bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the detected Dry–Wet Abrupt Alternation by developing a weighting analysis method
Authors: Fu Jianyu , Liu Bingjun , Lu Yang , Liang Manlin , Tan Xuejin , Li Dan , Huang Zeqin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe phenomenon of sudden drought after pluvial (or heavy pluvial after drought) is known as the Dry–Wet Abrupt Alternation (DWAA). This kind of disaster has been evaluated globally based on various DWAA indices. However, few validations have been performed to compare the various DWAA indices. Given that directly validating the identified DWAA events remains difficult because of the limited historical records of DWAA events, in this study, we developed a simple weighting analysis method to cross‐validate the detected DWAA events using three widely‐used indices. The weighting analysis method can be used to estimate the effectiveness of the DWAA indices by calculating the ratio of the synchronous DWAA events (the DWAA events could be synchronously detected by different indices) to the total number of the detected DWAA events. Results suggest that the standard weighted average of precipitation (SWAP) index has better performance for detecting DWAA events in the Pearl River Basin (PRB) compared to other indices. The soil moisture synchronization, meteorological concentration and real DWAA records further testify that the SWAP is more capable of detecting the DWAA events in the PRB. Based on the validation, the SWAP‐derived DWAA events show that both dry–wet (D–W) events and wet–dry events are severe in the upstream sub‐basins in the PRB, while D–W events are more frequent in the downstream PRB. Our study provides a simple but effective method to validate the detected DWAA. The finding underscores the need to validate DWAA detection generated from multiple indicators before further research, and it could help develop adaptation strategies to improve resilience to combined extremes under changing climate.
Landscape degradation and development as a result of touristic activity in the fragile, high‐mountain environment of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), Andes, Peru
Authors: Tomczyk Aleksandra M. , Ewertowski Marek W. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study documented land degradation resulting from initial trail development and further high‐intensity touristic activity in a high‐altitude setting (>4000 m a.s.l.) in the Andes. Peru's Rainbow Mountain (also named Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores) only became a world‐renowned tourist destination in recent years (after 2015/2016). A high‐mountain setting as such is fragile and does not recover fast, meaning the rapid influx of visitors has caused severe landscape degradation from which it will take several decades to recover. The main objectives of the study were to (1) characterise and map different types of impacts related to direct visitor pressure, (2) document and evaluate activities aimed at limiting degradation while enhancing visitors' experience, and (3) propose a conceptual model of trail functioning in the tropical high‐mountain environment. Data were collected using ground‐based surveys, unmanned aerial vehicles and high‐resolution satellite images. We identified eight dominant morphogenetic processes responsible for the transformation of landscape surface: (1) trampling, (2) abrasion/shearing by visitors and service animals and (3) transformation of water and sediment circulation—these direct human activities can initiate and/or intensify further degradation by the following natural processes: (4) water erosion, (5) freeze–thaw cycles, (6) dry‐wet cycles, (7) aeolian activities and (8) mass movements. The five main trail impacts identified were: trail widening, trail incision, formation of braided trail networks, development of muddy sections and development of informal (visitor‐created) trails. These observed impacts have left a clear imprint on the landscape after just one to two seasons of intensive recreational use.
