bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Marshall Fire: Scientific and policy needs for water system disaster response
Authors: Whelton Andrew J. , Seidel Chad , Wham Brad P. , Fischer Erica C. , Isaacson Kristofer , Jankowski Caroline , MacArthur Nathan , McKenna Elizabeth , Ley Christian 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe 2021 Marshall Fire was the costliest fire in Colorado's history and destroyed more than 1,000 homes and businesses. The disaster displaced over 40,000 people and damaged six public drinking water systems. A case study was developed to better understand decisions, resources, expertise, and response limitations during and after the wildfire. The fire caused all water systems to lose power. Power loss was sometimes coupled with structure destruction, distribution depressurization, and the failure of backup power systems. These consequences jeopardized fire‐fighting support and allowed for volatile organic compound and semi‐volatile organic compound contamination of water distribution systems. Water system staff, with help from neighboring systems and external technical experts, stabilized the infrastructure, found and removed the contamination, and restored services. Actions were identified for utilities, governments, and researchers that could help communities minimize wildfire impacts, better protect workers and the population, and enable water systems to more rapidly respond and recover.
Apoptotic mitochondrial poration by a growing list of pore‐forming BCL‐2 family proteins
Authors: Moldoveanu Tudor 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe pore‐forming BCL‐2 family proteins are effectors of mitochondrial poration in apoptosis initiation. Two atypical effectors—BOK and truncated BID (tBID)—join the canonical effectors BAK and BAX. Gene knockout revealed developmental phenotypes in the absence the effectors, supporting their roles in vivo. During apoptosis effectors are activated and change shape from dormant monomers to dynamic oligomers that associate with and permeabilize mitochondria. BID is activated by proteolysis, BOK accumulates on inhibition of its degradation by the E3 ligase gp78, while BAK and BAX undergo direct activation by BH3‐only initiators, autoactivation, and crossactivation. Except tBID, effector oligomers on the mitochondria appear as arcs and rings in super‐resolution microscopy images. The BH3‐in‐groove dimers of BAK and BAX, the tBID monomers, and uncharacterized BOK species are the putative building blocks of apoptotic pores. Effectors interact with lipids and bilayers but the mechanism of membrane poration remains elusive. I discuss effector‐mediated mitochondrial poration.
Advances in polymer‐based cell encapsulation and its applications in tissue repair
Authors: Lu Tangfang , Xia Bin , Chen Guobao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCell microencapsulation is a more widely accepted area of biological encapsulation. In most cases, it involves fixing cells in polymer scaffolds or semi‐permeable hydrogel capsules, providing the environment for protecting cells, allowing the exchange of nutrients and oxygen, and protecting cells against the attack of the host immune system by preventing the entry of antibodies and cytotoxic immune cells. Hydrogel encapsulation provides a three‐dimensional (3D) environment similar to that experienced in vivo, so it can maintain normal cellular functions to produce tissues similar to those in vivo. Embedded cells can be genetically modified to release specific therapeutic products directly at the target site, thereby eliminating the side effects of systemic treatments. Cellular microcarriers need to meet many extremely high standards regarding their biocompatibility, cytocompatibility, immunoseparation capacity, transport, mechanical, and chemical properties. In this article, we discuss the biopolymer gels used in tissue engineering applications and the brief introduction of cell encapsulation for therapeutic protein production. Also, we review polymer biomaterials and methods for preparing cell microcarriers for biomedical applications. At the same time, in order to improve the application performance of cell microcarriers in vivo, we also summarize the main limitations and improvement strategies of cell encapsulation. Finally, the main applications of polymer cell microcarriers in regenerative medicine are summarized.
