electrode in inverted PerSCs. PNPDIN exhibits high conductivity and a good solubility in polar solvent, which results in an improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 10.05% (device without a CIL) to 16.97%. When the blend of PNPDIN and Bphen was used as a mixed CIL, the PCE of PerSCs can be further increased to 21.28% owing to the excellent morphology and matched energy level. More importantly, the PCE of the device is highly tolerant to the thickness of the mixed CIL, which benefited from the high conductivity of PNPDIN. This development is expected to provide an excellent mixed CIL material for roll‐to‐roll processing efficient and stable inverted PerSCs.