Differences Among Native Hawaiian, Asian, and White Patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Kannan Ashok , Ishikawa Kyle , Chen John , Krening Emma , Gao Fay , Ross G. Webster , Bruno Michiko Kimura 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundMost studies of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) have been conducted in White populations.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify whether differences exist for patients with PSP among Whites, East Asians (EAs), and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPIs) in Hawaii.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center, retrospective study of patients meeting Movement Disorder Society probable PSP criteria (2006–2021). Data variables included age of onset and diagnosis, comorbidities, and survival rate. Variables were compared across groups using Fisher's exact test, Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test, and log‐rank tests.ResultsA total of 94 (59 EAs, 9 NHPIs, 16 Whites, and 10 Others) patients were identified. Mean age ± standard deviation (in years) of symptom onset/diagnosis were both youngest in NHPIs (64.0 ± 7.2/66.3 ± 8.0) followed by Whites (70.8 ± 7.6/73.9 ± 7.8), then EAs (75.9 ± 8.2/79.2 ± 8.3) (P < 0.001). Median survival from diagnosis was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in NHPIs (2 years) compared with EAs (4 years) and Whites (6 years).ConclusionsThere may be racial disparities for PSP, and studies are needed to identify genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic contributions. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to two rare CYP21A2 variant alleles, including a novel attenuated CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 chimera
Authors: Lao Qizong , Burkardt Deepika D. , Kollender Sarah , Faucz Fabio R. , Merke Deborah P. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21‐hydroxylase (21OH) deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of cortisol biosynthesis, with varying degrees of aldosterone production. There is a continuum of phenotypes which generally correlate with genotype and the expected residual 21OH activity of the less severely impaired allele. CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 chimeric genes caused by recombination between CYP21A2 and its highly homologous CYP21A1P pseudogene are common in CAH and typically associated with salt‐wasting CAH, the most severe form. Nine chimeras have been described (CH‐1 to CH‐9).AimsThe aim of this study was to genetically evaluate two variant alleles carried by a 22‐year‐old female with the non‐salt‐wasting simple virilizing form of CAH and biallelic 30‐kb deletions.MethodsThe haplotypes of the CYP21A2 heterozygous variants, as well as the chimeric junction sites, were determined by Sanger sequencing TA clones of an allele‐specific PCR product.ResultsGenetic testing revealed two rare CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 chimeras: allele 1 matches the previously described CAH CH‐1 chimera but without the P30L variant, and allele 2, termed here as novel CAH CH‐10, has a junction site between c.293‐37 and c.29314, which is expected to retain partial 21OH activity.ConclusionThese two variant alleles further document the complex nature of RCCX modules and highlight that not all CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 chimera severely impair 21OH activity.
Association between the month of starting a weight management program and weight change in people at high risk of type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Koutoukidis Dimitrios A. , Barron Emma , Stevens Richard , Aveyard Paul , Valabhji Jonathan , Jebb Susan A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveWeight loss is one of the most common New Year's resolutions, but it is unclear whether attempting to lose weight in January is more successful than attempting it at other times of the year.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study from the English National Health Service (NHS) Diabetes Prevention Program, adults with nondiabetic hyperglycemia were enrolled in a structured behavioral weight management program. Repeated measures models assessed the mean difference between baseline and follow‐up weight adjusting for monthly variation in weight among those with ≥1 weight measurement.ResultsAmong 85,514 participants with a mean baseline BMI of 30.3 kg/m2 (range: 13.4 to 84.2), mean weight change at the end of the program after an average 7.9 (SD: 4.5) sessions over 6.4 (SD: 5.6) months was −2.00 kg (95% CI: −2.02 to −1.97 kg) or −2.33% (95% CI: −2.35% to −2.32%). Compared with participants starting in January, participants starting in other months lost less weight, ranging between 0.28 kg (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.45 kg) less weight in those starting in March and 0.71 kg (95% CI: 0.55 to 0.87 kg) less weight in those starting in November. April and May were the only exceptions, in which the estimates followed the same direction but were not statistically significant. Higher session attendance mediated the effects, with participants starting in January attending, on average, 0.2 to 0.7 more sessions than those starting in other months.ConclusionsPeople starting a weight management program in January lost 12% to 30% more weight than people starting it at other times of the year.
Eponyms in Otology: A Historical Narrative of Commonly Used Surgical Instruments
Authors: Caraway J. Joseph , Yang Alex W. , Tolisano Anthony M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNumerous eponymous instruments are regularly used in the otology surgical suite. This manuscript uses a tympanoplasty to highlight 10 frequently used instruments and the remarkable surgeons behind their creation. Many of these names will be familiar, but we hope our readers will gain an appreciation of these landmark figures that have transformed the practice of otology.