International medical tourism of US cancer patients for alternative cancer treatments: Financial, demographic, and clinical profiles of online crowdfunding campaigns
Authors: Peterson John , Wilson Trevor F. , Watt Melissa H. , Gruhl Josh , Davis Sydney , Olsen Jaxon , Parsons Matthew W. , Kann Benjamin H. , Swire‐Thompson Briony , Fagerlin Angela , Warner Echo L. , King Andy J. , Chino Fumiko , Johnson Skyler B. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has found that individuals may travel outside their home countries in pursuit of alternative cancer therapies (ACT). The goal of this study is to compare individuals in the United States who propose plans for travel abroad for ACT, compared with individuals who seek ACT domestically.MethodsClinical and treatment data were extracted from campaign descriptions of 615 GoFundMe® campaigns fundraising for individuals in the United States seeking ACT between 2011 and 2019. We examined treatment modalities, treatment location, fundraising metrics, and online engagement within campaign profiles. Clinical and demographic differences between those who proposed international travel and those who sought ACT domestically were examined using two‐sided Fisher's exact tests. Differences in financial and social engagement data were examined using two‐sided Mann–Whitney tests.ResultsOf the total 615 campaigns, 237 (38.5%) mentioned plans to travel internationally for ACT, with the majority (81.9%) pursuing travel to Mexico. Campaigns that proposed international treatment requested more money ($35,000 vs. $22,650, p < 0.001), raised more money ($7833 vs. $5035, p < 0.001), had more donors (57 vs. 45, p = 0.02), and were shared more times (377 vs. 290.5, p = 0.008) compared to campaigns that did not. The median financial shortfall was greater for campaigns pursuing treatments internationally (−$22,640 vs. ‐$13,436, p < 0.003).ConclusionsCampaigns proposing international travel for ACT requested and received more money, were shared more online, and had more donors. However, there was significantly more unmet financial need among this group, highlighting potential financial toxicity on patients and families.
Flash Extraction, Characterization, and Immunoenhancement Activity of Polysaccharide fromHippophae rhamnoidesLinn
Authors: Zhu Yunwen , Wu Meifu , Li Xue , Wang Yahong , Li Mei , Zhou Hongli 
Published: January 2023

AbstractHippophae rhamnoidesL. polysaccharide was optimized with flash extraction by response surface design. The optimum process conditions were: rotation rate 5000 r/min, extraction time 15 s, extraction temperature 90 °C and liquid‐to‐material ratio 38 mL/g, the extraction yield was 15.28±0.02 %. HRP‐1 and HRP‐2 obtained by 40 % and 60 % graded alcohol precipitation were characterized. The results indicated that HRP‐1 and HRP‐2 both composed of mannose, ribose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose with different molar ratio and the molecular weights were 380.59 kDa and 288.24 kDa, respectively. In addition, thein vitroantioxidant and immunoenhancement activities of HRP‐1 and HRP‐2 were analyzed, and the two fractions showed good free radical scavenging activity against ⋅OH, ABTS⋅+, DPPH⋅, and extremely strong immunomodulatory activity against RAW264.7 cells. Indicating that flash extraction is suitable for extraction of HRP, the structural study of HRP provides a scientific theoretical basis for the development ofHippophae rhamnoides.
Antioxidant Activity and Phytopathogenic Control of Extracts and Fraction from Struthanthus calophyllus A.C.Sm. (Loranthaceae)
Authors: Suaza‐Gaviria Vanessa , Mesa‐Vanegas Ana María , Ocampo‐Jiménez Omar , Monsalve‐Fonnegra Zulma Isabel 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPhytopathogenic microorganisms cause oxidative stress in host plants, thus affecting agricultural crops. Such stress could be controlled by antioxidant compounds from parasitic plants, given their antioxidant power. This article reports an evaluation of Struthanthus calophyllus antimicrobial activity and antioxidant mechanism by testing different polarity extracts. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against phytopathogens bacteria (e. g., Erwinia, Pectobacterium, Xanthomonas) using the agar diffusion method. Pectobacterium and Xanthomonas presented growth inhibition zones similar to streptomycin control. Antioxidant activity was determined by measuring total phenol content, DPPH⋅, and ABTS⋅+ radicals‐scavenging inhibition percentage (IP). Most polar extracts presented 76,9–95,9 % IP, which correlates with its phenolic content. Besides, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in a V14‐1 sub‐fraction from stem ethanolic extract, chose one for highest yield percentage, highest metabolites presence, and antimicrobial activity, showed triterpenic compounds mixture (α‐amyrin, β‐amyrin and 24‐methylenecycloartanol). Findings in this study are among the first reports for S. calophyllus, even the chemical characterization, that confirm its strong antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Further molecular composition research about parasitic plants could show how unknown compounds may combat pathogenic microorganisms.
