bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
pH‐dependent swellable hyaluronate nanogels targeting acidic tumors
Authors: Song Jeonghun , Lee Eunsol , Lee Eun Seong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, we have developed pH‐dependent nanogels based on hyaluronic acid (HA) to specifically target acidic tumors. Our initial approach involved modifying HA through the grafting of 3‐(diethylamino)propylamine (DEAP), a molecule known for its responsiveness to changes in pH. This modified HA was termed as HDEA. Subsequently, we performed chemical crosslinking of HDEA using adipic acid dihydrazide (ADH), a crosslinking molecule, resulting in the formation of nanogels referred to as cHDEA. Importantly, the non‐ionized DEAP molecules (with a pKb value of ~pH 7.0) at pH 7.4 support the formation of deswellable cHDEA. This property enables the encapsulation of a photodynamic model drug, chlorin e6 (Ce6), into cHDEA. However, when the DEAP molecules become protonated at pH 6.8, they induce a change in the nanogel structure, causing it to swell due to electrostatic repulsion. As a result, Ce6 is rapidly released from the nanogels. By modulating the pH, we can continuously control the nanogel structure, alternating between swelling and deswelling states. We anticipate that this system offers the advantage of facilitating drug release specifically under acidic tumor conditions while inhibiting drug release under normal pH conditions (i.e., pH 7.4). This approach will serve as an effective strategy for mitigating side effects by efficiently controlling drug release in specific disease areas.
Characterisation of Sclerocarya birrea (marula) seed oil and investigation of the geographical origin by applying similarity calculations, differential NMR and hierarchical cluster analysis
Authors: Schripsema Jan , Augustyn Wilma , Viljoen Alvaro 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe marula fruit is an important indigenous African fruit since various commercial products are produced from the pulp and the seed oil. The increased demand requires methods for authentication, quality control and determination of geographical origin.ObjectiveThe study aimed to establish a fast and reliable method for characterisation and authentication of marula seed oil. Furthermore, to identify marker compounds that can distinguish marula seed oils from other commercial oils and indicate regional differences.Materials and MethodsMetabolic profiling of 44 commercial marula seed oils was performed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). For rapid classification similarity calculations were compared with principal component analysis. Differential NMR was used to determine marker compounds.ResultsMarula seed oil was found to be similar to macadamia and olive oils and was distinguished from these oils by the detection of minor components. Marula seed oil is differentiated from the other two oils by the absence of α‐linolenic acid, relatively high levels of monoglycerides and diglycerides, and an approximately 1:1 ratio of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diglycerides. When comparing marula seed oils from various regions using hierarchical cluster analysis, clustering of the marula seed oils from Namibia and Zimbabwe was observed and was related to the quantities of linoleic acid and monoglycerides and diglycerides. Some samples displayed deviations in their composition which might indicate adulteration or contamination during the production process.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the potential of NMR as a tool in the quality control of marula seed oil. This technique requires very little sample preparation, circumvents derivatisation of the oil components with fast run‐times. In addition, samples with chemical profiles that differ from the general signature profile can easily be identified.
Molybdenum disulfide polymeric nanoarchitectures and applications: A review
Authors: Idumah Christopher Igwe 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe advent of nanotechnology has escalated the quest for novel 2‐D nanomaterials (NMs) with the capability of surpassing all known advantages of graphene (GN), and more, resulting in the recent discovery of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). MoS2 is a 2‐D sheet‐like NM, possessing unique layered “sandwich” architecture, in addition to chemical, electronic, and optical features similar to those of GN, thereby expanding their scope of applications for transistors, solar cells, catalysts, sensors, and so on. The embedment of MoS2 inside polymeric substrates (PP, PEG, epoxy, and so on), have resulted in the construction of MoS2 polymer nanoarchitectures exhibiting superior mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant features with multifunctional and versatile applications. Hence, this elucidation discusses recently emerging research activities in MoS2 polymeric nanoarchitectures and multifaceted applications.
Effect of visual warmness of counseling room on primary school students' willingness to psychological help‐seeking: The role of intimacy and cognitive style
Authors: Huang Xishan , Bei Lin , Yinyin Wang , Xin Liang , Miao Chen 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAccording to previous studies, few students who experienced psychiatric problems sought out professional help. Although counseling rooms are now frequently found in primary and secondary schools in China, there is still a need to find a solution to the issue of how to increase the utilization rate of counseling rooms. To better understand how the setting of the counseling room affects students' willingness to seek professional psychological help, this study looked at the components that influence that increase. In this study, 1173 primary school students were surveyed using visual warmth of counseling room picture materials, intimacy measurement questionnaires, and the embedded figures test to investigate the relationship between visual warmth of counseling room picture materials and students' willingness to seek psychological help, as well as the role of intimacy and cognitive style. The study found that the warmth of the school counseling room had a significant effect on students' willingness to seek professional psychological help and that students' feelings of closeness to the counseling room mediated this influence path. Also, cognitive style moderated the direct effect of the counseling room's visual warmth on willingness to seek help as well as the first half of the mediating effect of intimacy.
