bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compatibilization of polypropylene/high‐density polyethylene blends using poly(propylene‐co‐ethylene)
Authors: Darweesh Mohamed H. , Stoll Bernhard , El‐Taweel Safaa H. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTernary blends of polypropylene (PP), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and a random copolymer with 85% propylene and 15% ethylene (trade name Vistamaxx 6202, abbreviated here as VM) have been investigated to elucidate the efficiency of this additive in the management of recycling streams. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that VM will induce simultaneous crystallization of PP and HDPE. Polarized Optical Microscopy revealed a breakdown in the spherulitic structure already at 10% of additive (for blends with ratio PP: HDPE = 1:1), respectively 17%, (for PP/HDPE = 7:3). A similar threshold was found in the impact strength, and stress–strain‐curves. This means that VM is also advantageous for recycling of PP: HDPE blends, especially those with high PP content.
Microcrack self‐healing capability of waterborne polyurethane/polyacrylate composites with dynamic disulfide bond
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wang Peng , Sun Zhanying , An Haoran , Wang Xin , Li Na 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this paper, a series of self‐healing waterborne polyurethane/polyacrylate composites (SWPUA) with different disulfide content on the main chain were synthesized. The SWPUAs were synthesized from isophorone diisocyanate, dimethylolpropionic acid, polyether diol and bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) disulfide (HEDS). The structure of the products was characterized by IR and Raman spectra. The effects of different content of HEDS on dispersion stability, mechanical property and self‐healing properties (including tensile strength and breaking elongation) of SWPUAs were studied. The results showed that all the prepared SWPUAs have excellent dispersion stability, thermal stability, self‐healing efficiency and certain hydrophobic capacity. Thereinto, SWPUA‐1 and SWPUA‐2 products with HEDS content of 0.0025 mol and 0.0050 mol have the best repair efficiency. They can recover 101.03% and 102.18%, respectively, after 3 h of repair at 75°C. In addition, SWPUA‐1 has the highest repeatedly repair efficiency of 91% for tensile strength but 75% for breaking elongation because of the influence of physical entanglement and chain link.
Thermal and electrical insulation properties of BN‐filled polymer‐based elastomer composites
Authors: Han Chang , Gao Junguo , Guo Ning , Sun Jianyu , Zhang Rui 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTo make the current charging time of electric vehicles meet the technical requirements of rapid charging, the higher the charging current needs to be increased. Consequently, higher requirements are put forward for the heat dissipation capacity of the charging pile cable. Therefore, obtaining insulation materials with good electrical and thermal properties is vital to solving the heat dissipation problem of charging pile cables. This paper modified polypropylene (PP) with polystyrene‐ethylene‐butadiene‐styrene (SEBS). Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) and boron nitride nanospheres (BNNOS) were used as thermally conductive fillers to construct A‐B‐A‐B … A type thermally conductive pathways in SEBS/PP matrix. In SEM tests, it can be observed that the orientation of BNNS along the direction perpendicular to the pressure increases. DSC tests show that the introduction of BN particles lowers the melting point of the SEBS/PP matrix and increases the crystallization temperature of the composite. In the thermal conductivity experiment, with the rise of the content of BNNOS and the number of multilayer structures, the thermal conductivity gradually increases, up to 0.514 W/m K, which is three times the thermal conductivity of the SEBS/PP matrix. The tensile strength and elongation at the break of the composites decrease but the change of conductivity is not obvious.
Micro‐level reserving for general insurance claims using a long short‐term memory network
Authors: Chaoubi Ihsan , Besse Camille , Cossette Hélène , Côté Marie‐Pier 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDetailed information about individual claims are completely ignored when insurance claims data are aggregated and structured in development triangles for loss reserving. In the hope of extracting predictive power from the individual claims characteristics, researchers have recently proposed to use micro‐level loss reserving approaches. We introduce a discrete‐time individual reserving framework incorporating granular information in a deep learning approach named Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) neural network. At each time period, the network has two tasks: first, classifying whether there is a payment or a recovery, and second, predicting the corresponding non‐zero amount, if any. Based on a generalized Pareto model for excess payments over a threshold, we adjust the LSTM reserve prediction to account for extreme payments. We illustrate the estimation procedure on a simulated and a real general insurance dataset. We compare our approach with the chain‐ladder aggregate method using the predictive outstanding loss estimates and their actual values.