A brief introduction to polymers and concepts of polymer modification of bentonite for barrier applications
Authors: Lieske Wolfgang , Verst Rowena , von Maubeuge Kent , Wichtmann Torsten 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPolymer‐modified bentonite has reached significant attention in recent years, as polymers have been found to increase the resistance of clay barriers to detrimental environmental conditions. Studies on polymer modification of clays for barriers, in most cases, address a specific bentonite with a specific means of modification based on a specific polymer product. The term polymer, however, generally describes a broad category of macromolecules able to create a wide range of possible properties of the modified clay. This article reviews the basics of polymer modification of clays for use in hydraulic barriers to provide a general basis for comparison and design of different modification products and methods. Basics of both primary material categories, that is, polymer and clay, are presented, followed by possible polymer–clay interactions related to polymer charge properties and structure. Possible enhancements associated with polymer modification, but also open questions are addressed.
Reduction of Nitrous Oxide by Light Alcohols Catalysed by a Low‐Valent Ruthenium Diazadiene Complex
Authors: Bösken Jonas , Rodríguez‐Lugo Rafael E. , Nappen Sven , Trincado Monica , Grützmacher Hansjörg 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDecomposition of the environmentally harmful gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is usually performed thermally or catalytically. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is currently the most promising technology for N2O mitigation, a multicomponent heterogeneous catalytic system that employs reducing agents such as ammonia, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, or a combination thereof. This study reports the first homogenous catalyst that performs the reduction of nitrous oxide employing readily available and cheap light alcohols such as methanol, ethanol or ethylene glycol derivatives. During the reaction, these alcohols are transformed in a dehydrogenative coupling reaction to carboxylate derivatives, while N2O is converted to N2 and H2O, later entering the reaction as substrate. The reaction is catalysed by the low‐valent dinuclear ruthenium complex [Ru2H(μ‐H)(Me2dad)(dbcot)2] that carries a diazabutadiene, Me2dad, and two rigid dienes, dbcot, as ligands. The reduction of nitrous oxide proceeds with low catalyst loadings under relatively mild conditions (65–80 °C, 1.4 bar N2O) achieving turnover numbers of up to 480 and turnover frequencies of up to 56 h−1.
Kinetics of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) synthesis reaction catalyzed by deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Luan Wenwen , Xu Jumei , Zeng Zuoxiang , Xue Weilan , Bai Yu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this work, the kinetics of the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) synthesis reaction catalyzed by the deep eutectic solvents (DESs) at the low‐temperature stage was studied to control the particle size of PVB resin and optimize its synthesis process. The effects of stirring speed, the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), catalyst dosage, and temperature on the synthesis reaction of PVB were investigated. The data obtained from kinetic experiments at 283.15–298.15 K were fitted with the shrinking core models, and the results showed that the model controlled by internal diffusion fitted well with the experimental data. The internal diffusion coefficient, DA, of n‐butanal in the product layer was further calculated by the obtained model parameters, and it was applied to predict the synthesis reaction of PVB at different concentrations of n‐butanal. The results indicated that the shrinking core model controlled by internal diffusion is suitable to describe the kinetics of the PVB synthesis reaction. DES played a dual role in catalysis and dispersion in the synthesis of PVB, and it was a green catalyst with good potential for PVB industrial applications.
