bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress relaxation and thermal management in highly filled flexible styrene butadiene styrene copolymer‐tungsten composites for high‐energy radiation attenuation
Authors: Suman S. K. , Sharma R. , Kaul B. N. , Mondal R. K. , Dubey K. A. , Sharma S. D. , Bhardwaj Y. K. , Kulkarni M. S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA high loading of high‐density and high‐atomic‐number fillers are necessary to obtain desirable X‐ray attenuation characteristics from radiation shields. However, at high filler loadings, the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of polymers are severely impaired, posing a long‐term threat to the mechanical integrity and radiation protection, and the radiation shield temperature may increase after prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, accelerating the aging of the polymer matrix. In addition, inadequate thermal conduction can make the user uncomfortable while using radiation shields for personal protection. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the viscoelastic, stress relaxation, and thermal conductivity‐related features of these densely loaded systems, despite the significant effect of these parameters on long‐term applications and user compliance. In the present work, two different styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) copolymers were used to develop SBS‐tungsten (W) composites. At 500 phr W loading, significant attenuation of X‐rays was achieved along with good tensile strength and elongation at break. The results indicate that the concentration of styrene in the SBS and W loading substantially affected the attenuation, mechanical and rheological properties, and tensile stress relaxation rates. The thermal conductivity increased by >100%, and after gamma irradiation, faster cooling was observed in the W‐loaded composites beyond 300 phr of W loading. The 40% styrene composite demonstrated superior heat transfer at high W loadings owing to the better dispersion and distribution of the W filler in the SBS matrix. Rheological results showed that SBS‐W composites with 30% styrene had a more pronounced Payne effect than those with 40% styrene. Stress relaxation and morphological analyses also revealed changes in the W dispersion in the SBS matrix depending on the styrene content.
N6‐methyladenosine modification changes during the recovery processes for Paulownia witches' broom disease under the methyl methanesulfonate treatment
Authors: Xu Pingluo , Huang Shunmou , Zhai Xiaoqiao , Fan Yujie , Li Xiaofan , Yang Haibo , Cao Yabing , Fan Guoqiang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPhytoplasmas induce diseases in more than 1000 plant species and cause substantial ecological damage and economic losses, but the specific pathogenesis of phytoplasma has not yet been clarified. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal modification of the eukaryotic Messenger RNA (mRNA). As one of the species susceptible to phytoplasma infection, the pathogenesis and mechanism of Paulownia has been extensively studied by scholars, but the m6A transcriptome map of Paulownia fortunei (P. fortunei) has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effect of phytoplasma infection on m6A modification of P. fortunei and obtained the whole transcriptome m6A map in P. fortunei by m6A‐seq. The m6A‐seq results of Paulownia witches' broom (PaWB) disease and healthy samples indicate that PaWB infection increased the degree of m6A modification of P. fortunei. The correlation analysis between the RNA‐seq and m6A‐seq data detected that a total of 315 differentially methylated genes were predicted to be significantly differentially expressed at the transcriptome level. Moreover, the functions of PaWB‐related genes were predicted by functional enrichment analysis, and two genes related to maintenance of the basic mechanism of stem cells in shoot apical meristem were discovered. One of the genes encodes the receptor protein kinase CLV2 (Paulownia_LG2G000076), and the other gene encodes the homeobox transcription factor STM (Paulownia_LG15G000976). In addition, genes F‐box (Paulownia_LG17G000760) and MSH5 (Paulownia_LG8G001160) had exon skipping and mutually exclusive exon types of alternative splicing in PaWB‐infected seedling treated with methyl methanesulfonate, and m6A modification was found in m6A‐seq results. Moreover, Reverse Transcription–Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR) verified that the alternative splicing of these two genes was associated with m6A modification. This comprehensive map provides a solid foundation for revealing the potential function of the mRNA m6A modification in the process of PaWB. In future studies, we plan to verify genes directly related to PaWB and methylation‐related enzymes in Paulownia to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of PaWB caused by phytoplasma invasion.