Design and experimental study on closed‐loop process of preparing chitosan from crab shells
Authors: Wang Huiming , Zhang Huien , Liu Liping , Ma Kunqin , Huang Jinqin , Zhang Jian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to design a green and comprehensive utilization process for preparing chitosan from crab shells. Glutamate acid was used as a decalcifying agent for crab shells, and the mixed solution of potassium hydroxide/isopropanol was used for deproteinization and deacetylation to prepare chitosan. Glutamic acid and isopropanol could be recovered for recycling. At the same time, calcium carbonate and protein in crab shells were converted into calcium hydrogen phosphate and compound fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. The prepared chitosan was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its deacetylation degree and viscosity average molecular weight were 88.7% ± 0.68% and 792.1 ± 10.82 kDa, respectively. The recoveries of glutamic acid and isopropanol were 95.56% ± 1.39% and 88.14% ± 1.13%, respectively. The prepared chitosan has large molecular weight and deacetylation degree, controllable production cost, comprehensive utilization of crab shell components, and greatly reduced waste emissions.
Piezotronic and piezo‐phototronic effects on sonodynamic disease therapy
Authors: Zhao Yunchao , Huang Tian , Zhang Xiaodi , Cui Yuanbo , Zhang Lili , Li Linlin , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWith the development of engineered nanomaterials and nanomedicines, utilization of nanomaterials to generate excessive reactive oxygen species under exogenous ultrasound (US) irradiation for realizing disease therapy, namely sonodynamic therapy (SDT), has attracted widespread attention. Compared with traditional photodynamic therapy, US shows deeper tissue penetration to reach deep‐seated location. However, the development of high‐efficiency sonosensitizers remains one of the gravest challenges in current related research and future clinical application. Latterly, benefiting from the piezotronic and piezo‐phototronic effects, novel sonosensitizers based on piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) nanomaterials have exhibited inspiring application prospects in SDT. In this review, we outline the structures and physicochemical properties of PS nanomaterials that has potential applications in SDT, and introduce the presumed mechanisms of PS nanomaterials in SDT. Then, the latest research progress of PS nanomaterials as sonosensitizers in cancer therapy and antibacterial applications are summarized. Finally, the existing challenges and future development trends in this field are prospected.
Cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus propranolol for essential tremor
Authors: Lv Yue , Wang Mengran , Yang Juan , Shi Jin , Xuan Tingting , Zhang Junmei , Du Dandan , Cheng Jiang , Li Haining 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundPropranolol, a nonselective beta‐adrenergic blocker, has long been used as one of the standard treatments for essential tremor (ET). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has also been used for a long time as a substitution therapy for ET patients.ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to evaluate the antitremor effect of 1‐Hz (low‐frequency) cerebellar rTMS and compare it to the use of propranolol in ET patients.MethodsIn this single‐blinded, randomized, controlled pilot study, a total of 38 patients with ET were randomized into two groups. One group (n = 20) received 1200 pulses of 1‐Hz rTMS at an intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold to the bilateral cerebellar region for 10 days. Another group (n = 18) received oral propranolol for 30 days. The initial dose was 30 mg/day, which was increased to 60 mg/day after 5 days, then to 90 mg/day on the 11th day, and continued thereafter for 20 days. The Fahn–Tolosa–Marin (FTM) clinical scale was assessed at baseline and at days 5, 10, and 30 to evaluate tremor severity, specific motor tasks, and functional disability.ResultsLow‐frequency rTMS of the cerebellum significantly improved tremor severity, specific motor tasks (writing, spiral drawing, and pouring), and FTM total scores on days 10 and 30. Nevertheless, we found no significant difference in functional disability at any point in time (p > .05). There were no statistically significant differences in FTM Part A, Part B, Part C scores and total scores of patients in propranolol group on days 5 and 10 compared with before treatment (p > .05). However, FTM total scores and FTM Part A, Part B, and Part C scores were significantly improved for patients when the dose of propranolol was 90 mg/day on day 30. Our study showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the total FTM scores and FTM Part A, Part B, and Part C scores between rTMS and propranolol on days 5, 10, and 30 (p > .05).ConclusionWe conclude that both cerebellar low‐frequency rTMS and propranolol could be effective treatment options for patients with ET, but it is not clear which method is more effective.