Association between visceral adiposity index and heart failure: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Sun Yijun , Li Ying , Wang Chengwei , Wang Yi , Dong Mei , Xiao Jie , Lin Zongwei , Lu Huixia , Ji Xiaoping 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundObesity is an important risk factor for heart failure (HF).HypothesisVisceral adiposity index (VAI) is a simple metric for assessing obesity; however, the association between VAI and risk for HF has not been studied.MethodsA cross‐sectional study involving 28 764 participants ≥18 years of age from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2009–2018, in the United States was performed. VAI was calculated using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglycerides (TG), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. VAI was analyzed as a continuous and categorical variable to examine its association with HF. Subgroup analysis was also performed.ResultsThe highest VAI (fourth quartile [Q4]) was found among males, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, WC, hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, coronary heart disease, smoking, total cholesterol, and TG. More participants in Q4 took β‐receptor blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor, calcium channel blockers, and antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic medications. Participants with HF exhibited greater VAI. A per‐unit increase in VAI resulted in a 4% increased risk for HF (odds ratio [OR] 1.04 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.05]). After multivariable adjustment, compared with the lowest quartile, the OR for Q3 was 1.55 (95% CI 1.24–1.94). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant interactions between VAI and specific subgroups.ConclusionVAI was independently associated with the risk for HF. As a noninvasive index of visceral adiposity, VAI could be used for a “one shot” assessment of HF risk and may serve as a novel marker.
Differentiating protective factors for transgender individuals who experience suicidality: The role of optimism as a mediator
Authors: Burish Emily , Wilcox Melanie M. , Pollard Elinita M. , Sims K' Nadja 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAs a result of experiencing oppression‐based stressors and trauma, suicide rates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) individuals are much higher than in the general population, and for trans and gender non‐binary (TGNB) individuals specifically, rates of suicidality are even higher. To best understand how to engage in suicide prevention and intervention efforts for TGNB individuals, it is therefore crucial to understand factors that may mitigate suicidality for TGNB individuals. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between protective factors—body acceptance, optimism, social support and pride—and suicidality for TGNB adults. A total of 139 TGNB participants completed an online survey about suicidal behaviours, transgender‐specific risk factors and transgender‐specific protective factors. High rates of suicidality were observed in our sample. Initial results suggested that only optimism was inversely significantly related to suicidality. Given that optimism, which suggests a belief in a better future, has been found in previous studies to buffer the effects of deleterious stressors, optimism was also examined as a mediator between body acceptance (a key feature of gender dysphoria) and suicidality. Results suggested that optimism did mediate the relationship between body acceptance and suicidality. Optimism appears to be an important protective factor against suicidality for TGNB individuals and thus a potentially important target of intervention.
Tailoring Pore Size and Catalytic Activity in Cobalt Iron Layered Double Hydroxides and Spinels by Microemulsion‐Assisted pH‐Controlled Co‐Precipitation
Authors: Rabe Anna , Jaugstetter Maximilian , Hiege Felix , Cosanne Nicolas , Ortega Klaus Friedel , Linnemann Julia , Tschulik Kristina , Behrens Malte 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCobalt iron containing layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and spinels are promising catalysts for the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Towards development of better performing catalysts, the precise tuning of mesostructural features such as pore size is desirable, but often hard to achieve. Herein, a computer‐controlled microemulsion‐assisted co‐precipitation (MACP) method at constant pH is established and compared to conventional co‐precipitation. With MACP, the particle growth is limited and through variation of the constant pH during synthesis the pore size of the as‐prepared catalysts is controlled, generating materials for the systematic investigation of confinement effects during OER. At a threshold pore size, overpotential increased significantly. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated a change in OER mechanism, involving the oxygen release step. It is assumed that in smaller pores the critical radius for gas bubble formation is not met and therefore a smaller charge‐transfer resistance is observed for medium frequencies.
Critical Techniques for Overcoming the Diffusion Limitations in Heterogeneously Catalytic Depolymerization of Lignin
Authors: Li Lixia , Cui Manman , Wang Xiaobing , Long Jinxing 
Published: January 2023

AbstractHeterogeneously catalyzed depolymerization of lignin to value‐added chemicals is increasingly attractive but highly challengeable. Particularly, the diffusion limitation of lignin macromolecule to the solid catalyst surface is a big barrier, which significantly decreases the yield of monomer while increasing char formation. Therefore, for the potential industrial utilization of lignin, new knowledge focused on the size of lignin particles is of great importance to offer guidance for promoting lignin depolymerization and suppressing condensation in the heterogeneously catalytic systems. In this Review, the size of lignin particles and macromolecules are summarized. Previous approaches for improving the mass diffusion including enhancing the solubility of lignin and exploitation of hierarchical and “solubilized” materials are also discussed. Based on these, a constructive perspective is proposed. Thus, this work provides a new insight on the rational design of heterogeneous catalytic techniques for efficient utilization of the aromatic polymer of lignin.