Evaluation of the telehealth making sense of brain tumor psychological support intervention for people with primary brain tumor and their caregivers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ownsworth Tamara , Chambers Suzanne , Jones Stephanie , Parker Giverny , Aitken Joanne F. , Foote Matthew , Gordon Louisa G. , Shum David H. K. , Robertson Julia , Conlon Elizabeth , Pinkham Mark B. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis pragmatic randomized control trial aimed to evaluate clinical efficacy of the Making Sense of Brain Tumour program delivered via videoconferencing (Tele‐MAST) for improving mental health and quality of life (QoL) relative to standard care in individuals with primary brain tumor (PBT).MethodAdults with PBT experiencing at least mild distress (Distress Thermometer ≥4) and caregivers were randomly allocated to the 10‐session Tele‐MAST program or standard care. Mental health and QoL were assessed pre‐intervention, post‐intervention (primary endpoint), and 6‐weeks and 6‐months follow‐up. The primary outcome was clinician‐rated depressive symptoms on the Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale.Results82 participants with PBT (34% benign, 20% lower‐grade glioma, 46% high‐grade glioma) and 36 caregivers were recruited (2018–2021). Controlling for baseline functioning, Tele‐MAST participants with PBT had lower depressive symptoms at post‐intervention (95% CI: 10.2–14.6, vs. 15.2–19.6, p = 0.002) and 6‐weeks post‐intervention (95% CI: 11.5–15.8 vs. 15.6–19.9, p = 0.010) than standard care, and were almost 4 times more likely to experience clinically reduced depression (OR, 3.89; 95% CI: 1.5–9.9). Tele‐MAST participants with PBT also reported significantly better global QoL, emotional QoL and lower anxiety at post‐intervention and 6‐weeks post‐intervention than standard care. There were no significant intervention effects for caregivers. At 6‐months follow‐up participants with PBT who received Tele‐MAST reported significantly better mental health and QoL relative to pre‐intervention.ConclusionsTele‐MAST was found to be more effective for reducing depressive symptoms at post‐intervention than standard care for people with PBT but not caregivers. Tailored and extended psychological support may be beneficial for people with PBT.
Conformational response to ligand binding of TMPRSS2, a protease involved in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Insights through computational modeling
Authors: Frumenzio Giorgia , Chandramouli Balasubramanian , Besker Neva , Grottesi Alessandro , Talarico Carmine , Frigerio Francesco , Emerson Andrew , Musiani Francesco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThanks to the considerable research which has been undertaken in the last few years to improve our understanding of the biology and mechanism of action of SARS‐CoV‐2, we know how the virus uses its surface spike protein to infect host cells. The transmembrane prosthesis, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) protein, located on the surface of human cells, recognizes the cleavage site in the spike protein, leading to the release of the fusion peptide and entry of the virus into the host cells. Because of its role, TMPRSS2 has been proposed as a drug target to prevent infection by the virus. In this study, we aim to increase our understanding of TMPRSS2 using long scale microsecond atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on the conformational changes over time. The comparison between simulations conducted on the protein in the native (apo) and inhibited form (holo), has shown that in the holo form the inhibitor stabilizes the catalytic site and induces rearrangements in the extracellular domain of the protein. In turn, it leads to the formation of a new cavity in the vicinity of the ligand binding pocket that is stable in the microsecond time scale. Given the low specificity of known protease inhibitors, these findings suggest a new potential drug target site that can be used to improve TMPRSS2 specific recognition by newly designed inhibitors.