A qualitative exploration of fear of cancer recurrence in caregivers
Authors: Banks Hannah , Webb Kyra , Sharpe Louise , Shaw Joanne 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveFear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most common unmet needs for cancer patients and caregivers. Yet little is known about the potentially unique nature of caregiver FCR. Our research aimed to address this gap by qualitatively exploring the features and impact of caregiver FCR.MethodsEighteen semi‐structured telephone interviews with cancer caregivers were conducted to explore the content and impact of caregiver fears and worries about cancer recurrence or progression. Data analysis used a Framework Approach.ResultsQualitative analysis identified three themes (1) fear of the patient suffering, (2) the need to protect the patient from a recurrence and/or cancer‐related distress, and (3) caregiver's sense of unpreparedness and uncertainty. Underpinning these themes was an overarching sense of personal responsibility for the life of the patient. This overarching theme was identified as a key driver of caregivers' personal and patient‐centred fears.ConclusionsOur findings confirm the conceptual differences between patient and caregiver FCR. Future research must therefore acknowledge the unique experiences of caregivers and prioritise the development of empirically driven theoretical models, instruments, and interventions for caregiver FCR.
Additive and synergistic antifungal effects of copper and phenolic extracts from grape cane and apples
Authors: Besrukow Paul , Will Frank , Dussling Stefan , Berkelmann‐Löhnertz Beate , Schweiggert Ralf 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundOrganic viticulture seeks sustainable alternatives for eco‐toxic copper fungicides to control downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola. (Poly)phenol‐rich extracts of agricultural byproducts are known to possess antifungal activity, but high production costs often limit their actual implementation.ResultsWe developed and produced novel ligninsulfonate‐based grape cane extract (GCE) formulations and an apple extract on a pilot plant scale, including a detailed (poly)phenol characterization by high‐performance liquid chromatography photodiode array mass spectrometry (HPLC‐PDA‐MS). Our GCE formulations alone reduced downy mildew disease severity in greenhouse trials by 29%–69% in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas a standard application of the copper‐based agent alone reached ~56%. When applied together, disease severity was diminished by 78%–92%, revealing a synergistic effect that depended on the mixture ratio. Combining GCE formulations with the apple extract, additive effects were found (80% disease severity reduction).ConclusionThe studied plant extracts are proposed to both substitute for and synergistically reinforce copper fungicides in grapevine downy mildew control. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A comparative study of adaptive trial designs for dose optimization
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Chen Xin , Li Bosheng , Yan Fangrong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRecently, the US Food and Drug Administration Oncology Center of Excellence initiated Project Optimus to reform the dose optimization and dose selection paradigm in oncology drug development. The agency pointed out that the current paradigm for dose selection—based on the maximum tolerated dose (MTD)—is not sufficient for molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies, for which efficacy may not increase after the dose reaches a certain level. In these cases, it is more appropriate to identify the optimal biological dose (OBD) that optimizes the risk–benefit tradeoff of the drug. Project Optimus has spurred tremendous interest and urgent need for guidance on designing dose optimization trials. In this article, we review several representative dose optimization designs, including model‐based and model‐assisted designs, and compare their operating characteristics based on 10,000 randomly generated scenarios with various dose‐toxicity and dose‐efficacy curves and some fixed representative scenarios. The results show that, compared with model‐based designs, model‐assisted methods have advantages of easy‐to‐implement, robustness, and high accuracy to identify OBD. Some guidance is provided to help biostatisticians and clinicians to choose appropriate dose optimization methods in practice.
Edible mushrooms as potential functional foods in amelioration of hypertension
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Joshi Payal B. , Ahmad Zubair , Hemeg Hassan A. , Olatunde Ahmed , Naz Saima , Hafeez Nabia , Simal‐Gandara Jesus 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEdible mushrooms are popular functional foods attributed to their rich nutritional bioactive constituent profile influencing cardiovascular function. Edible mushrooms are omnipresent in various prescribed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Mediterranean diet, and fortified meal plans as they are rich in amino acids, dietary fiber, proteins, sterols, vitamins, and minerals. However, without an understanding of the influence of mushroom bioactive constituents, mechanism of action on heart and allergenicity, it is difficult to fully comprehend the role of mushrooms as dietary interventions in alleviating hypertension and other cardiovascular malfunctions. To accomplish this endeavor, we chose to review edible mushrooms and their bioactive constituents in ameliorating hypertension. Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are interrelated and if the former is managed by dietary changes, it is postulated that overall heart health could also be improved. With a concise note on different edible varieties of mushrooms, a particular focus is presented on the antihypertensive potential of mushroom bioactive constituents, mode of action, absorption kinetics and bioavailability. Ergosterol, lovastatin, cordycepin, tocopherols, chitosan, ergothioneine, γ‐aminobutyric acid, quercetin, and eritadenine are described as essential bioactives with hypotensive effects. Finally, safety concerns on allergens and limitations of consuming edible mushrooms with special reference to chemical toxins and their postulated metabolites are highlighted. It is opined that the present review will redirect toxicologists to further investigate mushroom bioactives and allergens, thereby influencing dietary interventions for heart health.