A frequency‐doubling modulation method for LLC with optimizing thermal balance of power switches
Authors: Tang Yu , Liu Xiang , Shi Zhe , Ge Leijiao , Jiang Lin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn order to further improve the energy efficiency of power electronic systems, DC‐DC converters can increase the power density by increasing the operating frequency to reduce the size and cost. To this end, some scholars have proposed a single‐switch frequency‐doubling (SS‐FD) modulation method, which can make the working frequency of the resonant tank of the converter twice the switching frequency. However, when the full‐bridge LLC converter operates under the SS‐FD modulation, the conduction time of each switch of the same bridge arm is different, which leads to uneven heating of the switches and reduces the overall life of the device. In order to optimize this problem, this paper proposes a dual‐switches time‐sharing frequency‐doubling (DSTS‐FD) modulation. This modulation method ensures that the resonant tank works under the premise of frequency doubling, so that the heating of each switch is more balanced, thereby increasing the overall service life of the equipment. Theoretical analysis is carried out through simulation. Finally, an experimental device of 288 V and 1000 W is built. The proposed modulation method is compared with the traditional modulation method in a stable state, and the experiment verifies the superiority of the proposed modulation method.
Pramipexole inhibits formalin‐induce acute and long‐lasting mechanical hypersensitivity via NF‐kB pathway in rats
Authors: Santamaria‐Anzures Jazmín , Pérez‐Ramos Julia , Mendoza‐Pérez Felipe , Godínez‐Chaparro Beatriz 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPain is one of the most frequent causes for patients to seek medical care. It interferes with daily functioning and affects the quality of life of the patient. There is a clear need to investigate nonopioid or non‐nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug alternatives for the treatment of pain. In this study, we determined the effect of acute pre‐ and posttreatment with pramipexole (PPX), a dopamine D2/D3 selective agonist, on formalin 1%‐induced acute and long‐lasting nociceptive behavior sensitivity in rats. Moreover, we sought to investigate whether the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effect induced by PPX was mediated through the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐kB) signaling pathway. Moreover, acute systemic pretreatment with PPX (1 and 3 mg/kg, ip) suppressed the formalin‐induced nociceptive behavior during both phases of the formalin test and the development of formalin‐induced secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. Acute systemic posttreatment with PPX (3 mg/kg, ip) reverted the formalin‐induced long‐lasting secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia. Furthermore, PPX inhibits the protein expression of NF‐κB–p65 and the levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β in the spinal cord of animals with secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia induced by formalin. These data suggest that PPX has a potential role in producing anti‐inflammatory activity. Moreover, the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects induced by PPX can be mediated through the NF‐kB signaling pathway.
Alcohol‐Assisted Synthesis of Sheet‐Like ZSM‐5 Zeolites with Controllable Aspect Ratios
Authors: Zhu Peng , Wang Jinshan , Xia Fei , Zhang Wei , Liu Haiou , Zhang Xiongfu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSheet‐like ZSM‐5 has been regarded as a promising material for catalytic applications due to its diffusion superiority. However, it still remains a challenge to obtain a desirable sheet‐like morphology because of the complex synthesis process of zeolites. Here, a facile strategy for synthesizing sheet‐like ZSM‐5 is developed by only adding ethanol as zeolite growth modifier in the synthesis gel. It is thought that ethanol might be preferentially absorbed on the {010} surface of zeolite crystals, interact with the exposed silicon hydroxyl groups on the crystal {010} facet, and suppress the growth of b axis, resulting in the sheet‐like shape. Through finely tunning synthesis parameters, sheet‐like ZSM‐5 crystals with thin b‐axis thickness of 90 nm and different aspect ratios could be obtained. Owing to its shorter diffusion path and optimized acidity, sheet‐like ZSM‐5 exhibits better catalytic performance than conventional ZSM‐5 in the alkylation of benzene with ethanol.