Plant volatiles mediate Aphis gossypii settling but not predator foraging in intercropped cotton
Authors: Yang Yuanxue , Zhang Ying , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Aiyu , Liu Bing , Zhao Ming , Wyckhuys Kris A.G. , Lu Yanhui 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThe cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an important pest of cotton and horticultural crops globally. In China, smallholder farmers regularly intercrop cotton with garlic or onion. Aside from higher farm‐level revenue, cotton intercrops are typified by lower Aphis gossypii abundance than monocrops. So far, the mechanistic basis of this lowered pest pressure has not been empirically assessed.ResultsField trials showed that Aphis gossypii abundance is lower and (relative) abundance of aphid predators higher in early‐season cotton intercrops than in monocrops. Cage trials and Y‐tube olfactometer tests further indicated that garlic and onion volatiles repel Aphis gossypii alates. Electrophysiological bioassays and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) identified two physiologically active volatiles, that is, diallyl disulfide and propyl disulfide from garlic and onion respectively. Next, behavioral tests confirmed that both sulfur compounds exert a repellent effect on alate Aphis gossypii.ConclusionGarlic and onion volatiles interfere with Aphis gossypii settling, but do not affect its main (ladybird) predators. Meanwhile, early‐season cotton/onion intercrops bear higher numbers of Aphis gossypii predators and fewer aphids. By thus unveiling the ecological underpinnings of aphid biological control in diversified cropping systems, our work advances non‐chemical management of a globally‐important crop pest. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and associated factors among dairy cows with recent cases of abortion in Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Temesgen Kassa , Urge Beksisa , Mamo Gezahegn 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundBrucellosis is a serious zoonotic disease affecting human and all domestic animals. It is considered to be one of the great public health problems all over the world. Little attention has been paid to bovine brucellosis in small holder dairy farm and in animal owners and farm workers in central highland of Ethiopia. This research was conducted with the aim of determining seropositivity and identifying the potential risk factors of brucellosis in dairy cows with recent cases of abortion in the central highlands of Ethiopia.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study with purposive sampling carried out on dairy cows in the farms and kebeles from December 2019 to May 2020. The serum samples were initially screened for brucellosis using the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) followed by the complement fixation test (CFT) for confirmation. The risk factors for bovine brucellosis were assessed using univariable Firth bias reduced logistic regression.ResultsA total of 352 samples were tested. Serological positivity for bovine brucellosis was detected in 1.2% (95% CI: 0.47–2.97) by RBPT, and bovine brucellosis confirmed by CFT was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.16–2.09). The risk factors for confirmed bovine brucellosis were the late stage of abortion (OR = 1.046, p = < 0.0041), retained fetal membranes (OR = 32.74, p = 0.006), and market‐based stock replacement (OR = 1.0638, p = 0.0008), which are significantly associated at 95% confidence interval.ConclusionThe proportion of brucellosis among aborted cows seems to be low in the study area. However, given the lack of control strategies in the area, there is a potential risk of transmission in dairy cattle and the human population in the study areas.
Asynchronous observer‐based sliding mode control for 2‐D Markov jump Roesser systems
Authors: Wu Zheng , Li Fanbiao , Peng Hao , Yang Chunhua , Gui Weihua 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis article deals with the state reconstruction and sliding mode control problem for continuous‐time two‐dimensional Roesser systems. Aiming at the phenomena of mode mismatch between the controlled system and the controller, the asynchronous control strategy is employed by constructing the conditional probability matrix and utilizing the hidden Markov model. Considering not full state information is unavailable in some practical applications, the observer‐based sliding mode control scheme is developed. Two types of sliding mode surfaces are synthesized based on system state and observer state, respectively. Accordingly, different sliding mode control laws are synthesized for these two scenarios to ensure the resulting system trajectories to reach onto the prescribed sliding mode surfaces. Sufficient conditions are provided to guarantee the stochastic stability for corresponding overall closed‐loop systems. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by numerical simulations.