Surface Functionalization of Graphene Oxide with Polystyrene Sulfonic Acid Brushes to Fabricate Hierarchical Ag and Au Microstructures as SERS Substrates
Authors: Li Xuan , Huang Kaige , Zhou Yumeng , Wang Wenqin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this work, we reported the spontaneous growth of Ag and Au microstructures on the surface of the graphene oxide‐grafted‐polystyrene sulfonic acid brushes (GO‐g‐PSSA) in Ag(NH3)2OH solution and HAuCl4 solution, respectively. The influences of reaction time and temperature on the morphology and size of Ag (Au) particles were investigated. By optimizing reaction conditions, Ag nanosheet‐assembled microstructures and sea urchin‐like Au microspheres were obtained. These hierarchical Ag (Au) microstructures with highly nanotextured topographies could provide many “hot spots” for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The as‐prepared GO‐g‐PSSA/Ag (Au) composites exhibited excellent SERS performances using Rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the probe molecules and the detection limit of R6G was up to 10−12 m.
Synergistic Effect of ZnO and Acid‐Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes on Improving the Specific Capacitance of Poly(ortho‐Phenylenediamine‐co‐Aniline)‐Based Wearable Electronics
Authors: Chakraborty Sohini , Simon Remya , Vadakkekara Anoop , Mary N. L. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe fabrication of highly conducting composites which can be seamlessly integrated into fabric substrates is exceedingly imperative for the development of versatile wearable electronics with long cycling stability and high specific capacitance. Previously, our group has reported the synthesis of poly(ortho‐phenylenediamine‐co‐aniline) using microwave irradiation and we have evaluated the electrochemical properties of both the copolymer and its nanocomposite with acid functionalized carbon nanotubes as wearable electronics. Herein, we design a nanocomposite of zinc oxide decorated acid functionalized carbon nanotubes and the aforementioned copolymer with the aim to evaluate the simultaneous effects of pseudocapacitance and electrical double layer capacitance in the copolymer matrix. The samples were comprehensively characterized using various techniques. These materials were coated on fabric substrates to evaluate their applicability as wearable electronics. A high specific capacitance of 225.95 F g−1 at 0.50 A g−1 was obtained and 88 % of the initial capacitance was retained after 1000 cycles. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies for the nanocomposite showed lower cytotoxicity between the concentration ranges of 50–200 μg/mL. Combination of biocompatibility and enhanced electrochemical performance establishes the unprecedented application of these devices in the field of biocompatible wearable electronics.
Efficient Transesterification Preparation of Polycarbonate Diol with High Molecular Weight Using TiO2/SiO2 Solid Acid Catalysts
Authors: Chong Ran , Qian Fei , Sun Zhonghua , Wei Meijun , Zhang Zhihui , Zhang Jing , He Mingyang , Chen Qun , Qian Junfeng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA series of TiO2/SiO2 catalysts were prepared by hydrolysis and used in the transesterification of diphenyl carbonate (DPC) and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) to produce polycarbonate diol (PCDL). The physical properties of TiO2/SiO2 solid acid catalysts were characterized, and the relationship between their structural features and catalytic transesterification reaction was analyzed. The effects of various reaction conditions such as hydrolysis procedure, transesterification temperature, catalyst amount, and the mole ratio of the starting materials on the catalytic synthesis of PCDL were investigated. The maximum catalytic activity was based on the TiO2 : SiO2=3 : 1 with hydrolysis procedure of adding the Ti/Si mixture (A) to deionized water and anhydrous ethanol (B). The as‐synthesized TiO2/SiO2‐A‐to‐B catalyst exhibits rough surface with the average pore size of 6.75 nm, and the total acid amount of 1.07 mmol/g. The PCDL yield of transesterification reached 89.8 %, and the number average molecular weight reached 9074 g/mol under the optimal reaction conditions, and the molecular weight of the PCDL product could be adjusted.