Anatomical study and proposed EMG technique for the cervical paraspinal muscles
Authors: Haig Andrew J. , McGuire Tyler J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractParaspinal electromyography has proven to be the most sensitive component of the electrodiagnostic examination for lumbar spinal disorders. However, no standardized, anatomically validated technique has been proposed for the cervical region. This study reviewed the published textbooks on cervical paraspinal anatomy to develop a standardized electromyography technique and scoring system. A library search found 32 anatomy texts published between 2000 and 2021. Of these 11 were unique and appropriate. Most texts described the basic muscle anatomy similarly, but only one cited original research. When the spinous process is defined as the origin, the multifidus and deeper rotatores appear innervated by the posterior primary rami of single cervical roots. However, texts differ in the number of pennae, between two and five, traveling to transverse process regions below. These are crowded into a small area between the spinous processes and transverse processes. Based on this understanding, a proposed cervical paraspinal mapping technique involves skin insertions from 1 to 2 cm lateral to the C5, C7, and T2 spinous processes. The needle samples transversely and deep toward midline, contacts bone, then is withdrawn and redirected to sample medial and caudally to midline to bone, creating two scores of 0–4 at three levels, theoretically resulting in scores of 0–24. This technique must be validated by clinical research to determine the range of normal, reproducibility, and the spectrum of findings in various disorders.
Robust self‐healing waterborne polyurethane coatings via dynamic covalent Diels‐Alder bonds for corrosion protection
Authors: Yu Changjiang , Wang Zhanhua , Fei Guoxia , Zhang Xi , de Luna Martina Salzano , Lavorgna Marino , Xia Hesheng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFor waterborne polyurethanes (PUs), balancing robust mechanical performances and excellent self‐healing ability is a great challenge. Here, we show that this goal can be achieved by a rational tuning of the PU chemistry. In particular, we synthesized an anionic self‐healing waterborne PU using acetone process, in which 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (DMPA) serves as inner emulsifier, thermally dynamic Diels‐Alder bonds act as healing motifs and hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer is the crosslinker. The mechanical performance can be tuned by increasing DMPA concentration due to the gradually increased hard segment contents and ionic interactions. The tensile stress and elongation at break of films containing 5.6 wt% of DMPA are 24.9 MPa and 911.9%, respectively. Moreover, dynamic reversible Diels‐Alder bonds located in main chains and cross‐linking points ensure excellent self‐repairing capability. Upon mechanical damage, the tensile stress can be restored to 95% of its initial value. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy also points out an outstanding barrier ability and excellent corrosion protection performance of the coatings, which can be recovered even after serious damages.
The impact of Ag/Co nanocomposite on organic charge transport medium for improved photocurrent in polymer solar cell
Authors: Ike Jude N. , Jili Ncedo , Kumar Amit , Sharma Gaurav , Mola Genene Tessema 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTuning charge transport properties using silver‐cobalt bimetallic nanoparticles is investigated to enhance the photo‐current collection in polymer solar cells. The silver‐cobalt nanoparticles were not only augmenting the charge transport processes but also expected to trap light by way of reflection. The polymers blend consisting of poly‐(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]‐phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) is used in the fabrication of polymer solar cells. The experimental results indicated that the solar cells' performance depended on the concentration of Ag/Co in the hole transport layer (HTL). Nevertheless, the high‐power conversion efficiency value of up to 4.21% was observed, at the concentration of 0.1% by weight, which is much higher than pristine solar cells due to improved measured photocurrents from the devices. This is a significant improvement in PCE by 66.4% compared to the undoped transport medium. Ag/Co nanocomposite is found to be more stable under ambient laboratory conditions.
Lipid‐induced polymorphic amyloid fibril formation by α‐synuclein
Authors: Singh Bhanu P. , Morris Ryan J. , Kunath Tilo , MacPhee Cait E. , Horrocks Mathew H. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMany proteins that self‐assemble into amyloid and amyloid‐like fibers can adopt diverse polymorphic forms. These forms have been observed both in vitro and in vivo and can arise through variations in the steric‐zipper interactions between β‐sheets, variations in the arrangements between protofilaments, and differences in the number of protofilaments that make up a given fiber class. Different polymorphs arising from the same precursor molecule not only exhibit different levels of toxicity, but importantly can contribute to different disease conditions. However, the factors which contribute to formation of polymorphic forms of amyloid fibrils are not known. In this work, we show that in the presence of 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phospho‐L‐serine, a highly abundant lipid in the plasma membrane of neurons, the aggregation of α‐synuclein is markedly accelerated and yields a diversity of polymorphic forms under identical experimental conditions. This morphological diversity includes thin and curly fibrils, helical ribbons, twisted ribbons, nanotubes, and flat sheets. Furthermore, the amyloid fibrils formed incorporate lipids into their structures, which corroborates the previous report of the presence of α‐synuclein fibrils with high lipid content in Lewy bodies. Thus, the present study demonstrates that an interface, such as that provided by a lipid membrane, can not only modulate the kinetics of α‐synuclein amyloid aggregation but also plays an important role in the formation of morphological variants by incorporating lipid molecules in the process of amyloid fibril formation.