Responsive molecular liquid materials
Authors: Tateyama Akito , Nakanishi Takashi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis review focuses on solvent‐free molecular liquid materials that exhibit changes in response to stimuli. Along with the recent development of soft functional materials, research on functional liquids possessing free deformability and ease of molding is becoming a new trend. A typical method for designing functional molecular liquids (FMLs) introduces flexible alkyl side‐chains around a π‐conjugation unit at the center of the molecule. As a result, the aggregation between π‐conjugated units is inhibited, and an entropy‐rich room temperature liquid is obtained. FMLs designed in this way can exhibit unique and exciting stimulus responses due to the high density of functional units and fluidity. Such notable features include electrochromism, phase transitions, and dynamic changes in the nanostructure. In addition, some stimulus responses are reversible and thanks to the fluidity, return to their initial state under relatively mild conditions, such as room temperature or slight heating. To elicit such effective stimulus responses, selecting an optimal π‐core, and modifying it with the appropriate alkyl side‐chains (length, branching, and substitution position) is essential. A deep understanding of the alkyl–π molecular design will enable the creation of more attractive stimuli‐responsive FMLs, which are of high value in advanced fields such as healthcare, security, sensors, soft electronics, and robotics.
Green growth in agriculture―New measurement concept and its empirical verification
Authors: Kasztelan Armand , Nowak Anna 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes a new method for evaluating green growth in agriculture (GGA) based on a set of key performance indicators and a synthetic index. To this end, we used the zero unitarisation method. The objects of study were seven countries/groups of countries with the largest share in agricultural production in 2020. This paper attempts to answer the following questions: (1) Has there been any progress in fulfilling the assumptions of the green growth concept implemented in the agricultural sector of the examined countries? (2) Which countries do better, and which do worse in that respect? (3) What are the challenges respective countries need to face? In the analysed years, the mean GGA index increased from 0.3287 to 0.3342, which means that the overall level of ‘greening’ in agriculture grew insignificantly. Out of the seven analysed countries/regions, China did the best in handling the challenges of GGA, while India did the worst. The paper discusses the reasons for this state of affairs, simultaneously making recommendations for improving the existing situation.
Characterization of Coating Films of Thixotropic Solvent Gel Containing Organo‐modified Nanodiamonds
Authors: Hasunuma Yuka , Maeda Momo , Mashiyama Yuki , Kikuchi Nanata , Fujimori Atsuhiro 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA gelation solvent containing a diamide‐based thixotropic additive with two hydrocarbons and organo‐modified nanodiamonds was prepared and evaluated herein as a coating film. Nanodiamonds were introduced into a solvent containing diamide‐based thixotropic additive molecules with 12‐hydroxystearyl chains which were uniformly dispersed due to organic chain modification on the outermost layer surface. In addition to common solvents including toluene, ethyl cetyl hexanoate, a cosmetic emollient, forms nanodiamond‐containing gels. The helical nanofibers formed by the diamide‐based thixotropic additive molecule with two hydrocarbons in the gel showed affinity for the organo‐modified nanodiamonds, and the contact morphology between the nanofibers and nanodiamond particles was confirmed. Nanodiamonds exhibited a denaturation effect on biomolecules adsorbed on their surfaces. Overall, nanodiamond‐containing emollient gels are expected to exhibit antibacterial properties against viruses and malodorous bacteria on skin as part of thixotropic immobilization films for cosmetic powders.
Effect of Ligand Steric Hindrance on Catalytic Polymerization of Cycloolefin Polymer (COP)
Authors: Zhang Hengchen , Fang Yanxiong , Huang Mingli , Zhong Yi , Yu Mingquan , Yuan Renxu , Zuo Hongliang , Liu Yang , Chen Binglin , Chen Shuju 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe traditional two‐component Ziegler‐Natta catalyst has low catalytic activity when initiating ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and is unstable and easy to generate polymerization gels. Therefore, it is necessary to add a third group of ligands with appropriate steric hindrance to improve the catalytic activity of the catalyst. The effects of ligands′ steric hindrance and other reaction conditions on the catalytic activity of tungsten hexachloride (WCl6) as catalyst and aluminum triethyl (AlEt3) as co‐catalyst were investigated. The results showed that the size of the ligands′ steric hindrance affected the catalytic activity of ROMP, and the small steric hindrance caused the polymerization rate to be too fast, which was easy to produce gels, and when the steric hindrance of the ligands was too large, its solubility was not good, which was not conducive to the normal polymerization. When stearyl alcohol was selected as the ligand, the highest catalytic activity was 3123 mol cycloolefin polymer (COP)/mol W, and the reaction speed of polymerization was also the fastest and the complete transformation only needed 30 min when the ligand/W was 25. It was found that the polymerization reaction was stable without gels and the obtained polymer molecular weight was appropriate, 17.8 kDa, under the conditions of Al/W=80, reaction temperature 60 °C, monomer concentration 10 w/v %, catalyst/monomer 5*10−4 : 1, chain transfer agent/monomer 0.005 : 1.