How does transparency into global sustainability initiatives influence firm value? Insights from Anglo‐American countries
Authors: Gerged Ali Meftah , Salem Rami , Beddewela Eshani 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCorporations use global sustainability reporting principles, certifications, guidelines, and indices to promote corporate transparency. However, the effectiveness of adopting these global transparency approaches, either separately or collectively, in increasing firm value is as yet unclear. Thus, we examine whether different global transparency approaches engender different outcomes related to firm value and whether adopting a comprehensive or integrated global transparency approach could better enhance firm value. We use a sample comprising 6978 firm‐year observations of firms listed in the United States (S&P 500), Canada (S&P‐TSX 221), and the United Kingdom (FTSE 350) from 2013 to 2019. A fixed‐effects regression model is then used to examine the primary associations in this study. This technique was complemented by a two‐step dynamic generalised method of moment (GMM) model to overcome the expected endogeneity concerns. Our findings indicate that adopting global sustainability reporting principles, certifications, and an integrated global transparency approach is positively attributable to the market value of firms. In contrast, firms' adoption of international guidelines and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings cannot predict the firm value in the study context. Our evidence implies that firms' adoption of an integrated global transparency approach adds the most value to those firms when compared with adopting a standalone transparency approach across the three sampled countries. Our study provides practical implications for policymakers and corporate managers and suggests avenues for future studies to build upon our findings.
The effect of the physical versus mental presence of a high‐powered person on consumers' healthy food choices
Authors: Huang Yunzhi , Xie Yi (Fionna) , Ye Jun 
Published: February 2023

AbstractConsumers make distinct food choices when they see versus when they think about a powerful person. This research identifies two scenarios involving the presence of a high‐powered other, physical presence versus mental presence, and examines the effect of the physical and mental presence of a high‐powered other on consumers' healthy food choices. Conducting six experiments, we show that the physical presence of a high‐powered other increases one's self‐enhancement motivation and leads to healthier food choices, while the mental presence of a high‐powered other increases one's perceived constraints and leads to unhealthy food choices. We also find that interpersonal closeness moderates the positive effect of the physical presence of a high‐powered other on healthy food choices but does not moderate the negative effect of the mental presence of a high‐powered other on healthy food choices.
Quality Assessment of Bee Pollen‐Honey Mixtures Using Thin‐Layer Chromatography in Combination with Chemometrics
Authors: Mosić Mirjana D. , Trifković Jelena Đ. , Ristivojević Petar M. , Milojković‐Opsenica Dušanka M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study is to develop a rapid, effect‐directed screening method for quality assessment of bee pollen‐honey mixtures. The comparative antioxidant potential and phenolic content of honey, bee pollen, and the bee pollen‐honey mixtures, was performed using spectrophotometry. The total phenolic content and antioxidative activity of bee pollen‐honey mixtures with 20 % bee pollen share were in the range 3.03–3.11 mg GAE/g, and 6.02–6.96 mmol TE/kg, respectively, while mixtures with 30 % bee pollen share contained 3.92–4.18 mg GAE/g, and 9.69–10.11 mmol TE/kg. Chromatographic fingerprint of bee pollen‐honey mixtures was performed by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography with conditions developed by authors and reported for the first time. Fingerprint analysis hyphenated with chemometrics enabled authenticity assessments of honey in mixtures. Results indicate that bee pollen‐honey mixtures represent a food with highly, both, nutritious characteristics and health‐promoting effect.