An enzyme‐centric approach for constructing an amperometric l‐malate biosensor with a long and programmable linear range
Authors: Matthews Christopher J. , Patrick Wayne M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstractl‐Malate is a key flavor enhancer and acidulant in the food and beverage industry, particularly winemaking. Enzyme‐based amperometric biosensors offer convenience for monitoring its concentration. However, only a small number of off‐the‐shelf malate‐oxidizing enzymes have been used in previous devices. These typically have linear ranges poorly suited for the l‐malate concentrations found in fruit processing and winemaking, making it necessary to use precisely diluted samples. Here, we describe a pipeline of database‐mining, gene synthesis, recombinant expression, and spectrophotometric assays to characterize previously untested enzymes for their suitability in biosensors. The pipeline yielded a bespoke biocatalyst—the Ascaris suum malic enzyme carrying mutation R181Q [AsME(R181Q)]. Our first prototype with AsME(R181Q) had an ultra‐wide linear range of 50–200 mM l‐malate, corresponding to concentrations found in undiluted fruit juices (including grape). Changing the dication from Mg2+ to Mn2+ increased sensitivity five‐fold and adding citrate (100 mM) increased it another six‐fold, albeit decreasing the linear range to 1–10 mM. To our knowledge, this is the first time an l‐malate biosensor with a tuneable combination of sensitivity and linear range has been described. The sensor response was also tested in the presence of various molecules abundant in juices and wines, with ascorbate shown to be a potent interferent. Interference was mitigated by the addition of ascorbate oxidase, allowing for differential measurements on an undiluted, untreated wine sample that corresponded well with commercial l‐malate testing kits. Overall, this work demonstrates the power of an enzyme‐centric approach for designing electrochemical biosensors with improved operational parameters and novel functionality.
Genetic basis and origin of resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibitors in Amaranthus palmeri from Spain and Italy
Authors: Manicardi Alfredo , Scarabel Laura , Llenes Josep María , Montull José María , Osuna María Dolores , Torra Farré Joel , Milani Andrea 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmaranthus palmeri is an aggressive annual weed native to the United States, which has become invasive in some European countries. Populations resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors have been recorded in Spain and Italy, but the evolutionary origin of the resistance traits remains unknown. Bioassays were conducted to identify cross‐resistance to ALS inhibitors and a haplotype‐based genetic approach was used to elucidate the origin and distribution of resistance in both countries.RESULTSAmaranthus palmeri populations were resistant to thifensulfuron‐methyl and imazamox, and the 574‐Leu mutant ALS allele was found to be the main cause of resistance among them. In two Spanish populations, 376‐Glu and 197‐Thr mutant ALS alleles were also found. The haplotype analyses revealed the presence of two and four distinct 574‐Leu mutant haplotypes in the Italian and Spanish populations, respectively. None was common to both countries, but some mutant haplotypes were shared between geographically close populations or between populations more than 100 km apart. Wide genetic diversity was found in two very close Spanish populations.CONCLUSIONALS‐resistant A. palmeri populations were introduced to Italy and Spain from outside Europe. Populations from both countries have different evolutionary histories and originate from independent introduction events. ALS resistance then spread over short and long distances by seed dispersal. The higher number and genetic diversity among mutant haplotypes from the Spanish populations indicated recurrent invasions. The implementation of control tactics to limit seed dispersal and the establishment of A. palmeri is recommended in both countries. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Risk mitigation measures for pesticide runoff: How effective are they?