Pincer Ligand Supported Fe Complex Catalysed Dinitrogen Reduction to NH3 Using FLP‐H2 as the Hydrogen Source: DFT Studies
Authors: Natrajan Pennarasi , Khan Hilal Ahmad , Masilamani Deepa 
Published: May 2023

AbstractSynthesising ammonia at low temperature and catalyst with high stability, selectivity and activity other than Haber Bosch process and enzymatic process is still a challenging task for chemists. Computational studies serve as a valuable tool for testing novel ideas in order to either realise a theoretically viable and practicably synthesizable catalyst or to identify more of the recognised catalysts both of which are important for the growth of this field. In this report, DFT calculations have been performed on a hypothetical Fe‐ imidazolyl‐pyridine complex to explore the potential of dinitrogen reduction to ammonia at optimum temperature and pressure using Fe bound Nitrogen as a catalyst and FLP‐H2 as a co‐catalyst. FLP acts as a hydrogen source which prevents the binding of H2 with metal centre. The computed Gibbs free energies of the elementary reactions revealed that the Fe bound nitrogen can act as a catalyst for activating and functionalising dinitrogen to yield NH3 and N2H2.
Synthesis of 1‐Methyl‐4‐methoxyethyl‐1,2,4‐triazolium Dicyanamide and Its Plasticizing Behavior on HTPB/TDI Curing System**
Authors: Zhou Zhixiang , Bai Jinhu , Liu Long , Yao Yuan , Su Ze , Zhang Yanqiang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this paper, a novel ionic liquid plasticizer, 1‐methyl‐4‐methoxyethyl‐1,2,4‐triazole dicyanamide ([MMET][DCA]), was synthesized and characterized. The effect of [MMET][DCA] on the viscous flow properties of HTPB was studied, and then the effect of [MMET][DCA] on the mechanical and thermal properties of the HTPB/TDI curing system was further explored. The results show that the hydrogen bond between [MMET][DCA] and HTPB has a significant effect on the viscosity of HTPB. In the HTPB/TDI curing system, when the di(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA) was replaced by an equal amount of [MMET][DCA], the glass transition temperature did not change significantly; the tensile strength of the curing system increased from 0.436 MPa to 0.474 Mpa; the elongation at break increased from 506.2 % to 700.4 %, and the decomposition temperature at 5 % and 10 % mass loss increased by 32 °C and 70 °C, respectively.
Self‐Healing Nanocomposite Hydrogel Loaded with Sodium Citrate for Corrosion Protection of Q235 Carbon Steel
Authors: Li Jiansan , Hu Huan , Wang Zhenyu 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this study, a self‐healing nanocomposite hydrogel (NC hydrogel) loaded with sodium citrate (SC) corrosion inhibitor was developed. NC hydrogels were synthesized through free‐radical polymerization of N, N’‐Dimethylacrylamide (DMA) within a dispersion of silica nanoparticles. FT‐IR, SEM and TGA were applied to evaluate the loading of SC, self‐healing test was used to confirm the self‐healing capability of NC hydrogel. NC hydrogels were coated on the surfaces of Q235 steel, the exposure test results suggest that the corrosion protection of NC hydrogel improves with the loading of SC. Macro, micro morphologies prove that with the releasing of SC, a layer of adsorptive film was formed on the steel surface to prohibit the corrosion of carbon steel. Electrochemical results signify that NC (0.9 wt.% SC) hydrogel possesses the optimum corrosion resistance. The authors consider that as carrier, NC hydrogel can fulfill better corrosion inhibitive action of SC, meanwhile, effectively provide corrosion protection for carbon steel.