Advances in Multifunctional Chemotherapeutic Prodrugs for Near‐infrared Fluorescence Imaging‐guided Therapy
Authors: Zeng Jiayu , Liu Minhui , Li Songjiao , Cheng Dan , He Longwei , Yuan Lin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractConventional chemotherapy (CT) is associated with severe side effects and inducible resistance, making it difficult to meet clinical requirements, forcing the development of new multifunctional prodrugs for precision medicine. In recent decades, researchers and clinicians have focused on developing of multifunctional chemotherapeutic prodrugs with tumor‐targeting capability, activatable and traceable chemotherapeutic activity, as a powerful tool to improve theranostic outcomes in cancer treatment. The conjugates of near‐infrared (NIR) organic fluorophores and chemotherapy reagents create an exciting avenue for real‐time monitoring of drug delivery and distribution, as well as the combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Therefore, there are great opportunities for researchers to conceive and exploit multifunctional prodrugs that can visualize chemo‐drugs release and tumor treatment in vivo. In this review, the design strategy and the recent progress of multifunctional organic chemotherapeutic prodrugs for activating NIR fluorescence imaging‐guided therapy are described and discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects and challenges of multifunctional chemotherapeutic prodrugs for NIR fluorescence imaging‐guided therapy are provided.
TFEB attenuates hyperglycemia‐induced retinal capillary endothelial cells injury via autophagy regulation
Authors: Cheng Yanhua , Fan Huimin , Liu Kangcheng , Liu Jingying , Zou Hua , You Zhipeng 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDiabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. The maintenance of retinal capillary endothelial cell homeostasis requires a complete and unobtrusive flow of autophagy because it may help combat the inflammatory response, apoptosis, and oxidative stress damage of cells in diabetes mellitus. The transcription factor EB is a master regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, but its role in diabetic retinopathy remains unknown. This study aimed to confirm the involvement of transcription factor EB in diabetic retinopathy and explore the role of transcription factor EB in hyperglycemia‐linked endothelial injury in vitro. First, the expression levels, including the nuclear location of transcription factor EB and autophagy, were reduced in diabetic retinal tissues and high glucose‐treated human retinal capillary endothelial cells. Subsequently, autophagy was mediated by transcription factor EB in vitro. Moreover, transcription factor EB overexpression reversed high glucose‐induced autophagy inhibition and lysosomal dysfunction and protected human retinal capillary endothelial cells from inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress damage caused by high glucose treatment. Additionally, under high‐glucose stimulation, the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine attenuated transcription factor EB overexpression‐mediated protection, and the autophagy agonist Torin1 rescued transcription factor EB knockdown‐induced damage effects. Taken together, these results suggest that transcription factor EB is involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy. In addition, transcription factor EB protects human retinal capillary endothelial cells from high glucose‐induced endothelial damage via autophagy.
Unexpectedly Large Structural Variations in Benzyl‐Substituted Sila[1]ferrocenophanes
Authors: Nezamzadeh Ahmadreza , Bhattacharya Satavisha , Zhu Jianfeng , Müller Jens 
Published: February 2023

AbstractA set of four planar‐chiral sila[1]ferrocenophanes equipped with a benzyl group in the α‐position, either on one or both Cp rings, and substituted on the bridging silicon atom, either by methyl or phenyl groups, were prepared. While NMR, UV/Vis, and DSC measurements did not show anything uncommon, single crystal X‐ray analyses revealed unexpectedly large variations of the dihedral angles between both Cp rings (α tilt angle). While DFT calculations predicted α between 19.6 and 20.8°, measured values were found between 16.6(2) and 21.45(14)°. However, experimentally determined conformers differ significantly from those calculated for the gas phase. For the sila[1]ferrocenophane with the largest mismatch between the experimental and predicted α angle, it was shown that the orientation of benzyl groups have a significant influence on the ring‐tilted structure. Packing of molecules in the crystal lattice forces benzyl groups into unusual orientations, resulting in a significantly reduced α angle through steric repulsions.