Diels‐Alder Reaction of Oxazolidine‐fused Butadienes Toward Alkenes: Shedding Light on the Energetics, Selectivities, and Molecular Mechanistic Aspects by a Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Emamian Saeedreza , Salami Majid 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis work comprehensively studies the underlying features of a Diels‐Alder (DA) reaction between an electron‐rich diene D‐1 and an electron‐deficient dienophile Dph‐2. The DA reaction studied takes place along the complete C4‐C5 regioselectivity and a high exo‐stereoselectivity. Based on the kinetics analyses, the evaluated regioselectivity,
, and exo‐stereoselectivity,
, represent an excellent agreement with the experimental outcomes. This DA reaction also displays a high polarity caused by a strong nucleophilic and a strong electrophilic character of, respectively, D‐1 and Dph‐2. A prediction of the C4‐C5 regioselectivity is made possible by analysis of the Parr functions values estimated at the reactive sites of reactants. The origin of the exo‐stereoselectivity predominance over the endo one was well discussed employing an activation‐strain model and a natural bond orbital analysis. The molecular mechanistic considerations elucidate that formation of both C4‐C5 and C1‐C6 single bonds takes place via C‐to‐C coupling of the corresponding pseudoradical centers.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Porous Biomolecule‐Incorporated Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Efficient Nanocarriers for Anti‐Cancer Drugs
Authors: Nguyen Trang Thi Thu , Le Bao Quang Gia , Nguyen Vy Tran Hanh , Lee Jae‐Hyoung , Mai Ngoc Xuan Dat , Nguyen Linh Ho Thuy , Doan Tan Le Hoang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBiomolecule‐incorporated metal‐organic frameworks (b‐MOFs) exhibit enhanced bioavailability and biocompatibility, making them an ideal option for use as drug delivery vehicles. While b‐MOFs possess outstanding drug loading and release capabilities, their microscale crystal sizes restrict their applicability as nanocarriers and drug delivery systems. To overcome this limitation, this paper presents a microwave‐irradiation‐based technique for the synthesis of porous adenine‐incorporated Zn‐based MOFs with particle sizes of approximately 200 nm as paclitaxel nanocarriers. The nanomaterial demonstrated a substantial paclitaxel loading capacity of 637 mg g−1. Moreover, it effectively increased the solubility of paclitaxel by 2.5‐fold compared to that of the free form. Thus, the nano MOF is a promising delivery vehicle for paclitaxel. Notably, the paclitaxel‐loaded nano MOF exhibited higher toxicity toward cancer cells than the free drug, further highlighting its potential as an effective anticancer agent.
Overview of diagnostic laboratory tests and diagnostic criteria for liver injury caused by Kampo medicine
Authors: Mantani Naoki 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have suggested that the known biomarkers and the diagnostic scales are unreliable for the diagnosis of Kampo‐induced liver injury (KMILI).Diagnostic BiomarkersThe lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) for Kampo medicines is likely to give false positive results, while the normal level of the basophil activation test (BAT) for diagnosing Kampo liver injury remains uncertain.Diagnostic ScaleDue to the lack of reliable biomarkers, diagnostic scales have been developed; however, the Digestive Disease Week [DDW])‐Japan criteria, which is widely used in Japan, has extremely low specificity for diagnosing KMILI.ConclusionThe diagnosis of KMILI remains challenging, and we eagerly await the development of reliable biomarkers for KMILI.