Authors: Klein Michael , Klein Judith , Flade Jens , Großmann Dietlinde , Türkowsky Dominique , O'Connor Isabel , Spycher Simon , Reichenberger Stefan , Sittig Stephan , Multsch Sebastian , Thomas Kai 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDOne of the most important sources of pesticide pollution of surface waters is runoff and erosion from agricultural fields after rainfall. This study analyses the efficacy of different risk mitigation measures to reduce pesticide runoff and erosion inputs into surface waters from arable land excluding rice fields.RESULTSThree groups of risk mitigation measures were quantitatively analyzed: vegetative filter strips, micro‐dams in row crops and soil conservation measures. Their effectiveness was evaluated based on a meta‐analysis of available experimental data using statistical methods such as classification and regression trees, and exploratory data analysis. Results confirmed the effectiveness of vegetative filter strips and micro‐dams. Contrary to common assumption, the width of vegetative filter strips alone is not sufficient to predict their effectiveness. The effectiveness of soil conservation measures (especially mulch‐tillage) varied widely. This was in part due to the heterogeneity of the available experimental data, probably resulting from the inconsistent implementation and the inadequate definitions of these measures.CONCLUSIONBoth vegetative filter strips and micro‐dams are effective and suitable, and can therefore be recommended for quantitative assessment of environmental pesticide exposure in surface waters. However, the processes of infiltration and sedimentation in vegetative filter strips should be simulated with a mechanistic model like Vegetative Filter Strip Modeling System, VFSMOD. The reduction effect of micro‐dams can be modelled by reducing the runoff curve number, e.g., in the pesticide root zone model, PRZM. Soil conservation measures are in principle promising, but further well‐documented data are needed to determine under which conditions they are effective. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
High‐precision zinc isotope measurement of chemically different geostandards by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Sheng‐Ao , Li Dandan , Liu Wan , Wu Tianhao , Yang Chun 
Published: July 2023

RationaleZinc isotopes are becoming increasingly applicable in high‐temperature geochemistry, for example in crust–mantle interaction and volatilization‐related processes. The published zinc isotope data for some commonly used reference materials, however, show large interlaboratory offsets. In addition, there is still limited data for zinc isotope compositions of many widely used geological reference materials.MethodsFor precise and accurate zinc isotopic ratio analysis of chemically diverse geostandards, including ultramafic to felsic igneous rocks, carbonatites, sediments and soils, an improved procedure for chemical purification of zinc was introduced in this study. The factors potentially affecting zinc isotopic ratio measurement were assessed. The accuracy and long‐term reproducibility were obtained by measurements on both synthetic solutions and well‐characterized geostandards.ResultsPurification of geologic samples with different zinc concentrations and matrix compositions yields consistent elution curves with nearly 100% recovery. Acidity and concentration mismatches and the presence of some matrix elements (e.g., Mg, Ti and Cr) have significant impacts on the precision and accuracy of zinc isotopic ratio measurement. The zinc isotope compositions of a suite of reference materials were measured using this method.ConclusionsThe present study describes methods for the chemical purification of zinc and high‐precision and accurate zinc isotopic ratio measurements using multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC‐ICP‐MS). The long‐term external reproducibility for δ66Zn values is ±0.04‰ (2SD). High‐quality zinc isotope data of chemically different geostandards were reported to stimulate future interlaboratory calibrations.
Functional heterophasic liquid metals
Authors: Peng Yan , Xin Yumeng , Zhang Jiuyang , Dickey Michael D. , Li Quan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLiquid metals (LMs) have compelling applications in stretchable electronics, wearable devices, and soft robotics ascribing to the unique combination of room temperature fluidity and metallic electrical/thermal conductivity. Adding metallic elements in gallium‐based LMs can produce heterophasic (i.e., solid and liquid) LMs with altered properties including morphology, surface energy, rheology, electrical/thermal conductivity, and chemical reactivity. Importantly, heterophasic LMs can respond to external stimuli such as magnetic fields, temperature, and force. Thus, heterophasic LMs can broaden the potential applications of LMs. This report reviews the recent progress about heterophasic LMs through metallic elements in the periodic table and discusses their functionalities. The heterophasic LMs are systematically organized into four categories based on their features and applications including electrical/thermal conductivity, magnetic property, catalysis/energy management, and biomedical applications. This comprehensive review is aimed to help summarize the field and identify new opportunities for future studies.
A finely tuned deep transfer learning algorithm to compare outsole images
Authors: Jang Moonsoo , Park Soyoung , Carriquiry Alicia 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn forensic practice, evaluating shoeprint evidence is challenging because the differences between images of two different outsoles can be subtle. In this paper, we propose a deep transfer learning‐based matching algorithm called the Shoe‐MS algorithm that quantifies the similarity between two outsole images. The Shoe‐MS algorithm consists of a Siamese neural network for two input images followed by a transfer learning component to extract features from outsole impression images. The added layers are finely tuned using images of shoe soles. To test the performance of the method we propose, we use a study dataset that is both realistic and challenging. The pairs of images for which we know ground truth include (1) close non‐matches and (2) mock‐crime scene pairs. The Shoe‐MS algorithm performed well in terms of prediction accuracy and was able to determine the source of pairs of outsole images, even when comparisons were challenging. When using a score‐based likelihood ratio, the algorithm made the correct decision with high probability in a test of the hypothesis that images had a common source. An important advantage of the proposed approach is that pairs of images can be compared without alignment. In initial tests, Shoe‐MS exhibited better‐discriminating power than existing methods.