In Cellulo Light‐Induced Dynamics in a BODIPY‐Perylene Dyad
Authors: Yang Tingxiang , Arellano‐Reyes Ruben Arturo , Curley Rhianne C. , Jha Keshav Kumar , Chettri Avinash , Keyes Tia E. , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBODIPY‐based donor‐acceptor dyads are widely used as sensors and probes in life science. Thus, their biophysical properties are well established in solution, while their photophysical properties in cellulo, i. e., in the environment, in which the dyes are designed to function, are generally understood less. To address this issue, we present a sub‐ns time‐resolved transient absorption study of the excited‐state dynamics of a BODIPY‐perylene dyad designed as a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) probe of the local viscosity in live cells.
P‐wave parameters and their association with thrombi and spontaneous echo contrast in the left atrial appendage
Authors: Kreimer Fabienne , Backhaus Julian Felix , Krogias Christos , Pflaumbaum Andreas , Mügge Andreas , Gotzmann Michael 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of abnormal P‐wave parameters in patients with thrombus and/or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrial appendage (LAA), and to identify P‐wave parameters particularly associated with thrombus and SEC formation.HypothesisWe presume a significant relationship of P‐wave parameters with thrombi and SEC.MethodsAll patients in whom a thrombus or SEC was detected in the LAA on transoesophageal echocardiography were included in this study. Patients at risk (CHA2DS2‐VASc Score ≥3) and routine transoesophageal echocardiography to exclude thrombi served as the control group. A detailed ECG analysis was performed.ResultsOf a total of 4062 transoesophageal echocardiographies, thrombi and SEC were detected in 302 patients (7.4%). Of these patients, 27 (8.9%) presented with sinus rhythm. The control group included 79 patients. There was no difference in mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score in the two groups (p = .182). A high prevalence of abnormal P‐wave parameters was detected in patients with thrombus/SEC. Indicators for the presence of thrombi or SEC in the LAA were P‐wave duration >118 ms (Odds ratio (OR) 3.418, Confidence interval (CI) 1.522–7.674, p < .001), P‐wave dispersion >40 ms (OR 2.521, CI 1.390–4.571, p < .001) and advanced interatrial block (OR 1.431, CI 1.033–1.984, p = .005).ConclusionOur study revealed that several P‐wave parameters are associated with thrombi and SEC in the LAA. The results may help identify patients who are at particularly high risk for thromboembolic events (e.g., in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source).
Diagnostic implication of extracellular mucin in pancreatic/biliary brushing and stent cytology
Authors: Suben Jesse , Goyal Abha , Rao Rema , Sung Simon 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundPancreatic and/or biliary (PB) brushing is commonly used to rule out malignant strictures. Many studies have attempted to characterize cytomorphologic characteristics of brushing and stent cytology. However, scant literature exists on the diagnostic implication (DI) of thick extracellular mucin (ECM) indicative of neoplasm in these samples. This study was aimed at reviewing the DI of thick ECM in PB brushing and stent cytology.MethodsA retrospective search of consecutive cytologic samples of PB brushings/stents with corresponding surgical pathology or relevant clinical information over a 1‐year period was performed. Blinded review of the slides was performed by two cytopathologists. The slides were assessed for the presence, quantity, and quality of ECM. The results were analyzed for statistical significance with the Fisher exact and χ2 tests.ResultsOne hundred ten cases were identified from 63 patients. Twenty‐two cases (20%) were PB brushings only without a prior stent. The remaining 88 cases (80%) had a preexisting stent for symptomatic obstruction. Fourteen of 22 cases (63%) without prior stents and 67 of 88 poststented cases (76%) were nonneoplastic (NN) upon follow‐up. ECM was present more frequently in neoplastic cases than in NN cases (p = .03). Among NN cases (n = 87), poststented samples showed more evidence of ECM than prestented samples (15% vs. 45%, p = .045). Identical thick ECM was observed in NN poststent and main‐duct intraductal papillary neoplasm samples.ConclusionsAlthough ECM was frequently seen in neoplastic cases, NN cases showed increased evidence of thick ECM among poststented samples. Thick ECM may be common in stent cytology, regardless of the underlying biologic process.